Mr.Bottomtooth
09-23-2006, 09:56 AM
Wells makes good impression
Bickerstaff: Any offer hinges on Ely's status
Charlotte Bobcats coach-general manager Bernie Bickerstaff liked what he heard Thursday from free agent Bonzi Wells.
However, the Bobcats haven't made a contract offer to Wells, a guard-forward, and probably wouldn't until Melvin Ely's status is resolved.
"Our issue first is to work things out for Mel," said Bickerstaff, who's looking into sign-and-trade options for Ely, a restricted free agent. In the alternative, Ely could sign a one-season qualifying offer of about $3 million to stay with the Bobcats.
Wells was in Charlotte on Thursday to speak with the Bobcats' administration and coaching staff.
He had a reputation for being high-maintenance in stays with Portland, Memphis and Sacramento.
"It was a good interview," Bickerstaff said. "We asked tough questions and he fielded them well -- very forthright."
Bickerstaff said Wells was scheduled to visit the Miami Heat on Friday, and has drawn strong interest from the Denver Nuggets.
Bickerstaff: Any offer hinges on Ely's status
Charlotte Bobcats coach-general manager Bernie Bickerstaff liked what he heard Thursday from free agent Bonzi Wells.
However, the Bobcats haven't made a contract offer to Wells, a guard-forward, and probably wouldn't until Melvin Ely's status is resolved.
"Our issue first is to work things out for Mel," said Bickerstaff, who's looking into sign-and-trade options for Ely, a restricted free agent. In the alternative, Ely could sign a one-season qualifying offer of about $3 million to stay with the Bobcats.
Wells was in Charlotte on Thursday to speak with the Bobcats' administration and coaching staff.
He had a reputation for being high-maintenance in stays with Portland, Memphis and Sacramento.
"It was a good interview," Bickerstaff said. "We asked tough questions and he fielded them well -- very forthright."
Bickerstaff said Wells was scheduled to visit the Miami Heat on Friday, and has drawn strong interest from the Denver Nuggets.