Observations Rick Bonnell

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Observations from the Bobcats' scrimmage

What I saw and heard at the Charlotte Bobcats' informal scrimmages Thursday morning:

1. You can see new coach Larry Brown's defensive focus in the team signing Shannon Brown and Donell Taylor, at least for training camp. They're guards with the tools to be rugged defenders if they apply themselves on that end.

Brown has traditionally found roster spots for guys willing to raise defensive intensity.

2. The Bobcats' exhibition against the Los Angeles Lakers in Anaheim, Calif., might be televised nationally on TNT. There are talks about making that happen.

3. The way Gerald Wallace is blocking shots and driving to the rim, it's clear he's regained his explosiveness after a nasty groin pull late last season.

Best way to keep that body healthy is minimize Wallace's minutes at power forward.

4. Emeka Okafor says he gained a few pounds this summer, but he looks lighter and more flexible, as he was his rookie season.

Okafor said he focused on specific muscle groups this offseason to become stronger and more explosive without growing bulky, as he was his second NBA season.

5. Best training-camp competition should be between point guards Raymond Felton and D.J. Augustin. Rookie Augustin has a great handle, but Felton had the best pass of the day Thursday: A one-handed, off-the-dribble bounce pass through traffic, setting up a Ryan Hollins dunk.

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