By MIKE CRANSTON
AP Sports Writer
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) – The Charlotte Bobcats have been contemplating changing their road uniforms from orange to blue. They might want to consider switching to North Carolina’s baby blue.
The Bobcats selected forward Brandan Wright of North Carolina with the eighth pick in Thursday’s NBA draft, putting another Tar Heel on the roster of the team run by the Tar Heels’ biggest basketball star, Michael Jordan.
The 6-foot-9 Wright, who left school after his freshman season, had been considered a top five pick until late, when his stock slipped, partly because he weighs only 205 pounds. But the Bobcats hope Wright, who is extremely athletic and has a 7-foot-4 wingspan, will help them reach the playoffs for the first time.
The Bobcats made the move after actively trying to trade both the eighth and 22nd picks in the draft. Vice president of basketball operations Bernie Bickerstaff discussed trades with numerous teams, but could not pull off a deal.
Bobcats coach Sam Vincent had said several times he was impressed with Corey Brewer of Florida when he worked out for the team. But Brewer, who would have provided Charlotte with a needed defensive stopper and extra shooting guard, was taken by Minnesota with the seventh pick.
Five minutes later the Bobcats chose Wright, who will join ex-Tar Heels Raymond Felton and Sean May on Charlotte’s roster.
Jordan’s former college roommate, Buzz Peterson, is the team’s director of player personnel. North Carolina’s all-time leading scorer, Phil Ford, is an assistant coach.