by MIKE CRANSTON , News & Record

Yet Nazr Mohammed - one of only five Bobcats around for last year's media day - made it clear who's the main attraction for a franchise that's featured a revolving roster, no stars and zero playoff berths.

"Coach is our star," Mohammed said, referring to Hall of Famer Larry Brown. "Plain and simple, he knows the game. He's our star. We've got to listen to him."

And hope he can lead the struggling, money-losing franchise to its first postseason berth in an improved Eastern Conference.

"We are much better than last year," said the 69-year-old Brown, beginning his second season. "Our potential is better and we're excited about starting the season without worrying about making ourselves better by trade or free agency."

It doesn't mean Brown is finished coaxing managing partner Michael Jordan into signing off on more moves as practice begins Tuesday.

While the Bobcats got more athletic this summer by sending Emeka Okafor to New Orleans for fellow center Tyson Chandler in the team's fourth trade in eight months - the Bobcats didn't address depth issues at power forward after going 35-47 last season.

Running close to the luxury tax payroll threshold of $69.9 million and ordered not to go above it by owner Bob Johnson, the Bobcats' only offseason free-agent signing was Ronald "Flip" Murray. Felton couldn't agree on a long-term deal, settling on a one-year, $5.5 million offer.

The Bobcats didn't re-sign Sean May, meaning there is no clear backup to power forward Boris Diaw.

"We missed out on (Drew) Gooden and Hakim Warrick and people like that," Brown said. "But we didn't have Raymond's situation settled.

That's because the Bobcats have a player or two who could be valuable to a contending team, led by Raja Bell.

The 33-year-old starting shooting guard, acquired from Phoenix in December, said he was rebuffed in a request for a contract extension.

With Henderson and Murray also at shooting guard, Bell could be dealt to a contending team looking for a veteran and an expiring contract to clear salary-cap space for next summer. Bobcats EXHIBITION

Who: New Orleans Hornets vs. Charlotte Bobcats

When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8

Where: Greensboro Coliseum

Tickets: $29.50-$100. Family Four Packs (four tickets, four hot dogs, four small drinks for $44) also available in select sections. Available at ticketmaster.com, the coliseum box office or by calling (800) 745-3000.

Charlotte still has depth issues at power forward and will be contending for a playoff berth in an improved Eastern Conference.

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