Bobcats waiting on Wallace

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - These are nervous times for new Charlotte Bobcats coach Sam Vincent.

''When Bernie called me today my first question was, 'Is Gerald Wallace signed?''' Vincent said Monday, describing his daily conversation with Bernie Bickerstaff, vice president of basketball operations.

The answer was no. Wallace, Charlotte's leading scorer last season, remains a free agent. He's being pursued by at least seven other teams, and Vincent was in full courtship mode Monday.

''We want him to know and understand that we want him here,'' Vincent said.

Wallace, who averaged 18.1 points and 7.2 rebounds last season, opted out of the final year of his contract that would have paid him about $6 million a season. He'll likely command $10 million or more in a deal that could last as long as six years.

Bickerstaff said he was in contact with Wallace's agent, Rob Pelinka, on Monday and hopes to strike a deal soon. But teams such as Orlando and Milwaukee have enough cap space to offer Wallace big money. Other teams, such as Dallas and Miami, could try to pull off sign-and-trade deals.

The Bobcats, after pulling off a draft night trade with Golden State to acquire Jason Richardson, believe they will be a playoff team next season - if they re-sign their 6-foot- 7 slashing forward.

''Jason Richardson is a great piece to add on this to team,'' Vincent said. ''But keeping Gerald Wallace is equally important.''

Vincent spoke Monday as the Bobcats introduced their two draft picks. Jared Dudley of Boston College, the 22nd selection, and second-round pick Jermareo Davidson of Alabama, acquired in the Richardson trade, will suit up Tuesday when Vincent opens his first rookie minicamp.

Bickerstaff, busy working the phones, missed the news conference. Besides Wallace, the Bobcats are also trying to re-sign 3-point specialist Matt Carroll.

''The good news is both Gerald and Matt want to be here. That's a positive thing,'' Bickerstaff said.

The Bobcats are also looking for a point guard to back up Raymond Felton after Brevin Knight was waived on Friday.

''When you look at our depth chart, probably the one area where we've got to shore up a little bit is the point guard spot,'' said Vincent, who indicated they haven't decided whether to offer a deal to Jeff McInnis, who spent the final three months of last season in Charlotte.