Charlotte Traded Two Future Seconds for Kareem Rush
On December 6, 2004, the expansion Charlotte Bobcats acquired shooting guard Kareem Rush from the Lakers. Los Angeles received a 2005 second-round selection and a further second that was ultimately used in the 2009 draft after an amendment to its original schedule. Both teams’ records and the NBA league transaction register associate the choices with Ronny Turiaf at No. 37 in 2005 and Patrick Beverley at No. 42 in 2009. This was a rare chance for a new franchise to audition a guard with postseason experience, while Los Angeles sought additional draft options after reshuffling its roster following the Shaquille O’Neal departure. There was no incoming first-round choice.
Rush Actually Scored for Charlotte, but for Two Short Seasons
Rush played 34 Bobcats games in 2004-05, starting 22 and averaging 11.5 points. He followed with 47 appearances and 25 starts in 2005-06, averaging 10.1 points. Those are tangible returns from an expansion club trying to add perimeter shooting. His 38.6 percent three-point accuracy in the first Charlotte season also provided a clear floor-spacing function. But he left before developing into a long-running offensive leader, and his later overseas playing time should not be treated as a Bobcats benefit. Charlotte’s C- grade reflects two partial seasons of useful points from a player who was exchanged for two draft rights.
Turiaf Made the First Second-Rounder a Useful Lakers Asset
Los Angeles used the 2005 selection on Gonzaga big man Ronny Turiaf. After undergoing heart surgery in 2005, Turiaf returned to the court and became an energetic Lakers reserve through 2007-08, playing 78 games with 21 starts in his final season in Los Angeles. The 2009 second-round pick was associated with Patrick Beverley, who later enjoyed a lengthy NBA career, but those later seasons with other franchises must not be assigned to the Lakers. The draft right still had real exchange value. Turiaf’s NBA minutes and the second future option justify the Lakers’ B+ grade over Charlotte’s shorter Rush tenure, without overstating Los Angeles’ eventual claim to Beverley.
Final Verdict
Lakers Win. Los Angeles earns B+ after turning Kareem Rush into the 2005 pick used on Ronny Turiaf and a future second associated with Patrick Beverley. Charlotte receives C- for Rush’s 81 games across two seasons, including 11.5 points per game in 2004-05. The pick return proved more durable.