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I don't know Kareem Rush, and I don't know what his performance has been like behind the scenes.

But, man, do I ever support the idea that NBA players should be fired if they don't put forth the necessary effort, which is what the Bobcats say they did to Rush. According to the Bobcats website:

“The Bobcats are about two things – hard work and maximum effort,” Bickerstaff said. “With that in mind, we think that it is best to go in a different direction with Kareem.”

(I'm not going to point out that those two things are really one thing. Oops. Turns out I am.)

I'm a big believer in creating "Corporate Culture" on NBA teams. The Pistons and Spurs have it. What it means, precisely, is a matter for a 10,000 word essay, but it's along the lines of having everyone know, and believe, that there is "a certain way we do things here."

When just about the whole roster agrees on that, you can get some great results.

Seems like this could be a sign the Bobcats are pretty intent on developing that kind of culture. I like what Brevin Knight had to say in Rick Bonnell's Charlotte Observer article:

"They've told us from Day One, that we're expected to do three things: Pay attention, play hard and behave off the court. Do that here, and you're all right."

(Lots of weird quotes from Charlotte today. This time my question is: where does Bonnell get off capitalizes the D and O in Day One?)

Phil Jackson, who coaches the Lakers who disrespected Rush by leaving him unprotected so the expansion Bobcats could nab him trading him to the Bobcats for two second-rounders,  didn't like the move, thinking it was... disrespectul to Rush. From Mike Bresnahan of the L.A. Times.

Jackson was "very surprised."

"I thought it was vindictive," he said. "I didn't like to see it because it's one of the guys that we nurtured here. He was contributing to us a lot in the [run to the NBA Finals] two years ago.

"There's, what, eight games left in the season? You could do that probably April 30, or whenever the season's over if you put him on the inactive list."

So, Phil, if Kareem Rush is so great, sign him.

(Of course, I bet Phil Jackson could get Rush to give the effort. A great coach is another important part of corporate culture.)