Zhang Yang wasn't being modest; he believed that with his current abilities, he might be able to help the Bobcats win an extra 5 to 8 games. However, the leap from obtaining the third draft pick to playoff caliber, especially with such a significant improvement at the start of the season, was definitely not his doing.
Baffled and perplexed, he chose to train hard. Since there was a chance to make a run for the playoffs, he might as well go for it!
In the meantime, in the owner's office, Jordan and the coaching staff were also puzzled.
They hadn't had much hope for this season initially. Developing Zhang Yang, Gerald Wallace, Okafor, and Felton was their top priority. As for the team's record—it didn't really matter if they won or lost. Losing more would be better, to either draft a talented power forward or trade for a high draft pick.