Bobcats opt in on Walker, Kidd-Gilchrist, Biyombo

The Charlotte Bobcats exercised their fourth-year options on forward-center Bismack Biyombo and guard Kemba Walker and the third-year option on forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.

"We are excited to keep these three up-and-coming players as part of our core for another season," Bobcats vice president of basketball operations Rod Higgins said Thursday in a statement. "We have been very pleased with their development over their careers so far and look forward to seeing them continue to grow both in the season that is just starting and in 2014-15."

Kidd-Gilchrist, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, was named second-team all-rookie last season. He averaged 9.0 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 78 games.

Biyombo's strength is shot-blocking. The seventh overall pick in the 2011 draft, Biyombo ranks third on the team's career blocks list with 258.

Walker, the ninth overall pick in the 2011 draft, has career averages of 15.2 points, 5.1 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1.5 steals while playing in 149 straight games since joining the Bobcats.

Last season, he led the Bobcats in scoring (17.7), assists (5.7) and steals (2.0). Walker set a franchise season record for steals with 160.