2012 Christmas Eve NBA Chat with Bill Ingram

1. Joe

   If the Kings do shop Cousins at some point, Marc Stein of ESPN.com believes the Heat could have interest, given team president Pat Riley’s prior success with troubled players, if this is true what possibly can the HEAT offer to get him back, salary wise Joel Anthony fits the needs but who else would need to go?

   • Bill Ingram

     Good Morning, Everyone and welcome to the chat. I’d like to start by thanking everyone of you, our loyal readers and supporters throughout the years, for continuing to make us one of your daily stops for NBA news. We wouldn’t be here without you, and we try to never lose sight of that. To your question, I think it’s easy to look at one good game without Cousins and say it’s time to deal him. The time may very well come when the Kings will look to do addition by subtraction, but rest assured that if they do the asking price will be MUCH more than Joel Anthony and scraps. They’re going to want at least one star-caliber starter back, and they’ll get it due to Cousins’ potential. Some team will be convinced they can reform him and get him under control, and they will pay handsomely for that opportunity.

2. Ap

   As a Suns fan who do you think they should trade for at the deadline?
   As your a Rockets fan who would you trade for if you were the GM?

   • Bill Ingram

     The Suns have so many issues it’s hard to start with just one player. Like the Rockets, they give up way too many points, so adding someone like Tayshaun Prince would help slow down the opposition, assuming the Pistons finally deal him. The Rockets also turn the ball over way too much – second in the league in giveaways – so as much as I would like to see Al Jefferson added to the front line for additional defense and rebounding, he wouldn’t help the fact that Houston’s guard, in particular need to get the ball under control. That’s going to have to come with time.

3. AJ

   Is there any realistic chance the Thunder cash in any of their assets (Lamb, Jones, Jackson, picks, etc.) for a veteran? Or just hold the line with their already stellar team.

   Seems like someone like Millsap, Gortat, or Varejao could help put them over the top.

   • Bill Ingram

     While I agree that Gortat or Varejao, in particular, could help at center, I don’t see a move like that happening. What they have is working just fine, and Sam Presti understands the value of continuity better than anyone outside of San Antonio.

4. Roon

   Everyone says the Rockets have “valuable trade pieces”, but I just don’t see it. Who are these trades pieces not named Lin or Harden?

   • Bill Ingram

     Lots of guys with potential – Motiejunas, Smith, Morris, Douglas – no marquee names, but package two of three of those guys together and you have some nice depth and potential at multiple positions. I think it’s too early to start selling off pieces, but the Rockets are laying in wait until the next big name forces a situation and becomes available, like James Harden.

5. Deven

   Merry Christmas to you early, Bill. What have you noticed about the Knicks sudden struggles during that home stand?

   • Bill Ingram

     I think a lot of it was due to an issue the Knicks are going to face all season long. That would be injuries. Even after Melo came back they were missing Rasheed Wallace, who has been great for them both on and off the court. They almost lost the Minny game, too, with two starters failing to score. Good thing Kevin Love didn’t play. The problem with an older team is you’re going to be missing key guys more nights than not and you have to overcome that.

6. Deven

   Which Christmas game are you looking most forward too?

   • Bill Ingram

     I have to go with the ABC double-header of Knicks/Lakers and OKC/Heat.

7. Deven

   I was somewhat surprised that Dirk returned early yesterday against the Spurs? Were you?

   • Bill Ingram

     I’m never surprised when Dirk comes back early from an injury. I’m surprised the team didn’t respond better to his inspiration, but that Mavs team is a work in progress, to say the least. The Spurs are a well-oiled machine.

8. Jake

   Demarcus cousins is expendable what about a deal of Mario chalmers, Joel Anthony, James jones and QTVR draft picks necessary for Demarcus cousins and jimmer freddete

   • Bill Ingram

     Great deal for Miami . . .zero chance Sacramento settles for scraps when they have have t-bone steak in a Cousins deal.

9. LA in LA

   After watching Nash’s debut (which was nearly spoiled by terrible refering. How do that Lakers have nearly 50 FGA in paints and get 14 FTs??), I was non-surprisingly impressed by J.Hill, especially since his mid range J was going. The Lakers should take Hill off the market and make Jamison available, imo, if they are going to make a trade. Hill brings hustle, rebounding, and defense, plus can act as a default center when Howard gets in trouble unlike Jamison.
   Agree?

   Second, If Lakers make a trade I’d honestly rather see them acquire a back up wing who can shoot (a la a Carlos Delfino) rather than a back up PG. I think some combo of Blake, Duhon, and D.Mo can support Nash. However I can’t say same about Ebanks playing back up SF.
   Agree or disagree?

   • Bill Ingram

     I think they are far more likely to deal Jamison than Hill, though Hill is a very inconsistent player and is nowhere near the leader that Jamison is. The only way I make a deal for a PG is if it’s someone like Calderon, who can step in and be almost as good as Nash should he get injured before the playoffs. Otherwise, yes, I’m looking for a wing.

10. LA in LA

    ProBasketballTalk suggested the NBA stop counting half court heaves as FGA unless made, which obviously hurts FG%. I actually like that because like they said it would likely increase the attempts of those heaves. Agree?

    • Bill Ingram

      It probably would increase the attempts, and many player do think about how it impacts their FG% and 3pt%. That said, it IS a field goal attempt . . .why not count it as such?

11. Deven

    Why do you think the Clippers are on a hot streak?

    • Bill Ingram

      With all of that talent? If they weren’t on a hot streak Vinny Del Negro would be toast.

12. Peter

    Merry Xmas Bill! What are some of your bold predictions of 2013? Here are some of mine: 1) LAL miss the playoffs! 2) Lin gets voted into the All-Star game 3) Spurs will somehow land Anderson Varejao 4) Melo wins MVP 5) Charles Barkley gets a GM job LOL

    • Bill Ingram

      I like Jrue Holiday as an All-Star much more than Lin. I think Harden is the Rockets’ representative. Very little chance the Lakers miss the playoffs. I know you’re joking with Chuck!! LOL! Melo might just be the MVP is NY leads the conference at the end of the season, but I think Durant and LeBron will be the usual suspects. The Spurs have actually had at least one conversation about Varejao . . .if the Cavs would take Blair it might have already happened. Cavs looking for a great deal more, though. Merry Christmas!

13. Tom

    I’m a big Lakers fan and generally not a Kobe basher (can’t complain about 5 championships) but lately while watching games all the Laker analysts (Stu, James Worthy) insist Kobe is not a ball hog. Do you agree.
    How in a game where you are shooting a terrible percentage can you justify 41 shots. Especially the ones where he is isolated on 1 side with 15 secs on the clock and he stands there does a couple jab and head fakes and shoots the jumper. He can get this shot at any time. Why not try moving the ball first (Nash, Pau, Dwight). Isn’t this the definition of a ball hog.

    • Bill Ingram

      Are we talking about James Harden or Kobe Bryant? Kobe said he’s decided to go for the scoring title since the team isn’t good enough to win a championship. I thought he was saying that to motivate change, but maybe he meant it.

14. Dohonabelle

    Your thoughts on this trade;

    DeJuan Blair for Brendan Haywood?

    Spurs get a veteran big that can help in rebounding, and the Bobcats get a younger player that they might love to try in their system.

    • Bill Ingram

      Interesting. Haywood would have to play a lot harder for Popovich . . .but that might work. Charlotte has Byron Mullens playing as well as any big man they’ve ever had, so Haywood would seem to be expendable, though I know they like him. Seems like the Spurs would have to sweeten the deal to get a seven-footer though, based on height alone.

15. Dohonabelle

    Would my Spurs give it a try on acquiring Samuel Dalembert? I think he will be of good help there with his rebounding and shot blocking abilities.

    • Bill Ingram

      Hard to see that . . .Dalembert is not an effort player or a hard worker . . .oil and water for Popovich . . .even more so than Haywood.

16. Arky

    Hey Bill! Kris Humphries seems to be out of favour in a big way in Brooklyn- any word on whether they are shopping him and what teams are/might be interested?

    • Bill Ingram

      I haven’t heard that they are shopping him just yet, but if he keeps complaining he won’t be on Avery Johnson’s team for long. He’s not the first player to have that issue with the Little General and he won’t be the last. The three-guard lineup is pretty effective, as is using Wallace at the four like NY is doing with Melo. Humphries is not a big name, but he does rebound well, so there would be interest, if limited.

17. jkwasia

    Morning Bill, with the ongoing issues with DMC and the Kings…..would this be the perfect time for BC and the raps to inquire about a Trade? AB and Ross for DMC+salmons salaries match…….Kings get rid of Salmon contract and DMC ….Raps get elite talent to go along with there young core while moving Andrea…your thoughts?

    • Bill Ingram

      Dwane Casey is a firm coach, which would be an interesting dynamic for Cousins. It would either implode or work brilliantly, depending on how Cousins responded. Ross is definitely a piece SAC could use, for sure. Not sold on Bargs in SAC, but that’s an interesting proposal. More interesting than Anthony and scraps.

18. Raptor Fanatic

    With Williams now out indefinitely in Utah, do you think they’d have interest in Calderon? More importantly, do you think Toronto would have interest in what they can offer?

    • Bill Ingram

      The question is, with Lowry having trouble staying healthy and Calderon playing so well and the team winning, do the Raps want to deal him? Seems unlikely.

19. Eric

    Would a place like boston help DMC so that he could finally get mature and reach his potential?

    • Bill Ingram

      That’s more like it … not only Doc Rivers, but KG and Paul Pierce in his ear all day every day. That’s the type of situation where Cousins might be able to find success. What does Boston send back? Does Rondo and a package get it done, with BOS taking back at least one PG?

20. Brandon

    Merry Christmas bill!! I’ve heard that Marcus Morris dequan cook and toney Douglas are top trade candidates? The rockets are signing a new PG. Do you think they are gathering more assets? By Patrick Patterson being hurt. Do you think the will sign FA to help out?

    • Bill Ingram

      Yeah, Beverly is an odd move, isn’t it? My first though was, who is getting traded along with Douglas? Utah needs a PG, and the Rockets have eyes for Al Jefferson, or have in the very recent past.

21. Brandon

    Morey said that he wasn’t looking to be real active this trade deadline. But if the right comes through he will do it. Do you think he still going to make any trades? If so who?

    • Bill Ingram

      That’s because he hopes to get something done long before that . . .the Rockets are ALWAYS looking to deal.

22. JP

    Hi Bill! Happy Christmas for you & your family!
    I have 3 questions for you today.
    A-Do you think that Shved may become the starting SG Minnesota was lacking to be a true contender? It would be great as it would give us the chance to keep both Ridnour & Barea (and also Lee).
    B-
    1) Is Derrick Williams going to be a dream 6th man due to the mismatch he creates for the opposition?
    2) Would you keep Budinger ahead of Derrick Williams in the pecking order?
    C-Which player comes first to your mind as the ideal for Minnesota to target if a trade is required?

    • Bill Ingram

      Almost out of time, so I’ll make a comment or two. First, the Wolves are looking to move Williams, so Budinger is very much ahead of him when he gets back and gets healthy. Of course, it’s on Williams to continue to play well to try and change Adelman’s mind, and he’s looked good of late. Nothing is set in stone. Shved has been great, better than anyone expected. He could very well be the starting two, though the Wolves are looking at players like Michael Redd, who can swing between two and three, in the wake of the latest major injury (Josh Howard). Merry Christmas!

23. d

    Bill, I think that the Celtics need to make a major trade, and although I love Rondo, he’s the one player who could rebuild (with youth and talent) the C’s frontcourt–I’m thinking Utah here. Also, Avery Bradley, though not a point, could function well alongside Courtney Lee, creating a great defensive guard tandem. What do you think of a Rondo/Favors plus trade?

    • Bill Ingram

      I’d be surprised if the Jazz traded Favors . . .more likely they deal Millsap or Jefferson.

24. mario

    Merry xmas bill and the rest of the hoopsworld family. I read . An ararticle on bleacher report on why the bulls should pursue marcin gortat and it suggested that noah could slide to the 4 what do you think bill and what would it take to get it done I was thinking it would have to be a 3 way trade cause I wouldnt give up deng or mirotic your thoughts

    • Bill Ingram

      Why slide Noah to the 4 when you have Boozer and Gibson already there, both better at the four than Noah?

25. Kuda

    Happy Holidays. Just wondering why Casey isnt inserting Fields on the court, l thought he was cleared to play a couple games past. Pietris looks like he is a step behind in recent games and cant find his shot.

    • Bill Ingram

      I’m sure it has to do with trying to get Pietrus some time before Fields is 100% . . .but more importantly, when you have a five-game winning streak and you’re the Raptors, you DON’T TOUCH A THING!

26. Scott

    Hey Bill- nice to have you guys chattin on xmas eve!
    How impressed were you with Nash and his return? Not to shabby for 1st game back. I submit he’s top 3 pg behind CP3 and Parker.
    Question: if the Lakers start rolling and Pau’s numbers are impressive do you think they hold him or sell high?

    • Bill Ingram

      I never had any doubt about Nash . . .the guy is a real pro. One of the best ever. And no, if Pau gets rolling they deal someone else instead . . .likely Jamison.

27. Justin

    Merry Christmas! if your were the 76ers would you wait for Bynum or make a move now with your team in need of a boost? Cousins in Sac might be a good trade and just the situation he might need to improve especially under Dougie…Sac might be happy to have Bynum expiring contract and sending some bad contracts to philly as well. What do you think?

    • Bill Ingram

      I don’t think Cousins and Collins would be a good fit at all. And no, with Bynum right about the corner and the team playing very well when Holiday is healthy, I don’t think you pull the trigger just yet. For all of Bynum’s injury and maturity issues, he’s a walk in the park compared to Cousins.

28. Beckner

    Will Vasquez continue to be a poor shooting, high turnover point guard this year? What do you like about him?

    • Bill Ingram

      I like his 8.7 assists . . .yes, he needs to get the ball under control, but he’s running the offense.

29. Norman

    If it was possible, how would you view Tayshaun Prince to Los Angeles Lakers trade to play at the three?

    • Bill Ingram

      I would see Prince as a valuable asset to any playoff team, including the Lakers.

30. Jason

    Any chance the Kings could look to trade Thomas to a PG starved team?

    • Bill Ingram

      Either Thomas or Fredette, sure. That’s the plan.

31. Brian

    Cousins and Garcia(expiring contract) for Drummond and Prince?

    • Bill Ingram

      I doubt the Kings are ready to place that much value on Drummond . . .Monroe? Now it’s a conversation.

32. Jorge

    Feliz navidad desde Puerto Rico. What team is the best fit for Cousins? If you were the mavs who would you trade for him?

    • Bill Ingram

      Carlisle has been able to reach tough players before – Artest, Jackson – but that’s not really what Dallas needs right now. We’ve discussed this a bit – I like Boston for Cousins, and maybe Toronto – but the Kings aren’t ready to give up on him just yet.

33. Fish

    … keep hearing the Wolves want Gasol but you never hear anything about Luke Ridnour being involved… why? Is it the Lakers don’t see him as a piece that can help them (SHOULD) or is Minne refusing to let him go?

    • Bill Ingram

      Alright, last question, everyone! I have never heard Ridnour involved in any deal, either. He reminds me of Denver/Portland Steve Blake, who hasn’t been a good fit in LA. Minny has plenty of PG help, so that seems unlikely. From the HOOPSWORLD family to your family, MERRY CHRISTMAS and Happy Holidays to those who don’t observe Christmas. Thanks for spending some of your Christmas Eve with us!