Marcus in New Orleans, La:
What can the Hornets expect from Julian
Wright next year? Are they using him in
the right way? Does he still have a
chance to break out?
Mike Moreau:
Welcome back everybody! Can't believe the Finals are upon us - what a great matchup! And the draft on the horizon as well. Let's get right to the questions:
Hopefully more than what he gave them this year. He got more minutes, and even started some, but didn't give them much production. Regardless of how they use him, he needs to produce when he is on the floor. Players use that as an excuse far too often. He needs to commit himself this off-season to making himself a better pro - just playing pickup five on five won't do it.
Drew in :
If my bobcats can trade Nazr for Mo Pete, draft best available sg at #12, trade one or both seconds to Prit the Wiz of Portland with Radman for players they don't want or use like Frye and Outlaw how good would we be? Are any of these do able?
Mike Moreau:
I'm not sure how much better you will be until you decide who you want to be. Sounds like you are just trading spare parts for other spare parts. Put some shooters around Emeka and let those point guards create.
dave in :
Your the man!!So with that being said. Stephen Curry, James Harden or Demar DeRozan to OKC? what do you think? and do you see us getting Hansbrough or Ellignton with the 25th pick.
Mike Moreau:
I kind of like Steph Curry, no matter what the mocks say. He's a special talent, a unique package, with great character. And Hansbrough should be there at 25.
MATT BO in ALASKA:
Im a fantasy/stats guy but i find myself cheering for the THUNDER lately. They have so much promise. Would they throw a bunch of money at Milsap? I think he would be great, even better next to thabeet.
Mike Moreau:
They are certainly a young team on the rise. It's only a matter of time until they are a perennial playoff team. I don't think they will throw alot of money at anybody. Certainly Milsap would be a nice addition, and don't know if Thabeet is their guy. Milsap is a great fit anywhere.
Ryan in Toronto:
What do you think the Raptors will change heading into the upcoming season? What players do you think are gettable in the offseason that will benefit the team?
Mike Moreau:
Gettable depends on cap space, etc., which isn't my area of expertise. Players I would get if they were "gettable?" Let's make a run at Ben Gordon, Trevor Ariza, Linas Kleiza and Leon Powe. Toughness, defense, scoring and rebounding. Get any two of those four and you are back in the playoffs.
Thomas Bell in OKC:
What is in the future concerning Andy Varejao?
Mike Moreau:
I would think Cleveland still wants him, but alot of other teams will as well. Big guys who rebound and defend are of value to every team.
RayRay in VA beach:
As a GRIZ fan i don't care for Rubio, who seems to have buyout drama, and i'm happy with MARC GASOL so i don't think Thabeet is needed, any chance we trade down maybe to SACtowns pick?
Mike Moreau:
I like Marc Gasol, too, and I agree, the Rubio situation could have that potential. But, you guys do need help at the point, and he is a wonderful talent. I'm with you, I would shop the pick, maybe move down, look hard at Jrue Holiday if you aren't comfortable with Rubio.
Nick in New York:
Have you seen B.j. Mullens play or workout in person? what do you think? if the knicks bought another pick in 1st round 18-24 should they use it on him, I feel they need a big with upside.
Mike Moreau:
Have just seen him on TV, video. He's big, athletic and the potential seems to be there. Don't know anything about his work ethic, coachability, etc. Would have liked to see more production in college. With those tools, four rebounds a game isn't very impressive.
Nick in New York:
I think Tyreke Evans should be on the knicks radar, more so than Steph Curry, they said his jumper needs work can't Allan Houston fix that? In an interview he said the dribble drive off had him losing confidence in his jumper is that fair statement?
Mike Moreau:
I lean more toward Steph Curry, whose jumper is picture perfect, is a leader, and has unquestioned character. Evans knew that Memphis ran the dribble drive before he got there, right? It's not like they surprised him with that the first day of practice. I hear stuff like that and it causes concerns for me.
Nick in :
In your honest opinion as much as maybe you and other,gm's,coaches enjoy watching Steph Curry can he really be a full time starter or potential allstar gamer? I feel if your a lotto pick you should be no less than a 6man in starter min do you agree?
Mike Moreau:
He's a unique talent, and all you can do is look at body of work, potential for improvement, and make an educated guess. Who says he won't be a full-time starter in time? Kobe didn't start until his third season in the league. He's turned out OK.
steve in toronto:
Hey Mike. A lot of early mock drafts had James Harden going in the top five. Now all of your analysts have him dropping to the Raps at nine. Reason? Good or bad news for the Raps?
Mike Moreau:
Our guys have pretty good sources, but it's all a guessing game. There is talk about concern of his lack of great athleticism, but he seems to be a creative scorer who can be crafty and find ways to succeed. If the Raps feel their biggest need is a scoring two guard, he might be the right guy.
Andrew in San Francisco, CA:
I think Monta Ellis is undersized for a shooting guard and has not developed into a true point guard. Should the Warriors draft a true point and trade Monta?
Mike Moreau:
He's a scorer, first and foremost. I'm not sure he's the guy you depend on to run your team, especially when he is running scooters into trees.
Dave in San Antonio:
Where do you think Amare and Bosh end up? It seems like neither may stay according to rumors.
Mike Moreau:
Who knows? Both want to play for contenders. It's too hard to speculate, but don't expect either to go to bad teams, if and when they depart.
Mark in Washington:
Other than Rubio, who do you feel is the best point guard in this year's draft?
Mike Moreau:
I really like Jrue Holiday - he's got the whole "big point guard package" as well as the character to go with it. Love him.
don in fresno:
Who is the sleeper in this year's draft?
Mike Moreau:
Not sure you can call Dejuan Blair a sleeper, but alot of teams are going to regret passing on him.
Anthony in St. Louis:
Do you think Bosh for Boozer is a fair trade?
Mike Moreau:
No - Bosh is worth more. Boozer has health questions, and why is he changing teams again?
Warren in jersey:
Is Tyreke Evans and Steph Curry point guards at the nba level?
Mike Moreau:
Yes. Different players, but both should be very good pros. Scoring point guards aren't a bad thing. Ask the Magic about Jameer.
jess in Kansas:
How long will the Cetics keep the big three together?
Mike Moreau:
Until they retire...
Luke in Kansas:
What teams do you think will get worse next season?
Mike Moreau:
Good question, Luke. Detroit already started down that path. I think New Orleans will struggle to repeat that same record without some help for CP3.
Derek in Palm Beach, FL:
What do you think the impact of possibly having Jameer coming off the bench to spell Rafer could be for the Finals?
Mike Moreau:
It makes me nervous. They have that chemistry rolling right now. I would hesitate, unless desperation set in. However, I have learned this year to never question SVG - he knows what he's doing. In Stan you should trust.
Ron in :
Do you know if there is any legs to the story by Mitch Lawerence about the Raptors silently discussing trading Chris Bosh.
Mike Moreau:
My understanding is that there is alot of loyalty on both sides. Even silent talk doesn't stay silent for very long, and it doesn't take much to ruin the trust. I hope he stays, because they really were playing well in the last few weeks of the season. Toronto fans deserve one more good run at the playoffs. I hope they can put the guys around him to make it happen.
Ron in :
What are your impressions of Marcus Thorton. Watching video on him reminded me of Dwyane Wade when he was going through the same workout process coming out of college.
Mike Moreau:
Easy, Ron. Talented player, but think more Daquan Cook.
Danny in UT:
Would the Nets be willing to give up Lopez for Boozer?
Mike Moreau:
No chance. They consider Lopez a pillar to build around. There should be a mass firing of everyone involved if that deal happens.
Bobby in Dallas, Texas:
If you had to trade for Kaman or Chandler who would you trade for? Kaman has better offense while Chandler has better defense. Take note that Kaman has been injured the last two seasons and Chandler production will probably drop with out CP3.
Mike Moreau:
Neither one of those guys gets me very excited, Bobby. If I want to bang around in the halfcourt and play a power game, I take Kaman. If I want to get out and run and play a little more wide open, I'd take Chandler - provided I could get him to actually run.
Derek in Palm Beach, FL:
After watching the Magic dismantle CLE, how would you suggest opposing coaches scheme to defend the Magic?
Mike Moreau:
Go right at Dwight on offense, put bigger guys than Mo Williams and Delonte West on the Magic shooters on defense. The Lakers can do both. Should be a great series.
steve in toronto, on:
Hey coach! i just read that Alex Raskin, Joel Brigham, Yannis Koutroupis, and Steve Kyler all have harden goin 9th in their new mock draft meanwhile jg on draft express has him goin 3rd what's with the huge disparities....in this draft
Mike Moreau:
First of all, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Secondly, with so many players having question marks, there is lots of room for fluctuation without the surefire "lock" picks. You could see all kinds of rising and falling of certain players over the next three weeks. And keep in mind that each team has it's own wants and needs, so each team values different players different ways. It's all an educated guess when you get right down to it. No one is right all the time when it comes to projecting picks and players.
Derek in Palm Beach, FL:
With a bevy of shooters on the roster, will the Magic live or die by the three against the Lakers?
Mike Moreau:
They have all year. Why would they change now? It's who they are. Let em fly!
Argie Grigorakos in Toronto, Ontario, Canada:
Hey Coach,
If you had Joakim Noah to help this summer, in what areas would you coach him in? Also what mechanical exercises would you use to help his jumpshot improve.
Mike Moreau:
Joakim is already in our gym. He arrived yesterday and put in a full day's work on his post game and shooting form. He is an inspiration to all of our young aspiring pros after just one day! Stay tuned!
Derek in Palm Beach, FL:
I'm really interested to hear your take on Lebron's Game 6 post-game behavior.
Mike Moreau:
Thought it was sad, disappointing, immature. His people around him really let him down to allow him to do that. I actually wrote a piece about it today in Hoopsworld. Can't get all the glory then run away when things don't work out. Superstars have to take the bad with all the good. He'll learn from it.
Derek in Palm Beach, FL:
I know about Phil Jackson's past achievements and the 9 rings, but who is the best coach this year, SVG or Phil?
Mike Moreau:
I voted for SVG, and he's made me look awfully good in the playoffs. The man can coach.
Derek in Palm Beach, FL:
Who has the better bench, ORL or LA?
Mike Moreau:
Right now, I'd say the Magic. It may come down to that, as with the Lakers, it usually comes down to Lamar Odom. He's their constant X-Factor.
Derek in Palm Beach, FL:
Will Kobe get the same enormous amount of star calls as Lebron did? Will Dwight ever get star calls?
Mike Moreau:
The most aggressive players tend to get the most calls. Call them "star" calls if you want to, but the best players tend to be the most aggressive, therefore they get more calls. Kobe will be at the line plenty in the finals, and I expect Dwight to be there alot as well.
B.A. in Chicago:
Hey Mike,
Will Detroit go after Ben Gordon this summer? I keep seeing rumors that they really want to add him along with Boozer or Bosh in a trade. If its true, is that a good mix?
Mike Moreau:
It's not good if they can't figure out who should start and who should come off the bench. If you need offense, call BG. Adding Gordon and either of those two guys to any team, I think, is a good mix.
Ben Gordon in Chicago???:
Mike, you are a wise man so I come to you with the most important questions. Do the Bulls really want me or am I trade bait? What teams will make offers to me this summer? Could you coach the Bulls if I do come back? LOL
Mike Moreau:
If they want you, they will show you the money. I like you in Toronto with Mr. Bosh. How about I just cheer for you when you come to Orlando?
Felix in Memphis:
If Luol Deng is injured again this next season will the Bulls try to move him? He seems like he's always hurt. Should he play for GB this summer?
Mike Moreau:
Yes, he should play for GB this summer. So should BG play for GB this summer. The Bulls might try to move him anyway. I know his injuries have been frustrating for everyone.
Bill in NY:
Any chance Knicks may go for BG this summer? I think he would be a superstar in their offensive system.
Mike Moreau:
I think just about everybody who needs offense should go after Ben Gordon. And don't worry about the system, he will get his no matter what!
Nat in Parliment Hill, Ottawa:
Will Evans slip to the raps at 9? Is he the dude? Who are your top three pick and roll duos of all time?
Mike Moreau:
Not sure he is their dude. No telling with the signals they send out. Stockton Malone and everyone else. Not worth arguing about the others because they are so far ahead of the rest.
Drake in :
What will happen to Kirk Hinrich this summer? Will the Suns make a deal to send Shaq to the Bulls for Luol Deng, Jerome James, and Tim Thomas? Loul would be pretty good next to Amare.
Mike Moreau:
Deng and Amare would be a dynamic duo, for sure. I don't think the Bulls will give up Hinrich, especially if BG is on the way out. Can't lose them both.
Jon in TX:
Who is the biggest FA this summer and what teams will have interest in him?
Mike Moreau:
Trevor Ariza should have a few people calling. Ben Gordon is 20 points of offense. AI anyone?
Raheem in MPLS:
Why are the Wolves so stuck on McHale? Who would you hire to coach this team?
Mike Moreau:
McHale is responsible for their roster. Makes sense for him to coach them. How about Bud Grant?
Raheem in MPLS:
Name the starting five for the Clippers next season.
Mike Moreau:
Gordon, Davis, Thornton, Griffin and Camby. Attorneys at law.
Donnie Walsh in NYC:
I need a player that will help draw free agents to NY. Who should I draft or acquire on draft night?
Mike Moreau:
Not sure anyone in the draft is that guy, Donnie. Who does everyone love playing with? Nash...Steve Nash.
nathan in dallas:
hey coach, 1) do you think the mavs should resign j-kidd and 2) what is their bigger need, a consistent starting shooting guard or a center?
Mike Moreau:
I think they need a center. They are scoring plenty of points. Someone who can post and defend the interior. A younger, quicker faster Erick Dampier. A Nene would be ni-nice.
Vernon in New Orleans:
Who do you see as being a good fit for New Orleans in the draft? a backup big or a SG...
Mike Moreau:
They need some offense, wherever they can get it. They have alot of big guys, athletes who aren't producing. I go with the shooting guard.
Bored Fan in LALA Land:
Do you see the Kings trading Nocioni and #4 to GSW for Maggette and #7? I hear GSW really likes James Harden and he'll probably be gone at 7.
Mike Moreau:
Maggette and Martin together - quite a scoring punch. Kevin is in our gym this week. Scored 50 in the last regular season game, and is already working on next season. I think the Kings will look to make a deal, but they need a distributing point guard in there somewhere and someone, anyone, who will guard somebody!
dave in :
OKC, Pistons draft day trade in the works?
Mike Moreau:
All speculation at this point. Pistons are trying to avoid going in the tank, OKC looking to accelerate the winning process.
Raj in Sacramento:
Hey Mike,
Who do you think the kings will draft & do you think they would make any draft day trades or if not any free agency signing.
Mike Moreau:
They really need a distributing point guard, and another scorer to go with Kevin. I think they are willing to talk with anyone about anything at this stage.
Dave in Detroit, Michigan:
With rumoers of OKC and Detroit talking trade OKC #25 and cash to Detroit for #15 and Amir Johnson, obviously Joe D is shedding more salary who do u see him going after through free agency and trades?
Mike Moreau:
Hard to say. He has a vision that apparently no one else shares. They are losing the aging front liners to free agency, so seems that Amir would step right in.
Stephen in Toronto:
Im really big on T. Evans, but Im concerned about his defence and whether he can defend the elite wing players in the league. I hope we dont draft the wing from USC he has major bust potential, he reminds of Gerald Green.
Mike Moreau:
No one can defend the elite wing players in the league, so don't let that bother you. Most players can become adequate defenders with effort and commitment. It all comes down to character, coachability and professionalism. Those are the biggest concerns about any young guy.
Dave in Milwaukee:
Hey Coach! Based on what you have seen as of right now, who do you think is going to have the best career: Ty Lawson, Johnny Flynn, or Eric Maynor? Talk about 3 solid mid-1st round PGs!
Mike Moreau:
Good question. So much depends on where they end up. Would Rondo be where he is if he was in Minnesota? I'll take them in the order you listed them, maybe Flynn overtakes Lawson with time.
Dave in Milwaukee:
Who, of the incoming draft class, have you worked with so far that has completely surprised you with their talent? Show me the sleepers coach!
Mike Moreau:
I talked about Dejuan Blair before, but Earl Clark is wonderfully talented as well. He's in the Lamar Odom category - athletic, versatile. He's shown us that he wants to be coached and wants to be a great pro.
Makis in VA:
Hey Coach it`s me again the Noah Fanatic, but my question this time is about our team. With the bulls are we just about there give or take one or two pieces to make a tittle run?Just want to know your analysis? Thanks
Mike Moreau:
You just have to grow and mature together. It's a building process - a marathon, not a sprint. Everyone works hard in the off-season, you add a piece or two, and next year you advance another round. The title run comes when D Rose has full command of the ship.
Jonny in Toronto, Ontario:
Hey Mike,
Would you trade Bosh to the Warriors for Biedrins & Randolph + filler?
Mike Moreau:
Probably not, unless Randolph is the second coming of Bosh, which is a stretch. I want two guys who will put me in the playoffs. And I'm not sure Biedrins will be as good in any other system.
cragg in new york, ny:
dejuan blair is getting some buzz, has he broken into the mid-lottery? would he be the guy that brings toughness and leadership to the knicks?
Mike Moreau:
He will definitely bring toughness. Not sure you can ask him to lead, though. In time, yes. He's a cornerstone for sure.
Tomas in Chicago,IL:
Are you hearding any rumors about the Bucks and what they want Andrew Bogut to improve on
Mike Moreau:
I think he's well on his way. Staying healthy and being in great shape is the key for him. Run his motor a little faster and he could be an All-Star in a short time.
Derek in Palm Beach, FL:
If you were Mike Brown, what adjustments would you have made against the Magic?
Mike Moreau:
I don't think I would have left Z down there all alone to fend for himself against Dwight as much. But, I'm not sure he could have done much to change that outcome, outside of playing really small, which was completely out of their character. Orlando was just a tough matchup for them. The Magic had it rolling, and not sure any strategy could have prevented that.
Thanks for jumping in everybody! Lakers -Magic - it's going to be a great series. Good arguments for either team winning. Mamba vs. Superman - Cant wait! Have a great week!
Homer Simpson in Springfield:
Howdy there coach,i think u rock!Do you think LBJ disregard to the media is ok?Will the situation with D-Rose affect him playing wise?
