On Thursday, Joel Brigham covered a menagerie of NBA goodies, including Derrick Rose's apparent free pass the Bulls' starting lineup, whether the Lakers' big three will take them back to the Finals this year, and why it seems that everybody on the HOOPSWORLD staff is answering tons of Magic questions except me. All that and so much more, right here. Come back next Thursday at 5:00pm Eastern for more of the same!
James in Skokie: With Hughes out for what looks like an extended period of time, will Chicago and the rest of the NBA see Derrick Rose in the starting line up?
Joel Brigham:
Whassup, gang... let's get this thing rolling...
Seeing Derrick Rose come out of his shell the last few games and really start looking like a potential superstar has been really fun to watch as a Bulls fan. Couple that with Larry Hughes's injury and you've got the perfect storm for D-Rose to be a starter in Chicago
Hughes has been the single biggests concern for me coming into the season for the simple reason that he's really the only guy on the team that in no way, shape, or form figures into the Bulls' long-term plans. At the same time, he requires a ton of minutes and a ton of shots when the ball would be better suited in the hands of Ben Gordon or Rose. I think this injury is the best thing for Chicago right now because it clears up the mystery and gets the guys in the game who need to be there.
John in Chicago: Please tell me the reports about the Bulls still interested in Zach Randolph are false. We don't need cancer on this young and promising team
Joel Brigham: Don't believe everything you hear on Yahoo! sports. While Zach Randolph would do some really nice things in the post for Chicago, I can't imagine who they'd give up to get him. Drew Gooden is Chicago's big expiring contract this summer, which is space they might need to re-sign Ben Gordon, so he can't be involved. The Knicks really don't need Gordon, Larry Hughes is out 6-8 weeks, and I can't think of anyone else the Bulls would be willing to move for Z-Bo. Not only that, but Tyrus Thomas looks like a consistent double-double guy this year, and I know he's hoping for an extension. Why scrap that for Randolph? I just don't see it...
Keith in Memphis, TN: Hi Joel,
What did you think of OJ Mayo's performance so far this preseason? Should he be considered for ROY???
Joel Brigham:
OJ's surprised me a lot so far, actually. He started off the preseason with a lot of those 10-17 point games, which is kind of what I expected, but then he's blown up a couple times and gotten pretty close to 30. I don't know if he's in the running for Rookie of the Year considering we've got guys like Rose and Beasley and Oden, but I'm still not sure exactly how strong or consistent any of these guys are going to be this year. Let's not forget--they're all rooks! I will say that I wouldn't be at all surprised to see him on the All Rookie first team. He'll get the playing time to put up some nice rookie numbers.
inallthetime in Tampa, Fl: Out of all the lottery teams last year, who makes the finals first and your prediction when that team will get there.
Joel Brigham:
I would say either Miami or Portland. If it's Miami, a lot of things have to come together pretty quickly before someone paralyzes Dwayne Wade on one of his hard drives. But they've got three extremely nice pieces in Wade, Shawn Marion, and Michael Beasley. Surround that with the right support staff and that could be a winner. They're only a few years removed from the Finals as it is... If it's Portland, it'll take a while longer, maybe three or four years if they keep their core together, but I like the looks of that group. Everybody's got to be healthy there, though, and that's going to be the trick. A tricky, tricky, trick.
Phil in Lewiston, Maine: I know that it's still only preseason..
but do you think the Celts look to
repeat. So far, their bench mob is
starting to look formidable against most
teams starters.
Joel Brigham: Repeating in professional sports is an extremely difficult thing to do. You've got a huge target on your back all season long, and pair that up with the pressure of repeating the glory of last year is some tough stuff to deal with. The Eastern Conference has gotten a lot tougher this year, especially within their division (Philly and Toronto), so even just the road through the East will be rocky. Plus, I really have strong feelings towards the Lakers and Hornets this season, so even though my Bulls are an East Coast team, I've got the West Coast vibe heading into the year. I'm gonna say no on the C's back-to-back's for now.
Steven in La Puente, CA: Say the Blazers make the first round, which they should, who can they upset to make at least to the next round? Nuggets? Mavs?
Joel Brigham: Like I just said, it all depends on how healthy they are. With everybody playing in the postseason at basically full energy and health, they'll compete with anybody. That's the sort of team you absolutely do not want to see in the first round. I like their chances, but if they drop to a 7th or 8th seed, it's going to be hard to do. Remember, West Coast love right now... Lakers and Hornets are the only serious stoppers for the Blazers.
Steven in La Puente, CA: Do you see the Hornets or Spurs looking to sign Lindsey Hunter now that it looks like the clips are going to pass? Who else is pursuing him?
Joel Brigham:
The scuttlebutt around the league about this is that Lindsey Hunter was supposed to be retired! But we all know guys get the itch, so we'll see what happens with him. He would never play on the Spurs, though the Hornets may able to use him in spots. Personally I think he'd be better off hangin' 'em up and letting the kids play.
Matsu in Kawasaki, JPN: Hi Joel, thankx for taking my question! If the Blazers, that's a BIG IF, make it to the WCF and Roy have another amazing year, you think he can be a suprise and take the MVP? Roy has all around game like and makes his temamates better too, ala Kobe.
Joel Brigham: I'm loving the love from Japan! I don't think Brandon Roy is anywhere near MVP discussion yet. You've got guys that do similar things so much better than him (Deron Williams, for example), and that's not even taking into consideration the fact that LeBron James is probably going to average almost a triple-double this year. Plus, you can never count out Kobe... It just seems like odds are very much stacked against him and unless something unbelievable happens, he'll just be a really good player this year, probably not the MOST valuable.
Victor in Paris: Hi Joel ! Why Amir Johnson instead of Maxiell ? Chemistry or contract issues ? (sorry if it has already been asked)
Joel Brigham: I don't think the contract issues have anything to do with, so it must be an issue of chemistry. If you look at the second unit you want to have some experience there, not a bunch of guys with just a year or so under the belt. Plug in Amir with the starters to offset thet, and bring Maxiell off the bench. Otherwise, I can't figure out. I think Maxiell is the far superior player.
justin in kentucky: could the bulls get a deal done trading ben gordon and thabo for gerald wallace?
Joel Brigham: Well, that would clear out the backcourt and bring in an extremely talented defender to Chicago, but Wallace is one of the only players on the Bobcats that Larry Brown actually likes right now. He's been very good for them this preseason and always has been, in my opinion, one of the most underrated players in the league. I think I'd like to see that trade happen, but there's really no shot of it going down.
Asiff in Brooklyn, NY: BIG Knicks Fan! Is Eddy Curry tradeable for anything value in return?
Joel Brigham:
Would you take Tyrus Thomas and Joakim Noah from the Bulls for Curry? They'd even throw in a little cash to sweet things up.
Wait.. that's what the KNICKS gave the BULLS when Curry was traded in the first place. Yikes!
Seriously, I don't know who's going to take on his contract. I think he's doomed to ride out the bench and suffer in D'Antoni's high-paced offense until his years run down on this current deal. He's a bad fit in New York, but he's sort of a bad fit everywhere else, too.
Charles in Beverly Hills, CA: At the end of the day, do you see the Rockets seriously challenging the Lakers for the best regular season record? Who do you think misses the playoffs that made the playoffs in the west last year?
Joel Brigham:
No, I don't. Whenever somebody asks me about the Rockets I say the same thing: Artest, Yao, and McGrady all have missed an average of 20+ games a year the last three seasons. How's a team that's always injured and never plays with the full core in tact supposed to end up with the league's top record?
As for who misses the playoffs... I'd say Dallas. Despite having a ton of talent, they just don't have that cutting edge aura about them anymore. Then again it probably all depends on whether or not they can stay healthy and whether or not Josh Howard can behave himself. Denver's another possibility to miss the playoffs in the West.
Sako in N.hollywood: If the Lakers were willing to Trade ODOM, who would they want to trade him for??
Joel Brigham: Keeping in mind that the Lakers are NOT currently interested in Lamar Odom, but as for who they'd want, what do you think of Tayshaun Prince? Would that trade not shake things up a little bit for both teams? Now I've gone an intrigued myself. I've got to stop doing that in the middle of chats; my mind wanders!
Jiro in Pomona: When is Eric going to get a chat??? We want some Lakers input!! :)
Joel Brigham: I'd love an Eric Pincus chat, too. The man knows his Lakers... In the meantime, I'll try and qualm your thirst for Laker information by occasionally answering an L.A. question like the one above.
David in Ireland: Hey Joel! Potentially - pick, Bynum/Oden/Dwight? and why? Thank You.
Joel Brigham:
Who has the most potential... Well, I'm going to count out Dwight because I think he's somewhere near the top of what he's capable of doing. I mean, you can't really get a whole lot better than Superman is, right?
Between Bynum and Oden, I'd say that Bynum probably has more potential. He came to the league right out of high school and was only starting to get the swing last year before having to miss msot of the season with that injury. He still has the most room to grow, but that's not taking anything away from Oden, who should also be a dang dandy player.
Jamison in Salt Lake City, UT: What's up Joel? I'm a college student looking to get into some sort of job in an NBA front office. Got any advice?
Joel Brigham: monster.com? 'Fraid I can't help you there, mon frer... If I knew the answer, I think I'd probably be working that job!
Jeremy in : Aren't people too quick to dismiss the Spurs this year. They made it to the conf finals just a few months ago and had they all been healthy, who knows ? Not saying they're favorites but apart from the Lakers, nobody has PROVEN to be better.
Joel Brigham: I suppose you're right about that, but with Manu starting to show his miles and with the depth of the team seeming to dwindle in quality, I just don't like their chances against some younger, stronger, deeper teams in the Western Conference. That's how Tim Duncan likes it though--flying under the radar. You never know with those guys, but like I said, it just doesn't seem to be in the stars this year.
Jason in Seattle, WA: Which NBA team do you see possibly relocating to Seattle? My pick would be the Grizzlies.
Joel Brigham: I think the Grizzlies and the Bobcats are in the most trouble, though Bob Johnson recently said that the 'Cats weren't for sale. The Grizzlies WERE for sale last I checked, so I guess that'd be your best bet at the moment. Any body in the Pacific Northwest have any problems trading out Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook for OJ Mayo and Mike Conley?
Arthur Cummings in Cedar City, Utah: Do you think that the Utah Jazz can win the Championship this year with AK-47 coming of the bench??
Joel Brigham: If the Jazz are going to do it they better do it quickly. I'm not sure how much Boozer's going to be around. I don't think it matters whether Kirilenko comes off the bench or starts. What matters is that Utah has one of the best teams in the West, and I see them as a top-four seed this summer no problem. As for winning the title, I'm not sure. I doubt the odds at Vegas are too lopsided for the Jazz, if you no what I mean. They aren't exactly a sleeper, but I can't call them a favorite either.
Alex in : I have to say, whilst in general these chats are good, there are WAY too many questions about Orlando. If I hear one more question about Nelson, Pietrus or JJ Redick, I'll choke myself. I think these questions have been answered at nauseam.
Joel Brigham:
I agree. This is why I generally ignore the Orlando questions. Sorry gang, but those are for Kyler. He's the Florida guy!
Raheem in Minneapolis, MN: Who is the first Knicks player do u expect to be traded?
Joel Brigham: Frederick Weis.
Raheem in Minneapolis, MN: Any chance that Kevin Love becomes a bust?
Joel Brigham:
I've got to watch Kevin play twice this preseason because they've been up against the Bulls, and I can't say that I'm too particularly impressed at this point. I think fundamentally he's going to be fantastic, and he'll always have a spot in the league, but he's no All-Star. I'm just glad Minny got Mike Miller back in that draft-day trade, because so far OJ Mayo looks like the better prospect.
Arthur Cummings in Cedar City, UT: Do you think that Carlos Boozer would be awesome on the Bulls like I do??
Joel Brigham: Is it inappropriate that I just peed a little when I read that? My goodness, that would be fantastic, but so would an intimate date with Jessica Alba. Both are pipe dreams.
Raheem in Minneapolis, MN: Are the Knicks showcasing Lee?
Joel Brigham: I hope not, because Lee is one of the few bright spots for the Knicks this season. That young man is solid, as everybody with an NBA head has been saying the last few seasons while he spent WAY too much time on the bench. This is the year where he comes into his own and starts tearing down consistent 15-and-10's. I think the league is going to love this kid when he gets the minutes. Definitely a candidate for Most Improved Player.
Jojo in : The heat look like their in trouble but with wade and beasley
there ok, why trade marion he is there
for defense
trade haslem for a center or maybe marion for a
starter and some bench depth, what do you think?
Joel Brigham: The only reason you'd trade Marion is if you got the impression that he was going to bolt this summer. Even then it might be a good idea to hold onto him because that frees up like $17 million in cap space, which the HEAT will certainly find a way to use in the next offseason or two. Haslem is somebody you're going to hear in rumor mills all season long, so your idea to move him isn't a bad one. Still, Haslem is a Riley favorite and it would take a pretty penny to pry him away from his hometown team. We'll see how it goes, but I think the HEAT are going to be okay.
Raheem in Minneapolis, MN: Fredric Weis...LOL!!! Who do u see being the second?
Joel Brigham: Zach Randolph would probably be next. I think they'd like to move Eddy Curry, but he's less desirable around the league. Not that Z-Bo's contract is much better, I guess.
Angelo in : Could Mehmet Okur help the Bulls post woes. The Jazz will look to dump a contract to resign Boozer. While Okur isnt a banger I think he would be a great compliment to Rose around the basket with his shooting.
Joel Brigham: Okur's not what the Bulls need. Like you said, he's not a "banger," and that's kind of what the Bulls need. If they're going to make a move for a post guy, it's going to be for a post guy with an actual post game. I love Okur, and he's one of the biggest pains in the league to go up against because of his range, but I don't know if he fits what the Bulls need.
Kenny in McNeal, AZ: Hey I'm a big Jazz fan. Speaking of Odom and Prince Kirilenko is almost Tay Tay's clone. What anout AK-47 for Lamar Odom??
Joel Brigham: I think this one's already been discussed in rumor mills and papers and message boards, and the answer is still the same. Kirilenko would do fine in L.A., but I don't know that Jerry Sloan would be particularly happy cashing him out Odom.
Matt in Sactown CA: What are my Kings cances of landing a big name FA (BOSH!!)next offseason to put along side Kevin Martin?
Joel Brigham: Bad. Really bad, actually. Nobody with big marketing aspirations wants to play in a small market like that, and most of the HUGE marquee names are going to stay where they are. When people leave for less money or fewer years, it's usually to somplace in Florida or Arizona. Maybe even L.A., but not Sacramento. No offense to Sactown, Matt, but it's not a marquee free agent stop.
Rod in Toronto, ON: Hey Joel! Tyrus Thomas has been putting up great preseason
stats, but his FG% has been horrible. What type of stats (and
FG%) do you see him putting up this year? thanks!
Joel Brigham: In the past, so many of Tyrus's shots have come on dunks and layups. This year he's really trying to move his game outside a little bit and is taking more jumpers as a result. That's something he really worked on over the summer and, to be honest, looks pretty good and should help his overall offensive game quite a bit. His FG% will take a hit, but I think that's a risk he's willing to take.
Arthur in Cedar City, UT: Who's better for my Fantasy team Lebron or Brand and why??
Joel Brigham: LeBron, no question. He's historically healthier and an all-around stat MACHINE. Why am I even answering this question, as if there would ever even be a debate?! :)
Scott in Santa Barbara, CA: The Clips will have about $35 million in 2010. Any chance they
can persuade 2 stars to join Baron, Kaman, Thornton, and
Gordon? Other teams can only afford to add 1 star while the
Clips can afford 2.
Joel Brigham: They'll be lucky if they can convince one. Two's going to be a push. Like I've said all along, I really don't think we're going to see a ton of movement from the crazy big star players in '10. And if the Clippers do spend that much dough on those two unnamed stars, how are they going to be able to extend Thornton? How can they afford a team of more than 7 or 8 players and still stay under the cap? I just don't think it's likely they'll get two, but one is a possibility. Heck, they did it this last summer with Baron Davis, right?
Rueben in New York City: you want to talk about injuries, yet bynum is your player to watch. hypocritical if u ask me. healthy rockets best team in the West. NEXT
Joel Brigham: The Lakers made the Finals last year WITHOUT Andrew Bynum. The Rockets haven't won a playoff series yet with McGrady and Yao. When your best two players are perennially injured, it makes winning very difficult. Bynum isn't a top two guy in L.A., and Kobe and Pau are absolutely healthy. So there. Next!
Mark in East Orange, NJ: Which big is more likely to play better for the Nets this year out of Yi Jianlian, Josh Boone, & Sean Williams?
Joel Brigham: Sean Williams. He's got the best combination of talent and minutes. I'm not high on Yi and I don't think Boone will ever be much more than a role player. Williams, however, has the potential to be one of the better post defenders in the league.
Marcus in Brooklyn, NY: Even though Allan Houston got cut, do you think the Knicks will offer him a position on their coaching staff?
Joel Brigham:
Maybe not the coaching staff, but I could see something in their front office. That's what was promised him when he made the comback attempt this year. We'll see, but I'd say it's likely something happens.
Alright, that's it for me folks. My hour is through! Join me next Thursday for more fun and games. Excellent questions this week. See you in seven days...
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