Join HOOPSWORLD's Alex Raskin for his weekly NBA Chat. Alex covers the Knicks, the Nets and the NBA at large. Everything is fair game so get your questions in now
James in chicago: DO you known why raptors passed on Ron artest in 1999 NBA draft
Alex Raskin: The team's front office was not nearly as advanced then as it is now.
Brett in : Why are the Cavs reluctant to part with Z. How does he help
them against Dwight Howard or KG? Just because he's tall
doesn't mean he bangs. Why not get an athletic 6-8 SF in Jax?
He can handle Pierce and take pressure off James.
Alex Raskin: Shaq is not a 30-minute center anymore. For that matter, neither is Z. But the two combine to give the Cavs great offense at the position for 48 minutes every night. There may be defensive issues with the pair (particularly pick and roll defense), but Shaq becomes much less effective if Z were to leave.
Furthermore, the team wants to keep his expiring contract so as not to take any chances with re-signing James.
Also, the addition of Jamario Moon negates the need for Stephen Jackson's defense. Moon can't match Jackson's offense, but there promises to be plenty of buyouts this season (Al Harrington and Michael Redd are possibilities). I seriously doubt the Cavs' roster is complete.
Ronni in portland,or: Is it just me or have nates late game plays become obvious? everyone knows he runs a Roy 1 on 4 isolation play, in which he runs into traffic and is forced to chuck a shot!! Dont you think Nate would benifit off running plays for andre in the 4th?
Alex Raskin: The Blazers have many great scorers. However, Andre Miller isn't one of them. He's barely over 20% from 3-point range for his career and his effective field goal percentage (eFG%) on jumpshots was only 40.7% last year. The bottom line is, if Miller isn't scoring at the hoop, he probably isn't scoring.
I like where your head is at, though. Perhaps taking advantage of Aldridge's un-blockable baseline jumper might be a good alternative.
Mehdi in Portland,OR: I know nate likes steve blake..but why doesnt portland start dre? Roy doesnt get into the game till half 2 and Dre could take pressure off, helping Oden and martell score easy buckets,plus dre is good at getting to the line!!
Alex Raskin: Blake may be starting for now, but he's barely getting more playing time than Miller. Eventually Miller will take over that spot.
Your question is a little confusing, but I'd like to add that Miller isn't that great at getting to the line. For his career he's averaging less than five trips per game. Conversely, Brandon Roy averaged over 12 FTAs per game last season.
Rudy Fernandez in Portland,OR: Hello Alex..Its RUUUUDDY!!!, please tell me why nate doesnt play me at pg more often? i mean if blake was in unit 2, it would be alot easier for everyone including travis outlaw!!
Alex Raskin: Rudy can handle the position, but it really detracts from his own scoring. McMillan clearly wants Fernandez to worry about his own shots.
sheed in boston, mass: Wat up mr.raskin? hows my homie from hw doing? what do you think of my new hair due and recent team play? i think we is ballin!!
Alex Raskin: Does anyone else find this question kind of offensive? I mean, Rasheed Wallace can speak.
Anyway, I don't care about Wallace's hair, but I care a lot about Boston's bench. I'm particularly fond of the unit that includes Daniels, House, Ray Allen (okay, he's a starter), Shelden Williams and Wallace.
Don't be surprised to see Boston's starters exit the game in the first quarter trailing by a few points only to return to the game with the lead. Even LA, Orlando, Cleveland and San Antonio have trouble matching that firepower off the bench.
Ron in Va: What if the knick would have went with
Lopez and brandon jennings in the last 2
drafts
Alex Raskin: I understand not drafting Lopez. He's a true center and D'Antoni has much more use for Danilo Gallinari. In fact, I think both the Knicks and the Nets got the players they needed in that draft.
Jordan Hill over Brandon Jennings is another story. Teams began souring on Jennings prior to the draft and he seems to have taken that as a challenge. Hill is a nice guy, decent athlete and is reasonably talented. However, he won't have the same impact that Jennings has on an offense. And by the way, just where do the Knicks plan on getting a PG?
Without a draft pick next year, John Wall is out of the question. Sessions is gone. Duhon is a solid backup, but overworked as a starter... Nate Robinson is Nate Robinson.
I agree with the Gallo pick, but Hill might prove costly. That being said, be patient with Hill. He isn't going to contribute this season, but could be valuable down the road.
jim in ohio: I think the spurs and cavs are both overrated. Magic,Celtics,Lakers clearly more talented.Thoughts?
Alex Raskin: The Cavs need more offense off the bench. Maybe if West can work his way back into the starting lineup and Parker becomes a reserve, that could help. However, the team could benefit if non-playoff teams reached buyout agreements with free agents-to-be. If Milwaukee and New York don't make the playoffs, Larry Hughes, Al Harrington and Michael Redd could all hit the market. Hughes wouldn't be a good fit, but the latter two might be. Also, if Houston found themselves out of the race and Tracy McGrady was healthy, maybe they too could reach an agreement as well.
As for the Spurs, don't judge them too soon. Traditionally, they play their best basketball at the end of the year. Give this team some time to grow.
Tom in Australia: Probs a pipe dream, and I know its early days, but if NO
continue to slide and CP3 wants out, would it be at all feasible
for Miami to trade for him? Paul/ Armstrong for
Mario/Beasley/QRich?
Alex Raskin: You're right about this being a pipe dream.
Chris Paul doesn't want out. He wants New Orleans to be better.
Cain in New Zealand: What do you think of Danillo so far this season? Does he have an All-Star career ahead of him? Do Knicks fans still think Gordon should have been picked?
Alex Raskin: Danilo is a future All-Star. Last night is a good example of what he can do when he isn't scoring. He picked up four quick assists, played decent defense and even had two steals and a block.
D'Antoni frequently talks about how he originally thought he'd have to hide Gallo on the defensive end, but now he confesses he actually is one of the better defenders on the team. If you're a long-time Knicks fan, this is the analogy I'll give you: He is built like Charles Smith, can be a point forward like Anthony Mason, but he shoots like John Starks.
He's got a great attitude and as his English improves (it's already pretty good) he will become more assertive with his teammates. The Knicks made the right choice... for once.
Cain in New Zealand: Where's Brandon Rush he has taken 7 shots in two games?
Alex Raskin: Good question!
Jim O'Brien likes to send messages through playing time. Even after picking up Rush's option, the team may have wanted Rush to stay hungry. Rush's shot selection needs to improve, but I'm still a little surprised to see so many minutes going to Luther Head.
Definitely keep an eye on this, because it does seem irregular.
gary in LA: is this a possibility, fire mike dunleavy, hire john lucas as head coach? if possible when is enough enough for the clippers?
Alex Raskin: I don't see this. Lucas isn't brought up much anymore in coaching discussions. He does great one-on-one work with players and I think that's how he'll be the biggest asset to the NBA. There are worse coaches than Dunleavy, but his argument for keeping this job seems to be diminished.
gary in LA: your opinion, who starts al thornton or rasul butler for clipper amd why? thanks
Alex Raskin: It has to be Thornton. Recent issues aside, Thornton is young and talented and this team isn't a serious contender this year. Sure, Butler can shoot, but that doesn't help the Clippers in the long run. Shooters come and go, but when you have the chance to develop a player, that needs to take priority.
Jazzaholic in Salt Lake: Slow start for the Knicks. You know Jazz fans second favorite NBA team to root for is whoever is playing the Knicks that night. ;-)
Where do you think that draft pick will end up and who should the Jazz try to draft?
Alex Raskin: The pick will be a good one, but the Jazz do have one minor issue. They have two PFs (okay, Boozer could be gone before the start of next year) and this draft is loaded at that position. If they can get high enough, they'll have a chance to take Oklahoma's Willie Warren or OSU's Evan Turner. Cole Aldrich is a possibility, but I'm not as sold on him as everyone else appears to be.
jerry in san antonio: who's the best all around player? ginobili of stephen jackson
Alex Raskin: All-around, Jackson is better. His toughness, reach and quickness make him a better defender and rebounder. However, Ginobili is the better scorer and because of that rare skill, he would be more valuable to the Spurs.
jerry in san antonio: should spurs play mihinmi or haislip over ratliff?
Alex Raskin: Mahinmi didn't have his option picked up, so that doesn't bode well for him. Haislip is a different kind of player than Ratliff, but there will be nights when his quickness will be valued. Ratliff will do his best work against back-to-the-basket bigmen while Haislip can do more defending guys like Dirk, Odom, Gasol and that bunch.
jerry in san antonio: if spurs dont resign manu or roger could they make a run at rudy gay?
Alex Raskin: Not really. Some other moves would have to happen for them to have that kind of cap space. The MLE won't get the job done. However, if Gay's situation deteriorates further (he and the Grizz are at odds over an extension and he is set to become a restricted free agent) he could end up on the trade block.
Even then though, the Spurs are unlikely candidates to get that deal done.
jerry in san antonio: who will spurs draft in 2010 nba draft?
Alex Raskin: Let's predict they'll be picking towards the end of the draft.
Here are a few names to keep in mind:
G Xavier Henry - Kansas (decent shooter if the team doesn't bring Mason back)
F Devin Ebanks - WVU (would have time to develop on the bench)
C Andrew Ogilvy - Vanderbilt (not much yet known about this Aussie, but San Antonio is a great place to learn toughness and discipline)
G Sylven Landsburg - UVa. (Queens native attacks the hoop, but isn't certain to be coming out. His shooting isn't great, but that's something that can develop over time)
It is way to early to judge and even I need to spend more time getting to know this class, but those are a few names that spring to mind.
Tomas in Lithuania: who will be so good longer? Bosh or Melo? both plays like MVPs
Alex Raskin: I love that this question is coming from Lithuania. I imagine you're counting the seconds until Donatas Motiejunas reaches the States.
I'll take Melo. A lot of people can't stand his game, but so much of what he does is very subtle. Even at Syracuse I was stunned by the little things he did well (footwork in the post, etc.). Also, Anthony doesn't have to fight in the post with Kendrick Perkins -- that is sure to save some wear and tear.
Tomas in Lithuania: What do you think about Jennings being so comfotable are super-rookie, and Harden getting less than 20min?
Alex Raskin: Harden can make the same impact that Jennings is making. He just needs a little time and the chance to learn how to play with Westbrook.
Maurice in Wisconsin: Who would want to take Michael Redd off the bucks hands?
Redd,Thomas,Alexander to Utah for Brewer,Harpring,Boozer
Alex Raskin: Nah, just wait. The Bucks want his expiring contract and if they're out of the playoff picture, he could save them a few dollars by accepting a buyout. Michael Redd could sign with a new team for the Vets' minimum before the end of the year.
Peter in : Channing Frye has been playiing exceptionally well for the past couple games. If he continues to put up numbers like he did in recent games, he could emerge as the fav to win the Most improved player of the year award. Do you agree?
Alex Raskin: He is certainly a candidate and he'll be getting enough playing time finally to prove himself. He certainly seems like a candidate, but I'm not sure who the favorite is yet.
Conor in Eugene, Or: with gay failing to agree to an extension wth memphis, would it be possible for him to be traded to portland so the griz dont lose him to fa
Alex Raskin: I expect Gay to be traded before the deadline. In nearly any other situation, Gay's restricted free agent wouldn't be a big deal. However, the Grizz are not doing well financially and could very well pass on matching the large offers Gay is sure to get.
Gay would want to be traded so his new team would retain his bird rights and just to get in a winning situation. Portland makes a lot of sense, but the asking price will be high.
Keep an eye on: Miami (could offer two non-lottery first round picks and some expiring contracts) Minnesota (could offer multiple first round picks but probably not Rubio who never seemed to want to play in Memphis) New Jersey (multiple first round picks and plenty of expiring contracts) Utah (non-protected pick of the Knicks)
Tom in Rochester, NY: Any chance the Nets make improvements during the season, like trading for a semi quality forward. They are hurting in the front court, especially with Yi out.
Alex Raskin: Hello to Section V.
The Nets will think longterm and the upcoming draft is loaded at PF. They have two first round picks and could have there choice of nearly 10 lottery candidates at PF.
They also have lots of expiring contracts and useful veterans. Don't be surprised to see the Nets grab one or two more draft picks before the season is through.
That is it for today. Thanks to everyone who wrote in.
Tomas in Lithuania: How about your Knicks and Nets? How do you think, which stars most likely end up their after next offseason?
Alex Raskin: I don't see either team making the big free agent splash everyone expects. A guy like Tyson Chandler coming to the Knicks is much more realistic, because nobody is going to offer him a max deal. Bosh, Wade and James all will be getting that plus whatever the Larry Bird clause has in store for them (the increased incremental raises give the Raptors, HEAT and Cavs a $30 million advantage).
That being said, these two franchise's fiscal conservativeness has been long overdue. The Knicks don't need Steve Francis, Eddy Curry, Zach Randolph or any other similar albatross. Their future will come through the draft (obviously they have no first round pick in 2010) and through player development.
The Nets, meanwhile, just need to save money to stay afloat. Once this team gets to Brooklyn (and I do believe they will get that done), they'll have a more mature Lopez, Lee and Terrence Williams not to mention a few more lottery picks.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Tyson Chandler won't become a free agent this offseason.
Please be respectful of the writers in your comments or they will be removed
posted by Jo Jo, 11/3/2009 11:13:48 AM T. Chandler and M. Redd are not going to be free agents this summer. They both have player options for $12.7 and $18.3 million. They're not opting out in this economy THIS summer.
posted by Alex Raskin, 11/3/2009 11:15:47 AM @Jo Jo: Good catch. I forgot about Redd's player option. I'm not entirely clear on whether Chandler has an option for next year of if he's just signed through 2011.
posted by Toolatecrew, 11/3/2009 11:53:19 AM "but I'd like to add that Miller isn't that great at getting to the line. For his career he's averaging less than five trips per game. "
Sure but next to Steve Blake he's DWade. Miller goes to the line 5 times per 40 minutes. Blake 1.5 That's a huge differnece. Heck he gets to the line at a higher rate than the Blazers starting PF. Miller is "good" at getting to the line. Roy is great but it doesn't mean Miller isn't good at it.
posted by Alex Raskin, 11/3/2009 12:09:08 PM @Toolatecrew: Okay, I'll give that to you... Eventually Miller will take the helm, but in the meantime McMillan has someone he trusts with the Blazers offense. I wouldn't get too bent out of shape over the situation at this point of the season.
posted by Joe, 11/3/2009 12:26:43 PM I think theres a misconception about Miller's game. People think hes the ultimate unselfish point guard. The truth is that he looks for his own shot way too often. I think that McMillan likes having the ball in Roy's hands a good portion of the game and thats harder to do with Miller on the floor. Plus you can't do drive and kick with Miller because hes not a good 3 point shoot. Blake is much better suited for that. I really would not be surprised if Miller stays on the bench for these reasons. Also, both point guards are equally bad defensively.
posted by Alex Raskin, 11/3/2009 1:29:29 PM @Joe: I definitely see where you're coming from. I think his selflessness is over-stated. He is a team-first guy, but sometime I wonder why his usage rate never goes below 20... I get it. He's a PG so he has to dribble a lot. Still, Blake's stays closer to 15 every year because he doesn't spend a ton of time with the ball in his hands.
posted by Toolatecrew, 11/3/2009 3:17:18 PM Blake doesn't have the ball in his hands becuase he can't do anything with it. He can bring the ball up. He can hit a spot up shot. That's it. While one might assume that that sounds great being the "Fisher to Roy's Kobe". However its not the same thing. With Blake Roy is the only creator they have. Roy has to create kickouts for Blake. Aldridge is a jumpshooter. he doesn;t draw doubleteams so who gets him shots? ROY Oden has no offensive game. He can;t pass either. Webster is a standstill shooter. Outlaw doesn't create for anyone but himself.
I think it would be better fpor the team AND for Roy (in terms of keeping him fresh) if Roy did not have the ball as much and did LESS creating not more. Think about it. Wehn things are tight if Roy is the one with ball in his hands running the offense you double him and make someone else beat you. If miller runs thing Roy can come off a screen, or get a kickout and have single coverage. If Jordan can have pippen handel the ball. if Kobe can have Odom run the offense why can't Roy be more effective off the ball?
posted by Blazerman @ toolatecrew, 11/3/2009 3:28:57 PM I couldnt agree with you anymore on Blake, he's a hack and Im sick of Nate's mancrush on him.
Miller should be starting and Id even like to see Bayless get few minutes because Blake just turns into a 2 guard when he's on the floor with Roy so why cant Bayless do the same.
Also TOOLATECREW, YOU SHOULD COME POST IN THE BLAZER FORUM ON PRO SPORTS DAILY, your a knowledgeable guy and I'd like to see another blazer fan that knows what he's talking about in there.
posted by Jeff Y, 11/4/2009 6:42:54 AM "So who’s going to be the first free agent traded? How about Andre Miller? This clearly doesn’t seem to be working out well. Miller is a ball oriented point guard and it was interesting to see the end game sequence with Portland losing to Houston Saturday. Roy, who had 42 in the game, generally controls the ball at the end of the game for the Trail Blazers. But with about three minutes left and with Roy having scored seven of Portland’s last nine points, Miller took a quick jumper and missed. Roy then intercepted him on the next “Blazers possession as Miller crossed halfcourt to get the ball. Miller then drove into an offensive foul the next Portland possession and was lifted for Steve Blake. In Sunday’s win over the Thunder, Blake played the dominant minutes while Miller attempted one shot and had zero assists in 20 minutes. Pout City?" Quote from Sam Smith
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