HOOPSWORLD Publisher Steve Kyler will hold his weekly chat at 10am EST on Wednesday. Drop in your questions regarding NBA trades, roster moves or questions about your team.
Cain in New Zealand: Is Kevin Martin's talent going to waste in Sac-Town? Will he be there till the end of his current contract?
Steve Kyler: Welcome in everyone... hope the first week of the season has been interesting enough for you. I am now a full week into Windows 7 and can say I am pleased with the latest version - much better than Vista in every way... so lets see if Win 7 can get through the chat without any hiccups.
I would not say talent is wasted, because I do believe that the unlimited green light Kevin has in Sacramento is making him into the player he is... He lands on a team that doesn't let him shoot as freely he is not the same player... that said I do not think Kevin ends his career in Sacramento. There is a lot of personal connections there, but at the end of the day he's their best chip to cash and he is not going to wait out the rebuilding process much longer.
I wouldn't say he's traded today... but if the right offer of ending contracts and draft picks came along I think Sacramento would listen --- but whenever you think about trading your lone star, you have to consider I am trading the "now" for the future... so whoever presents the brightest future is the team that gets Sacramento talking. They are going nowhere fast as constructed so moving Kevin may be the way to jump start the retooling process.
Shane in Dallas, TX: Will we ever see the day when Shaq is a bench player, ala Bill Walton?
Steve Kyler: Not sure we are that far away from it... I think Shaq is still serviceable as a starter, but if you are playing him more than 20-25 minute a game you are likely hurting yourself.
The league is different than when Walton played... the egos are bigger and the former star refuse to be role guys... I think that is why careers in the NBA are just gonna end for some guys... teams just don't need an aging starter that won't play a role and why guys like Adonal Foyle keep getting contracts.
Jimbo in Cleveland, OH: OMG, MAGIC LOST TO PISTONS, THEY'LL WIN UNDER 20 THIS SEASON! Lol, just ragging on my boy Jason from Orlando. But seriously, what happened? I never would have thought that the Magic's first loss would come to the new look Pistons.
Steve Kyler: Yes Chicken Little the sky is falling... There is something about The Palace that gets the Magic out of their element... maybe its Deee-troooit Basket...balllll... Once they got the Bigs in foul trouble the Magic had no answers offensively, they couldn't bait Detroit into their three point game and they put up a lot of contested shots from three.
Its one bad game and these guys haven't had one of those yet, so now maybe Stan's words on defense will sink in a little better... Getting knocked off the high horse early is likely a good thing for the coaches.
I am concerned about Dwight's shoulder, that is a problem for me, I think it gets worse before it gets better and considering a shoulder injury claimed almost a year for Jameer, I wonder when is it smart to rest Dwight and take the lumps versus this thing lingering all season...
You know he's gonna get targeted... not saying anyone takes a cheap shot on the shoulder, but if I am defending Dwight, I am leaning into it on the pick and rolls just to make him think about the shoulder and not dunking on me.
Peter in Vancouver: After watching the Rockets demolish the Jazz, i have to say that the rockets have transformed from a half-court team to a potent run and gun team. When yao returns do you think they will have trouble incorporating yao back into the offense??
Steve Kyler: Its early... but man, Darryl Morey is a genius... he just has a knack for seeing beyond what others see... I also think his young guys like Chase Budinger took being picked in the 2nd round personally and have worked harder... but Houston is a surprise for sure.... Imagine how they will be when T-Mac comes back and needs to play for his next contract.
Not ready to pencil them into the playoffs, but also not sold they are looking at a lottery picks yet either.
Yao is not back until next year, so this team won't look anything like it does now... Houston is gonna be a player in free agency...
I am not sure how much of my future I leverage on fitting Yao in... that foot may heal and he may play again, but he's going to have these kinds of problems for the rest of his career.
CJ in ATL,GA: Jamal Crawford is really killin it in Atlanta. I remember my friend said he was gonna screw that team up.
Steve Kyler: I said when they got him that Jamal was exactly what they needed... he's instant offense and in the playoffs last year Atlanta ran out of gas... I like the Hawks in the 4th seed in the East and they have shown me nothing in the first week to make me believe they won't be there.... Can they do anything after that, not sure yet but Atlanta is not a joke.
Carey in : Do you think Thabo Sefolosha makes an All-Defensive team this year? I think he's the best perimeter defender in the league. First 3 games....Kevin Martin 5 for 19, Ben Gordon 8 for 20, Brandon Roy 5 for 17
Steve Kyler: He looked pretty good last night... I think Thabo's role in the NBA is going to be a specialist and I think like Bruce Bowen or Ron Artest he can stick in the league for a long time being a defensively presence, he's got the skills for it.
Post season awards are tough to predict, especially things like All-NBA teams and All-Defensive teams... but I agree with you, he's been really good for the Thunder.... they gave the Lakers all they could handle for four quarters.
Tomas in Lithuania: Mareese Speights: 30mpg 17ppg8rpg1.5bpl and MIP, is it possible?
Steve Kyler: More than possible... today it looks probable... not sure anyone has made the jump from last year to this like Marresse has... Its still early, but if you asked me to pick a front runner, I'd give Speights a lot of attention.
Cain in New Zealand: Any chance that Rudy Gay gets moved before the trade deadline? Where could he go?
Steve Kyler: Unlikely... Memphis' issue was they did not want to overpay Rudy, so letting him go out and find a deal as a restricted free agent lets them validate his value... they can match whatever he gets offered so if they are being genuine in their affection for Rudy I doubt they trade him.
That said, if he and OJ Mayo can't get along, maybe Rudy is the guy moved, but I doubt seriously that Memphis trades him this year... sign and trade next summer, absolutely possible... at the deadline, I doubt it unless someone gets really silly with an offer.
Jesse in Toronto: Hi Steve,
What have you thought of the first week in the NBA? Every year
I make predictions with friends and wanted to know some of
yours for the 09/10 season.
Steve Kyler: I think it's gone as I expected... I expected Cleveland to struggle a little... I expected Orlando to struggle a little more than they have, but maybe their struggles come this week with Phoenix and Detroit.
Overall, not a lot of surprises... maybe Toronto's 1-3 start, I expected more from them... but as I said all summer, continuity wins championships... look at the top teams today... most made only minor changes... those extra wins today often mean the difference in one seed in the playoffs.
Boston
5
0
1.000
-
101.4
79.8
+21.6
Won 5
5-0
Phoenix
4
0
1.000
½
114.0
104.0
+10.0
Won 4
4-0
Denver
4
0
1.000
½
113.8
103.8
+10.0
Won 4
4-0
Miami
3
1
.750
1 ½
100.5
91.8
+8.8
Lost 1
3-1
Dallas
3
1
.750
1 ½
93.5
87.8
+5.8
Won 3
3-1
Atlanta
3
1
.750
1 ½
106.8
101.8
+5.0
Won 1
3-1
Houston
3
1
.750
1 ½
104.8
101.5
+3.3
Won 3
3-1
LA Lakers
3
1
.750
1 ½
99.5
98.5
+1.0
Won 2
3-1
Orlando
3
1
.750
1 ½
105.0
98.0
+7.0
Lost 1
3-1
Tomas in Lithuania: IF they play that good for longer time, who do you like more?Rose vs Westbrook or Jennings vs Flynn?
Steve Kyler: I still think Derrick Rose is the gem of the bunch, but its clear he is not right physically... I think Johnny Flynn is the worst of the bunch... I like him as a person and a player, but historically there have not been many guards under 6 foot that have been studs and I think Ramon Sessions stole his job already.
Brandon Jennings is a stud... I think all the negative hype and all the bad press has really fueled Brandon... I met him before he chose to go to Italy and he's a different person today, really matured. I have been singing his praises since Summer Legaue... I think he's the second best guy on the list.
Love Russell Westrbook too, but in that list I think he's third.
Dan in chicago: DO you think Leon smith will ever be back in the NBA he was the lat pick in 1999 NBA draft
Steve Kyler: No... once the window closes on you its almost impossible to re-open... the NBA tends to give unlimited chances to young guys, but once you are out its really hard to get back in.
He played last in Argentina in 2007, since then he's not even playing abroad... so the NBA is highly unlikely.
francis in berea: Who would have thought Iverson and Randolph on the same team would be a bad idea.Now all they need is Stephen Jackson to play the 2,Artest at the 3,and Rasheed at the 5.That would be the classiest team in the NBA.
Steve Kyler: Not really a question... but no matter what stance you take... the Grizz took a gamble on Zach and Iverson hoping talent would prevail, but as I say a lot --- talent is not everything, fitting into the team concept, playing well with others and being coachable tend to lead to more on the court success.
Its early, I think the Grizz will win more games than last year and I think Zach and Iverson will be reasons why they do.
jim obrien in nap: why do i get this tern around when wil it hapen is it dunlevey for it thanks piece out
Steve Kyler: Jimmy not sure you do... I think the Pacers are better than their 0-3 start, but consider that they lost to Denver (undefeated) and two 3-1 teams in Miami and Atlanta... I wouldn't panic yet.
For a team built on defense, they are giving up a lot of points. I think they can get this thing righted, consider they have New York tonight, Washington and Golden State... they could be 3-3 next week or at worse 2-4.
Frank in : HiHo-
1)Will DelWEST play more than A.Parker? 2)Why isn't NOCI getting time?
3)What do you project for DENG? THANKS.
Steve Kyler: Not sure on West... I think they need him to play more minutes than Parker to win games, but he's got really issues both with himself and legally....
I assume you mean Andres Nocioni in Sacramento, he's playing about 20 minutes a game so far and thats where he's gonna be, keep in mind they have a lot of front court guys that need minutes too... Noche isn't going to be an impact player in Sacramento.
I think I have been telling everyone for a while that Luol Deng wasn't a bust, that he was injured almost all last year and through 4 games this year he's put up 17 points and 10 rebounds, he hung 24 points and 13 rebounds last night... so I think its safe to say he's gonna be a 20 and 10 guy.
Cory in Aurora, IL: How do you view Kirk Hinrich? One person says he's a lousy backup PG, the next says he could start for half the teams in the league. Your thoughts?
Steve Kyler: Eye of the beholder...
I am not sure Kirk is a great starting point guard, but as for a sixth man... he's a very good defender, and he can at times shoot the crap out of the ball... so if you are expecting Kirk to become Jason Kidd or Steve Nash as he gets older keep dreaming... but I think he can be a serviceable player for the Bulls for a while.
He could start for all of the teams, but not sure that is what you want him doing... is he better than the starter for the bottom 12 teams... maybe... but he's bust suited in the role he plays now.
Cain in New Zealand: What sort of influence will Tyler Hansbrough have on the Pacers when he comes into the line-up?
Steve Kyler: I think Tyler is going to bring some swagger to the team, and I think he;s gonna provide energy... that is exactly what he did in Summer League... when he was on the floor his team mates played a little harder and were more physical.
Statistically... he's an 8 and 8 guy his rookie year.
Joe Shafer in Houston, TX: Did you expect Ariza to contribute as much as he has offensively? Doesn't Chase Buddinger remind you of a Mike Dunleavy kind of player?
Steve Kyler: Yes... mainly because they had no one else to go to... I am a big Trevor Ariza fan and have been for a while... so I felt like he could do more than we've seen, but his shots are out of necessity.
Not sure who Chase reminds me of, I wouldn't say Dunleavy because I think Mike D has a better floor game than Chase... he really reminds me of Tim Legler/Pat Garrity... Big, Long and can really shoot it... I think Chase is gonna have a stellar career
P'd Off guy in : Whats worng with John salmons? hes single handly killing my team! Is it cos he cant play the Sg position?
Steve Kyler: See why he got traded?... I love John Salmons as a player, I think he was the steal of the deadline. Thats said he's a hard guy to understand, he takes a lot of bad shots and is not much of a defender.
Thats said, when his shots start falling he's amazing... he's streaky and that hurts when the streak doesn't go your way.
I think Salmons is more of a swing Guard, he slides to the three and creates a mismatch, but at the 2 he;s too slow defensively.
kalabay in turkey: Hi Steve,what factors may interrupt Orlando's march to the title?(like D12's shoulder,etc.)
Also do you think Lakers will let to go of Kobe,and if they do with whom they can replace him(an emerging star)?
Steve Kyler: I think Orlando march to the Finals gets slowed by a couple of things...
#1- health.. Dwight has to play 75 plus games or Orlando has really problems. I think Jameer has to stay healthy too. I like J Will from the bench, but he forces the issue too much.
#2 - commitment to defense... The Magic are gonna beat you defensively, they have been really soft on the pick and roll and they still let up when they have a lead - teams are gonna exploit that as the season goes.
#3 - high percentage shots... I say this every year, and Stan rags on me about it - a shot that goes in is a high percentage shot according to Stan --- but to me, its about taking the 20 foot pull up when you have space, versus the falling out of bounds jumper for three... Dwight's dunks are far more effective than the run across the lane scoop shot... This is a big issue with Vince, being patient enough to let the offense work.
They do those three things they win 60 plus game.
No chance in hell the Lakers let go of Kobe, he'll be there for his entire career.
Derek in Palm Beach, FL: Steve Javey must have had a 7 figures on that ORL/DET game. D12 fouling out in 16min? Wanna know how many games last year that KG/Bron/Kobe fouled out? Zero? Wanna know how many games LA/CLE/BOS opponent attempted 20 more FTs? ZERO
Steve Kyler: Derek... let it go man it's one game.
Here is the difference between KG/LeBron and Kobe... none of them are centers... Dwight gets sloppy and team attack him for it.
Stan said it during his post game. They were too quick to foul and detroit got that message and went at him... Don't blame Javie because Dwight was whacking guys arms.
Jesse in Toronto: Hi Steve,
Do you think Toronto is utilizing Hedo to everyones best
abilities?I think he should have the ball more to the offense.
The look for a PG and or post player, then get it back if open.
Steve Kyler: Lots of new faces in Toronto... and as I said earlier, I think 20 games in everyone is going to normalize.... Hedo missed a lot of the pre-season and its catching up to Toronto.
From personal experience, trust Hedo is a hard thing for a coach to do, because he is reckless with the basketball. I think they will find a groove for him.
Evan in New York: Will guys like Anthony Randolph and Roy Hibbert start to see more minutes as the season progresses or is this it? I know Randolph has his back issues which has held him back but Don Nelson is a little strange with giving his players minutes.
Steve Kyler: I think both players are still victims of trust issues with their coaches... I know Indiana wants to use Roy more, so thats a given.
Golden State, seriously, who knows what Don Nelson is thinking, hard to understand whats going on there.
But I agree, both should be seeing 30 minutes a game based on what they have done this summer and pre-season and where their respective teams are in the season.
worried in portland OR: You said talent isn't everything, couldn't agree more, because as talented as Miller is, he is a terrible fit in portland. What should the Blazers do? They look really awful. Help!
Steve Kyler: I think Portland has a bigger issue than Andre Miller... I said this after watching them play versus Houston and Oklahoma City... I think these guys are tuning out Nate Mac... hate to say it, but I am not sure he's reaching them like he did last year.
In coaching sometimes the message gets old, and I think the system in Portland is limited some players... I think Portland will turn it around, but beyond Brandon Roy... does anyone look like they care about winning or losing?
I see a lot of guys going through the motions... again, Portland is a young team and they are growing up every season... I liken them to have teenagers in the house, how much guidance will they take... a lot less than when they were rookies and sophomores...
I think Nate needs to let the dogs off the chain a little and success will follow, those guys don't seem to be enjoying themselves.
Derek in Palm Beach, FL: Who loses minutes once Shard returns?
Steve Kyler: I was asked this the other day and here was my answer then...
Think about it this way --- there are 240 game minutes per game, and Stan needs to give roughly 35 minutes a night to his starters... leaving 65 minutes of game time for roughly 5 guys--- so Bass, Anderson, Williams, Gortat and Pietrus get 13 minutes a game on average.
Derek in Palm Beach, FL: Now that I've vented about the refs, I'd like to hear your take on the Magic's chemistry without Shard, Pietus and VC for multiple games this year?
Steve Kyler: Its OK Derek... it sucks to lose because your guys are in foul trouble... always easier to take a loss when all the soldiers are on the field and you just get beat.
I think this team needs some adversity... it will weed out the problems... the chemistry is good, the communication is good... the defensive intensity is not good, but I suspected that would be the case... Brandon Bass is not a defensive player.. Jason Williams is not a defensive player... Ryan Anderson isn't either... Stan runs a very regimented defensive scheme that requires a lot of rotations and help in certain situations... so I expected some struggles on that front.
Overall, I like where this team is at, I chuckle at the "best magic team" ever references... lets get into the playoffs first and then see where things are...
but the short answer... better than I expected on a lot of fronts.
Adam in St.John's Canada: is there a trade in the works for the
pistons? everyone keeps mentioning it?
Steve Kyler: There was a lot of chatter last night in Detroit when it was announced Tayshaun Prince wouldn't play... he really wasn't hurt and had a massive consecutive games record.... that lead everyone to chatter.
Joe Dumars denied anything in the works, but I think ultimately they have to do something... they have $20 million tied up in guys they do not want any more.
Its does not seem like anything is imminent.
Cj in Alabam: Where do you see the nuggets ending up at seasons end
Steve Kyler: Top three in the west... everyone saw them as a one-hit wonder, and I thought that was foolish... Melo is killing it and the team looks better this year than last.
I think Top Three is the likely landing spot... if the Lakers keep screwing around they could lose enough ground to concede the top spot in the West.... they really miss Pau Gasol
Jamie in Wisconsin: Have you any Bucks games so far if you haven't well ii got is two words Brandon Jennings?
Do you think the Bucks will target Ray Gay in the offseason and trade Michael "Injury-Prone" Redd?
Steve Kyler: I have seen them a couple of times so far including last night versus the Bulls.... I am with you on Brandon Jennings... see my comments above.
On Rudy Gay, I think a lot of teams come calling for Rudy, the problem with Milwaukee is they have no cash and unless they can liquidate Michael Redd for ending contracts, I don;t see how they can make an attractive offer that trumps the Knicks, Nets or Rockets.
Player
2009-10
2010-11
Michael Redd
$17,040,000
$18,300,000
Andrew Bogut
$10,000,000
$11,000,000
Dan Gadzuric
$6,749,260
$7,248,325
Luke Ridnour
$6,500,000
Kurt Thomas
$3,800,000
Charlie Bell
$3,602,960
$3,851,440
Carlos Delfino
$3,500,000
$3,500,000
Hakim Warrick
$3,000,000
Joe Alexander
$2,583,360
$2,763,600
Brandon Jennings
$2,168,520
$2,331,120
Ersan Ilyasova
$2,100,000
$2,320,500
Bruce Bowen*
$2,000,000
Francisco Elson
$1,700,000
Roko Ukic
$1,350,000
$1,450,000
Luc Mbah a Moute
$736,420
$854,389
Walter Sharpe
$736,420
Jodie Meeks
$650,000
$762,195
TOTAL
$68,216,940
$54,381,569
David in Trinidad & Tobago: Is it me, or is Dwight Howard not getting the calls with the refs this year? Last night it seemed like the Pistons were beating him down, but when he would play aggressive, he would get an offensive foul call. What gives?
Steve Kyler: Ask Shaquille O'Neal how often he gets his calls... When you are Dwight Howards' size your not gonna get calls, and your touch fouls are gonna get called more.
Think about the "People's Elbow" - Dwight hits you lightly with the Elbow its incidental contact, but he's so strong he sends you flying...
The Refs have never been able to call Big guys properly... Dwight is not alone in this, just ask Shaq.
Guys, that is it I am out of time. Look for Coach Mike Moreau at Noon EST. Thanks for all the questions, and I will see you same time next week.
Please be respectful of the writers in your comments or they will be removed
posted by Nate, Chicago, 11/4/2009 11:39:49 AM Nice chat Steve. Not to nitpick, but Luol Deng had a career game last night of 24 pts and 20 boards, not 24 and 13 as you said.
posted by Clipperfan, 11/4/2009 11:46:09 AM Steve, which are the so called 12 teams that are expected to be the free agency players next summer, and what players are they most likely looking at? This would seem to be a good topic for a series of reports, starting about now, that document these 12 teams and the various adjustments they make as we get closer to the trading deadline and then on to the draft and free agency? It would be interesting to follow such a series, to see how these 12 teams adapt and adjust. Anyway just a suggestion. Thanks.
posted by dial up, 11/4/2009 12:18:26 PM Just ask shaq?? What a horrible writer, if you've seen shaq play you'd know he goes to the line ALOT, and is rarely called for the offensive foul unless someone flops hard. What about orl/cavs where dwight blocks lebrons shot and a foul is called?? is that regular, or are the refs favoring certain "stars" over others?? Not all stars get the same calls, steve kyler. watch a game
posted by Piston's Fan, 11/4/2009 1:18:20 PM Portland Trailblazers Suck! We kicked their asses last night. Looks like the kids in Rip City are tired already.
posted by Steve in Bridgewater, NS, 11/4/2009 1:18:58 PM The Raps are actually off to a 1 and 2 start, not a 1 and 3 start...... unless of course you can see into the future to the result of tonight's Raps vs Pistons game.
posted by @ Pistons fan, 11/4/2009 1:33:27 PM The blazers played the hawks last night not the pistons. WE? are you on the roster not very nice guy?
posted by Mark, 11/4/2009 3:46:56 PM LOL at above! Nicely done. It will be hard to swallow when you beat the Magic and then lose to the Raptors. I know...We beat CLeveland and then lost to Memphis! Much like cocaine the buzz only lasts so long. So I've heard....
posted by Mark, 11/4/2009 3:47:31 PM And yes, I do play for the Raptors!
posted by The King, 11/4/2009 4:21:08 PM shut up dial up! Dwight is not and never will be on Bron's level therefore he will never get those type of calls! Damn Cry Baby Magic Fans make me SICK!!!!!
posted by magic fan, 11/4/2009 4:46:49 PM us the cry babies? seems to me as if lebron and the horrible town of cleveland is the cry babies. real manly and stand uppish of lebron to cry and not shake hands OR talk to the media because he LOST to the MAGIC when i counted.
posted by AzureArcerbus, 11/4/2009 6:19:53 PM Hey Kyler. You said it seems like the Pistons need to do something cause they have 20 mill in contracts they don't want. Obviously you were talking about Tay cause thats who the question was asked about. And im going to assume the other is Rip.
If it is Rip, Could you explain why? Pistons don't have nearly as much continuity when they play without Rip. Sure Pistons won last night, but it was from Amazing one on one guard play. If you pay attention to the pistons everything just smooths out when rips on the floor.
As far as tay he probably should be traded for a big. Tho I think, if he sticks with the pistons, He'll be better than last year. By better i mean lower ppg, higher Fg%, and better +/-
posted by Another Magic Fan, 11/4/2009 8:24:19 PM MAgic 2010 champs..
posted by Chris, 11/5/2009 1:29:18 PM The raptors are 2-2 NOT 1 and 3 LOL...fix ur answers Mr Kyler
posted by JULIAN LA, 11/7/2009 3:28:24 AM SEAN MARKS OF THE HORNETS IS HE STILL WITH THEM. THERE'S NO NEWS ON HIM I CHECKED THE TEAMS WEBSITE. JUCISH@YAHOO.COM
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