Chat with HOOPSWORLD editor Jason Fleming about any and all things NBA! Jason is chatting at 8pm Eastern time on Wednesday this week.
mike in houston: What is your feel for Chase Buddinger?
Jason Fleming:
Welcome to this week's chat! I might have to cut this a tad short...got a water heater guy coming out in about an hour, so starting a tad early to make up for it. Not having hot water sucks.
I'll admit, I have been very surprised by Budinger. Ankle tweak notwithstanding he has looked better defensively than I expected and definitely isn't shy about scoring. He fits into the Rockets team very well. Of course, why am I really surprised? I mean, I should have expected more - at one point he was considered a lottery pick. Might be another steal for Houston.
Josh in Akron, OHIO: Do you think starting Delonte West at the point and bringing Mo Williams off the bench would be better for the Cavaliers?
Jason Fleming: There is a fantastic story today I talked about in the PM about Delonte everyone should read - just had to say that. However, given everything Delonte is going through at the moment, I don't know if I'd want to rely on him. On the flip side, basketball never seems to be an issue for him - maybe it provides focus. It's a hard thing to figure on. Cavs seem to be doing okay since the 0-2 start though.
Tom in LA: IF you was a GM in the 2005 draft were would you take Amir Johnson at i dont think i get him at 56 like 48 one pick behind Andray Blatche. out of all the highschoolers drafted that year Amir need it some college you agree
Jason Fleming: All of the high schoolers needed college that year...every single one of them could have benefited from two years in the NCAA to further develop. Monta Ellis developed fastest at this level, but everyone else, they are still really finding themselves (Bynum seems to have found himself, but it took him three years too). Where would I have taken Amir? I wouldn't have taken him at all. I wouldn't have picked Blatche, Miles, Webster, Williams, Green or Ellis either.
Eric P in Naptown: Jay
In your mind when is the earliest in a season you can make a move to fire the head coach?
Jason Fleming:
I don't think you should even let it enter your mind until 20 games in. At that point you evaluate everything. If the coach isn't doing what you feel he should be doing, you put him on notice. Then you give him 10-15 games to fix it. If there is no improvement, he's gone. If there is improvement, there should be another evaluation. Is it enough? Should it be faster?
So I guess that's, what, January? I think Earlier than just simply isn't fair, unless you know for a fact he's being completely ignored by his players.
Chad in Oakland, CA: Hey Jason, I was wondering with the injuries to Blake Griffin and Tyreke Evans, who do you think can step up and win the ROY?
Jason Fleming: Brandon Jennings, without a doubt. The Bucks thought they had something when they drafted him, but he's only made them look great and made a bunch of other GMs who passed on him look like chumps. In fact, even without the injuries to Griffin and Evans, Jennings may just be the biggest impact rookie this year.
Andre Miller in portland: how many games are we gonna lose before the coach realizes that the answer on how to get easier buckets, more penetration and intitation of fastbreaks starts with ME starting?
Jason Fleming:
Good question Dre. Perhaps you should take advantage of Coach McMillan's open door policy and talk to him yourself.
Personally, I still think this is going to play out with Miller starting, and I do think it will be sooner rather than later. Do he and Roy have chemistry now? Nope. It may cost them a couple games. However, in the long-term, it makes this team better.
Larry in Scottsdale, Az.: J, Was there any chance the Blazers could have put together a package deal with PHX before Nash signed his exension to acquire him this summer? He may have been the right guy at PG.
Jason Fleming: Nash would have been a phenomenal fit for Portland, just as he would with just about every other team in the league not New Orleans or Utah. Or Boston. Maybe a couple others. You get the point. However, I heard nothing to indicate Portland ever talked with Phoenix seriously about Nash, nor did I hear anything legit about the Suns discussing trading Nash to any team. The Suns seemed to have wanted to keep him all along.
Mac in on the rail of the burnside bridge: Please talk me down I dont want to jump! Why shouldnt I be panicking right now?
Jason Fleming: Um, I have no idea? Oh, wait...Burnside Bridge...you must be a Blazers fan! :) Seriously man, it's not that big of a deal. Way too early, way, way too early... Chemistry is a product of time, and this team hasn't had enough of it together yet.
Keval in Westmont, IL: When do you think Derrick Rose will be 100% healthy? How come it's taking so long for this injury of his to heal? I feel like once he is healthy, he'll be the best point guard in the East.
Jason Fleming: How come it's taking so long to heal? Well, he's playing on it, that's why. Injuries take a lot longer to heal when you don't give them the time they need. When? I don't know, but I do know it's getting better. It may be a couple more weeks before he's all the way back. When he is, he's up there with Rondo.
John in Toronto: Why is Rondo so overrated?, put him on the Nets and he's terrible, put D. Harris on the Celtics and he does way better than Rondo. your comments..
Jason Fleming: Not sure that's true. I'm assuming you are basing your argument on the fact the Celtics have more options to pass to than the Nets. That's true, for sure, but I think it would stifle Harris a bit - kind of like when he was with the Mavericks. I also think Rondo is a better defensive player than Harris, and a better rebounder (hey, not a big deal for a PG, but it's still worth something). I don't think he's overrated at all.
Eric P in Naptown: Jay,
I am the only one that thinks its a good thing that getting a max contract is difficult? I think back to bad max contract.
Jason Fleming: I don't know anyone would would disagree. Is someone trying to tell you it should be easier?
max in ohio: there's a lot of talk that mike redd could get bought out. i don'T get it doesn't he have like 2 years and 35mio left on his contract? never heard of a player getting bought out of such a contract
Jason Fleming: Yep, $17 million this year, $18.3 million next year (he can opt out if he chooses, but that's pretty doubtful). I hadn't hear that...I don't see it happening at all. His knee hurts, it's not like he can never play again. Will the Bucks get $35 million of value from him over the next two years? Doubt it.
Brandon Roy in Portland: My shot selection sucks right now. Im not willing to work things out with miller. I have a massive contract, Its official IM A DIVA!!!!
Jason Fleming: That's not fair. Diva? Really? I do think you are taking some shots you may not have taken last year, and I do think you are pressing a bit. Relax, trust your teammates, trust the system, and everything will fall into place.
Eric P in Naptown: Whats up Jason, How would you compare the development of Roy Hibbert and Greg Oden? Not saying Roy is better but I think back to the matchup in the NCAA Finals
Jason Fleming: I think they are pretty even right now. They both need to get more consistent, both are good rebounders and defenders, and both have some offensive game that could stand some more work. I still think Oden's upside is much higher, but I think Hibbert will be a starting center in the NBA for the next 10 years.
drew in detroit, mi: how about tayshaun prince for rudy gay
and marko jeric? it worked on the espn
trade machine just fine. memphis gets a
solid defensive vet to help teach their
young guys, and detroit gets a younger,
more athletic sf. thoughts?
Jason Fleming: As far as young guys go, all Memphis would have left would be Gasol, Conley, and Mayo. I don't think they need anymore vets, actually - Memphis should stick with what they have. If Gay comes out and has an outstanding season, they'll just have to deal with the fact they didn't extend him at a lower price. His fair market value next summer might surprise them.
JAMES jones in IN CA: DO you think THE BULLS would trade Tyrus Thomas he in the last year off his contract they should trade him for Iverson. Iverson would be a good player to fill up the bord for the bulls thats with out Ben gordon
Jason Fleming: That's an interesting idea. If the Bulls aren't going to extend Thomas - and they have to have a decent idea by now of what they want to do with him - maybe trading him isn't a bad idea. They seem to want the cap space more anyway. However, I'm not sure Iverson is the answer (wait, he IS the Answer...hmmm....). I don't necessarily think the Bulls need another scoring option though - they seem to score okay.
Cailen in : whats your feeling on this bucks team, i they have a solid core in place, redd jennings warrick and bogut, they just need that solid closer, who is deadly in the last 2 minutes. this is what cost them against the bulls i think
Jason Fleming: Well, I think Redd is that guy, but he's not healthy. Jennings, as he develops, could become that guy. For now I think they'll just have to go with what they have. They won't have much money to spend next summer, so to get that guy they may to trade Redd...but is Redd going to bring in the last minute killer they need? Maybe two years ago, but probably not anymore.
jayzilla in phoenix, terrazona!: Channing frye most improved player of the year??? Yess?? Steve
nash back to form??
Jason Fleming: Frye has looked very good - the Suns fit his game perfectly. I'm glad to see he's doing well - he's a good guy. If he keeps it up for a full season the player who would beat him in Most Improved voting would have to be very, very impressive.
Eric P in Naptown: Jay,
Lakers don't look as hot as many writers thought, I don't see them wining over 60 games
Jason Fleming: Not if they have injuries, no, because the bench is very weak. However, if they are healthy when the playoffs come, does it really matter? Honestly? That's what this team is playing for - playoffs. They are playing their starters big minutes early in the season though, so hopefully that doesn't come back to haunt them. Contrast that with the Spurs are doing - Duncan is getting, what, 30 minutes a game?
Nate Mcmillan in portland: Im a defensive coach yet our defense has always sucked. Plus i have a big center i never use and an actual bench point gaurd making three million more than the starter, plus im letting Roy kill the team. what gives?
Jason Fleming: Your defense is bad because your point guard is bad defensively. Defense starts at the point of attack, and if the point guard can't slow down the other team, can't force them to pull up, can't force the ball out of his hands - you are going to have problems. Miller is a little better than Blake, because he can lean on guys with his size at the 1.
Mike in New York: When are the NOH going to stop playing J. Wright and realize that he is a complete dud and play M.Thornton and realize that he is a true stud, and future star. Please comment!
Jason Fleming: I don't have the answer to that. I do know the Hornets were ecstatic with how Wright had improved over the summer, but apparently it's not translating into regular season games. I think Coach Scott needs to give Thornton a little bit of run, just to see how he reacts to real games.
PG in LA: Jason, it's not too early for Portland to have chemistry. In fact, that's a complete cop out. That team has been together for YEARS. They made 1 change in adding a PG who comes off the bench. They know how to play together.
Jason Fleming: That's plain wrong. They are integrating three players into the rotation. Webster didn't play last year. Miller is new to the team. Oden's role has completely changed. Saying this team has been together for years isn't right. Batum is out for a long time. That's a lot of shuffling and getting used to rotations that has to be done. Sure, Roy, Aldridge, and Blake are the same, but this team has not been together for years. Not a cop out.
Keval in Westmont, IL: Could Deng, Rose, or Noah, be on the All-Star team this year? We have not had ONE all-star since we AIR! Can you believe that?
Jason Fleming: I think Rose will have a chance of getting voted in by the fans - maybe. He's a huge draw, big name. I don't think Noah has a chance. Deng or Rose could be added by the coaches, but for that to happen they better be in the playoff race in January. I would say Rose is more likely than Deng, if his ankle issues don't linger too long.
Scott in Santa Barbara, CA: Dunleavy's coaching is awful so far. I'd love to see John Lucas
take over and mentor someone like Mark Jackson for a season.
Why isn't Mark Jackson coaching right now? He's interviewed
for some jobs, but can't seem to get one.
Jason Fleming: That's a good question. I'm not sure if it's a matter of him not finding the right fit from his point of view, or a teams not seeing him as a fit. A lot of guys want to pick and choose their situations, which is what you should do - to a point. However, if a team needs a new coach, chances are it's not exactly a good situation.
Eric P in Naptown: Jay,
Do you think a coach eventually will "lose the players" after so many years?
Jason Fleming: I think there is something to that, but I don't think it's nearly as big a thing as some people make it out to be. If the coach and management are on the same page and working off the same game plan, you should never lose the players. To me, it always goes back to communication. Management and coach have to be on the same page, and that same page has to be communicated to the players. If something breaks down the players will know it - just like little kids. They know when the person in charge isn't really in charge.
Scott in Santa Barbara, CA: The Clips need a true starting SF, but seem destined to wait for
the 2010 crap shoot. Wouldn't Prince look good with what they
have? Camby's expiring and Thornton would seem like a great
deal for both teams.
Jason Fleming:
Sorry about that little delay - water heater guy got here and told me he couldn't fix it, have to buy a new one. Yay, another day without hot water. Fun times.
Anyway - yes, I do think Prince would look nice in the Clippers lineup. The Clips reportedly aren't itching to move Camby, but that sounds like a solid deal to me. It would take the Clips out of free agency 2010 though.
stephen in houston: how are the Cavs having trouble scoring the ball?
Jason Fleming: I encourage you to read this - Coach Mike Moreau did a fantastic breakdown on the Cavs. Of course, since then they have won three straight.
Greg Oden in Portland: Tell Brandon Roy to quit being a baby and get in sync with Miller and support him cause hes the only one who looks for me.
Jason Fleming: Oh Greg, you know you aren't a focal point of the offense yet, right? But yes, Miller does look for you more...and he should start.
Lstyles in Chicago,IL: Why are the Bulls not playing their top pick James Johnson even when Tyrus is not able to play?Is he that bad? Bulls should have used the pick on a big guard instead
Jason Fleming: To be honest, Taj Gibson has just been that much more impressive to them. He came to the team ready to play and contribute right away. Johnson isn't quite there yet, though I think he'll be good.
Jeff in NZ: Hey Jason! Theres reports saying Roy wasn't happy with Miller's plays late in the game where they lost to Rockets. Miller was handling the ball too much. Have you heard anything about it? It seems Miller had a nice performance against the Hawks.
Jason Fleming: Not really - a lot of that, in my mind, has been overblown by the media. They just need to given time to work together more. Personally, I think having the ball in Dre's hands isn't a bad thing at all. Both players are going to have to give a little - that's how this will be successful.
Mark in Tawonga, Australia: Frustrated Jazz fan , I would be willing to trade everyone but D'Will, fes, Miles & Kosta , who do think we get in a possiable trade for any of the others ?
Jason Fleming: Even Millsap? I think Boozer could still yield something for the Jazz, but they have to be willing to take on a contract. Maybe a bigger package, something that brings back a young guy, an expiring deal, and a longer term deal? As presently constructed I don't think the Jazz can go very far.
mannyo in Houma La: J Fleming, Give me your thoughts on some teams and players so far, have any of them meet, exceeded or fail to impress you in the early going? Any suprises?
Jason Fleming:
Last question!
Kevin Martin and Carmelo Anthony have been fantastic...I didn't think Boston would be so dominant...The Hornets have been a big disappointment so far, the Rockets pretty impressive. I halfway expected Portland to look this way, but I was hoping to see improvment by now. The Mavericks have been impressive.
But you know what is the most surprising storyline so far? H1N1. Teams are taking precautions, sending players home, being more careful traveling, being on top of getting vaccines. It's just another angle we've never really seen having to be dealt with in the NBA. Could be very interesting...
Thanks for all the great questions, and I apologize for the choppy chat. Hopefully by this time tomorrow I'll have hot showers again. We'll do it again next week!
Please be respectful of the writers in your comments or they will be removed
posted by Tim, 11/4/2009 9:34:05 PM If you need a new water heater check out a tankless, on demand type. Cost a bit more, but will save you money in the long run and you never run out of hot water.
posted by Jason Fleming, 11/4/2009 10:29:00 PM Thanks for the tip! We looked at those a bit, actually, but the higher install and adjustment costs in our house were going to make it a wash.
posted by JD, 11/5/2009 1:09:54 AM I watched the Mavs french rookie get some PT but they never gave him another go. I mean the guy was 4/6 from the field; they decided to let Barea play more who was 3/9 or 3/12. What gives?
posted by Eric P, 11/5/2009 11:04:44 AM Thanks Jay great chat as always!!
posted by LJ, 11/5/2009 3:27:00 PM I think Jason is making too many excuses for the Blazers. I agree with the poster who said using chemistry is a cop out because this team HAS been together for years. Yes, they've had injuries, but that's true for EVERY team in the league. The fact is that Roy is being a baby, he's being self-important and selfish, when he should be the leader by helping Miller, not arguing about it. Indeed, Roy had a negative slant towards Miller from day 1 with his comments that last year's starting line-up should remain the same .. that was before a game had even been played. Beyond that, Oden doesn't need to be the #1 option for the PG to look for him. When you have an athletic 7 footer, you're SUPPOSE TO LOOK FOR HIM, yet there's Jason making excuses for Roy again. Nonsense. Call it as you see it, dangit!
posted by drew, 11/5/2009 11:08:21 PM actually, theres alot more young guys on memphis besides the 3 u mentioned......arthus, carroll, haddadi, thabeet, sam young, and marcus williams are all very young...iverson and randolph are the only vets on the team. so adding prince to that mix would prob help alot. and the grizzlies arent giving rudy gay a extension, making him an restricted free agent this summer...so i think the prince for gay trade is amazing
posted by Jason Fleming, 11/6/2009 11:41:00 AM That is how I see it, actually. I'm surprised you think I'd just be making this up...or that I'd be covering for someone. Is that the intimation? Quite rude, actually. I've said this before and I'll say it again - 20 games in. Judge a team then, make the changes then. You don't do it after five games for the same reason you don't assume Melo is going to average 37 a game, or that the Celtics will go undefeated, or that the Cavs will be bad all season. The sample size simply isn't large enough.
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