It's that time.  Commence chat.

Eric P from Naptown, I don't know!  I really didn't expect much from Phoenix this year.  They don't have the defense.  They don't have the depth.  Still, it's difficult to deny their torrid start.

I expect the Suns to come back to earth at some point.  I will have to revise my initial estimate which had them outside of the top eight teams in the West.  They've got enough on the roster to close out tight games which most teams can't boast.

I can't see why he would frankly.  Outlaw is a solid player but an All-Star?

So how many wins do the Knicks have?  In the early going I'm going to have to say Crawford.

Do you have a question? 

People - sound off to George in the comments - but let's keep the language clean.

Maybe Hibbert will get a vote or two - I'm not sure he'll get enough respect for his improvement out in Indy, unless the Pacers make a solid run to the playoffs.  As far as moving Murphy, the issue has always been about contract.  I'm not sure there's a team willing to take on his near $12 million next season - although a bad K for bad K deal is always possible.

I see Murphy on the Indy roster at season's end.

I picked him up for my fantasy team (as a reserve) before the game was over.

Dunleavy told me last night that Gordon's MRI/CT Scan was clean but that he's more than day-to-day.  There's no timeline yet - could be a week or even two.  Griffin was expected to miss about five weeks of the regular season, give-or-take.  We're on week three.

I also asked that of the Clipper coach and he indicated it's all up to the MRI.  If the bone has healed - he's good to go.  If not, he can't play til it's 100%.

The Clippers were awful last night.  So far this year Gordon is the only guard who can consistently light it up - without him the Hornets were able to just sag on Chris Kaman.  Ugly performance.

I actually had a chance to talk with Kahn when they gave Brewer the extra year.  His comments weren't an indictment of Corey - but rather a map of what he Brewer needs to do to be successful in this league.  The Wolves love so much of what he can do but if he doesn't discover some sort of jump shot, it'll be hard for Corey to reach his potential.

Kahn - and Coach Kurt Rambis - both spoke very highly of Brewer.

I know that the ballots are drawn up before November.  The two best Clippers (thus far) in Gordon and Kaman aren't included - while Blake Griffin who hasn't even played a minute of regulation made the list.

As the saying goes - it is what it is.

I try to vote objectively but ultimately it turns into a popularity contest.  For the record, I'll submit just one ballot.

I'm not going to give you my votes - but I can guess what the fan selections will be: 

In the West: Kobe, Paul, Duncan, Amar'e and Melo - although Dirk and Pau Gasol are possibilities.

In the East: LeBron, Howard, Bosh, Wade and . . . um . . . Rondo?  Johnson?  It can be a popularity contest - would Vince Carter be the favorite?  Derrick Rose? (Oops - left out Gilbert Arenas as another option - thx Michael J).

That second guard in the East is a tough call.

The Hornets have been very cost conscious.  I'm not sure they add a player like Jackson who is expensive, over-30 and somewhat of a chemistry risk.  On the other hand, New Orleans could really use the upgrade.  Good question.

Dre Miller had a brutal year as a Clipper.  That was probably the second-ugliest year to the last one - in my experience anyway.

Andre may find his way in Portland.  Starting him was a bold move.  I'm still not sold it will all work out - the chemistry doesn't look there yet - but it may be on its way.

Baron is better than he was last year but still not what the Clippers thought they were getting when they gave him a $65 million contract.  It's too soon to predict where they go at the deadline.  If they can hover around .500 when Griffin and Gordon are back 100% healthy - the Clippers may be able to contend for a playoff spot.

Ha.

I see the Lakers playing the Celtics in the NBA Finals - not that it'll be easy for either squad to get there.  If they can both stay healthy - that'd be a fantastic series.

Yes he was.

He can play some point forward - but again, he's got to add a jump shot to keep defenses honest.  He's probably not the guy you lineup defensively against opposing point guards - at least on a regular basis.

Pop, you've got to root for whoever inspires you.  If that's not the Lakers - then find some passion elsewhere.  The Suns are a good underdog story.

Typically non-Laker fans in LA at some point end up Clipper fans.

I'm getting this question a lot lately.  As I mentioned last week, it would take a major play by LeBron himself to force a deal to Los Angeles - perhaps at the threat (next July) of signing with a team like the Knicks, Nets or HEAT without Cleveland getting any compensation in return.

That'd be a pretty bold move by LBJ, we'll have to wait and see if he has it in him.  If he doesn't, then no - I don't think the Lakers have much luck in that area.

As far as do the Lakers or any of the 30 teams have interest in LeBron?  The answer is yes.

He's worth about the maximum - that's just the going rate for a guy like Bosh.  For a team to really succeed, they need two or three franchise players.  Bosh hasn't gotten that support yet in Toronto.  I expect the Raptors to do their best to keep him - regardless of whether or not they make the playoffs this year.

Obviously they can't move either until Griffin is back and comfortably in the rotation.  I can't see the team moving Kaman - where are they going to get a better center?  I wouldn't be shocked if the Clippers entertained a trade for a wing player at some point before the season is over - but a lot will be determined by their record in a few weeks when Griffin nears a return.

Wow!  I really got inundated with questions today.  I left a lot unanswered - my apologies.  If I missed yours, I'm always available via e-mail at epincus@hoopsworld.com, on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/EricPincus, or back here to chat again next week.

Also, Clipper fans - send me your questions for my weekly Clipper Mailbag over at www.clippers.com.  Send me the question via e-mail with your first name and city.

Jason - Remember Michael Jordan wasn't winning titles early in his career.  It wasn't until he was comfortable trusting his teammates within the triangle offense.

James is a great passer but how predictable are the Cavaliers in end-game situations?  That's a team that really needs an offensive philosophy that to date doesn't seem to maximize the talent around LeBron.

Right now they're adjusting to significant changes - they'll be better than they've been so far.  But can they get past the Orlando Magic or Boston Celtics?

Maybe not . . .