Jason in Los Angeles:
What up E! Isn't it time the world recognizes LA as the basketball mecca? Lakers, Bruins, 2 NBA teams in one building...and the only city in the US where basketball is the #1 sport.
Eric Pincus:
Plenty of questions already in the queue. I don't use that word often . . . queue. Alright let's get to it . . .
Jason - You're asking me if it's time for the world to recognize something? I don't know if I can speak for the world. Let's ask your fellow HW readers to comment down below on this one.
LA is definitely a basketball city first although the LA Dodgers are pretty huge.
I'm not going to get involved with your turf war though :)
Cando in :
Hey Eric, The Lakers sure miss Pau ! Our 2nd unit is suffering (Farmer looks so lost in this system) what do you think about putting Powell in the starting 5 so Odum can return to the 2nd unit. I know it's still early ...
Eric Pincus:
The Lakers are thin. After the top three big men (Bynum, Gasol and Odom) - there's not much to work with. Josh Powell and DJ Mbenga can contribute in spot minutes but I'm not sure either is capable of a bigger role. I don't think it's needed to put Odom back on the bench. Coach Phil Jackson just needs to ride the rotation the best he can to compensate for Pau's injury.
Cory in Aurora, IL:
Sam Smith posted an article about LeBron signing with the Lakers next year. Is there ANY chance of that happening?
Eric Pincus:
Sure. If you make it that broad - there's a chance LeBron ends up with the Clippers, Bucks, Raptors or 27 other clubs too - small as that chance may be.
Jason in Los Angeles:
Hi Eric, did you read Sam Smith's article about a Lebron to Lakers scenario? He stated it would make sense for a S&T including Bynum & Odom. Your thoughts?
Eric Pincus:
To get more specific, the Lakers - like EVERY team in the league - would love to have LeBron James. They won't have cap room so it would take a very, very strong push directly from James. If he tells the Cavaliers that they have the choice of either a sign and trade to LA - or Bron will walk to a team with cap room like the Nets, Knicks or HEAT (etc), then I suppose there's a chance.
I would say it's a small chance - but it would really be on LeBron to force such a move - and even then Cleveland might call his bluff.
If Laker fans want to fantasize about it until July - go ahead. Just don't be disappointed if it doesn't actually go through.
You can't say it won't happen - but I certainly think it's an extreme long shot.
Vince Carter in Orlando:
I'm I going to play tonight ??
Eric Pincus:
Well I started him on my fantasy team - so I hope so!
I haven't heard word yet - from what I understand he's a game-time decision.
James in New York:
Michael Jordan or Michael Jackson--who had the bigger impact on his respective field?
Eric Pincus:
It's all subjective - I'd say Michael.
Eric P in Naptown:
Eric P how are things?
Boy it didn't take long for Iverson to start some drama did it? Is this a classic case of a "star" being pampered his whole professional life?
Eric Pincus:
One game - one loss - and that was that. He's had enough of coming off the bench. Classic stuff.
Jose in Perris, CA.:
Curiosity question for you, why hasn't "Ricky Davis" gotten into games or received any minutues? Is he injuried? Is he on Dunleavy's dog house? What's going on with him? Wasn't he going to be a big contributor this season?
Eric Pincus:
I answered this in the comments below. I don't think Ricky Davis was ever expected to be a big contributor this season.
Frank in :
Imagine a SAC-UT-CHI trade.SAC:Noci/K9-BMiller/TY T.;UT:BOOZ/Korvr-Noc/K9;
CHI:B.Miller/Ty.T-BOOZ/KVR. The trade works under the cap. Your thoughts?
Eric Pincus:
I'm not really big on three-way trade speculation. I mean the odds of you stumbling on an actual two-team trade ahead of time is very, very slim. Now add in a third partner - which is very rare in and of itself - and you're talking needle in 10 haystacks.
Presently teams are evaluating their rosters. That's a process that takes at least 20 games before GM's get serious about making deals.
Keep playing with it - but I'd say that's not a deal that's going to happen.
John in Toronto:
Hi Eric, why isnt M.Thornton on the NOH playing?? Also dont you think too many teams passed on Buddinger of the Rockets, i figure he will be a 15PPG payer in the league for years to come. your comments..
Eric Pincus:
Thornton is a rookie who hasn't proven to Coach Byron Scott that he can defend - it'll be some time before he gets a real chance to play (barring injury). Budinger looks like a steady pro - I'm not going to guess his numbers - but he definitely looks like he belongs in this league.
"Laker" Bob in Brea CA:
What could the Lakers get for Morrison and Farmer?
When will Pau be able to play?
Will we ever see Tony Gaffney in a Laker uniform again?
Eric Pincus:
At some point down the road, the Lakers may get some reasonable offers for Morrison and Farmar since they're both expiring contracts - and Jordan is still an attractive player to a team looking for a young point guard. Jordan just feels hamstrung by the nature of the triangle offense. Who they can get in return is hard to say - but they may be looking for a veteran big. One source mention Kurt Thomas as an example - not to say it was in the works - but as an idea of the kind of player who could add to LA's depth.
Gaffney is off to play in Israel. The Lakers were fond of him - but the financial considerations took precedence.
Cain in New Zealand:
What is Baron Davis and Mike Dunleavy's future with the Clippers looking like?
Eric Pincus:
The Clippers are 1-4 - the future isn't clear yet. Now that the schedule is lighter if LA can get to around .500, I don't expect any changes. They'll get Blake Griffin back and try to make a playoff run.
If they continue losing games over and over again in the fourth quarter - at some point a change will have to be made somewhere.
Jamal in :
Do you agree that Artest is being too passive? he should be more aggressive in order to take the scoring pressure off Kobe.
Eric Pincus:
I don't agree. An aggressive Artest offensively is pretty much the opposite of what I'd like to see. He shouldn't pass up open looks - but I view his activity as a diminishing return unless it's spent trying to get stops.
Eric P in Naptown:
What the %$#@ is going on in Clipperland my friend? Baron looks like a shell of his Golden State days, and Gordon is looking more tentative than agressive
Eric Pincus:
Baron hasn't looked great yet. He had a strong preseason but has since been really spotty. The Clippers need a go to player and Eric Gordon hasn't matured into that role (yet). That's supposed to be Baron - but to date it hasn't been.
mike in L.A:
Hi Eric. what is the latest news to Pau Gasol injury? I am a little worried. It is very serious and when are we going to see him on the court?
Eric Pincus:
My understanding is that Pau suffered a slight tear to his hamstring which was diagnosed over a week ago. They've since tried to get him healthy - and Monday's MRI will let the team know if there's been any improvement. I wouldn't be surprised if Gasol is out another week or two.
Sales in LA:
Eric, is it true that the lakers are interested in signing Artest ??
And if so, where does that leaves Ariza ??
smith in arizona:
Why is LBJ SF and not a SG ...just because hes 6'8''.what do you see being the main difference between 2 positions.
Eric Pincus:
Traditionally guards have to be better shooters and ball handlers than forwards. A three may play in the post or wing more. I mean really it's a matter of system - and personnel. In some instances there isn't much difference at all except for defensive assignment.
Jazzaholic in Salt Lake:
The Jazz and Hornets seem to be having similar problems with very slow starts. Is is rebuild time (already?) or will they get back on the right track?
Which will have the better season?
Eric Pincus:
The Jazz are battling through some early injuries (Kyle Korver, C.J. Miles - a little with Mehmet Okur). On paper I like Utah's roster as a possible deep playoff team. The Hornets don't seem deep enough to me. I would be surprised if Utah wasn't at least a six or seven seed (minimum) - but it wouldn't be stunning if New Orleans finished as low as ninth.
Bryan in :
Hey Pinky
Were the Three-peat teams much deeper than the team the Lakers have this year?
I think Foxy and Horry were getting on in their years back then as well.
They said the Blazers were too deep for LA and look how that turned out.
Eric Pincus:
The current Laker squad isn't deep at all - I actually think they're kind of thin.
Ronn in :
who scores 40 next?
Eric Pincus:
Whoever is playing against me in fantasy basketball -it's been that kind of week (ahem, Kevin Martin) - ugh.
lietothegirls in SAC:
I ask you, Casspi will be considered one of the steals of the Draft? The kid looks great.
Eric Pincus:
I like Casspi - a nice pick for the Kings.
Jojo in Los Angeles:
how serious is gasol's injury? are the lakers just playing it safe, or will it be like KG's injury last year?
Eric Pincus:
Garnett had a very serious, complicated knee problem. Gasol has a slight hamstring tear that shouldn't linger if he stays off of it long enough.
David in San Antonio:
Good afternoon, what do you think RJ and Blair might average this season? Thank you.
Eric Pincus:
Jefferson will average in the low double figures. I don't think Blair will hit 10 points a game (unless injuries open up more minutes). DeJuan's rebounding is so strong - he could end up in the 7-9 range off the bench.
Tomas in Lithuania:
Could Jennings have Rose type rookie year, or he is just played 2 of his best games in this season?
Eric Pincus:
My guess is his first two NBA regular season games won't be his best. He's looking very promising early. Comparing him to Rose as a rookie looks like a good call.
Eric P in Naptown:
Seriously Eric, what would Rondo be like as the stating PG for the Kings for example. The situation reminds me of when Chris Childs was tearing it up on a bad nets team, and then never produced for the Knicks
Eric Pincus:
All you have to do is look at Rondo's assist numbers and field goal percentage. So far it's 11.8 assists a game and 56.5% shooting. He's filling his role quite well. The points per game aren't important to this Celtics team.
On the Kings he'd have some success - more so individually as a scorer - but not a lot of wins.
gary in :
there are teams that are getinng top ten pick for years but still are on the bottom.when does a GM figure out that this job is not for him and he is bringing a franchise down?
Eric Pincus:
First of all this wasn't a very good draft. Secondly it usually takes a few years for even a high lottery pick to reach their potential. I'm not sure who you're referring to specifically - but I like to be as patient as I can while a team is rebuilding. That's not often the case for the fans - who want results now!
I recall Central Park in fall:
With Kobe's immense talent, why isn't he impervious to the flu?
PopCornMachine in Bitter Pill California:
Please tell me that Kobe Bryant and Ron Artest won't be on my team anymore.
Eric Pincus:
Sorry Pop, these are your Lakers. I'm not sure how to help you here . . .
LJ in LA:
Powell is shooting 80% from the field and rebounding at a high rate for the minutes he plays. Perhaps you should give him a little more credit.
Eric Pincus:
I like Powell - I just don't believe he's an impact player yet. Perhaps that changes and he proves me wrong - but I'm not interested in what the numbers say over three games.
Johnson in San Jose, CA:
Why are you so down on the Lakers depth, while other HW writers tout them as one of the deepest teams in the league? Bryant, Gasol, Bynum, Odom, Artest, Fisher, Powell, Walton, Brown, Farmar, even Mbenga .. that's 11 deep, Eric.
Eric Pincus:
I view the Lakers as 7 1/2 deep - the starters (with one not especially strong in Derek Fisher) - plus Odom and Brown. Walton is the half. I'm not convinced that Farmar, Powell, Mbenga, Vujacic, Morrison, etc - can be considered a deep bench.
When Phil Jackson can mix and match starters with bench players - and has the full roster with Pau Gasol - the Lakers may be the favorite to win the title. But on pure bench depth? I don't see it.
Andrew in Valencia, CA:
Chris Kaman...best center in the West?
Eric Pincus:
One week into the season - yes. In a few weeks/months - we'll see.
Scott in Santa Barbara, CA:
How do we get Baron to stop taking bad shots? He's night and
day better than last year. He's playing D, can go by his guy at
will, and is all around more active. His choice of shots is killing
him though.
Eric Pincus:
His shot selection leaves a lot to be desired. It's a problem. How do you coach that? I'm not excusing Dunleavy for his faults - but Baron is a very stubborn player who tends to do what he wants to do regardless.
Jason in DC:
Of course you're not getting involved in any turf war. You're primary goal seems to be to be "politically correct". Talk about Vanilla. Throw it down, man, and stop being a wuss! You CAN have a believe and still be fair.
Eric Pincus:
I'm not being politically correct - I just have no opinion on that sort of thing. It's not what makes me passionate about the game of basketball.
Also - I haven't been to most of the NBA cities to compare. I'm from New York - the Knicks need to give that city more to brag about. I've been in LA since I was a kid. I did take my wife up to Oakland to see an All-Star Game. We also saw Kobe's food poisoning game in Sacramento.
I've seen the Nuggets in Denver - that's a nice basketball city as well.
While I've been to Orlando, Phoenix, Philadelphia and handful of other cities - I don't remember attending any games there.
Perhaps when my kids get a little older I'll travel with the teams - but for now I haven't seen enough in person to make any declarative statement on who "rules."
Macc in ND:
Best starting 5 is debatable, but doesn't Magics depth give them the edge for best team in the league?
Eric Pincus:
It might - but ultimately the deepest bench doesn't automatically translate into best team.
DreamShake in Lakersground Troll USA:
Is Daryl Morley the best GM in the NBA? I think he is.
Eric Pincus:
He might be. I wouldn't go against what Mitch Kupchak, Danny Ainge, Otis Smith and RC Buford (with Gregg Popovich) have done - but Morey seems to have a knack for finding the right pieces to make his team competitive despite injuries.
mannyo in :
Whats your take on the lakers so far?
Eric Pincus:
They're not as good without Gasol. Long term and healthy - they should be better than they were a year ago defensively. I'm not sure they'll be as strong offensively - but that's not nearly as important if they're getting stops.
They're still weak defensively at the point - although Shannon Brown helps them some.
Cameron in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
Hey I know the raptors have lost 2, butI still think they look better than last year. Do you think if bosh and barganani keep playing this well that they'll be able to make it to 45+ wins?
Eric Pincus:
The Raptors still need to toughen up but I like their roster. They should be a top eight team if healthy. That's a reasonable target - 45 wins.
Cain in New Zealand:
Eric Gordon is putting up many shots a game should he be? Also is it because he is passing up on attempts or just not getting the ball enough?
Eric Pincus:
The Clippers desperately need that go to guy - which is a role that Gordon really needs to embrace and develop into. He needs to be become Brandon Roy but he's just not there yet.
Eric P in Naptown:
Eric, I am worried man , my Pacers look like hot garbage on a summer day. P. Vessey quoted an unnamed source(Daniels) as saying the players have quit on the coach? Thoughts?
Eric Pincus:
I had the Pacers ranked pretty low preseason. I don't trust the roster. Other than Granger - where's a second big-time scorer? A one-gun team can win - but you'd better surround him with a cadre of tough defenders (a la Iverson in 2001) - but that's not even close to what the Pacers have going on.
Eric P in Naptown:
Mr P,
are Rush and Hibbert regressing? Or is it that Hibbert doesn't fit O Brien's style and OB hates Rush? What gives as we expected bigger things?
Eric Pincus:
It's a lot easier to dominate against preseason talent where the league's best players only go for limited minutes. Both Hibbert and Rush will continue to develop but it's not a straight line up.
Raheem in MPLS:
Yo, is it time for NY to trade Wilson while his stock is kind of high? I mean, we have absolutely no talent besides Lee, Danilo, AL, and Wilson...
Eric Pincus:
Why would they trade Chandler? They're waiting for the summer to make their big splash. Young and cheap is an asset moving forward (for now).
Tomas in Lithuania:
Kaman vs Blake? Maybe some ppl think Blake won;t get touches, but I think when he will back he gets Kaman's role and will be just amazing rookie.
Eric Pincus:
Kaman and Blake should have no problem playing with each other - once Griffin gets healthy. Blake is more of a complementary player at this point in his career anyway. It'll help to have Chris as the steady low post option. Griffin can still average double figures with Kaman playing so well.
Dr. John F. Coktostone in Costa Fly Mesa, CA:
Eric, do you have any more insight on Gasol's injury and how much time he will miss? Any chance the Lakers will be able to unload Sasha or Farmar this season?
Eric Pincus:
It sounds to me like he'll be out another week. If the MRI shows some progress, then it won't be long. If he's still not healing, I could see him out for a few weeks.
I can't see teams lining up to take on Vujacic and his multi-year deal - but Farmar will draw interest.
David die hard Clipper fan in Corona ca:
My Question is can Baron still be like how he was in Golden State.Who will be our go to guy at the end of the game.
Eric Pincus:
So far Baron has not been impressive in end-game situations.
Zo in LA,CA:
What do you think of Butler starting over Thornton? Do you think that Thornton looks to be traded as he would be unhappy with the decision? I never really dug his playing style anyway.
Eric Pincus:
Butler starting makes all the sense in the world - and has made all the sense in the world since the moment the Clippers picked up Rasual.
Thornton is a solid player but he's more of a one-on-one player who wants to create for himself (often in the post). Butler is more well-rounded. He moves the ball - can catch and shoot effectively - and can even do a little bit off the dribble/score in the post.
Rasual isn't going to break people down - or bully in the post like Al can do at times - but with capable scorers like Kaman, Baron and Gordon, Butler is just a better fit.
As far as Al, he wants to start. We'll have to see where this road leads.
Sam Smith in Madison Illinois:
I see a Jordan Farmar and Josh Powell for Dorell Wright swap happening soon.
Eric Pincus:
Ha - but will there be room for Jonathan Bender?
Kate Moss in Calories Florida:
The LAKER bench is thinner than me?
Eric Pincus:
Let's not go overboard!
Josh in DC:
A role player coming off the bench is expected to step in and produce. If he does that consistently, then he's doing his job and becomes quality depth for his team. To that, you ARE being unfair to J. Powell, who is doing his job well.
Eric Pincus:
Powell doesn't defend well in a team concept. He doesn't move the ball well. I don't feel he fills in a key role for the Lakers. It's a difference of opinion. I don't think fair has anything to do with it.
If he can keep shooting at an 80% clip - his role changes - but the Lakers need a savvy defender off the bench more than a guy always looking to shoot his 17-20' jumper.
Bryan in LA:
I have rookie Tyreke Evans on my fantasy team should I drop him in favor of Duhon/Felton/Stuckey or do you expect big things to come from Tyreke Evans in the free reign Sacramento offense?
Eric Pincus:
Obviously I don't know your league. Felton and Stuckey may be more dependable in a fantasy sense - but Evans has a lot of upside to fill a box score with assists, steals, blocks, etc. - along with his scoring that should improve throughout the season.
Bryan in LA:
Any chance the Lakers have 4 All-Stars this year? Pau and Kobe are a given. Bynum looks like he won't get much competition from other west centers. Could Lamar or Ron make the roster?
Eric Pincus:
I expect Kobe and Gasol to be All-Stars. Bynum may get the nod- perhaps voted in. Some may debate whether he deserves it over Chris Kaman or even (eventually) Al Jefferson - but Andrew is off to a strong start. It's too early to say who will stand out statistically - but Bynum may earn some popularity votes.
I don't think Artest and Odom will make All-Star.
Steve in Houston, TX:
Hey Eric, Great chat as always. I had two questions. What should a Rockets' fan expect tomorrow with the Lakers coming into town? My second question is do the Lakers expect Gasol to be out another two weeks? If so, should they be worried?
Eric Pincus:
The Rockets are at tough team. They won't be easy for LA, especially without Gasol.
K-Dawg in C-Groove:
I'll try for the double-dip, even though you dissed me last week. What is up with the Lakers Defense? Do you seem them brining in another asst. coach to clean that up?
Eric Pincus:
Another assistant coach isn't going to help the defense. They need Pau back to balance the squad - and Jackson needs to find a rotation that can slow down quick guards.
Scott in Santa Barbara, CA:
The age old question. The Clips have so much front court
depth, do they move someone? If they do is it about 2010 or
making the team better this year.
Eric Pincus:
The Clippers are trying to win now. That doesn't mean they're expecting a ring - but they do believe they can make the playoffs. They'll stick with the front court they have if the wins start piling up. If it's another lost season - well that's a different story. Let's revisit in a few weeks.
Ed Sefko in Dallas Texas:
Do the Lakers have the worst bench in the NBA? The worst among the contenders?
Eric Pincus:
I'm not sold on Cleveland's bench. I'm not sold on LA's bench - which is especially weaker with Gasol down.
SUPAKOOLGREGS in Badnews VA:
whatsup E$ ive heard Josh Howard is gonna be shopped once hes healthy any thoughts on what he could bring back also mavs have interest in Camby any thoughts
Eric Pincus:
The Mavs probably have interest in Marcus and his expiring contract - but do the Clippers want Howard? Is he the guy who is going to close ballgames for them?
Rocky in Northride, CA:
Hey Eric! Love the twitter updates that you send out. What's your take on the Chris Paul and Rajon Rondo little tussle? Just players emotions taking it too far or Rondo's immaturity showing?
Eric Pincus:
A little of both!
Chris in Toronto:
when i go to Miami next year to play with Wade, will we be in the same talk as Lakers,Celtics,and Magic?
Eric Pincus:
If that does go down - Wade and Bosh in Miami - I still don't see enough depth for the HEAT to be a contender. They could be right outside of the elite though . . .
Laker Jam in Los Angeles, CA:
I laugh when people talk about depth in terms of who wins the title. It matters during the season, yes, but when the real games begin the top 7 guys are who will win you the title. I'll take the Lakers top 7 against anyone else's, thank you!
Eric Pincus:
I'm afraid we've reached the end. Well I'm not really afraid - mostly I'm relaxed. If I missed your question - my apologies - send me an e-mail at epincus@hoopsworld.com, find me on twitter at www.twitter.com/EricPincus or wait until next week's chat.
Laker Jam - depth matters throughout the regular season when teams have to deal with playing short-handed due to injury. If a squad isn't deep enough - they may find themselves drifting to a lower seed and losing home court advantage.
When it comes to actual postseason play - if they're healthy - the team with the best player(s) tend to win - regardless of whether they're five, six, seven, eight, nine or ten deep.
The Lakers, Celtics and Magic appear to be the top three - although the Nuggets are making a strong early case. The Spurs and Cavs are still threats to win it all as well - but we've got a lot of time until April!
