NBA Chat With Alex Kennedy 11/18/2011

1. BSaintM

   Hey Alex happy friday to ya,

   Is there a team post lockout that you think should begin a rebuilding process rather than try and compete for a championship under a shortened season? I know the obvious choices might be the Magic and Hornets but what about the Spurs or C’s?

   • Alex Kennedy

     I think teams like the Spurs and Celtics are getting to that point, but they won’t start rebuilding until they absolutely have to do so. They know their windows are closing, but I think they’ll try to win one more championships before blowing up the roster.

     The teams that should seriously consider rebuilding are Orlando and Atlanta. Both teams have backed themselves into a corner by handing out bad contracts and relying on aging players. The Magic have to make a move, either trading Dwight Howard or trying to put new pieces around him. The Hawks will likely make a move as well since they were shopping Josh Smith prior to the lockout.

2. Steve Jones

   If there’s no season how will they determine next years draft order?

   • Alex Kennedy

     Good question, but we won’t know the answer until the new collective bargaining agreement is ratified. All of the draft details will be included in the new deal, including what will happen if a season is lost. Since the two sides still have bigger issues to resolve and are holding out hope that the season doesn’t have to be canceled, they haven’t yet decided on a plan for next year’s draft. My best guess would be a 30-team lottery that gives every team an equal opportunity to land the first overall pick. That would be huge, especially considering all of the talent in next year’s draft class.

3. B-Man

   what is it about Jason Kidd that he was able to lead all of his teams from 1995-2008 to the play-offs despite having an okay jumper in his arsenal?

   • Alex Kennedy

     Jason Kidd had an average jumpshot, but he made up for it with his passing, rebounding, defense and leadership. There’s a reason he has the most triple-doubles of any active player. He’s able to help his team in a variety of ways and, in his prime, always seemed one step ahead of his opponent. There’s no question that Kidd was a special player.

4. Willy

   Will NBA head coaches, assistants, general managers, presidents, etc get paid this year regardless of whether there is a season or not?

   • Alex Kennedy

     Yes, the team personnel continue to get paid. That’s why many teams are waiting to hire coaches and front office staff. They don’t want to hire these guys and then pay them to sit around. There have been some rumors of teams putting lockout clauses in contracts so that they wouldn’t have to pay the personnel the full amount, but it hasn’t been confirmed.

5. tony

   Larry coon Steve kyler and several espn writers refuse to believe that the nba is willing to lose a whole year. I to refuse to believe that. All of the doomsday rhetoric is all for show what do u think?

   • Alex Kennedy

     I’d have to agree with Larry and Steve. I would be surprised if the NBA lost the entire year. It could happen, but I think there will come a time when both sides are ready to sit down and agree on a deal. Right now, nobody is buying the doomsday rhetoric. I’ve talked to multiple players involved in the talks and none of them believed the NBA’s offer would actually drop below 50-50. There has been a lot of talk throughout this process, but we won’t truly know whether or not the two sides are willing to lose the season until this legal battle plays out.

6. Dong of Dayton

   Hello Alex,

   What do you think is the best rotation for the kings guards? Jimmer 1 Tyreke2 Thornton bench or Tyreke1 Thornton2 Jimmer Bench?

   • Alex Kennedy

     Can the Kings play with three basketballs next season? In all seriousness, Marcus Thornton is a restricted free agent so we’ll see whether or not Sacramento matches the offer sheet he signs. Assuming Thornton is re-signed, I think he should be the sixth man, since he’s familiar in that role. Then, Tyreke Evans and Jimmer Fredette should start at point guard and shooting guard. Those seem to be the two players that the Kings want to promote and build around so they’ll have every opportunity to succeed. It’ll be interesting to see how they distribute the minutes, especially when you throw John Salmons into the mix as well.

7. B-Man

   okay, my real question is that if Rondo develops an average jumper, can find the same amount of success that kidd has had, or jason just had that special trait about him that no matter what, his players would follow him and believe that he can make them win that rondo doesnt?

   • Alex Kennedy

     When I was answering that question, I was thinking about Rondo the entire time. He’s already a great passer, defender and rebounder, but I think he needs to improve as a leader if he wants to follow in Kidd’s footsteps. With that said, if you look at their numbers side-by-side, he’s on the right track. Last year, Rondo averaged 10.6 points, 11.2 assists, 4.4 rebounds and 2.0 steals. Once Kidd became the full-time starter in Phoenix in his fourth season, he averaged 11.6 points, 9.1 assists, 6.2 rebounds and 2.0 steals. They’re both able to change games without scoring a ton of points. Rondo is also more athletic than Kidd was. He certainly has a ton of potential and could experience the same amount of success if everything pans out.

8. john

   10 breakout candidates in the nba this year?

   • Alex Kennedy

     That’s tough because a lot can change between now and the start of the season. Free agents haven’t been signed and roles haven’t been assigned. With that said, I’ll take my best guess: Marcin Gortat, Jordan Crawford, Damion James, James Harden, Arron Afflalo, Gerald Henderson, Paul George, Evan Turner, Brandon Bass and Anthony Morrow.