NBA Chat With Alex Kennedy 12/5/12

1. Bill

   Past 6 games HEAT have given up to many points and rebound why not sign kenyon Martin to give another big body or trade joel Anthony for something useful

   • Alex Kennedy

     What’s up everyone? Thanks for stopping by and submitting your questions. Let’s jump right in.

     I’m surprised that Kenyon Martin hasn’t been signed yet. He was very productive last season with the Clippers and could help a contender like Miami, Boston, etc. I think it’s only a matter of time before Martin joins a team and plays a role similar to the one he played last season in L.A. He can help a team and he’s willing to sign for the veteran’s minimum. I’d be very surprised if he didn’t end up on an NBA roster this season.

2. man oh man

   Do you think Dwight is frustrated that he isnt getting shots? Kobe NEVER passes to him off the pick n roll. Kobe was playing great as a facilitator/ scorer now he is scorer/scorer.
   I see frustration in Dwight. Do you think he is frustrated with kobe??? Do you have any info on that?

   • Alex Kennedy

     It wouldn’t surprise me if Dwight Howard is frustrated. Remember, he originally left the Lakers off of his wish list because he didn’t want to play second fiddle to Kobe Bryant. It’s the same reason he didn’t want to go to Chicago; he knew that Derrick Rose would be the alpha male and face of the franchise. However, Howard can’t be mad at anyone but himself right now. Teams are using the Hack-a-Dwight strategy and it’s working. Howard needs to start knocking down free throws before he he can start demanding the ball.

3. LA in LA

   Kennedy, who do you think the MVP should go to? Not this year, but in general?
   I hear Lebron has to get it this year because he’s the world’s best player, but if that’s the case Kobe, Duncan, and Shaq should have more than 5 combined. I remember in 2008 & 2009 all I heard was “Kobe’s the better player than LBJ but LBJ has the worse team”. Heck, that’s even why LBJ lost 2010 MVP to Rose (well that and “Decision” backlash)
   But now that Lebron’s on the best team, the narrative has changed to “he must win because he’s the best player”.
   Can we just admit media changes narrative of MVP to fit whatever they want?

   • Alex Kennedy

     Oftentimes, the MVP award goes to the player with the best storyline, which is unfortunate. In my opinion, it should go to the player who impacts the game the most. Take LeBron James, for example. Last season, James had the highest PER in the league by far. For most of the year, the gap between James and second-place Chris Paul was the same gap that we usually see between stars and role players. He was dominant and deserved every MVP vote he received. I say give it to the player who makes the biggest impact each year.

4. John

   What is your favorite memory of basketball and what inspired you to be a writer?

   • Alex Kennedy

     My favorite basketball-related memory has to be covering the 2011 NBA Finals. I was in the visiting locker room in Miami when the Mavericks won the championship. That was my first time being there for the celebration and that was very cool.

     Originally, I wanted to play in the NBA, but that dreamed died after high school when I was nowhere near good enough to even play college ball. I decided that writing about basketball would be the next best thing and allow me to stay around the game that I love. Now, I can’t imagine doing anything else. Covering games every night and building relationships with players that I grew up watching has been amazing.

5. Juan

   Hey Alex, love your chats. I am not saying the Lakers can’t work as currently constructed and I like the idea of Pau for Bargnani and Calderon, or possibly trying to pry a younger piece like Terrance Ross as opposed to Calderon…. But my question is, what about a smaller move like seldom used Omri Casspi? What would it take for the Lakers to get him? Maybe one of their veteran point guards?? Jordan Hill??

   • Alex Kennedy

     I think a smaller move is more likely for the Lakers. Pau Gasol’s trade value is at an all-time low right now. Why would a team like the Raptors trade away valuable pieces like Andrea Bargnani and Jose Calderon for an aging, underperforming 32-year-old who is owed $19 million this year and a $19.28 million next year? I just can’t see the Lakers finding a trade partner who’s willing to take on Gasol and give up significant pieces.

     As far as making a smaller move, like acquiring Omri Casspi, that makes sense. Casspi has fallen out of the rotation in Cleveland and has said that he’s looking forward to free agency. He’s going to be a guy that’s easy to acquire and he can stretch the floor for the Lakers. Either that or sign one of the many talented free agents still on the market. Right now, the Lakers need to wait for Steve Nash to return from injury and make a small move or two, not huge trades that will only extend the adjustment period they’re going through.

6. Emanuel

   Should the Lakers trade Pau Gasol and Darius Morris or Steve Blake to the Raptors for Andrea Bargnani and Jose Calderon?

   • Alex Kennedy

     Of course the Lakers should trade Pau Gasol for Andrea Bargnani and Jose Calderon if they have the opportunity to do that, but why would the Raptors do that deal? It doesn’t make any sense for Toronto.

7. Deven

   What’s impressed you about Orlando’s last two wins, Alex?

   • Alex Kennedy

     I’m very impressed with Orlando’s play as of late. It’s very difficult to go out West and win, especially when you have a ton of young guys on your roster. However, the Magic beat two very talented teams in the Lakers and Warriors because they have a balanced attack and are playing as a team. The Magic have exceeded expectations thus far – I definitely didn’t have them at 7-10 a little over a month into the season. Guys are stepping up and Jacque Vaughn has done a great job.

8. Deven

   Is New Orleans really going to change their team nickname to the Pelicans? If so, do you like the name or not?

   • Alex Kennedy

     Turrible. We’ll see if the NBA approves it. I can’t imagine they’d be able to sell much Pelicans merchandise.

9. Deven

   Why would Kobe use the phrase “Big-Boy Pants” to Pau Gasol? That sounds kind of childish.

   • Alex Kennedy

     I was surprised, but apparently it’s a phrase that Kobe uses a lot. Still, kind of harsh.

10. Deven

    Miami’s defense is obviously not the same as last year. Would you agree?

    • Alex Kennedy

      Miami’s defense is significantly worse than last year and every player in their locker room will tell you that. The numbers don’t lie. They know they need to step up and get back to that level if they want to defend their title. We’ll see if they can do that with their new pieces.

11. Virgil

    We have the rematch coming up tomorrow between the Heat and Knicks who ya got and if the knicks win does this legitimize what they have done so far this season

    • Alex Kennedy

      Beating Miami again will definitely solidify New York as a contender and silence their remaining doubters, especially if it’s another blowout win.

12. Bob Cooper

    Hi Alex, I have two players Scola and Humphries you have been under performing I have decided to keep Scola and let Humphries go I picked up Nikola Vucevic good move or not ? Thank you

    • Alex Kennedy

      Good move. Nikola Vucevic isn’t a household name, but he has been playing very well and the Magic coaching staff trusts him.

13. Silassie

    Hi Alex.

    My Clippers obviously have a lot of talent on their roster and just as much potential. But they have been a bit inconsistent, winning against the elite teams and losing against non play off teams.What’s your take on their inconsistency?

    Also due you think they can achieve their true potential with VDN at the helm?

    • Alex Kennedy

      They’re still acclimated. They have a lot of new faces on the team so it’ll take time for them develop chemistry and get everybody on the same page, especially as guys like Lamar Odom, Chauncey Billups and Grant Hill are worked back into the lineup and get significant minutes.

      I think they can be successful with Vinny Del Negro at the helm. Chris Paul is basically the coach of that team. Vinny may actually be the perfect guy for L.A. since he gives the veterans the freedom they want and lets them run the show.

14. brandon

    Who do you think the rockets should target at the trade deadline ? Do you think they would go after pau gasol since the Lakers might trade him? Which position do you think they need to add depth in? Who would be a good fit?

    • Alex Kennedy

      I don’t think the Rockets have any interest in Pau Gasol anymore. That ship has sailed.

      I think Houston would rather try to develop their current players and then make a run at someone next year in free agency.

15. Brad

    I hear that the Lakers want Ryan Anderson from the Hornets, which makes sense for them. But what would it take from the Lakers to get the Hornets interested in that type of deal?

    • Alex Kennedy

      The Lakers would love to acquire Ryan Anderson. But again, why would the Hornets trade Anderson for the Lakers’ scraps? The Lakers can like whoever they want, but it doesn’t mean they’re acquiring them.

16. Sebastian

    With Lakers struggling early in the season and looking like a championship caliber team, do you see Dwight Howard staying in Los Angeles long term?

    • Alex Kennedy

      I think he’ll stay in Los Angeles. He enjoys playing in the big market. In a few years, the Lakers will be his team and they’ll have cap room to surround him with talent in free agency. I don’t think Howard is going anywhere. Leaving another team and going through all of that drama again would be the worst thing for him to do as he tries to repair his image.

17. Erika

    Monta Ellis probably won’t stay with Bucks after this season when his contract expires. Best fit for him next year?

    • Alex Kennedy

      I think Monta Ellis will try to join a contender after this year. He’s only been to the playoffs once in his career, and it was during the 2006-07 season when he was still coming off of the bench for the Golden State Warriors. Like Kevin Martin prior to the trade to the Oklahoma City Thunder, I think Ellis is tired of scoring a ton of points on losing teams. I think he’ll join a team that’s poised to make the playoffs and possibly make a deep run.

18. Mr. Clutch

    Realistic timetable on Dirk’s return?

    • Alex Kennedy

      He’s traveling with the Mavericks on this three-game road trip so that’s a good sign.

19. Jake Smith

    How good of a player can Moe Harkless be for the Magic?

    • Alex Kennedy

      I’m a big fan of Moe Harkless. I spent a lot of time with Harkless over the summer because he trained at the IMG Academy in Florida. When I first saw Harkless, he was very raw, but you could see why executives were falling in love with him because of his size and length. Several weeks later, I went back to the gym and Harkless was dominating everyone. He had tweaked his shot and started to be more aggressive. From that point on, he was by far the best player there. He still has so much upside and room for growth, and he has the work ethic to realize his full potential. The IMG coaches believe he has the potential to be a star; they compare him to Kevin Durant and Rudy Gay. I think we can all agree that Harkless is going to be very good and the Magic have someone who they can develop and start for years to come.

20. a big N-O to NO

    Pelicans? ….Really? What’s your opinion of this? not huge news, just interested to see if other people are as disgusted with the new name as i am..

    • Alex Kennedy

      It’s horrible.

21. Nick

    Are the Raptors good enough to go on a run and get back into the hunt for the 8th seed? The schedule hasnt done them any favors early on however it gets much easier later on.

    • Alex Kennedy

      I think the Raptors have a lot of talent and I wouldn’t be surprised if they managed to sneak into the eighth seed in the East. They have had a tough schedule and have been limited by injuries. I think their best basketball is ahead of them.

      Thanks for submitting your questions! If I missed you, submit a question next Wednesday and I’ll do my best to answer it. Have a great week!