NBA Chat With Alex Kennedy 1/9/12

1. LA in LA

   I laughed at this quote in your latest article:
   “One team that the Celtics have been in contact with is the Sacramento Kings. Boston has expressed significant interest in DeMarcus Cousins and would like to put together a package for him. Ainge seems willing to part with some combination of his recent acquisitions and draft picks. He doesn’t want to move Rondo, Pierce, Garnett or Avery Bradley, according to sources close to the situation.”

   If Boston won’t give up there big 3 or Bradley, how do they plan on getting a star player like Demarcus Cousins?

   No one else on Celtic’s is desirable. And their draft picks aren’t good unless they have some future one from a bad team I don’t know of.
   I know you said “want”, but I think it’s obvious he’ll have to trade one of those 4 to get Cousins.

   • Alex Kennedy

     Thanks for submitting your questions and stopping by. Let’s get started.

     You’re right, the key word in that paragraph is “want.” The Celtics want to hold onto Rajon Rondo, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Avery Bradley, but whether or not that’s realistic remains to be seen. Danny Ainge doesn’t want to part ways with Bradley, but he may have to if they want to make a blockbuster trade that brings in someone like DeMarcus Cousins, Rudy Gay, etc. The Celtics would prefer to just move some of their recent acquisitions (Jeff Green, Courtney Lee, Jason Terry, Jared Sullinger, Fab Melo) and draft picks, but, as you pointed out, that probably won’t get it done unless they lower their expectations and settle for someone like Andrea Bargnani, who doesn’t exactly have much trade value right now.

2. Alex

   What’s doing Alexander the Great? How can Lakers even remotely entertain a thought of dealing Gasol when there is such uncertainty with D12? Health and his impending free agency. THey deal Gasol and Howard leaves you got Sacre in the middle running pick and rolls with Nash yikes. I guess PJ got one over on Buss men by proposing to Jeannie – I mean they did not want to pay the man now he will be part owner when Dr. B. goes. My other question is realistically whom can the Lakers get to help?

   • Alex Kennedy

     Good question. I’ve been against trading Pau Gasol for quite some time. I just don’t think that is the move that saves the Lakers’ season. They’re not going to get a good return on a 32-year-old who has been injured or ineffective all season and who is owed $19,000,000 this season and $19,285,850 next season. Dwight Howard’s injuries are just another reason to hold onto Gasol since they don’t have the deepest frontcourt.

     As for who the Lakers can get to help, I think bringing in Kenyon Martin would be a solid start. I think his reputation as a locker room cancer is inaccurate and I believe he can be a solid contributor in L.A. just as he was last year with the Clippers. He’ll definitely improve their defense. If he’s willing to sign for a 10-day contract to prove his worth, why not give him a try?

3. Rory

   Alex!! big fan of ur chats!!! Been hearing a lot of trade buzz around Demarcus cousins!! The kids got ridiculous talent!! Would you see this trade working and why/why not?? Demarcus & Marcus Thornton to Minny for Kevin love (add fillers to make cap work if nec.), adelman can get a hold of DC and the sg he’s always needed and sactown get a franchise player they can build around with strong charecter and leadership, in midst of some of the other crazy trade ideas I’ve been hearing I think talent wise this Could work out best for both?? Thoughts??

   • Alex Kennedy

     I can’t see the Minnesota Timberwolves trading for DeMarcus Cousins. They had the chance to draft him and passed on him for the very reason that he’s now on the market. They viewed him as immature and prone to outbursts. Not to mention, Nikola Pekovic has been having a phenomenal season so do they really need Cousins? I think they’d rather hold onto Kevin Love.

4. Spur

   Any news about the Spurs? Are they trying to add/acquire a big man? Thanks.

   • Alex Kennedy

     They signed Aron Baynes today so that’s a big man who can help them out. As the trade deadline approaches, they’ll likely look to move DeJuan Blair. Check out today’s NBA PM that’ll go up at 5 p.m. ET for more on that.

5. Justin

   Can you tell me of any Jazz rumors going around? What teams or players Involed?

   • Alex Kennedy

     I’ll have an interview with Utah Jazz general manager Dennis Lindsey in today’s NBA PM. While he refused to discuss the team’s approach regarding the trade deadline, he sounded pretty content with the roster as currently constructed. Everyone thinks that Utah is going to make a move before February 21, but they may decide to stand pat. Check out the interview later today.

6. Spur

   Can the Spurs win it all with their current roster? Thanks!

   • Alex Kennedy

     Never count out the Spurs. I learned that lesson a long time ago. They have veterans who know what it takes to win a title and they have one of the deepest rosters in the entire league. San Antonio gets overlooked every year, but they always make a run. I don’t think anyone would be surprised to see the Spurs win it all. Sure, they would have to beat a young team like the Thunder, Clippers or Grizzlies to come out of the West which won’t be easy, but crazier things have happened.

7. keo

   What’s your thoughts on avery bradely …I’m from Boston and his defence is intense..do you think other gaurds look foward to go up against him? I think he has potential to be bhai defensive first team in the future

   And from watching the Boston vs knicks game..I’m from Boston and it seems like the pp always has his way with carmelo …or maybe it Jus new York…why is he so beast lol

   • Alex Kennedy

     I’m a big Avery Bradley fan. I think he’s an excellent defender and I don’t think any guards look forward to going against him and Rajon Rondo. Those are two great defenders who make life harder for most guards. As you said, Avery still has a lot of potential as well. He’s only 22 years old. It’s scary to think how good he’ll be in a few years.

     As far as Paul Pierce goes, he steps up in big games. That has always been the case. He may not bring it every night, but when it’s an important game or a playoff game, Pierce is likely going to go off.

8. Jiio

   With every loss does it put another nail in the keeping JJ coffin?

   • Alex Kennedy

     I think so. As I said earlier in the season, if the Orlando Magic were in the playoff picture when the calender turned to February, I could see them holding onto their veterans like J.J. Redick and trying to make a push for the postseason. However, with the team sliding down the standings and likely heading to the lottery, I think trading Redick makes the most sense. Arron Afflalo is the shooting guard of the future and this team clearly has other holes. Move Redick rather than risk him walking as a free agent (or having to overpay a sixth man).

9. Enrique

   I got into a debate with someone telling me that Chris Paul doesn’t stand a chance to be MVP because the Clippers are so deep. Clippers were nothing before he got there, and in my opinion he is as valuable to the Clippers LBJ is to the Heat, Melo is to the Knicks, Durant is to OKC. I think if it all ended today, top 3 for MVP in no particular order would be Melo, LBJ, and Paul. Your thoughts?

   • Alex Kennedy

     Chris Paul is definitely in the MVP conversation. If the Clippers win the Western Conference, I think he’s one of the top candidates. You’re right about him being the main reason for all of their success. And I don’t think their depth should hurt his case. If anything, I think it strengthens his argument considering he recruited Jamal Crawford and Matt Barnes, and worked with Eric Bledsoe all offseason (which is why he’s made substantial progress this year). I don’t think people realize just how important Paul is to that organization or how good of a leader he is. Not only is he an amazing player on the court, he brings so much to the table in the locker room and away from the game. He may not win it over LeBron James, Kevin Durant or Carmelo Anthony, but to say that “doesn’t stand a chance” is crazy.

10. Benny Da Bull

    Alex,

    With the Rudy Gay give away on going, why not build a trade around Deng for Gay with expiring contracts to make it worth while for the Griz to dump him.

    Ben

    • Alex Kennedy

      I wouldn’t call it the Rudy Gay giveaway. The Grizzlies do want to shed some salary, but they’re going to move Gay unless they can find a deal that bolsters their roster as well. They won’t trade him for garbage. They’re gauging value right now, but they’re not simply going to give him away.

      With that said, I like your Luol Deng idea. That gives them a replacement for Rudy Gay who helps them win now. Throw in ending deals and the Grizzlies get to cut costs as well. Also, it makes sense for Chicago since they’ve been looking for a young star to put alongside Derrick Rose. Let’s schedule the trade call!

11. Phil

    Who do you think the Rocket’s next target is? Do you see them making a move for Rudy Gay or Kevin Love anytime soon? Also how much and what more do the Rockets need to become a championship team?

    • Alex Kennedy

      They have shown interest in Rudy Gay in the past so it wouldn’t surprise me if they try to get in on those talks. However, Daryl Morey has been in Reno for the D-League Showcase and he recently said that they finally have their star player to build around in James Harden and that he doesn’t want have as much turnover going forward. He basically said that it’s time for the Rockets to have some stability. That could just be a general manager putting up a smokescreen, but he sounded like they won’t be as aggressive at this trade deadline as they have in years past. We’ll see.

12. David from Portland

    Enjoyed your chat with Yannis about my Blazers. Thanks!

    What option would you pick for the Blazers next season: Resign Hickson at his new higher value and then maybe sign Zaza as a back up or offer Pekovic the rumored 12 mil a year that he may command? Or do you see another impact player the blazers could land?

    • Alex Kennedy

      Thanks! I always have fun shooting those videos with Yannis.

      I think the best move is throwing a lot of money at Nikola Pekovic and hoping that the Minnesota Timberwolves don’t match. I wasn’t on the Pekovic bandwagon until recently, when I saw him in person. He is a very good player and an extremely hard worker. I was very impressed with him and I think he’s capable of being one of the better big men in the league down the road. He has proven that he’s not a product of the players around him, since he has had success with Ricky Rubio and Kevin Love. I think if the Blazers can add Pekovic to their core of Damian Lillard, LaMarcus Aldridge and Nicolas Batum, they’ll have one of the best up-and-coming teams in the league.

13. Deven

    Will the Knicks still be the division champs at the end of the season?

    • Alex Kennedy

      I think so. Brooklyn or Boston may get hot and make things interesting, but I think the way the Knicks are winning is sustainable. And they’ll only get deeper once Amar’e Stoudemire is in game shape and Iman Shumpert is back in the lineup.

14. Deven

    Should trash-talking even be allowed in the NBA?

    • Alex Kennedy

      Yes. Trash talking makes things interesting and breeds rivalries. Aren’t you excited to see the next Celtics-Knicks game? You can thank KG’s trash talking and Melo’s reaction for that. Trash talking has been around for years. The key for players is to tune it out. KG knew exactly what he was doing and he got into Melo’s head. If you’re a star player, you have to tune it out or laugh it off.

15. Steve

    Which team(s) do you think could realistically land rudy gay?

    • Alex Kennedy

      The Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings, Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets, Toronto Raptors and Houston Rockets are the teams that have been linked to the Rudy Gay so far. I’m sure more teams will surface as the Memphis Grizzlies continue to gauge interest in him.

16. Aaron

    what are your thoughts on Marshon Brooks? why wasnt he traded to the hawks in the joe johnson deal? Will he get dealt this year? Ive always said he is one of the most talented guards in the league and one of the best scorers

    • Alex Kennedy

      I think MarShon Brooks could eventually become a very good player. He’s an excellent scorer and he has a ton of upside. That’s why he wasn’t traded to the Hawks in the Joe Johnson deal, because the Nets value him and wanted to keep him. I don’t think he’ll get dealt. He’s had some trouble accepting a lesser role in Brooklyn, but I think the Nets realize just how talented he is and see his potential so they’d rather hold onto him and develop him.

17. mike

    what are the chances that monta ellis gets traded this season? who are some teams that would be interested?

    • Alex Kennedy

      I’ve been saying that Monta Ellis could be traded for awhile now. All signs point to him becoming an unrestricted free agent after this season because he’ll exercise his Early Termination Option. The Bucks may decide to move him rather than letting him walk as a free agent, especially if they continue to struggle and fall in the standings.

18. Jimmy

    Hey Alex, what’s your thoughts on jarred Sullinger? I see him stand next to Paul pierce and there doesn’t seem to be much difference in height but he always seems to find an offensive board. Does he remind you of Rodman or elton brand? I know it’s still early but he is an undersized PF who seems to always find a rebound just like those guys ?

    • Alex Kennedy

      I like Jared Sullinger a lot. He’s an excellent rebounder. That’s what happens when your dad is basketball coach and teaches you rebounding from a young age. He’s excellent at getting position and boxing guys out. I see the comparisons. I think he could be a very good player in this league despite being undersized. The only thing that could hold him back is injuries. That’s why he was on the board when the Celtics were on the clock. If he can stay healthy, he’ll have a very good career.

19. Alex

    Will The Lakers fire a 2nd coach this season?

    • Alex Kennedy

      I doubt it. I’d be very surprised if they fired Mike D’Antoni this season. Even though the team has been losing, I don’t think making any more huge changes is the answer. We’ve seen how tough it’s been for the Lakers to learn D’Antoni’s system and get used to his style. It would be even more difficult if they fired D’Antoni and were trying to start from scratch two months later.

20. Wesley

    HOW BOUT THEM ROCKETS?? How far do you think they can make it in the postseason? Any moves you see happening at the deadline or in the summer?

    • Alex Kennedy

      They have been playing great as of late, but I can’t see them making a deep postseason run. Young teams don’t usually fare well in the playoffs. I think it’d be an excellent experience for them though, even if they lost in the first round. As far as moves go, I think they’ll try to sign another big-name player this summer. They have the money to do it and they have James Harden to help them recruit.

21. Paul in Chicago

    I felt really bad for the fans in Orlando when Howard left for scraps but it turns out they might have gotten the best part of the deal. Bynum is hurt Igoudala cant find himself. Affalo and Vucevic look like legit starters in this league. Anyways my question is are the Lakers making the playoffs and how happy will Magic fans be if they don’t? Please answer as a fan and not a sportswriter.

    • Alex Kennedy

      Rob Hennigan is looking pretty smart today. He took a lot of heat for that trade, but as you said, Afflalo, Vucevic and Harkless are looking good. And keep in mind, the best part of that deal was the draft picks and cap flexibility. Orlando will continue to benefit from that trade going forward.

      To answer your question, I think the Lakers will make the playoffs. They have too much talent on that roster to not figure it out sooner or later. I think they’ll be the seventh or eighth seed in the West though. I can’t see them going on a huge run and surpassing teams like the Clippers, Thunder, Spurs, Grizzlies or Warriors, who have all gotten off to a great start. I can tell you this though: There are a lot of fans in Orlando crossing their fingers that L.A. misses the postseason. Magic fans are loving all of the drama and celebrating every loss.

22. Flying Deutschman

    Dwight Howards injury seems to me very serious.
    I know some guys who had the torn labrum. It required surgery and at least 3 month rehab. Otherwise its very painful whenever he raises his arm above the shoulder. So I think you cant play with that kind of injury.

    So this in regard, I think its very doubtful, that the Lakers are a playoff team and even with him i dont see them in the postseason this year.

    Thoughts on that?!

    • Alex Kennedy

      I agree. Jameer Nelson had the same injury and he was sidelined for several months. Even when he came back, he wasn’t the same player. I’ve seen some reports saying that Dwight Howard will only miss a week, but I’d be very surprised if he came back that quickly (unless it’s only a partial tear or something). I think he’ll miss longer than that. With that said, I stand by my prediction. I think the Lakers make the playoffs, but they’ll just barely sneak in as the seventh or eighth seed.

23. Mike

    greeting from bulgaria. Do you think Andre Iguodala wont sign with the Nugs after the season and can Rox or Hawks pursue him ,maybe Monta.

    • Alex Kennedy

      It’s definitely possible that Andre Iguodala will leave Denver. That’s the risk that the Nuggets took when they traded for him. He can walk as an unrestricted free agent and sign elsewhere. If Iguodala becomes a free agent, there will be plenty of teams expressing interest in him.

      Thanks for all of the questions. I’ll be back next Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET. Have a great week!