NBA Chat With Alex Kennedy 2/17/12

1. jayjay

   Can Milwaukee actually receive anything for Jax or would they have to send a pick along just to get rid of him and his salary. If the latter, a trade with Cavs might make some sense if they could secure Bucks 1st round this year and perhaps send back one of their other 1sts they have in future years. Or is this a pipe dream

   • Alex Kennedy

     I don’t think you’re getting a first round pick for Stephen Jackson. His trade value is extremely low and this draft class is too talented for teams to throw away picks, especially a potential lottery team like the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Bucks may be able to trade Jackson, but don’t expect anything huge in return.

2. Justin

   Are you a fan of JR to NY? I know he fits a D’Antoni offense but how many me first shooters do you need? Linsanity’s play is contagious but nobody can reign in JR’s shot selection.

   • Alex Kennedy

     J.R. Smith is signing a short-term deal. At most, it’ll be a two-year deal with a player option for next season. Barring an injury, he’s going to be testing free agency again in July. He’s hoping for a pay day in a few months so he’ll be on his best behavior during his stint with the Knicks. This move allows him to contend for a championship and show what he can do on a big stage. I can’t imagine Smith hurting his value by causing problems in the locker room or being selfish on the court.

3. Justin

   Is it time to blow up the celtics? I was encouraged after the last win streak. Now I see the inevitable. But what value can we really get from the big three? Trading a talent like Rondo is foolish. Trading an all star with a reasonable contract that’s in his mid twenties… No way

   • Alex Kennedy

     I don’t think the Celtics can compete for a championship as currently assembled. I think it’s probably time for Boston to go in a different direction. I agree that trading Rondo would be foolish. The Celtics are in a tough position because the Big Three aren’t going to bring back any great assets. The best option for Boston may be letting Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, Jermaine O’Neal, etc. come off the books and then be players in free agency this summer.

4. Chris

   Realistically, what’s the best package the Magic could get for Dwight Howard before the deadline?

   • Alex Kennedy

     That depends on whether the Nets want to trade for Howard. If they’re confident that he’ll walk to them in free agency, they could just stay patient and wait this out. If that happens, then the Magic may be screwed. If Howard forces his way to the Nets, Orlando’s only option may be trading him to a team that’s willing to take him as a rental. If that’s the case, they won’t get very much back in return.

5. JP

   1-Is it possible for Minnesota to get Dwight in a trade without dealing Rubio and Love?
   2-Would you do a Dwight Howard, Hedo Turkoglu, JJ Redick, Orton, Clark for Beasley, Webster, Miller, DWill, Pekovic, Ridnour, Randolph, Tolliver and picks if you are Minnesota?
   3-Would you do it even with no confirmation of a contract extension?

   • Alex Kennedy

     Dwight Howard isn’t going to Minnesota. That trade isn’t happening and there’s no way he’d stay. He wants to play in a large market and compete for a championship. While the Wolves have improved, they may be the furthest thing from what Howard wants right now.

6. devonte

   well now that its confirmed that j.r. smith is going to the knicks, what are some things that you expect from this knicks team that is at .500 and has some hard games coming up? do linsanity continue? does j.r. smith make us better than the mami heat? do we fly up in the eastern conference?

   • Alex Kennedy

     The Knicks are a very scary team. They have so much talent on paper and, lately, they’ve been playing with a lot of energy and their defense has improved. It’ll take time for this group to develop chemistry and get on the same page when Carmelo Anthony and J.R. Smith are thrown into the mix, but they have plenty of time to figure things out. This will be a very good team come playoff time and they could make a deep playoff run. None of the top seeds in the East will want to see the Knicks in the first round.

7. David

   Alex, is it now panic time for my Blazers? Should they make a move or is it still a work in progress? If we need to make a move, do the expiring contracts of Felton and Camby have a value and who do you think we can get for them? Wallace I believe has a player option so his contract is desirable but I don’t want to part with Crash

   • Alex Kennedy

     Raymond Felton is the main problem. He has been terrible and didn’t help matters when he called out Nate McMillan last night. Across the board, Felton is averaging career-lows – 9.9 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 6.3 assists. I’m not sure he has any trade value at this point, but he should at least have his minutes cut. Jamal Crawford isn’t a prototypical point guard, but he’s better than Felton at this point. I definitely think the Blazers are a team to keep an eye on as the trade deadline approaches. It wouldn’t surprise me to see them make a move.

8. Justin

   what are the chances the 6ers go all in for a guy like T.Evans/J.Thompson in a trade. Solves there need for a finsher and a big wouldn’t it? Who would they have to give up and if not, your thoughts on what they should do?

   • Alex Kennedy

     I can’t see the 76ers making a blockbuster trade with the way they’re playing right now. They’re winning because of their unselfishness and chemistry. They won’t mess that up by making a move.

9. Matthi

   What for a contract will r. anderson get in the offseason?

   • Alex Kennedy

     I’m sure some team will throw money at Ryan Anderson, but I think a lot of executives around the league realize that he’s a product of Orlando’s system. He’s a great shooter, there’s no doubt about that, but how many open shots would he get in a different system or without Dwight Howard playing down low? He’s not very good at creating his own shot and I can’t see him as a first option on offense.

10. Wilson

    Looking at the filthy numbers (34/7/5) he put up in China and the realizing he’s home before Wilson Chandler b/c his team missed the playoffs, doesn’t that tell you everything you need to know about JR. Smith?

    Unless he settles for being a purely spot-up shooter, won’t move this effectively destroy the Knicks new found chemistry?

    • Alex Kennedy

      J.R. Smith gives the Knicks another offensive weapon and, for the time being, he’ll come off the bench behind Landry Fields. I’m curious to see how he adjusts to the sixth man role because he could be an excellent sparkplug. If he understands his role and is willing to make sacrifices for the good of the team, they’ll be fine. As I said before, he’ll be on his best behavior because free agency is around the corner.

11. Wilson

    Is Derrick Rose is unable to play in the ASG, who picks the replacement player? The NBA right?

    Can’t see coaches voting Lin in, but Stern…

    • Alex Kennedy

      If an All Star gets injured, David Stern will pick the replacement player.

12. Mac

    Without looking it up, which team currently has the longest winning steak: New York Knicks or San Antonio Spurs

    • Alex Kennedy

      The Spurs have won nine straight and the Knicks have won seven straight. However, San Antonio doesn’t have Jeremy Lin so their streak has flown under the radar.

13. Mac

    Ok. The season is almost officially half over. If you were a NBA coach, who would you vote for rookie of the year: Kyrie Irving or Ricky Rubio

    • Alex Kennedy

      At this point, I’d have to with Kyrie Irving. While Ricky Rubio has been fantastic, Irving is playing out of his mind. He’s averaging 18.2 points and 5.1 assists, but his most impressive stats are his shooting percentages. He’s shooting 50 percent from the field, 42.6 percent three-point range and 82.6 percent from the line. The 50-40-90 club is one of the most exclusive groups in the NBA with only five members: Steve Nash, Larry Bird, Dirk Nowitzki, Reggie Miller and Mark Price. That’s excellent company, and Irving might join that group as a rookie?! He has been great and would receive my vote for Rookie of the Year. He’s a special player and it’s scary that he’s only 19 years old.

14. Bruce

    Can te spurs win it all? And can there be a repeat of the 99 shortened season with the Spurs taking out the knicks?

    • Alex Kennedy

      The Spurs can definitely win it all. You always have to consider the Spurs come playoff time. They have the experience to get it done and they’ve been very good this season. They haven’t received much attention, but they currently sit at 21-9. That’s very impressive and they’ll only continue to get better now that they’re at full strength. The big question: Can they beat one of these younger teams in a seven-game series? We’ll see.

15. Lateak

    I think tha lakers should try to get trevor ariza… I always thought it was a bad move to let him go….. Plus do u think tha knicks r tha 3rd best team n tha east…. I do… Carmelo is goin be fine watch n see… I think tha sixers r one n done

    • Alex Kennedy

      What do the Lakers have to offer for Trevor Ariza? There are a lot of players that Los Angeles would love to add, but they don’t have the most attractive trade assets right now.

16. Simon

    Hey Alex, I really enjoy your chats.
    What DO you think will be the plan for the Mavs if they can’t acquire neither D12 nor Deron? You think they might trade away Dirk (if he approves) to rebuild?
    Thanks!

    • Alex Kennedy

      The Mavs took a risk when they decided not to re-sign Tyson Chandler, J.J. Barea, Caron Butler, etc. and it may backfire if they miss on Dwight Howard and Deron Williams. At that point, I think you hit the nail on the head, they would have to look at rebuilding and going in a different direction. Or, maybe they could sign Steve Nash and a couple of other veterans and try to win one more title before their window closes.

17. Lateak

    I think danny granger would be a great fit 4 dallas what do u think.. How u think free agency is goin to play out

    • Alex Kennedy

      The Indiana Pacers love Danny Granger and they believe they’re good enough to compete in the Eastern Conference. Granger has two more years on his contract after this season.

18. Sweet Dee

    Recently, Metta World Peace came out and criticized Mike Brown for being “all about stats.” This is just funny to me. Although I am not a fan of Brown, how on earth does a guy who is currently terrible, lost a step or two, and would struggle getting minutes for the Toronto Raptors talk smack about his coach. Here’s a revolutionary idea Ron, you play well and you get minutes. If you the owner/coach, how would you deal with a delusional player like Artest.

    • Alex Kennedy

      I’m no longer surprised when Metta World Peace runs his mouth. It’s one of those things that shouldn’t catch anyone off guard. I’m not complaining though, it’s excellent for journalists in need of a good quote. I’d be lying if I told you I knew how to deal with a player like him.

19. Mark

    Who’s the better GM — Shaq or Charles?

    • Alex Kennedy

      I think Shaq’s team is better. I can’t wait to see Ricky Rubio and Blake Griffin play together.

20. Cheekz

    Now that the Knicks got JR Smith is it imminent that the Lakeshow will sign Arenas in the next few days,also I know this isn’t on D12 wish list but what if Orlando offers Howard & Davis/Turkgolu for J.Smith & Al Horford (if he wasn’t hurt). Atlanta could use him as a rental & also try to convince him to stay in his hometown after the season

    • Alex Kennedy

      I wouldn’t say it’s imminent, but there’s no question that the Lakers are running out of options.

      Right before the season, the Hawks reached out to the Magic and tried to make an offer for Dwight Howard. Talks didn’t go anywhere then and I can’t see it happening now.