NBA Chat With Alex Kennedy 4/28/12

1. Matthew

   Hey Alex! I worry the Spurs wont be able to reach another gear for the playoffs and will go home early like last year. What do you expect from the Spurs?

   • Alex Kennedy

     Hey everyone, I hope you’re enjoying today’s slate of playoff games! Thanks for stopping by and submitting your questions. There is plenty to talk about so let’s get started.

     I’m not worried about the San Antonio Spurs. I think they’ve done an excellent job of retooling after last year’s first-round loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. They have put some young pieces around their veteran core and really changed the way that they play. This isn’t a low-scoring, defensive-oriented Spurs team like back in the day. They averaged the second-most points per game this season (103.65) and have plenty of guys with fresh legs. They’ve been getting huge contributions from Patty Miles, Danny Green, Kawhi Leonard and Gary Neal. While they may run into trouble later on in the postseason, I think they’ll be able to take care of the Utah Jazz in five games. I don’t expect another early exit from San Antonio.

2. Chris Hall

   If Avery Bradley was in this draft, where would he go?

   • Alex Kennedy

     If healthy, he’d likely be one of the first point guards selected. This draft class doesn’t have too many stud point guards and Bradley was a guy who was on the NBA radar from an early age. He was one of the top high school players in the country and played pretty well at Texas. He was considered a lottery-level talent with a lot of potential, and only dropped to 19 because he was injured and unable to work out for teams.

3. Will

   Who do you think the Magic target in FA or Trade this summer?

   • Alex Kennedy

     The Orlando Magic won’t have any money to spend this offseason, outside of the mid-level exception. However, Orlando needs to make a splashy move to appease Dwight Howard so they’ll weigh their trade options. I’m sure they’ll work the phones and try to pursue some of the big-name players that may be available this summer like Josh Smith, Andre Iguodala, etc. While the Magic don’t have the most attractive trade chips, they are willing to take back bad contracts to complete a deal. It’s going to be an interesting summer in Orlando.

4. Bernard

   You think Orlando will trade Dwight on draft night?

   • Alex Kennedy

     If they aren’t able to land a second star, it’s very possible. The Magic don’t want to go through another season of uncertainty with Dwight Howard. If they don’t receive a long-term commitment from him this offseason, they may decide that it’s time to start the rebuilding process. The New Jersey Nets haven’t given up on trying to trade for Howard. If the Magic decide it’s time to move on, the Nets will answer their call after the first ring.

5. Chris

   Hi Alex,

   Do you expect to see Ron Artest amnestied this summer? He’s been a shadow of his former self since joining the Lakers. And, with his on court contributions no longer outweighing his volatility and liabilities (as evidenced in Dallas last year & in OKC), this would seem to be a no-brainer.

   • Alex Kennedy

     I don’t think the Lakers will amnesty Metta World Peace, but it wouldn’t surprise me if they did. After this season, he has two years and $14,986,240 remaining on his contract. That’s a lot of money. However, is he enough of a problem that the Lakers will pay him to go away? I can’t see it happening, especially since L.A. doesn’t have many other options at small forward. Also, MWP was playing better in the few games before he elbowed James Harden. There’s no question that the last two years of his deal are ugly, but I’m not sure if the Lakers are ready to write that check just to get rid of him.

6. Charlie

   Who do you favor in the Denver Nuggets / LA Lakers series? And how many games do you think it will go? Many experts have LA in a romp, but I think this Denver team could surprise. Your thoughts.

   • Alex Kennedy

     I picked the Lakers in six games. I do agree that the Nuggets could shock everyone and make this series interesting though. They have a lot of weapons and their balanced attack could cause problem for Los Angeles. If Wilson Chandler was healthy and JaVale McGee had a little bit more time to get acclimated in Denver, I would have been very tempted to pick the Nuggets or at least predict that the series would go to seven games. However, I like where the Lakers are at right now and think they’ll be able to win in six. Here are all of my picks for the first round.

7. Peter

   Hi Alex,

   where do you think Nash and Hill will end up next season? I still think both will re-sign with Phoenix.

   • Alex Kennedy

     I think Steve Nash will sign with a contender. During his final press conference in Phoenix, Nash was asked what factors he’ll consider when choosing his next team and he made it very clear that he wants to play for a winner. The Suns are rebuilding and Nash doesn’t have time to waste.

     As far as Grant Hill goes, his situation is a little bit different. He is very close with Lon Babby, Phoenix’s president of basketball operations. Babby is a former agent who used to represent Hill. That, coupled with the Suns’ excellent training staff, could mean that Hill will finish his career in Phoenix.

8. can pelister

   Do you think Knicks win against Heat in the series?

   • Alex Kennedy

     This is going to be a very fun series. If any team has the star power to keep up with the Miami Heat in the first round, it’s the New York Knicks. Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James always have exciting head-to-head match-ups and New York’s bench could make this interesting. If the Knicks protect the ball and play to their full potential, they could extend this series. With that said, it’s hard for me to bet against LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. I predicted Miami in five games. I hope I’m wrong and we get to watch these teams play a Game 7 because that would be very entertaining.

9. Mitch Schafer

   Brian Scalabrine averaging 20.5 ppg, 7.5 rbg, 6.5 apg in the playoffs, you taking the over/under?

   • Alex Kennedy

     I don’t think Brian Scalabrine could average 20.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 6.5 assists in NBA 2K12, even with the sliders adjusted. Brian is a great guy and awesome teammate, but he’ll be lucky to score a basket during the playoffs.

10. John

    Which rookie are you the most excited to watch next season and how will you remember Nash, Dirk, Duncan, and Kobe on and off the court when they retire?

    • Alex Kennedy

      I’m most excited to watch Bradley Beal. I’ve gotten to know Beal over the last few years and I believe he’s going to be a special player. He’s a very gifted offensive player and I think he can make an immediate impact in the NBA. I’m looking forward to watching him play and seeing him develop over the years.

      I’ll remember Steve Nash, Dirk Nowitzki, Tim Duncan and Kobe Bryant as some of the best players to ever pick up a basketball. It’s been a pleasure to watch and cover them throughout the course of their careers.

11. John

    Would you ever consider being a gm or a coach in the nba?

    • Alex Kennedy

      I’d love to work in an NBA front office. I think I’d be a pretty terrible head coach, especially after spending time around super knowledgeable coaches like Anthony Macri, David Thorpe, Dan Barto and Mike Moreau. Those guys do an outstanding job and I can’t see the game like they do. I’d love to be a general manager though. I don’t think there’s a sports fan out there that would turn down that job. It’d be very fun to build a team and see how they compete against the rest of the league. I know I could do a better job than a few current executives who will remain nameless.

12. John

    What is your favorite basketball moment and what inspired you to become a basketball writer?

    • Alex Kennedy

      There are so many to choose from. Writing for HOOPSWORLD has allowed me to cover the Finals, Draft, Summer League and many other events. Covering these games and events is a lot of fun and I’ve been able to create a lot of great memories.

      I decided I wanted to be a basketball writer when I stopped growing in high school. I would’ve loved to play in the NBA, but there aren’t many teams looking to draft a slow, 5’9 guy. Being around the sport and interacting with the athletes is the next best thing.

13. Ron

    Where u see D-will going this summer?

    • Alex Kennedy

      If the New Jersey Nets can make a splashy move, I think he’ll re-sign with them. If they aren’t able to make a move, I think he signs with the Dallas Mavericks.

      Thanks for all of the questions. If I missed you, send me your question on Twitter (@AlexKennedyNBA). Have a great week!

14. Raps4ever

    Hi Alex, Going forward, how optimistic are you regarding the future of the Raptors? Secondly, if it comes down to Barnes and Lillard, in the draft who would you pick?

    • Alex Kennedy

      I think the Raptors are heading in the right direction. Dwane Casey has done a great job in Toronto and Bryan Colangelo has put them in position to be successful. They have a lot of flexibility going forward and they’ll be able to improve the team through free agency and the draft. I’m really excited to see what Jonas Valanciunas can do next season. I’ve heard nothing but good things about him from people around the league and there are definitely high expectations for him. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Raptors fighting for a playoff spot a year or two from now, when their young pieces start to come together and near their primes. If they have to decide between Harrison Barnes or Damian Lillard, I think they should go with Lillard. I just wrote an article on Lillard this morning, check it out here.