NBA Chat With Alex Kennedy 12/9/2011

1. Lordoftheboard

   What do you think about the Trade between Magic and Celtics?

   • Alex Kennedy

     What’s up everyone? These last 24 hours have been crazy and we haven’t even gotten into free agency yet. I’ll be chatting for the next hour so submit your questions.

     The sign-and-trade for Glen Davis was completed in an attempt to keep Dwight Howard happy. Howard had asked management to pursue Davis and this was the only way the Magic could acquire him. Don’t be surprised if Orlando makes another trade or two in the next few days. They’re desperate and doing whatever they can to appease Howard. I understand the trade for both teams. I think they’ll each fit well and benefit from the change of scenery.

2. Jonathan Cruz

   Hey Alex, Does the Tyson deal with the Knicks make them a top 3 team in the east?

   • Alex Kennedy

     I think so. Right now, I would Miami, Chicago and New York on the top tier in the East. How good New York can be really depends on their point guard though. They better deal Ronny Turiaf for a point otherwise they’ll be in trouble. As much as I love Iman Shumpert, that’s a tough situation for a rookie point guard to step into.

3. Lbjwadeboshbattiermillerud

   What is your thoughts on the Heats fa pick ups (talk about there defense) ? And what team in the east do you feel matches up well with the heat.

   • Alex Kennedy

     I love the Shane Battier signing. He’s really going to help that team and he’s exactly what Miami needs. He doesn’t need the ball in his hands to impact a game and he’s an excellent leader. I’ve always been a big fan of Battier and every executive praises him. I like the Eddy Curry signing as well. Everyone makes jokes about Curry, but he’s working hard to get in shape and prove his critics wrong. He’s another player that’s a low risk, high reward signing for the veteran’s minimum. Worst case scenario, he sits on their bench. Best case scenario, he becomes a significant contributor.

     To answer your second question, I think Chicago matches up well against the Heat, but I think Miami is the favorite to come out of the East for the next few years.

4. Jack

   What are the realistic options for the Knicks at point guard? Baron Davis is the name I keep hearing but will he really go through the amnesty process without a bid?

   • Alex Kennedy

     It’s going to be difficult for the Knicks to land one of the waived point guards like Baron Davis or Gilbert Arenas. Teams that are under the cap will have the first opportunity to bid on those players and, as you said, it’s very unlikely that no team places a bid. The only way one of those guys lands in New York is if their agent says they won’t report to any other team.

5. Mike P.

   We all know Gilbert isnt gonna get bid on, what teams will most likely sign him afterwards. (I know most won’t but just speculate)

   • Alex Kennedy

     There could be some interest in Gilbert. He lost 20 pounds over the offseason and his knee is feeling a lot better as a result. At this point, he’s a low risk, high reward signing. He can still contribute and he’s a bargain if a team can land him for the veteran’s minimum. He would love to join a contender, but we’ll have to see if any team places a bid on him.

6. MagicFanSince89

   Any truth to the rumors that the Magic are pursuing a S&T with Philly, based around J-Rich and Iggy?

   • Alex Kennedy

     I haven’t heard that, but I wouldn’t be surprised. The Magic are definitely working the phones and exploring all sign-and-trade possibilities. As I tweeted earlier in the week, they’ve contacted the Atlanta Hawks about a Jamal Crawford sign-and-trade as well.

7. MagicFanSince89

   One day, the internet is blanketed with stories that Dwight wants to stay– the next, that he’s going to demand a trade to the Nets. How credible are all of these stories? There are so many that it makes my head spin!

   • Alex Kennedy

     That’s the NBA for you. Two weeks ago, Chris Paul seemed headed to the Knicks. Last week, it appeared he was heading to the Warriors or Clippers. Then, he gets dealt to the Lakers, but only for an hour. These situations can change so much from one day to the next. A story can be credible and 100 percent accurate one second and completely off the next.

8. bilal

   what stops the bulls doing a sign and trade for afflalo. they could give asik and brewer in return. it would help both teams.

   • Alex Kennedy

     The Bulls are still looking into sign-and-trade possibilities for Arron Afflalo or Jamal Crawford. Both of those players want around $10 million per season, but Chicago continues to communicate with the players and their teams. We’ll see if the Denver Nuggets or Atlanta Hawks have any interest.

9. Joe

   If Orlando somehow trys and trade for a Chris Paul or another Point Guard, where does that leave Jameer Nelson? Part of the deal?

   • Alex Kennedy

     If Orlando trades for a point guard, Jameer Nelson would have to be part of the deal. Nelson is really the only valuable trade chip that the Magic have. Ryan Anderson, J.J. Redick and Daniel Orton could probably be moved, but I don’t think any of those pieces can land Chris Paul or another star point guard.

10. Stan Van Gundy

    How does Big Baby improve the team over Brandon Bass?

    • Alex Kennedy

      It shows Dwight Howard that they are trying to surround him with the players from his wish list. That’s about it.

11. RPM

    Any news on the CP3 debacle?
    Do think this trade will eventually go through? If not, how will the 3 teams deal with the fallout?

    • Alex Kennedy

      It doesn’t sound like the original trade will go through. David Stern’s press release shot down that possibility. With that said, the three teams are trying to change the deal so that it will be approved by the league.

12. Jeff Salmon

    Does Vince Carter have anything left in the tank or is he half man, half dead?

    • Alex Kennedy

      Some team will be willing to take a chance on him. He averaged 13.5 points in 51 games with the Suns last year. He can still contribute and I could see a team signing him as their sixth man.

13. Micah

    Whats the latest on the hawks besides t-mac?

    • Alex Kennedy

      Atlanta doesn’t have a ton of money to spend, but they are talking with a number of role players. Earl Watson has narrowed down his options to Atlanta or Utah. I believe the Hawks have reached out to Von Wafer as well. They need to fill out their roster, but don’t expect any huge moves.

14. Eric

    Did Dwight’s representatives really tell NJ he wants to go there?

    • Alex Kennedy

      He hasn’t demanded a trade yet. Will he? That remains to be seen. At this point, I wouldn’t be surprised if he did. If he’s already meeting with the Nets, it sounds like he has one foot out the door.

      That’s all for today! If I missed you, hit me up on Twitter. Have a great weekend!