NBA Chat With Alex Kennedy 5/18/12

Join HOOPSWORLD’s Alex Kennedy for his weekly NBA chat this Friday at 1 p.m. ET. Submit your questions early because this chat fills up fast!

  1. Palace Bro

    Blazers: Due to contracts and failed experiements blowing up the team seems evident. Long term, are the Blazers better off gambling with a rookie squad or overpaying vet stars? Realistically, what are our chances of getting, Goran Dragic, Eric Gordan, and Roy Hibbert, whilst keeping Nic Batum and LaMarcus Aldridge?

    • Alex Kennedy

      What’s up everyone? Thanks for stopping by and submitting your questions. Let’s get started.

      The Blazers want to bring in some players who can contribute right away so that they can return to the postseason. They don’t want to go through a long rebuilding period. I don’t think Eric Gordon or Roy Hibbert will be available. They will both become restricted free agents this summer and I can’t see either signing an offer sheet that doesn’t get matched. New Orleans sees Gordon as a key piece for them going forward and Indiana loves Hibbert. Goran Dragic is an option though, as is drafting Damian Lillard in the first round. I do think they’ll re-sign Nic Batum and LaMarcus Aldridge isn’t going anywhere. This will be a very interesting offseason for the Blazers and, with the right decisions, they can become one of the best up-and-coming teams in the league.

  2. Will

    You think Houston could make a trade for Dwight on draft night?

    • Alex Kennedy

      I don’t think Dwight Howard would sign a long-term deal with the Houston Rockets so it’s hard to imagine them giving up any significant pieces to acquire him. It’s always possible, but I just don’t see it happening. If Howard gets traded this summer, I think it’ll be to Brooklyn. It wouldn’t make much sense for the Rockets to blow up their team just to bring in Howard for one drama-filled season.

  3. Deven

    Hi Alex. Do you think Boston might have a great chance at beating the Miami Heat in the Conference Finals, should they get there? If not, what are your thoughts?

    • Alex Kennedy

      Miami is looking very beatable right now so it’s definitely possible. They’re a different team with Chris Bosh sidelined. Roy Hibbert and David West are doing whatever they want against the Heat’s frontcourt.

      If Boston and Miami were to match up in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Celtics would certainly have a chance. With that said, Boston worries me because they have so many players that are worn out and beat up. Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Avery Bradley are all playing through pain and, at times, Boston has looked very old. It would certainly be a close series, especially if Bosh is sidelined.

  4. Deven

    How is San Antonio this productive, despite having some aging stars in Timmy, TP and Manu? What’s their secret? It feels like I’m watching Duke Basketball or something. Thoughts?

    • Alex Kennedy

      Gregg Popovich is an outstanding coach. He has done such a terrific job this season. The Spurs aren’t the defensive-oriented, grind-it-out team from a few years ago. They’re a high-scoring team that has an excellent mix of youth and veterans. Popovich limited Parker, Duncan and Ginobili during the regular season, which is why they’re all playing so well right now. Also, he gets the most out of his role players, with guys like Danny Green, Kawhi Leonard, Boris Diaw and Stephen Jackson stepping up and contributing. As you said, San Antonio always seems to make the right play. They’re playing such efficient basketball right now and it’s hard to imagine them losing a series. This is a team that hasn’t lost a game since April 11. The Spurs are the scariest team in the postseason, as of right now.

  5. Deven

    Who’s your pick to win it all, Alex?

  6. Deven

    Are the Nets really going to go after Kevin Garnett in the off season just to please D-Will?

    • Alex Kennedy

      If the Nets are going after Kevin Garnett, I’m sure it’s something that Deron Williams wants. They have involved him in the decision-making process from day one and they’re doing everything in their power to re-sign him this summer. Garnett won’t be enough to keep Williams in Brooklyn and the Nets know that. They want to trade for Dwight Howard this summer and then add veterans like Garnett around the Williams-Howard duo.

  7. Deven

    Fact or Fiction: Kobe will not get his sixth ring this year.

    • Alex Kennedy

      Fact. I think the Thunder will eliminate the Lakers, which will make for a very interesting offseason in Los Angeles.

  8. CC

    In your article on Lin – you cited the Arenas rule as a key to the possibility of him leaving …and said that other teams could offer him the big salary raise in year 3-4 but would pay him completely differently, and thus had a big advantage over NY who would have to pay him per the offer. That doesn’t fit the CBA I’ve read. Care to clarify or retract?

    • Alex Kennedy

      No, that is how it will work, which is why Jeremy Lin’s free agency could be more interesting than people expect. I have confirmed this with Larry Coon, our salary cap guru, and with Lin’s camp.

  9. Mutang

    Hey Alex. Really curious about my Utah Jazz. They exceeded expectations but showed also what they are lacking: PG and shooting. They have some bigs so a trade for PG? I’d like to see them get GS’s draft pick, grab Lilliard and then also sign Steve Nash for couple years to mentor him and also help this team contend. Otherwise, either go get Dragic or Mo Williams. Who could Al or Paul be traded for? What do you think they will/should do?

    • Alex Kennedy

      Utah definitely needs to go after a point guard, either in the draft or in free agency. Damian Lillard is a possibility, but there are a lot of teams in the lottery that like his game. As far as Steve Nash goes, I don’t think he’s signing with Utah. He wants to join a contender and the Jazz aren’t there yet. If Lillard is off the board when Utah picks, they should look at free agents like Goran Dragic, Aaron Brooks, George Hill or Jameer Nelson (if he opts out).

  10. Deven

    Is Miami done, Alex?

    • Alex Kennedy

      They still have LeBron James and Dwyane Wade so I’m not counting them out just yet. With that said, the Pacers are playing excellent basketball and they’re extremely confident right now. They felt very good about their chances entering this series and had an us-against-the-world mentality. Now, they know they can beat this team and all of the pressure is on Miami. I’m not going to say that Miami is done, but it’s not looking good.

  11. Deven

    If it were to happen, who would win the Eastern Conference between the Celtics-Pacers?

    • Alex Kennedy

      I would take Indiana in seven games. They’re playing very well and, as I said, Boston is beat up. It would be a great series though.

  12. Deven

    Prediction: Should Tim Duncan retire or re-sign with the Spurs after they win the title?

    • Alex Kennedy

      I think he should re-sign with the Spurs because he can clearly still play at a high level and be a significant contributor in San Antonio. With that said, there are other factors that will go into Duncan’s decision and only he knows what he wants to do.

  13. boracay

    With the camera catching the tension between c’spoe and dwade.some funs noticing the attitude problem on dwade and it kinda started when the big 3 was formed.they thought it was easy and the are the coolest people alive. Do u think that their egoes are going over board that tbey dont respect.their coach no more? Last year lbj bump spoe in a time out and in a losing mode.

    • Alex Kennedy

      I don’t think the spat between Dwyane Wade and Erik Spoelstra is a big deal. It happened in the heat of the moment and the media is blowing it out of proportion. Those guys have a ton of respect for each other and they get along very well. Wade and Spo are competitors and that’s going to happen over the course of a long season. I’m sure they’ve already made up and moved on. When LeBron James bumped into Spoelstra, it was the same thing. It was talked about for a few days and then never discussed again. Those things happen and I don’t think the Heat should be concerned.

  14. Thomas Pynchon

    What is the bigger insult to the game–lebron/lefraud winning 3 MVPs ( and being humiliated in the playoffs each time) or people pushing the durant agenda when he’s the third best player on his own team?

    • Alex Kennedy

      Whoa, strong opinions!

      LeBron James was outstanding in each of those three seasons. I know everyone hates the guy, but he played out of his mind and deserved each of those awards. This year, he was excellent on both ends of the court and was by far the most efficient and productive player in the league. I agree that he needs to step up in the postseason and win a ring, but you can’t take away from the success he has had during the regular season. He deserves those awards.

      Your Kevin Durant criticism is bit more shocking to me. I’ve come to expect people hating on LeBron James, but saying that Durant is the third-best player on his team?! I couldn’t disagree more. Russell Westbrook and James Harden are great players, but Durant is the best player on that team. No question. Every executive in the league would agree.

  15. Jazzfan

    Alex Thanks for your time.
    What do you think Derrick Favors ceiling is? All Star? Super Star?, I see super star written all over this kid.

    • Alex Kennedy

      Derrick Favors has an incredibly high ceiling. It’s crazy to think that he’s only 20 years old. He has so much potential and could be an All-Star or superstar if he continues to develop and work hard. I talked to Derrick several times this season and he seems like a great kid with an excellent work ethic. He made huge strides this season, averaging 8.8 points, 6.5 rebounds and one block in 21 minutes per game during the regular season. He elevated his game in the postseason as well, averaging 11.8 points, 9.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks. He was very impressive in the final two games of the first-round series and, like you, I’m excited to watch him develop further over the next few years.

  16. Joe

    The NBA is presently inundated with PG’s just establishing themselves as quality starters like Teague,Lin,Lawson and Lowry.Also PG’s that are getting close or just need the right situation- K.Walker,Dragic,Bayless,Sessions,Vasquezand L.Williams.Of these PG’s who do you see as the top three in terms of ability to be successfully starting on a playoff quality team?

    • Alex Kennedy

      Of the players you mentioned, my top three would be Kyle Lowry, Ty Lawson and Goran Dragic.

  17. Mark from San Juan Capistrano

    Lakers Fan–
    1) When is the last time we had consistent 3 pt.shooting? Nobody has to guard us on the permiter except when Kobe gets hot. This summer address that.
    2) Whydoesn’t anyone talk about Nash to the Lakers next year. Nash has made his money. With Nash I think next year would definitely be our year.

    • Alex Kennedy

      1) It has been awhile and, as you said, that’s a huge concern for the Lakers. They definitely need to address that this summer because it would spread the floor and take some pressure off of their other offensive weapons. I think Jodie Meeks would look good in purple and gold.

      2) I have been saying for awhile that Steve Nash is going to leave money on the table to sign with a contender. He wants to win a ring, which is why I wouldn’t be surprised if he signed with a team like the Heat or Lakers for significantly less money.

  18. tom

    what do you see the timberowlves doing this off season?

    • Alex Kennedy

      They’re going to pursue a scorer. Don’t be surprised if they try to trade for someone like Kevin Martin or try to sign someone like Jamal Crawford. Minnesota wants someone who can create their own shot to make things easier for Ricky Rubio and Kevin Love. They tried to address that at the trade deadline, but couldn’t find a deal that they liked. This summer, that will be their focus.

  19. Lateak

    I still want cp3 with the knicks if melo n amare do there deals over with tyson…. With cp3 tha knicks would win a title

    • Alex Kennedy

      Chris Paul is an unrestricted free agent next summer. Unfortunately for the Knicks, they’re in a salary cap hell and they’d have to get very creative to pursue him.

  20. derric

    The Blazers need a PG badly and Dragic’s name has been mentioned but what about Lowry? Would Houston be willing to trade him and resign Dragic instead? Who does Houston like better?

    • Alex Kennedy

      The Rockets love Kyle Lowry. I think they’d rather hold onto Lowry, especially since he was having an All-Star-caliber season until he was sidelined.

      Thanks for submitting your questions! If I missed you, hit me up on Twitter. Have a great week!