NBA Chat With Alex Kennedy 6/30/12

1. Deven

   Prediction on what happens to D-Will and Steve Nash?

   • Alex Kennedy

     What’s up everyone? Thanks for submitting your questions. I had to move my chat to Saturday this week due to technical difficulties, but it works out because now we can talk free agency a few hours before it gets underway! Let’s get started.

     The Deron Williams sweepstakes comes down to two teams: the Brooklyn Nets and Dallas Mavericks. I’ve heard that Williams is leaning toward re-signing with the Nets, but it’s still very early in this process so we’ll see happens. The Mavericks will do everything they can to recruit him over the next few days. Williams is going to make a decision fairly quickly so we should know what his future holds pretty soon.

     Steve Nash is a bit tougher to predict. The Toronto Raptors and Dallas Mavericks are preparing to make a hard push for Nash. The New York Knicks will pursue him too, even though they don’t have much money to offer.

     I discussed Williams, Nash and a bunch of other free agents in my NBA Saturday this morning. Check it out.

2. Deven

   Why haven’t the Magic found a head coach yet? Who are they targeting?

   • Alex Kennedy

     Good question. I’m surprised it has taken the Magic this long to start their search. I thought they would make a hire before the draft, but that wasn’t the case. They started the search today so we should know more soon. Brian Shaw and Michael Malone are the two names that keep surfacing. I’d say that Shaw and Malone are the two coaches that Orlando is zeroing in on at this point.

3. alan

   Top 5 untradable contracts in nba?

   • Alex Kennedy

     In recent years, I think we’ve learned that every contract in the NBA can be traded. Rashard Lewis’ $110 million contract has been traded twice, which says something. Even the worst contracts can be moved, but usually you’re getting an equally bad contract in return. As of right now, I’d say the five toughest contracts to trade would be Chris Duhon, Tyrus Thomas, Charlie Villanueva, Mike Miller and Brendan Haywood.

4. The Boss Of Hoopsworld

   So what do you think about my Blazers draft…I like Lillard but Leonard I’m not sold yet….plus I’m pissed Blazers didn’t buy a pick and get Perry Jones or Moultrie late. also got any ideas who blazers will target to be their next head coach

   • Alex Kennedy

     I think the Blazers did an outstanding job. For months, I have been praising Damian Lillard. He’s the best point guard in this draft class and he has the potential to be a special player in the NBA. Portland made the right decision drafting him at six. He’s fill a need and can be their floor general of the future. Meyers Leonard is very talented too. He needs some time to develop, but he has a lot of upside. He’s a great fit next to LaMarcus Aldridge. Portland had an excellent draft, they were definitely one of my winners on Thursday night.

5. WIZARD

   Is beal more dwade,eric gordon or rax allen?Can he become star knock down shots witch wall prepare to him?

   • Alex Kennedy

     I asked Bradley Beal who he would compare his game to and he told me Eric Gordon or Ray Allen. I see Gordon more than Allen, and I think he’s going to have a very productive career in the NBA. Washington is an excellent fit for him. He and John Wall are going to be a very scary duo for years to come.

6. Jef

   If the Magic do not re-sign Jameer Nelson, who could possibly be a realistic target for a starting PG for the Magic next year?

   • Alex Kennedy

     That’s a great question. They better find someone because Chris Duhon can’t start. There are a couple free agent point guards who could be signed for the mid-level exception including Raymond Felton, Andre Miller and Jonny Flynn. If Jameer Nelson leaves, Orlando won’t have a ton of options, but they’ll be able to find a new starter.

7. MP3

   What are Knicks’ chances with Steve Nash ?

   • Alex Kennedy

     The New York Knicks will aggressively pursue Steve Nash, but they just don’t have the money to compete with teams like Toronto, Dallas and Phoenix. Nash would have to take a huge pay cut to join the Knicks. He has said that he’ll consider them, but I think it’ll be tough for him to turn down the big offers coming his way from the Raptors, Mavericks and Suns.

8. Dre

   how good will Dion Waiters be at the next level?

   • Alex Kennedy

     I think Dion Waiters could become a very good player in the NBA. I spent some time with Waiters at Impact Basketball in Las Vegas. He was by far the best prospect in the gym and every player wanted to be on his team when they played pick-up games. He’s a very good scorer and he can play both guard positions. The other prospects in Vegas raved about him. One fellow prospect from a big college program told me, “Dion is the best player I’ve ever played against.” Waiters has a lot of potential and there’s a reason so many executives fell in love with him throughout this process.

9. Chris

   Can the Celtics realistically get OJ Mayo? A bench with him and Jeff Green would be great wouldnt it?

   • Alex Kennedy

     Yes, Boston can realistically get O.J. Mayo. Even after re-signing Kevin Garnett, the Celtics have about $13 million to spend in addition to the full mid-level exception. They’re going to be very active over the next few weeks. They’re definitely looking for a shooting guard.

10. Andrew

    With a glut of big men and 4 point guards under contract, do you see the Jazz making a deal to balance out their roster. Is an Iggy/Jefferson swap realistic?

    • Alex Kennedy

      It’s very possible. Devin Harris and Al Jefferson could be moved.

11. Branden

    Where is Ray Allen going especially KG returning to Boston?

    • Alex Kennedy

      A number of teams will pursue Ray Allen including the Miami Heat, Los Angeles Clippers and Phoenix Suns. I think he signs with Miami. There is definitely mutual interest there.

12. Joshua

    How does KG resigning with Boston effect Ray Allen’s decision?

    • Alex Kennedy

      I don’t think Kevin Garnett’s return will affect Ray Allen’s decision. Allen was upset that the team nearly dealt him at the trade deadline. Also, he wasn’t thrilled about coming off of the bench late in the season.

13. Bev

    If Heat can’t require Ray Allen with the $3M who do you think they make a push for next?

    • Alex Kennedy

      If the Miami Heat don’t sign Ray Allen, they’ll likely turn their attention to Chris Kaman, Andre Miller and Grant Hill.

14. Chris

    Will Greg Oden be on a roster next year? Last I read, he wanted to try and take 1-2 years off.

    • Alex Kennedy

      Greg Oden is taking this season off. He’ll spend the next year working out in Columbus, OH and then he’ll try to make a comeback next season.

15. Julian

    Do you think Andre Iguodala will be dealt maybe within the next week?

    • Alex Kennedy

      It’s possible. I’ve been hearing for months that the Philadelphia 76ers are ready to turn over the reins to their young core, and their decision to draft Moe Harkless certainly lines up with that. If the right offer comes along, I think Andre Iguodala could be dealt.

16. Julian

    Which undrafted player were you most dissapointed by not making an NBA roster?

    • Alex Kennedy

      Scott Machado was the biggest surprise, but I was most disappointed that Ashton Gibbs didn’t get picked. I got to know Ashton during the pre-draft process and he’s a great kid. He’s a very hard worker and he’s determined to prove he belongs in the NBA. Gibbs has a terrific shot, one of the quickest releases I’ve seen. Keep an eye on him. He’ll be playing for the Brooklyn Nets’ summer league team and could turn some heads.

17. charlie lakers

    Can the Lakers trade Mike Brown and 60th pick Sacre to San Antonio for Pop and cash?

18. Mark

    Do you expect the sixers to amnesty Elton brand and which free agents do you think the sixers will pursue?

    • Alex Kennedy

      The Philadelphia 76ers may amnesty Elton Brand. It’s something that I heard from several league sources while in Chicago for the NBA Draft Combine. I don’t know if it’s something that’s already been decided, but it certainly sounds like it’s something that has been discussed. We’ll see. If they do amnesty Brand, that would obviously give Philly some money spend this summer, which could allow them to pursue a free agent or two.

19. Julian

    Who do you think the Mavericks will amnesty?

    • Alex Kennedy

      If the Dallas Mavericks amnesty anyone, it’ll be Brendan Haywood.

20. Julian

    How do you feel of the 2013 cover for NBA 2K?

    • Alex Kennedy

      I like it. I’m happy for Kevin Durant, Blake Griffin and Derrick Rose. They’re three of the nicest guys in the league, and they always make my job easy. I’m a big 2K fan so I’ll definitely be picking it up when it comes out.

21. Jackson

    What’s the latest with the Houston Rockets? They desperately tried to make a big trade before and during the draft, but couldn’t pull it off. Are they still pushing for Dwight Howard, Josh Smith, Rudy Gay, etc. or will they be aggressive in free agency instead?

    • Alex Kennedy

      They’ll continue to pursue a face-of-the-franchise player like Dwight Howard, Rudy Gay or Josh Smith, but I’m not sure they have the trade assets to make that kind of blockbuster move. They weren’t able to turn their three first-round picks into a star so now they may be stuck with a young team that will need time to develop. I wouldn’t be surprised if Kyle Lowry and Kevin Martin are traded in the near future, though.

22. Julian

    Don’t you think it’s kind of ironic that the big 3 from Miami didn’t get chosen for the cover?

    • Alex Kennedy

      No. LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh may have a championship, but they’re still considered the villains by a lot of people. 2K wouldn’t put those guys on the cover, they’re too polarizing. They need to sell games, which is why fan favorites like Kevin Durant, Derrick Rose and Blake Griffin were chosen.

23. Julian

    Is there any likelihood we see Roy Hibbert dressed up in a Rockets uniform next year?

    • Alex Kennedy

      No. The Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks have been mentioned as possible suitors for Hibbert, but they shouldn’t waste their time. I’ve been told that the Indiana Pacers will match any offer that Hibbert receives. He’ll be back in Indiana next season, barring an unexpected twist.

      Thanks for submitting your questions! Tonight should be a lot of fun. Follow me on Twitter (@AlexKennedyNBA) for the latest news and rumors. Have a great week!