NBA Chat With Alex Kennedy 9/2/11

Join HOOPSWORLD’s Alex Kennedy for his weekly NBA chat this Friday at 3 p.m. ET. Submit your questions early because this chat fills up fast!

  1. Steve

    What kind of NBA career do you see Timofey Mozgov having?

    • Alex Kennedy

      It’s hard to say. He’s only played 524 minutes in his career and hasn’t really gotten the opportunity to showcase his game. He could still emerge as a solid center in the league and he has some upside. It’ll be interesting to see how he’s used over the next few years.

  2. Charlie

    In the latest Hoopsworld Poll, you ask us who you would pick if you were starting a NBA Franchise today. There are seven players listed, none of which is the reigning finals MVP. Not saying I would choose him, but not even listed after that playoffs? Why the no love for Dirk Nowitzki?

    • Alex Kennedy

      He may have been left off because he’s already 33 years old, but I guess if you’re starting a franchise that wants to contend right away, he could be your guy.

  3. Charlie

    In Yannis’ latest article, he stated ‘Andre Drummond’s potential is as high as any center prospect to come along in the last five years.’ DeMarcus Cousins, Brook Lopez, Joakim Noah, Greg Oden. How does Andre rank for you?

    • Alex Kennedy

      I completely agree with Yannis. I’ve seen Andre play in person and he’s capable of taking over games. He’s a dominant player and it wasn’t uncommon to see him dunk the ball with multiple defenders hanging off of him. He was too strong and athletic for anyone in high school to stop him, and I’m curious to see what he can do at Connecticut. I’ve already requested a credential to see him when he comes through South Florida, so he’s good enough to make me cover a college basketball game for the first time in my life.

  4. Jhayee

    dwight howard for michael beasley,anthony randolph,derrick williams..
    or
    dwight howard for michael beasley,kevin love,anthony randolph..
    or
    dwight howard for kevin love,anthony randolph,Malcolm Lee,Wesley Johnson..

    is that possible??

  5. Mardy from BKLYN

    If the league gets their way – and the formation of more superstar trios becomes impossible – it will NOT create parity – it will mean that the Heat will win most, if not all, championships from the time they get it together onward. The ONLY way to have parity in the league now will be to allow more trios to form. The precedent has been set, there’s no way to go back.

    • Alex Kennedy

      How many superstar trios could you really form? There’s not nearly enough elite players in the league for most teams to have a big three. The real solution would be breaking up Miami’s trios, which is something that has been discussed. Will it happen? I doubt it, but that’s the best way to create parity.

  6. TJ

    Hey how about those suns? Can they be a playoff team? But what I really want to know is how good can gortat be? Top 5 center? Hes an amazing defender

    • Alex Kennedy

      As long as Steve Nash is in Phoenix, you can’t count the Suns out. They’ll compete for a playoff spot just like they did last season, but it’ll be tough in the West. They have some personnel decisions to make this summer regarding Vince Carter, Grant Hill and others, but they already have a lot of good pieces in place.

      As far as Gortat goes, I’ve known him since he was a rookie and I watched him develop in Orlando. He has a ton of potential and is extremely confident, but I think top five center is a stretch. He’ll be a solid contributor, but keep in mind, he’s already 27 years old so it’s not like he has unlimited upside. I’m glad he was traded to Phoenix because he needed a situation that allowed him to play more minutes. He’s doing well now and I’m happy for him.

  7. devonte wilson

    iman shumpert posted a video of his workout did you see it and if u did, did you find it impressive?

    • Alex Kennedy

      I was actually with Iman on Monday when he shot that video. That was his second workout of the day, which makes it even more impressive. He’s looking good and working hard to prepare for his rookie season. We shot our own video with Shumpert, interviewing him and filming a different part of his workout. Check it out here.

  8. devonte wilson

    names some rookies and vets who have called in to join the league at impact basketball?

    • Alex Kennedy

      Many of the players that have been working out at Impact this summer are expected to play in the league. That includes Chauncey Billups, Corey Maggette, Al Harrington, J.J. Hickson, Austin Daye, Jared Dudley, Marreese Speights, Dahntay Jones and James Anderson among others.

      Impact has also received commitments from John Wall, Rudy Gay, Kyle Lowry and Zach Randolph.

      Other possibilities include Blake Griffin, Brandon Jennings, Danny Granger and Kevin Durant. The complete rosters will be released next Tuesday.

  9. devonte wilson

    whats going to happen with chauncey billups?

    • Alex Kennedy

      He’s going to try to help the Knicks win a championship this year while mentoring Iman Shumpert in the process.

  10. devonte wilson

    what rookies are trying to play in the jimmer allstar game?

    • Alex Kennedy

      The only confirmed rookies so far are Jimmer, Kemba Walker, Nolan Smith and Malcolm Lee. Others, such as Kyrie Irving, have had to turn down invites because of other commitments.

  11. SaintWalker191

    Hey Alex. Deron recently said the Northeast will be his home soon should this ease Nets fans mind. Also who do you see the Nets adding once the lockout is over. thanks

    • Alex Kennedy

      That will definitely comfort some fans in New Jersey. Ever since the Nets acquired Williams, the big question has been, can they keep him? It sounds like he’s enjoying it there and getting ready to settle down, which is always good to see if you’re the Nets. Once the lockout ends, the Nets could pursue some of the top free agents available such as David West or Caron Butler, but I think they’ll save the big spending for next summer when they can put another star alongside Williams.

  12. devonte wilson

    do you anything about iman shumpert trying to play in the league at impact basketball or the jimmer allstar game or anything else

    • Alex Kennedy

      Shumpert will play in an exhibition game in Atlanta this weekend and he is considering playing in the Impact league. He’ll make a decision next week.