NBA Chat With Anthony Macri 10/16/12

1. Frank

   Maalik Wayns is an undrafted rookie out of Villanova. But in his first two games in preseason has killed it for Philly averaging 12 points, 4.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds in 23.5 minutes. What do you think of Maalik as a player? And do you think he has solidified taking that back-up PG role with the 76ers this year?

   • Anthony Macri

     Happy Tuesday everybody! Sorry for the delayed start, but I’ll be here for an hour to answer your questions. I can almost taste the NBA starting. A bunch of friends and colleagues when up to the NBA game in China this past weekend, and they brought back stories, so my mouth is watering. I’m sure yours is too… let’s get to your questions.

     I have not had the chance to watch him play this preseason yet. I will try to do so. I do have an “in” since I work for one of the 76ers owners in a different basketball property he founded here in Southeast Asia… maybe he can give me the skinny! I’ll try to catch a game soon.

2. Sweet Dee

   In response to Kobe Byrant’s criticism, Smush Parker said “out of his own mouth Kobe told me I couldn’t talk to him. That my accolades under my belt weren’t deserving enough for me to talk to him.” It’s statements like this that makes it hard for me to believe there are Kobe Bryant fans out there. He may be a great basketball player, but if true, this line to Smush should open the eyes of even the most unkind people on this planet. In your opinion, should any player (regardless of how great) be able to tell their teammates something like this. And how do you think it would impact player morale / the lockerroom?

   • Anthony Macri

     Personally, I think players need to develop a thicker skin when it comes to these kinds of things. An A-type borderline megalomaniac personality like Kobe Bryant is only saying things like that because he knows he can get under someone’s skin. If he knows you won’t be affected, he doesn’t say them to begin with. For the vast majority of high level players, they have been around that kind of guy all their lives, and in many cases, they were the Alpha Dog at some lower level and gradually lost prestige the higher they climbed the basketball ladder. With all that said, Kobe should avoid being rude or condescending because it is free to be polite and respectful and the dividends are vast and great. But it doesn’t much change my opinion of him as a basketball player.

3. Dennis

   Watched the Cavaliers preseason game and the commentator mentioned how CJ Miles may be the #2 scoring option for Cleveland this year. This made me immediately concerned, as no free agent who signed for 2.25 million / year should be a team’s #2 option. Would this concern you as a Cavs fan? What do you think of Kyrie’s supporting cast and who would you peg as the #2 scorer for the team this year?

   • Anthony Macri

     Certainly seems possible that Miles will be in the top 3. I am one of those believers in Tristan Thompson, though he may not be able to produce enough to be a second scorer, I think he has the potential to get there down the line.

4. Mac

   In his chat, Bill Ingram stated the Bulls are almost certainly a lock for home court this year. Was very surprised by this statement, as I think they will be lucky to even make the playoffs. A 2nd unit of Nate Robinson, Marquis Teague, Marco Bellineli, Taj Gibson, and Nazr Mohammed is not only not the Mob Squad, but one of the worst benches in the East. I know Thibs gets the most out of his players, but I think it is unrealistic to believe this unit will not struggle. How many game under/over 500 do you expect the Bulls to be minus Derrick Rose for the first approx 41 games? And what do you personally think of their 2nd unit?

   • Anthony Macri

     Second unit is not very good at all. But they don’t have to be great. I expect them to slow tempos down and grind games out. I think they will be about 23-18 for the first 41 games, and definitely at least around 6th or 7th in the East. Their defense will be really good, and that will be enough to hold their own in a fair number of games. By the way, I don’t think that unit will play together much. Just subbed in and out in a rotation so they will have three starters on the floor basically at all times.

5. LayHee

   In a Hoopsworld article it mentioned how of all NBA players to defend at least 250 plays last year, Omar Asik ranked No. 1 in the league in defense, allowing just 0.653 points per play. The Rockets, a team that loves advanced analytics, saw this and made an offer that Chicago couldn’t match. I was surprised he was ranked so high, were you? And how much of an impact do you think he will make in Houston this year? He is the only center for the Rockets so may be due for a breakout year. What do you think?

   • Anthony Macri

     I am shocked that he would be ranked #1 in that, though I do like his body positioning most of the time, and I think that is the easiest way to impact a game defensively. Everyone wants to talk about high flying blocks or steals but in reality the anticipation of slide angles and use the body physically is much more important. I really like the Asik acquisition. I think he has a chance to be very good on his own. Maybe not quite Marcin Gortat in terms of individual production, but we shall see…

6. Ricky

   Nikola Pekovic only played in 98 games in 6 years in Europe averaging 20.5 minutes a game. He is now asked to play in 82 games per year for 30+ minutes a game. In his only two NBA seasons, he has not lasted the entire season, playing through injuries throughout most of last year = tough guy. My theory is his body will not be able to last the banging style he has throughout the NBA year. What do you think: conspiracy theory or legitimate concern?

   • Anthony Macri

     I think that our minds make patterns where none exist. However, if the guy is always getting hurt, then he’s always getting hurt. I think it is a legit concern about him making it through the season, but rather than conspiracy theory I think you should try to channel that into “cautious optimism.”

7. Julian

   Enes Kanter is shredding it in preseason so far averaging 12.7 points, 12.3 rebounds in 21 minutes over 3 games. He is showing off his new agility and quickness due to all the weight loss in the offseason (between 30-40 lbs). After averaging only 4.6 points and 4.2 boards last year, what is a reasonable statline for Utah fans to expect this year? And would he be a starter on other NBA teams?

   • Anthony Macri

     Possible starter on other teams, it depends on the team. Love the body change. Much prefer quicker, sleeker, and more athletic to simply big and muscular. We always encouraged our guys to focus on slim but strong. I think his stats will turn back to the number of minutes he plays.

8. Chris

   How good is LeBron on a historical level? I’m following the NBA since 1996 (so I haven’t seen Jordan at his peak) and always thought that 1999-2001 Shaq was the best player I have ever seen by a considerable margin. Would you agree with this and where would you rank LeBron? Is he the best in 20 years as Bill Simmons says?

   • Anthony Macri

     LeBron is the best since Michael Jordan without a doubt. It will be difficult to pass MJ but I believe strongly that LeBron will enter Top 5 All Time Discussion very soon, putting him in league with Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and Kareem Abdul Jabar.

9. Wil

   Hi Coach, a couple of question regarding the Blazers. Frist, from a player development standpoint (forgetting short term W/L) is it better to start a player, bring him off the bench, or send him the D-league? In particular, I am thinking of Meyers, who has played well, and perhaps should start…thoughts? Second, in regards to Stotts, who has not had great success as a head coach in the past (albeit with suspect talent) what would you like to see him build on in terms of his own style for this year? Thanks, Coach.

   • Anthony Macri

     I don’t think there is any one answer from a strictly development standpoint – if you have a good D-League team and the guy can get a lot of run there in a system he can learn that will help him translate to the pros, it is a great option. Each player’s personality is different too in terms of where they believe they will excel, and sports tend to be an area where I think there is some value to getting individual buy-in. If you can afford to be patient, I think keeping Meyers Leonard out on the floor of an NBA game may result in mistakes but I think he’ll learn from those errors. I like the talent in Portland and I’d focus on leadership for Lillard right from the jump. Not exactly a style question, but a tactical and strategic answer.

10. Hicksy

    Hey coach Marci I coach under 17 boys we’re struggling on the glass any idea’s/drills to improve? And blocking out? Thanks coach

    • Anthony Macri

      Lots. One video to get is from my mentor, David Thorpe, who did a piece on rebounding that you might find useful. In addition, the best teacher of rebounding drills, technique, etc., is Tom Izzo, and you can just google search to get resources from him directly. When you do drills, focus on boxing out using hips and lower legs. Too many guys make it an arm battle instead of a leg battle. Then, use the phrase, “rebound through the ball.” Good luck!

11. Quan

    hey man, how’s thing going in ABL?

    1) Talking about the number 1 draft pick, it seems like the guy block shots so easily in college, but I really doubt if he can do it in the NBA, not even reaching the candidacy of Defensive Player of the Year yet. What’s the difference of blocking shots in college and in NBA? What’s the chance of Anthony Davis?

    2) People said a lot about Steve Nash relieving the pressure of carrying the offense from Kobe. Yeah, that’s true, but I find another thing coming to Kobe: Nash’s defence. It’s clear that the guy doesn’t deliver anything when it comes to guarding, so will Kobe have to cover Nash, especially against PG who are scorers like Brandon Jennings and Derrick Rose (if Rose’s fine, of course)?

    3) Do you think staying in college until graduation will benefit a player long-term? I don’t understand why a lot of scouts said negative things to players of that kind. Did Tim Duncan graduate in Wake Forest then won 4 rings? It’s very clear that guys like Duncan are much mature and professional, and those attitude definitely helped them on the path to success.

    • Anthony Macri

      ABL is great. Fantastic plans and team owners are excited and engaged.

      1) He won’t block shots at the same rate in the NBA. Players are bigger, faster, stronger. That is the biggest adjustment for him to make. He has a gift for blocking shots though, so don’t expect it to take him too long to adjust and overcome.

      2) Having Dwight and Pau in the backline will cover up for those issues more than Kobe would have to, in my opinion.

      3) I think Duncan was a mature and professional kid after his freshman year of college. I don’t think going to college gives you any special monopoly on maturity. Guys who don’t come out after a year or two tend to get labeled as “broken” because people wonder aloud why they aren’t already in the NBA. It’s not fair, but it certainly happens.

12. Devonte

    Are We Going to See An improvement With The New Backcourt for The Knicks With Raymond and Kidd? what can we expect from this backcourt?

    • Anthony Macri

      Better use of speed in the open court and secondary attack. I like it overall as improvement but the real test is
      for the relationship between Melo and Stat. If Raymond and Kidd can’t get those two on the same page, the Knicks will never be super-succesful.

13. Bryan

    I know it was only one game in the pre season but I really think the Mavs showed how explosive of a scoring team they can be and thats without dirk, and also they should be a top 10 defensive team this year and still nobody seems to give them some love

    • Anthony Macri

      I just don’t like their roster very much. I tend to think they are bottom half of the West and the West is pretty darn good. I am ok with Collison, I like Dirk, but the rest are an unknown quantity when playing together. I’m not OJ Mayo’s biggest fans, since earlier in his playing career.

14. B. Carroll

    Outside of Anthony Davis, which rookie do you feel has the best chance of becoming an All-Star caliber player? Also, what are your thoughts on the development of DeMarcus Cousins? He is in a very small market and he is a knucklehead — but he is as talented of a young true “big” that I have seen come into the league in a long time.

    • Anthony Macri

      I like Damien Lillard’s situation. I also like Harrison Barnes but I don’t think he’ll get the opportunities needed to put up big numbers. Same with Bradley Beal. We’ll have to assess the situation when the games start!

      Regarding the development of DeMarcus Cousins, it is pretty amazing how much better he should already be. His growth is stunted a bit by attitude and lack of focus, and he’s still improving at a pretty good rate. Makes you wonder how much better he would be if he actually devoted himself to it while forgoing the extracurriculars.

15. Charlie

    Vegas officially has come out with the lines for the NBA this year. They have the Toronto Raptors pegged at 33 wins for the year. If you were a betting man, over or under? And what would be your #1 reason for making this decision.

    • Anthony Macri

      I am a betting man, just not on sports… but if I was going straight over-under 33 for the Toronto Raptors, I’d pick the over, but I think it will be razor thin – They will be within two wins or losses of 33 total.

16. Charlie

    Which rookie would you rather have as a back-up PF this year: Andrew Nicholson or Jarred Sullinger

    • Anthony Macri

      I think Sullinger is a bit more prepared to compete at a high level against pros. I like Nicholson fine, but I just think this season I’d rather have Sullinger.

17. TOOM

    Can I ask about ABL Season4??

    • Anthony Macri

      Sure – by Twitter or on here…. but I have to get off this chat soon!

18. 123Eric

    I apologize for being vague but, can you share something interesting (from a coaching standpoint) that you’ve noticed by watching preseason games that maybe we, the casual fans, may have missed out?

    • Anthony Macri

      I pay a lot of attention to shooting form this early, because I think it can give you a pretty good idea of how much time a person spent doing dedicated preparation and ongoing development. Do they lock-in their follow through? Are they balanced? What about extra movements? Essentially, the question for any pitcher: is it compact, efficient, and repeatable? Or is it herky jerkey – which either says the guy did not do off-season work or he didn’t take the work he did seriously. We shall see!

      I’ve reached the end of being able to keep my eyes open. Thanks for joining me and see you next week!