NBA Chat With Anthony Macri 6/26/12

1. Lateak

   Do u think the knicks can improve with a full camp…. I think they should be the 2nd seed next year n tha east

   • Anthony Macri

     Happy Tuesday everybody! Nighttime in Jakarta but from what I’m told a beautiful day in large parts of the US. Let’s get to your questions…

     I think the Knicks will improve just because of stability in the roster and coaching staff. However, the second seed seems a tad ambitious. Need to see where Dwight Howard will end up, and I still think the Bulls will be pretty darn good even without Derek Rose for a chunk of the season (especially if they make a few moves to shore up their roster). Indiana is already better and should also improve. New York, in short, has a long way to go.

2. Lateak

   I think the knicks should let go of jr smith n get oj mayo… We get more from oj instend of not knowing what we get from jr

   • Anthony Macri

     Trade one ball-stopping inefficient non-shooter for another… Mayo is… taller… maybe that’s the advantage they’ve been looking for!

3. Archie

   Whats d next move for the magic? And any news who r they going afterd draft and free agent?

   • Anthony Macri

     I don’t do much on rumors, but I think they’ve hit the crossroads where they have to decide to rebuild or not. It will not go quietly into that good night in Orlando.

4. Aristotle

   Hey Coach,

   With many of the HEAT players considering retirement, who do you see Riley looking at bringing in to complete the roster and continue with Spo’s coaching style?

   • Anthony Macri

     I think a lot of players could be fits in Miami. I’d look for guys who really want to be there – guys who buy in to the idea of achieving something special – the rest will take care of itself. To be honest, I’m not too concerned about what kind of talent they have provided they have the mental makeup to fit with James, Wade, and Bosh (and the willingness to play beyond themselves defensively).

5. Marcos

   Is Kyle Lowry worth the #5 pick for the Kings? Or would you rather take the best player who drops?

   • Anthony Macri

     Depends on who that player is. I think there will be enough options at #5 that it is unlikely Kyle Lowry is worth that selection (and I really like Lowry).

6. Aristotle

   Hey Coach,

   Would you think that Gay or Iguadola would be an upgrade in Indiana if you sent Granger out to either of their teams?

   • Anthony Macri

     Great question. I was asked by a close associate to compare Rudy Gay and Andre Iguodala a few months back. Granger adds some interesting pieces to the discussion. Iggy is a better defender than both. I don’t think Rudy is the premium scorer that Granger is, but he is also more complete offensively and tends to fit better into a team’s overall offensive plan. I guess it depends on what you are trying to do. I think given Indy’s roster right now, Granger might be the best fit of the three, but any number of moves could force me to reconsider.

7. Peter

   Hey Coach, a touchy subject but since you are in Asia I want to ask you this. Do you find Asian guys less athletic than their caucasian/black counterparts in general? I’m Asian and I’ve been told on multiple occasions that we (asians) are not as genetically gifted as other races.

   • Anthony Macri

     Not too touchy. I don’t do the “PC” thing too much. I don’t think it’s that Asians in general are less athletic at all – in fact, many are impressively athletic. However, it seems that the ones with size are not trained to utilize their athleticism early on, and that creates a gap between them and their (mostly American) counterparts. I think any number of factors influence an individual’s athleticism, and genetics is just one component amongst many. Ultimately, I think players here can work to be at a similar level with most of the globe in time.

8. James Gordon

   How do you see Austin Rivers career in the NBA? Do you see him as a starter or sixth man? Do you think he’ll be a player teams regret passing up.

   • Anthony Macri

     Rivers puzzled me a bit. I had heard such rave reviews of him coming out of high school, that I expected a lot more at Duke (and he wasn’t bad, but perhaps my expectations were a bit to high). I think he is, for the most part, easy to game plan for when he is the central option. However, as a third option, he might be very effective with an NBA team where you cannot focus on him. I see him as a pseudo-starter – maybe a guy similar in a way to James Harden who is a team’s designated scorer off the bench and occasional starter. I don’t think he can be a star beyond that function, and that assumes that all goes well. By the way, don’t be disappointed by that if you select him – that’d be a pretty darn good career path!

9. Sean

   Any spurs draft rumors heating up or are they being old and non-productive on the hot line??? You think they’ll move up?
   Thanks

   • Anthony Macri

     Haven’t heard. San Antonio always does things that impress people on draft night. Something tells me this draft will not be any different in that regard.

10. Kevin

    Utah has Kanter, Jefferson, Favors and Milsap. What would it take for a team to get Milsap?

    • Anthony Macri

      My wish list if I’m Utah: the ability to give us access to a long-term solution in the backcourt and take on Devin Harris in addition to Milsap.

11. The_NGUYENNER

    Assuming they’re all available at 20, which one of these players should the Nuggets draft? Arnett Moultrie, Andrew Nicholson, Royce White, Perry Jones, Jared Sullinger.

    • Anthony Macri

      Sullinger has great value anywhere outside of the top 13 in my book and is a lock pick available below about 17 regardless of need. Even if the guy has a “short” 4 year career, chances are he can provide you with cheap, solid production in the rookie salary scale.

12. Kevin

    What are the names mentioned in Pau rumors? More and more it seems he stays with LA because of his low value. And unless Jimmy Boy trades Drew Lakers will be another 2nd round out.

    • Anthony Macri

      I don’t think trading Drew, unless they are getting a pretty impressive piece in return, is the recipe to get past the 2nd round in the west. Of course, I’m not sure that keeping the team together is the best way to accomplish that goal either. This feels like blasphemy to say, but it may be time to see what Kobe Bryant’s value is…

13. The_NGUYENNER

    Who says no to this?

    houston gives: lowry, dalembert, kevin martin, 14 pick, 16 pick
    houston receives: pick 5, pick 8, jose calderon

    sac gives: number 5 pick
    sac receives: dalembert, 14 pick, 16 pick

    toronto gives: pick 8, jose calderon
    toronto receives: lowry, kevin martin

    • Anthony Macri

      This is a monster scenario. My gut reaction was to say Houston says no, but I’m not as sure after reviewing it a little further. What say you, readers? Post your thoughts in the comments section below!

14. Andre Iguodala

    On Friday what team will I be on?

    • Anthony Macri

      I’m thinking Team Jacob. I could never get into Edward, just too pasty.

      Seriously though, most likely staying in Philadelphia. There are other options, though.

15. astrit

    drummond in pistons,what do you think?

    • Anthony Macri

      Seems possible. Might be a little top-heavy up front but there is asset value in having both Drummond and Monroe.

16. Maurice

    Are the Bucks offering Monta Ellis for a top 10 pick and are there any trade rumors about bucks

    • Anthony Macri

      I’m not sure how many teams would take Monta Ellis – whose team does he make significantly better? He is a unique individual talent, but…

17. FG7

    Jared Sullinger is falling in the board. Someone said that he could slip through Miami but wouldn’t Boston (has two picks, they can take a risk), Atlanta, Indiana, and others take a risk at him before he slips to 27h?

    • Anthony Macri

      As I said earlier, anyone who decides to not select him after about 17 is making a mistake regardless of need.

18. David Rivas

    Do you think Kings will trade down if Kidd-Gilchrist lands at #5? I think it is the best player for the Kings, if Thomas Robinson isn’t available.

    • Anthony Macri

      I think they will wisely listen to all possible scenarios with regard to that selection or the other players on their roster. A deal may come in where they move some other pieces but still select MKG.

19. Jim in CyberSpace

    http://lockerz.com/s/218992229

    Have you seen the latest “Photo” of the Big 3 from “South Beach”.

    It’s so funny.

    “There is always some truth to a jest” Right???

    LOL

    • Anthony Macri

      I don’t think the referees had anything more to do with the outcome of any game of that series (or the series overall) than they do in any other series. In fact, I think anyone who points to the referees as a top 25 reason OKC lost to Miami is in a state of denial about how ill-prepared the Thunder were. That said, they’ll be much more ready in seasons to come as a result.

20. Zach

    With Bird stepping down who do you see taking his position with the Pacers? I keep hearing rumors about Walsh. I would prefer Pritchard take on Bird’s responsibilities

    • Anthony Macri

      Seems like things are moving in a Pritchard-ly direction, or at least things are set up to move that way.

21. Justin

    Ideally the best fit for the Raptors would be Harrison Barnes but it is unlikely that he will drop to the 8th spot. What is your opinion of Rivers going to the Raptors. I hear that coach Casey likes Jeremy Lamb but I really question his motor and drive to truly succeed at the pro level. I know Austin has been labeled over confident and cocky but I think that shows that he is self motivated and wants to be great. I think given time to truly learn the game and more importantly learn his game he will improve his shot selection, shooting percentage and give the Raptors a nice offensive weapon outside of Bargnani. A Rivers and Valanciunas tandem sounds deadly to me.

    • Anthony Macri

      I don’t know that I’d use the term deadly, but he might be a good fit as a 3rd option or so. The key, as will be the case with the Raptors for the next few seasons, is whether Valanciunas is the real deal. I tend to think he is, and if so, there are a lot of guys you can put next to him that would look pretty darn good. My very un-thought-through opinion is that Rivers is a better fit next to him than Lamb at first glance.

22. Golden Refugee

    Are the Warriors a playoff team if they can stay healthy (big if, i know)? Does a trade for a vet sf like Deng, Gay or Iggy help them get there or hopefully Barnes or MKG falling to them?

    • Anthony Macri

      Seems unlikely either of those guys will fall to Golden State at #7. It sucks being mediocre and trying to get into the Western Conference playoff picture. It’s possible they are an 8 seed but we need to see what other moves are made around them (not to mention their own roster tinkering).

23. JP

    Minnesota best path to success:
    A-Trade Derrick Williams & Wes Johnson & … (not named Rubio, Love, Pekovic, Ridnour & Barea) and the 18# pick for the #2 to select Bradley Beal. Clear some cap space and sign Josh Smith in the next FA.
    B- Trade Derrick Williams & Wes Johnson & … (not named Rubio, Love, Pekovic, Ridnour & Barea) and the 18# pick for the #2 to select Bradley Beal. Try to sign either Batum or Gerald Wallace to be the defensive stopper at the SF position.
    C- Sign C Lee or Mayo for the least possible (?), go for Batum or Gerald Wallace at the 3 and draft Fab Melo.
    D- Sign C Lee or Mayo for the least possible (?), go for Josh Smith at the 3 in the next FA and draft Fab Melo.
    E-Draft Fab Melo, sign a new backup PF in the mold of Collison and try not only to go for Josh Smith in the next FA but also try to draft Shabazz Muhammad doing a trade.
    F- Trade Derrick Williams & Wes Johnson & … (not named Rubio, Love, Pekovic, Ridnour & Barea) and the 18# pick for the #2 to select Bradley Beal. Sign Brandon Roy to come off the bench. And then try to full fill the roster…
    Full Roster: Rubio-Beal-…-Love-Pekovic…Barea-Ridnour-Roy-Bjelica -….-Lee-Ellignton-…-Tolliver-…
    G- Or would you have the following roster? Full Roster:
    Starters: Rubio-CLee-Williams-Love-Pekovic…
    Bench: Barea-Ridnour-Roy-Bjelica -…….
    Squad (- minutes): M Lee-Ellignton-…-Tolliver-…

    -Which would be your choice and which would be the ideal?
    -What do you think of Nemanja Bjelica?

    • Anthony Macri

      That made my brain hurt.

      After quick review and a partial lobotomy, I like B or C options the best. It would require a bit too much study to go deeper than that. I haven’t seem much from Bjelica recently. Seems like the kind of guy who could use some royal jelly (google that term and “David Thorpe” and you’ll know what I mean).

24. Mark

    Im sure the Bucks are gonna do something splashy on draft night, what are you hearing?! Thanks

    • Anthony Macri

      Now, if you just clicked your heels together three times… “there’s no place like home…”

25. Alex

    What did you think of the Hornets’ and Wizards trade? As a Wizards fan, I think it was a shortsighted move by Grunfeld.

    • Anthony Macri

      It seems like Ernie thinks this might give them enough firepower to not be terrible. That is probably true, but I’m not sure it really illuminates the path to long-term success, either. However, he needs to give John Wall a little hope in order to get him to consider signing longer-term with the Wizards, which seems like his intention. I don’t believe there were too many deals to be had that would have improved the Wizards more than incrementally, anyway. Need to get out from under the thumb of Blatche before real steps can be taken.

26. Alex

    Hi coach,

    Do you think the Miami Heat are favorite to repeat next year ?

    • Anthony Macri

      Right now, yes. But not by much. Will need to see their roster machinations but if LeBron continues to play at this level, he is the favorite for the foreseeable future. Just impressive.

27. Tom

    Hey Coach – do you think the Cavs should unload Varejao? I love the guy to death but his value isn’t ever really going to be higher than it is now. He would look good next to Cousins in SAC, no?

    • Anthony Macri

      Not a huge fan of putting him next to Cousins (I’d rather not have two space eaters without requisite shooters around them) but it seems like his value may be decently high as you suggest. Shop him!

28. Saulo

    Hey Coach, what do you think of Chase as the wolves starting 2? I really liked this trade, I love Bud’s game and I think he’s a solid player for the wolves. But, he seems like another wing tweener and I was hoping for a LEGIT 2guard like Mayo.. What are your thoughts?

    • Anthony Macri

      I’m not a huge fan of Mayo’s (anyone guess?!) and I don’t think he’s as legit a two guard as you seem to imply here. Not sure that either is a great fit in Minnesota, but I tend to like Budinger a bit more for a variety of reasons.

29. Chuck

    Hello Coach,

    Is anyone going to give Beasley’s talent the proper respect and play him on his natural PF position? He clearly has franchise player potential. I don’t buy the character issues thing, many stars have issues.

    • Anthony Macri

      At one time, I agreed with you. I don’t think it’s necessarily a character thing – I tend to think he just doesn’t do much aside from score, and that usually makes it difficult for a guy to be a franchise player.

30. Saulo

    I’ve heard that on draft day there are trades made within those few minutes before the selection. Have you ever heard of a team giving the go ahead to another team to draft a certain player then after that “take it back” (since it was more verbal than contractual)?

    • Anthony Macri

      I think it’d be very hard for teams to “take it back.” That GM / front office would likely get black listed and never really be trusted when it came to similar situations in the future.

      Alright folks, that does it for me. Enjoy the draft – I’ve got a feeling it will be a fun one!