NBA Chat With Anthony Macri 7/10/12

Coach Anthony Macri writes the weekly Coach’s Notebook column for HOOPSWORLD and was recently named the CEO of the ASEAN Basketball League, the first regional professional sports league in Southeast Asia. Coach Macri gets started at 10am EST every Tuesday.

  1. erika claire

    who do you think will be the next champion team?

    • Anthony Macri

      Happy Tuesday everybody! Sorry if I’m a bit slow today – my internet connection at a hotel in Singapore is just awful. In case you didn’t hear, I know some folks are going to congratulate me on my recent appointment as CEO of the ASEAN Basketball League – the first and only regional pro sports league in Southeast Asia – I promise to keep this chat focused on the NBA. For ABL-related news, check the website!

      I assume you mean NBA champion – I think the HEAT have the best chance right now, but I think Dwight in Brooklyn along with Deron Williams and JJ can give them issues, since they would have players at the two positions Miami has trouble matching up with. Still seems to me they are the best team, however.

  2. Tiho

    So,from what I understand,seems like the Cavs are waiting for a next year to make a big splash on free agency…with all of those first round picks and huge salary cap.What do you think?Cavs are playoff team next year?
    Thanks!

    • Anthony Macri

      Maybe not this coming year (I’m not sure which team you expect to drop out of playoff contention for the Cavs to swoop in) but I think they are built for the following year and then every year after that for the forseeable future. LeBron’s departure may work long term for both him and for the Cavs.

  3. Jimmy Crack Corn

    The Laker’s are staying “old”. Nash and Kobe both have lots of NBA miles on the odometer.
    If nothing else, this past Playoffs shows that it’s a faster, athletic league now. Don’t need a dominate 5.

    PO time, Westbrook will eat Nash’s lunch. Who’s gonna “D” RW for the Lakers? No one can keep up.

    • Anthony Macri

      I think it’s easy to point to individual matchups, especially the one that Westbrook would have with Nash, and say that Westbrook would athletically dominate Nash. However, Westbrook isn’t playing 1-on-1 with Nash, and if he does, I think that is a net positive for LA in the long run. The league constantly ebbs and flows in terms of what is needed to be competitive. Right now, the focus is on interchangeable parts. In 7-10 years, we may be back to the dominant big man or outrageous perimeter shooting. We’ll see what cycle happens next.

  4. James

    Settle this for me, How could the Magic trade DH for that package of Brook Lopez? I rather let him walk than take that trash back

    • Anthony Macri

      I don’t think I could value Brook Lopez to the degree Orlando seems to be, but I’m also not threatened with the loss of Dwight. I would respectfully submit that the future is much brighter in Cleveland because their star walked, and no sign & trade was really involoved.

  5. Milosh

    With the addition of Steve Nash, what would be yourrank for LAL, OKC and SAS in the west?

    • Anthony Macri

      If no other moves, I tend to think OKC with SAS slightly ahead of LAL, but only marginally so.

  6. Zach

    With the Pacers saying they are going to retain Hibbert do you think they will go after anyone else during free agency? They have been linked to Mayo

    • Anthony Macri

      I think everyone has been linked to Mayo. Not sure what he brings them, however.

  7. Quan

    Congratulation on your new appointment, and I hope I can discuss with you more about ABL.

    I really wondered what can Steve Nash contribute to the Lakers beside his proven playmaker ability. Lakers were weak at the backcourt, which can be clearly seen in the playoff. Nash is a defensive liability, so who do you think should partner with him at the two to improve that aspect? Do the Lakers need any more trade to fill that blank?

    • Anthony Macri

      I’m pretty sure Kobe will be at the two. Yes, Nash brings playmaking, but more importantly shot making (and the threat of shot-making) from the point guard spot, which can unlock a lot of the floor.

      By the way, feel free to ask ABL questions here – I’ll try to answer when I can. We are going to start a live chat session on the ABL website in August, so you can also hold your questions for then!

  8. Tim

    Anthony,

    How’s it going? Congrats on your promotion. Lets get into it!

    Here’s a 2 parter for ya!

    1 – Please give me your thoughts on the USA Basketball team.

    2 – Please give your thoughts on the 4 team trade which would bring Howard to Brooklyn.

    • Anthony Macri

      Hey Tim, thanks!

      I don’t think this “Dream Team” is as good as the 92 version, but they are really, really good. That version also had mystique about it that made it easier to believe they had more talent. I think it is the best team ever assembled outside of that 92 Dream Team. Is that fair?

      On the business side, I like it if I’m the Nets (big news new arena new location). On a practical level, I don’t like trades that involve so many moving parts. I think they tend to demonstrate one of the worst things in professional sports, which is a disregard for casual fan interest. Just too complicated!

  9. Jason

    I admit there is some bias as a Laker fan that I want Howard in LA, but I just think taking back Brooks and a bunch of late picks is down right aweful. I would have rather taken Hou offer when Lowrey was there. Is it just me or is Brooks at a max/near max contract not worth it. I would rather have the cap space then pay a 7reb-a-night kind of guy that much money. Is it just me?

  10. 123Eric

    First off, congrats! C-E-O! Wow!Much respect! Go Beermen! =)

    My question is: with the anderson signing it seems the hornets want a.davis to play the C next season.I know the lines between the PF and C in the NBA are blurred these days, but analyzing his game, do see a.davis playing out his career as a center?

    • Anthony Macri

      Thanks. Most of my US friends are Beermen fans. I think it has to do with the name.

      I like him playing center more than I like him playing small forward. However, his natural position and the place I think he will have the most long-term success, is at the 4.

  11. Kevin O

    Hello from Santa Monica. I heard that Paul Allen was furious with Minnesota for pushing price up on Batom, even though he did same thing to Indiana with Hibbert. Do you know why he is so upset?

    • Anthony Macri

      When people who are used to getting what they want in life suddenly don’t get what they want, it tends to upset them.

  12. Kevin O

    Sullinger and Drummond both seemed to look like potential winning picks after first day of summer league, who are you thinking of as steals of the draft?

    • Anthony Macri

      Sullinger is easy because of how he fell. I like Will Barton a lot out of Memphis. Most others were selected about where they should have been.

  13. Kevin O

    Why in the world would Orlando jettison Howard to an Eastern team for late draft picks and soon to expires? They must be able to get that out of the West or Bynum, if they want a somewhat comparable asset.

  14. Jim

    Coach, what do you think Nash’s impact will be on Kobe, Gasol, Bynum in LA? Would the infusion of guys like Grant Hill, Raja Bell and Antawn Jamison sure up the bench?

    • Anthony Macri

      I like Hill and Bell, not a fan of Jamison because he doesn’t really give you anything you need with a second unit on the Lakers. Most likely, two of the four best players will be on the floor at all times – what does Antawn Jamison bring to that group?

  15. Al

    With the Sixers adding Nick Young do you think he will start or will ET start at the 2. Towards the end of the season/playoffs Meeks took a back seat to come of the bench.

    Also do you think Lavoy will play more this year even with the addtions in the draft?

    Thanks

    • Anthony Macri

      The easiest way I can say this is: I have no earthly clue what plan the Sixers were following to get to the point they are at with the moves they have made. I simply don’t understand any of it.

  16. Al

    Do you think Jrue is worth the deal he is wanting? Do you see the Sixers signing any other players since they aren’t brining back Lou Williams?

    • Anthony Macri

      I hope we haven’t seen the last of the dealing from the 76ers, but something tells me they don’t have a ton of assets that are sought after by other teams. I love Jrue, great kid, great player. I think he still has a chance to be special. That usually means an incentive laden contract.

  17. Al

    Do you think if the Nets aquire Howard they will be better than the Heat? I don’t think the Heat can match up defensively with Dwill, JJ, GW, and Howard on the floor… even if they got Camby..

    • Anthony Macri

      The Nets have to match up with Miami as well. I don’t think NJ becomes better than Miami, but I do think they become as big a test for the HEAT as anyone in the East for sure.

  18. Grant

    Being that Oklahoma City was so close to a Championship in 2012, What do you think of their lack of involvement in NBA Free Agency this summer? There seems to be a need for added bench scoring beyond James Harden and increased post scoring from their bigs. Do you think Perry Jones III addresses these issues sufficiently enough for the Thunder to win a championship in 2013?

    • Anthony Macri

      I think letting the players grow into those roles is the right move for OKC. I would hate to make a move that ruins their just starting-to-blossom chemistry.

  19. josh

    who will become the rockets new point gaurd? arron brooks doesnt have potential to be a championship point. will martin and scola be traded before the season? what will they be traded for?

    • Anthony Macri

      I wouldn’t worry too much about finding a championship level point guard considering you don’t really seem to be in a position to compete for a championship anytime soon.

  20. 123Eric

    Knowing the international game, to what extent will the lack of a true center (only t.chandler) hurt Team USA in the Olympics?

    What do you think of Teletovic?Do you think he’ll transition well in the NBA?

    Thanks for answering all my questions!

    • Anthony Macri

      Lack of true centers will not negatively affect Team USA.

      I don’t know Teletovic enough to provide a fair analysis.

  21. raps fan nova

    What do you think of the Raps moves so far? Playoff team? Thoughts on the lithuanian JV? Does this make amir johnson expendable now that they have resigned Gray? lastly, keep an eye out on Andrew Wiggins; dude is gonna be a beast

    • Anthony Macri

      Again, who is going to drop out so Toronto can get their shot at the playoffs?

  22. joshua

    the rockets seem to be gaining assets for the star they dont seem able to trade for. the draft picks and assets they are getting are only good enough to maybe keep houston a middle of the road team. will morey ever be able to trade for a top 2 or 3 draft pick or a star?

  23. Chris

    So the Magic would essentially be getting Brook Lopez on a max contract and three late first round picks for Howard. Do you think this is a good deal for Orlando?

  24. james

    With the Bulls losing Rose for most of the season why wouldn’t they look 2 sign their SG of the future? Instead they sign another old PG to keep them afloat.

    • Anthony Macri

      I think this Chicago team will still be very good even without Rose for most of the season. I wouldn’t give up on their ability to be highly competitive without him.

  25. Jp co

    One more question, based on your opinion how will coach mike brown make adjustments to minimize the minutes per game of his key players nxt season?

    • Anthony Macri

      I might start the fearsome foursome together, but I’d go to the bench often with a nearly standard and rehearsed substitution pattern.

  26. Anthony Macri

    Agree.

  27. cragganmor

    hi coach m!
    now that the knicks have added camby & kidd, have or will re-sign lin, novak, jr, j-white, how do you think we stack up vs. the elite teams in the ec?

    • Anthony Macri

      I don’t think it changes much. Still not a top 3 team in the East.

  28. Al

    I know Perry Jones and Serge are different styles of players (I don’t follow college ball). How much playing time do you think PJ3 will get this season if healthy? He seems like a decent ball handler for his size. If he plays well will the extend Harden instead of Serge? (based on his size) I don’t know much about his shot blocking or rebounding abitlites.

    Thanks

    • Anthony Macri

      It’s a good culture and environment for him to grow. I don’t see him being a big piece of their plans season, nor should he be.

  29. Hoopster

    What is Cuban doing? Is this going to be a lost year in hopes of a lottery pick and cap room? Seems like Dirk started his inevitable decline this last year and is going to be on a bad team in the last year or two of his relevance.

    • Anthony Macri

      It’s hard to keep the window open indefinitely. They have been good for a long time. At some point, you have to clean out the cupboard and get new groceries. Maybe that is this time for Dallas.

      Well that does it for me folks. Time to shut it down and prepare for this next week or Free Agent Madness. Talk next time! Thanks for the questions.

  30. MikeM

    The Spurs have been quiet on the free-agent front other than resigning their own players…have you heard of anything happening behind the scenes?

    • Anthony Macri

      Not really, and the same could have been said each of the last few offseasons, but they somehow put together a roster that contends for a title. I believe they are quiet by design.

  31. Anthony Macri

    I think yes on both questions.