NBA Chat With Bill Ingram 11/19/12

1. Steve

   The blazers look good, they had a couple tough losses but what will be key for them if they want to make the playoffs

   • Bill Ingram

     Good Morning, everyone, and welcome to the chat!This is a great question to start off with because I’ve seen half of Portland’s game this season and they seem to get better every night. The way Batum is coming along, the brilliant play of Lillard (now that he understands you don’t score at the end of a conceded game), and Aldridge’s steady leadership . . .this is a very good young team. Before the season started I thought they were too young to make the playoffs, but with some of the more veteran teams struggling and with some of the injuries . . .maybe they are!

2. Deven

   Are the Grizzlies the best team in the NBA?

   • Bill Ingram

     There is certainly an argument to be made. The win over NY was a big one, and they’ve taken on all comers to this point. Their bench is even playing reasonably well, which I thought was going to be an issue. Great start for the Grizzlies! If they can stay healthy . . .they might get back on the championship track we expected them to be on last season.

3. Deven

   Is Royce White really going to quit the NBA? Has that ever happened before?

   • Bill Ingram

     Surely someone is going to talk sense to him . . .people have quit the NBA, certainly, but because they couldn’t find a job in the league. White has a bright future if he can get his anxiety disorder under control.

4. Deven

   What are the chances Lin and Harden represent the Rockets in this year’s all-star game in Houston?

   • Bill Ingram

     I think Harden has a great chance due to the game being in Houston as well as his early play. He won’t be voted in by fans, but the coaches usually make sure someone is there from the city where the event is being held. Jeremy Lin has yet to show any justification for an All-Star nod, especially with so many great PGs in the West.

5. Deven

   Should the Sixers not re-sign Bynum? He’s already made things worst for the organization.

   • Bill Ingram

     He has to get healthy. Let’s be real – the Sixers are playing well, but they are not anywhere close to being contenders as they stand. Put a healthy Bynum in there and they just might be.

6. Wil

   Hi Bill, a question on the White situation. Although the Rockets are obligated under ADA to try and accommodate, and appear to have been doing so, Royce still has to honor his contractual obligations. Unfortunately, instead of being a model, it appears to be heading for an ugly divorce, which (for better or worse) is likely to scare off teams faced with similar situations in the future. Can it be salvaged? Are the Rox doing all they can? Is it an issue of Royce just not being able to meet the rigors of the NBA?

   • Bill Ingram

     Hard to say what’s going on in Royce’s head, or what’s being said behind closed doors. The Rockets have not been great at player relations in the past, and that is likely part of the problem . . .expecting a guy with an anxiety disorder to see a strange doctor instead of his own is not a great start. What I foresee is the Rockets cutting ties with White, then he lands somewhere like OKC, where they are great at player development, and he turns into an All-Star. That’s an extreme, of course, but I wouldn’t be surprised. That kid can BALL.

7. Steve

   I’m still waiting to see the linsanity back in jeremy lin, will that happen anytime soon?

   • Bill Ingram

     Only if the rest of the league suddenly throws out their scouting reports and pretends they don’t know who he is again. Lin took the league by storm for a month. After the scouting reports were in and everyone had video to evaluate him, Lin was a decent point guard at 14 points and 6 assists per game. This season he’s on a team that has much less star power to distract the defense, so he’s facing a great deal more pressure, and he’s struggling to adjust. He’ll be fine, a decent PG, for sure, but if you expect him to deliver more than 14 and 6 you’re likely going to be disappointed.

8. Peter

   Hey Bill~! My Spurs are doing pretty well right now, but i’m pretty concern about their lack of size up front. They might win a lot of reg season games, but once playoff starts, they’ll have a tough time containing bigger, strong post players. This HAS to be addressed before the trade deadline, otherwise it will be a short post season for us. Your thoughts.

   • Bill Ingram

     Yeah, they don’t see a lot of great front courts night in and night out. When the playoffs start they will certainly run up against either Pau and Dwight or Zach and Marc fairly quickly. I think they can take a lot of other teams without front court help, but to win a title they might need to pick someone up. I was surprised to see them let Eddy Curry go, honestly. Maybe they will revisit that decision.

9. Pav

   Can the rockets realistically add one more star to their team before the trade deadline? Trading for a superstar seems like the only viable option as Mr.Morey is awful at luring free-agents to H-town!!!!

   • Bill Ingram

     They sure have the pieces, should another Harden-like situation arise. I keep thinking Al Jefferson will be on the block, and he’s what Houston needs. They way of all their young players are performing, the Rockets will have some real assets to move when the time comes. Someone will be looking to cash in a contract, and that’s the only way the Rockets are going to get the piece they need.

10. mojart

    both teams are struggling….how about this trade….hibbert and picks or cash for EG and lopez?EG goes back to his hometown and hibbert to compliment davis at the frontcourt….thanks

    • Bill Ingram

      I would be shocked if the Pacers traded Hibbert . . .he’ll come around.

11. LA in LA

    I know it’s early but give your Western frontcourt players and Eastern Guards on the NBA All-star ballot

    • Bill Ingram

      Ok . . .yes, it’s early, but as of now my front court West would be: Marc Gasol, Tim Duncan, Kevin Durant. My East back court would be Rajon Rondo (leading the league in assists). SG is not as easy, but I’d lean DeRozan or maybe Monta Ellis as of today.

12. Darius Morris

    You saw me against the Rockets right? I played a good game. My shot’s decent (2nd or best 3pt shooter on the team),my passing and pace has improved each game, and I’m probably the best defender of us 4 PGs. I feel like I deserve the back up PG spot once Nash comes back. I also think my speed is better fit for Showtime 2.0 than Blake or Duhon.

    • Bill Ingram

      No doubt. . .of course, Lin is not exactly Chris Paul defensively, but 12 and 5 and a very efficient game last night. Injuries create opportunities, and he’s making the most of his.

13. Kevin Owens

    Why in the heck is Rasheed Wallace criticizing current players on Post Play. He almost rarely played in the post when he played. He was always jacking up 3 pointers. Am I missing something? Dude is crazy.

    • Bill Ingram

      Interesting point. He was never exactly Shaquille O’Neal, was he? Still, he played a lot of years and saw a lot of great post players. Just because he wasn’t one of them doesn’t mean he lacks perspective, right?

14. eminem

    nice eminem reference when you said will the real mc gee stand up talking about disappointing players. do u think brandon roy should just retire. seventh knee surgery is too much. its like motorcycling without a helmet, its unhealthy for roy.

    • Bill Ingram

      I can’t tell you what it really is, I can only tell you what it feels like. It feels like Brandon Roy is probably finished . . .and it’s a sad thing for the NBA, as well as for the T’Wolves.

15. Jim in Cyber Space

    I don’t wan’t to say the LAL’s are “favored” by the League…but just look at the Alternate Uniform Rule. A team can wear it’s alternate uni at home twice in a season.

    The Laker’s have already worn their “home” White’s twice, and on Dec 2 it will be the third time.

    You can’t have two home uni’s…one is alternate, simply be definition. I call “Point of Order”.

    • Bill Ingram

      Good luck with that . . .it’s like expecting LeBron James to be called for a foul . . .some things just don’t exist in the NBA. The Lakers are a world unto themselves.

16. Jim in Cyber Space

    What’s the most surprising thing approaching Thanksgiving…The Grizzlies looking like the best team in the NBA…Or Norte Dame being number one in the BCS?

    • Bill Ingram

      Since I don’t know what a BCS is, or who is performing at Notre Dame on Christmas Eve, I’ll go with the Grizzlies. THAT is a surprising thing!

17. Alex in Burbank

    Are these years Lakers Showtime 2.0? I heard the 80′s showtime took 88 shots per game. In the 2 wins Bikerstaff used D’Antonis system, Lakers averaged 87 shots. What do you think?

    • Bill Ingram

      That’s the goal, for sure, and D’Antoni’s offense will bring the offense. Last night’s game was like a race . . .best-conditioned team won. And that was without Steve Nash . ..imagine how many shot will get taken with Nash running the offense! Of course, the Rockets are a poor defensive team, and Asik got gashed and had to sit, but still, track meet basketball is back in LA.

18. Alex in Burbank

    I hate the Celtics with all my heart! However, how in the world does Rondo keep getting 20 assist games? Incredible!!

    • Bill Ingram

      Yeah, I have never been a Celtics fan, though the temptation to buy a “Terry” jersey is very real for me because he’s a personal friend. Rondo is simply the best passer in the league.

19. knicksfan84

    In your honest opinion, How far do you see my knicks going?

    • Bill Ingram

      My opinion has certainly changed over the first 3 weeks of the season. I thought they were probably one and done, but now I see them as a possible ECF team.

20. Caio from Brazil

    Hello Bill, how is it going? I’m a Lakers fan and I have a Lakers question…people keep saying that the Lakers bench is thin and not very productive…but in my opinion they are fitting for the team…if they can score 25-30 points per game like they’re doing and give kobe/howard/nash a breather, don’t you think they’re doing a good job? thanks for the attetion!

    • Bill Ingram

      If they can do that, yes. Can you rely on Jordan Hill? Jodie Meeks? Darius Morris? If so, the Lakers should be fine. How long before the Rockets decide they want Hill, back, too, like they did with Lin? The Lakers are going to win and lose based on their starting five, but to get to June you need quality guys to spell the older vets, and while Kobe still needs to play the lion’s share of the minutes, the Lakers have been OK with this group. They had a terrible start, obviously, and it remains to be seen how they will do against the top teams, but the bench isn’t as thin as it looks at first glance.

21. Bryan

    Are you liking how the Mavs are progressing? 6-5 without Dirk and Kaman and Marion missing a handful of games sounds pretty solid. also how are you liking the mayo collison backcourt,mayo looks like he’s starting to reach his potential

    • Bill Ingram

      I think Mayo is the second legit star for Dallas behind Dirk. He’s been fabulous, both on and off the court. I think he’s a MFFL. What’s missing in Dallas, of course, is Dirk’s clutch play in the fourth quarter, where they have struggled of late. Their early schedule was a joke, so their record is a bit deceptive, but still, you have to win the games you’re supposed to win, and the Mavs have nearly done that. I think we’ll know more mid-January, when Dirk is healthy and the team is firing on all cylinders.

22. Charley

    Any word on when Dirk will be back? Really can’t tell much about the Mav’s until he is back on the court, although this years’ version has faired better than previous versions

    • Bill Ingram

      Exactly right. We won’t know until Mr. 50 Wins is back. He was scheduled to be back mid-December, and I haven’t heard anything to make me think it will be sooner.

23. srrono

    Any word on who will be active at trade deadline?

    • Bill Ingram

      Funny you should ask . . .here is a very detailed look at that very issue!

24. Tim

    hey bill, not sure if youd be able to answer this but its worth a shot. Why is Amare never on the bench..even at home games? Shump is also injured but travels with the team to every game to support them, I have yet to see amare. Whats going on? ANy word on the situation? How likely are the knicks to explore trades if the knicks keep up the stellar play without him?

    • Bill Ingram

      I don’t know why he’s not on the bench, but I DO know he is willing to come off the bench . . .anything to win, is his mentality. I would be shocked to see a team take on his contract and his injury-riddled body, so don’t expect another round of Amar’e trade rumors any time soon.

25. lukas

    Hi! How are You today?

    1. What do You think about Georges game so far?

    2. Is Batum for real? Can he play at that level all season?

    • Bill Ingram

      Great, thanks! I assume you mean Paul George? We knew he was a rising star in this league, and he’s showing it, for sure! As for Batum, he’s getting better with each passing game, and this is what the Blazers are paying him for. He has to be the #2 star alongside Aldridge . . .with Lillard looking like #3. If Batum can keep it up, Portland is a playoff team. Mark it down.

26. john steppling

    Whats wrong in Denver? My feeling is Lawson, but how did that happen? Second,,,whats wrong in Indiana? my feeling is partly this is a badly coached team right now. I liked vogel, but they keep getting worse.

    • Bill Ingram

      Here’s George Karl’s answer: “We’re searching, searching on both ends of the court, but I think San Antonio could have beaten almost everyone in the league tonight. But I don’t think it’s time to get crazy. We just need to find our confidence, play more serious, take each possession with a stronger attitude. We’re playing a little immature.” For more on that, read the NBA Sunday here!

27. kurt

    Seem like the Jazz young core Favors/Kanter/Hayward and Burks just don’t seem to fit together, seems like a bad match, what is your take?

    • Bill Ingram

      Or is it bad coaching? When you have talent and that talent does win, you have to look at leadership. Ty Corbin had his work cut out for him following Jerry Sloan, and perhaps he’s not up for the challenge? Too early to say that, but something to keep an eye on.

28. James

    Would a 76ers Stat, NYK Boozer and Chi Bynum three way deal work for all teams?

    • Bill Ingram

      Highly unlikely anyone takes on Amar’e's contract.

29. Cole

    Lillard or Davis?

    • Bill Ingram

      Depends on what you need. Lillard looks like R.O.Y. to me, though Davis has been great, too.

30. Brian

    Good morning, Bill.

    If Kahn had only listened to me and signed Mayo instead of Roy!! What do you see them doing now at SG?

    Thanks!

    • Bill Ingram

      It’s not because Kahn didn’t want Mayo, trust me there. They DESPERATELY wanted Mayo, tried to trade for him multiple times, and he chose Dallas in the end.

31. Antonio

    I’ve been going on hoopsworld since the 8th grade and now im a college freshman.This is my favorite basketball related website and i’m disappointed about these ads. Why the ads!?

    • Bill Ingram

      OK, a ton of questions came in at the end there and I don’t have time to get to them all. I do want to take this one, as it speaks to an important issue. None of us like the ads. We had a long internal discussion about this new content locker ad that makes you watch something before you can read content once a day or so. It’s annoying . . .no question. It’s annoying to those of us who are on the site all day . . .at least most of you will only see it once or twice. That being said, you come to HOOPSWORLD for the best insight and analysis of the entire NBA. We have a pool of experts in most major markets, and we can speak authoritatively on just about any situation going on in the NBA. We know the coaches, we know the players and we know the GMs. That comes at a price, because we all need to get paid. How do we get paid? We don’t charge you to visit the site and we haven’t stuck our really good content away in a subscriber Insider type product. USA Today, our parent company, puts an ad on some pages. They put an ad on our video. You have to wait 15 secs to view content for free. Is it worth it? To get the best insight and analysis on all 30 teams, not just the top 5 that ESPN bothers with? That’s the decision you have to make. Year in and year out, we at HOOPSWORLD have committed every waking moment to being the best NBA site on the web, to bringing together the best writers, the best analysts and the most committed fans of the game that we can find. You can visit Bleacher Report without ads, sure, but you won’t find credentialed and respected members of the media there. You won’t find exclusive interviews with the top names in the game. So that’s why. We have families to feed, we have bills to pay, and this is how we do it. We don’t ask you to shell out your hard earned money, we only ask that you spend 15 secs watching an ad, or 15 secs doing something else while the ad plays and your free content is loaded. Is that too much to ask? We hope not, because without the ads there is no HOOPSWORLD. Thanks so much, as always, for spending some of your Monday with us here at HOOPSWORLD. I would like to take a moment to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving, and tell you that I, as one of the founders of the site, appreciate your ongoing support and readership. I hope you all get some time off, have family near, and remember all that you have to be thankful for on this special holiday.