NBA Chat With Bill Ingram 1/21/13

1. Deven

   Why are the Rockets all of a sudden struggling? Are they being outmatched, outplayed, or a combination of both?

   • Bill Ingram

     Good Morning, everyone, and welcome to the chat! The first two months of a new NBA season can be deceptive. You have new players in new roles on new teams and it takes a while for new scouting reports to catch up with all of those situations. Scouting reports have caught up with Houston, so now it’s up to the coaching staff to find ways to change things up. That’s never been McHale’s strong suit . . .so here’s hoping he figures it out soon.

2. Deven

   Do you believe Z-Bo will be a Rocket, as your colleague Alex Kennedy, reported?

   • Bill Ingram

     I think it’s possible, though the Grizzlies are refuting Alex’s report . . .which was very well sourced. The Rockets are looking for a big body to help rebound, especially on the offensive end, one they can also run some of the offense through. Zach fits the bill, but Memphis is not looking to just give Zach or Rudy away. They want to contend, and moving Zach isn’t consistent with that goal. Rudy is overpaid for what he begins to the table, which is why they have been shopping him . . .though there has been limited interest for the same reason.

3. Deven

   Miami just signed the Birdman. What’s your take on it? Good move or bad move?

   • Bill Ingram

     Well, they now have six more fouls to use in the front court. I don’t see much more to it than that. He’s well past his prime and far from being an impact player.

4. Peter

   Hey Bill! Hope you had a great weekend My weekend was good, but it would’ve been better if the Rockets won lol Rumor has it that Z-bo is on his way to Hou, but this was quickly shot down. Any chance that the Rockets can make a trade to shake things up? Their PF position is the weakest and desperately need help.

   • Bill Ingram

     Thanks! Mine was good, as well! Yeah, not sure what to make of that ZBo rumor. I know the source and it’s a good one, but it was apparently wrong. I’ve also heard Paul Millsap’s name brought up in connection with Houston, but the concern is that if they wind up paying him big bucks next summer to keep him they will lose the flexibility to make the next Harden-like move. Same with trying to sign David West, who could be available next summer. There is no quick-fix for Houston, unfortunately.

5. Edward Lee

   The Lakers are just about done for the season, and I think it is also with Dwight. Think the problem is Dwight is more mental than physical. He just about checked out his stint with the Lakers.

   • Bill Ingram

     Kind of like how he checked out on the Magic? Someone needs to get Dwight to take the game seriously or he’s never going to compete for a championship again.

6. LA in LA

   Won’t having Asik AND Randolph clog Harden, and the other Rocket players, driving lanes?

   • Bill Ingram

     OJ Mayo had no problem finding driving lanes in Memphis with Gasol and ZBo on the front line. It’s all about spacing and game planning, though it sounds like the Rockets won’t have to solve that problem . . .as Randolph does not appear headed to Houston. Stay tuned. Sources conflict, and it’s hard to know what’s real when that happens.

7. calvinzero

   What can you say about the spreading speculation that GM Mitch Kupchak will be fire if the Lakers will not be in the playoffs cast on April?? Is Kupchak leaving will worsen the Lakers title aspirations for the next couple of seasons??

   • Bill Ingram

     Well, they can’t pay THREE head coaches, so firing D’Antono seems to be out. Kupchak is next in line. He’s been a very good GM over the course of his career with the Lakers, but you’re always judged on your last move. This year’s Lakers team is a disaster, and someone has to pay for that. Kupchak seems a likely candidate . . .IF the Lakers miss the playoffs.

8. Spur

   Do you have Tony Parker in your Top 5 PG list?! Because he doesn’t seem to be included everytime.

   I see Westbrook, Williams, Rose, Rondo & Paul on the list most of the time. What do you think makes them better (each please) over Parker (but exclude Paul)? Thanks!

   • Bill Ingram

     My personal top five PG list? I would put TP on that list every time . . .I see the Spurs a lot and have a real appreciation for the way he has taken over that team. Deron Williams, on the other hand, is a good player, but not a great one. He’s not in my top five.

9. Angaso

   After about 40 games, what team/s do you see can beat the HEAT in a playoff series?! (I will not believe that no team can beat them.) Thanks!

   • Bill Ingram

     I think we’ll see a much more focused and determined HEAT team come playoff time, but I also think that if Derrick Rose is healthy the Bulls have a shot. If Danny Granger is healthy and Paul George is still playing outstanding ball, Indiana can cause them problems. I also think OKC is better this season than they were last year and can take them. The HEAT will be a handful, but they are not the shoe-in champs.

10. Angaso

    Do you think the Thunder could’ve beaten the Heat if Harden played like the way he did against the Spurs?! Plus, Miller & Battier just shooting at their average percentage entering NBA Finals?! Thanks!

    • Bill Ingram

      I’ve said many times that if Harden had shown up for the Finals the Thunder would have won . . .but big players have to step up for the big games. LeBron stepped up his game and Harden disappeared . . .

11. Spur

    Tim Duncan should’ve been an All-star starter this year, right? Thanks.

    • Bill Ingram

      Absolutely . . .in place of Dwight Howard.

12. Ludwig

    hey Bill how are you? I am kings fan from Germany now since stojakovic was my favourite player, and now i dont know should i support the Sonics, should i dislike them or what? I am confused, but I need a team to root for!!! What a mess

    • Bill Ingram

      It gets a little confusing, doesn’t it? Should old school Sonics fans cheer for the Thunder or the Kings? LOL Peja was a part of the organization that is currently in SAC and is about to move to SEA (pending Board approval), so you stick to your team no matter what it’s called or where it plays.

13. Brian

    Good morning, Bill.

    I know the Wolves have been beset with injuries, but other than get healthy and hope for fringe playoff team, there has to be players available out there we can trade for that we can pair with Rubio, Love, and Pek? If you were at the helm, who would you be targeting? Is Kahn creative enough to think outside the box to get better?

    Thanks!

    • Bill Ingram

      Kahn is getting better as he goes along . . .Brandon Roy was outside the box as was Josh Howard, and he did all he could do to land Roy Hibbert and Nic Batum, either of which would have been great additions. Kirilenko and Shved have been very good. You never like to make an excuse out of injuries, but when half of the team is sitting on the sidelines it’s hard not to cut them some slack. If the entire roster was healthy the Wolves would be a very, very good playoff team.

14. Jim

    Are the Mavs better off staying below .500 this season? I know this is a relatively weak draft, but is it worth more to the team “long term” to get a good pick in the offseason and use that to help build us back into a contender? As currently constructed, we’re a 7 or 8 seed at best, and looking at a relatively quick first round exit.

    • Bill Ingram

      No . . .with Dirk in the final years of his prime the Mavs have no time to waste. They need to make a move at the deadline that makes them better immediately, and with the way they’ve improved now that Dirk is getting back up to speed it might not take a big move. A first round pick in the teens is not worth losing a playoff run for Dirk . . .even a short one.

15. dub

    Is it just me or was demar’s contract a little more than hes worth? 10 mil a year and you got allan anderson on a minimum contract giving you the same production.

    • Bill Ingram

      Well, Anderson is not giving them the same production, first of all. DeRozan is leading the team in scoring and is better offensively than last season and also is rebounding the ball better. I think DeRozan has star potential, and we’ve seen it on numerous occasions this season. Maybe not All-Star potential, though it’s possible, but star potential. He and Calderon have been very good together . . .if they can unload Bargs and land a better big man they should finally realize their considerable potential.

16. Tony

    Good morning Bill. Derrick Williams with the Twolves seems doubtful. Could you please suggest several teams where his skill set would be a good fit.

    • Bill Ingram

      Well, the team has been looking to move him since before he was a player . . .they wanted to move that pick in the worst way, and when they couldn’t they took the best player and then have looked to move him ever since. Derrick looks good at times, and could still prove to be a valuable asset for Minny, especially if Love can’t stay healthy. Williams can’t say he isn’t getting his shot now. There isn’t a great deal of interest from other teams at this point.

17. dub

    What would you think of a Bargs+derozan deal for leonard+blair from the spurs? If anybody can get something from bargs its Popovich and I would love to see leonard in a raps uniform.

    • Bill Ingram

      Pop likes his big men who can shoot threes, but if Bonner can’t earn minutes, would Bargs? I don’t think the Spurs will deal Leonard.

18. Shawn

    Any chance Bargnani remains in Toronto? His talent is undeniable, but his effort is questionable at best. Why would some other team think he will magically turn the light on? Also, would he do better if he were allowed to post up as opposed to staying on the perimeter. His 23 pt. a game rate occurred when he was playing mostly a post up game…correct?

    • Bill Ingram

      Is it that he isn’t “allowed” to post up, or is it that he “won’t” post up? If he would post up the Raps could use him, but since he has been lagging behind plays and loitering around the arc he has been a terrible fit for Casey’s Raptors. You notice there aren’t a bunch of teams beating down the door trying to get him.

19. Tony

    Good morning Bill. Would Ben Gordon be a good fit with the Twolves?

    • Bill Ingram

      Sure he would. . .exactly what they’ve been lacking. It’s even possible to the Bobcats would move him, since they’ve let it be known that they are open for business.

20. dub

    Think kupchak will go after Jose even harder after he torched them yesterday? Where’s all the Jose haters now? One of the most underappreciated players in the league.

    • Bill Ingram

      Do you think he’s available after the season he’s been having? He might have more luck trying to get Lowry . . .

21. dub

    Boozer sure as hell looks good lately? Remember when all the bulls fans were crying for the amnesty axe on him this past summer? He is bringing it lately.

    • Bill Ingram

      It’s amazing what a little motivation can do, isn’t it? Boozer’s performance shows that he has a great deal of pride and wants to compete for a championship. If he can maintain this level of play when Rose returns Chicago will be a very tough out.

22. Roon

    The rumor is Josh Smith wants out of Atlanta. Another rumor also has it that the Charlotte scouts want the Bobcats out of the 2013 draft. Do you see any possibility of the Cats maybe trading Gerald Henderson, Desagna Diop, and the Cats 1st rounder to the Hawks for Smith? Diop is expiring, Henderson is a solid young player, and the Hawks would get an excellent asset in a high 2013 pick. Of course this would all hinge on Smith signing an extention with Jordan and the Cats. What do you think?

    • Bill Ingram

      I don’t think bringing in Josh Smith is the answer for Charlotte. They’re a young team looking to build long-term, so acquiring a player who is unhappy with losing in Atlanta and can walk at the end of the season seems an unlikely move for the Bobcats. Why would he sign an extension there?

23. Danny Two Step

    Billiam,

    Good day to you gentle sir. Jeff Green was never going to be a superstar in the league, but his drop off since joining the Celtics is somewhat surprising. To what do you attribute his drop off? Good day gov’na! Cheerio!

    • Bill Ingram

      Good day to you, as well. I talked to Doc Rivers about that recently, and he attributed it to Green missing as much basketball as he missed with the heart ailment. No one in Boston believes Green is a star player, however, making us wonder why they inked him to the deal they inked him to. Back to my Cheerios.

24. Mapko

    Atlanta got basically deep bench for current & legit all star-Joe Johnson (with a bloated contract);
    OKC got tons for Harden (young, talented, max deal, but reasonable contract…);
    Where does R Gay (almost an all star, bloated contract) fit?
    Would Raps have to give more than Calderon (expiring), Kleiza (got to take 1 useless player) & either E Davis or Ross?
    No argument Raps would be getting best player in the deal.
    Thanks

    • Bill Ingram

      The Grizzlies want to contend more than anything, so if they move Gay it would only be because it makes them better. Calderon is great, but Conley is the starter there and they don’t need to move Gay for a backup PG.

25. Jake Smith

    What should the Magic be looking for in return of a player like Arron Afflalo or JJ Redick?

    • Bill Ingram

      I don’t believe they would move Afflalo . . .Redick is possible, but they do want significant value in return. I’ve heard they floated Hedo and Redick to Memphis in a deal for Gay, but Memphis shot it down.

26. Jonathan

    Hi Bill,

    Is it possible the Lakers could package Dwight in a block buster, would it make sense?

    • Bill Ingram

      Here it is . . .I’ve been waiting for this one. Congrats!!! You win! Don’t the Lakers look better with Pau at center than they do with Dwight? Seriously . . .they don’t need Dwight Howard. He was never going to be a good fit with Kobe.

27. Jonathan

    It is obvious fan voting is ruining the all-star game. Even other fans think so, how does the league feel about it?

    • Bill Ingram

      The league feels it’s the fans’ game, so if they want to screw up the starters, they are the ones paying to see it, so so be it. Personally, I think the All-Star game should be taken more seriously, but that’s just me.

28. Steve

    Bill,
    About Rudy Gay, his contract was too big the day he signed it much like Joe Johnson. It seems like a fundamental flaw in the system that teams feel compelled to overpay like that. What should/can teams do in that situation?

    • Bill Ingram

      Rudy was leaving for Minnesota is the Grizzlies didn’t pony up a max deal, so they did. What they could have done was let him walk and spend the money on three other players who might have been just as good.

29. PortlandFan503

    Hey Bill, I read your chats all the time, first time asking a question tho… So with the Portland Trailblazers, do you see any movement there before the trade deadline? possibly move JJ hickson? Or maybe get a 6th man somehow? Our bench is a joke. Lillard needs someone that can take over when he is on the bench. agreeed?

    • Bill Ingram

      Thanks for reading, then! Welcome to the conversation! Honestly, I think the Blazers underestimated how good this team would be this year. I think they thought they would be rebuilding this year and adding pieces next summer for a playoff run. Instead, with Lillard the clear rookie of the year, the Blazers are ready to make the playoffs ahead of schedule. Of course, that’s partly because the Lakers and Mavs are out of the picture. So now they’re scrambling to try and add a piece or two ahead of schedule. I don’t think they move Hickson unless they get a starting center back, which seems unlikely.

30. Hooper

    Who has the best overall ceiling between Anthony Davis, Damian Lilliard, and Andre Drummond?

    • Bill Ingram

      Lillard . . .by far!

31. htownrox1

    Hey bill enjoy the chats! What’s your assessment of Lin right now? I keep holding out hope he returns to linsanity but I just don’t see it happening.

    • Bill Ingram

      Alright, last question, everyone. Be sure and read today’s NBA PM today, as I talked to Jeremy about what his ceiling might be. Right now he is a solid starting PG . . .a notch below Kyle Lowry and Goran Dragic. Linsanity happened because the league had not scouted him at all, so he took everyone by surprise. Go back and look at Lin’s stats for the second month in NY. Very average. He’s good, not great. As always, thanks for spending some of your Monday with us here at HOOPSWORLD!

32. Steve

    Bill,
    Signing Roy was simply a bad, desperate move. I predicted Roy would last only 20 games since he has no knees and he only lasted 5 games. Since injuries are such a big part of the game, why not focus on signing the most durable players and keeping your talent on the floor?

    • Bill Ingram

      Yeah, that was only after missing out on OJ Mayo, who was their number one target.

33. Jonathan

    Are the Hawks committed enough to the J.Smith & D. Howard summer signings to move Horford to DAL for Kaman’s expiring contract + spare parts?

    • Bill Ingram

      Dallas doesn’t need a PF . . .a Horford wants to be a PF.

34. jordan

    Who get the last 4 playoff spots in the West? They all seem to be struggling, Utah is playing good right now and moving up and LA is well, still MIA. So who gets in and who is in the lottery?

    • Bill Ingram

      Definitely up for grabs!

35. matt

    Happy MLK day Bill.
    Now that Kobe is turning into someone between Iverson & Carmelo Anthony, do you think hiring Jackson, who can at least harness some of Kobe’s selfishness, would have helped?
    NBA’s best block ever by Stern will hunt the Lake show until Kobe is off the books. Your thoughts? Thanks

    • Bill Ingram

      Phil Jackson was the Lakers’ only hope . . .

36. Danny Two Step

    Gov’na,

    Will Kenneth Faried be an all-star this year? Should he be?

    • Bill Ingram

      Not consistent enough yet.

37. Matt

    Hi again Bill.

    Pau might be better offensively, but he is worthless in defense and rebounding. He is a 7″ midget when it comes to those two areas that wins championships.

    • Bill Ingram

      Yet the Lakers have championships with Pau and are missing the playoffs with Dwight. Hmmmmmm . . .