NBA Chat With Bill Ingram – 12/12/2011 | HOOPSWORLD

G

Hey Bill! What do you think of Chandler to NYC? BOS is lucky to acquire David West! Thoughts on the Tracy McGrady and Vladimir Radmanovic signing and Vince Carter to DAL as well. Thanks Bill!

Bill Ingram

Good Morning, Everyone, and welcome to the chat! Lots of questions already in the hopper, so I’m probably only answering one per person. Just a heads-up. I think there’s a certain amount of risk with Tyson, as he really only plays great in a contract year. He also only plays through even the minorest of injuries during a contract year. That said, he was the best available to New York, and if he decides to play hard he could be the piece that helps them challenge Chicago and Miami in the East. West will be in Indiana, of course, and I LOVE that signing. McGrady means Atlanta will not get past the first round this year, and Vlad is almost irrelevant at this stage of his career. Vince is a solid pick-up for Dallas.

Shawn

Rumor is Dallas is one of the teams Howard’s agent is speaking with for a potential trade. Aside from the franchise Dirk (which will never happen), what could Dallas give up that is significant?

Bill Ingram

I don’t think Dallas can put a package together now that they used the bulk of their trade exception on Lamar Odom. They would obviously want to send Brendan Haywood and maybe add Jason Terry, whose contract expires at the end of the season. That said, the trade exception would have meant more to Orlando, I believe. There are better offers out there than what Dallas can put on the table now.

B-Man

What is houston’s main point of interest in dealing for gasol if its gona cost them their top 2 players? is it all to give them a shot at acquiring dwight howard in free agency next season?

Bill Ingram

Assuming you’re talking about Pau Gasol, the thinking behind it was that they would get Pau in the trade and send out enough money to up their offer to Nene, which that trade would have allowed. Nene was basically waiting to sign in New Jersey until the Rockets could get something done to clear cap space. It was never just about Pau . . .that would have been crazy.

spurs,jazz,mavs hater

Bill lets say the rockets land gasol and lose martin do you think they will pursue jamal crawford or michael redd to replace him and who starts at SF thanks bill.

Bill Ingram

The Rockets have been trying to pry Andre Iguodala away from the Sixers, but haven’t had any success, so it looks like Chase Budinger is their starting SF. He’s not a bad option. It would be great to add Jamal, obviously, but the Knicks are lobbying him HARD to join them. They just don’t have any money to pay him. Their entire team called him on a conference call to beg him to play in NY. Redd might be an interesting choice if he still has game. Otherwise, in the event of a Martin trade, I imagine Courtney Lee will start at the two.

416nova

Can BRoy potentially come back to sign with another team or does Portland have rights? Seems as though sign and trades are a huge cause of disparity in the league as the big free agents can demand a ST and teams will comply as they will be stuck with nothing otherwise. Thoughts?

Bill Ingram

The Blazers have his rights . . .and if he could play he wouldn’t want to play anywhere else. By the way – you can’t trade a player for 90 days after you sign him . . .saw you had multiple questions in the mix. I think smart GMs can use the S&T to their advantage . . .it’s a valuable tool. Otherwise those players would just walk

anyway.

Peter

Hey Bill! I was a lil upset when I heard Gasol said he was “devastated” to be traded to the Rox. I think thats very unprofessional of him to say especially in public. Moreover, I think we gave up tooooo much for Gasol. Is he really worth K-mart/scola/Dragic?

Bill Ingram

I don’t think he was devastated to be traded to Houston, I think he was devastated to be traded at all. And yes, that was way too much to give up for just Gasol . . .it had to result in Nene coming, too. All that’s moot now.

Trevor

What is your take on the Magic and why nobody is or has been calling for Otis Smiths head? It seems like he rips Dwight in the media with some of his comments and has no idea how to build a competitive team around the best C on the planet! Oh and just paying Gilbert 62mil to walk away….

Bill Ingram

I have been wondering that ever since the Gilbert trade. The one contract no one wanted and Otis went and got it . . .give up Rashard Lewis in the process. He had no choice but to amnesty Gilbert . . .no cap space to do anything to try and keep Dwight with that contract sitting there. He should have realized that before he traded for it.

Jason

Are the bulls with rip and the entire bench mob better than the bulls with crawford minus a member or two if the mob? Thanks!

Bill Ingram

Depth is definitely a key for the Bulls. It may be their best advantage when it comes to playing Miami in a seven-game series. Rip could prove to be the piece that gets them to the NBA Finals.

Mark

The unwillingness to compromise, sense of entitlement, attitude that one should generally get his/her way — from Gilbert’s tantrums to the NBA lockout, even up to the highest branches of our government — do you think this could be the result of a generation raised in the “me first” culture of the 80′s coming into their own in the professional world?

Bill Ingram

You’re definitely onto something. It’s the age of instant gratification, and it’s a very destructive course. I’ve written volumes on that subject in another venue – email me (bill@hoopsworld.com) if you’d like a link. I can’t post it here.

Marco

How much is the NBA wanting for the New Orleans Hornets? The NBA needs to be out of the business of owning and running a franchise; it’s not fair to the rest of the league in any way.

Bill Ingram

I don’t know what the asking price is, but keep in mind the NBA only took over the Hornets to keep them in New Orleans, and they have no intention of owning the team long-term. Really, with the exception of the CP3 trade veto, Dell Demps has been left alone to run the team. They definitely need to find a buyer in New Orleans ASAP.

steven

hey BI what are you top 5 teams in east this year ? do my knicks crack top 3 since tyson chandler addition ?

Bill Ingram

1) Chicago 2) Miami 3) New York 4) Maybe New Jersey (assuming they get Nene) 5)Indiana (David West/OJ Mayo!)

Cole

Ok I know this probably wont happen, but it seems like a good deal to me. Chris Paul and Trevor Ariza to PDX for R Felton, N. Batum, and Gerald Wallace. Thoughts? New Orleans gets a young prospect and good starters, plus expiring contracts.

Bill Ingram

The Blazers aren’t interested in trading Wallace AT ALL . . .That said, it’s a good deal for both sides, if it works money-wise. Portland hasn’t shown any interest in Paul to date.

Sven

Hi Bill, crazy Days in the NBA. Am i the only one hoping that every team in the nba lowballs the Hornets for CP3 trade offers. I sincerely hope so or that Paul leaves them empty handed at the end of the season. Talking about a travesty…with several players proclaimimg to change their name maybe Stern should too into “Gilberts B*%ch”
Maybe fans should write him a letter !

Bill Ingram

You’re certainly looking to hurt people who had nothing to do with Stern’s decision. If the franchise lost Paul with no compensation it would probably spell the end of the franchise in New Orleans, and that’s punishing the wrong people. No one was more upset than Hornets GM Dell Demps, who engineered the whole thing. He doesn’t deserve to be left empty-handed.

Zico, India

hi.. just wanted to know…what now for agent zero?? how does a club sign him?? can they sign him, and what about his salary?? do orlando stop paying him his $19mil??

Bill Ingram

He didn’t have a single bid after he was amnestied. He wants to sign with whichever team Dwight lands on. And yes, Orlando will still have to pay his entire contract.

Zico, India

if the lakers get howard without giving up gasol, should they try and get younger at PF by moving for kevin love by sending gasol to houston while houston move kevin martin to minnesota. offcourse some other player will have to move to match salaries… ??

Bill Ingram

While Howard and Love would make a fabulous front court (opposing teams would never get a rebound!), the Wolves are not going to give him up, even for Martin, whom Adelman covets.

charley

Bill, enjoy your chats. What do you make of the Mavs moves so far? As much as I enjoyed last year, was really concerned they would over pay/commit to bringing the same group back

Bill Ingram

Thanks, Brenda! I think JJ and Caron were expendable – Odom is an upgrade over Caron. But Chandler? Awfully tough to repeat as champs with Haywood at center. That’s just not going to happen. Too bad Cuban couldn’t parley his friendship with Dan Fegan into a Dwight Howard trade. The Mavs can’t repeat as constructed, but Mark’s never done dealing.

rodney

what do you think of this trade

la gets howard and turk

houston gets paul jj and orton

magic get martin scola lee and bynum

la gets howard there top wish list

orlando gets true value for howard leaving

houston gets there pf they want a reliable sg and a back up center on the cheap

to me its the best most realistic deal that the magic could go after

Bill Ingram

The Rockets don’t have a great GM, but even Daryl Morey wouldn’t make that deal. They really need a center, and while Chris Paul is an upgrade over Lowry, he doesn’t make up for the loss of Scola on the front line. Orton wouldn’t play and the Rockets REALLY don’t need JJ Redick. Horrible for Houston.

Will

Is it still possible the knicks get one of the waived point gaurds arenas, or davis if/when it happens.

Bill Ingram

Sure – if they would play for vets’ minimum. I’ve been told Davis won’t be amnestied. I also know the Knicks haven’t reached out to Arenas.

Ron j

Whats up bill hey if jamal doesnt want the mid level why is he willing to take only slightly over it to play for the knicks instead of the bulls and do you think chicago is making a mistake taking hamilton instead of crawford

Bill Ingram

Jamal is still waiting to see what the best offer is for his services . . .he likes the Knicks, but it won’t take much for someone to make him a better offer. How about the Pacers or Nuggets? Denver really needs to fill out that roster and they have money.

booney

do you think the celtics could of done a better trade for Big baby? brandon bass is nice but i think we could of got more agree?

Bill Ingram

Yeah, that was a shocker to me. Bass was all they got for Davis??? Crazy! I like Brandon, but Baby is a much better player. The thing with Bass is he plays hard without touches…Baby would like the ball a little more and that wasn’t going to happen in Boston.

ronj027

do you think its strange dwight howard doesnt want a trade to the bulls it would be one of if not the best chance for him to win

Bill Ingram

The Bulls are so happy with their group that I just think even a Dwight Howard deal would mess things up and Dwight probably realizes that. He prefers the weather in Dallas and LA, as well. He really hates cold weather . . .a lot!

Tim in CT

Hello Bill. We’ve all heard about Odom calling the radio station while in tears. Of course there is a personal element in trading players (loyalty, family, organizational ties, etc.). In your experience, how have teams managed to “make up” with players who were almost dealt? Just saying “they need to be professional and play”, “they’re still making millions”, or “it’s a business” can only go so far (and it’s impersonal). How do you motivate the player to continue to work hard for that organization?

Bill Ingram

I think the fact that a huge checks comes every month ought to take care of that. Of course, he’s a Maverick now, so the Lakers don’t have to worry about that.

Aristotle

Hi Bill,

So with Billups waived, what’s the chances he ends up in Miami? I think it takes a PG like him who will be able to give the touches to Wade, James, and Bosh

Bill Ingram

Absolutely. I’d be shocked if Chauncey is anywhere else. The Knicks may live to regret that move. He buries the buzzer-beating three that beats NY in Game 7….

pocket rockets

please tell me there is some good news for the rockets. as i fan i want SOMETHING to look forward to for this season

Bill Ingram

Right there with you, Jonathan. So far I’ve seen nothing but the standard whiffs from Houston. Time to hire Kevin Pritchard as the new GM . . .he is great at finding trades to make his team better. But hey, Jermaine Taylor is back, so all is right with the world, right?

philip fletcher

The Maverick gave up chandler, and others, Lakers gave up Odom have new coach,Grizzlys maybe without Gasol. I see the thunder or spurs coming out of the west, I take the spurs in the shortened season. Will they come out of the west?

Bill Ingram

My pick is Memphis and OKC in the Western Conference Finals, with Memphis edging them by a nose . . .triple-OT Game 7. I think the Spurs struggle a bit because Duncan can’t take the cramped schedule.

bobby

Since CP3 is pretty much out the door, do you think the HEAT might make a move for Emeka Okafor? Maybe giving up Miller, House, and Joel?

Is there any chance Billups doesn’t get claimed??

Bill Ingram

Would Stern allow the Hornets to send a franchise piece like Okafor to Miami??? The hornets wouldn’t do that….that’s crazy! Top 10 starting center for three bench players? Nope.

jey

Should rockets work a sign and trade for Gasol with Memphis and Minnesota where Martin lands with Minnesota and scola at Memphis? Include some draft picks and fillers…

Bill Ingram

The Rockets were trying to work a deal with Memphis, but ultimately the Grizzlies will match their offer sheet and keep Marc. Smart management from Memphis, for a change!

jimmy

Hi Bill, I dont understand why the Rockets are targeting older centers, they should be trying to get deandre jordan instead, what do you think they should be doing?

Bill Ingram

Fire Daryl Morey . . .nothing happens until he’s gone. They can’t even get Dalembert to commit, and that’s just SAD.

Aaron

Where do you see Odom fitting onto Dallas? and does it bother you that no seems to talk about the defending champions, instead focusing on lebron and the heat and the lakers?

Bill Ingram

The Mavs aren’t the sexy choice because Dirk doesn’t chase the spotlight. And letting Chandler leave in favor of starting Haywood means the Mavs aren’t going to be favorites of anyone who picks the favorites. Odom fills the 3/4 slot, replacing some of Butler’s production. Better choice than Peja. It made more sense before the team also signed Brandan Wright???

Rod

Bill, one of the main points fought over in the last CBA was over spending and reducing the BRI as teams werent profiting.
Yet this week, Deandre Jordan has recieved $44 million and Marc Gasol $55 million. Nothing has changed… Smaller market teams are still overpaying average players, there is no way to stop stupid personel decisions through a CBA agreement. Teams should just take responsibility for being stupid dont you think?

Bill Ingram

We spend a lot of time in this country trying to save people from their own stupidity, but there is no legislation in Washington or CBA rule out of New York that can prevent it. None. The Hawks complain about not being profitable and then sign Joe Johnson to the league’s biggest contract, and he’s not even the best player at his position. I think Gasol is worth $55 million because he was the top free agent in this class and the only really good starting center. Jordan? Really hard to say he’ll be worth that money . . .

Rockets94

Like you I grew up loving the Rockets, watching them on channel 39 and then 20 when they were away and listening to them on KTRH when they were home.
Watching the “genius” this past decade I am convinced the Rockets are going to remain the poster boys for mediocrity while Morey is GM. Latest example the LA, NO trade was a disaster whether it went through or not for the Rockets. They were giving up way too much for over the hill, soft Gasol.

Bill Ingram

I remember the year my parents finally started springing for Home Sports Entertainment (HSE) . . .I got to watch home games!!! The problem with the Rockets – and I’ve said this many times – is that they signed the nerdy math guy as GM. Have you seen “Moneyball”? You don’t sign the nerdy math guy as GM because a GM has to be warm and fuzzy for the players and agents. Morey would make a great assistant GM, but as GM he has pissed all of the agents off and they steer their clients elsewhere. That Gasol deal would have been awful . . .it was dependent on the Rockets landing Nene in a separate deal, and I have no confidence that they could have done that. They couldn’t even sign Marcin Gortat . . .how are you going to get Nene??

da wink

what’s the latest on M. Gasols chase by the Rox? hope he wants out so he can be signed and traded to us.

Bill Ingram

He told people all summer he wanted out of Memphis, but as of this writing he is very happy to get his $55 million to stay.

booney

the celtics still have he mini mid-level exception ($3 million) which center you think they can or should use it on?

Bill Ingram

For $3 million you’re not getting much. Dalembert is worth $3 million, but it looks like he might get $9 million from Houston. You’re probably looking at someone like Kwame Brown, Erick Dampier or Nenad Krstic.

jey

Sound like CP3 will go to Clippers… good for him. Make your unique path (just like Howard should go to Nets and not follow Shaqs path). Should Houston get in this deal to acquire Chris Kamen, dumping Scola or Martin and thabeet and pick to NOLA/Clips?? Your thoughts…

Bill Ingram

Sounds like Kaman is heading to the Hornets, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they looked to flip either him or Okafor. Okafor might be more likely, as Kaman is an ending deal anyway. Can the Rockets get into that discussion? At this point I’m preparing myself to see Thabeet in their starting lineup on opening night. Not that I’ll watch the game . . .I’m not someone who enjoys watching a train wreck. One of the league’s five biggest markets can’t land a single free agent or make a decent trade?

Sean

Whats up Bill. The magic gave j-rich a big contract, does that mean they’re not going after Monta Ellis anymore?

Bill Ingram

Honestly, I’d rather have J-Rich . . .if you’re looking for a true shooting guard . . .and yes, that does seem to be what it means. Their best avenue to Ellis was a S&T for Richardson. If the Magic were going to play Ellis at the point, he’s the better choice from a scoring point of view, but at the two I’ll take Jason. Dwight already thinks the offense doesn’t run through him enough, and Ellis wouldn’t have helped that.

Jason

Trade jameer and someone else for a big time scorer and then sign billups….thoughts…

Bill Ingram

Sure . . .but even a good GM would have a hard time selling Jameer and – who? JJ? For a big time scorer? You might as well prepare for this … Billups in Miami.

vhalz

hi Bill,

why are people worried about the point position of knicks,I think they should let melo and amare run pick n roll… Melo said he doesn’t care about scoring..
He cares about winning he should be a good point-forward with that smooth jumpshot…they can do that right??

Bill Ingram

We’ll know Melo cares about winning when we see him put a hand up on defense…LOL. A point forward has to be willing and able to pass the ball. 3 dimes a game won’t cut it. I actually like Toney Douglas a lot, but they do need to add a vet, I think. They’re pushing for Crawford…

Mutang

Bill, lots of movement but I’m really surprised we haven’t heard anything about Kirilenko? My opinion is he is or was the best SF available out there. Will he re-sign with Utah, or where? Also, is there ANY word about one of Utahs bigs being traded and to where?? I thought that would be guaranteed.

Bill Ingram

He said recently he wants to be back in Utah, but that doesn’t seem to be in the cards. I’m shocked the Nets haven’t already locked him up. I know the Jazz are shopping Jefferson and Millsap, but they are waiting for the Nene, Gasol drama to end so those guys have more value.

Ben

Any news on what the Bulls are up too? We all have heard the Jamal Crawford and Rip Hamilton rumors and now we are hearing that they want to be considered for the Dwight Howard sweeepstakes. My concern is that they havent made any moves and the FAs are signing elsewear. With the addition of Chandler, the Knicks have the strongest combination from 3-5. Also with the signing of Battier, the Bulls really will need 1 if not 2 additional consistant offensive options to get past the Heat.

Bill Ingram

They’re being mentioned, but that’s not coming from Chicago. Joel Brigham was at media day with the Bulls and said they are happy with their team . . .the Dwight talk is from the outside.

Lior

What do you think about the Rockets home schedule? No Boston, Miami, Chicago, or Orlando. Only one visit from Lakers, Clippers, and Dallas (division rival). Does the NBA want to kill attendance and fan support here?

Bill Ingram

They don’t have a team anyone would pay to see at the moment . . .the NBA wants to maximize great matchups, and right now the Rockets aren’t a great matchup for anyone of any consequence.

xsjj

Hey Bill,

Thanks in advance if you get to my question and I hope you’re weekend was great. The mavericks recently got Lamar Odom for nearly nothing. I like Odom but he’s just old(nothing against old people). Now we’re getting Vince Carter? I’m having serious doubts in the Mavs bringing back the youth fountain 2 years in a row. Do you see any big trades happening or is this their final roster with a few dings?

I’m sure everyone wants Dwight. Last year was probably the first year dirk was partnered up with an actual good center. Dirk already instill fears in lots of teams but people still won’t admit it. Imagine Dwight along side him.

Bill Ingram

Mark is looking at short-term deals to preserve cap space for chasing Deron Williams and Dwight Howard next summer. Odom is a nice addition, though not an exciting one, and Carter will be dirt cheap. The Mavs have a history of bringing in great players long after their greatness has played out. More baggage for Dirk to carry.

tim

So is Marc Gasol a pie in the sky attempt by the rockets? It seems like there is some plan going on here, because the reported offer and that it hasnt been signed or matched. Maybe Gasol is telling them he wants a SnT to rockets?

Bill Ingram

http://www.hoopsworld.com/houston-rockets-memphis-grizzlies-talking-trade/

Ruben

Does it make sence for the Grizz to match thr Rockets offer sheet to Gasol?They will have 3 max players(none of wich named James,Cp2,D12,Wade,or Kobe),and Conley’s contract.

Bill Ingram

It does if they want to win a championship, and for the first time the Grizz are putting wins first . . .

Uwe Dickhagen

Hi Bill! I’m a huge Rockets fan in Germany and the last days have been very hard for me finding out that my Rockets don’t get anything they want so far via free agency and trades. Does Morey have a plan B (or C or D) to get us a new center? Will it be just Dalembert or do you think there will be some major trade coming up? Will the two Gasol brothers have a future in Houston?

Bill Ingram

No Gasols in Houston . . .we didn’t need Pau and can’t get Marc. Sounds like we’re stuck with overpaying Dalembert, though that’s no guarantee, either. It could be Thabeet on opening night, as the Rockets lost Hayes while they were trying to get Pau.

Tkmisto

What do you think the laker’s future plans are? Now that CP3 is almost a done deal to the clippers and management refuses to give both gasol and bynum for howard, this season is not looking very good.

Bill Ingram

Depends on what other offers come for Dwight. If the Magic can’t get anything better they will settle for Bynum and a package for Dwight and Hedo.

CJ

Can Mike Bibby be a starter for NY? What does he bring to the team?

Bill Ingram

That’s not what we’re hearing . . .he doesn’t play enough defense . . .he’s a steady backup pg who can hit a three here and there.

matt

Houston is a bunch of pieces.

Bill Ingram

Agreed! A 40-win team.

matt

CHI become title favourites with the most likely acquisition of Rip Hamilton

Bill Ingram

Agreed!

matt

Houston will have to settle with Nene (who is overrated). And ROX can offer Den some pieces in a sign and trade.

Bill Ingram

First they need the cap space to match NJ’s offer. . .and Denver is thinking about upping it. Houston should do so well . . .overpaying Nene would be a drastic improvement.

Craig

Is Mitch Kupchek a dumb man or is the Odom deal a prelude to something bigger (Both in stardom and size of the player)?

Bill Ingram

Worst-kept secret, right? They want Dwight AND CP3 and they need cap flexibility to try that. Sounds like CP3 will be in Staples, but on the red side, not the gold side.

Steve

With Dwights latest comments regarding Otis, shouldn’t Magic owners seriously think about firing him if there is a slight chance Dwight would stay? I thought Dwight was more like Duncan but seems he is taking after Lebron.

Bill Ingram

They should have fired Otis before he destroyed the Finals roster . . .now he may as well clean up his own mess . . .Dwight is already gone.

George

The Mavs want to give up Rudy Fernandez, so can the Knicks trade a Draft-Pick to the Mavs for him? Gets them a good shooter..realistic?

Bill Ingram

Shocking, right? I’m sure he was complaining about playing time on day one. That doesn’t sit well in Dallas. Do the Knicks have draft picks? I thought Isiah disposed of them all.

Jimmy

Any truth to the rumors that Minnesota has offered Wes Johnson/Ridnour/Pekovic for Kevin Martin. Kevin McHale drafted Pekovic and might want to reunite with him in Houston?

Bill Ingram

I think the Wolves would like McHale to have his player back . . .and take advantage of the fact that Houston can’t get a deal done. Pekovic has potential . . .more than Thabeet. Wes is great, and I’d love to see him in Houston. Ridnour? A fifth point guard? Rockets would have to send Flynn or somebody back to Minny. Houston has too many bodies as it is.

Anthony

Have your heard any AK-47 news? Reporters in Sac are saying the Kings are trying to get him to sign. Sac seems like a nice spot that needs his defensive help, but I would think the Nets are the favorites due to thier owner.

Bill Ingram

I’ve heard the Sac rumors, but find it hard to believe he would go there over NJ . . .the Nets are locking up their front line, but will likely look to add AK47 before long.

Steve

Hey Bill, Do you think the Bucks will try to add a true center to the roster to back up Bogut?

Bill Ingram

What, you don’t like Drew Gooden at the five? The Bucks, like so many teams, need front court help. They need Bogut to stay healthy, first and foremost. Adding a backup would be nice, but may not materialize.

What Next?

DO you think Mayo will be on the Pacers roster soon?

Bill Ingram

http://www.hoopsworld.com/indiana-pacers-trade-oj-mayo/

Tim

Do you think any small market team has the courage to claim Billups so that he can’t sign up with the Heat? And what’s the minimum bid to claim an amnesty?

Bill Ingram

I’d love to see that . . .see how serious he is about retiring . . .my guess is he isn’t ready to retire.

j. Bizz

Does ATL have any chance at keeping Crawford and is OKC going to start Harden or keep him as 6th man?

Bill Ingram

Ok – last question . . .spent a lot of extra time today and still didn’t get everyone, so I apologize to those I missed. Getting in before Sunday night assures your question will be answered. No, the Hawks are not going to keep Crawford, and weren’t even interested in a sign-and-trade with Chicago. They may do a S&T, but that’s not their first choice. I have a feeling Harden will still come off the bench for the same reason Jason Terry does in Dallas. Best to have a great defender (Sefolosha) start and bring Harden’s scoring off the bench as a spark plug. Drop your questions in for Jason Fleming’s Monday night chat now . . .he’s already filling up!

Kenny

Hey Bill. Is it true that Kobe was unhappy with Lamar being in this reality show with his Kardashian wife, and did it play a part in Odom getting traded out of LA?

Bill Ingram

All I can say about that is: Kobe HATES distractions.