NBA Chat With Bill Ingram 12/19/11

1. john

   Is this a better trade for the Magic then just Gasol & Bynum?

   Miami gets: D. Howard, H. Turkoglu, Chris Duhon, Q. Richardson

   New Orleans gets: D. Pittman, Joel Anthony, Norris Cole

   Orlando gets: Emeka Okafor, Chris Bosh, S. Battier, M. Chalmers, U. Haslem

   • Bill Ingram

     Good Morning, everyone, and welcome to the chat! We have a lot to cover, to so let’s roll! Johnny, the Hornets get royally screwed in that deal. Why would they take part? You gotta throw them a bone or two.

2. john

   Is there any chance the heat sign Sean Williams b4 the mavs? If not, do you think we have a shot at landing Birdman, Mcgee, Speights or Okafor via trade?

   • Bill Ingram

     The problem for Miami in make a trade is that they would need to have some assets to move. Mike Miller is their primary trade piece and his value on the open market is not good. He certainly wouldn’t land you Anderson, McGee, Speights, or Okafor. When you say Sean Williams, are you talking about Shawne Williams? He signed with the New Jersey Nets a couple of days ago. The Mavs were never interested . . .he’s been there before.

3. Shushan

   Hi Bill,
   The Knicks despretly needs depth at PF. What about Leon Powe or Julian Write? Or is this the froncourt bench behind an injured prone Chandler and Amare in a compressed schedule?

   • Bill Ingram

     I see you’ve already recognized the issue that kept Dallas from re-signing Chander. He has a tendency to be very fragile when it’s not a contract year. And then Amar’e's back may be an issue. You’re right – the Knicks need more depth in the front court, but they don’t have the cap space to add it and they don’t have the pieces to trade for it, really. I think what you see is what you get for now. Baron Davis will be their last addition.

4. Risto

   Whats going on with Allen Iverson? Any teams interested?

   • Bill Ingram

     Iverson’s off-the-court issues make him a hard sell, not to mention the fact that he was an absolute nightmare in Memphis and word gets around. I’d be shocked to see Iverson in the NBA ever again. Too bad, too, as I have no doubt he can still play.

5. Colin Dunne

   Any news on what LAC will do to round out their roster? I’d like to see them acquire a genuine SG who can start if necessary. Stevenson or Young would be great additions. And to add frontcourt depth I would trade Mo Williams, perhaps to Utah for Okur. Could even include Foye in the deal and get Utah to throw in Bell. Foye’s expiring is more attractive than Bell’s production, for Utah anyway.

   • Bill Ingram

     The Clippers don’t appear to be in any rush to make another move, though you’re absolutely right about them really needing to move Williams. There are only so many minutes for the three point guards, even if you play one at the two. Of course, I’d want to see just how healthy Chris Paul can be and for how long before I start trading his potential replacement in the starting lineup. Keep in mind, Caron Butler can absolutely play the two, as well. I do think DeShawn Stevenson would be a solid pick-up, especially since he would come cheap.

6. Charlie

   This trade might sound crazy, but actually makes sense for both teams:
   LA Lakers gets: Andrea Bargnani, Leandro Barbosa, and Jose Calderon
   Toronto gets: Andrew Bynum + filler (to make salaries match)
   LA gets a starting point guard to replace Fisher, a combo guard off the bench with playoff experience, and a legit bigman who averaged 20+ points last year to pair with Pau Gasol.
   Toronto finally gets the legit center they always needed, shed Calderon’s contract, and reduce the glut they have at the 4 spot.
   Timing is perfect now that Kobe is upset at the Lamar trade and the Lakers are in a more desperate situation to make something happen. Your thoughts.

   • Bill Ingram

     Honestly, I think the only way the Lakers trade Bynum is if they get Dwight Howard in the process. A Gasol/Bargnani front court is awfully soft, and the Lakers aren’t going to go for soft. I see where you’re going, and it’s not a bad proposal, but it’s not a great one, either, for the Lakers. Nice for the Raptors if Bynum could stay healthy.

7. Sweet Dee

   Yes or No. Would Jamal Tinsley ever sign a contract in Utah if Jerry Sloan was still coach?

   • Bill Ingram

     Pretty hard to see that, though you never know. Tinsley seems to have turned over a new leaf, and if he came into camp humble and working harder than everyone else he might have gotten along with Sloan just fine. But you’re right – it’s a stretch.

8. Lior

   Are the Rockets still interested in Delambert? Do we plan on going into the season with Hill as the starting center? Any plans to use the $10M we have in cap space?

   • Bill Ingram

     The Rockets aren’t the only suitors for Dalembert, of they would likely have already signed him. Also, he is significantly overweight, which could also give the Rockets pause. He’s not worth much more than $7 million, and his camp is holding out for more. I think the Rockets are trying to decide whether Dalembert is that much better than Jordan Hill, to be honest with you. Hill looked fantastic in the first preseason game, and the players tell us he looked that good in camp, too.

9. da wink

   What’s the hold up in the Dalembert signing for the Rox? Adding him would definitely solidify our front court..

   • Bill Ingram

     Would it? I don’t know. Let’s see Hill again on Wednesday night. . . preferably against Tim Duncan.

10. Anthony Pascua

    Since Odom went to the Mavs, the Lakers lose alot of versatility. I do think with the additions of McRoberts and Murphy as well as the development of Ebanks, the Lakers will be more scrappier and surprise alot of people, what do you think?

    • Bill Ingram

      I think McRoberts and Murphy bring some nice things to the table, but it’s hard to replace championship experience. The Mavericks obviously got the better end of that deal, though those two bigs will help the Lakers, for sure. I especially like Murphy, who has something to prove after the bizarre situation in NJ.

11. Frank

    Hi Bill,
    1) What happens to Mo WMS? How about a trade to DET for Villanueva? or to SAC for Cisco & J.Thompson? 2)Since Captain Jack’s unhappiness in MIL. is causing back pains, how ’bout a trade to talent-challenged N.J. for Morrow & parts? Oh, and enjoyed your blog. Thanks.

    • Bill Ingram

      Glad you liked it . . .new installment coming as soon as we get through preseason. Already written in my mind, just have to type it out. I do think Mo will have to be traded at some point, perhaps to a team that loses a PG to injury early in the season. He can definitely help a young team like the Kings, though they are not ready to deal Thompson, from what we’re told. Jackson is a different story. He’s a fierce teammate and great in the locker room, but his contract extension demand is not going to get much traction anywhere at this point.

12. Mutang

    So all these trades and big signings were supposed to happen, but didn’t. What team do you still think is going to make a big move?? Anyone? Lakers are full of it, btw.

    • Bill Ingram

      You’d be surprised just how hard some GMs were working to get deals done and then just ran out of time to make them happen. Teams were kind of freaked out by the all-too-short free agency period and some just wanted to play it safe rather than make a snap decision that hurt them in the long run. I do think the Lakers will make a play for Dwight before the trade deadline, and obviously Houston need a center, so I fully expect them to be talking to the Hornets. Beyond that, we’ll have to see who struggles out of the gate. I expect Speights to be traded sooner rather than later . . .As one league executive told me, more than 90% of trades that are discussed don’t ever happen, and many all apart when they’re beyond 90% completion. Something happens at the last second to kill the deal.

13. Melvin C. Pingal

    hi bill, your thoughts about the extension of rodney stuckey with the pistons?? I thought it was better for the pistons to trade him for a true SG and let brandon handle the rock.

    • Bill Ingram

      Right there with you. . .seriously! The Pistons have really started to turn things over to the next generation, but Stuckey is clearly old school for them. At least he didn’t get the $10 mill per season he was asking for. That would have been insane!!

14. mavs,spurs,jazz hater

    hey bill are hashem and hill the centers where going to start the season or do you see us make a push at okafor or kaman we have young players and draft picks that would satisfy dave stern.

    • Bill Ingram

      I can’t imagine that Hill and Thabeet will be the center rotation, at least that’s not the plan. The problem is the Rockets have failed to land any of the centers they targeted, so the opening night roster will not be “the plan” anyway. Houston’s in trouble if that’s the front line. I think the Rockets should just put their part of the CP3 trade back on the table and ask for Okafor.

15. jlinfan#1

    Bill,

    Do you think Jeremy Lin makes the 15 man roster? Seems like there is only one spot available and the Rockets still need bigs.

    • Bill Ingram

      The thing with Houston is they don’t ever do the conventional thing. So while it doesn’t make sense for Lin to be on the roster, he is a very good player, and he might just be. The Rockets love point guards and power forwards.

16. alex p

    Do you think that Bynum and Ebanks will be on show for about a month for Magic for D12? and Why didn’t the Lakers trade Gasol to Houston for Martin Scola and one of the young power forward on Houston?

    • Bill Ingram

      I doubt Ebanks plays, but having Bynum stay healthy for a couple of months couldn’t hurt LA’s trade cause with Orlando. The Lakers weren’t interested in Martin and Scola . . .they were headed to New Orleans. How do you think Kobe and Kevin would react to a trade that puts them on the same team? Not a great idea. LA is looking for a home run deal, one that lands another superstar in LA. Neither Scola nor Martin fits that criteria.

17. Elan

    What do u think about this: The New Orleans give back the Hornets trademark/moniker to Charlotte, and the New Orleans basketball team becomes the New Orleans Brass (Black/Gold colors) also keeping the mardi grais alternates. This move could potentially save both teams. You could sell each cities history through the team names (queen city, Jazz=brass instruments for the most part).

    • Bill Ingram

      By that logic, the Lakers should give their name back to Minnesota so the Timberwolves can sell out every night. People buy tickets to see star players and winning teams….the nicknames are fun, but they don’t sell tickets.

18. booney

    with jeff green out for the season are the c’s looking to add one more bench player? did u see the game yesterday they have the best rotation in the east agree?

    • Bill Ingram

      I think you’re reading waaaaay too much into a preseason win. Keep in mind, Boston scored just 76 points on 39% shooting against a non-playoff team that saw significant minutes from just 2 starters. Chicago, Miami, and NY are all significantly deeper, perhaps Indiana, too.

19. B-Man

    who would you expect to get to start or get more minutes between ed davis and amir johnson?

    • Bill Ingram

      Davis has a ton of upside, whereas we pretty much know who and what Amir is going to be. I like Amir, but he’s not a starter for a playoff team. Davis might just be that one day. Dwane Casey has no doubt already figured that out…they both played basically 20 minutes against Boston and Davis was by far the better player.

20. Jay

    Its time for the rockets to swallow their pride and deal with a losing season because this upcoming draft could land us the star we want

    • Bill Ingram

      The problem is, as constructed they are probably the ninth or tenth seed in the West, meaning they will have a mediocre season and land right around #14 in the draft again. They either need to commit to losing, deal Scola and Martin for younger pieces and picks, or find that deal that lands them a center . . .not a PF like Gasol, but a legit center.

21. Anthony

    I had the opportunity to watch Irving up close at the Cavs intra-squad scrimmage yesterday, and the more I see, the more I like the kid. Do you have any expectations for Irving at this point, or any thoughts on his ceiling?

    • Bill Ingram

      He’s definitely my pick for R.O.Y. A smart and savvy point guard who came from Duke? What’s not to like. The Cavs were hesitant to amnesty Baron Davis because they were concerned about Irving’s foot . . .obviously those concerns are a thing of the past after that first preseason game. He looked just fine to me!

22. Will

    I don’t believe that Orlando can match Chi or Miami even the Hawks and Knicks seems stronger. Don’t you think ORL should start rebuilding by trading dwight and every single valuable piece for Youngers and 2012 picks?

    • Bill Ingram

      By every single valuable piece you mean Dwight, right? Oh . . .and JJ. Unless Otis Smith can land another serious player via trade the Magic are toast. Yes. I don’t know that the Hawks are stronger, but Indiana certainly is, and Orlando is probably the fifth-best team in the East at best right now.

23. Jim LeMond

    Does Brendan Haywood look to be in shape and motivated? Has the loss of Chandler lit a fire under him? How close is Odom to making up for the loss of Chandler and Barea?

    • Bill Ingram

      I think he’s motivated, though he is rusty, like so many other players right now. He’s no Tyson Chandler. It’s not really up to Odom to make up for Chandler and Barea being gone. That’s going to be a group effort, for sure. Odom is a great addition, especially considering he cost Dallas nothing.

24. Sean

    do you see d12 and d-will taking a pay cut to play together in lets say maybe orlando after free agency or orlando making a 3-4 team trade to get him?

    • Bill Ingram

      There is a precedent for that . . .given what LBJ, Wade and Bosh did. I could see Dallas landing both to play with Dirk, who took less money to help keep the Mavs’ options open.

25. Billy M

    ok, ok. thabeet and hill didn’t look horrible and actually impressed me a bit(thabeet=defense?!??). at the very least their stock has to be rising. is there a chance they might be serviceable centers someday?

    • Bill Ingram

      Hill yes, Thabeet no. Thabeet was Ok for about 2 minutes, then showed us the player we’ve always seen . . .solid D-League prospect. Hill was impressive in camp and looked good against the Spurs’ second unit. I’d like to see him play against a real starting unit . . .which we’ll see soon enough. Hill has more potential than Thabeet, but that’s not saying a whole lot.

26. Aron

    do u think it’s possible for dallas to get both deron and D12

    • Bill Ingram

      It’s absolutely what Cuban has in mind with all of these one-year deals . . .Kidd and Terry come off the books, as well as Carter, West, Cardinal . . .even Odom could. Dallas could have serious cap space next summer, and Dirk is one of the most respected stars in the league. How about the 3 D’s? Dirk, Deron and Dwight.

27. Matt (UK)

    What is your impression of the Nuggets roster now that they have done most of their work (assuming Afflalo re-signs)? Will they make the playoffs? Where are they weakest?

    • Bill Ingram

      I like Denver a lot, and yes, it’s safe to say Aflallo will be back. They should just go ahead and get a deal done so he can get ready with the rest of the team. Small forward is the only real weak spot, which could be solved if China allows Wilson Chandler to come back to the NBA, as is rumored. I’d be shocked if they didn’t make the playoffs. It would take several significant injuries.

28. Mynor

    Hey Bill,

    What are the odds LAC gets a guy like Dalembert or K.Mart if he gets released? What big man do you see the Clips getting to fill the void coming off the bench? Please don’t say Collins…

    • Bill Ingram

      I don’t think the Clips will get into a bidding war for Dalembert, so someone like the player you don’t want me to mention becomes an option. Kenyon Martin could be an interesting addition, yes, if China allows those guys to come home. A really interesting option, actually.

29. Renny

    I keep hearing Pau Gasol to Minny rumors. I like this, but not at the rumored asking price of Love and D-Will. Any truth to these rumors?

    • Bill Ingram

      Those rumors are old and dead . . .the Timberwolves aren’t interesting in trading Love.

30. Paul

    Happy Holidays Mr Ingram.

    Just one question please. KNYK chose BD over Arenas . Based on age , talent and needs , wasn’t getting Arenas a smarter move ? Could use a total of vet min and room exception and get 3 players , Arenas , Nachbar and BD ) . Thoughts ?

    • Bill Ingram

      Happy Holidays! Given Davis’ back condition, yes, Arenas makes more sense. But if they’re thinking long-term, assuming Davis will eventually be able to play, I think he could be a better option than Arenas because he is a more stable presence in the locker room. Davis is funny and goofy, but you know what you’re getting day in and day out.

31. LL cool jon

    true or false knicks will finish top 3 in the east?? and why??

    • Bill Ingram

      Absolutely . . .the addition of Chandler makes them substantially better. Chicago, Miami and NY are the big dogs in the East.

32. Ben Ireland

    I’ve been wondering: Since alot of players played both football and basketball, has anyone ever tried an NFL style fast break system?
    Set picks for the players to go around and set their routes, obviously they can’t tackle so foul chances increase, and you could give the ball to a player right at the rim? DWade’s alleyoop to LeBron full court made me think of it, and was just wondering if it had been done before. It would be a first option, if it ain’t happening, you could easily have one of the screeners drop back in a second or two and give him the ball, as I’d imagine a guard would be the QB… What do ya think?

    • Bill Ingram

      You win the award for most interesting question of the day. If I knew anything about football I might have a better answer. My first impression is that no, no one has tried it, because the receivers running out on the play would not have been guarding their man on the defensive end. The NFL has two different teams for offense and defense, while NBA players have to do both.

33. Jason

    Do the magic make a move for d-will maybe through 3 or 4 team trade?

    • Bill Ingram

      They don’t have the pieces to make such a move . . .unless the trade Dwight, which defeats the purpose.

34. dyrese

    hey bill,the knicks are rounding out the roster rather nicely bd has commited if they pick up james posey im convinced thats a chapionship caliber team your thoughts?

    • Bill Ingram

      I don’t know if they’re as good as Chicago and Miami, but perhaps. Everyone has to stay healthy, and with Chandler and Stoudemire that’s a serious concern. I agree, though, that adding Posey would get them one step closer.

35. Wayne aka Rawston George

    What’s the status on Gilbert Arenas? No teams want to take a gamble? Is he that far removed fromhis prime?

    • Bill Ingram

      I think the unfortunate gun incident in Washington makes him a questionable add, as well as the fact that yes, he is far removed from his prime.

36. Elan

    Kind of a funny question, however, do you think there would be any possibility for a Blake Griffin for Dwight Howard trade? Wouldn’t it kind of make sense for both teams?

    • Bill Ingram

      Alright, last question everyone. Getting in early is a great idea . . .a lot of questions submitted late that I can’t get to. If I missed you, go ahead and drop your questions to Jason Fleming, who chats later today. Elan, there’s no chance the Clippers give up Blake Griffin, even for Dwight Howard. You have to realize that aside from being younger and the focal point of their franchise, Blake makes just over $5 million, while Dwight makes more than $18 million. Do you send Blake, Jordan and, say, Foye to Orlando? Magic would do that deal . . .Clippers not so much. As always, thanks for spending some of your Monday with us here at HOOPSWORLD! See you here next week.