NBA Chat With Bill Ingram – 1/23/2012

Catch up on the latest news, rumors and predictions with HOOPSWORLD’s Bill Ingram every Monday at 11:00 AM Eastern.

Bill covers the entire NBA and is based in Dallas, Texas, home of the reigning NBA champion Dallas Mavericks. He has been an NBA analyst since 1998, when he and Steve Kyler founded HOOPSWORLD. He can be heard on radio stations across the country and his work has also appeared in USA Today.

You can follow Bill on Twitter by linking here: @TheRocketGuy.

  1. JP

    If I`m the owner of the TWolves and I tell you that I want to have the following roster at the start of the next season? Do you think it`s possible and championship quality in a couple of years?
    Rubio-Ridnour-Barea-Webster-Lee-Williams-Kawhi Leonard-Love-Randolph-Kenneth Faried-Anthony Davis-Tolliver?

    • Bill Ingram

      Good Morning, everyone, and welcome to the chat! Let’s start off with a complicated question . . .why not? LOL. First of all, you’re not getting Leonard from San Antonio. So no, I don’t think this is possible. When you say “Lee,” do you mean Courtney Lee or David Lee? Courtney would be a great fit, and obviously already knows the Adelman system. He could be the two-guard the Wovles are lacking. Great defender, too. I don’t think you’re getting Faried from Denver, either, but you don’t really need him. The Wolves are going to be very, very good . . .and a playoff team if they can land Lee, Mayo or another legit shooting guard who can hit the three consistently.

  2. Joe DiRosa

    Is there a place to view which teams still have available cap exceptions? I heard the Knicks have 2M of their mini mid lvl exception available. Shouldnt they use it right about now?

    Also I think they should take a low risk gamble and bring Skip to my Lou on for a minimum salary. I know he is coaching now but this guy is a good PG. Oralndo got rid of him just to appease Jameer and it was a big mistake!

    • Bill Ingram

      If you use ESPN’s trade machine it lists trade exceptions for those teams that still hold them. I actually don’t know of anywhere that lists the other exceptions, though. If you find one, let me know. We have to use league sources, basically team-by-team, and I don’t have a current version of the compiled list. I know the Knicks used their “mini-mid-level” exception, which is what’s available to teams that are over the cap. I don’t think they have anything left. I love Rafer Alston, but he hasn’t played in a while. I don’t think that’s a possibility.

  3. Sabin C

    Why isn’t D. Williams asks for a trade to Orlando ?He is wasting another year in NJ.He’s not contending for a championship nor playoffs…I don’t get it, what’s wrong with him and Howard.The easiest way is to play in Orlando.Both of them.

    • Bill Ingram

      Deron actually really likes New York (arena aside), even though the team is miserably bad. You’re right, too – wasting a year of his career in a dismal situation. It’s not as easy as him just asking for a trade to Orlando, even if he wanted to go. The Nets would have to take back Hedo Turkoglu, most likely, along with Jameer Nelson, presumably. That’s not a deal the Nets will make. No team would make that deal . . .except maybe the Magic.

  4. Falco

    Hey Bill,
    Joel Brigham just put Chris Bosh in the discussion for MVP in his latest watch. Despite some very good games i don’t think he is playing on MVP level. I was wondering what you think about this and would also like to know, who you think should be or could get in the discussion out of teams that are playing a tiny bit better than expected but don’t really have that one stand out player like philadelphia, indiana, memphis, utah, denver and maybe houston or which team you might put into that group.

    • Bill Ingram

      Chris Bosh is a very good player, but not a great player. What we’re seeing in Miami is that they don’t really need a big three. A big two would suffice, with more support players around those two players. It could be Wade and either of the other two and Miami would be one of the best teams in the East. Haslem is super underrated, and the addition of Battier was huge for them. Unlike last season, the HEAT are deep. As far as MVP candidates from those other teams, they are more team-oriented, and that doesn’t often yield an MVP candidate. For Houston I would say Kyle Lowry, though Scola could also be in that discussion. In Memphis it would be Marc Gasol. Lou Williams is leading the Sixers in scoring off the bench, which is quite an accomplishment. I’d probably go Millsap in Utah, since he’s playing with such high efficiency. And after watching Galo tear up Carmelo on Saturday night I would probably give him the nod from Denver. Still, none of those guys has a chance against Kevin Durant, Derrick Rose, Kobe Bryant, or Dwight Howard, who might be the leading candidates (in that order).

  5. Saulo

    What do you think of McGee for Wes Johnson, future pick and anthony randolph? Would it be enough? The wizards seem to be giving up on this core..

    • Bill Ingram

      I don’t know what will happen first – ownership gives up on Flip Saunders, or ownership starts trading off pieces. It seems to me McGee would be low on the list of pieces to move. The way Darko and Pekovic have been playing, I don’t know that Minny needs him, either. They would much rather talk about Nick Young.

  6. Jiggy

    NYK played a lot better with chauncey Stat and Gallo…Do you think a trade revolving aroun Dwill,Mbrooks for Anthony will be realistic?

    • Bill Ingram

      That’s because Chauncey is a hell of a defender, easily the best on the team. Chandler is having a hard time being the only decent defender in the starting lineup (though Shumpert shows promise!). if I’m NY I happily give up Melo and Brooks for Deron Williams, but the Nets have no intention of trading him . . .they also aren’t any better with that lineup than they are now. You know, for years teams have built around one or two stars, usually guys they drafted and developed, so they grew together long-term. Is it any wonder that teams are struggling to flourish with random stars thrown together with no thought as to how they might complement each other?

  7. Chris G

    Can players signed this offseason be traded yet? In typical years, I think there’s like a three-month wait after a free agent signs before a team can trade him. I imagine that time frame is shorter this year thanks to the lockout.

    • Bill Ingram

      Right – 90 days . . .and I haven’t heard that the league changed that rule . . .

  8. Chris G

    What’s been more impressive to you–the Heat winning without Wade, or the Bulls winning without Rose? The Bulls have played weaker teams in that stretch, but the Heat have James and Bosh on the roster. I can’t decide.

    • Bill Ingram

      That’s a tough call. I’m going to go with Chicago simply because I’m astonished at how well CJ Watson has played. With Miami, you expect their depth and additional stars to help them overcome the loss of Wade. With the Bulls I expect them to be toast without Rose. It’s a testament to Coach Thibs, as well as Watson.

  9. Bhagdeep

    Hey Bill,
    What do you think about this trade between the Raptors and Lakers close to the Trade deadline. Toronto sends Barbosa, Bayless and Amir to LA for Steve Blake, Trade Exception and Two 2012 first round picks ( from Dallas and LA). Lakers get backcourt help with bayless to play the point and barbosa to be the sixth man offering offense off the bench plus a big in amir johnson. Toronto gets two more first rounders that they could package for a mid round pick to grab a PG like teague or kabongo in addition to their own high pick(possibly harrison banres) and they save a bit of money for extra cap room. Also barbosa and bayless both have expiring deals that will attract LA and with jonas coming over next year, moving amir opens up the logjam in the frontcourt for raptors.

    • Bill Ingram

      I can see why you would like that deal for the Lakers, as they need some scoring punch like Barbosa and perhaps Bayless would bring. That said, I recently had an in-depth conversation with Colangelo about the long-term plan for the Raptors, and they are in love with Barbosa. The jury is still out on Bayless, but they are counting on another lottery pick or two so they have Valanciunas and another great young player coming in next season. I would be shocked if the Raptors moved Barbosa. I think you’re over-valuing Steve Blake.

  10. AJ

    With the reports that the C’s are willing to trade the big three for the right deals, which teams do you think could realistically make a play for Garnett, Allen, or Pierce?

    • Bill Ingram

      I could see Dallas trying to pry away one of those ending contracts – Allen or KG. We all know how much Mark Cuban loves big names who are no longer big talents. If he could unload a longer-term contract in a move for one of those guys, I think he would. I could see the Lakers going after Piece, but they don’t have great pieces to offer Boston. Neither Miami nor Chicago needs any of those guys, and OKC wouldn’t want to make a move like that. Boston isn’t taking Turkoglu, so that rules out Orlando. I think that rounds out the likely contenders . . .

  11. Rockets Fan On Strike till Morey is Fired.

    How can Javale McGee wind up in a T’wolves uni? Watching Love and Pekovic fumble perfectly placed passes in the box from Rubio is frustrating. McGee turns those fumbles into points. He is in the dog house in Wash. Adelaman is the perfect coach and Rubio makes him a better scorer.

    • Bill Ingram

      I think Love and Pekovic are the future for Minny, though they do love them some Darko Milicic, as well. The Wolves are not looking for a big man, preferring to focus on their shooting guard search. I think everyone will get better at catching those Rubio passes once they get used to expecting them.

  12. Frank

    With Anige ready to dismantle the big 3 and look for youth, why doesn’t Washington trade Turiaf age 29, Blatche age 25 and Rashard age 32, for Garnett age 35 and Pierce age 34. This give Boston some youth for the future, and at the same time gives Washington some leadership and a good starting five to push towards the playoffs. Even though Garnett and Pierce are older than any player Washington is giving up, the wizards need to make such a bold move as both can help this team get some playoff experience.

    • Bill Ingram

      My first thought is that Boston can get more for Pierce if they choose to trade him, though a decent starting center might be really enticing. There aren’t many of those available. That said, I don’t think Ainge does that to KG and Pierce. They have been too good for too long to be sent to a lottery team as expiring contracts. That would be bad form, for sure!

  13. Kelvin

    The Lakers losses to Miami and Orlando were horrible. Do you think the lakes should make any moves after those losses. And if they should make moves who do you think would make a good fit? Devin harris? Deron Williams? and also how bout gilbert arenas?

    • Bill Ingram

      The Lakers are awful on the road. No doubt about that. The issue is they don’t have great trade pieces. They can’t afford to move Bynum unless it’s for Dwight, and Kobe is going nowhere. So their best piece beyond that is Pau Gasol, whom they would no doubt move for Deron Williams, but the Nets aren’t about to do that. Unless the Jazz just want to help LA they’re not moving Devin Harris for Lakers scraps, either. As for Arenas, I’ve said this before and I’ll keep saying it. There is absolutely no way I put Arenas and Artest in the same locker room. I just can’t imagine that being worth the obvious risks.

  14. JaMoomba

    How much longer is Flip Saunders the coach of the Wizards? I like Flip, but he just doesn’t have this teams attention or the personality to get it. What do you think of Sam Cassell as a head coach? He might not be ideal but this team desperately needs someone who’s going to keep them in check and Sam isn’t gonna take any b.s. from anybody.

    • Bill Ingram

      It may be time to let Cassell have a crack. I’ve been told that Washington owes Flip too much money to just let him walk away, but my take is that he’s better off with a veteran team than a young team that needs so much instruction like the Wizards. I like Flip a lot, too, but he’s in the wrong situation.

  15. The Philippine Eagle

    Hi Bill, can we fire the overrated and “optimistic” Mike Brown now? He seems unfit for the Lakers coaching job from the start. Personally, I really don’t like him for the job because it would only make the Lakers purple, gold and brown.

    • Bill Ingram

      Kind of early to make that assessment. Brown was the big fish in last summer’s coaching market, and I think he’s the right guy for the job. I like Adelman more, but I am in the minority, apparently. Brown has been to the Finals and understands the pressure of playing with a huge star with championship expectations. We’re 17 games into a lockout-shortened and compressed season after not having a decent training camp or preseason. Brown also has to be creative if he’s going to make something of that LA bench. He needs a lot more time before we judge him unfit for the job.

  16. jazz

    What do you think Jazz – no Williams, no problem?

    • Bill Ingram

      No Williams, no Boozer, no Kirilenko . . .no problem! Hard to believe, isn’t it? The Jazz are never down for long, and they sure look like a playoff team this season. Will be interesting to see what happens with Devin Harris.

  17. Lance

    Should the wizzards move after Garnet because he has that veteran leadership to guid young players!At least for another year or so?

    • Bill Ingram

      I don’t think Ainge would do that to KG. He gets to finish his career as a mascot for the young Wizards? Not a fitting end.

  18. Lance

    Whats the latest on Daniel Orton? where is he skillwise?

    • Bill Ingram

      Sadly, Daniel Orton is not in the plan at all for Orlando. It would he helpful if they actually met with players before they drafted them . . .they might have figured out what everyone else knew – that Orton is damaged goods.

  19. James

    Lakers problem is not the team its Kobe. He shoots so much to the teams demise. And hes not playing great defense either. Would u trade Kobe for younger players?

    • Bill Ingram

      Absolutely not. No chance. No way. I know that Kobe wants a championship more than he wants a scoring title . . .which probably means nothing to him. You’re right – he’s shooting a lot – but right now that’s what he feels gives the Lakers their best chance to win. He’s been right 10 of 18 times, which is not great for LA. He’ll figure it out. There is no smarter player in the NBA except perhaps Jason Kidd.

  20. Mark

    Saw the difference between LeBron and Kobe last night late when LeBron constantly passed to teammates eventhough none of them could throw a rock in the ocean while Kobe hoisted up a 3 from 5 feet outside the 3 pt line with 5 seconds left in a 2 point game. Neither mindset worked last night!

    • Bill Ingram

      It’s kind of apples to oranges, honestly. Kobe wants the big shot, and will make it more often than not. LeBron wants to let someone else – anyone else – take the big shot. Kobe may have missed, but his willingness to take the shot is the reason why he has 5 rings. It’s a mindset . . .one that few NBA players have. Kobe, Dirk, Duncan, Pierce, Roy . . .great clutch performers.

  21. James

    Kobe for Mayo, Gay, Conley and first rounder?
    Kobe for Deron, Brooks and both of their first rounders?
    Kobe for Granger, George, Hill and first rounder?

    • Bill Ingram

      The Lakers aren’t trading Kobe . . .and none of those teams can afford to give up all of that talent to get him.

  22. da wink

    will DM trade anyone of our 2009 “assets” -> Budinger, TWill, JHill, Flynn ?

    • Bill Ingram

      Morey would happily trade anyone on the roster for the right price. He’s made that clear to GM’s all over the league. The problem is that no one is offering a starting center, which is what Houston really needs. Dalembert is decent, but he’s not going to get Houston to the playoffs.

  23. Brian

    Bill,

    I know the Wolves believe they are going to be much better once Webster and Miller back, but I am not a believer.
    Who is on the block out there that is avaiable and would be interested to trade for players we have not named Love, Rubio, and Williams?

    Thanks!

    • Bill Ingram

      Their top target – for over a year, actually – is OJ Mayo. I like the earlier question about Courtney Lee, thanks to the Adelman connection. Maybe the Wolves get Houston to take Martell Webster, since they need a wing player. McHale doesn’t seem to want to play Budinger, and while Parsons has had a couple of nice moments he isn’t ready for the starting role if Houston is going to make the playoffs.

  24. Lior

    I don’t think the Rockets are as good as their record. I still think they need a major trade. What (realistic) trade would you make?

    • Bill Ingram

      I was actually doing Yahoo! radio in Houston on Saturday and we talked about that very thing. The Rockets’ record is based on the heart of guys like Lowry, Scola and Martin, willing the team to be better than they really are. They beat a horrible Sacramento team, then a Portland team that can’t win on the road, then the awful Pistons and Wizards, followed by New Orleans without Gordon and San Antonio without Duncan. Wins are wins, but those aren’t exactly stunning victories. Houston will be just good enough to miss the playoffs again. The first step is firing Daryl Morey, who has pissed off many of the agents and also front office guys around the league with his better-than-you approach to the job. It’s a credit to the players that the team is even as good as it is. Lots of heart on that team.

  25. Dominic

    How do you see the D12 situation playing out? Would he actually walk if he hits free agency and give up the 30 million?

    • Bill Ingram

      The Magic don’t think so . . .and I’m not sure they’re wrong. At this point there isn’t a great trade on the table, so the gamble might be worth it – especially if the Magic keep winning like they have been. The Magic are better than Dallas, LA and NJ – Dwight’s wish list.

  26. Billy M

    Do you know what the Spurs record is without Duncan? After seeing a couple games now without him in the line-up, I am not convinced they aren’t better off without him. Sure they lose his size and consistency but seem faster and better in transition. Thoughts?

    • Bill Ingram

      The Spurs are 10-6 with Duncan, so 0-1 without him…he sat out the Houston game. They don’t just lose his size…they lose his clutch play and veteran savvy.

  27. Alex

    Whos the bigger problem on the knicks…. Dantoni, melo or stat?

    • Bill Ingram

      Melo the ball hog. Hard to blame D’Antoni when they’ve assembled a team that has serious defensive deficiencies. But we all know how this works…coach is the first to go.

  28. Bryan

    Can Pacers get better with adding any pieces? I would love to get Courtney Lee or another wing because Dahntay Jones is a liabilty

    • Bill Ingram

      They look pretty good to me! Yes, they could get better with a trade, but I would be hesitant to do too much with the team playing so well!!

  29. James

    Would ORL give up D12 4 Melo?

  30. James

    Aamre and D12 would be excellent together. They play to one anothers weaknesses. Your thoughts?

  31. matt

    What is DeMar DeRozan’s trade value at the moment?

    • Bill Ingram

      They aren’t shopping him, but as I wrote the other day: The Raptors Need More From DeRozan. If they decided to move him they would get offers – probably from Minny and Indiana…but they aren’t to that point yet.

  32. Dallas

    Bill, Please share with us what insights you can from your talk with Colangelo. In addition to the feelings towards Barbosa, who many figure is trade chip, what else would we be surprised to know?

  33. davide gorini

    Is indiana shopping george hill? could he come to minny? and does minny like him?

    • Bill Ingram

      Good Morning, everyone, and welcome to the chat! Actually, the Pacers are quite pleased with Hill, who was brought in to lend some championship perspective to the locker room. And no, the Timberwolves aren’t looking for a point guard. They would love to add Courtney Lee or OJ Mayo … they’re shopping for a two-guard.