NBA Chat with Bill Ingram 1/7/13

1. Peter

   Hey Bill! The Rockets are on a roll right now, 6 games above .500. Do you think they can build on this impressive run and ultimately make the playoffs? If so, which seed do you think they’ll will end up with? Also, why did the rockets amnesty Scola? I understand that they are rebuilding, but he is still in his prime and his ability to knock down shots can be a good complementary player to Harden.

   • Bill Ingram

     Good Morning, Everyone, and welcome to the chat! I have to admit that I have become somewhat pessimistic about the Rockets. This time of year they tend to be playing well, a few games above .500, clearly in the playoff picture, only to start coughing up games in April and miss the dance by a game or two. I think Harden could be the piece that helps them avoid that fate this year, but they still have to start beating good teams for me to really believe they are a playoff team. Of course, there are so few really good teams that they could make the playoffs by just beating the bad ones. The Rockets amnestied Scola because he was part of the old guard, but also because they were concerned about his bad knees . . .which obviously haven’t been an issue for the Suns. But Houston was going young, investing in Patterson, Morris and now Motiejunas. Scola wasn’t part of that plan.

2. Enrique

   I got into an argument with someone telling me that Chris Paul doesn’t stand a chance to be MVP because the Clippers are so deep. Clippers were nothing before he got there, and in my opinion he is as valuable to the Clippers LBJ is to the Heat, Melo is to the Knicks, Durant is to OKC. I think if it all ended today, top 3 for MVP in no particular order would be Melo, LBJ, and Paul. Your thoughts?

   • Bill Ingram

     How can you include LeBron if Chris Paul is disqualified due to being on a deep team? The HEAT are the deepest team in the NBA. I think Durant, LeBron and CP3 are your top three candidates, and Carmelo could sneak in there if the Knicks get back to winning consistently. You have to be MVP for 82 games, not just 30 or 40. Can Melo sustain that? For his part, CP3 has to stay healthy.

3. Aristotle

   Hey Bill

   The Rockets are playing some great basketball at the moment and Harden is really making a name for himself. Do you see a few of the upper tier free agents looking to head over to Houston? And who would be a good fit at the moment with what the team has going?

   • Bill Ingram

     I don’t know if Houston is a premier destination just yet . . .the way the team’s front office does business has soured a number of big agents on allowing their clients to play there, sadly. The way to change that is for the team to advance into the second round this season and for Harden to continue to show he’s the best or at least second-best shooting guard in the NBA. The Rockets are more likely to add a key piece via trade, like they did with Harden. They still have plenty of redundant assets to offer in a deal.

4. Aristotle

   Hey Bill,

   I’m asking this game before their Denver game, but looking at their schedule of Denver, Houston, San Antonio, and OKC…that could end up being 4 losses and a record of 15 – 21. Milwaukee and Miami could be another 2.
   My question is… how physically and mentally tiring does such a stretch of tough games play on a team that was brought to win now and that are struggling to get together?

   • Bill Ingram

     Talking about the Lakers here, for those who aren’t following the schedule that closely. The Nuggets took care of them last night, and you’re right, it’s reasonable to believe that the Rockets, Spurs and Thunder will follow suit. I don’t know about Milwaukee, they have cooled considerably, but Miami is a safe bet, as well. I’m sure it’s mentally and physically tiring, but more than that, the uproar that a Lakers losing streak causes usually means people start losing their jobs. It was a dare-to-be-great summer with the additions of Dwight and Nash. This was supposed to be a 70-win team. Instead they look more like a 70-loss team. Heads have to roll. Will Kupchak take the fall? Will Dwight leave town next summer? There’s going to be a very loud bang in Laker Land if the team can’t turn this around.

5. Chris G

   Can you remember a year when 40% of the All-Star starting lineup came from sub-.500 teams (KG, Kobe, Rondo, Dwight). And I hear people pushing guys like Varejeo and Jrue Holiday for reserve spots. Isn’t winning supposed to matter? Along those lines, is there any chance the 18-13 Rose-less Bulls can get Noah AND Deng on the roster as reserves?

   • Bill Ingram

     Yeah, with so many of the marquee names on bad teams it’s going to be interesting to see who gets the reserve spots. I can’t see the East going without a center, and that just about has to be Noah, doesn’t it? And Deng is playing so well he would be a great choice, too.

6. Deven

   Would the Mavericks really consider trading Dirk or is he a Mav for life? I read somewhere that he might want out, because of what’s happen to the team the past two seasons. What’s your take?

   • Bill Ingram

     There’s one thing you will never see, and that’s Dirk Nowitzki asking for a trade. Would the Mavs eventually do it to spare him the misery of rebuilding? Perhaps. But it would be an absolute last resort.

7. Deven

   Any thoughts on the Royce White suspension? Will this issue ever get resolved?

   • Bill Ingram

     I think it gets resolved when he and the Rockets ultimately part ways and he finds a home on another NBA team. He needs someone who will take more of an interest in his situation and approach it kid gloves . . .treat him like a commodity and you can forget it.

8. D

   If you had to choose a 6th man of the year award who would you choose? Lots of good ones this year between Crawford,Smith,Redick,Kevin Martin.As a Magic fan i’m biased towards Redick.

   • Bill Ingram

     Right now I would go with Jamal Crawford because of the Clippers’ success. He’s been a huge part of it, and they’ve been one of the best teams in the NBA. Wins matter in the postseason awards. Martin might be a dark horse, but he hasn’t been as prolific as Crawford.

9. Paul

   i am struggling with kobes number of shots and his “improved efficiency” be damned. Nash needs to lead a locker room intervention where they call kobe out for chasing the scoring title rather than meshing with his high number of new team mates. why he would take 20 shots more than nash kills me.thoughts?

   • Bill Ingram

     It says a lot about Kobe’s confidence in the team, doesn’t it? You know Kobe has always wanted that sixth ring more than anything, so for him to give up on that in December and start chasing a personal goal instead of the team goal is really a testament to the state of the Lakers.

10. George Y

    Long question coming up. This current Laker team is a mess and going nowhere with the current roster. All memory of Phil has been erased from the franchise except for one key holdover, Kobe.

    Do you think it’s time to move on? The man is owed nearly $60 million(this year and next). Send Kobe and J. Hill to Chicago for Boozer, Deng, Hamilton and the protected Charlotte pick. Follow the above move with a proposal of Gasol, Morris, and the attained Charlotte pick for Minnesota’s injured star Kevin Love and backup guard Barea. All of the money matches in the proposed deals.

    LA needs new blood now that the Kobe/Phil era is over(it’s really been over for the last 3 years). This may be the best way to salvage this wasted season of Bryant’s excellence, Howard’s unpredictability, and Nash’s adjustment to not having control of an offense.

    • Bill Ingram

      I can certainly understand why you feel that way, and you’re not alone by any means. Lakers fans are spoiled, and they aren’t enjoying this little taste of how the other half lives, so to speak. We’re just not used to seeing the Lakers struggle, and the fact that they have three of the best players in the NBA at their respective positions makes it that much harder to stomach. You’re making an assumption that the Bulls would want to give up all those players for Kobe. Boozer and Hamilton, sure, but Deng, too? I don’t think you’ll see a blockbuster deal involving Kobe. He’s a Laker for life, I’ll wager.

11. ralph lawrence

    Hi Bill! do you think a trade between tyreke evans, jimmer fredette and maybe a 2nd round pick for rudy gay possible? heard memphis is open to the idea in trading rudy gay. does the kings have a shot at getting him?

    • Bill Ingram

      I have heard that, too, but I think they will ask for a lot more than that kind of package.

12. Angaso

    Just a what if.

    What if Carlos Boozer gets amnestied, can my Spurs acquire him?

    Thanks.

    • Bill Ingram

      If he gets amnestied he can go anywhere he likes . . .including San Antonio . . .and he costs them next to nothing.

13. Spur

    I believe Tim Duncan deserves to be a starter in this year’s All-Star game.

    Your thoughts? Thanks.

    • Bill Ingram

      No question . . .he’s been fabulous!

14. eastsider

    I know d morey not gonna let this go dien with the kings and c’s.. can we get cousins?? Also what are the roc trade rumors?? Thanks

    • Bill Ingram

      I’m not hearing anything out of Houston at the moment . . .the team is playing well and getting better with each game.

15. Jimmy

    Hey bill love your work,

    Hoopsworld is reporting the celtics may be on the verge of a huge deal, have you got any info for us celtics fans??

    • Bill Ingram

      Make sure you’re read the NBA AM . . .catch it here!

16. AdamN

    Who fits a need and is likely to be signed for Indy to replace Sam Young. U like Q-Rich or Adam Morrison? Or defensive guys like Childress, Damion James, Dom McGuire etc? Or is there a 3 in the DLeague banging down the door? thanks

    • Bill Ingram

      I’m not a Morrison guy, so I wouldn’t go there. CDR was just waived by Dallas, so there’s a possibility to add to your list.

17. AdamN

    Does anyone pick up Delonte West this season? I know he is a head case but there’s so little good pg depth available. And are you surprised Kenyon Martin and Michael Redd aren’t on a squad?

    • Bill Ingram

      I am very surprised by Redd and Martin, yes. Redd played well last season and Martin can still perform at a high level in a reserve role. I wouldn’t say West is finished, either. The right injury to the right player and West is back on a roster.

18. reaper22

    As a Jazz fan, I think it’s time to use Big All and Paul expiring contracts to bring an elite-level PG.
    The dream trade for me:
    Utah gets: John Wall, Nene, Marcus Thotnton, Kevin Seraph in
    Sac gets: All Jefferson
    Wash gets: Paul Millsap, DeMacus Cousins, Mo Williams
    but Wizards probably wouldn’t do that.
    Maybe Jazz should try to offer Brandon Jennings this summer?
    Your thoughts?

    • Bill Ingram

      Right, I would chase Brandon Jennings. You’re not getting John Wall, and frankly I’m not sure he’s the answer anyway.

19. Brian

    Good morning, Bill!

    Gasol or Varejeo for Pek and D. Williams? If Kahn does either deal, I am done with the Wolves. He has wasted pick after pick, signed Roy when he should have signed Mayo, and shuffles players in and out with no real plan.
    This team is a fringe playoff team and nothing more, when it should be one of the top teams had it been run properly.

    Thoughts?

    • Bill Ingram

      I wouldn’t give up Pek, no. Williams and a PG, sure, but not Pek. Frankly, I’d consider moving Love and keeping Pek given Love’s inability to stay healthy, his struggles with his shot and his shooting hand, and his occasional comments about not liking Minny. Invest in the up and coming front court force and use Love to land the elite SG the team needs. How about Kobe? Since Lakers fans are ready to ship him out.

20. Frank

    Hi Bill,
    What are the odds that Ilyasova gets traded to BRKLYN? Can you imagine a MONTA/ILY for JOE J.+ parts trade? Would that benefit each team? Who’d say “nyet”?

    • Bill Ingram

      The Nets don’t want to give up the pieces they would have to give up in a deal like that or it would already be done.

21. justin

    I think Utah should gamble & trade for Cousins. Can you imagine a Cousins, Favor Line up with Kanter off the bench. Something like Jefferson, Burks, j.Evans, 1st rounder, plus 3 million for for Salmons, Counsins, Evans

    • Bill Ingram

      Frankly, I can’t imagine Sacramento dealing Cousins to Boston and not getting any of their core players back in the deal. They can find better offers, like the one you suggest from Utah.

22. justin

    Can Jazz trade Marvin Williams, Raja Bell, 1st round pick for Rudy Gay?

    • Bill Ingram

      They could do it if someone used The Force on Chris Wallace and made him think that was an equitable deal.

23. Billy M

    I’m getting to the point where I am not sure if I want the Rockets to look at D Howard during the off season. They already have a chunk of change tied into Asik who gets plenty of rebounds and his offense is getting better. Do you think they still will? I feel like they still need a “go-to” PF to spread the floor better.

    • Bill Ingram

      No, Houston can’t really afford Dwight any more unless the Lakers were to do a S&T that included Asik and several other assets. I don’t think that happens. Dallas is more likely if D12 leaves LA.

24. justin

    Have you heard any trade rumors involing the Jazz?

    • Bill Ingram

      A ton, but none seem close. Jefferson or Millsap will likely get moved, but where is still very much up in the air.

25. keeweekid

    What do you see the Blazers doing with JJ Hickson. On a 1 yr contract, putting up double doubles almost on a nightly basis, seems like he will be getting a large pay raise. Think they will sign him and go with Hickson/La/Batum/Lillard and build around or let go/trade and continue to rebuild.

    • Bill Ingram

      Depends. Can they get Pekovic out of Minnesota next summer? If so, Hickson can find his fortune elsewhere. JJ isn’t a bad backup plan, though. He has found his home in Portland.

26. Marcos

    Hi Bill! With Memphis flirting with luxury tax payments and Detroit in need for athleticism in the wings, would they trade Gay for Prince, Maxiell and Daye? Detroit gets a superb player while Memphis gets a solid veteran in Prince and two other guys they can use on a playoff run, plus financial relief.

    • Bill Ingram

      That’s terrible . . .I like Prince, but they don’t need another veteran leader. . .they need a premier talent back in a deal for Gay.

27. Steve

    Hey Bill, What are your thoughts on the current situation in Milwaukee? Is Skiles finally on the hot seat? Will John Hammond become a buyer or a sellar? Will they move some of our bigs for a wing?

    • Bill Ingram

      Yeah, if Ilyasova was playing even reasonably well they would be in a much better position. Skiles is usually on the hot seat by now, so that might be part of the solution, though I’ve not heard anyone complaining about him. Moving a big to land a wing makes sense . . .maybe Rudy Gay winds up in Milwaukee? That would be interesting.

28. dub

    what would you think of a jeff green + jared sullinger for bargnani swap?

    • Bill Ingram

      Addition by subtraction for Toronto, and make more sense than a package of junk for the Kings in a Cousins deal.

29. Tony

    If things continue to go south with the Lakers do you envision Howard leaving $25 mil on the table to play elsewhere ?

    • Bill Ingram

      If things continue like this for the Lakers it’s hard to see them putting $25 million on the table for Dwight.

30. Joel

    Celtics need a real center who can deliver 10/10 per 36. Who can we realistically get? I don’t see Sacto giving us Cousins for the scraps we have to offer. Could we land Gortat? Suns are not making the playoffs and he is not a part of their future core.

    • Bill Ingram

      Exactly . . .Boston isn’t getting Cousins for scraps. Gortat, though . . .that’s an intriguing possibility.

31. ruben

    Hey, Bill good morning to you sir.Do you think the Rockets can pull off a Cousins or Al Jefferson trade? If sowhat would it take to do it especially for Jefferson since his salary is so high compared to the Rockets players, without including Asic, Lin, or Harden?

    • Bill Ingram

      The Rockets have a lot of redundant talent, and a Jefferson deal could help alleviate that. I don’t think they are interested in Cousins at all. They also don’t need him, IMHO. But Jefferson next to Asik could help the team cut down on turnovers by slowing down just a step and becoming a more efficient offensive team. He would also help their defense immensely.

32. Jeff

    How much might PHX want to unload Beasley (and salary in general)? How much might Toronto be willing to pay ($’s) to be a playoff team (and BC keep his job).

    Bargnani/Gray for Gortat/Dudley/Beasley
    http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=b74f6w8

    To give up Gortat, This trade idea would save PHX $5 million this season (pro-rated) and about $20 million total. Clears cap space for this summer. Toronto could also throw in up to 3m cash. PHX has had a rep for dumping money rather than searching for fair talent. Tor could trade Beasley (for another horrible contract) or sit him down and give him a plan to start earning some minutes and save his career. Maybe Casey can reach him. But he wouldnt really play this season.

    And an injured Bargnani might be “sold” to PHX fans who will believe in the “change of scenery” concept, but more importantly, helps PHX solidify #1 position going into this year’s draft (might be the best part of this for PHX).

    • Bill Ingram

      Can Dwane Casey get something out of Beasley? Perhaps. Better than of that than Bargs fitting the new-look team, I suppose. Gortat would help them, as well, and Dudley would be great on the wing. Not much of a move for PHX, other than getting rid of Beasley. Bargs isn’t going to keep up with Dragic any more than he can keep up with Calderon.

33. zacck

    Have you changed your opinion of Vinny Del Negro as a coach? He has the Clips playing great D and for all the criticism of his simplistic offensive sets, when you have CP3, staying out of the way is a good strategy.

    • Bill Ingram

      I think Vinny is a decent coach. Not a good coach, but a decent one. As you said, he’s staying out of the way. If he gets into a chess match with Popovich he’s in trouble.

34. josh

    why do players/agents not like the houston front office? arethere some examples of that they do?

    • Bill Ingram

      Tough to air that kind of laundry in a public forum.

35. Radu

    Hi Bill,
    Happy New Year to you and everyone at Hoopsworld!
    I don’t know whether I’m turning into a cynic, but the more I watch NBA basketball this year, the more I feel the general level of the league has gone down, even compared to 3 or 4 years ago. Last year I thought it was the lack of training camp, but this year I don’t see what the excuse is.
    Am I crazy or is everyone except the Thunder, Spurs, Grizzlies, Knicks, Warriors and Clippers playing well below their potential?
    I mean, sheesh, half the teams in the Euroleague would mop the floor with the Pistons, Wizards or Hornets…

    • Bill Ingram

      Thanks and Happy New Year. You’re not alone. How many really good teams are there in the NBA right now? There are two in the East – NY and Miami. Chicago and Indiana might get there when Rose and Granger return, but right now it’s tough watching the East. In the West it’s San Antonio, OKC, the Clippers, and occasionally the Grizzlies and Warriors. Everyone else is up and down, some winning because the competition is so poor . . .the NBA is nowhere near what it was a decade ago.

36. Ardi

    Good morning Bill,

    I know it is constantly reported that virtually no one wants to take a chance on Amare’s uninsured knee. But don’t you think that maybe Daryl Morey would take out a flyer on him? We know he’s willing to take chances (Yao, Tracy, half the ’09 draft class) and the Rockets need a better 4 to compete for a championship. If the Knicks figure out Amare’s not going to work out, I could see Morey trading anybody not named Harden, Lin, Parsons, or Asik for him. Thoughts?

    • Bill Ingram

      I think Jefferson is more likely than Amar’e. The Rockets would have to trade half their team to NY to make the numbers work, and why do that? Amar’e doesn’t solve any real problems for Houston.

37. Devin Brooks

    Hey Morning, Please tell me that you see Detroit Piston making a move at trade deadline..? I think we have the pieces to get Cousins.. I would move Monroe or A.D….

    • Bill Ingram

      Alright, last question, everyone. I think Cousins needs more veterans around him, to be honest, and the Pistons are even younger than the Kings. The Pistons are a mess, though, you’re right. They are unlikely to move Monroe, and I don’t think they can get significantly better by moving Drummond. I’m afraid it’s still very much a wait-and-see game in Detroit. Thanks for spending some of your Monday with us here at HOOPSWORLD!