NBA Chat With Bill Ingram 2/18/13

1. Peter

   Hi Bill, hope you enjoyed the all star weekend! Now that the fun is over, its time to get back to business. The first thing in mind is the trade deadline. Do you expect a lot of activity on deadline day?

   • Bill Ingram

     Good Morning everyone, and welcome to the chat! Yes, just back from another great All-Star in Houston. I grew up in Houston, but downtown was never as clean and welcoming as it is now. Olajuwon’s efforts down there are bearing fruit, and the city should host many more All-Stars in the years ahead. I expect some activity, but based on everything we were hearing from the mass of media, agents and execs in Houston the new CBA has teams extremely cap conscious and that may mean we don’t see the blockbusters we have become accustomed to seeing this time of year. Tweaks are far more likely.

2. Wil

   Hi Bill, I don’t usually want to speculate on rumors but I cannot understand the reported Bledsoe for Millsap from LAC’s perspective. You lose your back court depth, your best trade asset, and your insurance policy (for CP) to rent a back-up for Griffin? Again, rumors are rumors, and I get this from Utah’s perspective, but why would LAC be interested?

   • Bill Ingram

     The Clippers’ front office guys can’t understand it, either, from what we’ve been told. Makes great sense for Utah and none for LAC. What if Chris Paul walks? Its unlikely, but what if? Not a good position to be in, especially given Chauncey’s (and Chris’) injury history.

3. Colin

   Is there anything to the Evan Turner trade rumours? He’d look great in a CAVS jersey, growing with their young core. Would the CAVS part with their 1st Rd pick (likely pretty high) to get him? Would Philly want a first rd pick where they are at in their development?

   • Bill Ingram

     It’s been something of a roller coaster ride between Turner and Doug Collins. Collins wanted him gone last year, was won over early this season, and is now ready to move him again. Not sure what Philly is looking for beyond saying they want to find the best offer possible if they’re going to trade him.

4. Steve

   Bill~
   Can Clippers trust Paul and Billups to stay healthy for a playoff run OR do they kind of need Bledsoe for insurance/depth?
   Maybe Crawford and Hill can handle the ball some?

   • Bill Ingram

     Good timing, Steve . . .that’s what I was just saying. Chris and Chauncey have had their injury problems, and while Crawford can play point in a pinch he’s not a true distributor. Bledsoe is an extremely valued member of the Clippers.

5. Steve

   Bill,
   Good All-Star weekend but I noticed for some of the events the crowd was a might slim.
   Give some tickets to school kids (or college kids?) and fill up the joint, right?
   Also, why does every event have to start with some lame music act?

   • Bill Ingram

     LOL . . .yeah, well, one person’s lame music act is another person’s amazing star. For me it would be George Straight, who lives near San Antonio, Austin’s Pat Green and then Rascal Flatts on Sunday night, but I don’t represent the NBA’s primary cultural dynamic. That would be my Houston, TX All-Star music lineup. As it is I usually don’t even know the people they choose. As for the crowd, it’s always slim on Friday and Saturday, and that’s INCLUDING the many tickets they give away to kids. Those two nights looked like Rockets home games, unfortunately. Sunday was, of course, packed.

6. LA in LA

   2 Laker questions:
   1) Earl Clark has barely worked as a back up center since Gasol’s absence. Tell me Kupchak is going to get MDA a real back up center like Amundson or JaJuan Johnson?

   2)MWP has been terrible for over a month, and I’m not sure how much he’ll improve; his shooting in the first month was a fluke. Are Lakers looking at adding any wing players like say Anthony Morrow?

   • Bill Ingram

     The Lakers are very quiet on the trade front, largely because they don’t have assets to make a significant deal happen. Louis Amundson, for what it’s worth, is not a center. Not sure Johnson is an upgrade over Clark, though he’s not a center, either. We knew depth was going to be an issue for the Lakers, and it has been. As for MWP, he’s not an improving player, but finding a better wing, again, comes down to LA’s lack of assets to acquire one.

7. JP

   Who says no?
   Draft Night trade
   Minnesota gets MKG-Ben Gordon-1st pick
   Charlotte gets Ridnour-Kirilenko-Budinger-Pekovic-(Future 1st pick if needed)

   • Bill Ingram

     Minnesota wouldn’t do that . . .Pekovic is too important to them. If they trade him in your suggested deal they don’t have a starting center. If they could get Gordon for Ridnour in a package I think they would absolutely do that, but Pekovic is in their long-term plan.

8. APHX10

   Bill hello

   DeMarcus Cousins…in my opinion the Center that the Lakers need. I see him having the same hunger, passion, emotion as Kobe does. I can see him leading that team and maturing under Kobe’s mentoring. Your opinion?

   • Bill Ingram

     The Kings are absolutely terrified that he would turn into a superstar if they traded him. Don’t expect them to do that any time soon.

9. Brandon

   Trade deadline few days away. Did you see what mchale say bot cap room. Do you know anyone that morey will try to go after? Do you think he will trade even though he said he isn’t? If so who?

   • Bill Ingram

     The Rockets are extremely concerned about protecting their cap space for this summer so they can target a significant free agent like Dwight Howard, which means they are less likely to make a deal for someone like Paul Millsap, who would help some now but cost them a bunch of money to keep next summer. Houston is waiting to see who might become available at the last minute, but as the field looks today the Rockets are not anxious to make a big move before the deadline.

10. APHX10

    Bill hello

    Nerlens Noel’s injury a blessing in disguise for Adam Silver to begin his legacy as NBA Commissioner? Time for the Minimum Age Draft rule to be removed.

    • Bill Ingram

      Not going to happen. There are many in New York who would like to see the age limit raised, and that is absolutely what I believe is in the best interest of the NBA. Watching teams draft players who won’t be close to good for 2-3 years is not fun.

11. Paul

    Saw you said David West would bring the Rcokets to the next level….. Why? Isn’t David West a 6’8 6’9 PF that we’ve had a lot of over the years??? I mean why use a lot of cap space on a jump shooter that has a decent post game and is getting older. If we wanted a player like that, wouldn’t we still have Scola? I mean David West from three years ago would have been great, but he’s not that anymore. Why would he put us at the next level?

    • Bill Ingram

      Couple of things there. First, West is a veteran leader who has a calming influence on a young team in pressure moments. The Pacers love him for that reason, among others. He is also exactly what Houston has been missing at the four – a true power forward who can defend and make big plays in the clutch. He’s giving the Pacers better than 17 points per game, and that’s what Houston would need, as well. Harden is going to do the heavy lifting, but they need one reliable #2 option on offense. As it is they hope someone gets hot, and it’s rarely the same person. Howard is not coming to Houston, but West might. He’s certainly better than Josh Smith.

12. Deven

    So based on the way the Celtics are playing, I’m assuming they won’t make a move?

    • Bill Ingram

      That’s what most are assuming . . .the Celtics were playing as well as any team in the East coming into the All-Star break. There isn’t a move that makes them immediately better, so far better to stand pat and let this group see if they can continue their momentum into the postseason.

13. Gonzalo

    Hi Bill. Regards from Spain, your born country. Any inside info about possible moves of Cuban and the Mavs?? Dallas will be seller or buyer?

    • Bill Ingram

      Ahhhh . . .Madrid. The Mavs are working the phones, for sure, and have offered the Hawks anything they would like aside from Dirk in an effort to land Josh Smith. They are hopeful that Smith would help them get an audience with Dwight this summer, but the Hawks have shown limited interest in what the Mavs have to offer. Dallas has mostly ending contracts, so their perfect trade partner is a team looking to blow it up and start over. The Hawks aren’t there. Not hearing that anything else is close for the Mavs.

14. Deven

    What was it like for you and Steve to be at Commissioner Stern’s final press conference? Mostly the big topic at that conference was the Kings moving to Seattle?

    • Bill Ingram

      You have to love it when the Commish starts his press conference by saying there is nothing for him to report on the Kings’ situation and then 15 people ask him if he has anything new to report . . .so he can keep repeating that he doesn’t. For those who didn’t watch, the NBA is waiting for Sacramento to present their proposal to keep the Kings in town. Keeping the team in SAC is a priority for the league, but they will only do it if SAC can present a proposal as promising as Seattle’s. It will be up to the owners to decide the issue and present it to the league. Stern has no say in the matter. As for being at Stern’s last press conference, it was memorable. I’ve had the privilege of covering quite a few of them, and there is little question that he has been the best commissioner in sports. He took over a small league that was struggling to gain traction and turned it into a global brand. Love or hate him, you have to acknowledge that his leadership has been outstanding.

15. Paul

    Gun to your head what seed do you see the rockets getting? In or out of playoffs? Also, Asik is one of the best defensive players ive seen in a long time. He absolutely deserves to be all-defensive team. what are the odds that they dont look at deceiving stats like blocks and give Asik all-defensive team?

    • Bill Ingram

      I can see the Rockets finishing as high as the seventh seed, especially if the Jazz move a front court player and fail to get a PG at the deadline. I don’t see how the Warriors would finish lower than 6th now that Bogut is ready to resume a full-time role. I can also see Houston falling just short if the Jazz get a deal done and the Lakers continue to improve. What seems more likely is that the Lakers continue to struggle and Houston and Utah get the last two spots in the West.

16. Deven

    Jerry Buss passed away today. Just sad. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. What will you remember most about him?

    • Bill Ingram

      I’ll remember him as one of the greatest owners in sports . . .ever. Committed to winning at all costs in a way that few owners are committed.

17. Cory

    Do the cavs make a run a big name free agent this summer?

    • Bill Ingram

      Considering they only have something like $27.5 million in committed salary for next season I’d say that’s possible, though they clearly have their franchise guy in Irving. I expect them to draft well, adding some front court depth, and the look for complementary pieces to put around their young core.

18. JP

    What if in the suggested deal you replied to me, the plan is changed to have Love as Center and Williams as PF. So Love can take advantage from opposing centers taking them out of the paint. Would Charlotte accept it?
    Minne would get the chance to draft McLemore or Shabazz and solve their issues at the 2 spot.

    • Bill Ingram

      I think Charlotte would absolutely to it . . .they’d be crazy not to, but Minnesota won’t. Love is not a center, and I don’t think you get very far putting him in that position.

19. Timo

    Hallo from Germany, the deadline is coming. Do you think the Magic are involved in a bigger trade? Or trade they JJ?

    • Bill Ingram

      Good Morning, Germany! The Magic are very quiet at this point, and teams have struggled to get traction in talks about a JJ trade because Orlando values him so highly.

20. Brian

    Heard Josh Smith to San Antonio rumors and I would love to have him but I’m a lifelong Spurs fan and it amazes me that people think Pop would “keep him in line”. Pop has said again and again you get with the program or you get out. If this deal ever really happened how do you think it would play out?

    • Bill Ingram

      Funny thing about playing for a legendary coach on a team that has a legit shot at a championship. Players tend to get in line. Stephen Jackson had not trouble getting back on Pop’s page, for example. Boris Diaw was a cancer in Charlotte, but has been great for the Spurs. Josh would be an outstanding addition.

21. Frank

    The crowd seemed pretty dead at the All-Star game last night. They were starving for some action. Every little dunk they popped, but it wasn’t often enough. The players didn’t want to give them a fun game to watch it seems. How come? The SNL look back a few channels down was more exciting.

    • Bill Ingram

      The Houston crowd doesn’t move easily . . .watch any Rockets game. They are too busy getting sushi or barbeque in the cool restaurants around the lower bowl. Many fans were also probably preoccupied thinking about the parties afterwards. Even during the dunk contest people didn’t really cheer until the arena announced begged them to.

22. filipinas

    hey awesome chats as always mr.ingram my question how about a hibbert trade instead of granger??realistically possible??indy making some noise but not having some love out there i guess small market franchise right??

    • Bill Ingram

      I’d be shocked. People may not be crazy about Roy’s numbers, but he is their defensive anchor. He hasn’t had an All-Star year, by any means, ranking in just the 58th percentile this season, but he’s the best they have and there aren’t better options available.

23. dave

    Bill, last week, I posted the idea of a Rondo/Howard trade–to you, I think–and just a couple days ago, I saw all those reports of the C’s/Lakers talking about that swap. I still think it makes a lot of sense–maybe Rondo, Bass, and Melo (even Rondo and Pierce) for Howard and maybe Steve Blake. Any possibility of these rivals doing business?

    • Bill Ingram

      There was a passing mention of that between teams before Rondo’s ACL tear . . .those talks never got anywhere and have since died completely. Last week’s report was someone getting the news late. The Lakers don’t have PG issues.

24. Jens

    Hello Bill,

    what would it take the Pistons to get their hands on Josh Smith?

    Thanks

    Jens

    • Bill Ingram

      Considering Josh would never re-sign there in a million years, that would be a waste for Detroit.

25. rajib

    Any idea what move spurs will do?

    • Bill Ingram

      The Spurs are great at keeping their conversations private – more teams should follow their example – so it’s hard to say. We know they’re interested in Al Jefferson and Josh Smith, but that’s about it. Either would be fabulous additions.

26. miller 31

    hey bill hibbert west or granger for howard thats cool right??thanks

    • Bill Ingram

      You’d want to do your due diligence on Howard’s shoulder, and you’d have to make sure he signed an extension since he would never agree to stay in a small market like Indiana, no matter how good they are.

27. sam

    hi bill
    I was going to ask larry this question but I can never find his chats in time so you have been chosen. as you know the rockets sign lin and asik to back end heavy deals but they count against the cap as 8 mil per. if the rockets trade either of those players how does their salary count against the cap for the new team. will it count as 8 mil per or 5,5,15….. thanks for your time.

    • Bill Ingram

      They aren’t exploring trades for any of those guys, just to be clear up front. If they were to decide to deal one, however, I don’t think the cap hit changes. It’s the owner who has to write a huge check in year three. It makes it very unlikely that Lin, in particular, could be moved.

28. bob

    Hey Bill

    Should my Nuggets get in on the chase for Josh Smith?

    • Bill Ingram

      I don’t think so. I do radio with the guys on Altitude fairly often and we’ve talked about this at length. Is Josh really a huge upgrade over Gallo? He’d have to play the three because there is NO chance you bench or trade Faried. I don’t think Josh helps Denver at all.

29. chris

    What do you think the hornets should do with Gordon?

    • Bill Ingram

      That’s a tough question. The best option, of course, is to get him on board with the team and keep him long-term. The silver lining in a potential trade is that lots of teams would love to have him . . .Demps could turn him into something on the open market if it came to that.

30. Jeff

    Is there a deal available right now, that can put the Raptors in the playoffs this season?

    • Bill Ingram

      I think the Rudy Gay trade was what they needed, but a six-game hole is awfully tough with something like 30 games left for most teams. Even if they turned Bargs into Boozer and he played like an All-Star, that’s a big hole to get out of.

31. Calvin

    Why do teams keep guys they don’t use…Blair, Brooks. etc etc

    • Bill Ingram

      In the case of Blair it’s because the Spurs haven’t found the right offer yet. They are ready and waiting to deal him, and I’ll be surprised if they don’t move him before the deadline.

32. Mario

    Greetings Mr bill. Do you think coach McHale is doing a good job controlling the minutes Lin,harden are on the court I hate seein them still in games we are clearly going to win and especially when we have back to back games.

    • Bill Ingram

      I think McHale is the best NBA head coach in Houston . . .no question. Well, that’s as long as you don’t count retired coaches like Rudy T and John Lucas. Among active NBA head coaches in Houston, McHale is second to none. That’s about the best I can say about him.

33. Gary in Anchorage, Ak

    2 parter Bill..
    1- Any rumblings of GarPax getting any kind of 2 help or back up center for the Bulls??

    2- Please tell me you heard somthing new on DRose???
    Thanks, G

    • Bill Ingram

      The Bulls don’t seem to be close to a move to improve the two, sadly. Hamilton is worth very little on the open market, and they’d love to move him. I heard a lot about Rose from Deng and Noah. He’s coming to practice now, but there is a very real possibility that he might not return this season. The team is telling Rose to make the best long-term decision. I have a hard time seeing him miss the whole season, given his competitive drive, but it could happen.

34. ronell

    hey bill..any rumors from my t-wolves?

    • Bill Ingram

      Last question, everyone!Yeah, they continue to look for help on the wing, though Shved has been great. Not sure they can get what they’re looking for, but they’ve been inquiring about shooting guards – like they have for the past two years. They would like to buy out Brandon Roy, but his camp isn’t willing, and the Knicks have called about Ridnour. That’s about it, but stay tuned. Thanks for spending some of your Monday with us here at HOOPSWORLD!

35. Liga Americano

    What do you think of a the hawks send Josh to the raptors Ross or JV, Bargnani along with a conditional 1st round pick based on whether he resigns with Toronto?

    • Bill Ingram

      Oops! One more snuck in . . .Josh wouldn’t re-sign in Toronto, so don’t look for that.