NBA Chat With Bill Ingram 2/10/13

1. Chris G

   I’ve heard many analysts say the Bulls’ main advantage over the Heat (besides a healthy Rose at the point) is their rebounding and team chemistry. If that’s true, doesn’t a Boozer for Bargani swap weaken both of those? Or would Taj Gibson have an Omer Asik-like breakout if given starters’ minutes and make up for Boozer’s loss?

   • Bill Ingram

     Good Morning, everyone, and welcome to the chat!Chris, I can’t imagine making that deal. It makes so little sense . . .Bargs is not a great defender, and won’t get down in the paint and bang, and he’s half the rebounder Boozer is. There is a cost savings down the line for Chicago, but beyond that it’s hard to see why the Bulls would make that deal given how well Boozer is finally playing. I think Taj could break out, but where does Bargs fit?

2. Deven

   Who do you think has gotten the better end of the Rudy Gay trade?

   • Bill Ingram

     The quick answer is Toronto, as Gay could prove to be the small forward they have been looking for. I do think the Grizzlies will be fine with Prince despite their early struggles after the deal. It takes time to work a new player in. I also think Calderon will be a vast improvement for Detroit. But who won right away? Toronto.

3. Phil

   Hey Bill!
   2 questions:
   Any idea what the Rockets will do at the trade deadline? Who will we go after? Do you think we will do anything or do you think we will wait till off season and free agency?

   Also, ive heard Dwight and Bynums name start to float around again, is there any truth to this or is it just talk? Are any of these big men interested in signing with us?

   • Bill Ingram

     Dwight Howard’s agent is Dan Fegan . . .so don’t expect to see Dwight in Houston any time soon. Too many Fegan clients have had issues with Houston management. As for Bynum . . .another oft-injured center waiting to end his career prematurely in Houston? No thanks. I think Houston will only make a move if someone significant becomes available at the last minute. They’re looking for offensive rebounding, in particular.

4. Greg

   What can the Magic realistically expect to get if they were to move JJ Redick? Are teams likely to lowball Orlando because they are viewed as sellers? Any buzz about anyone taking Harrington or Davis with JJ?

   • Bill Ingram

     I think the demand for JJ is high enough that Orlando won’t have to settle for a low ball offer. I also think Hennigan would rather keep him than make a bad move. This isn’t Otis Smith. With Harrington and Davis working through injuries it’s unlikely they get moved.

5. Jon

   As presently constructed, will the Mavs even sniff .500 or will Dirk & Co be sporting their beards for the duration?

   Do you even see them making a trade significant enough for a 2013 Gillette promo at the AAC?

   I’m having a hard time seeing either.

   • Bill Ingram

     I would have waited until after the All-Star break to do the beard thing, first of all. No, I haven’t seen anything from this Mavs team to make me believe they’ll come back from the dead. Their best hope is that Dirk will come back from the break looking like the MVP Dirk we’re accustomed to seeing and not the half-Dirk we’ve seen since he came back from the injury. If Dirk can’t give Dallas 25ppg, they’re not a playoff team. They have offered the Hawks everyone else but Dirk for Josh Smith, but I’m not sold that’s a move that gets them into the playoffs. Maybe they could land Pierce for a number of ending deals, but the way the Celtics are playing I don’t see them dumping the team. There is not a player on the market right now that makes Dallas remarkably better. It’s all about waiting for Dirk to return to form.

6. Roon

   Susan Bible said yesterday that the Thunder could be contemplating packaging Lamb, PJ3, and Maynor for a strong back-up point guard in order to get ready for a title run. Do you think they would offer that package to the Bobcats for Ramon Sessions? Sessions would provide an immediate scoring punch off the bench and would give them a strong veteran presence who could play both guard spots. The money works out and according to the trade machine it would actually increase the Thunder’s win total by three wins. This would be a great trade for Charlotte as it would give them young depth at the two and four positions.

   • Bill Ingram

     That would be a solid move for both sides, though I’m told the Bobcats would prefer to move Ben Gordon.

7. mark holmes

   do you see detroit making anymore trades??

   • Bill Ingram

     Going back to the previous question, Detroit has PGs to spare, and they now need a big man to fill in where Drummond is going to be out for a number of weeks. Maybe they should get Sam Presti on the phone!

8. Cain

   Can Paul George be a dominant scorer in the NBA? How tough would it be for other SG’s to play defense if he develops post-game?

   • Bill Ingram

     I think he’s proving that he can . . .he’s improved dramatically since the beginning of the season and I believe he will continue to improve. When Granger comes back it could stunt his growth a bit, but I don’t think the offense will run through Danny nearly as much given the way PG has played.

9. Cain

   Will Granger see time at the 4 spot in Indiana? How often will we see a small line-up of Hill, Stephenson, George, Granger and West/Hibbert?

   • Bill Ingram

     That’s a good question. Granger actually is the kind of player who can now play the four as well as the three, and that could open up additional minutes for Paul George at the three.

10. Peter

    Hey Bill! Excited for the upcoming all-star game? I am! Anyways, the trade deadline is coming up shortly after the Allstar break, what do you think will happen to Josh Smith, bargnani, Millsap and Jefferson? The rockets are linked with Millsap and Smith, while the Spurs have been mentioned as a potential destination for Jefferson. Would love to see smith/millsap wear a rockets uniform. And jefferson, to me, is the final piece of the puzzle for the spurs! Thoughts?

    • Bill Ingram

      I’m excited that it’s in Houston, so I don’t have to deal with an airport, like I usually do this time of year. Yes, Houston would love to have Smith or Millsap, as would quite a few teams, including Dallas. I don’t think they have the pieces to land Smith, as Atlanta is looking for a center. Greg Smith doesn’t get that done. Jefferson would be phenomenal for San Antonio, no question.

11. Steve

    Let’s say the raptors land Josh Smith, who do they have to give up in order to satisfy Atlanta.

    • Bill Ingram

      All-Star force Andrea Bargnani!!! LOL I don’t see the Raptors landing Josh Smith.

12. Deven

    So with the Celtics winning last night in triple OT, I’m assuming no trades will be made?

    • Bill Ingram

      One win doesn’t do that, but they have put together a great run since Rondo went down. The entire team is more involved on both ends of the floor. Ainge likes what he’s seeing . . .and what’s not to like?

13. Ax of Manila

    Can Pierce be included as a late All Star replacement? He’s been playing great in their winning stretch.

    • Bill Ingram

      He has, indeed . . .would be a solid pick.

14. Cj

    If you could be gm of the utah jazz what would your first move be

    • Bill Ingram

      I’d trade Millsap for a young starting point guard.

15. true2self

    what do you think about this trade
    Orl kevin martin jeremy lamb and perry jones III
    okc jj and hedo

    why orlando does it
    despite what orlando says that they dont want to trade jj this trade makes sense. Orlando wants prospects and salary cap. martin is an expiring that isnt needed and wont be resigned after the year is over to make room for lamb and jones to develop with drew and Vuc

    why okc does it
    first off JJ will be able to play the role harden played with all the attention on westbrook and durant jj will be able to light up the court when teams double brook and durant. altho they are taking turks salary it is a 6 mil expiring next year that wont hurt them at all if they cut him and turk might be rejuvenated on a championship caliber team to cause mis matches out west worst case he is cut next season and okc has a real solid player to replace the loss of Harden

    • Bill Ingram

      The Thunder won’t trade Kevin Martin.

16. Chris Guest

    If a player is selected to be in the allstar game but gets injured and doesnt play, does that all star selection still get credited to the players resume???

    also, the player that replaces the injured player, does he get credited as an all star selction???

    thanks

    • Bill Ingram

      Yes, the player is still an All-Star and will be there in streetclothes. And yes, the replacement gets credit, as well.

17. susan

    Who are your favorite rappers

    • Bill Ingram

      My mom wraps presents about as well as anyone . . .but my dad gives the best presents, which should count for something. I’ll go with Dad.

18. Sam

    Why did warriors use amnesty on charlie bell instead of biedrins. andres is a joke. for nine mill he does absolutely nothing compared to grievas vasquez who gets paid less yet top in league in assists. now warriors cant have money to resign jarrett, landry. biedrins would have saved more money, more years. andres has no respect for team. also why did warriors trade for bogut. he is always hurt. should have drafted nikola vujevic or andre drummond instead of relying on bogut and andres.

    • Bill Ingram

      Good question about amnestying Bell. They’re using Biedrins a bit, but he’s not that good. I guess it was the 7-footer mentality . . .never hurts to have a few more fouls to use in the front court. You’ll start to understand the Bogut move now that he’s back and working his way back into game shape. He’s a top five center in the NBA.

19. Plamen

    Bill, Jazz and 76ers trade – Millsap in Philadelphia and Turnar in Jazz. Turner is right for Utah Jazz?

    • Bill Ingram

      Hard to say what’s going on with the Sixers, where Doug Collins seems to have thrown in the towel in the wake of Bynum’s injury. I don’t see them trading Turner, as they moved Iggy to make room for him and he has been good. But when a team is struggling like the Sixers are, you never know.

20. Rockets94

    D Howard, is he a max player? Personally I don’t see it after the past 18 months and the way he is playing now. He doesn’t seem to have lift after his back surgery. That was what his game was based on.
    What would Morey be willing to give up for him?

    • Bill Ingram

      Not for my money, honestly. I don’t know if it’s his back or the fact that he’s not the primary option in LA (why would he have thought he would be?) – either way, he’s not the kind of player you can build around if he’s not going to dominate. He just doesn’t have that mentality. He’s more of a showman than a champion. Tough to see Houston dealing for him when they have to know he won’t stay. Also, Asik is playing incredibly well . . .better than Dwight, all things considered.

21. stepxxxxz

    If you are charlotte or NOLO, would you give up that high lottary pick for gortat? Assuming phoenix took back a bad contract. Gortat for charlottes high one and ben gordan? for example. Also…does brooklyn even have a plan? And what do they do with Deron? He has played flat out awful.

    • Bill Ingram

      I don’t think I give up a shot at the top overall pick for Gortat, and that’s where Charlotte is headed. The Hornets also seem determined to build through the draft long-term, as Demps came up in the San Antonio system that spawned Presti, and through him Cho (Charlotte) and Hennigan (Orlando). Gortat will bring something back, but not from Charlotte, I don’t believe.

22. brandon

    I hear that morey is going to go after d12 or bynum in the offseason. If he gets either what will happened to asik? He has been pretty solid. What minor move or any move you see at the the trade deadline? Harden says he has been talking to a couple of stars do you have any in mind who he could be talking to? Do the rockets have any interest Granger?

    • Bill Ingram

      When was the last time Morey actually landed a key free agent? He’s great at the draft and has plenty of assets for a trade, but free agency is not his strong suit. Yes, they have been after Granger for a couple of years.

23. Luís

    After hearing the rumours about Evan Turner I thought of this trade: Turner and Wright for Granger. Indy gets an athletic 2 with defense and playmaking plus increased depth, George gets to be definitely the 3, and Philly gets a proven scorer they need badly to help Jrue. Maybe add a piece to matrch salaries. Which team is not happy with this one?

    • Bill Ingram

      Well, again, the Sixers are finding out what Turner is worth, which is not the same as shopping him. J-Rich’s injury opens up a need at shooting guard, as well. Philly may need a move, but I think you’re right – they don’t move Turner unless it’s a big upgrade, and Granger could be that if he can get his knee right.

24. oz hoopfan

    Greetings from Australia Bill , hope all is well…my question: do you think supposedly ‘overpaid’ PG’s Jeremy Lin and George Hill have earned their salaries so far this year? Lin performing in an exciting uptempo team that has impressed and Hill the QB on the leagues best defensive squad Thnx

    • Bill Ingram

      G’day! I was just talking to your countryman Andrew Bogut on Saturday. Lin is performing, yes, but not consistently well. Is he overpaid? All things are relative. He makes the bulk of his money in year three of the contract, so we’ll see. I don’t think George Hill is overpaid at all.

25. dave

    Bill, the C’s/Denver game last night was epic, clutch on both sides with the good guys prevailing. I have a strange idea for you (don’t laugh): Kobe loves Rondo, right, and Dwight’s not too happy in La-la land, so why not a trade involving those two? Lakers would have a future (next year) with Rondo and Kobe (and Pau); Celtics could grow DH a heart. What do you think?

    • Bill Ingram

      I see where you’re coming from, but I don’t think you will find two teams in the NBA who are less interested in helping each other than the Celtics and Lakers.

26. Kurt

    With the news coming out that the Jazz will trade Millsap, who could the Jazz get back in a trade for Sapp?

    • Bill Ingram

      I’m hearing a lot of buzz about Millsap, but nothing solid about who the Jazz would get in trade. There is also a chance they keep Millsap if they move Jefferson to San Antonio, has been discussed.

27. Propane

    What are your thoughts on the Celtics? Can try contend for the title?

    • Bill Ingram

      I didn’t think so two weeks ago, but now I’m not so sure. Contending seems a stretch, but could they get deep into the playoffs? Perhaps!

28. Mario

    Bill what’s up buddy what do you think the bulls should do should they stay pat or make a move at the deadline and if so what should they do

    • Bill Ingram

      They clearly need a two-guard, like Redick, but not sure they can land one. Otherwise, I’m interested to see what they can do when Rose comes back. They have been borderline great at times.

29. Mr. Ballistik

    Why would the Pistons consider Josh Smith? He is a very good player. However, he would take minutes from Monroe/Drummond.

    • Bill Ingram

      Drummond is out for more than a month . . .

30. Raheem

    With the Knicks in need of a bench, who do you see us targeting?

    • Bill Ingram

      There is a strong feeling in the Knicks locker room that the team should stand pat, though they have been fielding calls about Shumpert. That would be more of a tweak move, obviously, given his salary.

31. Beau

    As teams continue to have success with the “small” lineup(Melo at the 4, OKC running Ibaka at 5 and Durantula at 4), do you think this trend will continue? Or will a team with dominant post bigs(Grizzlies, for one) beat them up down low and discourage this trend from continuing?

    • Bill Ingram

      There aren’t many teams that have the ability to put two dominant bigs in the paint and make teams pay . . .which is why the small ball attack is so popular. Necessity is the mother of invention.

32. Raheem

    How many blockbusters do you expect? How many minor deals do you anticipate?

    • Bill Ingram

      I’d be surprised if there was more than one blockbuster . . .the big names just aren’t available. Tweak moves? I’d guess 5-10 small trades.

33. Beau

    When Granger returns to health, what will Indy do? I can’t see him coming off the bench once he’s in game shape. Moving George back to SG is convenient, but he has truly blossomed this year at the 3. And a borderline all star with a $13 million salary is not easy to just move and get decent value. I’m stumped…

    • Bill Ingram

      So are the Pacers . . .which is why they are now shopping Granger around the league.

34. Mike

    Hey Bill,

    Are the Rockets players for Josh Smith? I know Danny Ferry is looking for a Center in return so Horford can play PF and Asik seems like a good place to start.

    • Bill Ingram

      The Mavs have offered Chris Kaman, not that he’s a great option. Asik would be good for Atlanta, but then Houston has no starting center.

35. Timburr

    Are you surprised by Bostons 7-0 run since Rondo went down. Heres a guy leading the league in assists and is credited for being a skilled passer but the team is moving the ball A LOT better with him out. Will the celtics still be relevant come playoff time?

    • Bill Ingram

      Rondo is the most selfish assist leader ever . ..LOL. Selective passing. It’s been amazing to watch that team move since Rondo went down.

36. Brett

    Do you see Portland trying to make a move to stay in the playoff picture by adding some bench depth? Also who do you think they will end up spending on in free agency, I’m not really thrilled about the possibility of giving Pek a max contract.

    • Bill Ingram

      I know they would like to, yes, but who do they deal? Their second unit is all potential and no bang. Pekovic would be amazing next to LA, for sure!

37. Kim

    Dwade for Dwight lakers get Someone under max value and when Kobe retires its d wades team

    • Bill Ingram

      Don’t hold your breath.

38. tramaze

    any chance curry will still be able to replace injured duncan for the all-star game?????.. when/is there a cut off to when mr. stern can name replacements for sunday’s game?

    • Bill Ingram

      Curry has to be the absolute next in line . . .only the PG numbers game keeps him out. He’s clearly deserving.

39. wenz

    in your opinion… will the lakers make the playoffs??? and will the warriors maintain a 4-6 seed in to the playoffs or will they slip down to 7-8 or even possibly not make it….. (providing the gsw stays healthy of course)

    • Bill Ingram

      The Lakers? Wow . . let me put on my Sigmund Freud hat . . .LOL. A solid maybe. It’s a long season. I do think the Warriors are a 4-6 team, yes.

40. dub

    Have you been watching the raps games lately? Allen Anderson is turning into a real ball hog. He’s got a legit #1 option on the floor in Gay and he could care less to get him the ball. Anderson forces bad shots and never gives the ball to their potential allstar. Ughh frustrating to watch! Shouldnt the coaches reel him in?

    • Bill Ingram

      Trouble is they needed him to do that before the trade and now he has to learn a new trick. I’m sure Dwane Casey will take care of that.

41. kayl

    what are the chances of the rapz getting into that sweet sweet 8th seed for the playoffs

    • Bill Ingram

      I don’t think either Philly or Milwaukee look consistently good enough to say the Raptors couldn’t catch somebody in the East.

42. Brian

    Does it seem like it was pointless for Dwight to leave Orlando? He seems to want everything he had in Orlando without actually being there. Is this a case of be careful what you wish for?

    • Bill Ingram

      Alright, last question everyone!Be sure you check out the NBA PM today, as I’m writing about Dwight’s situation and why he’s not been successful in LA. He knew when he left he would never be the focus in LA with Kobe on the court, and yet there he went. Dwight doesn’t think things through, just reacts based on emotion. That’s going to hurt him more than help him over the course of his career. Thanks for spending some of your Monday with us here at HOOPSWORLD!