NBA Chat With Bill Ingram 2/20/12

PROPHET

With the bulls ” healthy “… What moves do you see them making @ the trade deadline ?

Bill Ingram

Good Morning and welcome to the chat, everyone! Will the Bulls ever get healthy? Rip has barely played, Rose keeps getting hurt . . .if the Bulls are going to make a move, and we’re not hearing anything to make us believe that they will, perhaps they need a healthier option at the two? Stephen Jackson would sure look nice in a Bulls uniform . . .fierce competitor . . .and he got along with Popovich, so Thibs shouldn’t be an issue.

Rockets Fan On Strike till Morey is Fired.

What is Scola and K. Martins trade value these days? I especially hate to see Scola toil away year after year in Morey’s mediocrity machine year after year. I’m a Rockets fan but for Scola’s sake I wish h would have stayed a Spur.

Bill Ingram

The Spurs are right there with you, obviously. He’s the one that got away. The thing is, if the Rockets had gotten either Gasol or Nene, Scola would be chasing a title in Houston right now. Instead, he’s on a team that is perennially one piece away from being really good. Scola and Martin have decent trade value, but the Rockets are asking too much in any trade. Teams don’t want to deal with them for that reason.

Will

You think the Warriors would really gamble on D12?Ellis,Lee,Udoh for D12,Turk

Bill Ingram

Yes, I think the Warriors would . . .they need a move like that to get into the playoff picture. No way Dwight stays, so it’s a high risk move that probably gets some people fired next summer, but the Warriors would definitely do it now.

maestro

Lets talk trades! Who says no? Lakers receive Mo williams, Luis Scola, Pat Patterson, Clippers receive Kevin Martin (fills void at the 2 guard) Chase Budinger, # 1 pick from Lakers, Houston receive Pau Gasol, Brian Cook and Devin Ebanks. Salaries work.

Bill Ingram

That’s actually an interesting proposition. Martin absolutely helps the Clippers. The Rockets have been trying to trade him for Gasol already, so that part works for Houston. Honestly, though, Houston is giving up a lot in that deal. They are not offering Patterson to anyone, and adding him to the mix might make the price tag too steep for Houston. Scola, Martin, Budinger, sure . . .they would move all those guys. But they need to get another significant piece back to add Patterson. Cook and Ebanks would do well to see the court. That’s a GREAT move for the Lakers, obviously, who would be the big winners in your trade.

jey

Lakers: Scola, Beasley, Ridnour
TWolves: Martin
Rockets: Gasol

Shuffle draft picks… Bad trade?

Bill Ingram

Another interesting trade. That works better for all the teams involved, frankly, if it works cap-wise. Martin is the 2-guard Minny needs, Rockets get Gasol, whom they have been after, and that’s a solid package for the Lakers, as well.

jey

Do you think Rockets will chase Batum by deadline… Would Portland trade him?

Bill Ingram

No, I don’t. The Blazers see him as their long-term answer at the three, after Wallace is gone, and they have already traded Crash in the Dwight trade that ownership in Orlando killed before the season started. My guess is they will look to move Crash again, but keep Batum. Of course, Batum is making that a hard decision by being so inconsistent.

jey

Why wouldn’t D Howard not have Houston on his list? Walking on as constructed would make the most sense… KMart and him share same agent, Lee was his finals teammate. Big market not being tapped.

Bill Ingram

Dwight Howard’s agent is Dan Fegan, and Fegan doesn’t want any more of his clients in Houston. He wouldn’t even let Nene meet with the Rockets. He would actually like to have Kevin Martin OUT. If Dwight comes to Texas it will be to Dallas, where Cuban has taken GOOD care of plenty of Fegan clients over the years. He and Fegan are tight, which is also fueling speculation that Dwight could land in Big D.

Nashty

Hey Bill, what are the New York Knicks chances of keeping Landry Fields this off-season and how intend are they on keeping him considering he will be an unrestricted free agent as well as the fact that they will also have to pony up to keep Jeremy Lin in town? Cheers mate

Bill Ingram

That’s a good question, one that will have to be answered this summer, obviously. He has to continue to play well, but also the market for him may well price him out of the Knicks’ range. It makes a great deal of sense for them to trade Carmelo in a move that opens up cap space for next summer. Lin will be in even more demand than Fields. Melo, Chandler and Stoudemire alone put them over what the cap is projected to be.

MAVS,JAZZ,SPURS Hater

Hi bill do you see my rockets making any moves before the trade deadline? and would you trade Kevin Martin in a package deal to get michael beasley from minnesota he would be the SF the rockets are looking for.

Bill Ingram

I really like what Beasley has done in Minny after being cast off by the HEAT, and with the right motivation he could be a great asset, you’re right. Not a bad move for either team, provided McHale can have the same impact on Beasley that Adelman has had.

Deven

Hi Mr. Ingram. If the Mavericks don’t get both Dwight and Deron in the off season this summer, who do you see the Mavs going after?

Bill Ingram

Good question. The first step would be to make Jet Terry a nice offer to keep him in town, something that doesn’t happen if the Mavs grab their two primary targets in D12 and D-Will. The might also want to make a run at bringing Jeremy Lin back to town, since the Knicks won’t have the cap space to keep him. They might also make a run at Eric Gordon or OJ Mayo. There are plenty of good players in the 2012 free agency class . . .

Cheekz

Bill wassup, whats the deal with Jonny Flynn? Particularly with the Lakers…I loved the kid coming out of college & he had a solid rookie year 13ppg & etc.I feel like he can help a team if given a shot & it shouldn’t take more than 1st round or 2nd round pick to get him…your thoughts?

Bill Ingram

I love Jonny . . .good player, but even better person. One of my favorite NBA interviews. He can definitely help a team and the Rockets are absolutely shopping him . . .of course, they probably want a team to take Thabeet to get Flynn, and that’s a problem. Houston’s idea of what a player is worth is generally a lot higher than what other teams feel Houston’s players are worth.

Deven

With Brook Lopez back in the lineup Sunday and the trade deadline coming around, does he have to play really well these next couple weeks in order for New Jersey to acquire Dwight Howard?

Bill Ingram

You would think so, but the decision to trade Dwight to New Jersey will not be based on any desire to do so on the part of the Magic. If that happens it will be because the Magic know he’s leaving anyway and would like to get something of value in return. Lopez is the best center in the league who can be had via trade.

Derek

Rondo, Gasol, Howard, D-Will

Of these big names, who do you think is most likely to be moved for someone not in this list?

Bill Ingram

It seems the Lakers will move Pau Gasol, though it’s not clear why they are doing so much shopping with him. He’s an All-Star who puts up strong numbers every night. They will be hard pressed to get something back that replaces his production, should they choose to trade him.

Flute

How soon can iverson possibly play in the dleague? on a scale 1-10 what are the chances lakers get him?

Bill Ingram

I’m surprised to see his name in connection with the D-League. Would he really “stoop” so low? Sounds like a recipe for disaster for whichever team signs him.

Will

Where do you think D12 lands after the deadline?

Bill Ingram

It sounds like he’s going to be in Orlando, but if the Magic get cold feet, look for him in New Jersey. That’s where he will likely sign this summer anyway . . .may as well get it over with.

Wil

Bill, I get that it is unprofessional for players like Jackson, Williams, McGrady, etc. to go public about their ‘role’ (they should know), but seriously, don’t coaches talk to these guys? You see better communication on a McDonald’s shift crew than between professional coaches and players. Why and how does this occur? Are coaches really that afraid of players (or have some Dark Age nostalgia on how to coach) to talk to players like adults?

Bill Ingram

I think that’s being misrepresented in most cases. The good coaches are very much in touch with their players. That’s a basic requirement of the job. You have to communicate what it is you expect from your guys. That’s one reason why we see so many former players hired as coaches . . .they’ve been in the players’ shoes and the players respect them for it.

Howard Wanke

why doesn’t greg oden retire?

Bill Ingram

Oden needs a big payday to sustain him, and he’s clinging to that slimmest of hopes that someone will take a chance on him as a free agent. Since he’s a seven-footer, there is always a chance that someone will take a flyer on him, even as a longshot to ever play again.

Larry Simon

Bill, Is Lamar Odom hopeless this year because of his mistfontune in accidents and not wanting to leave LA. He should be a major contibutor.

Bill Ingram

Hey Larry! Odom is coming around, slowly but surely. I wonder how much pressure he’s getting at home to be back in LA, given his wife’s need for the bright lights and big city. I don’t watch reality TV, which seems to be anything but reality, but it seems like it would be a bigger deal in LA than it is in Dallas. I think the outside stuff is interfering with Odom’s game. After all, he asked for a trade to Dallas and that’s exactly what he got.

Jerry

Is Joel Anthony + draft pick enough to get Birdman?

Why is King James on pace to have the highest PER in NBA history? Even better then Jordan’s 36-5-5 year

Bill Ingram

It might be . . .Karl doesn’t seem to have any desire to play Birdman this season. Not sure it’s a big upgrade for Miami, more like a lateral move, especially given Bird’s injury history. As for LeBron, we’re talking about one of the most physically gifted players to ever step onto the basketball court . . .the guy should have a closet full of rings and trophies right now.

Raf

Bill,

50 points, 40 points and a triple double… in a home game which was only won in overtime, against opposition which would be good and not great even if they weren’t missing their 2 best players. Are the Thunder in danger of being too much a team of champions rather than a champion team?

Bill Ingram

That game – between the Thunder and Nuggets, for those who don’t know – demonstrates the ideological battle going on in the NBA right now. Is it better to have a couple of superstars, or a very deep team of gifted players? The Thunder only get consistent scoring from 3 players on a given night – Durant, Westbrook and Harden. I’m sure Scott Brooks would be happier to have better offensive balance, but those three come out on top more nights than not, especially with the defensive-minded players Sam Presti has put around them. They’ve been my pick to win the West since before the season started. I think they could win it all . . .

Cain

Would the Pacers be willing to part with Granger? George needs to be at SF to reach his potential. Would love a trade of Granger for Martin + Pick.

Bill Ingram

In the past Granger has been absolutely untouchable, but if the Pacers could get a true SG I think they would at least think about it. They’re more interested in Courtney Lee, honestly, than Martin, who is a fairly one-dimensional player. When his shot’s off he’s a liability.

Derek

Hey Bill, what realistic trade(s) you think would keep Howard in O-town??

Bill Ingram

The Magic need to get Stephen Jackson. Jackson is one of Howard’s big targets, and he and Deron Williams have already been talking to Jax about playing with them in Brooklyn. If the Magic grab Jackson it might just start up some talks about Williams going to Orlando instead of Dwight going to the Nets.

Edward Lee

Is Mike Brown’s job in peril?

Bill Ingram

It’s pretty hard to blame Brown for what’s happening with the Lakers . . .much like it made little sense to blame Mike D’Antoni for what was going wrong in New York. If you give him the personnel to work with, Brown will deliver the wins. Right now the Lakers are really two players short of being a really good team.

laker fan

Why don’t the lakers try a 3-team deal by which they get dwill from the nets and send pau gasol to chicago and the nets get boozer and other younger players..???

Bill Ingram

Don’t buy into that Gasol trade rumor. Boozer and Rose are tight – like brothers. Also, Kobe killed the Chris Paul deal, so why would he want Deron Williams? Kobe wants to be the one dominating the ball in LA . . .even if it means the Lakers aren’t contenders, apparently . . .

Sven

Hi Bill. To add to the Gasol rumors.
Could LA and Cleveland be willing to work someting out with these pieces:
- Gasol + trade exception for Varejao, Jamison & Sessions
- Gasol for Jamison, Sessions & pick
- …
I personally think Varejao should be included for LA to consider it but would Cleveland give him up for Gasol ?

Bill Ingram

The Lakers do have interest in Sessions, and if they could land all three of those players they would have to think long and hard about that deal. But why would Cleveland do it? They’d be trading three players who are happy to be there for one who would be upset and depressed about the move. I don’t see it from Cleveland’s side . . .

Sven

Hi Bill,
Another scenario:
Gasol for Calderon & Bargnani

E. Pincus wasn’t all for it but neither against

Bill Ingram

I’m having a hard time believing the Lakers are THAT excited about trading Pau . . .though they have some interest in Calderon. Bargnani has really stepped up his game this season, and I’m not sure the Raptors would part for him. They have high hopes for the team next season, with another high pick and Valanciunas in the mix.

Chris

Hi Bill. What’s the deal with the Gasol to Chicago rumor? It sounds like management asked Rose if he would be open to playing with Pau, he said yes, and now the punditocracy makes it sound like Derrick is demanding the trade.

Bill Ingram

Honestly, since it’s coming from Spain, I think it’s wishful thinking. Pau’s camp would love to see him in Chicago, as the demise of the Lakers appears to be imminent. Get out while the getting’s good. Mitch Kupchak said the team he has now is likely the team heading into the playoffs . . .scary thought for his fans. Derrick Rose doesn’t demand things . . .not in his nature.

charles

i dont know anything about the contract situation but do you think the wolves should go after chris kaman and what would they need to give up?

Bill Ingram

No, I really don’t. Pekovic is playing extremely well, and they love Darko, as well. The Wolves have only one desire in trade talks: a shooting guard. Kaman doesn’t make them any better.

Mac

It was very interesting in Joel Brigham’s chat he accused Tom Thibodeau of playing his starters “waaayyy too much” as he doesn’t seem to pack it in early enough in games (to ensure the lead is preserved). Do you agree Thibs is playing his starters too much? Do you think this will lead to injuries and/or fatigue later in the season as a result?

Bill Ingram

I’m not sure what Joel was referring to, though he knows more about the Bulls than just about anyone else. Lu Deng is averaging more than 38 minutes per game, Rose is at 35.5, Boozer 30.2. Those aren’t crazy numbers. LeBron averaged 36.7, Bosh 35.3 and Wade 32.2, to compare to their primary competition . . .

Cricket

Looks like Kevin McHale is proving all the naysayers wrong. Everyone and their brother disagreed with Houston’s coaching selection, especially considering Rick Adelman and Dwayne Casey were available. But with Houston now sitting at 18-14 despite Samuel Dalemart starting at center, McHale has to be given his due. How would you grade his coaching job so far this season, and do you think he is early front runner for coach of the year?

Bill Ingram

Well, Adelman wasn’t willing to come back . . .he was their first choice. McHale has the team playing well, though his staff has a lot to do with that, as well. He’s using a lot of the Adelman offense, too, so most of the team had a small learning curve. I think Coach Of The Year is a bit premature . . .the Rockets are on pace to have about the same record as last season – given the difference in number of games. I think Mike D’Antoni is the clear frontrunner with Lin in the mix . . .though Brooks and Thibodeau have to be in the mix, as well as Popovich.

Charlie

LeBron James is having one of the greatest seasons in NBA history. He’s on pace to break MJ’s single-season PER record. I know you drink major hatorade towards King James, but without resorting to the same “he has no rings argument” does his play this year sway your opinion of the man? Does it change your stance that you would never have him on your team?

Bill Ingram

If he wins a championship, this is one of the greatest seasons in NBA history. It’s never been about numbers for me, when it comes to LeBron James. It’s the way he carries himself. He acts like he’s won multiple championships and has nothing left to learn and nowhere else to grow, and it’s simply not the case. Give me a couple of strong fourth quarters, maybe a game-winner or two, then we’ll talk.

Sweet Dee

Who would you rather start a team with: 1rst year Tim Duncan out of Wake Forest, 1rst year Shaquille O’Neal out of LSU, or 1rst year Hakeem Olajuwon out of Houston.

Bill Ingram

Well, being from Houston, that’s an easy call for me . . .The Dream is my franchise player.

Cricket

Jeremy Lin’s numbers are clearly inflated due to the fact he plays in a Mike D’Antoni offense and the ball stopper Melo was out. If you were a betting man, does Jeremy start over/under 41 games next year or will reality hit with whatever team he signs with next season (whether it be NYK or elsewhere).

Bill Ingram

I agree his numbers are inflated because of the system, but the system doesn’t make bad players look good so much as it makes good players look better. Lin is the real deal – his court vision and his basketball IQ are very high. I’ve enjoyed watching him play during this run with New York. He might not be as good somewhere else, but if I’m an NBA GM I don’t think twice about offering him a contract the Knicks would have trouble matching.

Marco

After the two losses to Detroit, what looked like a rejuvinated Boston team now looks like the team that statted the season disastrously -old, fatigued, and uninterested. Do you think the celtics can flip the switch come playoff time? Does the switch even exist anymore?

Bill Ingram

I think there are a lot of games on the schedule that don’t matter all that much – like their recent 5-game win steak. They beat New York (before Lin), Cleveland, Toronto, Memphis and Charlotte . . .not exactly the best of the best. Now they’ve lost five of six, with the one win coming against a Bulls team that was without Rose and Hamilton. I’d put money on Boston finishing with the eighth seed and losing in the first round.

Ap

Trade which helps all maybe:ORL get D.Lee,A.Beindrins,D.Wright and a couple of picks: Bucks get M.Ellis and GSW get D.Howard, H.Turkoglu and S.Jackson.
Works on trade machine and just about fair.

Bill Ingram

Decent trade, but Dwight won’t stay in Oakland, even with Jax there . . .also hard to see Ellis and Jennings together . . .two guys who want to dominate the ball . . .

Alex

How about Turkoglu straight up for S. Jax.. Then try for an upgrade at pg – D .Harris, R. Felton, Nash – hoping Howard would opt in for his extra year.

Bill Ingram

Milwaukee won’t do that . . .NO team trades for Hedo unless he brings Dwight with him.

ea

are the rockets making a big trade?

Bill Ingram

The Rockets are too busy trying to move Thabeet, Lee, Budinger and Flynn to make a big trade. They are willing to move Martin, as well, but only for an All-Star, and most teams aren’t sure Martin is worth an All-Star . . .

DrSubZero

What’s up with the Rockets??? Why is there any noise about trades that they really desperatally need. As a true Rockets I’m getting a bit frustrated. Who do you feel the Rockets should go after or should they just wait and call this season a wash and do a lot of offseason signing?

Bill Ingram

The Rockets can’t count on signing free agents, as most of the agents don’t want their players in Houston. They would steer them elsewhere, even if it’s for less money. Morey has soured the water in one of the country’s best basketball cities. If it’s me, I throw it all in for Orlando – they want Martin and Scola, and give them anyone else they want. Dwight Howard is the piece they need, and Hakeem Olajuwon can talk him into staying long-term. Fegan would never let Dwight sign as a free agent, but make it a trade and show Dwight what it means to play in Houston, and let Hakeem do the rest.

Alex

Maybe Reddick/Richardson + Duhon for Harris, hoping he can get his game back. Bring Jameer off the bench.

Bill Ingram

That’s a lot to give up for Devin Harris . . .though I do think he would be much more effective on a different team – like Portland, for example. Maybe Orlando, too . . .

Brian

Bill,

If you were Kahn, would you continue with the current roster and allow them to gel and maybe make a move in the offseason, or go after somebody now? Who would you target? Also, thoughts on what to do with Beasley, Webster, and Randolph after the season?

Thanks!

Bill Ingram

I go after Courtney Lee, OJ Mayo or maybe Stephen Jackson. The Wolves can make the playoffs THIS season with a good 2.

MAC

I’m a Laker Fan, hated to see Jordan Farmar leave when he did. I’m hoping Lakers FORGET about DH and build and add pieces to this team we have. PG, with Nets wanting assets for DH can Farmar be reunited with Lakers for Odoms TPE?

Bill Ingram

Makes some sense for both sides, actually . . .The Lakers forgot about Dwight when it became clear they weren’t going to trade Bynum . . .

Omar El-Khodary

Who would you standings be in the east at the end of the season? Top 8!

Bill Ingram

There are only 8 playoff teams in the East, so that’s easy. Chicago (assuming Rose gets back soon), Miami, Philadelphia, Indiana, Orlando, NY, Atlanta, Boston.

Jay

Who do you think is gonna win the all star game east or west ?

Bill Ingram

The D’s … D12, D-Will, D-Rose, and D-Wade.

Lior

Any chance we can get Nash and Gortat? This trade will have to center around Kyle Lowry and anybody else the Suns would like to have. The Suns get a great young PG and cheap young talent such as Lee, Petterson, etc.

Bill Ingram

The Suns are working on a 2-year extension for Nash . . .so no . . .

Mario

Hi bill well I gotta start this monday off with a bang knowing D rose’s history is there any truth to the pau gasol rumors and if yes do u pull the trigger and why and what are the pieces for both teams to get it done. Also if this is true is this something thats leading to something bigger like trying to lure D12. Sorry about asking all these questions bud

Bill Ingram

If it were Boozer for Gasol straight up – and if Boozer were not Rose’s best friend – I would make the deal. It’s not, though. Chicago would have to include another significant piece, and it’s not worth breaking up the core. I don’t see Dwight in Chicago, no . . .there has been little interest from either side . . .

John

I’m a big Laker Fan!! What do you think of a trade with the bulls for C. Boozer, Deng and CJ watson for Pau, Fisher and Artest. This trade would match up in salaries. I think both teams would benifit!!

Bill Ingram

Awful for the Bulls, as Deng is SO much better than Artest, and Fisher is a downgrade from Watson.

Jokubas

Do you think OKC should trade Perkins?

Bill Ingram

No chance . . .he’s doing exactly what they want him to do . . .play defense and never ask for the ball.

Lateak

How u think free agency is goin to play out.. I want tha knicks to get wilson chandler back.. Is any chance tha lakers get d12

Bill Ingram

The Lakers aren’t pursuing Dwight any more, so no. And Chandler is extremely likely to be back in Denver, as they have the money to keep him. Dwight lands in Brooklyn with Deron Williams . . .

John

Rockets – who is to blame for the Terrence Williams situation? Not sure if you saw it but he recently came out and said he’s gone. Going to a team that can ‘utilize his talents’. The Rockets trade for him but never really played him. However, doesn’t look good for Terrence that 3 different coaches(Johnson, Adelman, McHale) have said thanks but no thanks to him.

Thanks Bill

Bill Ingram

Yeah, boneheaded move by the Rockets. If Rick Adelman can’t make something of him, who can? The Rockets make moves like that based on where a player was drafted. Thabeet was #2 overall, T-Will was 11th overall. The Rockets aren’t bad enough to get picks that high, so they get players who were taken that high. It’s a flawed method, obviously, as neither Thabeet nor Williams would have been taken that high if we knew about them what we knew by the time the Rockets acquired them.

Howie Abrams

Hi Bill. Could you enlighten me about who the Wolves might be after. In other words, if you are the WOlves what shooting gaurds other than the covetted Kevin Martin are on their wish list and are realistic?

Bill Ingram

They are very interested in Mayo and Courtney Lee, though it’s unclear whether they can acquire either . . .teams know how good the Wolves would be with that missing piece and are reluctant to create another playoff team to compete against in the West.

the wonderer

why are hoopsworld power rankings still on week 4?

Bill Ingram

Week 5 goes live today . . .

MAC

TESTING… TESTING 1 2 3…. IS THIS THING ON?

Bill Ingram

Could you give your answer in the form of a question?

Michael Zimmerman

I thought that Stern killer the Paul to LA trade, not Kobe? what am i missing?

Bill Ingram

Stern killed it, yes, but Kobe was also lobbying against in behind the scenes in LA.

Mike

If Houston is unable to find that top big-man they desire by the trade deadline who are some possible free agents in 2012 that they have on their radar? Looks like they should have about 16 million in cap space to spend.

Bill Ingram

Let me tie a couple of questions together here. The Rockets and Knicks – I’m getting lots of questions about what they will go next summer. The Knicks don’t need Melo and could move him for the cap space to keep Fields and Lin in place. The Rockets have long been after Melo. . .so the Rockets should acquire Melo from the Knicks for a combination of expiring contracts . . .guys like Thabeet and Hill, perhaps throwing in Goran Dragic, who would be fantastic backing up Lin. New York unloads Melo, keeps Lin, Fields and Dragic long-term, and they’re contenders for the foreseeable future. Houston gets the star wing player they have long coveted and gamble that McHale can get him to play some defense.

jey

Earlier I mentioned a 3 way trade between LAL, HOU, and Minny… The salary works out. Would a lineup of:
Lowry
Lee
Beasley
Patterson/Gasol
Gasol/Dalembert

Become a legit contender in the west?

Bill Ingram

Contenders? Maybe not. But more of a 4-6 seed versus a 7-9 seed, as they are now.

jey

Why isn’t Marcus Morris called up? Is Houston stashing him until after the trade deadline/All Star weekend?

Bill Ingram

Too many players at his position in Houston . . .

JP

Are the teams going to be even more reluctant know to trade that missing piece for minnesota with the recent play of Pekovic? Rubio with a consistent shooter would laugh at will…

Bill Ingram

Last question, everyone! Had a radio hit in Houston in the middle, so I spent some extra time. That’s just it, JP. The Timberwolves are one player away from being a serious playoff team, and West teams are going to be VERY hesitant to give them that piece. The Wolves are for real . . .and will only get better . . .one of the most exciting teams to watch. Our next chat is with Stephen Brotherston in Toronto . . .drop your questions in now! I won’t be chatting next week, as I’ll be flying back from Orlando, but get ready – HOOPSWORLD’s unmatched All-Star coverage is blasting in starting on Friday!