NBA Chat With Bill Ingram 2/6/12

1. Chris G

   I’m afraid the Bulls are going to lose Boozer mentally if he keeps getting bashed like he is. Could the Bulls maybe trade him to Cleveland for Antawn Jamison? Cavs get a solid player who’s locked in for several years in a low-pressure situation, and Bulls get a professional this year and cap relief this summer to retain Gibson/Asik.

   • Bill Ingram

     Good Morning, everyone, and welcome to the chat! You know, I think Boozer is one of those players who is often painted with the All-Star brush by the media, only to be torn down by the same media when he fails to live up to that billing. I like Carlos a lot, but he is not an All-Star. He’s not nearly consistent enough. The Bulls knew what they were getting and Boozer knew what he was getting into. I don’t expect them to trade him. Equally, the Cavs want to make sure they have a winning culture around their young guys, and Jamison is a winner. They aren’t anxious to trade him, either, though the logical assumption is that they would. The more they win, the smarter they look for hanging onto their remaining vets. On top of that….there is still quite a bit of bad blood between Boozer and the Cavs organization…

2. Frank

   Hi Bill,
   1)Captain Jack once played with S.A….Wd they take him back? 2)What’s the story with E.Gordon? When’s he due back? 3)Same question re: B.LOPEZ & Manu. (My fantasy team is currently a big supporter of BLUE CROSS). Thanks.

   • Bill Ingram

     Hey Frank! The 66-game schedule is wrecking havoc on fantasy teams around the league, I’m sure. Manu was supposed to be out 4-6 weeks, and that was as of the beginning of January. I would guess he’ll be back mid-February, but also would be surprised if the Spurs held him out until after the All-Star break to be safe. I don’t think the Spurs would take Jackson back because of his mentality, even though he was a huge part of a title team for them. I expect he’ll land in New Jersey, since Dwight is recruiting him to join him and D-Will in Brooklyn next season. Going to be a while for Gordon – another 3-6 weeks with a knee injury. Also no solid answer on Lopez, though he is expected back in February, as well.

3. Frank

   Hi Ho,
   Saw your interview with Tyreke.It was clear which one was munching on marbles. Does Kaman end up in HOU? Is Scola NOLA’s target? Who wd start between Kaman and DLMBR? Thanks.

   • Bill Ingram

     I think the reason the Hornets are now saying they will keep Kaman is because they were asking a lot, and the Rockets overvalue their roleplayers. They think they can get a star player for Thabeet, Hill and Flynn . . .pieces no one really wants. The Hornets would love to have Scola, but the Rockets would probably want Eric Gordon and Emeka Okafor or something crazy like that to give him up. Arguably, Patterson is ready to start, and grabbing Kaman to start ahead of Dalembert would be smart. But Houston management can’t get out of their own way. Just because they think Thabeet is worth Shane Battier, no other team in the NBA places that kind of value on the hapless center. … and no, I don’t eat marbles.

4. Jimmy

   bayless,derozan,barnes,Andrea, Jvalanciunas…how good can this team be?

   • Bill Ingram

     Scary good, and I think that’s the kind of environment where both DeRozan and Harrison Barnes can flourish. Bargs and Valancuinas need to be the focus of the offense, leaving DeRozan and Barnes to roam the wings and be opportunistic. I had a long conversation with Brandon Wright about Barnes and he agreed – he needs to be a complementary player, not a first option. Look out East . . .the Raptors are coming . . .eventually!

5. Joe Shafer

   What sort of suspension is Love looking at? If players get one game for simply leaving the bench, you would think aggressively stomping someones face is a multiple game suspension.

   • Bill Ingram

     Good question. It definitely depends on how Stu Jackson views the incident. On the Wolves’ side, you have to love that kind of drive from your star player – though you certainly caution him against letting that happen in the future. From a Rockets’ side you’re looking for retribution for your player, who could have been hurt in the exchange. Love is one of the new darlings of the league, so don’t be surprised if it’s one game at the most. Honestly, we’ve seen some bad officiating this season – worse than usual. Love clearly was committing an intentional foul to protest the non-call at the other end, and he couldn’t get a whistle even when he was begging for one. It’s on the awful ref crew as much as anything else.

6. Will

   You think Chicago could be a sleeper team to land D12?Noah,Deng,Asik,charlotte 1rd for D12,Turk

   • Bill Ingram

     The Bulls have yet to show any real interest…Dwight’s immaturity through the process make it unlikely that they do, as well.

7. Frank

   Did the Celtics get a medical exemption for Jeff Green’s injury, where they can sign a player for Green’s contract that won’t count against the cap? If so, will they look to sign anyone, like Wilson Chandler? Are the Celtics “still too old and finished” like so many experts perdicted just two weeks ago?

   • Bill Ingram

     No, I don’t believe that they did. The Celtics look better as the season moves along, like so many of the older teams. Dirk was awful for a while, but is back in MVP form now . . .People want to jump to conclusions, and that’s dangerous with older teams. Think the Spurs should have blown it up? They just crushed the Thunder. You just never know.

8. Frank

   If a defender puts his hand on a ball during a shot block and both the defender and offensive player comes down, is it still counted as a blocked shot while the ref calls a jumpball? Also, who gets credit for a steal; the defender that tips a pass or the defender who secures the ball?

   • Bill Ingram

     If it’s a jump ball it’s not a block . . .and the one who tips it gets the steal.

9. philip fletcher

   Will OKC beat a healthy Spurs team in the playoffs?

   • Bill Ingram

     I have to believe the Thunder would come out on top . . .the Spurs are playing great ball considering Manu is out, but come playoff time someone is going to be injured. It happens to them every year, it seems like. They can’t sustain an injury to Parker or Ginobili, and Duncan is very much a supporting player now.

10. Cain

    Hey Bill, what do you think of Paul George so far this season and going forward? Does his play remind you of anyone? (I like Rudy Gay comparison but better D)

    • Bill Ingram

      He actually kind of reminds me of Danny Granger . . .and might have more upside. The kid is really fantastic – put on quite a show here in Dallas the other night. I talked to him afterwards and his confidence is something else. Not in a cocky way – just believes he is a primary option on any given night. All of the guys were telling him that, too – even Danny. Sky’s the limit for George.

11. Cain

    Has Roddy B blown his chance and being a big part of rotation even once Kidd is back? He was just so inconsistent.

    • Bill Ingram

      Well, with Rick Carlisle there is usually another chance, and with Kidd still hurting Roddy pretty much has to continue to play. Kidd told me the other night he should be back soon, but honestly, he wasn’t playing very well before he got hurt. The Mavs may only go as far as Roddy can take them, and that’s a scary thought. Good thing they have West and Carter to start together if Kidd is out and Roddy can’t get it done. I have a feeling, though, that Roddy is going to have a big role to play for the team this postseason – for better or for worse.

12. Mehdi

    With rumors about Mitch Kupchak wanting to leave LA, do you think he would be a good fit in Portland? Kupchak has built many good rosters in LA and knows how to deal with owners who have big ego’s like Paul Allen via Jerry Buss

    • Bill Ingram

      If Kuchak leaves LA there will be a lot of interest around the league. I wouldn’t be surprised if a team fired their current GM to bring in Kupchak. He has proven he can make the big moves when they matter most, and has the rings to show for his effort. It helps to have Kobe, of course, but if he hadn’t gotten Gasol they wouldn’t have scored those last two rings. He might be just the one to tell Paul Allen to butt out.

13. Jeremy Mercer

    Do people really think the Raptors are the worst team in the league? Bargs and DD. Val dominating in Lithuania and another probable top 5 pick this year! The future is very bright for the Raptors!

    Anyway, any chance the Raptors could get CJ watson from the Bulls? Is Jose Calderon valued around the league? Thanks!

    • Bill Ingram

      They were not too bad before Bargs went down – he was playing out of his mind. Trust me – Colangelo and Stefanski know exactly what’s up. They aren’t concerned about losses at all this season, as it means another lottery pick. Stephen Brotherston is working on a feature about Valanciunas, so watch for that. He should be fabulous for the Raptors! No . . .Calderon doesn’t have a lot of value . . .though the Lakers have some interest, I’ve been told. The Lakers are looking into a lot of players, though.

14. Nery

    Will the Blazers admit that Felton has been a bust and trade him for say Devin Harris? Harris is taller faster, better shooter..Felton is shorter, slower, and turns it over a lot, he is made for Utah’s slower pace

    • Bill Ingram

      Felton clearly thought we were going to miss an entire season. He came into camp in the worst shape of his career, and is struggling to get back to game shape. The issue with Harris is that he is injured all the time . . .but he is certainly built for speed. That’s not a bad suggestion. I thought we would see more from Ray since he was being reunited with Crash and should have looked to pick up where they left off in Charlotte.

15. Rick

    With Batum becoming more consistent and a better scorer do you the blazers trading Gerald Wallace and his expiring contract for some good assets? a three way trade to bring in a young pg like george hill and someone else?

    • Bill Ingram

      A trade is possible, but they wouldn’t mind letting him expire, either. Teams around the league are concerned with Wallace’s injury history combined with his age. I think he has a lot of good ball left in him, but you’re right – if Batum can stay consistent the Blazers have room to talk about moving Wallace.

16. Hans

    do you really believe that kobe messed up the dwight deal? and is it really that bad if the lakers didn’t end up with him? they already have bynum and certainly wants to be in LA. what they really need is good pg.

    • Bill Ingram

      I know for a fact that Dwight had that conversation with Jarrod Rudolph. He’s a friend, used to write for us, and is in Dwight’s ear a lot. And no, I don’t think the Lakers need Dwight if Bynum can stay healthy. Chris Paul would have been nice, though Kobe sabotaged that one, too. I don’t think Kobe is ready to admit he needs help, though it is painfully obvious most nights – especially on the road.

17. mojart

    the hornets have the minny pick…wer do u think it wil fall?and is tony wroten jr. available wen d hornets mke dat pick?dat guy is der nxt cp3!

    • Bill Ingram

      Tony isn’t currently projected to be a first round pick. Kendall Marshall is likely the best PG in the class, but is he a huge upgrade over Jarrett Jack? That Minny pick is hard to call with the Wolves playing so well. They could be a playoff team. There are certainly some very nice big men in this draft, and it would be hard to pass one up.

18. mojart

    wil the rox try to acquire kaman again wen d hornets mke him available?wil a package of patterson, dragic and NY pick enough?

    • Bill Ingram

      I don’t think the Rockets part with Patterson to rent Kaman for half a season. Dragic and the pick, sure, but they would rather pawn off bad players like T-Will and Thabeet than give up a good player like PP. That’s why they haven’t been able to make a good trade in a long time. They offer garbage for quality and wonder why they get turned down. I have to step away for a minute to do a hit on 1560 The Game in Houston…tune in if you’re in Clutch City!

19. jullia

    if your d hornets and u have lets say the 1st pick overall and another pick at let say 10…who r u selecting and why?thanks..

    • Bill Ingram

      Tyler Zeller might be on the board at 10, and he would be a nice addition. Quincy Miller is also interesting – some compared him to Kevin Durant before the ACL . . .can he get back there again?

20. JP

    1-Who says no: Minne: Paul George Pacers: Beasley – W Johnson – Pekovic – 2015 1st round pick (lottery protected)
    2-If Utah makes the playoff how high can it be the pick we receive from them: top 5-top 10?
    3-Would you have this roster: Rubio-Barea…George-M Lee…Williams-Webster…Love-Randolph…Davis-TOlliver and 2 prospects (picks).

    • Bill Ingram

      Absolutely no chance the Pacers give up George . . .and they don’t need Beasley. He’s not the kind of player they target. No chance Utah’s pick is in the lottery if they make the playoffs.

21. Lior

    As a Rocket fan I have to start with a statement. In 9-th place looking at the playoffs from the outside…a déjà-vu moment. Do the Rockets still have a realistic shot at Kaman? Any insight on the Kaman trade status?

    • Bill Ingram

      Yeah, I have a hard time seeing Houston catching any of the playoff teams, even with Dallas struggling at the moment. I also think there’s a very real possibility that Minnesota passes them. That puts them right where they’ve been for 2 seasons – just good enough to miss the playoffs and land another #14 draft pick. That’s not a road to improvement. See my earlier comments on Kaman and Houston.

22. Brian

    Bill,

    What’s shakin?

    Will the Wolves make a trade for a SG (Courtney Lee does nothing for me) before the deadline or wait until the offseason? I was at the game against Houston and that is definitely their weak spot. Are you hearing who might be available?

    Thanks!

    • Bill Ingram

      They have very real interest in Lee, whom I think you underestimate, and also OJ Mayo. The thing is, the rest of the league sees what you see – the Wolves are a 2 away from being extremely good – and they’re asking for the moon when talking to Minnesota.

23. Arthur

    Bill, where do you think Howard will be after the trade deadline? I say NJ. Thanks

    • Bill Ingram

      That seems very likely . . .as much as Mark Cuban is trying to snag Dwight, he is telling everyone he’ll be in Brooklyn next season. Good luck, Dwight. Careful what you wish for . . .

24. Anthony

    Have you had a chance to watch Alonzo Gee at all this season? He seems to be a very hard worker, and is willing to put in the effort on both ends of the court. I think he may have a shot at being a long term rotation wing in Cleveland.

    • Bill Ingram

      I’ve seen him a couple of times – League Pass – and he looks like a great pick-up for the Cavs. He’s a big part of why they’re as good as they are already!

25. Ryan

    Which teams are calling the cavs for Andy and what could the cavs get for him?

    • Bill Ingram

      The usual suspects . . .Indiana, Houston, San Antonio, Boston . . .all looking for frontcourt depth. The Cavs aren’t too interested in trading him at this point. He’s playing too well.

26. Chris H

    Should kevin love be considered a dirty player for that horrendous stomp on scola’s face.

    • Bill Ingram

      Kevin isn’t a dirty player at all . . .he’s a great guy and a hard competitor, not the least bit dirty. That WAS a dirty play, however. The league needs to sanction him for sure . . .suspension or fine . . .you can’t let that fly.

27. Oliver from Germany

    Hey Bill,

    which could be the free agent targets for the Phoenix Suns this summer? Could you tell me which five players from the next draft are your favourites? Maybe Phoenix can get one of them. I am a die hard Suns fan, could you give me some light at the end of the tunnel please?
    Best wishes from Germany!

    • Bill Ingram

      Well, I can tell you that I love the best player to ever come to the NBA from Germany . . .or Europe, for that matter. Dirk is a great player and even better role model. Thanks for the import! It’s a little early to talk free agency, but the draft is very deep this summer and it looks like the Suns will have a lottery pick. Jared Sullinger sure would look good next to Marcin Gortat.

28. Anthony Pascua

    Any potential signings for the Lakers?

    • Bill Ingram

      The Lakers are calling all over the league looking for point guard help, especially, though nothing sounds imminent. Sounds like they might pass on even attending Arenas’ workout, as well.

29. Chris

    I am an Orlando Magic Fan. Bill, do you think Otis Smith has something up his sleeve for a trade after the All Star Game? Steve Nash would be the perfect fit to complement Dwight. It might make him think about staying especially if they go deep in the playoffs. Your thoughts?

    • Bill Ingram

      I think Otis Smith has buried your team, and is about to be forced to trade your franchise player. Absolutely unforgivable . . .how does he still have a job? Nash would be great, yes, but the Suns have zero interest in trading him . . .even if the Magic were offering something the Suns would want.

30. TJ

    How is Nash still playing at an all star level?? he’s putting up unheard of stats for his age and with this team around him. Also what about Greg oden to the suns? Our training staff is perfect for him

    • Bill Ingram

      The training staff has a lot to do with it, but Steve also takes exceptional care of his body. I’m not sure even the fantastic Suns training staff can help Oden. He’s going to join Yao Ming on the “What Might Have Been” team.

31. Wile E Coyote

    Hi Bill,
    You’ve said before that C. Lee would like out of HOU, and MIN has a gaping hole at SG. Any chance of a trade? Wolves could really use his 3 point shooting and D.

    • Bill Ingram

      Wolves are interested, but the Rockets have priced him out of the market right now. Will be interesting to see if that changes as the trade deadline approaches.

32. Wile E Coyote

    What is Portland’s plan this summer between Wallace and Batum? Seems like it will be tough to pay both.

    • Bill Ingram

      I think Batum is their long-term guy . . .

33. ryan

    do u think raymond felton is portlands point gaurd of the future or should we be looking for a new point

    • Bill Ingram

      We need to see him get into game shape and then make that determination. As of right now, he’s having one of the worst years of his career and he’s on the best team he’s ever been on – BY FAR.

34. Billy M

    Two Rockets players have gotten the face stomped in their career, who do you think will be next? just kidding, but what do you think the league will do about Love? I didn’t think much of it until he referenced the groin hit from last week

    • Bill Ingram

      They may do nothing, as he is one of the NBA’s new darlings, but there SHOULD be a consequence. We don’t want to see more of this kind of thing, and if you let it go once it happens again sooner or later. Maybe not Kevin, but someone . . .should cost him a game.

35. Vlad

    1.what happened to Wes Johnson? He is the only player to have regressed with Adelman. He wasn’t great, but adequate as a rookie.
    2. Where would you rate Rubio among PGs? I do not think there are more then 4 PGs better then him.

    • Bill Ingram

      You’re right – Wes has been disappointing, even given that he played a few games with pneumonia. There are still better PG’s, for sure. Chris Paul, Derrick Rose Russell Westbrook, Rajon Rondo to name 4 off the top of my head.

36. Marvelous Marv

    If the knicks fire D’antoni does the significantly reduce the chances of Steve Nash coming to NY next season as a FA?

    • Bill Ingram

      I think those chances are slim regardless . . .Suns are talking about giving Nash a 2-year deal, and he would rather stay put.

37. Vlad

    Do you think Rondo is better then Rubio? While rondo is a known commodity, Rubio is a better rebounder, even better distributor and hits big shots all the time. I think they are at the same level.
    And who would you rather have as a PG Rubio or Westbrook?

    • Bill Ingram

      Rondo is a playoff-tested veteran . . .you’re getting ahead of Rubio. He’ll be great, but he’s not there yet. Today I want Westbrook . . .3 years from now? Might be a different story.

38. Cricket

    The JJ Barea’s and Derek Fisher’s of the world are notorious for pretending they got shot like a little girl every time they get touched in a game (in an effort to get the call from the referee). Jeff Van Gundy suggested heavily fining players for blatantly flopping (proven through replay). I completely support this idea, as after a few fines / hundred thousands of dollars players will “man up” and start playing real defense. Agree or Disagree with Van Gundy’s suggested policy?

    • Bill Ingram

      I’ve believed that ever since Laimbeer and Karl Malone made flopping commonplace in the NBA. It’s the worst thing about the NBA . . .absolutely the worst. It should be a technical foul on the flopper. There should be a replay review and a tech on the flopper.

39. Josh

    Who says no? Andy Varejao and Alonzo Gee for Derrick Williams and Tolliver. Wolves get absolute stud starting center& a guy that would flourish with Rubio – Cavs get piece to build with Irving.

    • Bill Ingram

      Yeah . . .great deal for the Timberwolves . . .no chance Cleveland does that. They’re actually very close to being a playoff team . . .

40. Cricket

    I read somewhere that NBA officials have to watch the replay of each NBA game they official (right afterwards) and justify each decision/call they made. They are then graded on their overall performance. Is this accurate? Do officials really have to rewatch right aftewards and get graded on it?

    • Bill Ingram

      Yes . . .though I’m not sure how much that is improving the officiating . . .

41. Ap

    Gortat for C.Lee,J.Hill,J.Flyn and one of Houstons 1st rounders in the 2012 draft will it get it done?

    • Bill Ingram

      Horrible trade for the Suns . . .Lee is the only really good player in that group.

42. Elan

    I know Lebron has his problems in the playoffs, and image wise, however what do you make of his play so far this season? His stats and efficiency are remarkable.

    • Bill Ingram

      Amazing player. If he could bring his head-game to the level of his physical play he would be the best player ever. He doesn’t have the mental stamina, unfortunately. He’s too worried about booking $10K appearances at bars and clubs in the cities the HEAT visit. Ridiculous . . .

43. Hari

    Do you think No. 41 makes his 11th all star appearance?

    • Bill Ingram

      Alright, last question everyone! Sadly, the Finals MVP is in real jeopardy. He has missed some games and had a rough run in early January. I think LaMarcus Aldridge gets his spot . . .Thanks for spending some of your Monday with us here at HOOPSWORLD! Our next chat is with Stephen Brotherston in Toronto at 3PM eastern. Drop your questions in by linking here!

44. Kevin

    I recently heard that the Twolves would make 1 or 2 trades before the trade deadline. Have you heard what they may be? And in making a trade is that all on Kahn or is Adelman calling the shots?

    • Bill Ingram

      They’re looking for a 2 . . .Adelman has input, for sure, but Kahn makes the deals.