NBA Chat with Bill Ingram 3/12/12

Aristotle

Heya Bill,

If you were Pat Riley and Otis Smith said to you LeBron for Dwight, what do you do?

Also, 2 debates going with my mates:
1. Shaq & Kobe or Kareem & Magic as the better duo.
2. Reign Man or Blake Show as the better dunker?

I’m with Kareem & Magic, and Kemp as the better dunker.

Bill Ingram

Good Morning and welcome to the chat! Well, given that LeBron has a long-term deal and Dwight can walk this summer, I probably take that deal if I’m Otis. That said, no one believes Dwight will leave Orlando, so it’s highly unlikely they deal him. If I’m Pat Riley I say yes before Otis has the sentence out of his mouth. I have to go Kareem and Magic – two players who changed the NBA forever. And Kemp over Griffin, though we have a lot more of Griffin to see before his days are over.

SMITH

Bill whats up with the rockets? BEASLY? Gasol? WHOEVER< im on strike til they make a trade!!! OH YEA FIRE D MORON!

Bill Ingram

The Lakers and Rockets have been talking about Pau Gasol for months, and the sticking point seems to be Kyle Lowry. If Houston would part with him, the Lakers take Scola and we have a deal. The real dilemma for Houston is that they aren’t a solid playoff team as contructed. They could make it, but it’s more likely they won’t. So do you make the deal and hope Gasol is now a player who can take you to the playoffs? He wasn’t all that for Memphis. Give up a star-caliber point guard like Lowry, who would make the Lakers much, much better, to get the big man you need? It’s a big risk; one the Rockets may make. Morey has shown that he can’t lure a big-name free agent to town, so he’s going to have to trade for his star.

jey

Should the Rockets change their focus away from Gasol/Howard and try to a deal for Josh Smith? There are good trade scenarios either straight up or involving the Buck. That would be my strategy if I was going to impresse Howard.

Bill Ingram

Josh Smith is certainly an electrifying player to watch, and an upgrade over Scola.

jon

Why the intense interest with Gasol for the rockets? He eats so much cap! Who will/should the Rockets pursue in other trades to compliment Gasol? Kamen, Bogut, Calderon?

Bill Ingram

Calderon? One of these kids is not like the other . . .I agree – Gasol is expensive, and we’ve already seen how successful a team can be relying on him as the first option. Bogut is great, but I hate the idea of another injury-prone center in Houston. Been there, done that. Kaman is interesting . . .though he has had his injuries, as well. He is healthy and playing well.

ejhay

who do you think can miami has the best chance in getting in trade deadline can they get austine daye, j.j hickson, boris diaw, amir johnson, toney douglas, lamar odom or others?

Bill Ingram

I’m not hearing much out of Miami in terms of trade rumors. They would like a center upgrade and a PG upgrade, but neither seems likely. There’s also an “it ain’t broke, don’t fit it” mindset at play.

Stacey

I think this trade favors all three teams…what do you think?
Boston receives: G. Wallace (por), M. Camby (por), E. Williams (por), G. Oden (por) – incoming: $23.6 mil, outgoing: $22.8 mil
Portland receives: P. Pierce (bos), J. Oneal (bos), S. pavlovic (bos), S. Nash (pho), G. Hill (pho); incoming: $40.6 mil, outgoing: $38.1 mil.
Phoenix receives: N. Batum (por), R. Felton (por), J. Crawford (por), M. Pietrus (bos). Incoming: $15.2 mil, outgoing: $18.2.
Boston does this cuz: They clear Pierce salary, get E. Williams for future.
Portland does this cuz: get new closer in Pierce. Point guard they desperately need in Nash, and still have cap flex.
Phoenix does this cuz: BATUM! Great rebuilding piece and gives Nash/Hill last chance at title.
Thoughts? Thanks!

Bill Ingram

A couple of notes for you. Portland will not trade Batum – teams have asked and been shut down – and the Suns won’t trade Nash unless he asks to be traded, which he won’t.

Howie Abrams

Now with Rubio out for the year, what are the Wolves going to do at the deadline? Are they going to try to trade Beasley for a shooting guard? Any chance they make a run at Nash or Gasol?

Bill Ingram

They have been making every effort to acquire a two, but with basically every team in the league knowing the Wolves are a two away from being an elite team, they are asking the world for that piece. Beasley is definitely on the block . . .Randolph, too . . .but now that they need to keep Ridnour they may not get anything done. Much depends on other deals that happen first – like Houston might make a move for Beasley if they can’t get Gasol.

jason

Where should Dwight go?

A. Another year of the D. Howard saga, Orlando
B. Where he can rebuild with side kick DWill , Brooklyn Nets
C. Where big men win championships, Houston
D. Where he will be in Dirk’s shadows, Dallas
E. Where Kobe reigns, Lakers

Bill Ingram

I’m going with A – Another year of Dwight drama in Orlando. Dwight shares an agent with Kevin Martin and Nene, and he wouldn’t let Nene even think about Houston because of some drama with Kevin. Dwight won’t go there for the same reason, as much as I hate to say it. He would be FABULOUS with that supporting cast. Also, I’ve been told that Deron Williams will be in Dallas next season, so kiss Brooklyn goodbye. Dwight can stay in Orlando one more season and then hand-pick his best buds to come play with him – Monta Ellis, Chris Paul, Josh Smith are all free agents in 2013.

Chris G

Saturday night I watched the Bulls field a starting lineup of Rose, Boozer, and three bench players (Noah, Hamilton, Watson, and Deng were out), and they still beat Utah by double digits. Does that say more about the Bulls or the Jazz?

Bill Ingram

The Bulls – I picked them to win the East based on their depth and second-team talent.

EMAN

Bill, when will trades start picking up the pace, a couple days before or hours away from the 15th of March? Do you anticipate a last minute under the table trade like Gasol in 2008?

Bill Ingram

We’re waiting for the first domino to fall, and that may not happen until Tuesday or Wednesday. Teams want to know they’ve heard the best offer for their players and they also wants to make sure nobody gets hurt. If Minny had traded Ridnour to LA last week they would be royally screwed right now.

Deven

Hi Bill. I’m so sick and tired of hearing all these speculations of who’s gonna end up where. Please tell me big moves will be made by the deadline.

Bill Ingram

You and me both. We get calls from agents for players all over the league wanting to talk about where they might get traded, and most of it is total BS. Fans care more about trade rumors than they do championships, and as long as that is true, all we are going to hear about is trade rumors 24/7. Unfortunately, with Dwight most likely staying, we’re going to keep seeing that same story over and over for the rest of the season. I prefer to wait for a trade to actually go down before talking about it, but that’s not where the industry is.

Will

What could the Rockets offer the Magic for D12?

Bill Ingram

The Rockets are very much interested in Dwight, even if he won’t agree to an extension. I think they would send just about anything, starting with Scola and Martin, but the Magic aren’t interested. They’ve turned down better offers than Houston can make. And again, the Magic aren’t dealing Dwight.

Deven

Will GSW stand pat at the deadline, despite the fact they’re reluctant to trade Monta Ellis because of Stephen Curry’s ankle issues? Will they ever improve? What are you hearing?

Bill Ingram

I think it was a mistake to let Smart go, and that set them back some to start the season. Now they’re pursuing a center – Dwight Howard or Andrew Bogut, specifically. They can’t get Dwight, and even Bogut seems unlikely, but that’s what they’re looking for. They do ultimately need to trade Ellis for a true SG, though. They have maximized the potential of a Curry/Ellis backcourt.

Deven

Is OJ Mayo ever gonna get moved? He’s been the subject on a number of trade rumors for the past few years now.

Bill Ingram

Over the weekend I was told the Grizzlies aren’t open to trading him any more. Be sure and read the NBA@2 today!

JAG

This works money-wise…can the teams live with it? Cavs get Turkoglu and Walton plus a 2012 #1 from the other two teams. Lakers get Howard, Jamison and Sessions and $20M CAP relief. Orlando gets Gasol and Bynum and CAP relief. Fringe players and picks can be added to keep everyone happy.

Bill Ingram

Jimmy Buss is adamant that he won’t trade Bynum – his first pick. Also the Cavs are doing just fine without taking on Hedo and Walton, who together don’t measure up to Jamison.

lakeshow

who will be the Laker point guard on March 16?

Bill Ingram

Ramon Sessions – even though he’s saying he doesn’t want to be traded.

Jazzaholic

The Jazz have expiring contracts for Josh Howard, $2.15m, and CJ Miles, $3.7m. They are both healthy and playing well.

Can you any needs they fill for another team to generate a trade/pick, rather than get nothing at the end of the year?

Bill Ingram

The Utah Jazz are one team that isn’t coming up on anyone’s trade radar. I know they would move Devin Harris, but beyond that I’m not hearing a word about the Jazz looking to get a deal done before the deadline. I LOVE what Kevin O’Connor said about not letting the Deron Williams trade out until the day it happened because it would have changed the landscape for making a deal. More GM’s should exercise the same caution in discussing trades.

Donnell

What do you see the rockets doing trade wise?

Bill Ingram

It seems like Pau Gasol is the most likely answer – we heard numerous reports over the weekend that a deal was close, and my sources in Houston seem to believe that, as well. But will Houston give up Lowry? Remains to be seen . . .they’ve also expressed interest in Beasley.

pancit malabon

The lakers defeated the celtics again and some of the weakness ofbthe celtics are shown. No one can defend bynum and the big 3 is not big no more, rondo dont like to take over in the 4th. What can ainge do to win the east n maybe the finals again? Or i guess the ride is over for boston?

Bill Ingram

You’re absolutely right – the ride is over for Boston. The Lakers aren’t even that good, but still better then the ancient Celtics. I expect a big deadline deal from Boston . . .they’re certainly working the phones.

mr.bogus

Lin and melo is not a good combo. No chemistry at all. I guess they need longer time n better training camp. Can the knicks be patient or can they just trade lin who will play better when he is the main guy like in a team like phoenix for nash??? B.davis show better chemistry team wise .and the knicks cant wait for lin to be consistent. They need nash badly.

Bill Ingram

They need Nash, but they’re not going to get him. A full camp would help, but I do think the time will come when we’re hearing Carmelo Anthony trade talks. It’s likely that D’Antoni gets the axe first, as it’s easier to sell the fan base on a new head coach than a Melo trade after they gave up all those assets to get him.

wowowee

Did mark cuban shared the same book on loyalty with danny ainge? Because he didnt taken care of the people who gave him the ring. Ainge traded powe, posey, perkins,bigbaby n maybe rondo. And cuban didnt signed his championship core. Was that a wise move or a greedy one? Ouchhhhh

Bill Ingram

Exactly. They should have paid attention when the Spurs were winning all those titles with the same core group of players. Instead they went the Orlando route and blew it up without giving the team a real chance to repeat. Of course, overpaying Tyson would have been tough . . .but the cost of a championship is great.

paprika

Is there tension in the dallas locker room now That they are loosing? And maybe some are feeling the pressure of saying goodbye on the deadline?and lastly why do mark cuban need a gm if he is the one doing the moves??? Thanks for your time

Bill Ingram

Donnie Nelson is the front man, the one taking and making all the phone calls about trades. Mark has the final say, though Carlisle has some say, as well. But yes, Mark is ultimately the one who makes the decisions . . .it just saves him time to have Donnie doing the legwork. … There is tension, certainly. That’s a proud group. But there is no fighting or trade demands or any of that drama.

pepeng agimat

Who will win the championship first. Houston ,dallas or san antonio? Why? Thanks

Bill Ingram

Houston first – 1994 – then San Antonio – 1999 – and then Dallas – 2011. Oh wait, you mean which will win one next? Hmmm. San Antonio is clearly the best of the three, and if they’re healthy they could give the Thunder a run for their money. I’ll go with the Spurs.

ryu akuma

Would a kobe and jerry sloan parnershil be a good one or a disaster in a coach player relationship? Who will be the team perfect to ge jerry as their coach?? Wizards? Bobcats????

Bill Ingram

I’d be surprised if Jerry Sloan comes back to the NBA. He walked away because he felt like he couldn’t relate to the modern NBA athlete, where professionalism is not always taken seriously. Kobe takes it VERY seriously, but there are plenty of others in LA who don’t.

Chosen One

What up Bill?
I was having some thoughts on the Lakers hiring Mike Brown for their head coach. I think it was a strategic hire. I think the Lakers knew that they their window of opportunity to win another title was closing, and they saw how Mike lost in the finals with Lebron in Cleveland, so that Mike Brown could take the blame in case they didn’t win, and thus he would be their scapegoat. Thoughts?
(and I’m a Nets fan, not a Lakers fan)

Bill Ingram

The Lakers hired the best available coach . . .now they need to give him the pieces he needs to win. He needs a true, elite point guard, like he had in Cleveland. Mo Williams was huge for them, and perhaps Ramon Sessions can help the Lakers get back on track if that’s who they ultimately get. I don’t think you hire a coach as a scapegoat.

manila

Whats happening to kev martin? Not having his usual minutes and is he really a star ? Can he create his shots or he needs a good point guard to make him shine?

Bill Ingram

Kevin hasn’t been quite right this season, partially because of the McHale rotation, partially because he didn’t get the extension he wanted . . .several factors. Kevin has never been a star player, honestly. He would have to take a much greater interest in the defensive end of the court to be a star. What he is – normally – is the perfect complement to a big man who draws double-teams. That’s not Dalembert, so Kevin has struggled offensively at times. Since he doesn’t defend, that means Courtney Lee sometimes gets more minutes.

Kahari young

Hey bill! This trade line has to be one of the most anticipated deadlines in a while?!do you think Orlando has a chance of landing that one special Player that makes Dwight Howard stay?! What are your predictions of where you think josh smith and monta Ellis lands?!thank you for the read!

Bill Ingram

I think there’s a lot of anticipation for this one, but much of it is unfounded. Dwight’s going nowhere, barring a MAJOR change of heart by Magic ownership. Orlando has little at their disposal to bring in players until the summer of 2013. If they can get Dwight to opt-in, they could be set long-term with Smith and Ellis both possibly landing in Orlando. Sounds like the Hawks and Warriors are reluctant to move their players, as well.

Lior

Instead of trading for Gasol the Rockets should blow up the team. Trade Scola, Martin and possibly Lowry for expiring contracts and draft picks. Keep Lee in free agency (instead of Martin) and start Patterson at PF. Use the cap flexibility to get a real center (or two) in the summer – maybe Kaman and Asik. Get an impact wing.

Bill Ingram

I agree that trading Scola and Martin makes sense, as their successors are already in town. I don’t agree about Lowry. He should stay. Truthfully, how much worse is it for the Rockets to miss the playoffs by maybe 10 games instead of one or two, as currently constructed? That’s the difference between Scola and Patterson at this point, and Patterson would improve with the playing time. If they drop a few more games it moves them up in the draft lottery, and this is a very deep draft class. They can’t convince a star player to come to Houston, so they should put themselves in the position to draft one. Cap flexibility is irrelevant when free agents won’t come to your team.

Cain

Will the Pacers make a trade? I would like Scola, Dragic and Martin for Granger and West.

Bill Ingram

Indy won’t make a big shake-up like that . . .they’re looking to add a player with their cap space, not trade major pieces. Certainly not West and probably not Granger.

Manuel Oliveira

Melo for Iggy? What do you think? Knicks get an all-round glue defensive guy and Sixers get a closer.

Bill Ingram

Closer? No, Sixers get a ball hog who makes them worse immediately.

steveS

The more I watch, the more the Joe Johnson contract is crippling the Hawks. Do you think they’ll amnesty him? If they do – they still have to pay him – can the beleaguered ownership afford a high real payroll, with those $$$millions still going to JJ? What should the Hawks do?

Bill Ingram

They backed themselves into a corner with that deal. The crazy thing is everyone knew it at the time. No one was like, ‘What a smart move signing Joe Johnson to that crazy contract.’ Pretty much everyone was scratching their heads – paying JJ more than Kobe, and Kobe is a far better player. Insanity. Still, amnesty him and pay him to go play for the Pacers, Magic or another conference foe? That would be even crazier.

Hurricane Game

heyy, its my favorite Hoopsworld analyst again!

if dwight is forced between accepting a trade an extension with the bulls or having to wait until free agency and sign with the nets or mavs, which will he take?

like if the magic say they wont deal with the nets because they dont like their pieces and would only deal with chicago

Bill Ingram

Good Morning! That’s not really how it works. You can’t force Dwight to take the extension. He either will or he won’t, and if he won’t the Bulls would be making a HUGE gamble. That’s one reason they haven’t worked out a deal with Orlando. They know Dwight doesn’t want to be there.

Hurricane Game

If the lakers could get a deal of curry and lee for gasol and maybe blake, do you think they would consider using their exception to get a michael beasley or somebody that fits the $ amount?

Bill Ingram

I would think so, though the Warriors are adamant that Curry stays . . .ankle and all.

Tom

If Austin Rivers drops further down the draft rankings and is available when the celtics pick do you think there is a chance they draft him? Not a bad father son combo?

Bill Ingram

I wonder if they would do that . . .kind of creates some tension if things do go as planned. If he doesn’t play well, can Doc separate himself from the fact that it’s his son?

Anthony

With Cleveland being so close to the last playoff spot in the East, do they make a push to get their young guys some experience, or hope for a few more losses to strengthen their draft position?

Bill Ingram

They are serious about winning…having a winning culture is far more important than another lottery pick…making the playoffs is their goal.

Hurricane Game

what % chance would you put on lamar odom,chris kaman, and antwan jamison being bought out this season if not traded?

Bill Ingram

Zero on all counts….

Eric P

Hi Bill

What is happening to my Pacers? IS it all feast or famine? We looked very good against Miami, then looked like a JV squad against Orlando. Any chance we make a move before the deadline? I think to stay stagnant is a mistake

Bill Ingram

They’re looking…a two-guard is priority one, but they’re not having much luck. They know they need a move….

Eric P

Bill, do you know why the Pacers got rid of Rick Carslyle? What was the real reason? Just a matter of time he had been there? I always thought it was a big mistake

Bill Ingram

I’ve been told his personality off the court was an issue, but I’ve gotten to know Rick pretty well in Dallas and he’s a stand-up guy. Intense, but hey, it’s an intense job. He’s a first-rate coach.

keo

Celtics should go for josh smith …so they can build around him and rondo

Bill Ingram

Agreed! That would be a smart move, but Atlanta isn’t too interested in trading Josh.

peter lantz

What are the chances that dwight goes to brooklyn in the summer and Dwill stays? They both can make alot more money if they go to brooklyn than Dallas

Bill Ingram

The money is basically the same either place . . .we’ve been told Deron to Dallas is “a done deal,” but we’ll see. I don’t believe anything’s done until the ink is dry.

vince

1)what moves do you think the lakers should do before the deadline?
2) what are the chances of the lakers getting a top-10 pick in this years draft?

Bill Ingram

No one’s sending the Lakers a top 10 pick . . .

Scott

The Clippers really need some help on the wing and are supposedly looking hard. What are you hearing on this and do they get something done?

Bill Ingram

They’re working the phones, yes . . .not hearing that anything is close, but we’re still a ways away from serious talk. Tomorrow we’ll start to see teams getting really serious.

spurs fan

I know this sounds a little crazy, but how about R. Jefferson and ??? to Milwaukee for Stephen Jackson and Ilyasova? Bucks get rid of a problem and get some talent and maturity, Spurs get some front court help.

Bill Ingram

Pop’s not taking Jackson back – for the same reason he traded him to begin with. Attitude – great for some teams, not good for Pop’s team.

Bill

I don’t have a question, as a Rockets fan I just wanted to say Marshon Brooks is really, really good. Gerald Green also had the dunk of the year in their destruction of the Rockets.

Bill Ingram

LOL . . .agreed on both counts. GG’s dunk was crazy!

Billy M

If the rockets did make a trade for Gasol, would they play Gasol with Dalambert or Gasol with Patterson at the 4? btw I am not for trading for Gasol. Just another non-athlete down there. Nothing less imposing than knowing a center or PF isn’t going to be jumping (see:scola)

Bill Ingram

I believe they would play Dalembert and Gasol together – 5 and 4. And you’re right. I like Pau a lot, but he’s not a vast improvement over Scola. An improvement, yes but not a VAST improvement. He gets you probably 5-7 more wins this season than Scola, and that’s enough to make the playoffs. But they’re roadkill if they draw the Thunder.

Lateak

Is the knicks goin to be ok… I think so… Is jeremy lin tha answer… I want cp3 r nash

Bill Ingram

I think Lin is a good answer . . .you’re not getting Nash of CP3 . . .but the team has issues. Maybe it’s coaching, maybe Carmelo needs to go. I tend to think it’s the latter.

mike myers

so do you see the wizards trading javale, blatche or anybody before the deadline!!!!

Bill Ingram

Basically anybody but John Wall, right? I know they would trade anyone else, and have interest in Bogut…but not hearing anything imminent….

Josh

On a scale of 1 to ten, what are the odds the Celtics win the division? (Home court play-offs) If not, as a 7 or 8 seed, I view that still as a tough draw for Miami or Chicago. Go Boston!

Bill Ingram

No chance Boston wins the division . . .it’s all Philly now, barring a major injury to the Sixers. I think they’re the 7th seed, and toast at the hands of the Bulls or HEAT. The Celtics need to rebuild . . .but they have a good front office and Ainge will get it done quickly, I’m sure.

JP

I think that even with Rubio Injury Minnesota should move on from this season and think in the future and start answering some questions like which players form the core of the future and which don’t.
Rubio is the PG, Williams is your SF, Love your PF, Let´s say Pekovic improves defensively and is your C. What players do you keep of this roster that helps you get a championship from the bench and what players do you trade for to reach that championship.
Do you keep Barea or Ridnour – Ellignton or Lee – …?
Thanks!

Bill Ingram

You always have to do both as a young and developing team – make the best decisions for now and also plan for the future. I keep Barea because Ridnour has better trade value, though I obviously don’t trade him this week with Rubio out. The Wolves are still a playoff team, IMHO. I’m not too impressed by Ellington or Johnson, and haven’t seen enough of Lee to make a call.

joel robinson

I really think the Lakers are a quality point guard away from being feared in the playoffs. Do you think they can get Sessions or Felton without giving up Pau?

Bill Ingram

I think they need to trade Pau after talking about it so much. Sessions wouldn’t take Pau, though. The Blazers and Rockets are obviously looking for a big, though.

Clinton

Even if lowry according to sources isnt in the deal LA, does him being out 2 to 4 weeks affect discussions between LA and HOU?

Bill Ingram

Not at all. He’ll be back and he’ll be fine. As long as the Rockets have a PG to run, and they can always call up a D-League player. Houston’s scouts are AMAZING . . .finding talent in odd places.

rocketsfan

Hey Bill love the chat. Why isn’t Houston an attractive city anymone for big name free agents? In the past it wasn’t to hard to bring them in because they wanted to play here is D Morey to blame?

Bill Ingram

Alright, last question, everyone. Tried to touch on every team that was asked about, so here’s one last Houston question. Yes, the management style implemented by Morey is the reason. It’s a very smart business model – keeping the cost of restricted free agents extremely low and not overpaying anyone, but the NBA is not JUST a business. If it were JUST a business the Rockets would be right there with OKC in the West. As much as the NBA is a business, there is also a very personal side, and that’s where Morey has come up short, according to players and agents who have had dealings with him. Agents don’t want their players in Houston and players don’t want to be there. Sad . . .such a great basketball city, too. Hopefully that situation will change soon. HOOPSWORLD’s Stephen Brotherston is up next to hold down his weekly chat at 3pm EST. Drop your questions in now!

Bill Ingram

It’s like he never came back from Orlando, right? Maybe he forgot to pace himself with all of the parties that go along with the event. He needs to get his game back quickly – the Pacers can’t win without his A-game.