NBA Chat With Bill Ingram 3/26/2012

1. vince

   the lakers have been struggling, once they get it together do you think they’ll be contenders? if not what would it take to be an elite team. I believe they can challenge ANY team in a series just had a bad series vs dallas.

   • Bill Ingram

     I think they were exhausted against Dallas last year. Kobe looked done, Odom and Bynum lost their cool – complete team collapse. Not sure they’re much better this season. Kobe is Kobe and Sessions has been fabulous, but when the bench steps onto the court the Lakers get a whole lot worse, and in the playoffs you need bench production. I wouldn’t count them out, but I think the Lakers, Mavericks and Spurs are all a significant step below the OKC Thunder. Did you see how they handled the Heat last night? Impressive . . .

2. Jazzaholic

   We Jazz fans have been quietly spending our 2 lotto picks.

   However, the 2 overtime wins, the HATED Laker road victory, OKC, Denver and 6 straight throw considerable doubt on the Jazz playing poor enough to stay out of the playoffs.

   If they make the playoffs, they lose their pick to MIN, and if the Warriors dive to #7, they go pickless.

   So, have the Jazz “kids” (Hayward, Favors, Kanter and Burks) turned the corner?
   From a very biased view, they are playing really well and getting better every game.

   Are the Jazz playoff bound?

   • Bill Ingram

     Good Morning, Everyone, and welcome to the chat! The Jazz are playing better, that’s true, and with Denver and Houston struggling (partially due to injuries), the door is wide open. If Utah can close out the month with wins over NJ and SAC, which seems very likely, and then take one of the other two games – @Boston or @ the struggling Clippers – things can get interesting. My gut tells me Denver is a playoff team, so Utah might not be, but the Nuggets keep finding ways to lose games. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Jazz make the playoffs. Not surprised at all.

3. Mateo

   I think ainge is not doing good as gm. His indecision to acquire players they need and to maximize potential of their rookies cost them a lot. Im saying this in comparison with spurs. They both have aging and injury prone core but look at the spurs, they are far better than the celtics. Injury is not an excuse not to win games because they should have a plan b for it. They could have acquired their much needed big during off-season, trade or thru free agency. Look at the spurs, theyve developed and used their rookie and even acquired diaw and jackson without sacrificing their core players. I think blaming the aging core started from ainge so as he has an escape goat to all thats happening with the celtics. Not to forget, he traded perkins. As what shaq said, he’s the a$$… of the team. What do u think?

   • Bill Ingram

     The Perkins trade was clearly a mistake, and I think everyone knew Jermaine O’Neal was finished except Danny. That said, he’s giving this veteran group one more chance to show what they can do, and I think they’ve earned that. There wasn’t a move that got Boston into the Finals, so let KG, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce have their swan song and then get ready to rebuild. Ainge isn’t the best GM by any stretch, but I don’t think he’s terrible, either. He’s certainly no Otis Smith . . .

4. Bugsy

   Hey Bill,
   Other Irving and Knight, who are locked, which of this seasons’ rookies will be regular starters next season? Derrick Williams? Faried?, T or K Thompson? Kemba Walker or perhaps Vucevic? Will Biyombo, Leonard and Parsons hold their spots?

   • Bill Ingram

     Faried is a good bet – they traded Nene and he’s been starting and great ever since. He’s only going to get better. The Bobcats were trying to move Augustin at the deadline, so Walker is a good bet, too. The only way Parsons loses his spot is if Houston makes a significant move for a three, but they are THRILLED with Chandler. Derrick Williams likely still off the bench behind Love, assuming Pekovic is healthy.

5. calvinzero

   Hi, Bill. nice you are back to the chat. I have to post 3 questions and i hope that you answer all of this:

   1. Is Ryan Hollins a BIG answer for the Celtics now that the countdown for playoffs is approaching? Why or why not?

   2. Can the Chicago Bulls survive the playoff games with Derrick Rose health status is full of uncertainty?? Can John Lucas and CJ Watson handle the pressure if Rose suffered again an injury? For me, the Bulls shall be in the Finals.

   3. What are the lessons learned of this lockout shortened season?

   • Bill Ingram

     I’m here every Monday! 1) Ryan’s a good guy, but depend on him at your own risk…2) They will benefit from the wins they’ve put together without Rose, but when the playoffs come they don’t make it to the Finals without Rose close to 100%. It’s smart to sit him now. 3) 66 games is too many for this period of time.

6. rayshard

   Do you think Orlando can get Deron Williams with a sign and trade, Orlando can give them jameer jj 1st round pick and a trade exception for Deron?

   • Bill Ingram

     Absolutely not. The Nets will either re-sign Williams or lose him to Dallas. They wouldn’t do anything to help the Magic keep Dwight long-term. That was THEIR dream.

7. jack

   Bill, do you think Memphis is trying to purposely tank some games to position themselves to be a 7 seed to get San Antonio in the first round, and to avoid OKC until as late as possbile? I know they tanked games last year just to get the Spurs in the first round.

   • Bill Ingram

     Fans think more about seedings than teams – especially in March. There is no chance the Grizzlies will intentionally lose a game, not with Utah, Houston, Denver and Phoenix all gunning for their playoff spot. I also don’t think anyone wants to intentionally match-up with the Spurs. They were hurt when the playoffs started last year, and would like nothing better than to come back healthy and redeem themselves against Memphis.

8. alan

   Bill, what’s your take on Jordan Hill? Did he not fit into the rotations of NY and Houston? It appears that he has not progressed as some would have expected for a high draft pick!? What is his expected role with the Lakers? Are they likely to keep him, or do you see him becoming a FA at the end of the year? Just curious what his future role with the Lakers will be (if any).

   • Bill Ingram

     Jordan isn’t a player who works hard to improve his game. He’s talented, but his height is his primary asset. He doesn’t “get it,” and that’s why he’s been moved twice. He’s more about the lifestyle of the NBA than the business of working hard every day, coming to the gym ready to sweat blood, and improving every single day. His role with the Lakers is to help them save some luxury tax dollars next season.

9. philip fletcher

   Does Boris Diaw help the spurs become a real threat to come out of the west?

   • Bill Ingram

     They were already a threat – not a favorite, but a threat. If Diaw will remember what it means to play hard now that something is actually at stake, he could be a great asset. Most likely, he’s a footnote, but to win playoff series you need footnotes.

10. damian

    Why didnt the cavs trade antawan Jamison?
    I noticed he said that he has no business now that Lebron left. He mentions how he wants to win before the end of his.career and doesnt want to be part of a rebuilding team.
    He sucks for cavs. He has a low IQ, takes bad shots, plays no d. There is a reason warriors and wizards were so happy to get rid of him.
    Smart thing wizards got nene to replace Jamison, better defender.
    He was an expiring contract,,they coulda had lits of draft picks and others for him.

    Its not like cavs would have lots of.money next year.
    This is a mistake jusy like not tradung Lebron knowing he woukd leave Cleveland.
    Y keep a player thats has an attitute and showing displeasure.

    • Bill Ingram

      Jamison is a winner, someone who is great for the locker room and still has some game left on the court. As much as anything, the Cavs want positive players around their young core, and Jamison is a very positive player. Jamison would like to win, but it’s not the most important thing. He even said he wouldn’t mind playing back home in Charlotte. He’s happy, the team is happy with him . . .so they didn’t trade him.

11. jaram

    why do people hate hasheem thabeet as a player. do u think he is a great, underrated player? if you watch his highlights in uconn in 08-09 season you would see he was dominating. averaging 14 points and 11 rebounds is pretty good that he had in uconn.

    • Bill Ingram

      I don’t think anyone hates Hasheem – he’s a nice enough guy. You just don’t want him on your team because he doesn’t care about being a great basketball player. He could leave for Africa tomorrow and go back to playing soccer and be as happy as could be. But as long as someone wants to pay him for being tall, he’ll take the check. You won’t see him on the court if the game is even slightly in doubt.

12. lyon

    Is zach Randolph a chemistry killer, overrated?
    I noticed that he is a bad teammate, and a chem. Killer. Notice how Memphis was winning then he came back, and they lost to crappy azz teams Like the kings, raptors.about overrated he,is. He is too fat to run, dunk, jump. Never seen him play d, block shots,dunk. For simeone his size he cant do not fo any of dat cause he is fat. There is a reason Portland, NY, clippers were happy to get rid of him, cause he is a horrible teammate, and fat
    Now after his injury he lookes fattened up even more.

    • Bill Ingram

      Not sure why you say he’s a bad teammate or a chemistry killer – his teammates would disagree. He’s an All-Star, and the primary reason why they made the playoffs last year even without Rudy Gay. The Grizzlies were finding ways to win without him, that’s true, and it takes time to work a player back into the rotation after so much time away, but the Grizzlies are much better with him than without him. They were a team-high +17 with him on the floor last night, as they beat the Lakers.

13. Deven

    Should I be concerned, as a Knicks fan, about Amare’s back issue? I mean, they didn’t need him in the 4th Q against Detroit. How bad is it?

    • Bill Ingram

      Mike Woodson says he’s concerned, so I would be concerned. The Pistons are awful, so beating them without Amar’e isn’t exactly a revelation. Woody better find a few more 4th quarters to rest him or the Knicks’ playoff hopes could be in doubt.

14. manila jeepney

    Even though how pretty the heat look in paper in the game okc heat,the buttomline is they are not that deep. They still relly on the wade james combo to win compared to the team game of okc.is depth the problem in miami to surely win it all. Im a laker fan but i see bulls /thunder in the finals.but i wish im wrong and it will be the lakers/heat.i guess stern wants this too for the ratings right? Haha

    • Bill Ingram

      Well, when you spend the bulk of your money on three players you’re not counting on depth to help you win. Bottom line. Their big three has to be better than most other team’s starting five and even the first guy off the bench. That’s not true in the case of OKC, where the Thunder are very bit as good defensively and have a lot of unselfish guys who can score if called upon. I called Bull/OKC before the season started, and provided Rose is healthy that’s still my pick.

15. 3 stars and the sun

    Lang once said in a chat kobe and cp3 if that deal happened would play well no problem because they are great.i disagree,cp3 is the point guard version of kobe. They both want the ball. I guess in my opinion its like ny’s melo and amare.look good in paper but no chemistry.im glad cp3 is still in LA but im happy session and pau are lakers. Your thoughts sir?

    • Bill Ingram

      I think people get excited by the idea of guys playing together based upon popularity instead of considering whether or not their skills would complement each other. That said, I have seen some willingness from Kobe to let Sessions have the ball and create the offense – if he will let Sessions continue to do that it will mean Kobe doesn’t have to completely carry the team. Maybe he and CP3 could have been good together.

16. paprika

    Please explain to me why did the magics let go of c.lee when they just got in a finals game?? Why they got an old v.carter and break the champions core ? Well seing c.lee now i guess he could’ve been howard’s robin.the only thing wrong about that roster was a point guard.nelson for me was the weak link. Your thoughts bill?

    • Bill Ingram

      Ownership wanted Jameer in the starting lineup when Rafer Alston was the one who got them there and Jameer wasn’t really ready to return. That cost them a title, perhaps. And then trading for Carter was terrible . . .never break up the core of a team that just got to the NBA Finals. Ever.

17. paprika

    If only mark cuban didnt sleep in this year trade d’line they couldve been favotites again.hello! We lost chandler! The blazers was on a garage sale! Marcus camby ring a bell???? Or a gerald wallace !? Come on man! Mavs need new advisers n scouting guys! Haha just a fan shouting my cries!

    • Bill Ingram

      He didn’t sleep – he want to the Camans. Seriously, though, he has the roster he wants. It’s not about a championship this year – it’s about having the cap space to go after Deron Williams this summer.

18. Eric Aldridge

    Both Brook Lopez and Eric Gordon have been out pretty much all season and both of them are Restricted free agents this summer, what are there values? Are they both All Star talent and how good will they be in a few years?

    • Bill Ingram

      Lopez is an All-Star, yes, and he is aided in that cause by the fact that there is really only one great center in the East. When healthy, Lopez is better than Horford, Hibbert, etc. Eric Gordon may have that potential, but he’s not there yet. Both will get paid this summer by the Nets and Hornets, respectively.

19. Eric Aldridge

    What are your thoughts on Marshon Brooks? What can his potential and upside be? He has alot of Kobe in his game

    • Bill Ingram

      I like his game a lot . . .he has the potential to be a future star for the Nets. I really think even without Dwight, if the Nets can keep D-Will, they have a very bright future when everyone’s healthy.

20. Thomas Pynchon

    Does anyone get more of a free pass than Durant? This guy could go 5-30 every night and somehow the blame will be pinned on Westbrook. He’s not even the best player on his team and Kevin Love has been better than him all season and has not gotten any MVP hype-what’s up with that?

    • Bill Ingram

      LeBron James gets the biggest free pass in the NBA. It’s not even close. Durant is BY FAR the best player on his team. I like Russ, but let’s be real – Durant is the MVP. He’s also shooting career-best 50% from the field this season . . .so you’re not going to see a 5-for-30 night. If he was going 5-for-30 every night he would be getting KILLED in the media. That’s how it works. He and Russ may be the best one-two punch in the NBA.

21. Hurricane Game

    Morning Bill! in your ideal world, where would you like certain players to be drafted to?

    i would like to see anthony davis to the hornets or cavs

    MKG to the kings or hornets

    Sullinger to the bucks or hornets

    Drummond to the cavs or wizards

    lamb to portland(nets pick)

    Arnett Moultrie to detroit or the kings

    and maybe marshal to utah

    where you would you like to see certain players end up?

    and God help the player that gets drafted to the Bobcats,lol

    • Bill Ingram

      In MY perfect world the Rockets win the draft lottery and Anthony Davis is in red and white next season. Since that’s unlikely, yes, Davis in Cleveland with Irving would be great for the Cavs. They would be set for a long, long time. Or Davis to Charlotte to play with Biyombo on the front line – people don’t love on the Bobcats, but that would be a great front line. I’d also like to see Moultrie in Houston, perhaps with that Dallas pick.

22. Hurricane Game

    hypothetical situation, the magic get knocked out in round 1, the season starts and the rumors begin about him wanting to leave, williams is in dallas, and howard has no other choice to than either to play it out in orlando or team up with rose in chicago(who got bounced out by miami in 7 in 2012) and sign the extension with them in the offseason, does he accept a trade to chi?

    or does he come up with a plot to end up with cp3 on the clippers or maybe they sign with the bobcats or something?

    • Bill Ingram

      The Magic aren’t going to play that game with Dwight next season. They’ve already told him. If it starts like that they will trade him before the season gets underway. The Bulls aren’t trading for Dwight unless he re-ups. They would be crazy to do that . . .as would any other team except perhaps NJ – but that’s IF Deron is still in town. A lot has to happen before we worry about D12 again.

23. Mario

    Bill my favorite hoopsworld writer ok i need to know if The bulls exit The playoffs early again this year where do we go From here i read The article about them still having interest in pau gasol and dwight howard and after that last game against orlando and dwight joking with derrick and boozer he might be reconsidering. Whats your take on all of this.

    • Bill Ingram

      Thanks! Much appreciated! Honestly, I don’t see Chicago being bounced early unless Rose is still hurting. They are resting him now, and that’s smart. Better to have the second seed and a healthy Rose than the first seed and Rose playing every other game. The interest in Gasol was only if the Lakers would take Boozer – that was over before it started. Noah is no Dwight, but the Bulls are just fine at center. No need to rent Dwight short-term.

24. Clinton

    Do Rockets find a way to hold onto a playoff berth in your opinion?

    • Bill Ingram

      Tough to see it, though not for lack of trying. They’ve been impressive, but they still lack that player who gets you the OT win against Dallas. They should get Sac tonight, but then it’s @ Dallas, hosting the Grizzlies and Pacers, then a brutal road trip to the Lakers and Bulls . . .tough road ahead. Not saying it can’t be done – especially with Denver, Utah and Phoenix all playing up and down, but tough road for Houston.

25. Billy M

    Any word on K Lowry in the last week? I was also wondering if you think Dragic should at the very least get more minutes when he does come back (or start).

    • Bill Ingram

      Lowry is your starter, despite Dragic’s brilliant play. Lowry is still on IV at least part-time, so I think it will be a while.

26. DAVID G YOUNG

    WHAT WILL THE ROCKETS DO WITH LEE AND DRAGIC AT THE END OF THE SEASON? WHO WOULD YOU RATHER HAVE LEE OR MARTIN?

    • Bill Ingram

      I would rather have Lee because he plays both ends of the floor. Martin is a great scorer when he’s on, but when he’s off you might as well bench him, as McHale has done. Dragic is the perfect backup PG because he can start and give you just as much production as your starter. Both are in Houston’s long-term plans unless a great trade comes along that sends them out.

27. Joe Shafer

    With Courtney Lee being a better (and more play off established) player and Dragic excelling with the opportunity should the rockets cash in Lowry and Martin for a big man (NOT PAU) and/or a swing man. Try to land a young big with potential (hibbert etc) or a draft pick to grab Cody Zeller?

    • Bill Ingram

      That’s exactly what Houston is looking to do . . .find a trade for a star-caliber player that sends out multiple very good players to help a team that needs depth. So far they haven’t found that deal, but they are forever optimistic.

28. dyrese

    will the knicks try to move amare during the summer and what do the think the knicks could get for him in return in best case scenario?i would say at least a forward and one 1st round pick

    • Bill Ingram

      Alright, last question, everyone! Even if the Knicks wanted to trade Amar’e they would have a VERY hard time finding a team that would take on his contract given his knee/back concerns. He’ll make more than $65 million over the next three seasons. As always, thanks for spending some of your Monday with us here at HOOPSWORLD. Our next chat is with Stephen Brotherston in Toronto – drop your questions in here!

29. phil

    Do you think Otis Smith is the GM in Orlando next season?

    • Bill Ingram

      I’d be SHOCKED . . .completely and totally SHOCKED.