NBA Chat with Bill Ingram 3/4/13

1. LA in LA

   I was a little shocked during Collin’s postgame rant that he name dropped Nikola Vucevic as an important player the 76ers were missing. Is this the same Vucevic he only play 15mpg last year and got a whooping 3 playoff minutes? Collins didnt use him enough to complain about his absence…

   • Bill Ingram

     Good Morning, everyone, and welcome to the chat! Hindsight is always clear as a bell, isn’t it? Vucevic is playing well and Bynum may miss the entire season . . .hard not to have second thoughts. Collins is struggling to maintain his passion for coaching in that difficult situation, and while it’s easy to understand that, it’s still the job. Vucevic is gone, and unless Marty McFly pulls up in Collins’ driveway in his DeLorean, Vucevic is not coming back.

2. LA in LA

   Unpopular opinion:
   I know I’m in the minority here but I actually find the Spurs fun to watch. I love the precision they play with, how TP penetrates because he’s amazing in the paint, TD game is very enjoyable despite complaints of him being boring, etc.

   On the other hand, I find the Nuggets offense to be boring, discombobulated mess. If they can’t get a transition bucket, I saw a stat that they’re FG% is like 30% in half court. And honestly they’re transition game isn’t nearly as spectacular as the Heat or OKC unless it involved McGee or Faried.

   Thoughts?

   • Bill Ingram

     I have always enjoyed watching the Spurs. We’re talking about a team that drafted well, developed their talent, and have won four championships as a result. If the season was 20 games shorter they probably would have two more titles to their credit, but by the time they get through 82 games their injuries are too much to overcome. I also find the modern NBA, where transition is key, to be somewhat less exciting than old school ball. So few teams have dominant one-on-three players who can score at will in the half court, and Denver is a great example. It’s hard to stop their transition game, but if you can you can beat the Nuggets.

3. LA in LA

   I think Shane Battier is more important than Chris Bosh to the Heat, and definitely equal, especially since acquiring the Birdman. 11 of the Heat’s 14 losses have come either when Battier wasn’t playing or when he shot below league average (35%) from 3. Also, they’re 33-2 when shoots at least 40% from 3P. And for some reason he, rather than Cole, is usually left open despite shooting 42%.

   • Bill Ingram

     No argument here, and since the Heat are not going to be able to afford to have three guys making $20 million per season under the new CBA, it wouldn’t surprise me to see them shop Bosh at some point.

4. APHX10

   Bill hello

   Can see Lakers high as 6th and IF they keep winning as GSW, UTA, and HOU are starting to crack a little (not to say they don’t hold up). If that be the case we get to see the Battle of LA…would this be seen as a bigger rivalry than say LA VS BOS?

   • Bill Ingram

     Isn’t it interesting that the Warriors have gotten worse with Andrew Bogut back, even though it seemed like his return would mark the Warriors’ run for a home court spot in the first round? It’s almost like having a dominant big man is now a disadvantage in the NBA. Houston doesn’t appear to be cracking, and Utah keeps getting it done despite the odds, but the Warriors? They might give the Lakers a window. Even if the Lakers were able to see the Clippers in the first round, it takes years to form a rivalry. Boston/LA was one for the ages.

5. Rockets fan

   Hi bill

   I’m a big Terrence jones fan. He was playing really well in D-league. Just wondering why is he not getting any playing time after the trade. Not knocking on D-Mo at all but I thought Jones have really good potential as well. Is he that bad in practice?

   • Bill Ingram

     I think he is just lost in a numbers game . . .the Rockets are overloaded at both forward positions, which is why they were trying to trade Jones at the deadline. D-Mo is playing pretty well with 2Pat gone and now they have Thomas Robinson waiting for minutes. Not a good time to be a promising young forward in Houston’s system.

6. Alex in Burbank

   Bill, Does Kobe think he’s 21 again? How is it, at 34 he’s gone DUNK crazy recently? Amazing! Will The Lakers make the playoffs? .500 for first time in 2013. What says you?

   • Bill Ingram

     As I’ve said many times, it’s not smart to write off a team with Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash running the show. Pau and Dwight are expendable, but with two of the best to ever play the game in the backcourt, the Lakers are dangerous. That said, their fate rests in the hands of others. The Rockets, Jazz and Warriors control the Lakers’ destiny. If those three teams don’t lost enough games, the Lakers are toast. As for Kobe, that knee surgery he had in Europe appears to have taken years off of his knee!

7. Devonte

   Now that josh selby was waived by the cavs, can someone pick him up and what are the likes of the knicks doing so?

   • Bill Ingram

     Sure . . .once he clears waivers he is eligible for a 10-day contract. New York seems unlikely, but a team with playing time for a young player could take a flier.

8. Cain

   Brighter future, Paul George or Damian Lillard? Both 22yo, however Lillard has played more basketball in his lifetime.

   • Bill Ingram

     Wow . . .good question. Paul George is showing All-Star potential, essentially playing Danny Granger out of a job unless he can make the transition to two-guard effectively. That said, Damian Lillard has been unflappable, making huge plays, game-winning threes, and looking like one of the best rookies to come along in some time. If I had to choose I might go with Lillard because of how important the PG position is in the modern NBA, but you can’t go wrong either way.

9. Jim in CyberSpace

   It’s amazing how fast Marcus Smart’s stock his risen for the NBA draft?

   I grew up on a farm 20 miles west of Stillwater. Old Gallagher Hall days, before the re-model, Mr Iba, Paul Hansen, Leonard Hamilton, Eddie Sutton, seen all that stuff in person. My Daughter graduated from Okie State.

   But I’m still a DIE HARD SOONER FAN! Can’t wear anything orange. I Love What Lon Kruger is doing in Norman. I think he’s about to take 5 different teams to the Big Dance? Has that been done before? And he does it the right way don’t ya think?

   • Bill Ingram

     Speaking of the importance of point guard play, enter Marcus Smart, who is widely regarded as the best point guard in this year’s draft class and could even be a top five pick when all is said and done. It’s great to see Kruger having such unprecedented success at the college level after a rough ride in the NBA.

10. Sean

    There’s no doubt in my mind Thomas Robinson can become a good starting player but D-Mo is more promising in my mind. With both of them capable of developing into very good players, what position will we look to really upgrade? I’m still not sold on Lin being the PG of the team the Rockets can become in the near future.

    • Bill Ingram

      Jeremy is still a question mark, that’s true. He has amazing games, like last night, but then he has a long stretch of average games. PF is still Houston’s biggest question, and I think if you could sign David West the Rockets would be ready to contend. He’s a seasoned veteran who makes big plays late in games and has a calming influence on the young players around him. Lin might be good enough with one more All-Star alongside him, and West is such a star. West could also groom D-Mo and T-Rob to eventually take his place.

11. Ludwig

    hey Bill how are you? Winter is getting boring here in Germany! So Sacramento have an counteroffer for my Kings on table. What’s the chance now the Kings actually stay in your opinion?

    • Bill Ingram

      Hello Germany! I think “boring” is one of winter’s defining characteristics, isn’t it? After the holiday season it’s kind of a let-down. Sacramento did submit a bid, and while I have not seem the details, Kevin Johnson said it was a “competitive” bid. If the league’s owners agree, the Kings might stay put. I have a feeling they will be moving to Seattle, though.

12. dave

    Bill, after watching Michigan State a few times, I’ve been impressed with Adreian Payne, yet I don’t see his name in any mock drafts. He looks like a hard-working Josh Smith, a definite lottery pick. I also like James Southerland from Syracuse (even more of a JS comparison), but I don’t see his name either. What’s up?

    • Bill Ingram

      Good question for our resident NCAA expert, Yannis Koutroupis. Or ask me again after the Tournament . . .

13. keo

    Why isnt anyone talking about the Pacers? They’re 2nd in the east and i dont think people are taking them seriouse.

    • Bill Ingram

      Anyone not taking the Pacers seriously isn’t watching much basketball. They are the only team in the East that can take out the HEAT, as they’ve shown this season. If they can get Granger back and 100% and find a smooth transition for George to the two, the Pacers could be the Eastern Conference champs.

14. JP

    Hi Bill! As always I have some questions about my Twolves team…
    A-If you have to pick between Barea & Ridnour to keep at Minne, you choose …?
    B-If you have to upgrade a position in the roster (deep wise), would it be …?
    C-Is Tim Hardaway Jr a good option potential wise for our backcourt?
    D-Have you ever saw Nemanja Bjelica? Do you have an opinion about him?
    Thanksss!

    • Bill Ingram

      A) Barea because of his knack for changing the tempo of the game and confusing the defense. B) A starting two-guard. No question. C) I’ve actually seen him play a couple of times (and I don’t watch much NCAA) and he looks promising. A little small for the two, which makes him a rough choice for the Wolves. D) He does a little bit of everything – can handle the ball at 6’10″ and play three or four positions. Interesting prospect.

15. Kuda

    Bynum is not playing this season Philly know that so why not shut down the Big man and call it a season for him? Raptors are done who goes next Coach or GM?

    • Bill Ingram

      It would still be nice for them to at least see what he looks like in the lineup before giving him a max deal next summer. I’m guessing GM, since Colangelo’s replacement is already in house with Stefanski.

16. Jerry

    What are your thoughts on DMo so far now that he is getting regular playing time? Was Morey somewhat forcing KM’s hand to give him playing time by trading Marcus Morris as the TRob trade was obviously a talent upgrade over Patterson?

    • Bill Ingram

      Not at all . . .McHale and Morey are on the same page. D-Mo has earned his time with the way he played for the Vipers, and is now showing he is ready to take the next step. It will be up to Robinson to prove he deserves the minutes.

17. Paul

    Houston looking good. Looks like they got a legit shot at the sixth seed. Grizzlies look like they could get past the clips for the 3 seed. If we can get the grizzlies in the first round… don’t you feel like we could knock them off? Asik can shut down Gasol, we’d have the best player on the court,and we’ve always played pretty competitive with the grizzlies… Agree or disagree? What seed do you think the Rockets will end up getting?

    • Bill Ingram

      Predicting a seed is premature, as there are too many games left to be played. I wouldn’t want ANY PART of Memphis, though, as Tony Allen and Tayshaun Prince can stop Harden and then the Rockets would be toast. I’d rather see the Clippers than Memphis, to be honest.

18. Josh

    Hi Bill! So Dion Waiters won rookie of the month and looks like he’s really starting to get it. Whats your thoughts on the Cavaliers’ future and who do you envision them drafting this year? A big like Len or small forward Shabazz? Thanks Bill, have a great day!

    • Bill Ingram

      I love that backcourt duo. Got to spend a little time around Kyrie Irving at All-Star and I was nothing but impressed with the way he carries himself on and off the court. I’d go big in the draft, try to find a solid young big to groom right along with Irving and Waiters.

19. Devin Brooks

    Bill, What do you think Joe D should do this off-season with the Pistons? Do you think Trading Knight to Orlando to get their draft pick.

    • Bill Ingram

      If I’m Detroit I’ve had enough of Joe D. My first move would be to fire him and hire someone like David Morway, who rebuilt the Pacers.

20. Devin Brooks

    Bill, How good can B.Knight be for Detroit? Can he be as good as Lillard or Irving? also, Can we get Cousin for Monroe straight up

    • Bill Ingram

      I like Brandon a lot, but he hasn’t shown any signs of being as good as Lillard or Irving, unfortunately. No chance of that trade, no.

21. huh

    with the raptors now out of the playoff picture do see casey giving more minutes to JV and T Ross and even Acy

    • Bill Ingram

      That time will obviously come, but I don’t think you’ll see the Raptors call it a day just yet, even though they are clearly toast.

22. blazerman

    I know the Blazers will be looking to get another ctr in the off season and Id assume they they will get an already proven NBA ctr. Next up would be a backup 2/3, if they get the 12th pick in the draft who would be a good fit and or a veteran that could be had in the offseason that would work in Portland.

    • Bill Ingram

      Nikola Pekovic is their dream of all dreams for the offseason. He would be fabulous next to Aldridge, though the Wolves would be insane to let him go. It’s a little early to talk about draft, but if you’re picking in the 11-12 range and looking for a small forward, it’s likely going to be Georgetown’s Otto Porter.

23. Brian

    With you being the resident rocketguy I’m trying my plea with you. Please get rocket fans to realise a big name star is not coming as a free agent. Being a Spurs fan I have seen it first hand no matter how good your future looks they won’t come. I tried telling this to mavs fans and they wouldn’t listen don’t let Houston fans become the new mavs fans.

    • Bill Ingram

      Alright, last question, everyone! As crazy as it is that players don’t want to play in a state with no income tax, you’re absolutely right. The Rockets have had zero success luring big name free agents and have had to radically overpay the two they just got in Lin and Asik. Dallas has a better reputation than Houston and Cuban will get someone to head to Big D, but I am not holding out any hope that some big free agent is going to ride in to save the day in Houston. Thanks for spending some of your Monday with us here at HOOPSWORLD!

24. miller

    hey bill just a prediction hope you dont mind???which teams will go to the nba finals???thanks a lot bill

    • Bill Ingram

      One more slipped in. My pick is OKC/Miami, but I can also see San Antonio and Indiana as dark horses.