NBA Chat With Bill Ingram 4/2/12

1. Gunnar

   I remember asking you a question some time ago about whom you would pick: Tyreke Evans or James Harden. You said Evans. Willing to admit you were wrong?

   • Bill Ingram

     Good Morning, everyone, and welcome to the chat! Kermit, I guess it depends on what you’re looking for. Their numbers are almost identical, though Harden has been more efficient this season. Evans was labeled a star in Sacramento, and he has not been that. Harden was labeled a supporting piece in OKC and he has been all that and a bag of chips. If Evans were playing as a sixth-man behind Durant and Westbrook, how would that change his game? How would Harden be as the labeled “star” of his own team? Hard to say. But Harden is absolutely having the better year this year.

2. calvinzero

   How the Brooklyn Nets(in the next season) affect their campaign after the Deron Williams possibly transfer to the Dallas Mavs?? Who do you think is the best substitute for Deron if he ever decides that he will wear Dallas uniform??

   • Bill Ingram

     There are definitely some interesting options out there, all of them much less expensive than Deron Williams. I make my homerun pitch to Goran Dragic, who clearly deserves to be a full time starter in the NBA. Failing that, you could look at Jason Terry, DJ Augustin, or try to lure Jeremy Lin away from the Knicks, but all of those seem unlikely. If the Nets lose Williams, they can add 2-3 players for the same amount of money, and they might just be better off . . .provided they can land someone like Dragic to lead the way.

3. Sweet Dee

   Joel Brigham supports players refusing to play for a certain rebuilding team as players at the end of their career should be only concerned with winning titles (as that’s what they will be remembered for). Questions: Do you agree with Brigham’s argument and refusing to report to a team (ex. Toronto) is justifiable in certain circumstances. Or do you believe NBA players are getting paid millions of dollars and should report to Siberia if needed to honor the contract signed. Your thoughts.

   • Bill Ingram

     While I do think there is some value to saying players should go where they are paid to go, I can also understand Derek Fisher preferring OKC to Houston. Every veteran wants to be on a playoff team . . .especially one with a shot at winning a championship. There is also the financial consideration to take into account. Veterans want two things – to get paid as much as possible while they can still get it, and to compete for a title. If they are traded to a team that can’t do either one or both of those things, they have some tools with which to get what they want. One of those is to refuse to show and force a buyout or trade.

4. Cricket

   There are differing opinions on the approach of Mark Cuban and the Mavericks this year . After winning the NBA title, they decided to tank for a year to set themselves up to get Deron Williams. If they do, then mini-money. If they don’t, one less year with their star Disco. If you were Mark Cuban, would you have done the same thing or brought back the title winning squad to look to repeat?

   • Bill Ingram

     The easy answer is I bring everyone back. I hate it when a team wins a title or gets to the Finals and then blows it up. The Mavs did that in 2006, the Magic did it three years later. The most successful teams – Lakers, Spurs – of this century have kept the primary pieces the same while tweaking the supporting cast. To me, Mark is wasting a year of Dirk’s career and probably the LAST year of Kidd’s career in hopes of building a contender around Deron. Yet he had a contender without Deron . . .who I am not convinced is a championship point guard.

5. Jay

   Hey Bill, I was wondering in your opinion for Sundays games, which play was crazier? A.Bradley giving Wade a dose of his own meducine by stuffing the sh** out of him, or Westbrook throwing it down over Asik? Both were great plays, and really entertaining.

   • Bill Ingram

     Given the importance of that Boston win over Miami, I’m going with Avery Bradley . . .Asik should just get out of Westbrook’s way. He’s asking to be posterized.

6. Kyle

   With the Celtics crushing the heat on sunday without pietrus and ray allen, do you think that the Celtics have proven that they have 1 more run in them? If so, do you think Miami and Chicago fear the Celtics more than any other team in the east if they’re healthy? Thanks.

   • Bill Ingram

     It’s crazy, isn’t it? A month ago Ainge was offering his vets all over the league and talking about blowing it up . . .now the Celtics look like a team that could give Miami or Chicago a run for their money in the playoffs. Maybe they do have one more run in them, though I still believe that’s a long shot.

7. Roon

   If you were the GM of the Charlotte Bobcats, what would your offseason agenda look like? Drafting Davis is obvious, but what would you do with players like Tyrus Thomas (amnesty?) and DJ Augustin (let him walk?)? Who would you target via trade or free agency?

   • Bill Ingram

     Yeah, Davis would be amazing, though I should point out that the worst team rarely actually gets the top pick. But let’s say they get Davis. You let DJ walk, yes, because Walker is clearly the future of the franchise. I also think you amnesty Tyrus, as the team has been discussing at some length. Would be nice to see Diop, walk, as well, but you can bet he’ll take his option for next season. Those moves get Charlotte under $40 million, so they would have the money to chase complementary pieces.

8. Marvelous Marv

   Hey Bill,

   The question I’m about to type scares me — as I’m typing it…but I have to put it out there.

   With D’Antoni gone, should the NYK consider a 10 contract for Marbury? You can’t count on B Davis’health so that leaves you with Douglas and Bibby at the point, which is also scary. The question had to be asked!

   • Bill Ingram

     I understand the question, but I don’t think there’s any chance they look at Marbury or – let me anticipate the next question – Allen Iverson. These guys are out of the league for a reason, though Marbury’s success in China might be an indication that he has his ego in check. Still, I think NY is fine with the PGs they have. Better to give Douglas another shot than to gamble on Marbury.

9. DGY

   BILL, CONGRATULATIONS YOU ARE NOW THE NEW GM OF THE HOUSTON ROCKETS.WHAT DO YOU DO FOR NEXT YEAR? WHO DO YOU KEEP? WHO DO YOU TRADE/ LET GO? WITHIN REASON ONE GUY YOU WOULD LIKE TO GET.STARTING LINEUP FOR NEXT YEAR.

   • Bill Ingram

     If we look at the way the Rockets have done business under Daryl Morey, we can assume that Courtney Lee will be back after restricted free agency. I would continue to explore trades for Kevin Martin, who has been unhappy seeing his minutes go to Lee, who will play equally hard on both ends of the floor. Camby is gone, which hurts. I would be very tempted to trade Scola for young players and draft picks and officially rebuild. What is Patrick Patterson going to be? Let’s find out. What is Marcus Morris going to be? Let’s find out. How about Donatas Motiejunas and Sergio Llull? It’s time to find out what all these assets are worth, especially since there is not a free agent on the market who will come to Houston that will make the Rockets contenders.

10. Mario

    Hey bill Whats up it’s a me maddio lol anyway if The bulls exit early in The playoffs where do you think they go From here minor moves or a possible big shake up and why.

    • Bill Ingram

      I don’t see any way the Bulls exit early, unless you call the conference finals early. The only team that can beat them is Miami, and they wouldn’t meet until the ECF. Either way, they have a good thing going . . .minor tweaks.

11. Lior

    The Rockets will have some cap space to work with this summer. Hopefully some of it goes to keep Lee and Dragic. What positions should the Rockets look to upgrade? We’re good on 1,2 & 4. If you get a really good wing you’re going to put the brakes on the development of Parsons. I guess we’re back to Center. Is Kaman our primary goal? I don’t recall any good centers becoming free agents this summer.

    • Bill Ingram

      Kaman is the only even marginally interesting name, and if Houston could land him they would be a better team – a sure playoff team – next season. But can they? The Rockets don’t have a great track record when it comes to free agency.

12. Trevor

    I understand that Stan only wants to play the guys who know his D, but you cant tell me Duhon is any better than Ish and is a liability on both ends of the court, I am starting to feel the same way about JRich. Would Stan play JJ as more of a backup pg seeing as Hedo is the primary ballhandler when Chris is in the game anyway? More minutes for Von and Liggins with JJ being an ok ballhandler and plays harder and better D than duhon? Also is Duhon the worst backup pg in the NBA?

    • Bill Ingram

      What I like about Ish is that he brings an element of chaos to the game, which makes it harder for opponents to predict the offense. Duhon was never a great option for Orlando. I’m still scratching my head over that one, honestly. Most of Otis’ moves make so much sense, right? You’re right – if Hedo is handling the ball there’s no reason JJ couldn’t play some point. It would at least be worth looking at, provided it wasn’t against the league’s elite points.

13. Au Baller

    Heu Bill, The spurs imo has the deepest bench in the league by far. They run easily 13 deep, not too many teams can boast that. Do you think SA can make a deep playoff run with Blair as the starting C? I love Blair to bits but just cant see him starting in the playoffs..your thoughts?

    • Bill Ingram

      That’s the question, isn’t it? Of course, Blair can hold his own with just about non-elite center. Avoid the Lakers and Grizzlies and you’re probably fine. That said, you’re right – the Spurs are deep and healthy . . .very dangerous team, indeed.

14. Andrew

    Bill, in your opinion which core do you choose to build around and why? David robinson and john stockton or dwight howard and derrick rose? Assume all players are 22 years of age.

    • Bill Ingram

      I’m going to go Robinson and Stockton, simply because those were two players with incredibly high basketball IQs. Dwight is impressive, but not the best basketball IQ. Rose is better, but he’s no Stockton.

15. Billy M

    Am I right to believe that the only way the Rockets retain Lee and/or Dragic next season is if Morey is gone? I know they will have the money to pay them but you say Lee wants out and Gragic must want a starting spot right?

    • Bill Ingram

      Dragic . . .probably. But Lee is a restricted free agent and the Rockets will likely retain him. They put the word out that they will match any offers, which usually limits the number of offers a player receives. They also have a history of actually matching, so it’s not like they bluff. I would bet that Dragic is gone after the way he’s played in Lowry’s absence.

16. jayjay

    I know it would never happen if a team had a top 3 pick, maybe even top 5 pick, but do you see any of the lottery teams willing to part with a choice 6-14 in exchange for another team (Cavs, Indiana, etc) taking on a long term contract?

    Also, as a Cavs fan, I love Andy V but I really love the thought of building young like OKC. Would Andy V fetch a top 10-14 pick where Perry Jones could be nabbed?

    • Bill Ingram

      I think that depends on how in love a team is with a particular player in the draft class. If a team has a #6 pick but doesn’t think the player they want will be there, maybe the consider it, but unlikely. This is a very deep draft class. The Cavs have had plenty of offers for Andy, and weren’t willing to move him. They believe vets like Jamison and Andy help preserve a winning mentality, something they covet.

17. brandon allen

    Which point guards out of John Wall, Kyrie Irvnig, or Brandon Jennings do you see making the All Star team First? List them in order on who has the best chance and Why?

    If Derron Wiliimas goes to the Mavs this summer than one of them will make it next season.

    • Bill Ingram

      Hard to see it being Wall, barring a miraculous turnaround by the Wizards. Wins matter. Same for Jennings in Milwaukee. Irving, though . . .the Cavs could be MUCH better next season, and if they’re in the playoff chase I can see Irving getting into the All-Star game, like Griffin did last season. We know Irving is going to put up the numbers, so his team just has to win to get him into the big game. As always, thanks for spending some of your Monday with us here at HOOPSWORLD! Our next chat is this afternoon with Stephen Brotherston in Toronto. Drop your questions in here!