NBA Chat With Bill Ingram 4/23/12

Catch up on the latest news, rumors and predictions with HOOPSWORLD’s Bill Ingram every Monday at 11:00 AM Eastern.

Bill covers the entire NBA and is based in Dallas, Texas, home of the reigning NBA champion Dallas Mavericks. He has been an NBA analyst since 1998, when he and Steve Kyler founded HOOPSWORLD. He can be heard on radio stations across the country and his work has also appeared in USA Today.

You can follow Bill on Twitter by linking here: @TheRocketGuy.

  1. Chris G

    The Heat without Wade are 12-1. The Heat with Lebron and Wade together have never had a record as good as Lebron’s last year in Cleveland with his “lesser talent.” It seems Lebron is only 100% when he’s the only alpha dog on a team. If that’s the case, could Wade and Lebron’s desire to play together be what keeps them each from winning a title? If getting all of Lebron means you only have 50% of Wade, you don’t really have two all stars–same if you have 100% of Wade and 50% of Lebron.

    • Bill Ingram

      Good Morning and welcome to the chat! There’s something to that. A team can win with three All-Stars (See: last generation Detroit Pistons), but it has to be a very complementary group. The Pistons didn’t just take turns scoring – they all fit very well together and had great chemistry and a very high collective basketball IQ. They also had a coach who was very demanding. The HEAT have none of those things. Sure, Wade, LeBron and Bosh like each other, but none is exactly a rocket scientist when it comes to basketball IQ. On top of that, Spoelstra is basically the babysitter, there to soothe egos and keep everyone happy. You never see him challenge his players on the court, and from what I’m told it doesn’t happen behind the scenes, either. They need a coach who understands when to push his players and when to coddle them, and that’s not an easy job. Phil Jackson was the master. He always had the best, most talented team, sure, but he also helped them find balance and push for bigger goals. All of that said, the HEAT have the most star power in the Eastern Conference, and could be back in the Finals again this year (though I picked the much deeper Bulls and stand by that pick). I don’t think we can really start saying Miami is a big failure unless it’s two years from now and they haven’t won a title.

  2. raps4ever

    Hi Bill, If the Raptors, gets to pick 5th or 6th picks w/c players do you think is the best fit considering they need a SF. Is it MKG, Lamb of Uconn, or Harrison Barnes(w/c I think is very overrated and under acheiver) Do you think Royce white could be a sleeper?

    • Bill Ingram

      I go Harrison Barnes, no question. I’ve spoken to a number of the UNC guys about Barnes, and written about him a couple of times in the NBA@2 over the course of this season. The general feeling about Barnes is that he’s a solid talent, but not a leader – certainly not a vocal leader. That makes him great for the Raptors, who have great leadership in their head coach and some good veterans on the team. Barnes would be able to step in and play his game without the weight of the world on his shoulders. Seems like the perfect fit, not only for the Raptors, but also for Barnes.

  3. Alex Domanski

    Hey Bill, with the Toronto Raptors having their biggest and most evident hole at the SF position who do you think they go with? Harrison Barnes, Perry Jones III or do they go with best available?

    • Bill Ingram

      Adding to my previous answer of Barnes – in this case I don’t go with best available, though that is my usual stance. In the case of the Raptors, who are really just one or two pieces away from being a very good playoff team, I go with filling the one or two needs. They have targeted Goran Dragic in free agency (though he isn’t fond of cold weather and might not sign there), and they can grab the three they need in the draft. Add Valanciunas and a healthy team with a full training camp under their belts . . .this team can be scary good next season.

  4. Chris G

    I don’t agree with the elbow World Peace gave Harden, but weren’t the Heat being praised a few days ago for “toughening up” with their play against the Bulls? When the pregame show mentions how the Lakers need to make a similar statement, isnn’t it hypocritical to then be critical of what he did?

    • Bill Ingram

      Yeah, that’s a classic case of how context matters. Was it a dirty play, or just the Lakers “getting tough?” Artest said he didn’t intend the elbow, and maybe he didn’t. Things happen in the heat of the game. He’s not usually someone who intentionally sets out to hurt someone. But yes, it’s hypocritical either way.

  5. Thomas Ruggles Pynchon

    Why is it that Durant is so bad in big games? It’s nice that he can shoot 80% vs the Raptors in January but he was downright awful vs the Lakers and of course gets a pass from the media. If it was Dirk, he would’ve been crucified.

    • Bill Ingram

      Dirk rarely gets crucified, though I’ve seen it a couple of times this season, you’re right. Durant isn’t consistently bad in big games . . .in fact, he’s been more than clutch the majority of the time. But with Harden out that only leaves two scoring threats and it’s easier to stop one than three. Take Durant out and dare Westbrook to beat you – not a bad plan. Not sure you can win a seven-game series that way, but it helped the Lakers come from behind in what looked like a sure loss.

  6. Kevin

    You see Mark Cuban’s comments about Olympic Basketball? I agree 100%. Give me a product that makes billions and don’t have to pay the workers! U agree?

    • Bill Ingram

      I get enough of Mark in person that I don’t always check out his blog. But to answer your question I just went and read it. I’m not sure Mark understands the entire economic picture when it comes to the Olympics. It’s not like Team USA has no overhead. Paying players would mean killing events, plain and simple. These athletes know what they’re signing up for. Team USA doesn’t play its athletes. Period. There is a ton of money to be made through sponsorships as a result of being an Olympic athlete, and they all tap into that. Even Wade has since recanted his objection.

  7. Bill Wallace

    What will the Mavs be looking at with there 1st round pick this year and which players will be a good fit. They can desperately use an upgrade at shooting guard and Rivers, Lamb and Beal will all be gone by than.

    • Bill Ingram

      The Mavs are more likely to trade the pick then use it. I spoke to Mark recently about the draft and he admitted he hasn’t even looked at the field.

  8. Robert

    What number do you think Kyrie Irving, Derrick Williams and Jonas Valanciunas would each be taken if they were in this years draft?

    • Bill Ingram

      Davis #1, Irving #2, Williams #3 … and ask me this time next year about Valanciunas.

  9. calvinzero

    Let us presume.. Bucks and Sixers tied for the 8th spot. Based on the NBA tie-breaker rules, who will advance to the playoffs??

    • Bill Ingram

      Two-Team Tiebreaker:
      1. Division winner (this criterion is applied regardless of whether the tied teams are in the same division)
      2. Better record in head-to-head games
      3. Higher winning percentage within division (if teams are in the same division)
      4. Higher winning percentage in conference games
      5. Higher winning percentage against playoff teams in own conference
      6. Higher winning percentage against playoff teams in opposite conference
      7. Higher point differential between points scored and points allowed

  10. John Gabriel

    I hear names like Kupchak, Kerr, and Petrie being thrown around for the Blazers gm job..Why isn’t my name in there? I’m a risk taker and am trigger friendly with trades and also make great free agent pick ups!!

    • Bill Ingram

      Gabriel hasn’t put his name out there…and might not be a big enough name. Kerr hasn’t indicated he’s ready to go back to full-time work, either.

  11. Gerald Wallace

    Should i opt out of my contract and sign a 2 year deal to play with kobe next year? or opt in?

  12. Jenna

    If the Blazers are able to draft beal and sign dragic and let them mesh and develop for a couple of years, will a core of Aldridge, batum, beal, Dragic, and Wes off the bench make Portland a dangerous team if beal lives up to his potential?

    • Bill Ingram

      Portland will go big…Aldridge doesn’t want to be a center, and really isn’t. Two-guards are easy to come by…draft big.

  13. Max

    The Rockets have 2 picks this year, who do you think they should draft? Personally, I hoping they can get either Terrence Jones or Austin River, maybe both.

    • Bill Ingram

      I don’t think they need another three, but with the Rockets need rarely enters into it. I’d go Meyers Leonard with one of those picks to add some good young size to the front line. Honestly, though, I would package the picks and Kevin Martin and try to get into the lottery. Houston doesn’t need another mid-teens player, much less two.

  14. Do What?

    With Houston now eliminated from the playoffs, it is time to review the draft board. So, with the 13th pick in the 2012 NBA draft — the Houston Rockets select??? Meyers Leonard / Terrence Jones — Who would best fit this current list of “assets”?

    Free Agent question — Any chance the Rockets focus on Roy Hibbert and try to out bid Indiana for his services? If not, who is the BIG we need to keep an eye on to take over the middle for the next 5 years.

    • Bill Ingram

      Almost no chance you’re getting Hibbert out of Indy. They are committed to him long-term. The Rockets should be looking at Okafor, if he’s healthy and gets amnestied by the Hornets, as has been reported. Chris Kaman would be a solid addition, too. Neither is exciting, but they’re both upgrades over Dalembert. See my previous answer about the Draft. I’ll be doing an in-depth piece on Houston’s immediate future soon.

  15. Lior

    Not making the layoffs for three years and the manner in which they collapsed should be a huge sign to management that it is time to make some major changes.

    • Bill Ingram

      You would think so, I but from what I’m hearing everyone gets a free pass again this summer, which means more of the same next season. The Astros finally got a new owner who is committed to actually winning games. Maybe the Rockets can find a new owner, too?

  16. Ruben

    Do you think the Rox should try to sign and trade Drogic?What kind of return do you think the Rox could get for Martin?

    • Bill Ingram

      The issue isn’t so much what the Rockets could get for Martin or Dragic, but what they will ASK. They are notorious for over-valuing their assets, which is why we don’t see significant improvement year over year. I think Dragic walks away – to Portland, Toronto, or maybe even Dallas if they miss out of Deron Williams. I would use Martin to move up. The Timberwolves would likely send out some size for Martin . . .and maybe a pick as, well.

  17. keo

    Why is it hard for ray Allen to accept the 6th man role like Jason terry and manu ginobli…I think its better for the celtics because it gives them a much needed scorer off the bench…..I also Dnt see him back after this year since he almost got traded …I am predicting him to be with the bulls clippers or okc ..what are Ur thoughts?

    • Bill Ingram

      Ray is a consummate pro and wouldn’t complain even if he were ticked off. But no, he won’t be back in Boston, and your list of possible destinations is a very solid list.

  18. Mario

    Hey bill morning to you sir, couple ?’s for you is mirotic coming over next season for the bulls and when he does come over do you think he will be the replacement for taj or will boozer be gone and lastly how do you anticipate his game translating to the nba

    • Bill Ingram

      I haven’t heard if he’s coming over next season, but he has sure been playing great ball for Spain! As for how well his game will translate, it’s never easy to know, but skill is skill. Mirotic is very good in the half court offense, where he scores 89% of the time, and decent in transition – probably better with Rose setting him up. He’ll need to work on his defense, but he’s very good at defending the post (opponents score on him just 22% of the time) and decent in isolations. Opponents score 47% of the time when they spot up against him, so getting out to shooters might be an issue. His skill set is perhaps better suited to play center, but he doesn’t have the build at just 225. Chicago would move Boozer, sure, but there aren’t many takers. Taj has better trade value, so maybe you use Taj to get the young shooting guard you need going forward.

  19. Raptorfan2012

    What is the Rocket’s stance on keeping Goran Dragic; is he a must-have? What are the chances that the Raptors can land him as their new starting PG for $7-8 million per season?

    • Bill Ingram

      Kyle Lowry is the must-have. Houston won’t pay Dragic, so I think he’ll be elsewhere. I talked to him about the Raptors, as they want him desperately, and he said he couldn’t take the weather. But we’ll see. Money keeps you warm!

  20. JimyB

    Why does Stephen A Smith always stir the pot up with crap? He reported that the Magic offered to send D12 to LA for surgery on Air Tran. I physically saw D12 and his team along with Otis Smith board a Gulfstream private jet heading for LA to get the surgery done.

    • Bill Ingram

      I don’t know . . .I mute the TV or change the channel when he comes on.

  21. Jeff

    Any update on Jeff Green? Will he be back?

    • Bill Ingram

      I very much believe so. The Celtics like him a lot.

  22. Joe Shafer

    Whats the record for having the 14th lottery pick consecutively, this is three years for the rockets!

    • Bill Ingram

      I don’t know, but it’s not a record you want to have, apparently. Hasn’t helped them improve.

  23. Billy M

    If you were the Rockets GM what moves, if any, do you make with the picks in the draft? The team almost seems to be more successful with second rounders than first. PS I may have asked this same question a year ago. stinks

    • Bill Ingram

      You’re absolutely right – good call. The Rockets’ second rounders tend to be better than their first. Which player seems like a first round pick – Patrick Patterson or Chandler Parsons? Right. Patterson looks like a late first rounder at best. If I’m the GM, I move the picks and Martin and any other piece a team might want for a lottery pick – top five. It’s time to move forward . . .another year of missing the playoffs by 2 games will kill me.

  24. Deven

    Will Clippers Head Coach Vinny Del Negro sit out his key guys for the final two games or will he take his chances to win the final two games to try to steal the division title from the Lakers?

    • Bill Ingram

      Seedings matter . . .I think he plays to win.

  25. Scott

    Blake Griffin loves to whine and flop, but is there any player in the league that gets beat up as much as him?

    • Bill Ingram

      When you love to show people up by putting them on SportsCenter as you dunk on them, you’re going to take your lumps.

  26. RaptorFan

    Hey Bill, Im not big on Barnes, dont you think the raptors need a leader, someone that can consistently demande the ball in that fourth quarter? The raps arent anywhere near teams like denver and pacers talent wise they need to draft a star, i’d steal a draft pick for MGK! If this years pick reveals to be a scoring stud, do you see the raps moving bargs? a lot a unhappy kings fans, a tyreke for bargs trade makes sense to me if there willing to take on the money.

    • Bill Ingram

      I think Bargs might finally be that guy, and Valanciunas could be, too. I don’t know if there’s a player in this draft class who will be that guy immediately. Bargs has to be that guy next season or yes, they will move him … for more than Evans.

  27. darrell

    Bill do c the rockets moving up in the drat. Maybe top five pick

    • Bill Ingram

      I’d love to say yes, but the track record isn’t there.

  28. MikeM

    Hi Bill…I’ve been a Spurs fan for a long time and this team has a feeling like the ’05 or ’07 teams as far as momentum. They are very different teams as far as style, but this team feels so offensively potent. Do they have a chance in the West?

    • Bill Ingram

      Absolutely! A healthy Spurs team can win it all…but can they stay healthy? That’s the only question.

  29. Trevor

    With the Orlando Drama do you try and trade Dwight for best available and start full rebuild? Also why does Duhon get NBA minutes? Also Otis needs to go but I think we should keep Stan and blow it up and rebuild we will have a ton of capspace for 2013 season and pritchard would look great building this team!

    • Bill Ingram

      Pritchard WOULD look great rebuilding the Magic . . or the Rockets, for that matter. I think you bring in a new GM and see what he can salvage, either WITH Dwight for FOR Dwight. His trade value is at an all-time low, so better to try and rebuild around him.

  30. Jesse

    I’m in no way justifying MWP’s elbow, but it seemed like Harden was moving so that he could get in MWP’s way after the dunk. I might be making something of nothing, but it seems pretty frequent that a player will stand in an opposing player’s path after a basket or foul. Have you notice this? Thoughts?

    • Bill Ingram

      This does happen a lot in the NBA, yes. The refs have a habit of calling charges in situations like that, and as long as they do that players will try to draw those charges.

  31. Billy M

    On your Hibbert answer. Cant the Rockets offer more money for him than the Pacers can as of right now? Of course, you wouldn’t want a bad contract on your hands

    • Bill Ingram

      Pacers can go over the cap to re-sign him…and Rockets won’t overpay, even for the piece they really need.

  32. Flying Deutschman

    Now that the Lakers are Jordan Hills team, its time to trade bynum, right?!

  33. Tasia

    Hey Bill! Do you think Portland stays away from Drummond and take T.Zeller instead?

  34. Nate

    Why do so many mock drafts have Kidd-Gilchrist over Barnes?

    • Bill Ingram

      NCAA title, baby! There are questions about Barnes’ motivation…not so with KG.

  35. Hurricane Game

    who do you realistically see the kings trading tyreke to and what do you think they are expecting to get in return?

    i think the t-wolves may be interested, and maybe some contending teams may try and see if the kings will accept a first round pick and filler for him

    how bout u?

    • Bill Ingram

      They will explore it, though Smart told me recently he hopes Tyreke can add a jumper to his game and stay in town. He’s not near the top of the Wolves’ list, but I think they would make him work if they can’t get Mayo, Martin or Lee.