NBA Chat With Bill Ingram 5/14/12

DWILLMAGICBOUND

What are the chances or Orlando getting Deron Williams by sign and trade we can offer jameer jj ryan 1st round pick + cash for Deron Williams and DeShawn Stevenson, Deron and Dwight would be a dynamic duo two guys who put up 20 10 and it will make the outside shooters around them better as well.

Bill Ingram

Zero . . .if the Nets were to offer up Williams via trade they could get substantially better than that. There’s also the fact that the Nets don’t want to help Orlando keep Dwight, whom they eye as their own future center. No denying Dwight and Deron would be fantastic together, but don’t expect Brooklyn to help that happen in Orlando.

Zee

What percent chance is there that the Bulls land Hinrich or Billips on their roster? If none, any other player which the bulls can get??? Ik they dont got much money

Bill Ingram

Good Morning and welcome to the chat! First, be sure you check out Joel Brigham’s “Where Do The Bulls Go From Here,” which will be live on site starting at 11AM Central today. I don’t expect many changes in Chicago. A tweak here and there, sure, but no major roster moves. No chance of Billups, who will most likely stay in Clipperland, but Hinrich would be an intriguing possibility if they can clear a little cap space. He won’t be a bargain basement player, I don’t imagine.

Bob

So..who do da Bulls pick in da draft? Who u got as da biggest possibilty as a free agent nxt year for da bulls? I luv da idea of billups? And way?

Bill Ingram

Keeping in mind that Chicago won’t pick until #29 barring a trade, I think they probably go shooting guard – someone like Will Barton. See my previous comments on Billups.

Chicago

Amnesty Boozer? Yes? No? Maybe?

Bill Ingram

Possibly . . .but not THIS summer. Wait until they need the spot for Taj NEXT summer.

Mavs

D-will+Nowitzki=champs!! Any chance?

Bill Ingram

We’ve been told there is a VERY good chance of Deron landing in Dallas, but I don’t see how they fill in the roster after signing D-Will. He and Dirk would take up the cast majority of their cap space, and they have like 6 more spots to fill.

Dack

Next year, the best team
Will be…? Worst?

Bill Ingram

What, before we get the draft or free agency? Wow . . .that’s some crystal ball you think I have. Best is Bulls, worst is Charlotte.

Shaq

So tell me again how u say wade is the real mvp of the heat when LBJ has won 3 of last 4 league-wide mvps? Haterism or Jokerism? Have u seen wade last 2 years? He’s a shell of himself compared to finals mvp days.

Bill Ingram

If it’s HEAT down 2 with 3 seconds left and LeBron has the ball, Miami loses. Given that they will likely face San Antonio or OKC in the Finals – assuming they get past Boston – we’ll see if LeBron can grow up to be a playoff MVP.

Sweet Dee

Live on telecast, commentator Mike Fratello (former NBA head coach) knew immediately that free throws should have been awarded at the end of the Boston – Atlanta game. Yet 3 NBA referees who huddled up after the play to discuss didn’t think so. Nor was the replay checked to determine the correct call. In your opinion, suspicious or not suspicious?

Bill Ingram

The refs have certainly not been at their best this postseason. First halves are called differently than second halves, lots of pushing, showing and even tackling allowed at times . . .and of course anyone daring to put a hand up against LeBron or Wade is immediately called for a foul. The worst thing the NBA can do, in my opinion, is issue a statement that they admit the wrong call was made in a situation that eliminated a team from the playoffs. Just ask the Mavs, who were in a situation against Denver a couple of years ago. It’s not suspicious, just incompetent.

Alex

Really excited my Spurs are finally going to play again! I think the Clippers are going to be a tougher than people think, how long do you see the series going? Thanks

Bill Ingram

I picked the Spurs in 5, though I was tempted to say six. The Clippers didn’t look all that good in the first round, and benefited greatly from Memphis just seeming to not want to play in the second round. Add the injuries to Paul and Griffin . . .this series could be over as quickly as the Jazz series. The Spurs didn’t even break a sweat in that series, and now they’ve had time to rest and prepare. I’ll be in San Antonio this week and I’m looking forward to seeing some old-school basketball from the Spurs.

Pierre Haezewindt

Hi! Alex Kennedy wrote that the Magic don´t put much effort in the draft, not interviewing players nor seeing them play, thus resulting in poor choices. Why this lack of professionalism, what do you think?

Bill Ingram

He’s absolutely right. We’ve talked about it many times. That’s just laziness to me. How can you consistently fail to even interview your draft picks??

Lior Iaroslavitz

The Rockets will have $18M-$24M of free cap space, depending if they pick up Delambert’s option. On paper this looks great. However, having too much cap space in a mediocre free agency might prove very dangerous. I’m sure the Detroit Pistons would agree (i.e. Charlie Villanueva & Ben Gordon contracts). This can be magnified by a GM that feels he has nothing to lose, as I don’t see Morey keeping his job if the Rockets don’t make the playoffs four seasons in a row.

Bill Ingram

Yeah, it’s hard to see Daryl keeping his job of the Rockets miss the playoffs again next season. But you’re absolutely right – this is a bad summer to have cap space. They’re not getting Deron Williams or Eric Gordon, and there are no other homeruns. I also don’t see Daryl overpaying – that’s just against his character. But the Rockets need to land their big fish this summer via trade or they’re looking at major changes next summer, starting with the front office.

Will

You think Houston will try to trade for Dwight on draft night,or this summer?

Bill Ingram

Try, yes. Succeed, no. Dwight would be a great fit, and Clutch City would blow the roof off of Toyota Center every night with Dwight in the middle. I just don’t see Orlando trading Dwight without getting a center in return, and Dalembert won’t get it done.

John

How will you remember nash, kobe, duncan, and dirk on and off the court when they retire?

Bill Ingram

Those are the fiercest competitors in the NBA . . .and add KG to that list. Those guys bring it every game, every play, and they have carried their teams to amazing accomplishments. Dirk, in particular, has never had a consistent supporting cast, yet the Mavs win 50 every year. He’s the best foreign player to ever play in the NBA. Kobe is second all-time only to Jordan. Duncan is the best PF to ever play the game. Nash is arguably the third-best point guard all-time, and would likely have a title if Sarver hadn’t blown up the team. Of that group, Dirk and Nash are by far the most giving off the court. They respect the media, understand the importance of communicating with fans, and are incredibly selfless with their time and energy.

John

where would you rank nash and kidd on the all time pg list?

Bill Ingram

Right behind Magic and Stockton.

John

Are the spurs good enough to beat both miami and okc in a series this yr so duncan can finally get his 5th ring? Also, where would duncan be placed on the all time list if he won his 5th?

Bill Ingram

Duncan is the best PF to ever play the game whether or not he gets another ring. No question there. If the Spurs can stay healthy, and given their depth and reduced minutes that’s likely – I think they can take anyone. OKC will give them all they can handle, as will Miami, but the Spurs look like they’re ready to get Timmy #5.

calvinzero

Now the 2nd round is running, in your own perception, what is the percentage of chance of the 8 remaining teams (such as Lakers,Thunders, 76ers, Celtics, Clippers,Pacers, Heat and Spurs)in winning championship? Can you enumerate to me one-by-one? Thanks Bill.

Bill Ingram

That’s not perception, that’s math. My perception, however, is that the only teams with a shot at a title are the Spurs, HEAT, Thunder, and Lakers – in that order.

pocket rockets

What moves do you think will be best for the Rockets this offseason and also what do you think they will really do (as these do often conflict..). Thanks!

Bill Ingram

LOL . . .yes they do. I think Chris Kaman would be a solid pick-up this summer. Probably the best, given the free agency class. I would have a great deal of interest in Okafor is the Hornets amnesty him, as is rumored, but he would have to pass an thorough physical first. What’s more likely is they bring back Dalembert and add another PG to replace Dragic, whom they hope to keep but are likely to lose. They’ll draft two more players in the first round who may or may not be good somewhere down the line . . .and then McHale won’t play them. What the Rockets should PROBABLY do is just cash in next season. Trade Scola and Martin and turn the team over to Patterson, Lee, Morris, Motiejunas and all of these young players they keep acquiring. Let’s see who really is good, landing in the lottery in the process. Then DRAFT the team’s next franchise player.

Kevin in Tokyo

What did you think of MWP’s comments before game 1 against OKC about Harden “coming up behind guys” and him being a “flopper”.

LINK

Bill Ingram

Well, let’s face it – this is a league of floppers. David Stern wants to address that with a rules change this summer, and for once I completely agree with the Commish. I don’t think Harden is a dirty player at all, as Metta is suggesting.

young california

Laker fan here but am I the only one that thinks cuban was right in letting tyson chandler walk? 15 mil for a man that can’t score on his own? On the other hand am I the only one who thinks brendan haywood is garbage? “he’s a good defensive center” is what we hear yet every time Dallas played a team with a decent center they double teamed them… thoughts?

Bill Ingram

Good call on both. The Mavs should have amnestied Haywood to keep Chandler long-term. As it was, they couldn’t afford both, and didn’t want to pay Haywood to go away. It wasn’t hard to see how the Mavs REALLY felt. For all that talk of Haywood being so good, he played fewer and fewer minutes, and was rarely in the game in crunch time. It was like he was a cameo player early on and then disappeared as Ian Mahinmi and Brandan Wright came in with effort and hustle. Call Haywood the next Olowokandi – only good in a contract year.

GMoney

memphis rolled by the clips. my pal Roc says coachg Hollins has to go . I say he didnt put a foot wrong. your thoughts?

Bill Ingram

I agree that Hollins has to go. The Grizzlies rolled over, and that’s on the coaching staff. No question they are a much better team on paper. McMillan, Van Gundy and Carlisle all possibly available . . .take your pick.

GMoney

sad to see george karls post game presser. if he had mike browns job would the lakers be better off? i say yes. your thoughts

Bill Ingram

I love George Karl . . .one of the most underrated coaches in the NBA. Lakers would be better with George, but I don’t think he would want to deal with the circus that is the Lakers. Every loss is the end of the world and means the coach needs to be fired. Takes a special coach to want to be a part of that.

Marlon D.

Im a huge Knicks fan, with the draft coming up, what moves do you think they should do to build upon last seasons play off team?

Bill Ingram

Well, they don’t have a first round pick, so the draft won’t be that big of a deal. They also don’t have cap space, so free agency won’t be crazy for them, either. Obviously, bringing back Jeremy Lin will be their first priority, and then it will be interesting to see what they do about Fields and Smith. I would go Fields, for off-the-court reasons as much as anything. But barring them finding a taker for Stoudemire, which is extremely unlikely, the Knicks are going to count on a full training camp, preseason and regular season with plenty of consistent practice time as their path to improvement.

Ray

Hey Bill, If the Mavs sign Deron Williams, do you think that KG or Ray may also come?

Bill Ingram

Interesting idea. If the Mavs sign Deron they are going to have to count on key veterans deciding to join the team for less money and a shot at a title. If they got Ray Allen that would be huge. Not sure how KG fits the picture, unless he wants to play center full-time going forward. But I would take my chances with Dirk, D-Will, Allen, KG and Marion as my starters given how little flexibility the Mavs would have cap-wise after signing Williams. That said, that’s an awfully old team. I guess they’re looking extreme short-term anyway, with Dirk’s prime on the slide, but there are a lot of miles on those players.

Matt

What happens with Memphis next? Is there a shake up coming or do they stick to what they have? Will they be a luxury tax team? Is one of Randolph or Gay likely to go?

Bill Ingram

Heisley spent a lot of money this year for a team that lost in the first round. A LOT of money – north of 70 Million. He’s going to have to pony up for OJ Mayo, and that doesn’t make much sense unless you can move someone. Speights’ play may make Randolph expendable, and he has a lot of good basketball left in him. Wouldn’t be too hard to find a taker, I imagine. I also think the Rockets would JUMP at the chance to get Rudy Gay. I think you could move one of those guys, bring Mayo back, and be ready to push for a deep playoff run next season . . .with a new head coach at the helm.

Jeremy

Do you forsee Jerryd Bayless starting for the raptors next season? He has fantastic numbers as a starter at the PG position!

Bill Ingram

I love Jerryd, but consistency is not his strength. I think Calderon will start, but they also have a great deal of interest in Goran Dragic and Jeremy Lin. Bayless is not Plan A for Toronto.

Mario

Hey bill I’ve got a kind of radical idea now I don’t want to sound like a lot of chicago fans with how they are turning on boozer but what do you think of amare stoudemire for boozer now I know that someone else has to get tossed in to make the money work. What do you think. Also where do the bulls go from here bill are there major changes coming or what thx bill

Bill Ingram

Amar’e's contract and his back make that a very doubtful proposition. At least Boozer is healthy, even if he has been a big-time underachiever. I don’t foresee any major changes for Chicago. Be sure and catch Joel Brigham’s in-depth piece on the Bulls going forward, running this afternoon on HOOPSWORLD.

Jack

Hey Bill! As a Dallas resident as well, I’m very concerned with the Mavericks, yet excited. What are the chances of Dallas getting DWillams, Jeremy Lin or Nash? Also, any BIG men you see coming to Dallas?

Bill Ingram

Howdy, neighbor! I’m excited, but also very dubious. This is not a great free agent class, and if the Mavs don’t get Deron Williams it gets awfully tough to put a great team around Dirk. Nash is fine, but keep in mind his first choice is to stay in Phoenix, where they have a 2-year, $20 million contract on the table. He would leave to play for a contender, but right now the Mavs are far, far away from that. It would be a great story for Dirk and Nash to be reunited and win a title together, but it’s awfully hard to see which pieces could be assembled around them to make that happen. Dirk has carried bad teams to good records before, but this is a stretch at this point in his career. We’ll keep our fingers crossed . . .

Mutangclan

Hey Bill, nice chats. Wondering about Utah, and what you think they’ll do, who they’ll go after, or if they’ll just stay the course. Good bigs, need pg/shooting. Trade? TPE for someone? If Nash doesn’t go to Dallas you think Utah maybe? Young but talented….
Thanks.

Bill Ingram

I like the fact that even as they’re rebuilding the Jazz made the playoffs . . .even briefly. Like Denver. That experience will help them next season. Honestly, I would take a long look at Jameer Nelson, if he’s available, and work the phones on Millsap (since Jefferson has little or no trade value). Devin Harris is not the floor leader they need, on or off the court. Nash would be great, but he’s not up for a rebuilding project. Jameer is a proven leader, would be great for the young guys, and would keep them together and establish a family environment in the locker room. Redick would look awfully nice starting at the two in Utah, as well. Maybe the Jazz and Magic can find some common ground.

Will

Where do you think Dwight ends up next year?

Bill Ingram

Orlando . . .after they fire Stan and Otis in an effort to keep him happy, then have him talk Josh Smith and Monta Ellis into taking less money to join him in Orlando next summer.

Luke Australia

Hey Bill love your work, two questions, do you think the rockets will move up in the draft? and will Kevin Martin and Luis Scola be in a rockets uniform next season??

Bill Ingram

Thanks! Much appreciated! I know the Rockets would LIKE to move up in the draft. Would likely give up Martin and their two firsts to get a high lottery pick. I believe Scola will be back, and will be surprised if Martin is a Rocket to start next season. Courtney Lee is their guy going forward (at a fraction of the cost).

Jazzfan

Bill thanks for your time, What kind of move do you think the Jazz make? Obviously we need a PG do we trade Milsap for Calderon or try to sign Dragic? Or trade our way into the draft and go after Lillard or Marshall?

Bill Ingram

See my previous comments . . .I’ll add that Dragic would be GREAT in Utah.

CJ

It almost pains me to watch the refs and the HEAT. Growing up a MJ fan I never realized it. D.Wade and Lebron Throw up shots, fall and scream. Whistle follows. I don’t notice it as much with any other stars.

Bill Ingram

That’s my memory of Michael Jordan, as well. If he missed a shot they called a foul on the nearest player. It was hard to watch yesterday’s game for that reason. It’s not enough that Wade and LeBron are better than any two players on the Pacers’ team . . .they have to get every ghost call, as well? Hopefully Vogel got he message from Stern about not criticizing the refs. Stern’s message to Cuban on the subject cost the Mavericks a title in 06.

Damian

Do you think the Mavericks draft Austin Rivers if he’s still on the board at #17? Or do the Rockets grab him with either the 14th or 16th?

Bill Ingram

I think Rivers makes a great deal of sense for the Mavs is the coaching staff will commit to playing him. Houston could always take him, but it seems more likely they go center and wing player, given those are the positions they have been looking to shore up via trades and free agency.

Tony in Indy, Indy

Where the Pacers will be picking in the upcoming draft, do you think they should hold on to that pick, or package the pick to bring in veteran talent?

Bill Ingram

Pacers are at 26 . . .so it’s likely best available at that point. I don’t know that veterans are necessarily the concern, but the two-guard spot will certainly be their primary concern. If they can package the pick to land the two they need, that wouldn’t be surprising, but more likely they go after Mayo and Lee in free agency.

Lateak

If the knicks was to get steve nash… Would we win a title…. I know everybody likes lin but we not beating the heat with him as the starter… We need nash BAD!

Bill Ingram

Perhaps . . .but there is absolutely no chance of that happening. Even with him, they’re not as good as Chicago and Miami. You’re right, though. Lin doesn’t get NY past Miami. Not at all.

123Eric

Whats your take on the idea of fining and suspending players who are caught flopping?

Bill Ingram

I LOVE IT!!!!!!!! But it won’t happen.

Lateak

Do u think dwill is goin to dallas…. I do…. I still think d12 best fit is the lakers r the magic… Idk y he wants to go to the nets…. They have a horrible team n billy king is a bad gm… Look at philly… Since he left.. Hes terrible

Bill Ingram

D12 doesn’t want to go to Brooklyn . . .his “people” do. They think they can make huge commissions pimping him out to marketing people in NY. D12 wants to win a championship.

Luke

Please tell me EVERYONE in Houston is on the block! Even your beloved Kyle Lowry.

Bill Ingram

That’s what I’ve been told . . .they love Kyle, but I think they would move him for the right price as long as they were able to keep Dragic.

Kevin in Tokyo

Hypothetically if a team were to move to Seattle, could they get the old name back or would there be problems with OKC overlap?

Bill Ingram

Since the Thunder gave up the name, I assume a team moving to Seattle (Kings . . .cough, cough) could have Sonics if they wanted it.

paprika

Would d lakers stand a chance against a young okc thunder?

Bill Ingram

Only if they dominate the glass and control the tempo. If the Thunder force LA into a running game it could be a very short series.

Trevor

In your opinion should Orl just trade Dwight/Hedo for Marshon Brooks/top 3 NJN pick and Filler and Keep Stan? Somehow move JRich for an expiring and go into 2013 with cash two good young players and a top 5 coach? ADavis in Orl would be nice! Also is Duhon the worst pg in the league getting minutes?

Bill Ingram

I don’t think that offer is remotely on the table any more . . .otherwise, yes. And yes, it’s painful to watch Duhon.

Chris K

Imagine the Clippers v. Lakers for the west titles. Would this be a fun match up or just another series?

Bill Ingram

It would be fun . . .and probably the highest possible ratings for the NBA . . .but I don’t see either of them getting to the WCF.

Revus

You rate Nash ahead of Isaiah Thomas?

Bill Ingram

Isaiah has a lot of years ahead of him and great potential, but give the rook some time. Hmmm. Hmmm. As for Isiah . . .right there, too.

Brian

Hi Bill,

Do you think Kahn is gone after this next year? The guy lacks creativity, and to be quite honest, hasn’t done a whole lot other than Rubio.

Thanks,

Brian

Bill Ingram

He’s helped the Wolves improve dramatically and has some big moves to make this summer. Giving him another year was the right call . . .

Aristotle

Heya Bill,
Should Oden or BRoy be on Phoenix’s list considering the great med staff they have that saved so many players careers from ending via major injuries (e.g Grant Hill, Redd)?

Bill Ingram

Interesting point. I don’t think Roy is likely, as it’s not a rehab issue with him. Oden? Perhaps . . .if he’s dirt cheap.

Lior

I don’t get why big name players don’t want to come to Houston. Big market, no state tax (huge bonus when you’re making $100M over 5 years), and a chance to be the man on a contending team with great role players.

Bill Ingram

It has a lot to do with the way they handle restricted free agency and the way they deal with agents. Otherwise you’re right – Houston is a PRIME location for NBA players.

Dale

Toronto seems to like Dragic (and will likely chase in free agency), but nothing quite tells the truth like the current teams fans. Some in Toronto even suggest he would be an upgrade over Calderon. So, how does Houston feel about Dragic? …”keeper/part of the team’s core” or “would be sad to see him go, but it’s not the end of the world”

Bill Ingram

Houston ‘really likes’ Dragic, but will they pay him? Goran loves Houston, but will take the money elsewhere if necessary. He also likes Dallas . . .where there’s this great little Serbian restaurant . . .but that’s another story.

Ty

Who Will be orlando next gm & coach
Who would u pick

Bill Ingram

Alright – gotta hit the road for San Antonio, so last question. My head coach would be Nate McMillan and my GM would be Kevin Pritchard. They did a good job rebuilding the Blazers together, and that’s the kind of help the Magic need. As always, thanks for spending some of your Monday with us here at HOOPSWORLD! Stephen Brotherston will not hold his chat this week, but will be back next week. Our next chat, then, is with Jason Fleming. Drop your questions in now!