NBA Chat With Bill Ingram 5/7/12

1. Rayshard

   Do u thik there is a chance Dwight can convince Deron Williams to Orlando we can do a three team trade (josh smith and jameer to NJ) (Deron and DeShawn to Orlando) and (Ryan and JJ to Hawks)? Deron Williams to Orlando would be a perfect fit.

   • Bill Ingram

     Good Morning, everyone, and welcome to the chat! Rayshard, while I agree that Deron Williams and Dwight Howard would be an impressive duo to watch, I don’t see how it happens. The Nets can get a great deal more than that for Deron if they choose to sign-and-trade him. Likewise, Josh Smith could land a lot more than Ryan and JJ in a trade. I think Orlando’s best bet is to convinced D12 that patience is a virtue and let him create his own team in 2013, when Josh Smith and Monta Ellis will be free agents and the Magic could have the cap space to sign both.

2. Chris G

   This is jumping ahead a couple steps, but if the Thunder wins a championship this year instead of the Heat, do you think the media will start pushing the “build through draft” model to a championship over the “big three” model?

   • Bill Ingram

     Great question, and honestly, I think the new CBA is going to force the build-through-the-draft model anyway. Several teams have now tried the superstar model, and more often than not it has failed. The Knicks are trying it right now and they’re about to lose in the first round. It takes a big market and an owner with deep pockets to make the multi-star model work. Now that the luxury tax structure is getting even more expensive, I think even teams like Dallas and the Lakers are going to think twice about overspending to win a championship. Mark Cuban said as much before Game 4 in Dallas on Saturday night.

3. Chris G

   What should the Bulls do this offseason? It seems Rose and Deng will both miss a couple months to start next season, at least. Do you try retooling next year, dump Boozer if you can, maybe end up in the lottery while Rose rehabs, and then aim for a title in 2014, or keep the team intact and take your chances with a low playoff seed?

   • Bill Ingram

     I don’t think Deng’s wrist will be a concern at the start of next season, and Rose will be ready by December. Given the weak Eastern Conference, I’d be surprised if the Bulls had any trouble being right back in the first or second seed next season. They would like to move Boozer, yes, but he hasn’t helped his stock value at all. I don’t think you mess with the East’s best record too much. The more you tinker, the worse off the team tends to be (see: Dallas, Orlando).

4. Magic Fans

   Is there anyone who would take Duhon(And Otis Smith)off our hands?He’s awful,The team barely scores when he’s in,gets burned,can’t shoot,committed two of the dumbest TO’s in game 4,it goes on and on

   • Bill Ingram

     Duhon can come off the books after next season, which is by far Orlando’s best shot at unloading him. The only other way would be to include him in a Dwight trade. You’re absolutely right about Otis, though. I think he and Stan both get their walking papers soon after the Pacers knock Orlando out of the playoffs. Stan doesn’t deserve it, but it does seem a parting of the ways is necessary if the team is going to keep Dwight for any length of time. They’ve been allowing Dwight to set the tone, which is a pretty scary thing to do, but that’s where they are.

5. Deven

   Hi Bill. I know this sounds crazy, but would the Mavs consider trading Dirk Nowitzki this offseason to start the rebuilding process?

   • Bill Ingram

     I understand your question…but that will never happen…

6. Deven

   Fact or Fiction: Jason Terry will leave the Mavs.

   • Bill Ingram

     This will very likely be Jet’s last contract, so he has to take the most lucrative offer he can find. He said time after time over the weekend that this decision is all about taking care of his family, and you have to respect him for that. The Mavs didn’t make offers to any of their key free agents last summer, so that may be beyond Jet’s control. The reality is that Dallas has staked their future on signing Deron Williams, and if they do that they won’t be able to afford Jet. He will get significant offers to go elsewhere, and he should take the money. As I told him on Saturday night, he has been an amazing part of the team and the community in Dallas. If he’s in a different jersey next season, the Mavs will be the worse for it.

7. Rory

   Am I alone in thinking the 76ers are a sneaky chance against Boston, their athleticism could cause problems.

   • Bill Ingram

     They have certainly made the most of their opportunity against Chicago – though, of course, injuries to the Bulls have been the biggest factor. The Celtics have overcome a great deal if they close out Atlanta. Hard to count them out, no matter how they look on paper. Should be a good series, assuming that’s the match-up.

8. NoHeat

   Hi Bill
   With Derrick Rose and probably Noah out the Bulls seem to have absolutely no chance against the Heat who are looking pretty strong lately. So i assume that the team which could beat them in the eastern Conference is Boston cause they took them down for three consequtive Times. How do you see teh chances of the Celtics to go the ECF/Finals, especially when Philly beats Chicago in the 1st round.

   My second question is about on Dallas cause I´m a big Dallas Fan.
   What can be the key pieces for Dallas in the next season ? Who fits in best for them( except Williams) and how are their chances to get Williams from the Brooklyn Nets (sounds awkward I think they will be New Jersey Nets for me for quite a while).

   • Bill Ingram

     I think the Celtics are now the only team with even glimmer of a hope of beating Miami in the East. I thought Atlanta would take them out, but Josh Smith’s injury and the way Pierce has stepped up makes that look unlikely now. As for Dallas, if they don’t get Deron they’re in trouble. There is no clear route to contention during Nowitzki’s career without Deron. Period.

9. yeeleng

   If the mavs can’t get deron william in the offseason. Which pg will they likely to chase after? Steve nash or jeremy lin.

   • Bill Ingram

     The Knicks can match Lin, so don’t think he’ll be anywhere else. Steve Nash would, of course, be the feel-good story of the year, but if you’re Steve Nash do you come back to Cuban’s team if the HEAT, Lakers, or another contender comes calling?

10. Wotan

    Hey Bill, I really enjoy your work. I have two questions: 1) What do you think of Moe Harkless’ NBA potential? 2) Who is your 1st round sleeper in this years draft?

    • Bill Ingram

      Harkless makes me think of Jerome Kersey, or maybe Marion Elie. Those were guys who made their way in the NBA by out hustling other players – even those who were considered better than they were. Maybe Harkless is the next Junk Yard Dog. Austin Rivers might be my sleeper pick. Basketball IQ is important, and he has obviously had a very high level of coaching since birth.

11. Jay

    What do you think the Raptors should do with they’re crowded front court? Who should get moved or should they blow it up? Also who do you think they should draft with the eight pick?

    • Bill Ingram

      First and foremost, it makes for a very competitive training camp. It also opens up the possibility of trading for a small forward if they can’t land Harrison Barnes in the draft, as they hope to do. He won’t be there at eight, most likely, so if the Raptors do wind up picking at eight you probably make the front court even more crowded with Perry Jones or Tyler Zeller . . .and work out a trade later. Plenty of teams need front court size, so having more than you need puts you in a good position.

12. Cain

    Hey Bill, what do you think of Ty Lawson’s potential? I don’t see why he can’t be a star on the Nuggets team.

    • Bill Ingram

      George Karl agrees with you. He said before the season started that he felt he had 3 potential All-Stars on his roster, and Ty is proving that theory so far. I think he, Gallo and maybe Faried can be their franchise cornerstones. I need to see a LOT more from McGee.

13. paprika

    I hope u watch the lal den game 4 match. It showed good officiating and the refs showed not because u are home we will let ur flop win u the game! Danilli g. Flop in the end tried to get a call from pau. Resulted to a lal 3 point shot. When will the nba fix or maybe give flop fees to players so flops would be minimize? Anyways kudos to the refs that game. u earned my respect! Thanks for the chats bill

    • Bill Ingram

      I’ve never been a fan of the flop, and I hated it when Karl Malone and Bill Laimbeer made it a prominent defensive play in the NBA. To me, if you flop it should be a technical foul.

14. paprika

    Now that dal is out. Mark cuban is already pointing fingers to the nba on why he wasnt able to sign tys and jj back.he said the nee cba is at fault. Too many excuses for him. Do agree that if he wanted he would be able to sign jj and tys back . And the only reason he didnt cause he got greedy in getting dwill which will sign with brooklyn and even if he signs with dal he wont give them assurance to win it all compared to tyson and jj now!? This season is a waste for dirk. Whats your take sir?

    • Bill Ingram

      Yes, I was standing there when he said that. Total BS. Since when has Cuban ever worried about writing a check? The decisions made last summer were all about Dwight Howard and Deron Williams. Now that he sees he won’t get Dwight and Deron might be unlikely, he’s got to save face a little bit. Try to, anyway. Wasted season for Dirk, and worse – a wasted season for Kidd. Maybe his last. I’ve said it a million times – if you have a championship team, keep it together. See: San Antonio.

15. Rockets Fan On Strike till Morey is Fired.

    The Thunder beat an inferior team that barely made the playoffs in the Mav’s. When they face LA and or SA Harden is not going to be allowed a free path to the basket like he did late in game 4 against the Mav’s. Game 1 and 2 were very close and I think LA and SA win the close ones against OKC because of their pedigree. I think it’s SA and Miami in the finals, with SA taking it. What is your prediction?

    • Bill Ingram

      Absolutely right about Harden and Game 4. I kept thinking – wow, if only Tyson Chandler was in there. I do think, however, that the Thunder have the ability to get past the Lakers. They have a great defensive team and three prolific scorers. You can’t stop off three, and most of the time you can only stop one and choose your poison. Durant is also the best clutch player in the game. OKC will give the Lakers all they can handle. Should be a great series!

16. Will

    Should Orlando go after Johnson/Jsmoove in a package deal,I know ATL wants to get rid of Joe’s contract.

    • Bill Ingram

      You’d have to send Dwight to Atlanta . . .which would make the deal useless.

17. calvinzero

    Fundamental question: I know already how to compute the winning percentage of a team. Now,did you know the formula for computing ties based on the tie-breaking rules in the NBA? If not, that’s ok. Honestly, I am confuse on the tie-breaking rules.(whether it is in a division or a conference).

    • Bill Ingram

      I always have to look it up . . .Art Garcia does a great job of breaking it down here . . .LINK!

18. diehardrocketfan

    hi bill
    I know in the past it was dollar for dollar,but the new cba is more restrictive. what are the fines for the teams over the luxury tax threshole in the up coming years in the new cba.

    • Bill Ingram

      Teams pay $1 for every $1 their salary is above the luxury-tax threshold in 2011-12 and 2012-13. Starting in 2012-13, teams pay an incremental tax that increases with every $5 million above the tax threshold ($1.50, $1.75, $2.50, $3.25, etc.). Teams that are repeat offenders (paying tax at least four out of the past five seasons) have a tax that is higher still — $1 more at each increment ($2.50, $2.75, $3.50, $4.25, etc.).

19. da wink

    Will the Rox finally move up on draft day? or will they only pick 2 players in the 1st round?

    • Bill Ingram

      They haven’t had much luck in making trades. As much I would love to see them move up, I wouldn’t count on it.

20. Hurricane Game

    Morning Bill, i have a sort of interesting one for u today: with the injury to rose and him possibly missing maybe half of next season, do you see the Bulls making a move for a tyreke evans or maybe a strong push for steve nash in the mean time?

    evans could be Roses future backcourt mate, can handle the ball, create his own shot, but has alot of issues including poor jumpshooting, etc, but i think he would be an interesting piece. maybe we could get him for the 2012 bulls pick, the 2016 bobcats pick and watson or somebody that matches the salary?

    or

    do you think nash would be interested to come over for the MLE, then when Rose comes back, maybe move rose to the 2guard for the remainder of the season or start rose but play nash and rose at the same time at points during the game?

    what do you think?

    • Bill Ingram

      Hmmm. Nash is an interesting idea. I don’t agree that Rose will miss half of next season. Knowing him, he might be ready for training camp. December seems more likely, though, and you’re right – that would be a VERY interesting situation for Steve Nash.

21. Mutangclan

    Hey Bill. Though Utah is getting butchered by the SanAnt machine, they’ve got some great young pieces. Assuming they dont actually get that GS pick, what are they going to do for next year? Keep Devin, keep their bigs and try again? Trade Al/Paul/other for a PG? Who is likely in that scenario??? Thanks and enjoy Dwill next year,heh.

    • Bill Ingram

      Lots of questions to be answered in Utah, for sure. Jefferson and Harris have little trade value, and haven’t helped themselves much in the postseason. Not counting on Deron Williams just yet.

22. Alex

    So do the Magic still dump SVG over the summer considering he is getting everything he can from the team he has? I mean we don’t have anywhere close to the talent Indiana has without Dwight and are still a few plays away from tying the series or even being up 3-1.

    • Bill Ingram

      I think there has been too much negative press around Stan and Dwight for Stan to survive. Stan is a very good coach, everyone knows it, and he will have another job within minutes of losing his current one.

23. Alex

    I’ve been reading that Jameer Nelson would consider opting out this summer and choose where he goes instead of waiting around and possibly becoming invloved in a trade to please Dwight. Your thoughts?

    • Bill Ingram

      He said that back when it looked like D12 might get traded at the deadline. Seems unlikely now. That said, he’s only slated to make $7.5 next season, so if he could get in the neighborhood of $5 mill over 2-3 season it makes sense.

24. badax33

    Hi Bill,

    The Celtics have 2 picks this year. I think they take a big and a wing. I love Fab Melo, but I also like the scouring report on Arnette Moultie. The other guy I think they might have a shot a is Quincy Miller. What do you think? Comments Pls

    • Bill Ingram

      I think I steer clear of Fab . . .there are some off the court issues that make him a question mark. I’ve heard a lot of good things about Moultrie – might be a solid addition for Boston. Miller has some body work to do to get ready for the NBA . . .

25. Saulo

    Is there any chance MN finds a suitor for Wes Johnson for cap space, like Dallas’ trade exception? I’d love to see the wolves clear about 8-9 million and sign OJ Mayo to an offer sheet. Would the Grizz match that? Also, who would you draft in MN if all were available, Terrence Ross, Jeremy Lamb or Austin Rivers?

    • Bill Ingram

      Wolves aren’t ready to give up on Wes just yet . . .but he needs to show something quickly next season, for sure. Mayo and Lee will get offer sheet consideration from Minny for sure. I’d go Lamb because he’s a SG – Ross is not – and better than Rivers.

26. Josh

    Bill,

    After watching the Jazz-Spurs series I have more convinced than ever that Harris and Jefferson are not key pieces to the future for Utah. If the Rockets get Dragic back I think that means Lowry is going to be traded since both are starting PG’s. Do you think a trade of Lowry and Martin for Jefferson and Harris an option? Harris can be flipped or worked into a 3 team trade….

    • Bill Ingram

      Houston has no interest in Jefferson and doesn’t need Harris . . .seems unlikely . . .but you’re right. I don’t see Jefferson and Harris has a winning combination for Utah.

27. Will

    You see any team taking on Joe Johnson’s contract if they could get Jsmoove as well?

    • Bill Ingram

      Very hard to see that, as to take on that many contract dollars you’d almost have to gut your team.

28. Anthony

    If Sullinger measures in at 6’9″+ in shoes with a 7′ wingspan, do you think he can effectively play center at the next level?

    • Bill Ingram

      Absolutely – great with his back to the basket. He’ll be a center for sure . . .

29. MikeM

    Can the Spurs keep rolling against Clippers or Griz or is this just a bad Jazz team?

    • Bill Ingram

      The Spurs are winning with depth and veteran determination, not to mention exceptional coaching. Those things don’t go away, and they were good enough to have the best record in the West and also stay healthy, which was the issue last postseason. The Jazz are obviously the worst team in the playoffs – 8th seed – but the Spurs are going to be a very, very tough out.

30. Lebron James

    on wednesday , i m just gonna whip the hole NY squad and show them who is the mvp .
    agree ?

    • Bill Ingram

      Not if it’s a close game . . .but if it’s a blowout, sure. We all know what LeBron does in close games . . .

31. ziad

    41 points on shane battier . wasnt it better for lebron to guard melo in the fourth Q . ?

    • Bill Ingram

      41 against battier is like 60 against anyone else. Impressive performance. Wouldn’t have hurt to put LeBron on him, but Spo isn’t exactly Gregg Popovich, either.

32. Josh

    Hi Bill – Look forward to your chats every week – if the Cavs get Bradley Beal with the number 3 pick – we’d have a nice starting line up of Irving, Beal, Alonzo Gee, Tristan Thompson and Andy Verajao. Playoffs?
    Any chance they also look to trade Andy for a younger big, like Brook Lopez or even Hibbert to grow with the younger core they are developing? Andy helps a team ready now, Cavs could continue to develop. Thanks!

    • Bill Ingram

      Thanks! I don’t think Andy gets your Lope or Hibbert, otherwise you’d do that in a heartbeat. I love what the Cavs are doing . . .they’ll be a playoff team soon – perhaps even next season if they can stay healthy.

33. Dallas

    Do you think Ray Allen’s ankle can hold out for a long post season run? and what chances do you think my Raps have for landing Nash?

    • Bill Ingram

      No chance of Nash in Toronto. He wants to contend, and they won’t be ready to do that before he retires. Playoffs, yes, but contention, no. Ray looked good yesterday – 5-of-9 with 12 points in 19 minutes.

34. Dennis

    Hi Bill. Who do you think will win the exec of the year? Thanks.

    • Bill Ingram

      R.C. Buford in San Antonio . . .Jackson and Diaw were master strokes . . .

35. Eric123

    Just listen to you on The Game. Interesting insight on the knicks.Do you think it would reasonable to suggest that the knicks should trade melo for qrich, nelson and ryan anderson?

    • Bill Ingram

      Thanks! I do think they have to think long and hard about trading Melo since they can’t trade Amar’e. That said, I think first you bring in a coach like Rick Carlisle, who can find ways to make the most of the talent. Amar’e's back is a huge concern, and Ryan isn’t going to carry the team like Melo can. Better to try and make that work before you blow it up.

36. Taz13

    In order to sign steve nash at the mle, can the knicks backload lin’s contract so that he takes the minimum this year but makes up for it next year. could they also sell him on the idea that playing with nash will be worth not signing other offer sheets?

    • Bill Ingram

      Lin is under the Arenas Provision, so he won’t make the big bucks yet anyway . . .

37. Blake (Daleville,AL)

    Which Rockets are more likely to be traded for more 1st round picks or a possible superstar?

    • Bill Ingram

      Everyone’s on the table except Kyle Lowry, and if they can re-sign Dragic perhaps they change their stance on Lowry, too. The Rockets need a star player, and if they have to trade half the team to get one, they’ll do it.

38. Brian

    Hey Bill,

    Who will Kahn let go and who will he target, and will that be his decision or Adelman’s decision?

    Thanks!

    • Bill Ingram

      It will be both, for sure. Adelman has a lot of say. Kevin Martin, Courtney Lee, OJ Mayo, Eric Gordon are their top targets.

39. Billy M

    any chance Houston trades up for a shot at Drummond? Looking at Cleveland. History says no but maybe they want more picks.

    • Bill Ingram

      Houston would love that, but there’s little chance anyone with a shot at Drummond will trade that pick.

40. Andrew

    Morning Bill, with not as depth at PG in previous years should the Hornets draft a PG with one of their lottery picks or should they stick with Jack/Vazquez?

    • Bill Ingram

      This is not a great draft for PG’s, so no. I go front court in the draft and look at PG later. Jack and Vasquez are solid, especially with some other upgrades around them.

41. Sean

    Bill, please tell me the magic are going after Pritchard and Mcmillan as replacements…

    • Bill Ingram

      They’ve had that conversation with Pritchard, I’ve been told. McMillan would be excellent, as well. The two have worked well together in the past.

42. Dave

    Have you seen much of Avery Bradley this season? I can see him becoming a Chauncey Billups type point guard. Do you think the C’s will go that route and trade Rondo this summer?

    • Bill Ingram

      I have – and even more in the playoffs. He has a knack for hitting big shots and does call to mind Chauncey. That’s part of the reason why Ainge was talking to teams about Rondo before the deadline, and he will likely continue to explore trade options.

43. Lucas

    Hi Bill,

    Love your work. Do you think the problem with the Knicks “Big Three” is the lack of well structure system (not just isolation a la Mike W or run and shoot a la Mike D) or that it’s just the pieces that don’t fit together?

    Thanks.

    • Bill Ingram

      I think the system is part of it, sure. Hard for a coach like Woodson to completely change things up in the middle of a crazy season like this one. They need to start over. Hopefully Woody gets that chance, but if not look for Rick Carlisle to be a top candidate in NY.

44. Chris

    Whats your take on the Pistons young guys (Monroe, Knight, Stuckey, Jerebko) could this team be a contender in a couple years?

    • Bill Ingram

      Alright, last question, everyone! Had a radio show interrupt, so I spent some extra time here. Honestly, I think if that’s your core group going forward it’s going to be a long time before Detroit contends. A LONG time. They are still 2-3 significant pieces away. Our next chat is with Stephen Brotherston in Toronto, so drop your questions in now by clicking here!