NBA Chat With Bill Ingram 6/18/12

Anthony

Do the magic trade d12 this offseason?Do they look 2 make a deal with the lakers,what are there options going forward,your thoughts?

Bill Ingram

Good Morning, Everyone, and welcome to the chat! I see quite a few questions about Dwight Howard already in the queue, so let me address a couple with one answer. First, it’s not about playing hard ball with Dwight. The new GM needs to sit down, assess the situation, and make a decision. If Dwight is willing to commit long-term, get that done. If he’s not, no team wants to go through what life in Orlando would be like next season with Dwight in the final year of his contract. Every night, every new reporter is going to ask the same dumb question, getting the same dumb quote, which will be treated like a revelation by our A.D.D. media and fans. Nothing the Magic do on the court will matter, it will be all about the next rumor about Dwight’s situation, and how an inflection in his voice might be read to mean XYZ. You either get Dwight to agree to an extension, or you put him on the market and trade him as early as draft night. I think the Rockets and Warriors have the best packages available – keep in mind, the Lakers are not dealing Bynum – and both of those teams will take a chance on renting him for a season. You move Dwight, get as many assets as you can in the deal, and you allow the franchise and the fans to move forward. It’s an ugly situation, but it doesn’t get any prettier by dragging it out. It only gets uglier.

Anthony

With the lakers having very little options.What direction do u see the lakers take with Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol?

Bill Ingram

I’ll be surprised if Pau Gasol is a Laker next season. I think they use him as a trade piece to land multiple players, possibly from Houston or Minnesota. They can force one of those teams to take a bad contract and land two or three rotation players in return. Perhaps Boston gets into the mix, depending on what they decide to do with their Big Three. There will be interest in Gasol, but not for much longer. This is the time to deal him.

Will

If Houston can get D12 on draft night,do they become players for Dwill in FA?

Bill Ingram

You would have to think so . . .they certainly want to play together. VERY MUCH.

potter jackson

i saw some highlights of anthony davis and i wasnt very impressed, whats your opinion of him? next KG? and what stats do you see him putting up? perhaps a blake griffin-esqe 20 and 10?

Bill Ingram

Davis is not a highlight reel kind of guy, that’s true. I saw him play two or three times and each time I was waiting for the top pick in the draft to show up and dominate. He’s going to grow into a top player, from what everyone says, and KG is the most frequent comparison I heard among league execs in Chicago at the draft combine.

Tasia

Hey Bill!
So Phoenix gave Waiters the promise. What do they do if Kendall Marshall is there?

If Phoenix keeps their promise do the Rockets take Marshall at #14 and Zeller at #16?

Bill Ingram

A little warning about promises . . .they often evaporate if the right player drops to the right spot. Houston has no intention of drafting in those two slots. They want to move both picks for a star player or at the very least use them to move up into the top ten.

2dogs

Bill, if a team (such as the Celtics) offers Javale McGee a frontloaded contract, do you think Denver will match it? I saw McGee a couple of times with Denver and thought he’d be perfect with Rondo (and with some barking tutelage from KG–assuming that he resigns). McGee surprised me with his low-post game and runs like a small forward. Is he worth a shot for the C’s? How much would it take to get him?

Bill Ingram

The Nuggets will match any reasonable offer, and it’s unlikely someone offers him something stupid. He’s a good center, but he lacks consistency and his basketball IQ is not the greatest. He’ll have good games, but also bad games, as we saw in the playoffs against the Lakers. He can help a team that has plenty of other guys to lean on when he takes a game off now and then. I wouldn’t want to make the kind of offer that Denver won’t match, Go after Kaman, instead.

Max

Hi Bill

So far, I keep hearing the Rockets trying to make trade but what about free agency? There are a couple of free agent centers out there that they can sign (kaman, asik, hibbert, hawes, and Lopez). What the chance the Rockets can sign one of those player? Also, it look like PJ3 is slipping, do u think they will take a chance on him?
Thanks

Bill Ingram

Most of the guys you mentioned are unobtainable. Indy will match Hibbert offers, same for Chicago and Asik, and likely Philly and Hawes. Lopez isn’t the answer, but Kaman might be, assuming they can convince him to choose Houston. Based on recent history, it seems the Rockets are going to have to trade for a player versus signing one in free agency . . .Again, the Rockets don’t expect to be using either of those picks. If they do use them, I think Zeller would be more likely than PJ3, who won’t drop THAT far, I don’t believe.

clayton

As a Mavs fan I’m curious, why are we pursuing d will? He led the nets to a spectacular 22 wins, shot 40% and averaged 4 TO’s, he’s already proven he can’t carry a franchise so why give him a Max deal in this new cba when we have other needs? I’d say pursue Nash and kg/kaman on two yr deals, fill out the bench and go for it the next two yrs, then completely rebuild.

Bill Ingram

First, keep in mind that Deron was one of the few healthy players in NJ when he was healthy himself, so it’s tough to judge him by this season’s stats. That said, I don’t see him as a franchise savior, either. if you throw max money at Deron you can’t afford to pay many other players, and the Mavs have a LOT of holes to fill. I like the idea of amnestying Haywood and going after Kaman and Nash. You’re right – put together a three-year team to run with Dirk, then start over when Dirk and Nash retire together.

Deven

Hi Bill. If Boston is rebuilding this summer, what’s the point of bringing KG back? I’m sure he doesn’t want to be involved within that process. Thoughts?

Bill Ingram

No chance KG re-signs with Boston if they’re rebuilding. He’s said as much.

Deven

When July 1st comes, any predictions on which big names might be signed first?

Bill Ingram

My money’s on Eric Gordon re-upping in New Orleans.

Chris Hall

Any chance of a big move by Boston before the draft takes place? Rondo or Pierce trade? Move up in the draft by packaging picks? How far could you move up by packaging 21 & 22?

Bill Ingram

I wouldn’t be surprised to see Rondo’s name in the rumor mill again, with his stock being at an all-time high. I don’t think you deal Pierce, but we’ll see just how badly they want to scrap it and start over. Hard to see moving up much with the 21 and 22 . . .you’re talking about two players who are more likely to see D-League time next season than meaningful minutes on a team hoping to make the playoffs.

Scott

What do the Rockets plan on doing with Courtney Lee and is there any way for the Clippers to get their hands on him?

Bill Ingram

The Rockets would like to keep Lee and start him in Martin’s place after they trade Kevin. I’ll be very, VERY surprised if Courtney is in any other uniform than a Rockets uniform come November, unless he’s a trade piece in a Dwight Howard deal.

Joe Shafer

The rockets are young enough and don’t need two late lottery picks! Can they trade up and be sure to draft Meyers Leonard? The guy has the makings of a solid starting center (not an all-star but solid rotation guy)!

Bill Ingram

Is his best-case Samuel Dalembert? Seems the Rockets already have him . . .

lamont

Why no draft rumors regarding the Mavs? It seems we’re destined to draft terrible or trade the pick as usual, in a perfect world, I’d like to flip 17 to Boston for 21.22 and take any combo of white, o Johnson, or Jeff Taylor, unless Ross falls to 17, thoughts?

Bill Ingram

Well, since Rick is not a fan of playing young players, it makes sense to move the pick and focus on acquiring veteran help. I’ve heard they are interested in Arnett Moultrie and also Austin Rivers, and Moultrie should be on the board at 17.

calvinzero

2 Questions:

Who do you think will upgrade their ranking before its draft night?

How probable the Lakers will involve in any type of transactions during draft night?

Bill Ingram

Will Barton may be the mover and shaker in this draft class . . .lots of execs were surprised by how good he was in Chicago. He’s been working with John Lucas in Houston, and Lucas makes those guys work extremely hard on improving their weaknesses. As for the Lakers, expect to hear the Gasol trade talks start on draft night, even if they don’t get it done. The talks will kick into high gear.

lucky

If the Brandon Roy return does happen, shouldn’t the mavs be a player? A quality true shooting guard has eluded us for some time now. That being said, if he wants to resurrect his career, he should go to phoenix, their medical staff has a history of raising the dead with hill, shaq redd and keeping Nash healthy

Bill Ingram

I would LOVE to see Brandon Roy back in the NBA. LOVE IT. He stands for everything that’s good about the sport, and he’s the kind of guy we want our kids to look up to. That said, I’ve talked to Sean Livingston – knee injury expert – about Roy’s knees and Sean is convinced we’ve seen the last of a productive Brandon Roy. Someone will take a chance on him, and he’ll even have a few good games, but the days of Roy being an All-Star player are sadly past. I hate to say it . . .really hate it . . .but that’s where we are.

alan

Well, Bill, we are inching closer to the draft. During your chat, we will be at 10 days and counting. Any trades developing, or are we still too early?

Bill Ingram

Still pretty early . . .it sounds like we will have a very active draft night, but at this point it’s a bunch of talk. Deals won’t come together until the draft is actually underway and we start to see where certain players fall.

avon barksdale

Any upcoming workout scheduled for the draft, they’ve been pretty quiet

Bill Ingram

I get like 10 emails a day from teams listing the players they are working out each day . . .teams are busy . . .players are earning lots of frequent flier miles.

Maurice

Have heard what teams the Bucks have talk to about moving up (beside the Bobcats)

Bill Ingram

I’ve heard they want to move up, but aside from Charlotte, no specifics.

Jimbo

Portland trades to Houston: 6th pick, Shawne Williams & Kurt Thomas.

Houston trades to Portland: 14th pick, 16th pick, Kyle Lowry.

Who says no?

Bill Ingram

Houston says no. Immediately.

jim

it is being rumored that new orleans will trade their #10 pick for a veteran shooting guard and taking okofor and ariza’s contracts.

as a hawk fan how about joe johnson? i would love to use that pick for beal or lamb. statisticallyh over the last few years we have done well without joe in the lineup. hell, marvin williams steps up when jj is gone.

in your eyes would this be feasible on both sides. we lose 4 years of joe’s contract, we have a true center in okofor, al moves to the 4, josh to the 3. We get a lot of financial freedoms from it all too. Ariza and okofor only hav 2 years left.

what do you think?

Bill Ingram

Why would they trade for a shooting guard? Eric Gordon is one of the best young twos in the NBA . . .Also, the Hornets are not going to take on a contract like Joe’s.

Dave

(Suns rebuilding plan)
Trade Gortat for Boston’s 21st and 22nd pick
Sign and trade Steve Nash to the Heat for the 29th pick, Norris Cole and Mike Miller’s contract (he is retiring)
Buy the Thunder’s 28th pick (they are selling it)
Resign Aaaron Brooks
Draft Austin Rivers with the 13th pick
You have the 13th, 21st, 22nd and 28th pick AND Norris Cole who is young and can play. Rebuilding process goes by fast if one of those guys has franchise player potential. (Especially Austin Rivers)

Bill Ingram

Gortat is worth a great deal more than the 21 and 22. He’s a very good starting center . . .you won’t get close to value with those two picks.

Kevin in Tokyo

Hey Bill,

What do you think about GS trading #7 for #11 and Hickson or another prospect?

Bill Ingram

They’re better off using the #7 . . .they aren’t looking for more young players, and Hickson is in that category. Also, Portland is pretty high on Hickson being their back-up to Aldridge.

shaq and chuck gone fishing

Hi bill,i just wish one of u guys write something bold and strong predictions on teams next season. Because some how writers tend to be safe ? It becomes boring for the readers. Just a suggetion,thanks for the time.

Bill Ingram

Sadly, most of the teams are going to take the boring approach . . .we tend to write what sources close to the teams tell us, and that’s rarely super-exciting.

Anthony

How realistic could this be for the sixers?

- Trade Iggy/meeks and #15 for Tyreke/#5 and whatever else would be needed to make it work.

- Amnesty Elton Brand and sign Garnett (I don’t know how much he’d be asking for, but drafting a number 5 pf/c to learn under kg would be great)

sixers starting 5: Holiday / Tyreke / Thad / draft#5 / Garnett….. with evan turner as sixth man?

Bill Ingram

Makes some sense, assuming KG doesn’t get an offer from the Lakers after they trade Gasol . . .which seems very likely. If the Lakers call, no chance KG lands in Philly.

EMANN

Whats up Bill,
My question is, what key position do you think the Lakers need, to enable them to contend with the OKC’s and the Miami’s? I think trading for Damian Lillard if he goes to the Blazers with N. Batum, maybe a Thabeet for Pau Gasol along with C. Eyenga and draft picks. It would solidify the PG postion now and the future with an athletic high I.Q. baller, and Batum a SF whose has skills the Lakers need and of course youth.

Bill Ingram

They need an upgrade at point guard. If Houston is now willing to deal Lowry and the Lakers can get Scola, too, they’re a better team. Not sure they can contend with OKC, and there are all kinds of problems with your Portland proposal, but the answer to your first question is PG.

Charlie

After Lebron James wins his first ever title and Finals MVP while averaging over 30 points and 9 boards. Will this silence the critics who cried on the highest mountain about James woes in the 4th quarter last year? And how will this feat change the way Mr. Bill Ingram views the man?

Bill Ingram

If he plays as well in the fourth quarter as he did in Game 2, that’s his big issue. It will silence some critics. I will also say – due credit to LeBron – it’s really tiring watching NBA games where the refs have a preconceived story that the Thunder are a young team and deserve no foul calls, while the HEAT are veterans and so get all kinds of whistles. I was watching Game 3 with some friends and it was comical the way you could predict whistles. It was almost like playing armchair quarterback and predicting Elway interceptions back in the day . . .For me, it’s about LeBron growing up and becoming a man. If we’re going to label him “The King,” he had better win some championships. Like Battier told me, though, it’s not LeBron’s fault he was labeled.

Frank

You have made it clear many times on Hoopsworld that you would not take Lebron James on your team. But after watching James dominate and carry an injured Bosh and Wade throughout the playoffs, does this change your opinion? Or are you waiting for the HEAT to win the title first before officially changing stances?

Bill Ingram

He’s a great player, no question, and he’s shown maturity in this series that I’ve never seen and had no reason to expect. I’ll take Durant over LeBron every single day, but he’s improving my opinion of him.

Frank

Lebron James is so versatile defensively, Scott Brooks actually has him matched up with center Kendrick Perkins defensively sometimes. But we have also seen James on PG’s such as Tony Parker/Derrick Rose in the past. How many players in NBA history have been matched up defensively at the 1 and 5 spots during the same playoffs?

Bill Ingram

Maybe Magic Johnson? I know he played 1-5 at times for LA.

andrew

Hey bill how ya doing? I was watching the big 10 network n saw an old Ohio state game from, I believe 2009 or 10. Anyway I was floored by the size and athleticism of that guy. I read he signed a one year deal to Poland but I was wondering if anybody has shown interest in him in the up coming season. Do you know anything about him?

Also a friend of mine who’s been doing some numerology readings for analysts around the league(not saying who n definitely not saying I buy into that) and he’s telling me harden is on his way out of OKC. I can’t believe that but he’s rarely wrong. Any truth to this that you know of??

Love the chats n the site man , couldn’t get through my day without it!

Bill Ingram

Not sure who you’re referring to in the first paragraph? … I think if you have to choose between Harden and Ibaka you choose Ibaka. It’s much harder to find a great defender and shot-blocker than it is to find a scoring guard to come off the bench. Thanks for reading!!

andrew

Sorry about that question, the player I’m referring to is Dallas Lauderdale. Sorry for the screw up, still kinda early

Bill Ingram

Ah! OK . . .he signed a one-year deal with PGE Turow in Poland and that’s the last I’ve heard about him.

Marlon D.

Good morning Bill, each of the 3 games of the finals so far have gone down to the wire, it seems as if the x-factor for the Thunder is Harden. Are the Heat focusing on him or is he just off so far?

Bill Ingram

He just seems to be overwhelmed by the moment. This is not the guy who iced the defending champs by scoring 19 points in the fourth quarter. As a whole, though, the Thunder have taken a step back on the mental side of the game. They need to step it up lest they find themselves in a 1-3 hole.

Brian

Bill,

Any way the Wolves get anything of value for Wes Johnson, or do we have to endure another year of 2-10 nights? Maybe package him with Ridnour or Barea?

Thanks!

Bill Ingram

They’re not ready to give up on him just yet. But you’re right – his days are numbered if he can’t start producing.

Sean

Hey bill, I’m not familiar with dennis lindsey or jeff bower, but who’s the better of the two? And why isn’t Brian shaw the frontrunner for head coach?

Bill Ingram

Lindsey is arguably the better of the two, having come up in the San Antonio system. Lindsey, though, will want control and final say, whereas Bower would likely be more of a team guy, willing to let Martins and Foyle make some of the decisions. Bower built the Hornets team that looked like contenders a couple of years ago, and also drafted very well. As far as I’ve heard, Shaw is a frontrunner, but the Magic are waiting to see what happens with Scott Brooks in OKC.

ralph lawrence

will a trade of tyreke, freddette and whiteside be enough to get the #2 pick of charlotte?? kings will have 2 first round picks and could get robinson at 2 and maybe barnes or beal at #5.. your thoughts?

Bill Ingram

I wouldn’t think so . . .I would rather have Thomas Robinson than all those guys. Would be an amazing move for Sac, of course. Rich Cho doesn’t make a deal like that.

Deven

Would the Miami Heat consider amnestying Mike Miller this summer? Because clearly he’s weak physically. Thoughts?

Bill Ingram

I can see why they might. . .he’s the fourth highest-paid player on the team, and Battier makes him extremely expendable.

mario

Morning to you bill what realistically could the bulls get for lu and would they have to add someone else to sweeten the deal and if yes who would that be thx bill

Bill Ingram

Lu is an All-Star, and there are a number of teams looking for star-caliber threes. Houston, Charlotte and Toronto immediately come to mind.

da wink

Will Lowry be shipped out on draft night?

Bill Ingram

It’s a very real possibility, given the heated relationship between him and McHale . . .

Matty

Having seen a lot of Goran Dragic last season, do you see him living up to a ‘big money’ RFA offer to start fulltime in an NBA city? What kind of an offer would make Houston back away?

Bill Ingram

Houston wants him back in a bad way . . .no question . . .and if they deal Lowry they might even overpay to keep Dragic. Over that 17-game stretch where he started for Kyle this season he put up better numbers than Chris Paul, which is saying something.

FAN2CBasketball

What teams are pursuing OJ Mayo? And where do you think he will sign? Thanks!

Bill Ingram

The Pacers would absolutely LOVE to have him, as would the Timberwolves. Heisley wanted to keep him, but we’ll see what happens with new ownership.

LA in LA

What are the chances OKC would be willing to sell their 28th pick to the Lakers for $3 million in cash?
Lakers could get a solid shooter like Doron Lamb or Jenkins there who could contribute this year.

Bill Ingram

Highly unlikely . . .Presti is among the best at the draft . . .and wouldn’t have an incentive to help the Lakers. Maybe the next James Harden waits for OKC at 28.

Underground

If Lopez and Wallace agree to be traded to Orlando when they resign do you think that Howard is a realistic option for the Nets this summer?

Bill Ingram

If I’m Orlando I’m holding out for more. Wallace is hurt a lot, for one thing. They can get a lot more from teams like Houston and Golden State if they decide to deal Dwight.

jack

With Pau Gasol likely headed to Memphis, is Randolph/Mayo a good enough package?

Bill Ingram

You say “likely,” but I don’t know how likely that is. It’s speculation from a New York writer . . .The Lakers would likely make the deal you propose, but it’s not on the table right now. I guess the idea here is to get more shots for Rudy Gay, as Pau is a more willing passer than Z-Bo.

Victor

How much will Brook lopez command this offseason!

Bill Ingram

Good question . . .he’s a good center in a league that’s short on good centers. I would guess he’ll start in the 12 million range, but they could go crazy and pay him more than that, too.

John

Would the Rox trade #14 & 16 for #9 and 2nd round picks with Detroit? Is this the type of deal they are looking for?

Bill Ingram

Perhaps . . .they want in the top 10 . . .

Matt

What are the Pacers thought process as of now? I know Hibbert and Hill are top priorities. What’s the word from the Bird?

Bill Ingram

Yes, Hibbert and Hill are important, and finding a shooting guard. Not sure they’re sold on Barbosa . . .would prefer Lee or Mayo.

charlie

Should the Lakers “rent” Howard because Bynum’s contract is up next year any way – And there is rumbling that Bynum does not want to play second fiddle to Kobe. What do you think?

Bill Ingram

Lakers won’t trade Bynum – see: Jim Buss.

Alex

Hi Bill,

How about following trade? Money check is passed.

HOU: Howard, Ariza
ORL: Lowry, Dalembert, D. Williams, 10th pick, 14th pick, 16th pick
MIN: Martin
NOH: Barea

Do you think this team will content?
Dragic (resign), Lee (resign), Parsons, Scola, Howard

I kept reading that Scola’s knee is really bad is that true?

Bill Ingram

I love that Houston team, but yes, the Rockets are looking to move Scola because his knees are supposedly worse than anyone is letting on.

John fom Philly

The Sixers have a chances to make a big splash if they play their cards right. How about Thad Young, Igoudala, Nic Vucevic and the #15 for Dwight Howard plus filler. Amesty Brand. Let Hawes and Meeks walk along with Lou Williams and Sign Deron Williams to a max contract. In this scenario the Sixers Would have Howard, D-Will, Evan Turner, Jrue Holiday (playing 2) and Lavoy Allen. Doable???

Bill Ingram

No chance Orlando settles for that package . . .

Kurt

What do the Jazz do? loaded with front court talent need shooting and PG help and Favors needs to start.

Bill Ingram

Yeah, they have to cash in some of that front court talent to upgrade the guard positions. I thought Harris would be a good fit there, but I’m starting to think that perhaps Devin was only good in one system for one coach . . .he has never been the player he was in 2006 with Dallas.

raptor

pg lillard/Jose
sg Demar/JET
sf Crash/JJ
pf Bargnani/ED
c JV/Amir
if toronto can draft lillard at 8 and be able to sign JET and Crash how would you rank this team in the east?

Bill Ingram

Depends on how good Valanciunas is, which remains to be seen. I’m hearing GREAT things about him, but I still need to see it before I get too carried away. The team you propose, with JV playing great, is a home court team in the East.

Beau

I keep seeing that Charlotte is looking to add a veteran star for the #2 pick. Why would they do that? I think they need a full scale rebuild, as there is not a player in the league that could turn them into a championship contender alone.

Bill Ingram

Last question, everyone! I’m right there with you. I take Thomas Robinson and keep building. The only reason I deal the pick is if it’s a way to get rid of Diop or Tyrus Thomas, but then again you could amnesty one of them. Robinson might be the best player in this draft class . . . As always, thanks for spending some of your Monday with us here at HOOPSWORLD. Our next chat is with Stephen Brotherston in Toronto, and you can drop your questions in by CLICKING HERE!