NBA Chat with Bill Ingram 6/25/12

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. 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. Jim in CyberSpace

    What happens with Derek Fisher? Where does he end up next season, he says he want’s to play.

    I’m sure the Thunder value his overall presence…but Maynor will be ready to roll next season.

    Does he go back to the Lakers, will his pride allow it?

    • Bill Ingram

      Yeah, I think Maynor’s presence make Fisher unnecessary for the Thunder. I wouldn’t be surprised if he landed in Chicago or perhaps Miami or San Antonio. He’ll want to be on a contender, and the list of those is fairly short. No, Lakers would be HIGHLY unlikely.

  2. Alex

    Who do you think will win the NBA championship next year ?

    • Bill Ingram

      East will come down to Chicago and Miami. West will be OKC or San Antonio, I would guess. Lots of roster moves to be made between now and the start of the season. I think OKC wins it next year, regardless of who comes out of the East. The experience of losing did wonders for Miami. Should help OKC get over the hump. Of course. . .there are a lot of trades, free agents and games to play out between now and next June.

  3. WIZARD

    Is there anybody willing to do us favour and take andray blatche.If not will he be amnestied or given a new chance AGAIN?

    • Bill Ingram

      I think he gets another chance, but you’re right, he’s own a lot of money over the next three seasons. He could be an amnesty candidate. Still, someone always needs a center, so if they decide to unload him they could likely find a trade partner.

  4. Ronny

    what do you see happening in chicago?There are a lot of rumors I don’t think they can get top 5 pick for deng and even noah considering their contracts.

    • Bill Ingram

      Good Morning, everyone, and welcome to the chat! I can’t imagine trading Noah and Deng unless you’re getting Dwight Howard. The #5 could be Drummond, but he’s a huge question mark. Houston would take that chance, but the Bulls, who are contenders? Doubtful.

  5. Jared

    Do you think the Rockets have the assets to trade for Russell Westbrook or James Harden?

    • Bill Ingram

      No chance the Thunder trade either of those guys, despite Harden’s complete disappearance in the Finals.

  6. TIMMY

    Under condition that he doesn’t sign extension what teams are realisticlly intrested and can send best package for dwight for one year rental?

    • Bill Ingram

      The Rockets and Warriors, for sure, and perhaps Chicago now.

  7. warren

    if you are deron where would you go:mavs or nets.With mavs you become contendor with nets you get more money.

    • Bill Ingram

      The Nets are by far the better team NOW . . .we’ll see what Dallas can put together on paper to try and convince Deron to come home.

  8. ERNIE GRUNFELD

    Should I wait little longer to see what can I get for lewis 13,7boyout orlet horents to robb me.’m I idiot for not getting #10?

    • Bill Ingram

      Pretty nice deal as it was, giving them flexibility if they want it, or two good players if they keep them.

  9. piston

    Do you see dumars making some bold move this summer or draft is highlight of the offseason?

    • Bill Ingram

      I see Joe Dumars on the unemployment line before too long. He has run the team into the ground, and there is no easy way out. Villanueva and Gordon were two huge failures, and Stuckey has to go. Even then, the team is a long way away from making the playoffs.

  10. phil

    would lakers accept iggy-pau swap.I think this would make lakers a better team.

    • Bill Ingram

      I think Philly would do that (assuming they are going to amnesty Brand); not sure about the Lakers. They would need a secondary deal to land a better power forward.

  11. ted

    which teams would be intrested gor ben gordon and how much would they value him?I think pistons don’t use him properly,in chicago he was candidat for sixth man of the year.Is problem he or system in detroit?

    • Bill Ingram

      The thing about Ben Gordon is that he’s a scorer, and if you ask him to do other things you’re not using him to his advantage. He needs to be a sixth man like he was in Chicago, who is asked to just come in and score and not much else.

  12. ted

    Do you thonk that ibaka is overrated.The guy cares more on blocks then rebounding which allows his opponents more second chances.I would give him 50mil/5years deal.Hsrden 60mil/5years deal.

    • Bill Ingram

      I don’t think Serge is overrated, no. He needs to work on rebounding, but he led the NBA in blocks, and that’s something that OKC will rely on in their quest to win multiple championships. I don’t know if I pay Harden more than $10 million a season . . .

  13. mary anne

    If portland ends with lillard and henson did they have succesful draft day?If they have drummond on board should they draft him?It doesn’t fit their plan to become contendor asap because drummon needs at least 4years to actually contribute(according his college coach)

    • Bill Ingram

      Lillard yes . . .I’m not sold on Henson. They need a center, not another PF – they have Aldridge starting and Hickson likely back off the bench. Drummond is a huge risk, but maybe that’s a risk you have to take if you’re Portland.

  14. Deven

    Is Houston really going to trade Samuel Dalembert for a draft pick?

    • Bill Ingram

      If they can get into the lottery, yes. That’s their goal, and we’re told they have a taker in Sacramento.

  15. Dave

    Was it me, or did it feel like the Heat weren’t as excited and happy as past teams when they won the championship. It felt like they were TO professional, but i guess if they showed more excitement people might find a way to bash on them.
    Personally for me, the best part was when Juwan Howard and Jalen Rose gave each other a hug and started crying

    • Bill Ingram

      The best part for me was when Mario Chalmers started doing the victory dance with like 6:00 left and LeBron walked over to him and said “NOT YET.” Last year it was LeBron doing all the disrespectful early celebrating, and it ultimately cost his team a championship. Seeing LeBron grow up was the most interesting part of the playoffs to me. Part of that was realizing that celebrating on the court was not appropriate. Respect the game. Save it for later.

  16. Alec

    Hey Bill, a couple quick questions with my last being the most important. 1) Pretty much all season everyone has said trade Rondo, now everyones convinced BOS should build around him. What would you do if you were Ainge? Blow it up or try and sign Kaman/Asik/Hibbert. 2) last week in someones chat, somebody mentioned JFlem was gone. What happened to him?

    • Bill Ingram

      The issue with Rondo is that – like LeBron before him – he has a lot of immaturity to overcome. He’s not much of a communicator, and as the point guard you have to be able to do that. He also makes bone-headed plays at just the wrong times – like bumping refs. There’s no questioning his talent, it’s his head that Ainge is wondering about. Jason did, indeed, leave us last week. His day job has become more demanding and he didn’t like having to sacrifice family time at night after working all day. We completely understood, though his loss was a blow to our team. He’s been with us the longest outside of myself and Steve Kyler.

  17. Roon

    If the Cavs do trade the #4 and #24 selections to the Bobcats for the #2 overall, who do you think they will be targeting? I would assume it would be either Beal or Barnes. It may just work out that Charlotte could trade out of the #2 and still be able to select Thomas Robinson at #4 and still be able to get a solid contributor at #24. I think it would be an excellent deal for the Bobcats.

    • Bill Ingram

      Exactly what Charlotte has in mind. Precisely. Cleveland wants either Barnes or Beal, which Charlotte wants Robinson, who could be there at 4.

  18. Will

    What will be Houston’s draft day plans,Dwight,trade picks,or keep picks?

    • Bill Ingram

      The Rockets want into the top ten, and will deal whoever they have to deal to get there. They have a deal on the table that sends our Dalembert and the #16 for something, but we don’t have a clear idea of which team the deal is with yet. Perhaps the Kings. They also have a deal on the table for Dwight, but we’ll have to see what the new management team in Orlando decides to do with him.

  19. Peter

    Hey Bill, Spurs got ousted by a team with more toughness on the frontline. I personally would love to see Chris Kaman in a Spurs uniform. He has the skillset to score in the paint and has the size and toughness to defend any big men in the West. Any chance of that happening???

    • Bill Ingram

      I can see Kaman there, or perhaps Emeka Okafor is the Wizards don’t opt to keep him. The Spurs always seem to get just what they need, so I think we’ll see them address the front line this summer.

  20. Peter

    After seeing the HEAT win, will more team try to adopt the 3-superstar model? I would hate to see that. Bad for the league and for smaller market teams. I hope Howard, Williams and those guys won’t try to team up like LeBron and those guys did :(

    • Bill Ingram

      I don’t think so. I believe that is the pre-CBA dream of winning a championship. The new CBA makes it too expensive to go that route. We’re going to see more teams trying to emulate the Thunder and Spurs with smart drafting, player development and consistency being the keys to success.

  21. Gordan

    As a Bulls fan, i want deng out! Hes too much money. Where do u think he will be playing to start next season? I hear teams loke GS,HOU,and SAC

    • Bill Ingram

      Hard to move him by himself for that reason. His contract is ugly over the next two seasons. You have to package him with someone else – Gibson or Noah, for example. Houston, Sac, Tor and GS are all interested, though. The teams that are looking for elite small forwards. . .

  22. James

    Where does nash and jkid end up?

    • Bill Ingram

      It would take a lot to get Nash out of Phoenix, so I don’t think he moves. Kidd – how about Chicago? Maybe even Miami.

  23. alan

    Bill, there hasn’t been much talk about Chris Kamen. Any teams out there (other than Miami) that might have real interest in him? Detroit? Houston? Philly? Boston?

    • Bill Ingram

      I’m not hearing much about him in NBA circles, though there is an understanding that he may be the best center available this summer.

  24. Cain

    What will the Mavs get out of Beaubois next season? (PG or SG) Will Wright be back in the line-up at starting C?

    • Bill Ingram

      He’s not much of a point guard, honestly, because he doesn’t distribute the ball well. He was good next to Kidd because Kidd could guard the shooting guard and Roddy could defend the point, and they could switch on the offensive end. Carlisle has not seen fit to give Roddy a consistent role on the team, so I wouldn’t count on him suddenly having one this season unless there is just no other choice.

  25. Raptorfan

    Any truth to a rumor that the Sacramento Kings and the Raptors are going to swap picks (plus players) so that Raptors can have a chance to land Harrison Barnes? If not, is Deng, Iggy, or Gay more likely to be traded to the Raptors by Thursday evening?

    • Bill Ingram

      The Kings have a number of deals on the table . . .it very much depends on what happens with picks 1-4. The Raptors are chasing a 3, whether it’s in the draft or via trade.

  26. D

    Where do you seeing the Magic going at 19? SF or PG.Those are the biggest weaknesses and we’ve been calling for Duhon and Turk to leave town for a while now.

    • Bill Ingram

      I think they go small forward with Harkless . . .of course, it depends on what other moves they make . . .but Harkless would be a solid pick.

  27. Deven

    Would you declare Lebron “King James” now that he has an NBA title?

    • Bill Ingram

      LeBron is now the King of the NBA . . .unfortunate that so many were quick to label him years too early . . .very impressive performance from LeBron last week.

  28. Jason

    Is Miami the front runner for these guys: Camby, Oden, Allen?

    • Bill Ingram

      They can’t afford Ray Allen, I don’t believe, and won’t risk Oden. Camby? Perhaps . . .

  29. john

    I have been trying to tell you all these Months just how good Austin Rivers is and that hes not undersized. You had him at 18 and now everyone has him in the top 10 if not guaranteed lottery pick. River is NBA Ready and the best scorer in this draft class and will be a star in this League. I WILL PROVE YOU WRONG

    • Bill Ingram

      Not sure what you mean . . . I’m not on the mock draft team . . .and so couldn’t have had him anywhere. Seems like a great pro to me . . .

  30. john

    Better player in 5 years Derrick Favors or Thomas Robinson? Who has more potential and a bigger upside?

    • Bill Ingram

      I’ll go Robinson because his mental approach to the game is totally different. T-Rob wants to dominate . . .and that makes a huge difference.

  31. john

    Some Think that Damian Lillard could be a poor mans Rose or westbrook, do you think he could EVER reach that Level? does he have ALL Star talent?

    • Bill Ingram

      I’ve been told that, as well. I think it has a lot to do with the fact that this is weak PG draft, as much as anything else. I would hate to saddle him with the expectation of being the next Rose or Westbrook.

  32. manila tapsilog

    Bill just wana thank u and let u know u arebthe best.when i read ut chat u give each sender time and respect our question. I know most of send crazy question most of the time but u dont make us feel stupid.i guess. U just know that its love for the game and our team that makes us fanatics at times.. thanks… Anyways, who will drop the jaw dropping move on the draft night? Anything nobody knows yet,care to share ur guess? More power bro!!!!!

    • Bill Ingram

      Thanks! Much appreciated . . .we wouldn’t be here without our readers. :) I think the jaw-dropper would be a Dwight trade, which seems very possible at this point. I saw your other question about Houston, and I think the Rockets might have a move to get the #5 from Sacramento. They would take Drummond . . .

  33. Ron

    An ESPN report said the Raps are interested in Jeremy Lin does that still hold true? or have they moved on to other options?

    • Bill Ingram

      They’re interested, yes, but highly unlikely they get him . . .he’ll stay in NY.

  34. Zach

    Who do you think the Pvcers take with the 26th pick? Other than resigning Hibbert and Hill what should be the Pacers top priority this off season?

    • Bill Ingram

      Their top priority is finding a scoring 2-guard who can create his own shot. They would also possibly work a deal that landed someone like Kyle Lowry if he were to be available. They lost to Miami because they had to run plays to get baskets, and the Heat were sitting on all of their plays. Indy needs to inject some creativity and unpredictability into their lineup.

  35. Ludwig Hasbauer

    is a big draft/birthday party planned, or do u have to work to much then? ;) seems to me my kings and your rockets love to make trades with each other, which players do you see of interest for my kings here? i think they will trade down for sure!

    • Bill Ingram

      Draft day is a very busy work day for me . . .how nice would it be to just go to a draft party? LOL. The Kings and Rockets are talking about the #5, from what I’ve been told. Houston would love to have Drummond, and would send the Kings their #14 and #16 as well as Dalembert to get #5 if Drummond is still on the board.

  36. Scott

    Do you see the Clippers making any moves this week (maybe move Bledsoe) or is everything on hold until they hire a GM?

    • Bill Ingram

      I know moving Bledsoe was a non-starter for Olshey, but a new GM could have other ideas. Awfully hard to make moves without a GM in place to formulate a long-term plan for the team.

  37. Nick

    Where do you see the Indiana Pacers getting their Superstar from? They seem so close to a championship and yet it still seems no superstar wants to play for Indy.

    • Bill Ingram

      It’s not that no superstar wants to play there, it’s that they are looking to develop that star internally. The smaller market teams can’t afford to just go buy talent, and they’ve done a solid job of avoiding that path so far. They’re not looking for a superstar, just someone who can create their own shot. Courtney Lee and OJ Mayo are two of their top targets.

  38. JP

    1-Is it possible to get the 2# pick to select Beal trading Derrick Williams and the 18# pick? Would you do it?
    2-Which would be your choice to fill the small forward position if so? Gerald Wallace, Batum?
    3-Would it be also possible to lure Illyasova to have a 3 big minutes big man rotation (and with some minutes to TOlliver)?
    4-What would you do if you are Kahn?

    • Bill Ingram

      The Bobcats want a lot more than that . . .If I’m Kahn I go after Mayo and Lee, and falling short my backup plan would be Kevin Martin. They don’t need Wallace and Batum isn’t available. Same with Ilyasova.

  39. Brown Hornet

    Bill is there any real traction to the story aboutthe potential deal the Rockets may have with the Raps?

    Steve Nash is that viable option for the Raps?

    • Bill Ingram

      I’m hearing Lowry for the #8 . . .given that Houston is pursuing Dragic in free agency, makes a lot of sense. Of course, if they get Kyle they don’t need Nash.

  40. Mutang

    Hey Bill, your Rockets and specifically Lowry seem to be the hot-button topics today. Is there a scenario where you see Lowry going to Utah? I’d love to see it, and Utah needs a solid stud pg. thanks

    • Bill Ingram

      No . . .we’re hearing Toronto . . .he’d be great in Utah, though. No question.

  41. Santiago

    Hey bill great chats
    If you were the celtics and both were available who would you pick: royce white or moe harkless?

    • Bill Ingram

      Depends on whether or not KG and Bass are back . . . if they are, I take Harkless.

  42. raptor

    I’ve been hearing rumors now that the Raps with the 8th pick might be looking at John Henson PF from North Carolina. If this is true, why would they be doing that? Seems to me he’s pretty similar to fellow Tar Heel Ed Davis.

    • Bill Ingram

      Yeah – that makes little sense. Better to use the pick to get a point guard like Lowry.

  43. Lee-Michael Conway

    Do you think Deng/Noah for Howard/Tukoglu is possible?

    • Bill Ingram

      Makes more sense than some of the other Dwight rumors I’m hearing . . .

  44. Santiago

    How far do you see Sullinger slipping realistically…i have seen many mocks having him available for the celtics. Can the celtics realistically get Sullinger or is this a dream?

    • Bill Ingram

      That’s probably a bit far . . .but he is definitely slipping to the middle of the first . . .from what we’re hearing.

  45. raptor

    Steve Nash to Toronto “gaining steam” Do you think Nash to Toronto is legit? Or is it more likely he goes title hunting with a contender?

    • Bill Ingram

      Considering Phoenix has a 3-year deal on the table, I think Nash stays put.

  46. Santiago

    What is your take on KG? What is he doing next summer?

    • Bill Ingram

      He’s too much of a competitor to walk away . . .he’ll get some rest and get back to basketball.

  47. Sam

    Why doesn’t Howard do what Carmelo Anthony did. Clearly Brooklyn is where he wants to go, just like New York was where Melo wants to go. Then Hennigan has to trade him to the Nets. Howard tells every other team he won’t sign an extension

    • Bill Ingram

      Dwight hasn’t made that decision, unlike Carmelo. And there are teams who will take him without an extension, which wasn’t the case with Melo.

  48. C Timothy Murphy Jr

    Will Cavs trade up to # 2 happen? Is it a good idea to trade #24 when some good players are projected to bethere at #24?

    • Bill Ingram

      The problem is that Charlotte is asking more than the Cavs are likely to give up to get the #2. So we’ll see . . .

  49. Tom

    Do you think Noah could really be traded?

    • Bill Ingram

      I only move him if Dwight is involved . . .

  50. Tom

    Toronto Raptors rumours you can share with us?

    • Bill Ingram

      Sounds like they’re after Kyle Lowry, which makes a LOT of sense. A LOT of sense.

  51. Josh

    OK Bill – if TRob is taken at 2, Beal at 3, between Barnes and MKG (whoever is not taken) – who do you choose at the 4 if you’re CLE?

    • Bill Ingram

      They’re trying to move up to get the 2 to get Beal . . .but I think they go Barnes if they can’t get #2. They aren’t sold on MKG.

  52. Mark

    Assuming the Bobcats trade with Cleveland, will they really take Barnes with the 4th pick? When compared to DJ White and Tyrus Thomas, I think Robinson is the better pick…and much safer.

    • Bill Ingram

      No . . .they take T-Robinson with the fourth pick . . .

  53. Dale

    Think Ilyasova is going to get the next regrettable contract that costs some GM their job?

    • Bill Ingram

      Good question. There is always a risk basing a new contract on what a guy did during his contract year. Approach with CAUTION!

  54. t

    who do you see the Bobcats targeting as a free agent this summer….Beasley maybe?

    • Bill Ingram

      Unlikely . . .I don’t see Jordan going for Beasley. They’re targeting a SF via trade . . the team that signs Beasley is going to have to have a strong leader on the court to keep him focused and channeled.

  55. Brad

    Do the Cavs end up making some noise on draft night either through trade or a surprise pick?

    • Bill Ingram

      Sounds like their noise could start at #2.

  56. Devonte

    could the knicks trade jeremy lin if they wanted to?

  57. Kevin

    Houston has bigger things in mind than Pau. Any names linked to Lakers?

    • Bill Ingram

      I’m not hearing much on the Lakers other than they will likely deal Pau. You’re right – Houston has a bunch of other things on their plate right now.

  58. Kurt

    what do the Jazz do, no first round pick but a loaded front court?

    • Bill Ingram

      I think it’s time to realize that Devin Harris is not the All-Star he once was. Move one of those front court guys to land a point guard who can change the pace of the game and push Utah to the next level.

  59. orthoman

    Seems like most championship teams have 3 stars. How does Hennigan convince Howard to stay without another star in Orlando?
    I don’t see it happening, do you?

    • Bill Ingram

      He has to sell Dwight on the long-term picture. They have a ton of cap space next summer . . .Think Dwight, Josh Smith, Monta Ellis . . .

  60. Kris

    Hi Bill,

    What is the next step in the Bobcats development into becoming a playoff team in the next 4=5 years?

    • Bill Ingram

      They draft Robinson, then add a veteran who has won, been to the playoffs, and is willing to be the cornerstone of a rebuilding team. Not an easy sell job, but Michael Jordan has to put the full weight of his name and influence behind the effort to make that happen, while also allowing Rich Cho to actually make the moves and the decisions.

  61. Matthew

    How are the Nets a better team than the Mavericks? Are you trying too hard to be unbiased since you’re based in Dallas? Would you rather play next to Dirk or Brook Lopez? Jason Kidd or Marshon Brooks? Shawn Marion or Gerald Wallace?

    • Bill Ingram

      Here’s the Mavs’ roster: Dirk, Haywood, Marion, Beaubois, Jones. Wright and Carter are non-guaranteed. Brooklyn; Lopez is far better than Haywood, Wallace and Matrix cancel out, Brooks is better than Beaubois. Brooklyn has something like $40 million in cap space, Dallas has more like 25 and would have to use the bulk of that on Williams, as he is not their free agent. Brooklyn has the upper hand. Like I said, Dallas has to sell Deron on their vision.

  62. Evan

    As a kings fan, it’s seems like not too long ago we had John Salmons and Sam Dalembert and it didn’t work out all that great.

    Is progress on the horizon or are the Kings just spinning their wheels, trading away players then bring them back a year or 2 later ??

    • Bill Ingram

      Feeling like you’re in the movie Groundhog Day? LOL. The Kings are working to unload Salmons, and could very well buyout Dalembert. Progress is definitely on the horizon, though a GM change might be needed before the big steps forward are made.

  63. Jarome

    Do you have any idea what the Raptors plan to do with Jose Calderon IF they acquire Nash/Lowry? Will Jose be flipped for another asset or will he be part of the deal? Thanks brotha!

    • Bill Ingram

      Sure . . .lots of teams are in search of PG upgrades, starting with the Lakers. Perhaps the Bobcats . . .

  64. Al

    What would it take for Portland to trade up and take Robinson. Granted we’re not sure where Robinson goes (could be anywhere between 2 & 5) but what kind of deal might work?

    • Bill Ingram

      The Blazers aren’t willing to do what it would take to do that, assuming they even could.

  65. Jim

    If you ar the rockets… What does your team look like after Thursday ?

    • Bill Ingram

      Alright, last question, everyone. Tried to hit on each team at least once . . .way too many questions to get to today. So keeping in mind this is best-guess, and a lot of things are being discussed. Here’s my best-case scenario: Dwight Howard, Motiejunas, Dragic, Lee, Andre Drummond, John Henson, Chase Budinger, Marcus Morris, Hedo Turkoglu. They’re still looking for a backup PG in free agency – perhaps even lure Jameer Nelson to play with Dwight and have Dragic as sixth man. As always, thanks for spending some of your Monday with us here at HOOPSWORLD.