NBA Chat With Bill Ingram 6/4/12

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

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

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

  1. D. Ainge

    Gerald Wallace, M. Camby, K. Hinrich, E. Gordon, Kaman, Hawes, Hibbert, McGee, Mayo, C. Lee…who will I sign for my C’s?

    • Bill Ingram

      Good Morning, Everyone, and welcome to the chat! Ax, I think much depends on what happens in the ECF. If the Celtics advance to the Finals and win a championship, there will be some pressure to bring back the primary pieces and defend that title. Anything short of that, probably means a major rebuild, and this isn’t the best time to be looking at a project like that. Beyond Deron Williams, whom the Celtics don’t need, most of the big names are eligible to be restricted and likely won’t be going anywhere – like Eric Gordon, Courtney Lee, Roy Hibbert and OJ Mayo. I think they bring back Jeff Green, regardless, and look at guys like Kaman, who is unrestricted. If Gerald Wallace walks away from Brooklyn, he would be a nice addition, as well.

  2. Bugsy Mogues

    Hey Bill. What’s your take on team chemistry and camaraderie in the NBA. The Spurs have it in spades, OKC are clearly developing it and reaping the benefits. The Heat seem to have none. Obviously LBJ and Wade are the standout talents but they seem to have no connection with their teammates, no celebration in team success and often talk about how “me and Dwyane brought it tonight”. Chalmers made a great and1 play in game 3 and there was no one there to pick him up and congratulate him, where as in the Spurs game 4 Patty Mills came from the end of the bench to pick Parker out of the crowd after a fall. How much does team moral impact the effort and the contribution of ‘role players’, and ultimately a teams’ success?

    • Bill Ingram

      Chemistry is certainly an important part of any successful team, and while I think there is some in Miami, there is no sense from LeBron that anyone else really matters. This is one of the reasons I find it hard to stomach LBJ. Everything about him is about HIM. He does public service announcements about kids and he does the mandatory NBA Cares events with kids, but when he’s free to do his own thing he is only about LeBron. And if you look at how Spo coaches, it’s really just iso, iso, iso for either Wade or James. People call the Spurs boring, but I’ll watch the Spurs play team basketball every single night and completely ignore Miami, given a choice.

  3. devonte

    with teams like the raptors and warriors saying they would like to trade their picks and contending teams trying to trade their late round picks is it more likely the knicks can find a trade partner thats willing to take some cash consideration or maybe a player like amare to do a swap?

    • Bill Ingram

      No chance the Knicks can trade Amar’e . . .bad back, bad contract . . .

  4. John

    If you are wizards gm what would you do this offseason?Why would they be intrested in drafting mkg when they last year draft similar guy?Plus it wouldnt solve their scoring problems.Beal can do that

    • Bill Ingram

      I think you’ve got to go with the best player when you’re drafting that high, so MKG makes a lot of sense for that reason. The Wizards are so far from being good that it’s tough to rule someone out because they have a similar player who isn’t as good. You can always make sense of that with a trade. From what scouts are telling us, MKG is clearly a top three player, while Beal is perhaps a step down. If that’s how the Wizards feel after talking to and seeing both, they’ll go MKG and figure the rest out later.

  5. Will

    If you had to guess what do you think the Rockets best offer would be for D12?

    • Bill Ingram

      Depends on what the new GM and coach want . . .everything is on the table for the Rockets, so the Magic have to look at their long-term plan, who they want to target in free agency, and take full advantage of a Rockets team that will give them basically anything they ask for.

  6. Chris G

    I read several teams are looking to move out of the first round to save money. Since the Bulls have three players with options (Brewer, Korver, Watson), could they trade them as expiring contracts for the draft picks, then develop that young role-player talent to restock the team once Rose returns?

    • Bill Ingram

      That’s a possibility, of course, but I don’t see the Bulls as a team that will throw away the season to develop young talent while they have a full roster of proven veterans. I think they will be one of the top three teams in the East when Rose returns behind a fully healthy Luol Deng, Noah, Boozer, Hamilton, etc. Still a very good team, even without Rose, as they proved during the regular season. Rose will come back and lead them to a very deep playoff run.

  7. reeney

    hello bill what do you think the lakers chances are of landing a pg like deron williams in a 3 team trade with houston or minnesota if there not able to get him what move do you think they will make??

    • Bill Ingram

      No way anyone takes on the amount of fodder they would have to take from the Lakers for them to be able to land Deron Williams, and no Western team is going to help the Lakers usher in a new dynasty without making sure they give up significant pieces. The Chris Paul scenario was unique in that the Hornets were motivated sellers. The Nets are not . . .they want to keep him, and if they can’t he’ll go to Dallas. I don’t see the Lakers landing Deron. I do expect the Lakers to deal Pau Gasol for multiple assets, and lots of teams will have that discussion with LA.

  8. Christian

    What do you think of Dion Waiters?

    • Bill Ingram

      Some mocks have him going to the Mavericks in the first round, and it’s easy to see why. He reminds of Jason Terry in some ways, as a player who is an impact player off the bench. He lacks Jet’s flair for the dramatic and stepping up in big games, but that may develop as he matures. He can certainly get up and down the floor, and his transition ability would fit in well with what Rick Carlisle looks to do.

  9. Philip Fletcher

    Can the Spurs trade for 1 of Denver’s big men, like JaVale McGee? Maybe Anderson and Neal with Corey Joseph?

    • Bill Ingram

      The Nuggets can make McGee a restricted free agent, and they will most likely do so. Barring a ridiculous offer from someone, he will likely be a Nugget for the foreseeable future. The Spurs might look to add a center, but as we’re seeing they don’t seem to lack for solid contributors all the way around. It will be interesting to see if they opt to keep Diaw or try to trade for someone, but it won’t be McGee.

  10. maestro

    Is it me or does Boston match up real well with the Heat. Paul Pierce is a notch below Lebron but gives Lebron fits on both ends of the court. Ray Allen is a notch below Wade (now but three years ago Jesus would have given him the business) but not as big an advantage in the Heat favor as in other series. Without Bosh, Boston has the advantage with Garnett/Bass over Haslam/Battier. The real difference is at the point where no one on the Heat can come close to Rondo. That being said how would a Boston/San Antonio finals look in terms of ratings and quality? After hoping for Heat/Thunder I actually think it would be great to see one last epic match up between the two top power forwards the last ten years.

    • Bill Ingram

      That’s just it – the Celtics have something the HEAT haven’t had to face in that they have multiple players who can create their own shots, and a strong point guard to push the tempo and make things happen. If Pierce hadn’t fouled out in Game 2, Boston might be up 3-1. Long way to go, though, before we start talking about San Antonio/Boston in the Finals, but that would be a throw-back for sure. Last chance for the previous generation of greats to do battle before Rose, Durant and the next generation is served.

  11. calvinzero

    Is there any possibility of upgrading the draft order of Lakers in spite of their grabbing a 60th slot in lottery?? Please explain to me how.. Thanks, Bill.

    • Bill Ingram

      Sure . . .they can acquire a first round pick in a trade that involves Pau Gasol on draft night . . .

  12. Sean

    Morning Bill! Has Lowry eased up? I’m afraid we are going to eventually lose both Dragic and Lowry and be stuck with nothing.

    • Bill Ingram

      What Kyle wants is to win . . .he wants a team that is committed to winning and making smart coaching and roster moves in the singular pursuit of that goal. The Rockets need to prove they’re a team that can do that, or he will continue to make comments from time to time reflecting his disappointment in the situation.

  13. William Gaddis

    Are the Thunder the most talented team since the MJ Bulls? Stacked at every position. You could basically replace Durant with any star player and get better results. What do you think?

    • Bill Ingram

      Replace Durant with any star player? Hmmm . . .how many games has he won for them with amazing, clutch play? Like Game 4, for example? I don’t think so . . any more than I think you could replace Jordan and have a better result in Chicago. The guys around Jordan looked better than they were because Jordan was so good. Jordan was so good that Scottie Pippen is rated as a Top 50 player, and that’s saying something. Take Durant away from the Thunder and they are a 7-10 seed in the West, at best.

  14. george

    What about Bosh,chalmers for Andre Miller, McGee, Rudy Fernandez. Denver gets legitimate PF and Miami gets a starting C,PG and some fire power of the bench?

    • Bill Ingram

      If the Heat put Bosh on the table they will get much better offers . . .

  15. andrew

    Morning bill how ya doing? I was wondering if the cavs draft a center with the 4th(drummond) as expected, do think they will shop andy? His injuries are becoming a problem n I think he still has decent trade value.

    Also Chris grant mentioned his interest in moving up. Obviously he wasn’t talking about the 4th pick, but what package could they put together to move up from the 24th?

    Thanks a lot, love the chats!

    • Bill Ingram

      Good Morning! We’re starting to hear that a number of high first round picks might be in play, and I think that’s a result of the fact that this class is not turning out to be quite as deep as many expected. Lots of players with big upside, but also lots of possible busts. Is Andre Drummond the next Dwight Howard, or is he the next Kwame Brown? If you draft him and he’s Kwame, that’s a move that costs a LOT of people their jobs. I don’t think the Cavs move Andy, regardless. Teams have reached out to Cleveland to have that discussion, but the Cavs haven’t been too interested in the conversation.

  16. Scott

    How would a package of Bledsoe, Jordan, Williams, and a future 1st for Dwight and Hedo compare to what other teams can offer the Magic? Am I wrong in thinking that Orlando’s trade partners are shrinking?

    • Bill Ingram

      The Clippers haven’t shown any interest in a Dwight trade . . .the Nets no longer have the assets. Houston will go all in, and the Warriors still might, even though they got Bynum at the deadline. I think there will be plenty of offers for Dwight . . .

  17. JFK

    Would lakers say no?Gasol artest 2013 1round pick for lewis singelton crawford seraphin two 2ndround picks

  18. Ludwig Hasbauer

    hey :) which big, available at 5, would complement dmc the best? greets from Germany!

    • Bill Ingram

      Good question. Cousins is really not a dominant post player, and is more David West than Dwight Howard. If Drummond were a sure bet, you go Drummond. But is he? He has been underwhelming in workouts. And Sullinger is way too small to be a dominant center. Still, it seems Drummond may be the gamble the Kings make.

  19. Marlon D.

    Good morning Bill, after a great weekend of hoops, of the 4 teams left which do you will be the first to get a victory on the road? Also after watching the Heat fail to close in the final minutes of regulation and overtime is it fair to say that Erik spoelstra is being out coached by Doc Rivers so far?

    • Bill Ingram

      Spo isn’t a great coach . . .not by any stretch of the imagination. He has great talent on his roster. There’s a difference. Rivers is an outstanding coach, with a lot of old, slow talent on his roster. I think Boston could be the first to win on the road, by virtue of the fact that they should have won Game 2 . . .but I think we’re seeing the Spurs and Heat in the Finals . . .the home court advantage teams.

  20. Derek

    I think something fishy might go on in Orlando like they clear some cap space and convince Dwight to stay. Along with bringing in Monta Ellis and josh smith next year and maybe signing one of the good free agent point guards this offseason declining the option on Reddick and trading jameer Nelson to the jazz for their exemption and sign n trade Ryan Anderson to the kings for francisco Garcia expiring contract tanking this year and getting a high first next year that would really set them up and find someone if ne one will take big baby or Richardson remember duhon and Turk are non guaranteed next year

    • Bill Ingram

      I don’t know . . .the relationship between the Magic and Dwight is so battered that I’m not sure it can be repaired. Making him play for a gutted team next season wouldn’t help that . . .

  21. Rick

    Bill, I believe Deron Williams would be a perfect fit in Indy..I also think it would be his best chance to win a championship immediately (compared to other teams with cap space)…any shot he comes here? We have a petition going to show our support of him coming — http://www.facebook.com/DeronWilliamsToPacers

    • Bill Ingram

      He’s exactly what the Pacers need, but I would be surprised if they made that kind of move. Still, it would be quite a radical improvement for the Pacers . . .so I’ll post your question and let anyone interested sign the petition. ;)

  22. james

    Would Toronto trade the 8th pick and Derozan for the number 2 pick? Would the help both teams.

    • Bill Ingram

      I think Harrison Barnes makes a great deal of sense for the Raptors, and they can probably get him at 8. If they move up you’re talking about a big man, and they are already stocked in the front court.

  23. Alex

    Hi Bill,

    I’m a big fan of your chat. Thank you very much for your great effort.

    Would you like to answer the following questions for me?

    - Do you thinks the following trade realistic? If not how would you like to change it?

    HOU IN:
    Howard, Gasol

    ORL IN:
    Lowry, Martin, 14th pick, 16th pick

    LAL IN:
    Scola, Dalembert, Morris

    - If this trade go through is this lineup good enought to contend?

    Dragic (resign), Lee (resign), Parsons, Gasol, Howard.

    - Can a team use MLE if the team has less than 1M cap space? If not does it means that this team can do nothing more than signing FA with less than 1M?

    Many thanks.

    Best regards,

    Alex

    • Bill Ingram

      Thanks! I’m assuming you’ve run that through a checker and the numbers work . . .which is step one. Step two – Is that the best Orlando can do? They don’t need Lowry unless they move Jameer, and they really need front court help if they’re going to move Dwight. That’s a great lineup for Houston, though I would argue Gasol is more effective at the five, and might be set up to fail alongside Dwight. I don’t see why the Lakers do that, really, and the Magic get screwed.

  24. james

    Bobcats trade Corey Maggete and the 2nd pick for the 5th, Reke Evans and John salmons. Who says no?

    • Bill Ingram

      Sacramento . . .2 starters and the #5 for #2 and a player who can’t stay healthy?

  25. Sean

    The Magic are taking a long time to hire a GM and coach. Just read NBA AM and it seeds Bower has the top spot but what about coach..one thing that the Magic and D-12 want is a championship pedigree. They missed out on Phil so the next best thing is Brian Shaw. The also want McMillan who wins the coach and GM job and can reach Dwight?

    • Bill Ingram

      The Magic want a GM who will be part of a bigger decision-making process, not someone who wants to call all the shots, so Bower makes a great deal of sense. Likewise, they want a coach who will take direction from management, kind of like Vogel in Indiana. Shaw might be that kind of coach. I’m not sure anything they do keeps Dwight in town.

  26. keo

    If all defensive first team vs defensive 2nd team were to face off who would be your choice to win? I wish there was games like these =)

    • Bill Ingram

      My guess would be the first team . . .as they would have a defensive edge. ;)

  27. DGY

    HEY BILL – YOU ARE THE MAN – IS THERE ANY HOPE FOR THE ROCKETS? I SEE LEONARD/ FARIED BOTH DRAFTED AHEAD OF MORRIS AND BOTH DOING GREAT.I KNOW THE DRAFT ISN’T THAT EASY BUT THE GM HAS GOT TODO BETTER.LOVE TO SEE SLOAN ON THE BENCH.WHAT IS OUR BEST CHOICE AT #14.GREAT SHOW KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK

    • Bill Ingram

      Thanks! Much appreciated! The last thing the Rockets need is another 14th pick . . .someone else who needs significant playing time to develop. They need to trade the 14 and 16 and some of their other assets for a player who is ready to go NOW. Think Howard, Iguodala, Hibbert. Maybe S&T for Kaman.

  28. Simon

    if spurs and celtics meet in the finals who do you think wins?

    • Bill Ingram

      Depth would be a huge factor, and swing it to San Antonio’s favor.

  29. Billy M

    Has there ever been an MVP that passes so much late in playoff games? Seems like someone who is most valuable to their team would prove their value

    • Bill Ingram

      The MVP is Kevin Durant . . .for that very reason.

  30. García

    Do you think the Blazers will trade there 6th and 11 pick to move up. There was a rumor that I read that they are trying to get the 3 pick from the Cavs.

    • Bill Ingram

      That’s the rumor . . .Portland wants a center, and at six they won’t get their man.

  31. Josh

    “And with the 4th pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers select. . . “

  32. Asap

    What do you think of Fab Melo? You think Wade will be traded if they lose in ECF? Do you think Utah will make a big trade? They have a couple picks but need a vet to come in toughen them up. Rondo’s value now compared to beginning of season?

    • Bill Ingram

      Fab’s people are hiding him from the media, which always makes me suspicious. No, they don’t trade Wade.

  33. 123Eric

    saw the rumor that dallas is targeting hibbert. you knowing dallas, do you think dallas offers a huge contract that indiana won’t match?

    • Bill Ingram

      Dallas can’t afford to do that unless they’re bailing on Deron Williams . . .they already have an overpaid center in Haywood, so overpaying Hibbert doesn’t make sense. Anything but a huge overpay contract will be matched by the Pacers.

  34. MikeM

    Hi Bill…do the Spurs get going again tonight or do the young Thunder just believe its their time? Does DeJuan Blair get more time tonight for the completely lost Splitter?

    • Bill Ingram

      Funny how Splitter looks great at times and lost at others. Pop might opt to give Blair a shot, but that seems unlikely, given that Blair appears to be in the very back of Pop’s doghouse.

  35. Tasos

    Hi Bill from Greece,

    LA:Deng+Udric+Gooden
    CHI:Gasol+World Peace
    MIL:Noah

    the salaries are good..can be done??thanks!

    • Bill Ingram

      I LOVE Greece . . .Santorini might actually BE heaven. :) Very unlikely that Chicago does that . . .they’re saying no major changes. They would love to have Gasol, but the Lakers would have to take Boozer, which they won’t do.

  36. Jim

    The knicks will need a starting pg or a backup to play with Lin, out of players like hinrich, kidd, andre miller, or raymond felton who do you think they have the best chance of signing?

    • Bill Ingram

      Considering they have no money, they would have to get someone to sign for an exception. Rules out your list . . .

  37. andrew

    I am worried that B. Colangelo might trade for P. Gasol. What your thoughts on this happening?

    • Bill Ingram

      Well, Pau is a legit center, whereas they have questions about the plethora of big men and which can actually play the five. As long as he’s surrounded by good young talent, I think Pau would be a good acquisition. I haven’t heard that, though.

  38. juan

    Drummond at 6 and Lillard or Marshall at 11, It,s posible?

    • Bill Ingram

      Drummond is likely gone at 6, which is why the Blazers are trying to move up . . .Lillard makes sense at 11, sure. But Portland would like to deal both picks and get up to #4.

  39. rodney

    hello Bill, what changes do you expect the 76ers to make this off-season

    • Bill Ingram

      I wouldn’t expect wholesale changes, but I do think they will finally move Iguodala. There is already talk that teams are making headway in talks about Iggy, which has not been the case over the last couple of seasons.

  40. 123Eric

    if you had to put a number on it (%) what would you say are the chances the bulls take on kidd or nash?

    I kind of like nash for boozer for the suns, they could develop into a memphis-type of team. thoughts? many thanks in advance!

    • Bill Ingram

      No way the Suns take Boozer . . .I think Kidd could be convinced to play for Chicago, though. That’s an interesting idea.

  41. Brian

    Hi Bill,

    Kevin Martin and Jamaal Crawford are certainly upgrades over the Wolves current roster, but not what I feel will elevate them to the next level. My fear is that with Kahn’s inability to be creative or clever enough to made a bold move, that’s who we will end up with.

    Thoughts?

    Thanks!

    • Bill Ingram

      Martin and Crawford are good pieces, but they don’t make your team. You’re counting on them being the missing piece on a team that was on course to make the playoffs before injuries set in. A healthy Love and Rubio duo is at the heart of the team, so it’s really about who can complement them. My preference would be Courtney Lee, who plays great defense and doesn’t want to dominate the ball, but Martin or Crawford would be good second choices. Not sure Houston would take back what the Wolves would want to send out in a Martin deal.

  42. Brian

    How hard will the Celtics push to resign Bass if he opts out? He is a good jumpshooter but he has trouble finishing around the basket. He also doesn’t rebound or defend well.

    • Bill Ingram

      Bass is a guy who wins games for you part of the time, but disappears, as well. I think they can re-sign him without spending a ton of money, and that he could complement Jeff Green’s game. But I wouldn’t mortgage the farm to keep Bass, either.

  43. Matt A

    Let’s say the Heat does not win it all or they don’t advanced to the NBA Finals, who do you think will be traded of the Big 3: Wade, Lebron or Bosh?

    • Bill Ingram

      Seems Bosh would be the logical choice, given how far they have gotten without him.

  44. Jose

    What up Bill! Make me feel good Bill…. Deron Williams has to stay with my beloved Nets……. agree? Dallas is no more attractive than Brooklyn. I’m not even sure his interest in Dallas is real or a media fabrication

    • Bill Ingram

      His interest in Dallas is real, but you’re right – the Nets have a better team in place TODAY. The Mavs have to sell Deron on the big picture, and he is absolutely willing to have that discussion. For my money, he stays in Brooklyn.

  45. Carlos

    Bill, If you are the Portland Trailblazers do you package your picks and try to bring back an all-star type player who can help you now, or go young?

    • Bill Ingram

      They seem to have made the decision to go young . . .package those firsts to move up . . .which makes sense. They need a starting center, and that’s more likely to happen through the draft than via trade.

  46. Mike

    Hi Bill, do you think the raptors will be able to get a star 3 this summer? Maybe a guy like gay or iggy? And what would it take for that to be possible? Thanks

    • Bill Ingram

      Upgrading the 3 is their top priority, whether it’s through the draft or trade . . .

  47. Lorie

    do you think that Phil Jackson could be interested in the GM job for the Portland Trailblazers?

  48. Brian

    Bill,

    If Roy returns, any chance of him playing for Adelman in Minny?

    Thanks!

    • Bill Ingram

      I love Brandon . . .but there is almost ZERO chance he returns. Sadly, Brandon Roy is now a “former” NBA player. :( (