NBA Chat With Bill Ingram 7/16/12

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. Sean M

    Morning Bill!
    So hypothetically, say we acquire both Lin and Asik.. Do we still have the cap to take Dwight plus bad contracts? Or do those signings take us out of the running?

    • Bill Ingram

      Good Morning, everyone, and welcome to the chat! The Rockets have been busy clearing cap space, and could have the room to sign both Asik (if Chicago doesn’t match) and Lin (whom the Knicks are saying they won’t match). The thing is, they’re looking to make their bid for Dwight Howard more attractive by having the space to take on additional salary from Orlando. The Rockets don’t have the pieces to make a deal happen straight up, apparently, but if they can find a way to take on Turkoglu and Duhon, for example, perhaps Orlando triggers a deal. So there are a number of dominoes set to fall, we’re just waiting for the first push.

  2. dieslow2

    If the Bulls do not match Asik and the Knicks do not match Lin, where do the Rockets stand on acquiring Howard?

    Also what would be the Rockets best possible lineup for next year if a Howard trade goes through?

    • Bill Ingram

      See my previous comments on acquiring Dwight. The rotation would likely look something like this:

      Howard/Asik (?)
      Patterson/Motiejunas (?)
      Turkoglu (?)/Parsons/Morris (?)
      Martin (?)/Lee (?)/Lamb
      Brooks (?)/Lin

      Still a lot of questions to be answered, but there’s a rough guesstimate for you.

  3. Joel

    You watching Summer league? How did you like these new Blazers? L&L look legendary! lol Also, you think we match & keep Batum?

    • Bill Ingram

      I’m actually leading the second wave in Vegas, starting on Wednesday, but yes, Lillard and Leonard have been impressive! I also would be shocked if the Blazers don’t match Batum, though the Wolves definitely have their fingers crossed.

  4. Oliver form Germany

    Hey Bill, I am a Suns fan, should I be excited about the Scola move?
    My team so far:
    PG Dragic, Marshall
    SG Dudley
    SF Beasley, Warrick
    PF Scola, Morris
    C Gortat, Frye
    How would you spend the remaining 22 Million cap space? What is your prediction for this team? Thanks for answering. Love your chats!!!

    • Bill Ingram

      The thing that no one’s talking about with Scola is that his knees are not in great shape, so temper your expectations there. I like Luis a lot, though, and he’s a fierce competitor. Just having him around the team will make the Suns better. I think Phoenix has a shot to be a playoff team this season, especially with Dragic back in the mix. He’s no Steve Nash, but he has come into his own and is ready to be a full-time starter. Obviously they need to add another SG, and have the space to do it. Maybe Redd comes back. I know he would love to be back in Phoenix.

  5. Jason M.

    Care to predict the careers of Teletovic and Montiejunas? Whose is better and who do they compare to?

    • Bill Ingram

      I’m not that familiar with Teletovic. I know the Rockets are taking the conservative approach with Donatas, comparing him to Josh McRoberts. That might be a low prediction, but we’ll see. Very hard to predict how Euros will translate to the NBA before they actually start playing.

  6. Jason M.

    Is Joel Freeland going to amount to much for Portland?

    • Bill Ingram

      Well, Portland needs size in the middle, and Joel is a legit 6’11″. Probably needs to bulk up a bit, but he’ll have a chance to show what he can do.

  7. martay

    Is there any real truth to that 3 team trade with cavs lakers and magic? And since d Howard camp has to know that nets are out the picture why not come out with a new list of teams u will play for

    • Bill Ingram

      There are a lot of things being discussed right now, and with so many agents and “sources” jabbering about fiction, it’s hard to really know. As for Dwight’s camp, you’re assuming a rational approach where there are few rational people.

  8. JJ of Blueberry Bay

    Carmelo can barely hide his glee that he now likely won’t have to share the spotlight with Lin. I don’t believe a
    Carmelocentric team can win a championship because he is to much about Carmelo and not about the team and plays little defense. What do you think of the Knicks? A disjointed collection of assets or potentially a real team? Where’s the D?

    • Bill Ingram

      I think Carmelo really wanted Lin back, actually. Felton is going to look for his own shot more than Lin typically would. If the Knicks are going to compete for a championship, Carmelo is going to have to evolve as a player, like LeBron did during the playoffs this year. As he is, Melo is not a champion. You’re right about that. The hope, obviously, is that Camby and Kidd will improve the team’s overall defense.

  9. Aristotle

    Hey Bill,

    Although they’ve just started, which rookie makes you want to buy his jersey because you can see his upside and being something on their chosen team?

    • Bill Ingram

      I’m not a jersey guy, but I am excited to see Thomas Robinson take the court. That’s probably the first game I DVR, assuming the Kings don’t start in Dallas, where I would see it live.

  10. Aristotle

    Hey Bill,

    I’m just curious at how bad could Yao Ming’s injury really have been that after his time out of the game, he couldn’t come back in time to at least play Playoff basketball for the Miami HEAT who need a cheap Centre. Would you reach out to him?

    • Bill Ingram

      Yao has moved on . . .if he could play at all he wouldn’t have retired and he would still be a Houston Rocket. Sounds like Miami may take a flier on Greg Oden.

  11. Joe Shafer

    Has DAryl Morey lost his mind?!?!? The rockets are a mess!!

    • Bill Ingram

      Well, they are a mess TODAY, so sure . . .but I’m waiting to see what they look like in a week or so, after the Dwight situation plays out . . .

  12. Gustavo A.Thomas

    The NBA world coming really crazy,crazy right now.How is possible players like J LIN,O ASIK,N BATUM and L FIELS get big contract like that or good players like R ALLEN,J CRAWFORD and J TERRY signing on bargain price,or really good players like L SCOLA and E BRAND getting on amnesty.How can you explain that?

    • Bill Ingram

      I was thinking that yesterday . . .what a silly offseason it has been. If you had to match players to salaries without knowing which got which, you’d NEVER get it right.

  13. Ciaran Floyd

    Hi Bill, im in an amateur league, but by no means an amateur player. However last season I damaged my backbone, sometimes its so numb it feels like its not even there. Any suggestions on what to do?

    • Bill Ingram

      I would see your general practitioner . . .your family doctor. I’ve had a lot of bball injuries over the years, but never my backbone.

  14. Lior

    Do you have any insight to how many bad contracts are the Rockets willing to take off the Magic’s hands in a Howard trade? It doesn’t make sense to me to implant half of their team into the Rockets. They weren’t that competitive in the eastern conference. Why become the Houston Magic?

    • Bill Ingram

      From what I’ve been told, the Rockets will do whatever it takes to land Dwight and figure it out later. If that means they take on bad contracts, they take on bad contracts. Daryl Morey’s time in Houston may be drawing to a close, and Dwight is seen as the one who could save his job. Precarious position to be in, given Dwight’s insistence that he won’t re-sign in Houston. Can Hakeem chance his mind? And, as you mentioned, are the Rockets much better even with Dwight? With Lowry, a healthy Scola, and Battier, perhaps, but with those three gone, Dwight and what’s left is well short of a championship team.

  15. LA in LA

    If Mark fails to get D12 or any other superstar to pair up with Dirk next summer, what do you think the back-up plan is?

    • Bill Ingram

      Mark is clearly hoping his close relationship with Dan Fegan will help him land Dwight, even though Dwight hasn’t given any indication that he would play in Dallas. Of course, the Nets won’t be able to sign him, so he’ll have to choose from the teams that have space and want him. I expect his home team in Atlanta, with his buddy Josh Smith in the mix, to make a strong bid. I don’t see a clear path to contention for Dirk if Dwight and Josh team up in Atlanta. The title-worthy impact players just aren’t there.

  16. Mike

    Hi Bill – what do you think of the Pacers essentially swapping Collison for Augsutin? Is George Hill really a true starting PG?

    • Bill Ingram

      You know, I thought Collison was a great pick-up for them, but he never really lived up to expectations. Hill was better, but he’s a back-up PG to me, as well. Augustin isn’t better than Hill, but the system can make a difference, so maybe he’ll evolve. It helps to be on a winning team, and DJ hasn’t seen many wins in Charlotte.

  17. Will

    Do you think the Rockets end up with Dwight/Lin this week?

    • Bill Ingram

      Lin, yes. Dwight? Who knows . . .that circus is still winding up.

  18. Gustavo A.Thomas

    If LA get D HOWARD from ORLANDO what is the LA NeXT move?get K LOVE from Minnesota for P GASOL?sometime enough is enough. Where is the new cba balance in that? Where is the NBA comissioner ? I believe he need to be the referee on everything or NBA can coming a 4 teams league.what you think.

    • Bill Ingram

      The Wolves aren’t trading Kevin Love. The offer for Gasol revolves around Derrick Williams.

  19. Ludwig Hasbauer

    How do you like the addition of James Johnson for my Kings? I dont really know the player, will he be their new starting small forward? Which roster changes are still to come?

    • Bill Ingram

      I guess we’ll see if he can be the answer for Sacramento. He had some ups and downs last season, so much so that the Raptors are looking for a better option. There’s a decent chance Tyreke will be the starting small forward, though that’s not a great option either unless he finds his jumper.

  20. Billy M

    Judging on what you know about Howard, does Lin’s whereabouts and/or what Hakeem says play a factor into how he views Houston? Also, what is the status of Asik’s offer? I never heard about it being filed.

    • Bill Ingram

      The Bulls have until tomorrow to match Asik’s offer sheet . . .I don’t see why Lin would impact Dwight. He had a good short run in NY, but once teams had film on him he struggled a lot. Hakeem might make an impact for Dwight. If he can’t, no one in Houston can.

  21. jack

    If Dwight Howard is traded to L.A. are they the favorite to win the Championship?

    • Bill Ingram

      It would certainly be hard to bet against them . . .assuming Dwight and Kobe get along. Dwight wasn’t impressed when Kobe invited him to be his wingman. Dwight wants to be the star, and he won’t be the star on Kobe’s team.

  22. mike

    Assuming Rockets trade plans fall through, what would their starting line up look like? and how would they do in the weaker division and western conference compare to past years?

    • Bill Ingram

      It would be a hot mess . . .they wouldn’t be as good as San Antonio, Memphis, or New Orleans. Probably not as good as Dallas, either, even as weak as the Mavs’ summer has been. I wouldn’t even want to guess what Houston’s lineup would look like without Dwight or a major trade.

  23. butch

    hi, any news about aaron brooks and the rockets? possibilities about a sign and trade for joh smith for “my sad rockets”? thank you

    • Bill Ingram

      They have targeted Josh, but the Hawks hope to keep him now that Ferry is at the helm and making good moves. Houston is said to be Brooks’ first choice now, though they are likely waiting to see what happens with Dwight before they tie up and cap space.

  24. Steve

    Bill, I was wondering what type of reputation Olshey has around the league. Seems like he completely botched the Batum deal. Why would we want to pay a role player that type of money while we are rebuilding?

    • Bill Ingram

      They’re not totally rebuilding . . .they want to be very competitive next season, and Olshey was a solid choice for them in that quest. He’s the guy who brought Chris Paul to the Clippers, putting them back in the thick of the Western Conference. They see Batum as much more than a role player . . .it’s up to him to justify that confidence.

  25. mario

    Hey bill morning to you bud can you please tell me what the h*ll the bulls are doing everyone is passing us by now i do understand they’re not expecting to compete for a title next season but there’s no excuse for the lakers miami and knicks to be financially strapped for cash probably even worse than the bulls and they all improved but the bulls are doing absolutely nothing whats going on bill

    • Bill Ingram

      I don’t think they’re planning not to compete for a championship. Hinrich was a solid addition. Worst case scenario? They pull a San Antonio and add the top pick when Rose comes back healthy the following season. But truthfully, I think the Bulls will be better than you think.

  26. Drew

    Do you think the Sixers trade one of their glut of wings? Or are we pretty much looking at the team this year with maybe a vet backup PG added?

    • Bill Ingram

      I have to believe they will, yes, and the Raptors are ready and waiting to take one off their hands.

  27. EA

    Are we getting Howard or Bynum? Who you want?

    • Bill Ingram

      Assuming you mean the Rockets, I might prefer Bynum, simply because he’s not going to bring a bunch of drama and he might just re-sign in Houston. I love Dwight, but bringing in a guy who doesn’t want to be there is a risky proposition.

  28. pacquiao punch

    Whats the latest buzz on trades not mentioning d12?

    • Bill Ingram

      Most of the buzz right now is about which players will be matched on their RFA offer sheets. I do expect the Raptors to acquire a small forward soon . . .

  29. bob

    do you think the bulls are done for this off season as well as was it a good ideal to split the bench mob? what are the chances the bulls sign o.j mayo to a deal?

    • Bill Ingram

      Not hearing the Bulls in connection with Mayo . . .maybe the Wolves and Pacers. I do like the Hinrich signing quite a bit, especially if he can stay healthy.

  30. Pablo

    Any rumors on the Blazers head coaching search??

    • Bill Ingram

      Last rumor I heard had them strongly considering Brian Shaw.

  31. James

    Have you heard anything about the rumor of Greg Oden joining the HEAT?

    • Bill Ingram

      I’ve heard that’s being discussed . . .can’t speak to likelihood, but he makes as much sense as Eddy Curry, right?

  32. pacquiao punch

    They say lin’s price is crazy, but at least he doesnt get a max and dont deliver right? I think his money is above average for him which he deserve.whats your take

    • Bill Ingram

      I will be interested to see what Lin can do when he’s not in the D’Antoni system. McHale doesn’t run many plays, but focuses on moving the ball a lot. Lin could flourish, but he could also fall flat. I’d want Aaron Brooks as insurance, unless Dwight doesn’t materialize and the Rockets are playing for the lottery.

  33. parth

    isnt lins market value enough that knicks have to match? he sells so many jerseys/merchandise. and felton sucks…dantonis system gassed up his value

    • Bill Ingram

      As much as I like Ray Felton personally – good dude – that’s a tough call. Lin certainly sold tickets, which Felton won’t do. They probably have enough star power to sellout anyway, but they’re gambling that Lin’s big run was a fluke. Houston is obviously more willing to take that gamble.

  34. Murad Houry

    The Warriors have made it clear that they want to sign a PF this offseason? Do you see any candidates that have caught their attention the most?

  35. TopDolla23

    What about the bobcats though? What moves do you see them making, i think they can take the 7th or 8th seed this year in the east.

    • Bill Ingram

      Cough, cough . . .7th or 8th seed? Really? The bottom half of the East is weak, but maybe not that weak. I think Charlotte is a draft or two away from being back in the playoff mix. They need a true center, to start with.

  36. Jeff

    Rapsfan here. Could AK47 still be an above average forward in the NBA? Still play good D and rebound etc?

    • Bill Ingram

      He’s an x-factor guy, for sure, and still very capable of being a defensive stopper . . .

  37. Dale

    What do you make of Carmelo’s comments about the “ridiculous” contract Houston offered to Lin?…I think he suffers from foot-in-mouth disease.

    • Bill Ingram

      I don’t think anyone has ever accused Carmelo of being a rocket scientist . . .

  38. Dominque Jones

    How did I look last night in my Summer Leage game?

    • Bill Ingram

      32 points and 8 rebounds . . .far cry from NBA action, but a heck of a start.

  39. Aaron Saunders

    How many teams — right now — have a realistic chance of winning the NBA title next season? I see teams like Phoenix and Dallas making these moves, but these teams are all likely early-round casualties. Beyond the Heat, Thunder and Lakers who else is a legitimate contender?

    • Bill Ingram

      I would put Boston on that list, for sure, and possibly Brooklyn. San Antonio from the West.

  40. Jason

    Do you think the Bulls can land Lee or Mayo on a sign and trade for the exception they’re getting from Atlanta?

    • Bill Ingram

      The Bulls LOVE Courtney Lee and have tried to acquire him before. He’s much more likely than Mayo, but if they miss out on Lee they might pursue OJ.

  41. Andre Golden

    I am a Lebron James fan, so I root for the Heat. With the addition of Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis, what would you give the chances of a repeat? Also, where do you see the Heat getting help at the center position?

    • Bill Ingram

      Why not start Chris Bosh at center? Won a championship that way . . .Allen and Lewis are great pros, and will only make the HEAT harder to stop come playoff time.

  42. Darren

    Hey Bill, with all their cap space do you think Phoenix will go after O.J. Mayo?

    • Bill Ingram

      Michael Redd, OJ Mayo, Courtney Lee . . .the better SG options still available.

  43. josh

    Bill,

    Assuming that the Rockets dont land Dwight could there fall back plan be Al Jefferson? Say Jefferson for Lamb, future pick and Martin?

    • Bill Ingram

      Martin’s being told he won’t be moved . . .the Rockets see him as an asset come deadline time. Of course, that’s assuming he’s not part of a Dwight trade.

  44. Benny Da Bull

    Any buyers for RIP Hamilton? Bulls could use the cap space and a contending team could use the shooting off the bench.

  45. Mark

    Do you think Haywood has anything left in the tank and where do you see Landry ending up ?

    • Bill Ingram

      Sounds like Landry lands in Golden State .. . Haywood is a project, at best. He’s one of those guys who only plays well in a contract year. I understand Charlotte making that gamble, but it’s not likely to be a huge success, based on how he played in Dallas.

  46. Anthony

    Do the bucks resign defino or do they go for another sf?

    • Bill Ingram

      They don’t have much space to chase after re-signing Ilyasova . . .Delfino seems likely, since he is their guy to sign.

  47. Justin

    Very random question, At the end of their playing days, Who makes the hall-of-fame, Tracy Mcgrady or Carmelo Anthony? Both are similar offense-first player with no playoff success. Thanks

    • Bill Ingram

      I can’t imagine McGrady being in the Hall . . .based on what? Carmelo has some work to do, as well. Unless Melo can develop a more well-rounded game it’s hard to see him in the Hall, either.

  48. brian

    Is it just me or should Nic Batum be making Danny Green money instead of what he is being offered?

    • Bill Ingram

      See, that’s what I’ve seen from Batum, as well. A lot of fuss over him, and he hasn’t been consistently good.

  49. AJ in hawaii but from cali

    Billy Boy..

    Anything on the wire about a gasol for iguodola and lavoy allen deal? Then we could amnesty metta anc pick up shannon brown another athlete/finsher/decent distance shoooter to run with nash.? What are your thoughts on that? Thanks boss

    • Bill Ingram

      The Lakers are now saying they will keep the core together. I think they believed they would have to trade Pau to improve substantially, but when they got Nash for practically nothing that changed. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Artest amenstied . . .and you’re right – Brown would be a nice re-addition.

  50. T C

    Bill,
    There is no doubt in my mind that Howard will be a Laker. Do you think it’s more attractive for him to be in Tinstletown or Houston?

    • Bill Ingram

      Are you kidding? He’d be a champion in LA . . .Houston is a project team . . .

  51. Herr Schveidellbumm

    Yes, I was wondering if the Houston Rockets were going to build a wall in their city, and create West Houston and East Houston teams. Because what else are they going to do with 20 players on their roster then field two teams? (Assuming Lin and Asik come over.)

    • Bill Ingram

      Very hard to make sense of the Rockets right now . . .I’m not even trying until they do something to clear that mess up. ;)

  52. Jason

    any new updates with A. Jamison. Whats the hold up on his decsion?

    • Bill Ingram

      Do you compete for a title, or finish your career at home? That’s a tough decision for him . . .

  53. Willy b

    Who wins the battle if NYC ?

  54. Ben

    when and how much does Harden get from OKC?

    • Bill Ingram

      Haven’t had an OKC question today, so we’ll finish with this one. The great thing about restricted free agency is you can let the market set the value of a player. I see Harden being in OKC for a long, long time. Thanks for spending some of your Monday with us here at HOOPSWORLD! Our next chat today is with Stephen Brotherston in Toronto . . .drop your questions in here!