NBA Chat with Bill Ingram 7/9/12

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. Chris G

    How would you rank the Eastern Conference right now? Last year the Bulls had the best regular season, and now they look like the sixth-best team in the East (behind Heat, Pacers, Knicks, Nets,and Celtics, in whatever order).

    • Bill Ingram

      Good Morning, Everyone, and welcome to the chat . . .we already have a ton of questions, and obviously Dwight Howard is about to be traded, so there’s a lot going on. As things stand right now, I have Miami first, Brooklyn second, Chicago third. Say what you want about Chicago, but Hinrich is a great signing and they were the best team in the East last year even with Rose sidelined so many games. Boston fourth, Pacers fifth – although that will change when the Hibbert decision is made – and then NY. I expect the top of the East to be more like the West next season, with one or two games separating the top 4 teams.

  2. Larry Thomas

    Could Hornets sign Gordon and Pacers sign Hibbert to the max deal they have been offered and then trade with each other?Pacers then sign Kaman and Hornets sign Mayo, Lee or another shooting guard. Seems like a good idea to allow each team to get a valuable asset.

    • Bill Ingram

      We’ve been told the Hornets are sold on keeping Gordon. I have to believe they’re planning on using Anthony Davis at center and Anderson next to him. That’s not ideal, but in today’s NBA, where you have so few quality centers, they can probably win a lot of games with Davis at the five. It’s early, of course, but why pay Anderson that much money only to have him come off the bench? Should be interesting . . .

  3. D

    I hope Hennigan isn’t dumb enough to create another Eastern superteam,by trading Dwight to Brooklyn.Just about everyone in Orlando would rather have Bynum or whatever Houston wants to trade instead of Lopez and 3 late 1st rounders.So would you say that LA,Houston or Brooklyn has the best chance to get Dwight in a trade.

    • Bill Ingram

      The thing is, Orlando’s options are running out. Houston is no longer pursuing Dwight, meaning it’s down to LA and Brooklyn. The Lakers have concerns about Dwight’s back, and they aren’t all that interested in trading Bynum. That means the Nets are the only ones really willing to cash in everything to get Dwight. Sounds like the Magic will make out pretty good, getting rid of Jason Richardson and Dwight and landing MarShon Brooks, Lopez and a bunch of assets. It was always about getting the best offer for Orlando, and this sounds like a decent offer.

  4. Chris G

    If the Bulls’s main advantage over the Heat is their front line size, don’t they almost have to match for Asik?

    • Bill Ingram

      Yes . . .we’re hearing the Bulls will match Asik.

  5. 6ringsDREAMIN

    Bill would the lakers be able to use this guys as trade chips,MWp,sblake,goudelock,dmorris,dj’odom,mcbob?rsacre? And hows the trash talking and competitiveness right now in team usa practices? Oh yah can u guys extend the chats to an hour and half or more ! Its that good!!!! Thanks

    • Bill Ingram

      The guys you mention are mostly throw-ins . . .and the Lakers are now saying they won’t move any of their primary core guys, so it seems likely most of those scraps will still be in LA. :)

  6. 6ringsDREAMIN

    Another question. Last year teams n players are arguing on budget n how they are losing money and how players are over payed. And now wth!??? They are doin it again, no one learns from this.only the rich getting richer and the small market teams just dreamin they can draft a durant so they can earn money. It is crazy right!? And whats your take on the lithuanian raptor rookie? He kinda looks like a spencer hawes,over hyped? I bet that rookie center the blazers drafted has a higher ceiling?? Thanks 4 d time!

    • Bill Ingram

      I know the Raptors are itching to see Valanciunas take the court . . .definitely believe he has more potential than Hawes. To your first comment, be sure you read the NBA@2 today . . .

  7. Lior

    Did the Rockets really let Dragic walk over a player option in the 4th year? Also, if you don’t have a PG you don’t trade Lowry for a draft pick. Aaron Brooks might be back. It seems like the Rockets are setting themselves for a great lottery pick.

    • Bill Ingram

      That’s exactly it . . .the Rockets missed out on all of the moves they were hoping to make, so they’re throwing in the towel. If you can’t trade for a high lottery pick, play your way into one. And yes, they now really need Brooks, and he is open to a Houston return if they’ll pay him. He wants to start, and the Rockets need a starter.

  8. Doug

    Hi Bill, 2 part question, do the pacers have the financial capability to match hibbert and still sign Lee or Mayo? How do they deal with George and Collison going forward? Cant sign everyone as a small market.

    • Bill Ingram

      No, and that’s why I think they let Hibbert go . . .

  9. DrSubZero

    Hi Bill, it’s me again……..Can you tell me why aren’t the Rockets trying to keep Camby? I thought he played pretty well with H-Town.

  10. rocket2789

    Hey bill: rumors are the rockets and brooks have mutual interest in re-uniting. If we do bring him back why not package scola, ppat for darko milicic and a future pick? darko can backup asik and we let the young guys play with kmart and brooks providing that combo scoring punch. Your thoughts? Line-up

    Brooks/livingston/machado
    kmart/lamb
    parsons/morris
    motiejunas/white/jones
    asik/milicic/smith

    • Bill Ingram

      Why would the Wolves want Scola and Patterson? Not a position they need to shore up . . .and Patterson has been less than impressive, for the most part. Scola’s knees are bad, as well.

  11. Terrence Johnson

    What’s up bill, as long as Daryl Morley is GM no player or players will come to Houston. So why has he lasted this long as GM and why don’t les sell the team so some new blood can take over.

    • Bill Ingram

      There’s a great deal of loyalty there, but I’ve been told Alexander’s patience is finally wearing thin. It’s got to hurt to watch other teams hire new GMs who step right in and make a positive impact, while the Rockets continue to struggle to get anything positive done in the offseason.

  12. Myron

    If you could, take an educated guess on who the starting 5 could be for the Cavs this season. Thanks!!!

    • Bill Ingram

      center: Andy V, PF: Kris Humphries, SF: Thompson, SG: Dion Waiters, PG: Kyrie Irving … just a guess . . .

  13. LA in LA

    If the Bulls dont pick up Ronnie Brewer’s option do you think the Lakers would be able to get him with their MLE?
    He is athletic and a good defender; my Lakers need to get Kobe a back up.

    • Bill Ingram

      That’s one possibility, though I haven’t heard that LA is chasing Brewer . . .

  14. Peter

    Hey Bill, Hope you had a fantastic weekend! Will the Rockets get DH12? They’ve been the most aggressive team out of all the suitors. If they trade away all their main pieces for lottery picks but fail to land dwight, they are doomed next season! Starting to get worried about Morey overly aggressive tactic to pursuit Dwight :(

    • Bill Ingram

      Thanks! I hope you did, too! Nope . . .Houston appears to be out of the D12 mix, barring some last-minute change. Right now the Rockets – assuming they get Camby back – look like a team that could land the #14 pick in next summer’s draft. :o

  15. Rockets fan

    The Rockets are rebuilding. Of all the rookies they have, which one have the most potential to be a star? I really like Terrence Jones. Also how bad is their record is gonna be next year? I really hope it’s Not Bobcat level bad.

    • Bill Ingram

      It won’t be, unless McHale just doesn’t play Scola and Martin and turns the team over to all those young players. I think Royce White has star potential, but where are his minutes? Messy situation right now . . .

  16. Wil

    Hi Bill, it has been as frantic a free-agency period as I can remember; so thanks to you and the team for keeping us up to date! Although there were quite a few questionable moves, at least you could follow the logic of most teams, except, however, for Houston. From their draft strategy to their unloading of talent, I don’t get what they are doing…any insights?

    • Bill Ingram

      Thanks, and yes! Houston was hoping to land at least Dwight Howard and possibly Deron Williams, too, but none of the teams they hoped to make deals with came through. So instead of a homerun trade they wound up loading the bases with bunts and never got a run home. Now they’re stuck with even more assets and still no way to cash them in.

  17. terry

    hey bill,i read a rumour the other day and im sure thats what is but any legs to the possible deal with the raps and 76ers were calderon and derozan for igudala happens,

    • Bill Ingram

      Depends on who you believe at this point . . .the Sixers are saying they won’t deal Iguoala . . .but they have also been talking to teams about trading him. So what we can say is that the Raptors would love to have him and would send assets to Philly to get him, including Calderon, whom they are also considering amnestying.

  18. al

    are the lakers geting anybody easl

  19. Ryan

    Suns fan here, do i have any hope for Gordon? What would a S&T package look like? If not Gordon, who would be a better get/fit for Phoenix between Mayo/Lee/Williams/Bayless? Any word on any of these guys being looked at by them? Thanks

    • Bill Ingram

      Hope, sure, but the Hornets are saying they will match. They also said they didn’t want players who don’t want to be there, however, and Gordon made it pretty clear he wants to be in Phoenix. So we’ll see . . .as you mention, there are other options. Mayo, Lee and Williams are all solid options.

  20. Dave in Rip City

    Why wouldn’t Portland go for the proposed 3 team trade that would essentially land them Iggy for Batum? I see so many GM’s focused on potential but experience is winning titles.

    • Bill Ingram

      They really like Batum, especially his outside shooting, which Iggy doesn’t have. . .

  21. Dave in Rip City

    Since ROY has historically been about stats and ADavis’ contributions, while great, might not fill the line. What are the chances Lillards’ our ROY?

  22. Dave in Rip City

    Assuming some chips fall our way where do you place this line up for my Zers next year:

    Lillard/NSmith
    WMathews/WBarton
    Iguodala/VClaver/LBabbit
    LAldridge/JFreeland
    RHibbert/MLeonard/Vanilla Gorilla Przybilla

    • Bill Ingram

      I love the front line . . .Aldridge and Hibbert are a solid combo. Not sure Portland gives up Batum, but we’ll see.

  23. Cain

    Will Lance Stephenson become the 6th man in Indiana this season? I feel he is the only reason that Indiana hasn’t signed a guy like Mayo yet.

    • Bill Ingram

      I know the previous administration liked Lance, but they weren’t THAT high on him. They’re still very much looking to add a 2, once the Hibbert decision is made.

  24. Phil

    Hi,

    could the Mavs add Iverson, since he would take the short term contract which Sessions won’t want to?

    • Bill Ingram

      Nightmare scenario for Dallas . . .I’d be surprised to see Iverson back in the NBA in any capacity.

  25. Jeremy Santiago

    does the celtics have any chance/way of landing OJ Mayo?

    • Bill Ingram

      They’re not chasing him . . .they want Courtney Lee.

  26. Zach l

    With all this dwight nonsense up in the air what do you think gm rob hennigans vision for the future is? building through the draft or or signing free agents in the future with all the salary cap space they are set to clear?

    • Bill Ingram

      See what he helped Presti do in OKC as a road map for Orlando’s future . . .

  27. Jeremy Santiago

    who has better potential/upside, royce white or jared sullinger? disregarding the back issue of sullinger.

    • Bill Ingram

      His Jared’s back is fine – on your assumption – then Sullinger has the better potential.

  28. Jimmy Crack Corn

    What do you think of team USA? The “International” game is not the same as the NBA?

    KD will be the MVP, just a guess, his game crosses over well…

    “Le Me” won’t get the “calls” in International play. It’s a finesse game. The Ref’s don’t much like 6-8 Linebackers “bulling” over the defender?

    • Bill Ingram

      You’re right on both counts, and since Team USA has both . . .I like their chances. LeBron has finally figured things out, it seems, and talent wins. No, he won’t get all those calls, but he’s still the best athlete on the planet.

  29. Arnold Cuevas

    do you give any kind of chance on the celtics beating the heat next season given the current roster setup? barring of course any injuries.

    • Bill Ingram

      All things being equal, yes. They were one step away this year and they have added Heat killer Jason Terry to the mix. That said, is Brooklyn now the team to beat in the East?

  30. James

    Now that it looks like the Nets will get Dwight, can the rockets please go young??? Trade Martin and Scola for picks/prospects, and let these young guys grow together. Also we would get a great pick next year and could add a shabazz or noel?

    • Bill Ingram

      Rockets don’t appear to be trading Martin now, as he is their best asset at the trade deadline as an expiring deal.

  31. vick

    Lakers should find some other team to trade Bynum to. How about to Memphis for Gasol and Gay. That would be a good trade for both teams. Gasol gets to play with his bro, Lakers get the sf they need and Bynum gets away from Kobe’s shadow and will probably be more of a first option in Memphis. What u think?

    • Bill Ingram

      Lakers aren’t all that interested in moving Bynum . . .

  32. JP

    Do you think Miami can land Raja Bell and Rashard Lewis? Reports say Bell have interest in returning to his hometown Miami and Lewis wouldn’t mind taking vet min.

    • Bill Ingram

      I’ve heard Lewis, too . . .and that Ray Allen is recruiting him . . .not sure they need Raja . . .

  33. Marlon D.

    Good morning Bill, as a huge Knicks fan with the signing of J.Kidd and the intent to resign J.Lin, what other moves do you see the Knicks making to try to progress next season?

    • Bill Ingram

      They don’t have a lot of flexibility to do much else . . .maybe a tweak, but you know basically what the Knicks will look like on opening day.

  34. Sean

    Do you think the magic can make a hard push for O.J. Mayo or will they try and make a push for Monta Ellis? We need a scorer whether we get Bynum or Lopez

    • Bill Ingram

      I think the idea behind Ellis was an effort to make Dwight happy. Since that doesn’t matter now, I’d go for Mayo, who still has upside and would be a fraction of the cost.

  35. Sean

    What’s up with the coaching search I read that ownership wants shaw but they’re leaving it up to Henny. Where do you think he’s leaning?

    • Bill Ingram

      I’ve heard the same thing . . .Shaw is the frontrunner, but no decision has been made . . .

  36. David Rivas

    With the re-sign of Thompson, Kings have like $6 million to sign more free agents. Who will you for? What do you think Kings need for be a playoff team?

    • Bill Ingram

      Obviously, the front court is set, so the Kings are focused on the wing positions. They would like to move Salmons, but that doesn’t appear to be close. There’s also the Evans question . . .and there are a couple of teams that would take a chance on Tyreke. What the Kings need to be a playoff team is experience, maturity (Cousins) and a true all-around wing player. They have the right coach and some very nice pieces, but there is still work to be done.

  37. martay

    If nets get 2 allstars without really losing anything there gm should get gm of decade. I mean they got Joe Johnson for nothing and Howard for b lopez and draft pics. Do the magic realize that the nets will be good next year. So those draft pics will be late first round. Why would Dan Gilbert help them when he argued so much over cp3 to lakers last year

    • Bill Ingram

      Good question on Gilbert . . .this is much worse than CP3 to the Lakers in terms of league-wide competitiveness. Brooklyn is giving up a lot more than draft picks for Lopez, but you’re right . . .Billy King has made the most of his new owner’s considerable checkbook.

  38. Billy M

    The last time I heard a solid name in free agency say that they would actually choose Houston that whole Trevor Ariza thing happened. Is this posturing or something that the Rockets should actually take note of. BTW i’m not saying it’s crazy/odd to want to play in Houston. Love this city.

    • Bill Ingram

      The Rockets have been told about that situation –

  39. Jazzfan

    Was Raja Bell untradeable? I understand his time in Utah was up but I figured we could’ve gotten something for him

    • Bill Ingram

      Strange situation there . . .Bell is one of the better veteran leaders in the NBA, yet he wore out his welcome in Utah. That story will come out sooner or later . . .then we’ll know why the Jazz saw losing Bell as addition by subtraction.

  40. Tim Allen

    Why is this dude K-love complaining so much. He needs to step up and be a team leader and not just a stats freak. Maybe then they will make the playoffs.

    • Bill Ingram

      I thought that was strange, too . . .has he not been paying attention? The Wolves were radically better last season and would have made the playoffs is injuries hadn’t set in.

  41. Chris

    If the Magic are truly rebuilding, why would they want to sign Lopez for $60-70M? This would eat up a ton of their cap space for an above average player. It doesn’t make sense.

    • Bill Ingram

      They have their starting center for years to come . . .and they can always trade him if it doesn’t work out. When healthy, Lopez is a top five center in the NBA. If you don’t have a center you can’t rebuild, so it’s a solid move since you have to deal Dwight.

  42. Alex M.

    The Magic were expected to have some cap space next summer. If they trade a bad contract along with Dwight and get some good draft picks could this be a pretty quick rebuild having cap space and a ton of picks? I mean minus Anderson you have a team that played the Pacers pretty well in the playoffs.

    • Bill Ingram

      Yeah, don’t expect the Magic to be bad for years to come. Next year and maybe one more year, but they’ll be back in the playoff mix in no time if Hennigan lives up to his resumee.

  43. Jim

    How does Dan Gilbert not get the hypocrite of the year award in facilitating a deal like this after his 2 scathing letters in response to Lebron and CP3?

    • Bill Ingram

      Only if it happens . . .now it seems Cleveland is not willing to take part . . .maybe Gilbert overslept this morning and just got around to killing that deal?

  44. David

    If you had to take a guess at the Rockets lineup/depth chart at the start of the season, what does it look like?

    • Bill Ingram

      Are you kidding? I rocket scientist couldn’t figure that out right now . . .LOL

  45. Jim

    Why would your first move as a new GM be to move a top 5 player to get back, at best, brook lopez? This deal, as many point out, makes zero sense for the Magic, unless Dwight really scares them that much.

    • Bill Ingram

      It only makes sense if you’re comfortable that Lopez is now healthy and you’re getting a bunch of assets in return . . .

  46. Justin

    Why does it seem like the bigger market teams like Lakers,Heat,Celtics,New York and Brooklyn have more cap space than smaller market teams? It seems like bigger market teams are somehow able to take on like 3 big time players and contracts and other teams aren’t. Please explain? Thanks!

    • Bill Ingram

      Bigger markets teams will pay the luxury tax, while smaller market teams generally won’t.

  47. Jim

    Under the new CBA, if Bynum was traded to Orlando, why would he leave 25 mil on the table to go elsewhere? I know his preference is to sign an extension with LA, but he understands the business aspect right?

  48. Jim

    What moves do you see the Lakers making to sure up their bench? Grant Hill and Raja Bell seem like good fits, but any youth coming?

    • Bill Ingram

      Raja Bell makes a LOT of sense for LA, as does Hill. Youth is completely irrelevant. The clock is ticking for Nash and Kobe.

  49. badax33

    HI Bill

    Just wondering, know that Ray is going to Miami, the rumor is the Celtics are looking at Courtney Lee. With nothng left but the BAE (2.0)M) don’t see that as enough to get him. Supposedly Houston willing to do a S&T but I don’t see us with any assets for a deal. So how do we get Lee or is it a pipe dream. If not Lee, who else might be available for BAE. thanks

    • Bill Ingram

      If the BAE is Boston’s best offer they won’t get Lee . . .it will be a S&T with Houston, though what Boston would send back is unclear. The Rockets love draft picks, as we know, and Daryl Morey is a Celtic at heart.

  50. Justin

    Whats going on with my t-wolves? What have you heard? Does it sound like they will be able to actuallly land batum? And who else can you see them signing if they do get batum based on cap space left?

    • Bill Ingram

      Once the Batum decision is made, expect them to chase Mayo and Lee . . .assuming Lee hasn’t landed in Boston via S&T with Houston by then.

  51. Jim

    Its fun to “build like OKC”, but do these teams fail to see the 15 other franchises that failed this way, or the unbelievable luck it took for OKC to land the team they have?

    • Bill Ingram

      Some luck, but a lot of scouting and development. Most teams don’t take the draft as seriously as the Thunder do, for starters. It’s not an accident or luck that they have the core they have.

  52. eggy

    who FA can the lakers sign? the bench is horrible! they need role players to keep kobe and nash fresh for the playoffs.

    • Bill Ingram

      As others have asked . . .Bell and Hill make a LOT of sense . . .

  53. Charlie

    In your opinion, who won the Houston-Toronto trade? Kyle Lowry is a good point guard, but the Raps gave up a for sure lottery pick.

    • Bill Ingram

      I’ll take a starting PG with All-Star potential and a winning mentality over a future lottery pick any day. Toronto wins.

  54. Lorie

    hi Bill, do you see Hibbert going to the blazers? if so, who will the coach be?

    • Bill Ingram

      Yes . . .and those two things are unrelated . . .

  55. Joe

    What does Portland do when Indy matches Hibberts offer. any clue who they target.

    • Bill Ingram

      Chris Kaman is a likely target for whichever team doesn’t get Hibbert . . .

  56. Billy M

    I feel like people are somewhat complacent with rebuilding using the “OKC model.” Are there any Kevin Durants looming in college for the pickings in the next few years? I can’t think of any names. It just feels like a bit of a cop out to me, how about you?

    • Bill Ingram

      I’m sure they are out there . . .but I don’t follow high school basketball, and that player is likely in high school right now. Maybe Nerlens Noel?

  57. mike b

    Any hope for the rockets? I am tired of medicrity but don’t want to see them tank either. My thought is trade Martin and Patterson for Al Jefferson. See if anyone will give up any draft picks or prospects for Scola. Sign OJ Mayo and save enough salary cap space for a big free agent next year. I feel like a core group of Jefferson, Mayo, Parsons and whatever young guys pan out (Jones, Lamb, White, Montejunas)could be pretty solid with a star player added to it next year. Thoughts?

    • Bill Ingram

      Alright, last question, everyone! Lots of redundant questions, especially about Orlando, so I tried to address everything in general, if not everything specifically. I’ve said a lot about the Rockets today, but I also know that as HOOPSWORLD’s resident Rockets guy the Houston faithful hope I can shed some light on the situation there. So I’ll end with one more Houston question. We’ve been told the Rockets won’t move Martin until at least the deadline, as his ending deal is now their most valuable asset. If they cash it in now, they have nothing. They haven’t talked to the Jazz about Jefferson recently, though it makes a lot of sense to do so, IMHO. He’s not a championship player, but he is a legit big man who fills the stats sheet. What the Rockets are talking about now is finally turning the team over to the young guys and seeing what they really have. Not sure McHale is the right coach to lead that effort, but there you are. As always, thanks for spending some of your Monday with us here at HOOPSWORLD. Make sure you’re checking back frequently, as we’re all over the Dwight Howard situation today. Sounds like a decision is imminent.