NBA Chat With Derek Page 6/30/12

Covering all things NBA from the city of Dallas, join HOOPSWORLD NBA Writer Derek Page for his weekly chat this Saturday at 5:00 pm EST. Shoot your questions in now.

  1. Deven

    Does Jason Kidd follow Deron to Brooklyn or will he end up with the Knicks?

    • Derek Page

      Welcome to the chat once again NBA fans. We’re right in the midst of the busiest and most exciting couple of days of the offseason. Lots to get to so let’s get this show on the road.

      Kidd hasn’t been shy about hinting his desire to back Williams up wherever he goes but has also indicated that he doesn’t want to play for the vet minimum. Can’t see Kidd wanted to end his career in habitual lottery-bound Brooklyn unless the Nets add some more pieces – which they will have the money to do.

  2. calvinzero

    What do you think is the purpose of trading Tyler Zeller to the Cavs?? and Johnson-Odom to the Lakers?

    Are they still targeting D-Will??

    • Derek Page

      The Mavericks are definitely still targeting Williams and the money they saved, along with the multiple bodies they acquired for trading Zeller, will be useful should Dallas not be able to acquire Williams (should he decide to come here) via sign and trade. Each of the Mavs draft picks are players that are as NBA-ready as they’re going to be right now and, according to Donnie Nelson, the plan will be for them to be counted on to be rotation players next season.

  3. Connor

    Hey Derek,

    Why did PJ3 fall so far in Thursday’s draft? I’ve been a Thunder fan for years, and I’m happy to see him on the Thunder. Also, do you think Perry Jones III can have an impact on the team in his rookie year?

    • Derek Page

      There was a meniscus issue with his left knee that scared a bunch of teams off. OKC got an absolute steal and, while he isn’t likely to contribute much this season, Jones could be a valuable asset over the next few years for the Thunder as he is developed.

  4. Connor

    Hey I have another Q,

    Why did Jared Sullinger fall all the way to the Celtics at 21? He’s a top 10 talent!

    • Derek Page

      Like Perry Jones III, an injury dropped Sullinger from being a lottery pick to the 21st pick for Boston. For Sullinger, the issue was the potential bulging discs in his back that could require surgery down the road and/or shorten his NBA career. Like Jones with the Thunder, Sullinger could make the Celtics look very good for taking a chance on him.

  5. Paul

    I don’t like Lebron as much as the next guy but here is my question. Everyone criticized MJ for being too selfish and not trusting his teammates for the first 7 years and than when he started trusting them he won championship after championship. Why is it that Lebron was criticized for the exactly opposite thing which is trusting his teammates too much and not being selfish enough? Is it that the media always has to point a finger at something? Im a little bit confused.

    • Derek Page

      I think you’re on to something there Paul. When you’re a player as talented as James, people are always looking for reasons to justify you not winning a championship. Instead of giving credit to the opposing team, we live in an age of media where we ask why a team lost the game rather than giving the other team credit for winning it. It creates a really dysfunctional situation for everyone involved and I’m not a fan of it.

  6. Mutang

    Awesome. LOVE the Mo Williams trade. That guy is a starting PG in this league that got shafted in LA and had to play along with Lebron in Cleveland. Now he gets his chance…..perfect fit too.

    With that, is Utah finished??? They still have Favors, Al and Paul. Go with a huge starting 5 with GH and Mo? Or another move, and what? Thanks Derek.

    • Derek Page

      Still plenty of work to do for Utah. As you explained, they still have plenty of trade chips centering on that long jam in the front court with Jefferson, Favors and Millsap. Not to mention Devin Harris is still there as the incumbent starter at point guard.

  7. Jim in CyberSpace

    Don’t you think Derek Fisher would be a good Coach, once he hang’s up his Adidas’?

    If I were a HC in the NBA, I would Love to have him on my coaching staff.

    • Derek Page

      I would have to agree. Fisher and Jason Kidd are two of the most likely to grab a clipboard on the sidelines once they hang em up.

  8. Scott

    What moves do you see lakers pursuing this off season? Will both Big men be gone?

    • Derek Page

      Pau Gasol is the Lakers biggest and best bargaining chip so his exit is always a possibility… I don’t see Andrew Bynum going anywhere unless Dwight Howard is involved.

  9. The Boss Of Hoopsworld

    So what do you think about my Blazers draft…I like Lillard but Leonard I’m not sold yet….plus I’m pissed Blazers didn’t buy a pick and get Perry Jones or Moultrie late. also got any ideas who blazers will target to be their next head coach?

  10. lonnie

    Which frontcourt would you rather have:monroe-drummond or robinson-cousins

    • Derek Page

      Thomas Robinson and DeMarcus Cousins. That pairing is ridiculous and they’re going to have a lot of success as a duo if they can stay healthy. Two excellent talents.

  11. zoe

    beal or rivers who will be rookie scoring champ?

    • Derek Page

      Of those two I’ll take Bradley Beal. Better all around scorer than Austin Rivers and will have a quality point guard in John Wall to get him the ball. Rivers could be relied upon to play a good amount of point guard for the Hornets.

  12. rocket

    Should ben wallace return as assistent coach to mentor drummond?I wouldn’t love him return like player because his days are over and he would taking andre minutes.DETROIT have too many sf and pf who goes?

    • Derek Page

      I like that idea. Wallace was a great defensive player in the prime of his career and would be an asset. Haven’t had much conversation with him personally though so I don’t know if coaching is something that interests him.

  13. charlie

    Hi Derek – Is R Sessions better fit than Mo Williams to the Lakers? Both financially and on the court? Thanks

    • Derek Page

      I think so. Sessions was put on lock down by Russell Westbrook in the playoffs but he’s a quality player and still very young. Mo Williams opted in to his contract for next season anyways.

  14. Rico

    Do you think this would work?

    Lakers Get: Josh Smith, Luol Deng, Von Wafer
    Hawks Get: Joakim Noah, Josh McRoberts
    Bulls Get: Pau Gasol, J.J. Redick, Zaza Pachulia
    Magic Get: Carlos Boozer

    It doesn’t work on trade machine just because it does not allow you to use the Magic’s Brandon Bass TE.

    I think it could benefit all teams involved.

    • Derek Page

      Lakers make out like bandits there acquiring both Josh Smith and Deng for Gasol. Try one or the other but not both.

  15. charlie lakers

    Will Jason Terry follow LO to the Clippers?

    • Derek Page

      Doubtful. CP3 and Clippers want Chauncey Billups back and that looks like a legit possibility.

  16. Heatfan

    Is there any real talk about Greg oden joining the heat or anytime at that? I haven’t heard much about if he will play next season or not? I would love for him to join the heat but is that too far fetched? I can’t see kaman signing with the heat for a big paycut do you?

    • Derek Page

      Virtually a lock that Oden does not play next season… Teams could take a flyer on him in 2013 though.

  17. Kahari young

    Hey Derek!do you think oj mayo would be a good fit for the bulls?!can you see Gerald Wallace “crash” signing with a contender this year?if so,what team do you think he can contribute to the most?

    • Derek Page

      Mayo is a good scorer, a clutch scorer, and would provide some much-needed pop off the bench but I continue to lobby for Billups to end up there…. Wallace would benefit virtually any team. It really all depends on how much money he’s asking for. He’s a good role player at this point of his career but not the crash of old.

  18. J

    Any idea on how close the Sixers came to 1) trading Igoudala on draft day? and 2) what they may be asking for in return this summer?

    • Derek Page

      Iggy sold his house in Philly recently so read into that what you will… I expect the 76ers to ask for a lot. Iguodala has been an excellent contributor there for some time now.

  19. Patrick Figueiredo

    What you think about the picks that the Cavs have picked?

    • Derek Page

      Not really floored with Tyler Zeller, especially considering they essentially gave up three players for him that could be contributors for Dallas next season. Then Dion Waiters was unequivocally a reach – no doubt about it. Cleveland will be kicking themselves for years to come for not taking Thomas Robinson.

  20. Shawn S

    With Houston reportedly shopping Scola, do you think it would make sense for the Spurs to trade Blair and Bonner for him? It would give the Spurs a high quality short-term backed up for Duncan during his last couple of years in the league and would allow Houston to shed some dollars and get a couple of assets in return

    • Derek Page

      Luis Scola is worth more than that – probably the most underrated big man in the NBA.

  21. Chris

    Hi Derek. Fair to say Boston overpaid by A LOT for KG? Guy is turning 37 next year, and he’s entering his 18th season. Why would Boston paying him over $10 million per season. That’s just plain foolish. Not to mention his playoff numbers were fools gold b/c they were against teams with little to no inside presence.

    • Derek Page

      The money didn’t surprise me so much as the years. I thought Garnett would get two years max. I don’t know what kind of player he’s going to be at the end of that contract, playing in his 20th NBA season.

  22. Curtis

    Pencil Lillard in as the pg. Who starts at center? Leonard, Freeland, Pryz? And what free agents do you see Portland signing?

    • Derek Page

      I think Meyers Leonard gets a shot early. He’s obviously got the most talent of that bunch and is probably the better player even this early.

  23. cg

    How is it legal for Boston and KG to already have a contract agreement in place if the negotiation period for free agency doesn’t start until tomorrow? I’d think that this would be an obvious violation.

    • Derek Page

      Because he’s Boston’s player until midnight tonight.

  24. Mookie blaylock

    Who are the heat targeting in free agency outside of ray Allen?

    • Derek Page

      Jason Terry and Steve Nash will certainly get a look, although I don’t see either of them taking a pay cut to go to the HEAT. With Bosh, Wade and LBJ making nearly $48 million by themselves, star free agents are and will be hard to come by for Miami.

  25. Jonas Oliveira

    In your opinion are the Bulls contenders this season?

    • Derek Page

      Hard to tell at this point. Fully healthy, I think Chicago has the best team in the Eastern Conference. Derrick Rose is expected to miss a large chunk of next season so he would have to be healthy and in tune by playoff time for me to buy in.

  26. WIZARD

    Is ernie content with this wizard squad or will he actively pursue trade?Are wizards playoff team with nene,wall and beal?

    • Derek Page

      In the East anything is possible and I think the Wizards have a solid enough talent base to compete for the playoffs. However I don’t think they’re done wheeling and dealing. Stay tuned…

  27. KMG7

    what is the ceiling for terrence ross in the nba? offensively, will we ever see him put up more than 20 ppg ?

    • Derek Page

      I don’t think he’s a 20+ ppg scorer but then again I didn’t think he was a top-10 pick so what do I know?

  28. Drummo

    With the emergence of taj Gibson can’t the bulls amnesty boozer? Then wait till next season to make a run at Howard or try a trade for him now and use boozer money to sign a high quality wing player or mayo and reasonable SF

    • Derek Page

      It’s a possibility. That $47 million Boozer is owed over the next three seasons is looking more hefty every time Boozer steps foot on the court. Amnestying him and paying him to go away goes against the Bulls ideology though so it’s doubtful.

  29. Michael

    Do the Knickerbockers have a legit chance at getting Nash/ Mayo?

    • Derek Page

      Possibly. I think Toronto is the frontrunner for Nash right now but OJ Mayo could be a legit possibility. Don’t see how well he fits in NY though.

  30. Earl

    With Trob now in their hands what is next for the Sacramento Kings?

    • Derek Page

      They’ll be a much better team next season. Would be playoff team in the East but West is too tough.

  31. Jackson

    Why is Kris Humphries so underrated? He averages a dbl/dbl. Why aren’t teams rushing to sign him?

    • Derek Page

      That’s a good question. From what I’ve seen and heard Humphries is a quality player and teammate, especially now with Kardashian mess behind him.

  32. kenny

    hello.. Do you see a deal going through that will send gasol to the wolves and derrick williams to the lakers with of course some other peaces to go along to attract the lakes..

    • Derek Page

      That’s not enough for me if I’m Mitch Kupchak.

  33. Brandon

    do you Dwight Howard is coming to Houston? wat plans have you heard in FA? I heard they currently shopping Martin scola and lowry. is it true they are trying to get gay,iggy, jsmooth?

    • Derek Page

      Houston is shopping everyone trying to acquire a star and they have plenty of attractive pieces to try to get something done. Howard is still a possibility but the Magic brass need to come to realization that Howard doesn’t want to be there and get what value they can for him before it’s too late and everyone knows they are trying to unload him.

  34. Monty

    Garnett just got 11 mil for 3 years. Doesn’t that mean that Ray allen will take the money and stay with Boston?

    • Derek Page

      Not necessarily. Allen will have plenty of options this offseason and isn’t apposed to joining another squad for the right price and opportunity. He’s no longer a starter in Boston and that could be a deciding factor.

  35. Randy

    Our the Hawks still wanting to trade Josh Smith to the Lakers for Pau Gasol and if trade does happen what are LA chances of getting Dwight Howard for Bynum since both Josh & Howard are close freinds. I think they would both sign long term deals with the lakers once their hear or is the risk just to high for LA.

    • Derek Page

      Those two being friends has nothing to do with Orlando changing their mind about Bynum for Howard straight up. The Magic want more for Dwight but LA isn’t willing to ship both Pau and Andrew Bynum. We’ll see if Orlando’s stance softens over time as the Lakers are always a player.

  36. Sam

    How about Deng+Boozer for Joe Johnson?JJ is easily the worst deal in the NBA,but he’s a decent scorer and playmaker the Bulls really need.Deng is a fresh start for the Hawks,who coud get something in return for J-Smoth and rebuild again with Horford,Deng…Boozer is just the worthless piece to make this happen.is this a crazy ideia,or does make any sense?

    • Derek Page

      It makes some sense but Chicago really likes what they have in Deng so I don’t see this as a possibility.

  37. Cole

    Big Blazers fan, and hoping that Brandon Roy finds his place on another team. But I have a feeling he is going to be more like the 2010 Roy than the 2008 Roy. Thoughts? Also did he get his knees re-evaluated?

    • Derek Page

      Regardless I would take a flyer on him for the vet minimum. Teams will be lining up to find out if Roy is actually healthy enough to give it another go. It’s a damn shame too; Roy was an excellent player in his prime with healthy. Excellent combo of scoring and playmaking ability.

      Well I’m out of time my friends. Thanks for all the questions. If I missed you hit me up on Twitter or join me again next Saturday. Have a good weekend.