NBA Chat With Derek Page 8/11/12

Ax of Manila

Quick, before he retires, what is the REAL height of KG? Officially, he’s listed as 6’11″, but his ex-coach at Minnesota, Flip Saunders, said that KG’s around 7′ to 7’1″ tall. Is that true?

Derek Page

We’ve reached Saturday afternoon (evening on the east coast) once again so it’s time for another edition of my chat. One of the biggest trades of all time happened a few days ago so I’m sure we’ll get to plenty of Lakers and Dwight Howard stuff today. Lots of questions to get to so let’s get down to business.

Seeing them stand together on the court, Dirk Nowitzki is about 7-feet tall so I’d say KG is 6-10,6-11. I don’t believe he is a 7-footer. Obviously hasn’t been a huge issue in Garnett’s career though.

Naj

In an Olympic game if a basketball team won a medal, each player receives a medal but still it is counted as one in medal tally?

Derek Page

Well the United States team would be winning the gold so just one medal for the US tally. Then of course each player gets a token of that achievement with a medal of their own.

Chris

Hi Derek. And the award for “hey, it’ the offseason and we’re desperate for a headline” goes to: A. Kobe open to playing in Europe (Yeah right! Kobe wants to chase records in NBA) B. Lin Says Lebron is best player (No kidding) C. Granger says Pacers are 2nd best in East (Danny Granger’s inferiority complex/Dellusions of gradeur is alive and well).

Derek Page

I think the Kobe overseas thing was blown out of proportion. If he’s not willing to take a back seat during his NBA career – which he has made clear – it doesn’t seem like a likely path for Bryant.

WIZARD

Where would blatche better fit spurs or heat?Should okc look at him?After all he is 25 years old pf who can score and rebound?

Derek Page

Either team would work. Miami could use him more, throw him at center. Regardless, Andray Blatche needs a veteran core to keep him in line.

Winston

What’s your opinion on the Mavs’ ceiling/basement performance-wise this upcoming season?

Also, amongst the Hawks, Lakers, Nets, Mavs, rate them according to likelihood Dwight joins on a long-term deal.

Thanks!

Derek Page

Ceiling for Dallas would be around 3rd or 4th in the final Western Conference standings and a hard-fought 2nd round series. LA and OKC too good for Mavs to beat.
1. LA – 90% – likely champ winners likely to resign Dwight Howard.
2. Dallas – 10% – If things go sour in LA, Mavericks will be ready and waiting next summer
3. ATL – 0% – Most likely either LA or Dallas for Dwight
4. Nets – 0% – Won’t have money to spend even if Howard wanted to join.

nova416

Now that Denver has two solid SF’s; hows about a swap of Wilson Chandler for Derozan and/or amir johnson + filler. Or even Calderon for wilson straight up?

Derek Page

Seems doable but why? Ty Lawson and Andre Miller already at point. DeRozen is another SF… Chandler is an excellent commodity coming off the bench.

Hunter

Will the wolves make a big trade this offseason?

Derek Page

Not likely, Hunter. Minnesota has put together a nice mix of veterans to go along with some good young talent going into next year. Best idea is to let this team grow and see what it can do next year with more than just JJ Barea as a veteran influence.

Wendy

In hindsight, which deal would have been better for the Magic:
Arron Afflalo, Al Harrington, Nikola Vucevic, Moe Harkless & 3-4 protected first round picks from LAL/DEN/PHI
OR
Brook Lopez, Kris Humphries @ 1 year/$9.6m, MarShon Brooks & four UNprotected Nets first round picks

Derek Page

On paper, the Nets but the reality is that the Magic didn’t view Lopez as a max-type player and therefore weren’t going to pay him that way. All things considered, I like the different packages that Houston allegedly had to offer the best.

ken

2012 draft 1st round draft picks can’t be traded until 30 days after they have a signed contract. Moe Harkless signed on july 24. Why did the NBA approve the deal?

Derek Page

That’s an interesting question… I was under the impression that the rule was 30 days after the player was drafted…

(UPDATE:Reader Dhrupesh Rajani says Harkless was actually signed on July 9th but the deal wasn’t reported until the 24th. I tend to believe that considering how fast the NBA would’ve vetoed this had the pieces not fit.)

LA in LA

I can’t wait to see how Houston gets out of their current roster since they aren’t getting Dwight, Bynum, or Gasol now and have like 10 hybrid fowards.

Derek Page

It will be something to see how Kevin McHale handles this roster. In my opinion, the Rockets should do it like hockey and just run lines of forwards in and out of the lineup throughout the game at the 2 and 3 positions.

Peter

I think the Magic undersold Dwight. Though they never were going to get full value I still think waiting for Houston to have all their players trade eligible would have made more sense. Bynum, Big Baby, and Jason Richardson could have ended up in Houston with Dwight, Duhon, and QRich going to LA. Orlando could have gotten Martin, Lamb, White, Montejanas, and the Toronto pick from the Lowry deal. That way Orlando could have had 3 picks from this year draft and 1 from last year. This would also have let them get rid of the terrible contracts for cap flexibility while at the same time let them develop their new young talent. This would have been the OKC model also adding top 5 picks from the 2013-2015 drafts. Thoughts?

Derek Page

I agree Peter but I’m also not the Magic front office. There’s tons of other factors that those guys weigh that most of us aren’t aware of. Do I think Orlando could have got more, both in terms of returning talent and cap relief? Yes. Do I think, by all reports, that Houston was willing to make a better offer? Yes. But obviously the way I want the Orlando Magic to look next season is much different that those that are in charge there.

Maestro

I’m confused why did Orlando include Denver in the Dwight Howard trade? Had they dealt Howard,Clark and Duhon to L.A., Bynum, Richardson to Sixers, Iguoda, Harkeson, Vucevic, two first round picks and two second round picks to Orlando would have been much better. It offers cap relief, young players, and draft picks.

Derek Page

Aaron Affalo is a quality player and is at a great price at around $7.5 million next season. Iggy is owed over $30 million over next two seasons unless he decides to opt out after next season. Affalo also the younger option…

edva

hello,

1) can you explain me, why Orlando took A.Afflalo (average 7.75 milllions per year) and A.Harrington ($6,68 next year)?
or Harrington can be released before 2013-14 season?
according salary page, his contract non-guaranteed.

2) how good Nikola Vucevic and Moe Harkless are?

3) what’s next move for Orlando? another trade? or they will start season with current roster?

4) I think Magic has too mush forwards: Glen Davis, Gustavo Ayon, Justin Harper, Al Harrington, Josh McRoberts, Andrew Nicholson, Kyle O’Quinn, Nikola Vucevic. do not you think so?
who will be in the final roster, who not?

5) Is Magic still playoff team?

thank you.

Derek Page

1. From what I understand, Harrington’s contract is only half-guaranteed.
2. Solid, not spectacular. Harkless has higher ceiling.
3. Orlando likely starts season with this roster.
4. I agree. Not much playing time to go around.
5. Are you serious? Come on buddy. Not even in the East, no.

Jazzaholic

Your thoughts on the Williams boys (Mo and Marvin) and Randy Foye replacing Devin Harris, Josh Howard and CJ Miles?

I’m excited about adding Dennis Lindsey to work under KOC. Your thoughts?

Will the West be now Hack-a-Howard, or just when Pops coaches against him?

Derek Page

Marvin Williams definitely needed a change of scenery. Dude has all the talent in the world. Same goes for Devin Harris and Utah will be better off with Mo Williams running the show.
I think the 4th quarter will be hack-a-Howard time for everybody until Dwight proves he can make a free throw every now and then. That’s why its hard to count on him offensively in crunch time.

Mark P.

Hey Derek love your weekly chats! As presently constructed the Lakers is as follows:

PG – Nash, Blake, Duhon, Morris
SG – Bryant, Meeks, Goudelock
SF – MWP, Ebanks, Clark
PF – Gasol, Jamison
C – Howard, Hill

There have been players linked to the Lakers in rumors (i.e. Barbosa, Martin). My question is this, are they still a possibility. Are they even a priority?

If possible it would be nice to see the Lakers lose Blake/Duhon, Goudelock, Ebanks/Clark . In exchange I would like to see the Lakers acquire Martin (he could be really useful esp. if Howard is out for an extended period of time) and either Gee or Barbosa (although if they trade Blake and/or Duhon we should only do it if we could get Barbosa in return). Your thoughts?

I know it’s a pipe dream, but IMO the Lakers ideal lineup would look like this:

PG – Nash, Barbosa (can spend some time playing the point), Duhon (I think I’d rather keep him over Blake because of his defense), Morris
SG – Bryant, Meeks, Barbosa
SF – MWP, Gee, Clark
PF – Gasol, Jamison, Martin
C – Howard, Hill

Derek Page

Thanks Mark! Not a priority for LA but certainly a possibility depending on money demands. I like K-Mart as a better fit than Barbosa. Lakers have plenty of scoring, could use a veteran backup at power forward like Martin who enjoys doing the dirty work. K-Mart’s signing would also allow Gasol to move to center if and when Howard gets into foul trouble or just needs a beather.

okc barbershop

Was mark cuban invited on dirks wedding? I guess it could have been nice if the ring couldve been from mark cuban if only he signed chandler and some of the group back?!

Derek Page

I don’t know if anybody was invited to Dirk’s wedding… Seemed pretty private and secluded. But yes bringing Tyson Chandler back would’ve been an excellent early wedding gift.

the last maveric

Will it be a possiblity for dallas to sign ibaka and harden come free agency?

Derek Page

Definitely a possibility. If Howard indeed is off the table next summer, the Mavericks attention turns to Chris Paul, Josh Smith, Serge Ibaka and Harden. It all depends on the market value of Ibaka and Harden though. Not sure if Dallas sees either as a max type players.

sisig express

Now that bynum is the beast of the east. Will he average 27 points 13 reb and 4 blocks a game and will the 76ers beat the celtic,knicks and nets in the playoffs? Lastly sir, dont u think they should have kept lou williams as their 6th man combo guard?!!!!

Derek Page

Andrew Bynum has an abundance of potential, its all about if he can put it all together. A lot of that also resides on the Sixers coaching staff but right now he is going to be the go-to-guy offensively so I see a big year out of him. Don’t think the 76ers can beat the Celtics, HEAT or (healthy) Bulls but sure the rest of the East is fair game. I liked Lou Williams in the role. Not 100% sure what happened with that situation in Philly.

Allan

Hi, Derek, Which team has a stronger starting 5?

Lakers vs Western All-Star team 2012?

Howard vs Bynum
Gasol vs Griffin
Artest vs Durant
Kobe vs Kobe
Nash vs Paul

Derek Page

Nice question Allan.

C – Lakers – Dwight is clearly best center in the game.
PF – Lakers (right now) Blake Griffin has a whole lot more upside than Pau Gasol but right now Gasol is the better all around player.
SF – West No contest. Durant over Artest.
SG – Push Same guy.
PG – Push I take Nash simply because you know he’s going to play the majority of an NBA season. Can’t say the same for CP3 although he is better all the way around when healthy.

Would be a pretty good matchup if you ask me. The Lakers lineup looks ridiculous going into next season if healthy.

Larry

Do you think that Dwight going to LAL is actually in a way good for lebrons legacy? Because even if he were to win a couple more championships it would be against lesser competion and or aging superstars. But if he wins one against a stacked lakers squad who has arguably more talent then you can look back and say he lived up to Jordan comparisons.

Derek Page

That’s an interesting point Larry. I’m excited about every matchup between the HEAT and Lakers simply because it’s going to be two super teams going at at. If that is indeed the Finals matchup, expect the highest rated (by far) and most viewed (by far) NBA Finals in league history. LBJ beating a team that features at least three sure-fire Hall of Famers that are still playing at an elite level would be a major accomplishment.

2dogs

Derek, critics of Boston point to their lack at the center spot, but KG played really well there–all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals. Now Wilcox is back to take some minutes, and man-child Fab Melo should also be able to grab a little time, esp against the Bynum types. Even Collins and Sullinger could get a few minutes at the 5. How would you sum up the C’s at the 5? How far do you think Boston can go?

Derek Page

Kevin Garnett did play well there but he’s getting up there in age and it’s best to save that for the playoffs… I’m picking up what you’re putting down though. Garnett next to any one of these young guys in the lineup will not only help develop them but help to disguise their weaknesses.
In terms of how far this team can go, if they stay healthy (and that’s a big if), I think they have the ability to sufficiently challenge the HEAT in a 7-game series.

Beau

Could the Lakers sign T-Mac as a third Small foward? Never know if MWP get suspended again or Ebamks getting hurt.

Derek Page

Could but won’t. Antawn Jamison can also play some small forward if Artest makes a mistake.

simon

i’m really excited to see moe in a magic uniform. who do you think will be the most productive rookie for the magic,andrew, moe, or o’quinn?? will moe start or turk start?? do you see jameer being more productive this season?

Derek Page

I like what I’ve seen from Andrew Nicholson but it’s still early. Harkless will be a solid pro.

Yong

Hi Derek,

Well, as a Lakers fan, I am still thinking of improving our team. Since DH may not start the season, will Lakers think about signing K-Mart with min vet (and is he willing to sign with min vet)? Is re-signing Matt Barnes out of the question?

Derek Page

Not sure what Martin’s asking price is but the later it gets the more likely it is that he will agree to a vet-minimum contract.

Gustavo A Thomas

I dont know why,but sometime i think the mitch kupchak home run have steroid and cork in it,you cant be so lucky like that without suspicions.how he can frame trade for C Paul, S Nash and D Howard to easy back to back to back on black friday price. What you think?

Derek Page

Definitely takes a lot of craft maneuvering. The reality is that the Lakers have plenty of assets that other teams want… In terms of Nash, that was basically a free agent signing. Nash wasn’t staying in Phoenix and they did him a favor.

Aaron

Why would the Lakers resign Ebanks when they just traded for Earl Clark? Who’s the better fit of the two?

Derek Page

I like Ebanks but Clark has more upside. There’s nothing wrong with having too much size and talent.

Garrett

Why does Demarcus cousins get no respect? Last year he was one of only four players to average 18ppg, 11rpg, and 1bpg. The other three were Dwight, Bynum, and pau… So shouldnt DMC get more respect as one of the best big men in the game?

Derek Page

I agree Garrett and I think he’s primed for a monster 2012-13 season. He and Thomas Robinson in the middle is going to be the best 1-2 punch in the NBA in a few years.

Raju

YOu have to agree that people hate Lakers and Yankees owners but they go out and spend money smartly on their teams, not like knicks. No wonder they win championships, What is you opinions regarding that?

Derek Page

People love or love to hate the Mark Cuban’s of the world because these guys are willing to invest money into their product. For many owners, owning a professional team is merely a side project that isn’t as important and generally people just hate those guys.

Randy

I know this is premature, but in 2014 the Lakers will have a lot of cap. At the time, Kobe and Lebron are free agents. Do you think it’s possible to see a lineup of Nash, Kobe, Lebron and Howard.

Derek Page

Randy, be happy with Dwight Howard. No that’s not going to happen.

MICHAEL

There is no rhyme or reason Rockets were not involved in the deal. Rockets have real assests and players. Can compare the Magic and Rockets moving forward?

Derek Page

I agree Michael. Rockets likely had the better deal in place but the two sides simply couldn’t get on the same page.

Sad Magic Fan :(

Now that Orlando has given up yet another star franchise player, what can they do in the next upcoming years. There is still Jameer’s ridiculous contract on the books for 3 years (3yrs-24 million, partially guaranteed) Hedo’s 12 million with an ETO with this year, Reddick’s 8 million(not sure about $ amount) plus they got rid of D12, Duhon’s 4 million, J-Rich’s 6 million and Earl Clark. But they get Afflalo and Harrington, whose contracts make no sense to me financial wise for the Magic. I understand you have to use a percentage of the cap but why get them for 3-4 years? Any chance they try to pull a Miami Heat manuver and try to acquire CP3, J-Smooth, and another all-star or just wait it out the hard way for a fan like me.

Derek Page

Sadly for you and Magic nation, those players aren’t going to have a reason to come to Orlando. Not much of an incentive to go somewhere and build a team anyways (better off staying where you are) but especially in the new NBA where every superstar wants to play with each other.

JRN5150

Who is the better player out of Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap right now? Which one do the Jazz keep? Do you see Derrick Favors as a PF or a C?

Derek Page

Paul Millsap is both younger and more productive, just doesn’t have the size of big Al. I like Favors better at power forward as he just seems a lot more comfortable at the position at this point is his career.

Tony

Please tell me who you think you can beat the lakers in a 7 game series and why

Derek Page

Well, Tony, can and will are two different things but I think both OKC and the HEAT can beat the Lakers. Fully healthy, not seeing that happening as of this moment though.

Larry

Hi Derek. How much of a better team are the Golden State Warriors now than they were last year considering their improved depth with the signing of Carl Landry and acquisition of Jarret Jack etc.

Derek Page

Quietly, GS has put together a stacked roster between last seasons trade deadline and this offseason Larry. Health is a big key with players like Andrew Bogut and Steph Curry especially but they are going to be a better squad this upcoming season.

Leonard

Would you consider the Sacramento Kings a playoff team for next season? How much better are they now since they drafted Thomas Robinson.

Derek Page

Leonard, I think they can make a jump but playoffs are going to be incredibly difficult in the West. There are at least 10 (maybe even 12) teams in the West with legitimate playoff aspirations going into 2012-13. Brutal conference.

MattJ

Derek, are the Lakers really that much better with Dwight? For NBA centers, Dwight is 1A, Bynum 1B. I think Nash has been the best addition for them

Derek Page

Nash is the key to pulling all of the pieces together. So, you’re right: Nash is the most important and I actually thought LA was a Finals contender before the Howard trade. What I disagree with you on is that Howard and Bynum are close in terms of NBA talent right now. Howard is better both offensively and much better defensively than Bynum at this point in their careers. Bynum holds a legit size advantage as a 7-footer but Howard is much more polished all around right now.

That’s all for today my friends. I’m way over my time but let’s do this again next Saturday afternoon. Have a good weekend and be safe guys.