NBA Chat With Eric Pincus 10/18/11

Welcome to NBA Chat with HOOPSWORLD Senior Writer Eric Pincus.  I’ve got all the questions I can handle.  Thanks for participating!

Eric covers the L.A. Lakers, Clippers and NBA at large.

  1. Jack08

    Hi Eric,

    If the entire season ends up being cancelled, do the Magic lose their ability to trade Howard for something in return before he hits free agency?

    • Eric Pincus

      Very possibly, especially if the new CBA gets rid of sign and trades

  2. Shane

    Wats up Eric! I always enjoy reading your articles, you have great knowledge of the game. Have you ever been interested in becoming a sports manager? There was a point and time when I used to say you should be managing the lakers instead of mitch but that was before he got pau for nothing haha!

    • Eric Pincus

      I appreciate that Shane. I’d certainly be open to a position on the basketball operations side but I’ve yet to get the call!

  3. Fernando

    Is there any way the rookies can learn the new offense during the lockout

    • Eric Pincus

      Team-by-team, not really in practice but some coaches gave out playbooks and study guides before the end of June. Totally optional and reliant on the player to put in some work. Unfortunately this stuff doesn’t transfer entirely on paper . . .

  4. Brady

    G.S. gets: Chris Bosh, Linas Kleiza, Leandro Barbosa, Andray Blatche. – gets a 20/10 franchise player

    TOR gets: David Lee, Dorell Wright, Charlie Bell, Noris Cole.- cuts major salary

    MIA gets: Andrea Bargnani, Jose Calderon, Steph Curry, Javale Mcgee- cash Bosh in for some complimentary players next to wade/lebron

    WAS: Ekpe Udoh, Jeremy Tyler, Dexter Pittman, Joel Anthony- gets rid of a couple knuckleheads while stockpiling some young bigs.

    Looks like G.S. gets too much salary but if you break it down to small trades it works.

    • Eric Pincus

      I don’t expect the Raptors to trade Bargnani. I don’t expect the HEAT to trade Bargnani. The Warriors like Dorell Wright. Lee was hurt and out of shape last year, I expect more from him this coming year. He’s not as good as Bosh but he’s not much worse frankly. Oh, also, no on the Warriors moving Curry.

  5. dyrese

    eddy curry lost 100+ Ibs do you think a team will take a chance on him ? besides the heat because i dnt think they will sign him

    • Eric Pincus

      I’m sure he’ll end up on an NBA roster but on the cheap. I’m skeptical he’ll be able to play more than 30 games, just based on history.

  6. Dong of Dayton

    Hey Eric,

    Have you heard about Blake Griffin working on area specific area of his game this offseason? Will we see him rip off some 3s next season or something?

    • Eric Pincus

      Blake is just looking to improve his bread and butter game. I don’t think threes are and should be a part of that.

  7. cj

    I know ORL is the only team that might do this
    ORL gets josh smith and aminu
    LAC gets hedo and zaza
    ATL gets bass and kaman

  8. Larry

    In your opinion, do you think the league is only saying they will negotiate on Tuesday to create a sense of urgency(owners meetings can be moved and is not a valid reason)?

    • Eric Pincus

      The owners meetings have been scheduled for over a year. The mediation is in earnest. It just may not produce results. We’ll see.

  9. Ryan

    Hey Eric. Today is my birthday. What did u get me? Oh answers to my questions? Awesome!!

    Do you believe it was a mistake for the Lakers to not seriously look at a bynum for Melo trade? I thought it would had set them up to stay competitive when kobe starts to decline. I’m sure they could have found a serviceable center or tried Paul there again. I think Melo would gave the team a bit of a boost.

    • Eric Pincus

      Happy birthday Ryan. At the time I was a big proponent of Melo for Bynum. I didn’t think LA was going to win it all last year and thought Melo would be a good bridge to the future. It wouldn’t be perfect but I think it’d work. It’s moot now.

  10. Ryan

    Me again. Who are a few of the players who kind of slipped out of the league who u think would have been solid players? I think of players like demitri Nichols, morris almond, Gerald green.

  11. Brian

    In there prime, rank these teams if there was a 4 team tournament:

    1. Stockton-MJ-Pippen-Malone-Hakeem
    2. Nash-Kobe-Dirk-Duncan-Shaq
    3. Magic-Dr. J-Bird-Dominique-Kareem
    4. CP3-Wade-Durant-LeBron-Dwight

    • Eric Pincus

      That’s a very good and difficult, difficult question. Wow, that’s tough. I’d have #4 be 4 because those “kids” are still figuring it out. Only Wade has the ring and you can argue that was Shaq’s influence.

      The problem with #2 is defense. They’d be third because Dirk can’t guard small forwards. Duncan and Shaq would occupy too much of the post and they’re just not an efficient duo. Shaq doesn’t help screen roll and Nash struggles defensively. Kobe is Kobe but then MJ is MJ, Magic is Magic. Bird is Bird.

      So in reverse order 4, 2.

      Hakeem when he was at his best was a true beast. Stockton was tough defensively despite his lack of height. Malone has the jump shot that would open the floor for the rest. I like that combination of players a lot.

      Magic with Kareem down low and then Bird on the wings and Dr. J slashing?

      I’m going to say #1 because that’s a team that’s going to play more effectively on the defensive side.

      So 1, 3, 2, 4.

      Thanks for that.

  12. Barry

    If Orlando decides to trade Dwight, should the HEAT swoop in & offer Wade, Haslem, Joel and Cole? That’s a better deal then Noah/Deng or Pau/Bynum right?

    • Eric Pincus

      You can argue that perhaps. Would Wade have any success without any semblance of a big man? I think his recent run with the HEAT says no, but I’m sure the Magic – if Howard is truly on the block – will get a ton of offers. I’m not sure the HEAT go that direction but it’s fun to speculate either way.

  13. TJ

    Hey when its all said and done what is your best memory of Steve Nash or how will you remember him

    • Eric Pincus

      Actually one of my favorite Nash moments wasn’t even a Nash moment per se but I got to hear Bill Bertka of the Lakers describe the team’s approach to defending him (it was at a shoot-around) and how unique Nash’s ability to keep the dribble alive is. Bertka talked about how Nash would drive into the teeth of the defense, come back out and see from the rotations where the open man would be. Steve can be a nightmare to stop and listening to a lifer like Bertka give him that kind of reverence will stick with me.

      Also, Steve’s jump shot. It looks like the ball is so heavy when he shoots it . . . yet it seems to always go in.

      One more – the bloody nose in the playoffs – they just couldn’t get that thing to stop bleeding.

  14. Zac

    do you think the lakers will find an upgrade at the point this yr? it doesnt seem they have many trade peices i mean who wants metta world peace or luke walton. And is shannon browns time with the lakers up?

    • Eric Pincus

      I don’t see Shannon returning. The Lakers would like to upgrade at the point but I’m not sure the opportunities will be there in time to make a change. I see the Fisher/Blake/Morris trio getting the chance to do their thing.

  15. Ryan

    Hey Eric, I have a couple trades that might help the clippers.

    Kaman, cook and aminu for terrence Williams, courtney lee, and Jordan hill. Money matches. Gives both teams what they need. Then the clips could trade gomes for a solid back up center or sign say Joel priz or Jeff foster.

    Or I happen to like Kaman for josh smith. I actually believe josh smith can play the 3 & be real solid at it. With the right coaching to keep him focused…. Maybe VDN could do it.

    Lastly, depending on what happens with nene and marc gasol, I get the feeling the nuggs and grizz could be looking for a center and maybe Gallo or Wilson chandler or rush gay will be available.

    Thoughts?

    • Eric Pincus

      Chandler is in China so he’s not on the table. I hear that Gallo won’t be available in trade.

      I hear you on the Clipper thing. I’m not sure what their take is on Williams, Lee and Hill. I’m not sure they go that way but I can’t say either way at this point.

  16. Scott in Santa Barbara

    Hi Eric,
    Can you simply explain what BRI means? Doesn’t a player simply get paid what he signs a contract for and a teams payroll is simply all the contracts added up? If so, how does the 53-47% BRI split figure into all of this?

    • Eric Pincus

      Each July, the NBA adds up the total income (less certain deductions based on an agreed upon formula) to get the BRI.

      They then do two things – they set the following year’s cap based on BRI. Each season is based on an estimate of what it will be based on the previous season’s number. The salary cap is set to a percentage of BRI. That in turn sets the amount teams have to spend. Of course there are exceptions that allow for teams to spend more than the cap (thus the whole war on hard/soft/flex/supertax cap, etc.).

      The second thing the league does is look at the prior year’s salaries now that they’ve got the exact BRI number and they add up all the money players’ earned and see if it hit the magic 57% mark. The league has already withheld 8% of each player’s salary in escrow. If the players got too much, the NBA keeps that money. if the players didn’t hit 57%, they get their escrow back plus whatever’s missing.

      So each player gets a specific salary when they sign a contract. The amount (max) is based on formulas designed to try and get the combined number to 57%. Hope that makes sense! It’s a lot to put into a chat post.

  17. Dylan Stevenson

    Any truth to the rumor that Kevin Garnett killed any progress in the CBA talks this past week? Why would he be allowed in the labor talks at all?

    • Eric Pincus

      I just think he’s being viewed right now as the scapegoat. I don’t think it was going to happen either way.

  18. Dylan Stevenson

    Is the Federal mediation considered a good or bad thing by reporters like you covering the NBA? What can a mediator do that they haven’t already done? Thanks.

    • Eric Pincus

      It’s a good thing in general, getting a third, independent party involved to try to work things out. There’s a lot a mediator can do. Each side can be more open about their compromise points than they would be with each other. I worry about the length of time the mediator has to work on this – basically two days. That might not be enough. We’ll see.

  19. Dylan Stevenson

    If the NBA cancels the season, do las vegas bets (say you put $5 on the lakers to win this year) be refunded?

    • Eric Pincus

      You’ll have to take that up with Vegas.

  20. Dylan Stevenson

    What type of caliber Laker backup SG and C can the Lakers acquire if the season does start?

  21. jermaine

    in your opinion what do the chicago bulls need to do to take the next step?

    • Eric Pincus

      The Bulls need a guard who can create shots for others (and himself). A combo guard who can pass and shoot. Someone in the mold of Dwyane Wade/Randy Foye. There’s your high and your low (comparatively speaking Randy, no offense there) of what the Bulls would need.

      At some point in a playoff series, opponents are going to skew their entire defensive sets to stop Rose from penetrating. If he gives up the ball, his backcourt partner needs to take advantage of the defense.

  22. Kraig

    When lockout is over, do you see a sign and trade happening dealing with Jamal Crawford. Rumor has it he is unhappy in Atlanta

    • Eric Pincus

      As I’ve noted, they may get rid of sign and trade. If so, I could see Crawford going to a team with a budget but don’t count out the Hawks. I view Jamal as unhappy with the Hawks because they didn’t give him an extension. If they offer him a reasonable deal (better than other offers), that resentment goes away really quickly.

  23. Derek

    With the second louckout of his career in effect, whats the plausibilty that Kobe would play long enough to challenge Karl or Kareem on the all time scoring list?

    • Eric Pincus

      There’s still a reasonable chance that Bryant sticks around long enough to challenge for the all-time scoring record.

  24. Leo

    There was a point in the beginning of the summer when the CBA negotiations were going on, but where nothing went on, and where there were extended breaks. Why wasn’t more done at that time? Laziness from the players or owners? Something else?

    • Eric Pincus

      There wasn’t anything to do in those moments. Neither side would have come off of their positions. The clock is what dictates this negotiation, not number of hours but dollars on the verge of being lost because of games, cancellations, etc.

  25. Lee

    Of all the steve nash trades you listed, not one of them is worthwhile. Basically, each trade you listed nets them an expiring contract and a decent prospect at best (NO WAY they do nash for calderon and bayless). Don’t you think they can do better than that?

    • Eric Pincus

      I don’t. Nash is nearly 40 and he’ll be a free agent in short time. Better to just try and sign him outright than give up much by the way of quality, young players. It’s not like he’s Chris Paul or Deron Williams, who you’d try to get to extend in the trade. Nash at 38, 39 and 40 years old?

      If the Suns wanted value, they probably should have moved earlier on a Nash deal.

  26. Dylan Stevenson

    Saw your piece on training Steve Nash. Any chance Lakers can get in on that?

    • Eric Pincus

      There’s always a chance but I wouldn’t say a likelihood. I don’t see LA giving up Bynum or Gasol. I don’t see why the Suns want or need Odom. Beyond that what makes sense?

  27. Dylan Stevenson

    I read the article on Hoopsworld about Dwight Howard. Is this a clear indication he’s leaving Orlando? Where do you think he’ll end up?

    • Eric Pincus

      I do expect Howard to leave but we have to wait until the lockout ends and we know the rules. He may find he has financial incentive to stay in Orlando. The rules will dictate where he can go – what if there’s no sign and trade? Let’s just wait on this one before guessing. There’s going to be a number of suitors once and if it comes to that.

  28. tony

    Lockout ends in the next two weeks? I honestly think it will but I might be too optimistic.

  29. john

    don’t know if you are into fantasy basketball….but who are sleepers this year if we have a season?

  30. Chris

    Hi Eric. In your estimation, who has offered the most realistic proposal for establishing competitive balance in the NBA? By realistic, I mean a proposal both sides can agree on & which actually levels the playing field.

    • Eric Pincus

      I feel a supertax system can work. It’s not a true hard cap in that players retain their Bird Rights and guaranteed contracts. There were some strings attached by the owners that need to be cut on that front.

      The percentage can be resolved somewhere between 47/53, years and raises can be compromised on.

      It’s just a matter of putting it all together and we’re not there yet.

  31. audrey

    espn realese an ranking putting kobe at no. 7 what do you say about that? i think he’s better than that

    • Eric Pincus

      If his knee is truly stronger after an offseason of rest and treatment, I expect Bryant to push himself higher on next year’s list.

  32. cj

    What do you think the chances of westbrook and Durant both going for over 25 ppg this upcoming season

  33. cj

    Also how do you feel about ibaka averaging more blocks than Dwight Howard

    • Eric Pincus

      I think very highly of Ibaka. Remember, Serge has only so much to carry on his squad compared to Dwight.

  34. Nico, France

    Hy Eric
    Big fan from France, really enjoy your NBA coverage it help foreign fan to stay connect with NBA news.
    Lakerland allways need a big superstar. Who do u think they should target after Kobe ? (realistic option… Not D12)

    • Eric Pincus

      Thanks Nico. I touched on this elsewhere. We need to know the rules first. Are the Lakers hampered by a hard(ish) cap that means an upper limit on what they’re able to willingly spend? Is the sign and trade gone? I don’t see LA going under the salary cap so they’re reliant on trades. Let’s wait and see, the path won’t be clear until we have a CBA.

  35. Nico, France

    Eric,
    In your opinion, what is the big plan for the clippers ?
    A) sélect a 3 with wolwes pick + deal kaman for a back up big and a back up 2 ?
    B) sélect a big with wolwes pick + deal kaman for a star 3 (gay, iggy ?)
    C) let kamans deal expire

    • Eric Pincus

      Trade Kaman, trade the Minny pick – add the pieces to win now. Not sure it’ll come to that but I’d say that’s Plan A.

  36. Tom

    Bledsoe, Aminu, 2012 TWolves pick and 3 million cash for CP3. New Otleans saves 15 million right away, get young players and two more lottery picks in next years draft to build around.

    • Eric Pincus

      I don’t see the Clippers giving up 3 prospects including the 2012 pick for Paul but I haven’t run the numbers yet. I’ve got an article due on Friday that addresses the Chris Paul situation and I’ll hit it head on then!

  37. Dylan Stevenson

    Great Chats Eric,

    These chats feels like Laker Fans have an insider/friend in the Lakers Locker Room.

    What do you think are the lakers plans for this year? Is Mike Brown on a short leash?

    • Eric Pincus

      I see the Lakers trying to win with the team they have, plus the addition of another big and probably one more veteran shooting/combo guard. I would say Brown has a mid-sized leash, certainly not a short one.

  38. Josh

    What trade from the Steve Nash article do you think would best benefit the Suns?

    • Eric Pincus

      The Indiana one works for both teams to a certain extent, depending on what you think of Darren Collison.

  39. Josh

    Any thoughts on Markieff Morris and his fit with Phoenix?

    • Eric Pincus

      I actually liked that pick. He’s solid, strong and tough. It’s just a matter of seeing how he transitions to the NBA. That’s always hard to predict until you see him go against his peers.

  40. Adrian

    Why not Lamar & Ebanks for Nash?

  41. Dylan Stevenson

    People should give you more credit calling the Pau Gasol to Lakers trade months before it happened.

    Any other laker trades you’d like to predict?

    • Eric Pincus

      I actually did write an article months before it happened saying he was the guy the team should target. I remember sitting at a round table at STAPLES debating with Jim Hill who said he thought Jermaine O’Neal was the guy LA should get.

      As far as predictions looking ahead, I’m very technical in how I approach things. Without knowing the rules, it’s just throwing darts. Hit me back with that once we get a new CBA.

  42. robert howard

    if their is no season who will get the first pick in the drat.

    • Eric Pincus

      The new CBA, once it comes together, would dictate the rules for that as well.

  43. Nico, France

    Lockout really sucks !!!
    Think at me… I Will have to watch french basketball on Tv or play nba2k11 now… Really sad ! But it’s nothing compare to workers who lives from NBA economy and that will be without a big part of their revenues !!!

    • Eric Pincus

      Agreed. I’m one of those directly impacted and it isn’t fun . . . but life deals what it deals and you adapt.

  44. LeBron S. Pippen

    I hear the Hawks lost another owner(Boston). How will that impact the talks?

    • Eric Pincus

      The Atlanta Hawks? That threw me for a minute. You mean the hawkish owners? I still think we’re in the same position. Both sides would like the lockout to end but on their terms.

  45. Dylan Stevenson

    I heard that someone in the Sixers front office loves Lamar Odom. Any chance we see a Lamar to the Sixers revisited this year? Who wins in a trade like that Lakers/Sixers?

    • Eric Pincus

      Possible I would imagine. Iguodala would look nice on the Lakers but I’m not sure if that’s accurate or not, especially with ownership/GM change.

  46. Zac

    what would you think of vince carter signing with the Bulls? i think being the 3rd option is all hes gonna be now and you might as well go contend for a title

    • Eric Pincus

      He’d be far down on my list. I don’t think you can rely on his performance in big games and that’s exactly what the Bulls are looking for, Conference and NBA Finals . . .