NBA Chat With Eric Pincus 11/1/11

Jerome G

would you trade griffin, gordon,jordan and minny pick for a dwight howard and some throw in??

Eric Pincus

No. Why? That’s incredibly one-sided against the Clippers.

Kyle

Hey Eric, if the new CBA restricts spending, would a team like LAL be at an unfair disadvantage with Kobe making so much more than any other superstar? Should they be punished because he’s still a max player after 14 years? I think they should only count max veteran players’ salary against the cap/tax up to a certain amount (say the max amount for an 8th year player or something) because as it is you can sign LeBron, Mike Miller, and Udonis Haslem for less than Kobe. How can LA compete once Kobe’s salary cracks $30mil?

Eric Pincus

How many players can do what Kobe can do? One? Two? Zero? It depends what you think of Bryant. You’re not going to win that argument if you’re taking it to the owners’ meeting.

cj

j.calderone, b.davis, g.arenas(maybe), and a.miller. now I hate the heat but out of these PG’s most likely to be amnestied which one best fits with the heat?

Eric Pincus

I can’t see any reason why Andre Miller is on that list. The best fit is Calderon who is the best shooter in the bunch. He’s a lousy defender but then Baron hasn’t given consistent effort on that end for some time. I’m not sure where Gilbert is exactly both physically and mentally.

cj

What do you think of Chris Douglas roberts? Could he be a less expensive 3 that the clips could go after? He might not be a long term answer but a definite upgrade over gomes and aminu, don’t you think

Eric Pincus

Eh.

cj

of all the SF FA this year I think LAC should try and go after t.prince or a.kirilenko. lets be honest they need more defense and more veteran experience. both these guys provide that. not to mention they really don’t have anyone to backup griffin and both can play PF if need be

Eric Pincus

If both are on their list, they’re low on their list. Prince makes some sense but he’s not quite in the desired age range. Kirilenko can’t shoot well enough and that’s a major factor.

devonte wilson

Whats to the undrafted free agents that got a invite to a teams training camp if the season wont have training camp?

Eric Pincus

What usually happens to the guys who don’t make NBA rosters – they play overseas, in the D-League, etc.

Carlos A

If brandon roy was to get the amnesty would he be ay better fit for the bulls than anybody else?

Eric Pincus

If he’s healthy enough to contribute in Chicago – then would the Blazers want to use Amnesty on him? It’s a risk – in that if he’s cut loose – it’s because those knees are a serious concern. As far as talent and fit, absolutely. He’d be perfect for the Bulls (or any number of teams).

Dong of Dayton

Hey Eric,

What are your thoughts on tyrus thomas this year? Does he get starter minutes at Center? PF? Do you see him improving?

Eric Pincus

He still has potential. Tyrus isn’t a center but in an unorthodox lineup, perhaps he could get some burn there. I’m not entirely high on him but as a role player who isn’t always consistent, I think he can be a contributor.

Cesar

Last season we were beat out because we had no heart against the Mavericks, aside from myself and Derek Fisher there was no player in our locker room when we went do 2-0 that thought we could still win this thing, we need that toughness, that mental toughness, a point guard who can help us in the clutch, I was talking to Coach Brown the other day and I told him Allen Iverson would be a perfect fit. I’ve always loved AI’s game.

with those words from Kobe, will LA give AI a chance to comeback again? i would love him actually, and just like Ron has, I think his behaviour would b good cuz of KB’s influence!

Eric Pincus

I don’t agree with your premise. The Lakers were completely worn down but physically and mentally. They just didn’t have it in the fourth year after three to the NBA Finals. It’s not like the Bulls with MJ go there four years in a row either, no? How many titles straight did Magic and the Showtime Lakers win?

I wouldn’t say heart or mental toughness. Changes are needed on some levels, certainly the Lakers need to get younger and quicker but then the same team with rest and a renewed spirit after all this time off (and hunger after last year’s letdown) may surprise you.

I don’t believe Iverson is the answer to your problem. The goal would be to make sure Kobe, Gasol and Bryant get the majority of the shots given their conversion rates. The rest of the team should facilitate that to some extent and Iverson’s game has always been about his shots first.

shawn

if luke retires and lakers use the amnesty on blake does this give the lakers a chance to sign a good bench player such as jr smith, crawford or butler etc.

Eric Pincus

Luke would have to retired because doctors tell him straight out he’s unable to play and then, a year later, that money would come off the cap. Now the rules could change but based on how things worked last year, the team would gain no tax savings in year one if Walton retired.

Amnesty on Blake would reduce the tax hit and while it technically wouldn’t give the Lakers an additional spending power in tools (still just the Mid-Level Exception), it might be easier for the team to spend it.

That said, no way to J.R. Smith by fit (and he’s off in China for a year anyway) and Crawford/Butler want more than the MLE.

Also, the Lakers as a taxpayer may not have the MLE anyway, if the owners get what they want.

tony

So to extend this fight over 2 percent of bri for much longer would not just be ridiculous. they would start to lose more fighting over it then playing. Every writer I have asked believes the lockout will be over in the next two th three weeks. Do u agree?

Eric Pincus

I do expect an end to the lockout soon. They really are very close but again, while it’s more costly this year to wait for a better deal . . . long-term over a potential 10-year agreement, both sides are willing to sacrifice.

Aristotle

Hey Eric,
I was just wondering with how the Spurs started to show their age… if Pop continues coaching, who does he replace them with for the next era? I see Al Horford and John Wall to build around. Who would also be fitting for the Celtics? Can’t have them falling off again.

Eric Pincus

How exactly do the Spurs get Horford and Wall? It’s not so easy. The Hawks just decide to give up one of their best players and an All-Star? Wall will be a restricted free agent before he’s ever truly available to San Antonio. Same issue for the Celtics. Big rebuilding moves are hard to predict when the rules are clear and we’re still waiting for the league to roll out a new CBA.

like a bull

brewer for randy foye.
Who says no? Would brown
consider going to bulls?
how would he do as a starter?

Eric Pincus

I’m guessing you mean Shannon Brown and from what I know of the Bulls, they’re not very interested in Brown. Ronnie Brewer? You can argue he’d help the Clippers but they actually value Foye quite a bit. I don’t think they go there. Ronnie wouldn’t be enough for LA at the three. They’re thinking bigger at this point.

Cain

Would Marcus Thornton be a good fit in Indiana? What about adding Carl Landry as well?

Eric Pincus

Those are decent guys. The Pacers need a higher level of talent.

Cain

What sort of improvements should we expect out of DeAndre Jordan?

Eric Pincus

I expect/hope he’ll keep improving defensively. I don’t look for much of an offensive game other than his athletic finishes. Hopefully free throws?!?

like a bull

who says no Kaman/foye/aminu/gomes for deng/bogans/brewer/watson

Eric Pincus

Both actually.

like a bull

3 way trade clippers get deng/brewer/ rockets get kaman/korver bulls get martin/gomes /patterson. every team need is filled

Eric Pincus

Clippers don’t want Deng.

craig

What was the hold up on the rumored Robin Lopez and Pietrus for Millsap trade? Do you think this might still be possible?

Eric Pincus

Didn’t hear that and I would truly believe the Jazz get more return for Millsap.

Vahan

Hey Eric,

Long time reader first time asking a question. I’m a huge laker fan as I’m sure most who ask you questions are. I have been an avid supporter of Andrew Bynum since he got drafted because it seemed like he had all the gifts to be a successful center for many years and love his progress to this day. I’m just wondering why a center like himself doesn’t just use brut force and go hard to the rim every time he gets the ball in the paint and try to take everyone guarding him thru the net like shaq used to do. Why do finese layups, when just jumping towered the rim will most probably be dunk or foul for a guy of his length, size and strength .

Eric Pincus

Stamina, leg strength and health are serious factors especially for Bynum who has had significant trouble staying healthy. When he’s been the strongest physically, he’s taken it hard to the basket and for brief stretch of weeks at a time between injuries – has arguably been unstoppable.

Keep in mind the Lakers don’t always get him the ball where he needs it to dominate. Much of the time it goes to Kobe and/or Gasol. In Bryant’s case, especially late in the game where LA goes less and less inside for the score and instead relies too much on Kobe from the perimeter.

Some of it is maturity from Bynum, opportunity and as mentioned, health. It’s a process for a player to get to their prime.

Will

If Orlando Goes like 3-4 East conf, do you trade D-Howard at the deadline for the best package of draft 2012 picks? Too much talent here..

Eric Pincus

So much up in the air with Orlando given the Amnesty/Stretch Provisions, free agency, other trade options etc. Howard may very well be dealt before the deadline but to say anything concrete at this point is just throwing darts.

Joe

Do you think the Clippers will be able to trade for Chris Paul? What do you think it would cost to get him in a trade. I would take the chance and offer Kaman, Bledsoe, Aminu, Warren, 2012 Minny pick and 3 million cash for him. I think he would take the Clippers to the next level and I would do the trade without any guarantee that he would be back for 12-13. I think it would be a good gamble because if Paul were to leave as a free agent the Clippers would end up with cap space to sign a different free agent like DWill, Nash, Hinrich, Felton, Augustin, Batum, Galinari, Fields or Mayo.

Eric Pincus

Paul is one of the pieces the Clippers would certainly have interest in. A lot depends on what direction New Orleans heads and where Paul wants to be long-term. If he’s not going to sign an extension with LAC, then they won’t give up anything like that. I’d certainly expect the Clippers to give up Kaman and the 2012 pick. Then it becomes a matter of what else the Hornets are getting from other team’s in offers. Do the Clippers need to include both young prospects in Bledsoe and Aminu? Maybe not. There’s going to be a market value which won’t necessarily reflect Paul’s true value as a player – and LAC certainly shouldn’t overpay simply because Chris is one of the best players in the league . . . especially if other teams aren’t offering that much either.

Steve

Eric,
Obligatory Laker Question.
Can Lakers get Howard for Bynum and Walton?
Who says no?

Eric Pincus

Right now (or when things kick back in) the Magic probably won’t be ready to deal Howard. We have to see the new rules but at some point, if they decide to shop him, Orlando may have interest in Bynum. By then I’d expect Walton to have already been cut by the Lakers.

Steve

Eric,
I thought Kobe really looked fairly old and not as fast last year.
Do his knees hurt from wear or just age catching up?

Eric Pincus

He was still recovering from knee surgery when the season started. He had to play through that and it was a challenge. I’ve heard he’s had the necessary time to heal and strengthen his legs. He should be healthier/younger this coming season.

Steve

Eric,
On a truly open market, what would be the value for league marketing of the Superstars like Kibe, LBJ, Howard etc.?
$50 million each?

Eric Pincus

In that ballpark but it’s not sustainable. The rest of the league would be getting pennies on the dollar and the best talent outside of the elite would play overseas. You’d have the best of the best and the rest of the produce would be shoddy.

Steve

What BRI split could players get under a completely new CBA starting from scratch? Maybe 40%?

Eric Pincus

I don’t get the question frankly. This is a new CBA starting from scratch. The owners tried to put a host of brand new ideas on the table, starting below 40% and they’ve come up to 50% and still don’t have a deal.

Dwayne

Hey Eric,

Assuming there is a season if you had to guess, who would you have for ROY and MVP? Also what teams would you have in the finals?

Eric Pincus

Boy that’s premature. Let’s get the rules going. See how Amnesty/Stretch plays out. I want to see 30 teams and we can go from there. You can argue the usual suspects for MVP: LBJ, Howard, Durant, Rose and Kobe. I don’t love any of the rookies per se. This one is a complete crap shoot as far as ROY.

Jason

Hey Eric
I was just wondering where this story about derek fisher having a side deal with the league even rose from? Are people really thinking that he has some sort of relationship with stern to get him a future GM job when he retires?

Eric Pincus

I don’t buy it for a second.

Trevor

With the thought of Amnesty for Gilbert, stretch hedo, and/or Chris Doodoo is there any combination of remaining players to trade for someone or is Orlandos best chance at improving going to hopefully come from a cut Veteran looking for a contender? I could see a Brad Miller type, as well as dashantay from IND? What are your thoughts on some possible Magic improvements, other than possibly relieving Otis Smith of his duties?

Eric Pincus

I put a lot of thought into the Magic here http://www.hoopsworld.com/getting-the-magic-under-the-tax/ and a little here as well http://www.hoopsworld.com/nba-cba-scenarios-amnesty-cut/

Bhagdeep

Hey eric,
I was thinking about this amnesty clause thing to help teams get rid of bad contracts and allow them to get into better economic conditions but lets say the likes of gilbert arenas, jose calderon, rashard lewis, and brandon roy get the clause evoked on their contracts…doesn’t it hurt the overall health of the league in terms of competitiveness since these guys can just go and sign with miami or LA for a minimum contract and compete for a championship which esentially derails the competitive issue that is holding up a new CBA deal? No doubt there is an advantage to getting in a better financial place but in the end the same teams that were always winning in the last CBA are going to benefit more greatly from having more serviciable guys willing to sign for minimum contracts when they have been written a cheque for their previous deals. In essence how do you see the finacial advantages of an amnesty clause outweighing the disadvantages in competition that would arise?

Eric Pincus

It depends on what you think of the waived players like Arenas, Lewis, the knees of Roy, the defenselessness of Calderon, etc. There’s a reason these folks get the cut if and when.

Daniel

Last week there was so much optimism Thursday that they said a deal would be done by the end of the weekend, even as early as Friday. Now it’s Tuesday and things look terrible again. Where did all the optimism go? Was it really all about that 2.5% of the BRI? Is this optimism completely gone or does it look like we’ll still have a season soon?

Eric Pincus

That’s just how the process goes. If you watch every moment and ride the roller coaster up and down, you’re going to feel that gut-punch in the dips. As things stand, we could still end up with a 70-78 game season. Let’s just wait and ride it out.

Tyler

How crazy will this free agency period be? If teams use the Amnesty Clause on overpaid players then who could the HEAT get? They are still getting all the money for their contract and anything they get from the HEAT will be a bonus + they get a chance to play for a champshionship. Im excited

Eric Pincus

If and when this thing gets rolling, it will be wild. Amnesty cuts. New rules and not enough time to get it done. I do think the trade market will initially be suppressed with the variability although I’m sure we’ll see some level of dealing. The HEAT could end up with Baron, Arenas or even in a crazy world, Roy.

Michael

Sounds like the players want 52% to match the league taking operation costs off the top. Why don’t the players add their own “operation” expenses off the top as well to settle at 50-50; personal trainers, nutritionists, exercise equipment, etc.? Those indoor spa and sauna prices add up, it should even out.

Eric Pincus

Hmm, no sir, I don’t like it.

JDC

LaL gets Monta
ATL gets Kaman
76ers Get Odom 1st and filler
GST gets Josh Smith
Lac get Iguodala

Eric Pincus

Wait, a five-team trade? Really? How many times can you remember a trade with that man teams going down? Maybe two or three times over the last 10 years?

Not that it’s bad mind you. Ellis would be a strange but appealing get for Lakers. Hawks could use a center next to Horford. I don’t know if that’s enough for the Sixers, given the Laker pick isn’t worth a lot but financially Odom is certainly a cheaper player than Dre. The Warriors could use Smith but then would Lee play center? Golden State may want to try and get Nene instead or a defensive-minded center.

Interesting – unlikely to the nth power – but interesting.

Matt (UK)

Hi Eric, who do you see playing the PF minutes for the Nuggets next year now they have finally got out from under K-Mart’s horrid contract? Harrington, Farriad (because Harrington has been amnesty’d) or Nene (because Harrington has been amnesty’d and they’ve signed Marc Gasol to play center) or something less attractive?

Eric Pincus

The big question is Nene. Does he return? If so, then the Nuggets can look to put role players at the four and see what Faried can do. If no Nene, the team has no inside presence and needs to go after someone – possibly in trade (a la Al Jefferson or Pau Millsap). I’m thinking the Grizzlies keep Gasol.

Lakers Dynasty

Hey Eric do you see a CBA agreement coming before the Holidays?

Eric Pincus

Hoping yes but confident? I’m not yet.

Faizan

I know the NBPA will crack eventually but they’re scaring me in their stance. They may just wait till the absolute last minute like 98/99 to end this lockout. Billy Hunter seems stingent and won’t give till he has to. Thoughts?

Eric Pincus

By waiting, I think the players will get more than previously offered. It may not be a lot more but it’ll be something. They lose short-term in the first year with whatever games are lost but stand to gain over the next 6-10 years. The same can be said of the owners. This is negotiation. It’s like watching the butcher make the sausage. It ain’t pretty but in the end you’ll enjoy a hot dog . . .

Tom Floyd

Do you think the time has come for the Lakers to trade Kobe and rebuild around Bynum? I know Kobe has to sign off on any trade agreement, but if it’s made clear that the Lakers are rebuilding, he can probablby be convinced to be traded to a contender.

Eric Pincus

Nope. Not to mention Kobe has a no-trade clause and is worth more to the franchise as the star he is regardless of championship contention.

JDC

Where do you see J.J. Barea ending up if he doesn’t resings and can he be as efective in a starting role.. also do you see Carlos Arroyo finfing any spot on an NBA roster?

Eric Pincus

I’m not sure where Barea ends up if he leave the Mavs. He’s got the ideal role for himself in Dallas and they have the bankroll. Common sense on both sides says re-up but how often does that fail? I could see a team overpaying and Barea looking for a starting spot. I’m not sure he’ll find anywhere close to the same level of success outside of Dallas but he can play. Let’s wait on possible locations until we have a CBA and the rules on paper.

AD

If & when the season starts who is the first coach to be fired??

Eric Pincus

I’m not sure there are any teams truly on the hot seat. Most have already been fired. You can argue Mike D’Antoni if the Knicks struggle but I’d think he’s safe for a while.

Mistwell

Who do you Amnesty from the Clippers? Mo?

Eric Pincus

Nope. Probably Gomes and if the Clippers want to max their cap space and can’t find a trade partner for Kaman, perhaps Chris.

Mistwell

Did you see Moneyball? Any thoughts as it applies to the NBA?

Eric Pincus

I don’t know if there’s a single stats like On-Base Percentage that translates to the NBA. I’m not big on numbers like PER and what-not, but putting together a team can be done very scientifically with the right role players and combination of skill sets for the right price. It’s not easy work and it’s cyclical – not always going to be a winner for year after year after year – but it’s somewhat doable.

You can argue that an individual player and his unique talents can impact the game of basketball more than one man on a baseball team.

João Lima

Eric, you don’t cover Kings, but they are same division. Do you think Tyreke can have his breakout season now?

Eric Pincus

Perhaps. He needs to stay healthy and consistent. My concern is that his first year was more about having complete free reign to play as he desired on a team lacking talent. As the Kings add pieces, can Tyreke find his way and reestablish himself as one the league’s brighter young prospects?

James

If magic annesuity arenas and stretch hedo and make trades what can they do fix the roster ? Iggy, cp3 , d-will anybody

Eric Pincus

How do they get Iguodala, Paul and/or Williams? They won’t have cap room. Would J.J. Redick, Jameer Nelson, Brandon Bass and/or Ryan Anderson bring back anywhere close to that level of return?

Paul

Eric what do u think of the Clippers trading Gordon and Gomes for CP3, trading Kaman to Memphis for Mayo?

Eric Pincus

I don’t expect Gordon/Gomes for CP3 although you can argue that. I see the Grizzlies keeping Gasol and not necessarily wanting Kaman.

Lee

Why do all of these people bother coming up with trade proposals? NOT ONE that I have ever read that’s been presented by a chatter has been remotely feasible.

Eric Pincus

I don’t write the questions!

Dave

D12 to Bklyn to play with Dwill?

Eric Pincus

One of many possibilities.

Brian

If the players had to put 8% in escrow, and for the first time this year got that money back, effectively they were getting 49% with this year be the exception rather than the rule. Am I misinterpreting this? Therefore, 50% would be not only a guarantee, but a bump up from what they had historically been receiving under the current deal.

Eric Pincus

Not enough time to go through numbers in this chat but no, your math is off. The players have always gotten 57% in the last deal.