NBA Chat With Eric Pincus 11/22/11

jason

eric,f the 2011-2012 season will be totally locked out,does it mean that dhoward will be an unrestricted free agent?if so,can he leave orlando to any team he wants to play?

Eric Pincus

Indeed true.

jason

eric,in the same way with dwilliams.can he already exercise his eto and choose and sign to a new team,like the lakers?

Eric Pincus

Similar to Dwight Howard and Chris Paul – Deron Williams can opt out of his contract after this season. If there is no basketball, all may have played their final games already with their respective teams. They’d be free to sign anywhere – although I would say the odds are they don’t go to any team not offering them the max. That’s limiting in and of itself. It’s also possible one or all could end up moving via sign and trade but that may be dependent on the new rules.

Jujube

Why is Dr. Buss handing over control of the Lakers to Jim? Jeanie seems to be a better fit. Just wanted to know your thoughts, or if you had any light you could shed on the matter.

Eric Pincus

Family dynamics. Just the choice Dr. Buss has made.

Anthony

Is it just me or are the players holding out for clauses in the contract that most of us fans don’t want see anyway. Shorter contracts,quicker free agency,more Miami ” The Decision” type situations. Those things show how selfish the players are with no regard for the team concept or the fans rooting for those teams. How long is the proposed CBA term ? Wont they lose all potential gains if they lose a year of the contract i.e. the contract is for 5 years meaning a one year loss of revenue equates to 20% of the contract term and they are fighting over meer points. What am I missing ?

Eric Pincus

The players, as a group, will make a set amount. In the past deal it was 57% and they’ve come down to 50%, which is a sizable shift of income to the owners. In return the players believed they’d get a system that would give the individual players the best chance to get the kind of contracts they need.

Keep in mind that while fans may tend to be loyal to their players, teams are not. In the end, it’s a business. The moment a player doesn’t fit or can’t perform at the same level, the team will willingly dump them for someone else.

It’s up to the player to try and get the most they can get economically. That’s the responsible thing to do. The NBA brings in $4+ billion a year because of the players and what they can do on the court.

They don’t save lives like doctors, firemen, police, etc. They aren’t teaching our youth in schools every day – but similar to famous actors, singers and other fortunate artists – players are earning a wage disproportionate to the rest of society.

In the system the owners proposed, players could easily find they have few options around the league. Their own teams may be too close to the tax to use their Bird Rights. Other teams who would normally spend may not have the power to do so with a curtailed Mid-Level Exception.

Owners would disagree with this assessment but that’s what the players believe.

I don’t fault the players for fighting what they believe is right. Losing half a season doesn’t compare to getting the right deal over a 6-10 year period. If you say the players are selfish, you’re forgetting the owners who are also very selfish here. So are the agents.

You can argue so are the fans, who want their basketball back regardless of what that means to the players who give their bodies (and certain injury over a career) to provide us with the game we call NBA.

Richard

Hi Eric!

I read somewhere that a realistic option for LAL at PG would Kirk Hinrich. LAL shouldn’t even try to go after Howard, Paul, Williams, etc. because it’s highly unlikely anyways. They cite Kirk having above avg. D and will help stretch the floor with his shooting. So hypothetically, if there was a season, can you see LAL trading for Kirk and for what pieces?

Eric Pincus

Hinrich in the final year of his contract at $8 million? That might be a difficult get depending on how trades work in the new deal. Other than Lamar Odom (who I doubt they’d trade for Hinrich but then anything is possible theoretically), perhaps Ron Artest? Steve Blake? I can’t see Atlanta wanting Blake but you can argue they’d have interest in Artest if they used the Amnesty on Marvin Williams. As always, gotta wait on the rules but I’m not sure Artest (sorry Metta World Peace) is an especially attractive player at this point.

Shad

After this debacle, shouldn’t Billy Hunter be forced to resign? Decertifying the union in November instead of July. And now he’s wasting everyone’s time with the notion of a players league!

Eric Pincus

You can argue that if the players decertified early, in court they might be overruled by a judge who says they never tried to negotiate a deal. Instead, the players have a lot of material on record from David Stern saying negotiations were over, no better offer was to come, the league would be going back to 47% and hard cap if the players didn’t take his ultimatum. All that will help make the players’ case in court – ammunition that wouldn’t have existed with an early move.

Can you say outright that Hunter has not handled this situation perfectly? I would say he hasn’t because there are lost games BUT we don’t know 100% that the players don’t end up with a sweeter deal than they would have gotten following any other path.

More likely there will be some compromise where the players get a little more than the prior owners’ offer – but maybe less in other areas (certainly in year one). It may be worth it to sacrifice now to get a 6-10 year deal that really works for all parties.

johncarloyu

hi there, is there a chance that a 2011-12 season will be played? If it will be cancelled, is there a chance that I will continue through 2012-13 season? thanks!

Eric Pincus

That’s the other thing. Just sitting out a season – if there are issues that can’t be overcome – doesn’t mean there’s a magical solution on the other side. What would the timing then be for a deal before the 2012/13 season is lost too? Not a fun conversation. I imagine we get a deal before all that but it’s a scary thought.

Dylan "Pie Face" Stevenson

When is the absolute drop deadline for the Player’s lawyers and NBA to get a CBA done in order for their to be Xmas games? What are the chances that someone blinks and they start meeting again this week?

Eric Pincus

Stern has said he needs a month to get things together from a handshake. That means basically three days to have Christmas games. Barring a major shift in direction, it doesn’t look like we’re going there but stranger things have happened.

Dylan "Pie Face" Stevenson

I heard that J.R. Smith blew out his knee during the first game in China. Will this scare players from going overseas?

Eric Pincus

The injury was overstated. I hear he’s fine.

Dylan "Pie Face" Stevenson

Enough of all this downer lockout topics, let’s talk rumors! What Lakers trade rumors that were floating around this season will be revisited this year?

Trades I’ve heard about were:
Iggy for Odom?
Monta for Odom?
Bynum for Dwight?
Pau for Love?

Eric Pincus

Not much chance of Pau for Love. I’m not sure yet what the Sixers/Warriors will do with their guys. My guess is they start the season intact and see how things unfold – then look to shop if things don’t go well. I would not be surprised to see Odom on the roster all year.

The Dwight thing could go down at some point if it’s clear he’s leaving Orlando and Bynum is not a bad return at all, but there’s a lot that has to be spelled out before then – including a new CBA.

Dylan "Pie Face" Stevenson

Do the Laker’s staff consider Steve Blake a bust? Will they look to move him?

Eric Pincus

He didn’t have a good year. No one is pretending he did, but Steve may show more in a non-triangle offense. I don’t see LA aggressively looking to move him but then he’s probably available in the right deal. Obviously the Lakers would need a point guard back in some fashion (not necessarily in the same deal).

Dylan "Pie Face" Stevenson

Any truth to the rumor that the NBA and Lawyers are negotiating through “Back channels”? What are these back channels people are talking about?

Eric Pincus

Yes, it’s possible but I don’t believe they are on a significant level. It would possibly be someone on the negotiating committee with the NBA talking to someone in the union (like Hunter) behind the scenes.

Dylan "pie face" Stevenson

Bigger dissapointment sigining last year: mike miller or steve blake? Who will have a better bounce back year next year?

Eric Pincus

Probably Miller although the HEAT got to the NBA Finals so overall the Lakers had more of a disappointing season so you can argue either way.

Rick

Whats up Eric! It seems like Shane Battier would be a great fit for the Clippers. With the Clippers being a projected 12 million under the cap and lux tax,they have the ability to outbid teams like the Lakers and offer a starting role, minutes and they actually have a good chance to win. If I was Olshey, I would do the following:

Sign Battier for 3 years/ 15 million, Diogu for 1 year/ 1 million, DeAndre Jordan for 4 years/ 40 million and Amnesty Gomes.

Also try hard to acquire a PG via trade like Deron Williams.

I know, first there needs to be a season, but what do you think of these ideas?

Eric Pincus

Rick – sorry man, I had to shrink your question. That was a bit too long for our chat, but your point is there. You like Battier as a role player. He’s a good fit although he’s not really in the right age range as a long-term fit. If he wants to stick around for a few years as the team gradually becomes a playoff force and LA has no other, better option than sure.

LAC wants to bring back Jordan. Diogu could happen as a bench player but that’s a secondary thought. As far as going after Williams or even Chris Paul with the Minnesota pick as bait, it’s possible – but it depends on what the Hornets/Nets are looking for and if they’re willing to trigger a deal ahead of next summer.

dyrese

ok so we all know the new cba will prevent 3 superstars to a team but im betting on is 2somes will be attain able with that said i thibk dwill is leaving the nets so im almost certain cp3 and dwight be brooklyn nets also brook lopez will get traded your thought

Eric Pincus

First of all, you can easily say that Chris Bosh is an All-Star and not a superstar. I don’t see any teams with three superstars. That doesn’t mean it can’t happen, even in the new deal. If a team properly manages their cap room – three will still be possible.

I’m not sold Williams is leaving. He will certainly look around at opportunities but the Nets have deep, deep pockets now and are moving to Brooklyn. If I’m the Nets I try to get Howard for Lopez to join Deron.

As far as a team-up like Paul/Howard (similar to Bosh/LeBron/Wade), that’s certainly possible . . .

Matt (UK)

My team the Nuggets have a load of cap space for when the lock out is finally over. What is the best case scenario on who they can attract? Do you think if there is a shortened season they would fill their salary cap or not risk making moves in a very short free agent period, suffer a poor season and see who they can draft / sign in 2012?

Eric Pincus

I would like to see the Nuggets re-sign Nene and add on a solid shooting guard, perhaps Jason Richardson if the price isn’t unreasonable. Jamal Crawford would be a good J.R. Smith replacement but he may price himself out of the market.

Denver needs to add to the core BUT I agree that there’s no rush to do so – in the sense that mediocre deals in 2011 may not be worth sacrificing 2012 opportunities.

Alec

hey Eric, if the 2012 draft were today, where would you see Andre Drummond being drafted? Huge hype coming out of HS, just doing plain horrible in College.

Eric Pincus

Drummond is still the top center in this class, even if he’s struggling to get it together. Let’s give him some more time. He has plenty of room to get his game on track. He still could be a top five or even top three player in the 2012 NBA Draft.

B-Man

who do you think can offer Anthony Randolph the minutes at the spot to show what he can do consistently without having to worry about playing time? minny seems to have to many servicable people at the four spot.

Eric Pincus

I’m not sure there’s a spot where Anthony Randolph will fill anywhere and just come in as a consistent player. I like his skills but I’m not sold he’s going to put it all together as a regular player any time soon. Here’s hoping he does find a way to get his game together. There’s definitely a logjam in Minnesota so we’ll explore other options down the road.

Bryan

Is it conceivable that a good businessman like Magic, and a person who ran a league like Isiah could gather the resources and players to start their own league? They could stream the content online (no need for networks) charge a subsricption to a “League Pass”, have 3-5 game a week with 8-10 teams. Why wouldn’t it work in your opinion?

Eric Pincus

You lost me at Isiah. If you want to see another league starting up, first true step is finding a national networking willing to put significant money into it. I don’t believe you’ll find that.

tony

Ok so last night the nba admitted they want to negotiate players admitted it as well. What if any chance do u see them talking before friday and possibly having basketball for christmas?

Eric Pincus

Saying they want to negotiate is different than being willing to come off your position. Here’s hoping.

Chris

Hi Eric. An early Happy Thanksgiving to you. Question: Does Orlando approve this deal? D-Howard and Hedo T. for Noah, Gibson, Asik, Deng, and Charlotte’s 1st rounder.

Eric Pincus

I’m not sure why this is in twice. Same person as Paul in Chicago? Would the Magic approve that? Of course they would. The Bulls? Nope.

paul in chicago

Since when are the Knicks considered a veteran team. Would you do Noah, Asik, Deng, Gibson Plus pick for Howard and Turkolug? I’m not sure i would although I value gibson and deng a little bit more than most since i watch them in every game

Eric Pincus

Bulls don’t give up anywhere near that much, at all, no way.

Jay

I know that Stern mentioned the possibility of European expansion…

With the ongoing labor negotations has that been discussed

Eric Pincus

No. Not at all. Not in this conversation.

Jack

Not really understanding the status of the union. They say they are no longer representing the players, but haven’t officially decertified. Can you explain just what’s going on?

Eric Pincus

Decertification involves the players voting that union leadership can no longer represent them, effectively ending the union. What we have here is a disclaimer of interest where it’s coming from the top, leadership, saying they can longer represent the players as a union. The latter is a faster process while decertification would have taken over a month.

Either opens up the league to anti-trust suits which, if they lost, could really cripple the NBA. The odds of it ever getting to a judgment is slim though..

At some point both sides will start talking again, except now working on a “settlement” instead of officially bargaining collectively. The NBA, in the meantime, will fight a case in NY saying it’s all a sham and just a negotiating technique. Which is true actually but that doesn’t mean they’ll win that court battle.

Dylan "Pie Faced" Stevenson

Who is the best two way free agent player this year?

Eric Pincus

You can actually argue Marc Gasol given his defensive ability/toughness in the post and an improving ability to score. You can argue on the perimeter Tayshaun Prince although he’s certainly past his best days. Wilson Chandler is an under the radar pick. It’s not a tremendous group of available players this summer.

I like David West but he’s more about O than D. I like Chandler but he’s more D than O.

Nene is a good choice too . . .

Dylan "Pie Faced" Stevenson

What’s the purpose behind consolidating the anti-trust lawsuit against the NBA?

Eric Pincus

United the cases should make the process a little speedier. Also, the players are essentially venue-shopping – looking for the best place to argue their case. I would say their CA case getting shifted from Oakland to San Francisco may have had something to do with it – something unsaid that involves strategy.

Don

What’s up Eric, I hope thing are going well with you and your family. The option of player movement will be added in some form. with that said, do you think DH 12, will ask to be traded, or force a trade to the Lakers. All the great centers play in LA purple and gold. What’s your take?

Eric Pincus

Family is great. If there’s any bright side to the lockout it’s more time with the wife and kids. With Howard, we’re dependent on the new rules – but I could see Dwight pushing for a trade. One option and destination he’d certainly like would be the Lakers. Will that be enough to get a deal done or will there be other, easier options for the Magic? I would not buy a DH12 Laker jersey just yet.

Ricky Flores

im so frustrated with no NBA basketball, looks like the season is done. Do you think we will have b-ball this year?

Eric Pincus

I still believe there’s a real chance we see basketball this season but maybe I’m too much of an optimist.

Ken

Hi Eric,

Are we ever going to see basketball this year? I like many friends are so frustrated with this mess called collective bargaining, I do not even tune in to any more information regarding news or changes. My brother and I are Clipper fans that have been with the Clippers since they moved to LA in the Sports Arena and at one time were really looking forward to this season and a chance to make some noise in the Western Conference with the likes of Blake Griffin and Eric Gordon. It is really a shame that these multi-millionaires can’t put a end to this ego driven dispute. Do you see any hope for this season? Or should we just start looking to College Ball…

Eric Pincus

Start watching NCAA with an eye on NBA negotiations in case something positive breaks. The Clippers have a lot to lose and a lot to gain either way. If the season is cancelled, the value of the Minnesota pick may climb significantly. Losing Griffin for another year? That would be bad. Economically, LAC may be on more even ground in the new CBA – if and when.

knicks fan

do you think adam morrison can backup melo? the knicks have gave players chances before he has range he jus needs consistancy but playing behin melo willl mean he play hard in his limited time your thoughts

Eric Pincus

I’m not sure Morrison will truly make a dent in the NBA. He’s really a solid guy so I wish him the best. For cheap, he wouldn’t be a terrible get for the Knicks but just don’t expect much.

Zach L.

How do you think Blake Griffin will do in his 2nd year in the NBA?

Eric Pincus

I’m guessing he’ll dunk the ball a lot. I think that’s a safe guess.

Zach L.

In your opinion, what is the latest date that Hunter and Stern could shake hands for there to be a partial NBA season?

Eric Pincus

Mid-January – similar to what happened in 1999 – which ended up resolving on January 20th.

Zach L.

When will Kobe start to considerably regress?

Eric Pincus

One day, but not yet.

Chris

Hi Eric. Here’s a proposal to end the lockout. The league maintains its current luxury tax rules and offers the players 52% of BRI. In return the players agree to franchise tags.

Eric Pincus

And then the owners say no on 52% and the players say no on franchise tags (especially if they’re the NFL kind).

Mario

What’s goin on eric please answer this for me why are the d12 to chicago scenarios popping up is this even one of his picks if he leaves orlando and another thing could you give me a decent trade with the bulls and orlando excluding luol deng where we could get d12 or would there need to be another team involved to pull it off maybe the lakers with a couple of their players. The reason I’m asking I wouldn’t mind if we got dwight howard but I don’t want the bulls gutted to do it. Thx eric

Eric Pincus

I don’t believe there are any D12 to Chicago scenarios popping up other than some fans typing wishful thoughts into chats. Never fear, the Bulls are not gutting their roster.

Steve

Eric,
I don’t go to many NBA games, but watch a lot on TV so I guess I provide some value to the league. I am watching much more NCAA ball now and enjoying the hustle and athleticism etc.
If the NBA season is lost fighting over money, I likely will stay away in protest, for awhile. Is this sort of future lost revenue built into owners’ calculus?

Eric Pincus

Fans are fickle. They come back. They came back after 1999 and the owners are banking they come back after 2011.

Ken M

Why is everyone so convinced that Jim Buss has been handed control of the team? I’ve seen little proof that things have changed.

Eric Pincus

Dr. Buss has said outright that he’s been giving more and more decision-making power to his son Jim over the years. I’m not sure if you need more proof than that but it’s true.

matthew

i think stern contracticted himself.. he said afterwards that the league are done negotiating, and then once the union files a disclaimer of interest, he goes on sportscenter and says, “now there’s no one to negotiate with”… and btw that reset offer hasnt been done

Eric Pincus

That wasn’t really a contradiction but a point that he didn’t have anyone he could even call if he wanted to negotiate. As far as contradictions in general, both sides are posturing so of course they’re going to go back on their ginourmous proclamations!