NBA Chat With Eric Pincus 12/20/11

Sam

Eric . . . posting early will Clippers go after Mayo; seems like Griz want to give him away.

Eric Pincus

Let’s get this chat going – looking forward to it!

Sam , the Clippers are overloaded at guard. Mayo would just be another to the glut when you’re talking about a team that has minimal depth up front.

WILSangeles

Who will the Clips look to add at the 5? I know they need some more “toughness” I always saw Mbenga as a good back up to DJ, but haven’t see him since he left the Lakers. How would he fit for the Clips, if he fits? Thanks!

Eric Pincus

Yes, yes, yes – the Clippers are full aware they need another big. I’d expect one on the roster – if not two before the season starts. Mbenga is a great locker room guy, strong practice player but he gets you minimal on-court impact. I’d be happy to have him around, he’s probably the NBA player most happy to see me whenever I catch him in a locker room!

Vito Villegas

Hi Eric! I follow your chats avidly. What’s keeping Orlando from trading Howard to the Lakers? It’s clear that they will get nothing in return for him through free agency next year; Brooke Lopez is no where near Andrew Bynum’s caliber?

Eric Pincus

The Magic are hoping that if they keep Howard, when he does hit free agency he stays because Orlando has that fifth year to offer and some $20-25 mil more dollars and cents. If he wants out – he needs to make it clear to the Magic that he’ll leave that money on the table and go play for the Dallas Mavericks who are opening up space for him. Until then, he’ll stay. The Nets have a viable package. The Lakers have a viable package. It’s a matter of preference and I’m not sure Orlando likes the idea of losing another franchise big man to the Lakers.

cholo claravall

will the lakers do anything with the trade exception they got from the mavericks? please don’t tell me this is the line-up we’ll be seeing on opening night..they should have made a run for chauncey billups..

Eric Pincus

They’re going to wait patiently for the right opportunity. The Lakers hope to make major moves but there’s no way to force one to happen. So wait it is. The Lakers had no feasible, legal means to acquire Billups. They were not able to make a bid on him like the Clippers did because they weren’t under the cap.

Anthony Pascua

Hey Eric,
I see the Lakers are on Arenas’ wish list. How probable are the Lakers’ chances to pick him up or even consider?

Eric Pincus

I’ve heard some rumbles LA would like to add one more guard. I’m curious if they take a chance on Arenas. There’s no question he has talent but does his body/mind get in the way? I would say definitely maybe or maybe not! I haven’t gotten anything concrete on this one to be honest!

Anthony Pascua

Hey Eric,
Is the notion of trading Pau to the Wolves for Love still a possibility or are those talks dead?

Eric Pincus

I don’t think they’re “live” but they’re “alive” in the sense that teams talk all the time and go over ideas – at least until the trade deadline. The Wolves, at the time, were offering the #2 pick for Pau. The Lakers wanted the #2 and Love. I wonder if the Wolves would revisit and if the Lakers would be open to the notion. Contracts like Martell Webster and Brad Miller have tiny guarantees for next year ($1.4 mil roughly combined) so it’d be a good economic move for LA. Love may be a better fit with Bynum – or in a crazy world Howard – than Pau given Kevin’s outside shot.

Additionally – do the Wolves intend on keeping Love there long term at $12+ million a season when they just drafted Derrick Williams who “may” be able to play some three but is really an NBA four?

James

How has Gerald Green looked and do you envision him being a significant contributor to the Lakers this year?

Eric Pincus

He had a non-guaranteed contract and is unlikely to make the team. I actually haven’t seen him play recently.

Byron

Things are quiet on the Lakers front. Is this roster set for opening day or can we expect a trade to shore up the PG position?

Eric Pincus

I would say this is it for now at point guard until greater opportunities open up. In general teams want to see what they have before making major changes. Of course this is such a bizarre year with the lockout and compressed free agency period, who knows what and when things will go down.

Byron

Will the combo of Toy Murphy and McRob be enough to replace Odom’s production?

Eric Pincus

Not in playmaking or locker room leadership. McRoberts could end up a fan favorite. Murphy is more of a wild card. He could end up being completely insignificant or he may carve out a bigger role as rebounder and floor spreader.

Byron

What is the Lakers’ plan C since both C.Paul is gone and D. Howard looks like he is gonna stay?

Eric Pincus

I would say Howard is obviously someone being looked at still. Until Deron Williams is locked into his next situation, he’s a possible target. The Lakers can still try to get value for Pau or even Bynum. This is a transition period for the Lakers and it can be very hard to put a clock on it – especially because they MADE their move and it was a big one – but the league got in the way.

Byron

Can Deron Williams be a possible target for the Lakers since Chris Paul is with the Clippers or will the Lakers look to Dwight Howard if/when he becomes available again?

Eric Pincus

Just hit that same notion. Of course if Howard goes to the Nets? Expecting Williams to come is tricky – just like Howard – given the Lakers would need help from Jersey or Orlando via trade (or sign and trade). It’s impossible to force a team to make a deal!

Byron

How devastated/upset is the Lakers organization over the heavy handed C Paul veto? Will this discourage them from chasing a big star?

Eric Pincus

Devastated is the right word. Hesitant to chance another star? Not at all. The uniqueness here was the NBA owning the Hornets.

Byron

What would be the best use of the Lamar Odom TPE? Is it just to reduce payroll or are they going to use it as part of a big trade?

Eric Pincus

If you think bigger players – currently Paul Millsap or Anderson Varejao fit into the exception (so too does Andris Biedrins). A number of guards would as well, like Jameer Nelson. LA will wait patiently to strike. If that opportunity passes within a year and nothing? Then it’s just a money saver.

JamieG

As I understand it, the Lakers, who need a decent point guard, don’t bid on Chauncy Billips, who, as an amnesty player, is available cheaply, but the
Clippers, who have Williams and a fellow named Paul, bid and get him. What am I missing in this scenario?

Eric Pincus

As I mentioned – the Lakers had no legal means to bid on Billups. Only teams under the cap can bid.

Byron

Pau was told over the weekend he will not be traded. How can they acquire any superstars without Pau getting shipped?

Eric Pincus

I haven’t heard Pau told he wouldn’t be traded – what I read was “slim chance” which is a far cry from “won’t.” The Lakers are open for business – but that doesn’t mean they’ll make their move right away or even this season.

Bubba

What are some names being discussed of big men the Clips could potentially sign?

Eric Pincus

Reggie Evans, Dan Gadzuric, Ike Diogu and recently Scott Howard Cooper wrote Alexis Ajinca

Rockets94

I read Kobe comments regarding being shocked by the Odom trade. I don’t believe LA makes that major of a trade without his ok. What is your take?

Eric Pincus

The Lakers have never asked for Kobe’s OK on player moves.

johncarloyu

Is the rumors of Howard going to Nets true? How will the Lakers respond to that?

Eric Pincus

I know rumors from a week or so were true, the two teams were trying to come up with something but the Magic were only half-engaged. I don’t believe that’s changed but I could be wrong. Sometimes these things are worked out with minimal leaks but color me skeptical.

johncarloyu

With the addition of Kapono, McRoberts, Murphy, do you see the Lakers are losers at free agency?

Eric Pincus

I like their free agent pickups. If they still had Odom, this team would be better and just missing a ball-handling guard – which could end up being Darius Morris anyway. With no true Odom replacement and a new system under Coach Brown, I expect a bumpy ride.

johncarloyu

Did the Lakers address their offseason problems? they fail to land a PG, a backup C.

Eric Pincus

I wrote from the start of the offseason that getting a point guard was not as high a priority for the Lakers unless it was a Chris Paul or Deron Williams. They weren’t going to make a lateral move for someone like Luke Ridnour when they already have Fisher and Blake on the roster. As far as the draft, LA got one of their top prospects at the position (late in draft, obviously Kyrie Irving and others weren’t even close to their range in the second-round at 41).

johncarloyu

What’s your grade with the Lakers preseason opener? Metta and Barnes didn’t play well. Bynum had a so so game. Paul and Billups torn the Lakers.

Eric Pincus

The Clippers are better than even i thought they’d be (just one game) and I had them as a top-four team in the West. The Lakers looked like a team trying to figure out a brand new system – with minimal time to prepare and not enough balanced talent. I liked stretches from Ebanks, Morris and McRoberts

johncarloyu

Will Martin be released by the CBA? Will the Lakers make a run for them? I felt they Lakers always fail to land good free agent.

Eric Pincus

The Lakers have the vet minimum to offer. Why would Kevin Martin get out of solid paying gig in China to be a reserve at the minimum for the Lakers? That just doesn’t make any sense.

johncarloyu

What will be the ceiling for Ebanks, Caracter, McRoberts, Morris, Goudelock?

Eric Pincus

Ariza, Glen Davis, Kurt Rambis, Dre Miller, Eddie House the year he won a ring with Celtics.

johncarloyu

Will Morris and Goudelock make the Lakers roster? Do you see Caracter being waived b/c of his injury?

Eric Pincus

I have it under investigation re: Caracter. I believe his salary may have become guaranteed because of the injury, at least while hurt – but that’s not clear since it’s preseason. Regardless, if LA has to cut one more body, it’d probably be Caracter (outside of the guaranteed contracts). I see Ebanks, Morris as locks for the team and Goudelock has a solid shot.

johncarloyu

What’s your projected Lakers roster during opening night? Is Gerald Green the replacement for Shannon?

Eric Pincus

I don’t have Green on the roster opening night.

johncarloyu

Chuck Hayes contract being voided, will he play again? Is he a free agent now? Is Jeff Green be released by the Celtics? He will miss the entire season and the Celts will pay him 9Mil if he’s not release.

Eric Pincus

We have to wait to see if Hayes can get whatever is wrong with his heart (allegedly) treated. Green is still a restricted free agent for the Celtics but from what I understand he won’t get his $9 million contract.

johncarloyu

Is Kobe fine? He fell hard last night. Is he going to be alright?

Eric Pincus

He said he was fine after the game.

Jimmy V

If say NEts acquire D12 and Turk, could they amnesty Turk right away?

Eric Pincus

Nope. The amnesty player has to have been on the roster before July 1, 2011.

G

Do you think Blake Griffin and Deandre Jordan’s averages will boost up now that they have a ton of playmakers with CP3, Mr. Big Shot, Mo Williams,and Bledsoe? LOB CITY!

Eric Pincus

Actually I wouldn’t be surprised if Griffin’s numbers dipped a bit offensively but Jordan should climb slightly.

niko#3

Hi Eric
What about Allen Iverson, he is still out there, could somebody pick him up before christmas. Maybe lakers or heat?

Eric Pincus

Haven’t heard any buzz on Iverson lately.

Warren

Hi Eric,season greetings to you and your family. Could you PLEASE PLEASE tell Dr.Buss not Jim(no basketball sense)to put Pau and Bynum on a plane and ship them to Orland for Dwight. Am I the only one who sees that neither Drew or Pau can run in this system coach Brown is trying to implament.They are to slooooow. You can talk conditioning and pre season all you want,but at the end of the day they are still slow.What about guard play,did you see how pathetic our guards looked last night.And now Iam hearing that NJ might trade for Dwight as early as TODAY.This looks to be the winter of Laker fans discontentment. Lord help us all.

Eric Pincus

I would slow it down and credit the team for rebuilding from the Shaq/Kobe era to the Kobe/Pau era. They were a technicality away from Chris Paul. Can you only credit Doc and Kupchak for the good moves and blast Jim for the bad? The three work together and Jim has had a big say in the process this whole time. It’s really just scapegoating and not really sensible. I don’t mean to hit you on this but I get this a lot from readers and I don’t really understand it.

Mark

Would the Kings be interested in a Dalembert S&T for Mo Williams?

Eric Pincus

Doubtful. Also, not sure the Clippers would when they can just find a body or two to fill in without losing Mo. Williams out for value? Perhaps. Williams out because of roster glut? Nope.

Mark

Do you think Reggie Evans could be a good option for the Clips?

Eric Pincus

Yes. Although he’s no center, he’s a tremendously gifted rebounder.

Mark

With the loss of Arthur Memphis appears to be in need of a back up big. Would Amir Johnson be of interest? He appears to be available with Bargs moving to the PF.

Eric Pincus

Perhaps. Memphis definitely needs help. I know they’ll try to avoid the luxury tax and the worry for me with Johnson is that he spent all summer rehabbing a foot/ankle injury.

Shad

I can’t stand KOC rebuilding plan! I keep hearing the Jazz shouldn’t trade away AJ or Milsap because its too risky. If their not going to make the playoffs than whats the risk in playing Favors and Kanter big minutes? The sooner these two develop the quicker the Jazz rebuild. Am I wrong?

Eric Pincus

The sooner the Jazz trade those parts for the RIGHT PIECES they should. Moving them for the sake of moving them makes no sense.

Andreas

I just heard that Predrag “Peja” Stojakovic retired from basketball!He left in a classy way.

Eric Pincus

Indeed.

Tj

Should the bulls sign mcdyess to take Kurt Thomas place

Eric Pincus

Retired!

DonJay

Do you think the Lakers front office will regret not hiring Brian Shaw? Whould you approve a D12 trade for Gasol and Bynum? I would. Lakers played one half of Basketball and the Clippers looked really good last night, if the Lakers do not make a move soon, Laker fans need to get used to this type of showing every night.

Eric Pincus

I might regret the team not hiring Rick Adelman more than Shaw but we’ll see. As far as Howard for Gasol and Bynum, LA would need to get something else of value back to make it even (in their eyes mind you).

Eric P

Seasons Greetings EP. Does the trade which sent Eric Gordon to NO, increase, decrease or no effect his chances of signing with the Pacers next year? Any insight to what his state of mind is now?

Eric Pincus

As a restricted free agent, it’s going to be difficult to dislodge Gordon from the Hornets.

Eric P

Hey EP, I have told Joel a couple times now that the Bulls should have looked to sign Mike Dunleavy. Rip is a great player, b ut what Rose needs is someone who can bring the ball up the court and facilitate the offense to give him a rest

Eric Pincus

Dunleavy would have helped with the playmaking, an issue to me if and when Rose gets zoned out by multiple defenders.

Eric P

If you had to put a percentage on the amount of in juries this season vs last year, how much greater would that percentage be?

Eric Pincus

I can’t put a number on it but higher, certainly.

Eric P

Dear Santa, What could you bring me for Christmas that would help my team compete for a championship?

Sincerley Larry Bird

Eric Pincus

Health and luck. I’m not sure there’s an individual piece that will put the Pacers over the top but Indiana has had a solid summer thus far.

rpm

How about DeShawn Stevenson as a backup to Kobe? Will the Suns try to re-sign Aaron Brooks once he returns from China?

Eric Pincus

If on Brooks and China, and yes I could see the Suns keeping Brooks. Stevenson perhaps is a possibility, maybe Keith Bogans if LA is looking for a role-playing defender. I would say it depends on what Matt Barnes and Devin Ebanks offer.

Byron

Wow, that was a pathetic display by the Lakers last night. Are the Lakers in trouble? New coach, new roster? What will right the ship?

Eric Pincus

The path is not entirely clear for the Lakers.

ejhay

who do you think miami should get so that they can fill their missing pieces?
do you think fesenko,stevenson,arenas ,bogans are great fit for them? tnx… do you think they will go to the trading block? sorry for having a lot of question

Eric Pincus

I’m not feeling any of those names frankly. Maybe one more big guy to play enforcer . . . I’m not sure Fesenko is skilled or consistent enough.

James

I watched the Clippers hype last night and was very unimpressed. A undersized power forward with NO defense and limited offensive moves. Dont hop on the wagon so fast its gonna crash.

Eric Pincus

I’ve been covering the Clippers for a long time. There is no wagon for me. There is simply basketball analysis and the Clippers have a very potent offense, a lack of depth up front and are somewhat questionable defensively. I see LAC as a top four team in the West with a decent shot at the second and/or third round of the playoffs. If you can get to the Western Conference Finals, you have a chance to go all the way – although I would be very surprised if the Clippers would be able to turn this into a ring so quickly.

Jason

With Arron Afflalo back in the mix, Denver is extremely deep. I know they are missing that coveted superstar, but do you think they can make some noise in the West, especially if their youngsters like Gallinari and Lawson keep improving?

Eric Pincus

The Nuggets are rock solid. The key was keeping Nene and Afflalo – and they did both while adding on nice, smart pieces as well.

KevinC

how do eric,
wow..can kobe really be the second oldest player on the lakers roster ? do you see the lakers sliding down the standings as they retool or will they maintain their high level with minor tweaking?

Eric Pincus

I see the Lakers as in the 4-6 range with upside and downside.

Michael

What about Millsap or Jefferson to LAC?

Eric Pincus

If the Jazz wanted Mo Williams but I don’t expect them to with Devin Harris in place (along with a just-re-signed Earl Watson). Millsap isn’t a great fit given the team needs a defender and role player more than a scorer at that position. Also Jefferson is too much to invest in given DeAndre at the same position. Plus you want the ball going through Blake in the post.

JC

Given Fisher’s age, is Morris a realistic option as a starter this season?

Eric Pincus

Not according to Coach Brown.

Josh McWho?

Are the LA Lakers 2012 a lottery team?

Eric Pincus

I don’t believe so but an injury could make that possible.

Laker Nation

Any chance Lakers can trade for Dwight?

ian

any chance bulls land either kenyon martin or reggie evans to replace thomas?
who else could be a nice fit?

Eric Pincus

The issue becomes spending power given it looks like the team spent their MLE on Rip.

Michael Zimmerman

Can James Harden play point guard? Would a Bynum/Blake for Perkins/Westbrook or Harden make any sense?

Eric Pincus

You can argue that but I don’t see the Thunder doing anything radical like that.

john

eric…..bynum and gasol combo are better than howard, but dont you think that deal is better for the lakers future?

Eric Pincus

I like it for LA’s future but more is needed in return.

SMS

The Lakers look pretty decent on paper but they looked lost. Brown is touted for his defensive schemes…where was it yesterday? It was worse then under Coach Jackson

Eric Pincus

You’re talking about the first application of brand new defensive concepts – against a team with multiple play-makers and athletes! Too early to judge. Simply not enough information.

Brooks

How do you think Al Thornton would look on the Lakers? And what other free agents do you think would mesh well with the Lakers? I think Shannon was a huge loss.

Eric Pincus

Lakers don’t need another small forward. Shannon was not a huge loss in my estimation. It was time to move on. He had developed to a point but wasn’t going any further in LA.

1st LT. Troy Barlo

What are the chances of the Laker’s signing Blake Griffin in free agency? He’s good.

Eric Pincus

Very, very slim. The new CBA will make Griffin a very wealthy individual once he’s up for an extension. I’d expect him to take a five-year deal with the Clippers.

Weezy

Are the Lakers delusional about Fisher still being a starting NBA PG, do they just have no other options, or do they just not care and want to save money and go with what they have. OR, is it all of the above, because the Lakers PG rotation is a joke.

Eric Pincus

No other options in the moment that don’t hurt future flexibility. The now is less important than many future nows, especially in this transition period with a new coach, short-season, etc.

Will

Don’t you think the Magic should start rebuilding by trading Howard and every valuable pieces in the roster for 2012 draft picks and youngster?

Eric Pincus

You can argue that but the Magic have to believe that – not you or me!

a different matt

Is there anything the Lakers would offer the Nuggets in return for Andre Miller, should Ty Lawson win the starting PG job as expected? I don’t see Miller willing to come off the bench, and the Lakers have a huge need for a half-court PG like Miller.

Eric Pincus

George Karl loves Andre Miller. I don’t see him letting him go so quickly.

Jake

What do you think of Adelman running Love, Williams, and Beasley at the same time?

Eric Pincus

An interesting experiment/idea.

Navin

What’s your take on the Warriors cap situation for next year? Who do you think they’ll target in free agency, and do you see any moves by the trade deadline?

Eric Pincus

They’ll try for Dwight. Won’t be easy to land but worth looking at . . .

Jake

Can the Minnesota Timberwolves hit thirty wins this year? Please save the Kahn bashing….

Eric Pincus

With Adelman, Rubio and a number of talented players? I would say 30 in an 82 game season would be reasonable. Shorted by strike maybe 25?

rafter84

What can you tell us about Morris and Ebanks? I think Ebanks has really strong chances to even start, while Morris should be given the chance to play good minutes. Lakers need hunger and athleticism

Eric Pincus

Lakers need athleticism, agreed on that.

steven

any chances knicks become top 3 team in east ?

Eric Pincus

I think they certainly have a chance.

mike

greetings from poland! im not sure about salaries but what u think about that trade: jazz send okur, harris and miles to celtics for rondo, daniels and someone or something. jazz get the floor leader and good defenders and celtics get scoring pg substitute for pp and center

Eric Pincus

If I’m Boston, I’d rather have Rondo.

rafter84

Rumors (John Ireland) had Dwight Howard signing with the Nets today, some other rumors said Lakers were right there in the discussions. If we give up Bynum and Gasol for Howard and Turkoglu, how can we manage 4 SFs and no star-caliber PF and PG?

Eric Pincus

If you can get Howard, and you have a glut of forwards for a year, then you get Howard and have a glut of forwards for a year. Point guard can be fixed but not all moves have to happen all at once.

matthew

your thoughts on this kid darius morris? he looked pretty solid, had that one nice assist to bynum.. he does however needs to work on his shot. can he crack the rotation this season?

Eric Pincus

Room for this one and possibly one more question. Thanks again for participating!

For my thoughts on Morris, check out my article from this afternoon NBA @ 2: Lakers Behind the Curve I have some thoughts/quotes on Morris. I really liked him in the draft for the Lakers. He was the right guy for them. We’ll see if, as a second-round pick, he can carve out an NBA game. He showed some poise in the first quarter but didn’t get much down with the ball in his hands (over-dribbling some) but then the Lakers as a team weren’t get much of anything done in the second half.

cj vanginkel

could the lakers pull a three team trade with the magic and cavs

cavs get lakers first rounder,trade exseption and carecter

magic get buynm,two first rounders from lakers and varejo from cavs

lakers get howard and turk.

Eric Pincus

I can’t speak for the Cavs but are you sure the Magic are going to want to invest long-term in Varejao? I could come up with a handful of trade partners that might be able to facilitate a three-team trade between Lakers and Magic (Houston and Minnesota come to mind) but the likelihood of a multi-team deal = almost always very, very slim.