NBA Chat With Eric Pincus 1/3/12

maestro

How much longer will Del Negro coach the Clippers? After three games its obvious that he is not a NBA head coach. The offense is terrible and they can’t defend the elementary league champs at the local YMCA. Who is out there that can replace him (today)?

Eric Pincus

Basketball on – let’s chat!

I’m not going to assume that Del Negro is a championship-level coach, but I’m also not going to throw him under the bus after four games (two wins) with the starting shooting guard out half (Billups) and a key reserve whose specialty is rebounding (Reggie Evans) sidelined so far the whole season.

The team has had a short-training camp and made a number of offseason acquisitions, many late in the process (including the likely signing of Solomon Jones today).

I don’t see it as obvious that he can’t coach. Each year he’s had younger teams improve (Bulls, Clippers) despite early losing streaks. His run in the playoffs that first year with Chicago against the Celtics was an all-time great series.

I’m willing to give him time to prove himself. I remember getting Boston fans telling me Doc Rivers had to go – can’t coach, etc. Then his team got KG and Ray Allen, and suddenly he’s a great coach.

You’re willing to write-off VDN after four games? The Clippers aren’t – and they shouldn’t.

KNICK TOWN

what teams do you think are interested in taking toney douglas off the knicks hands?

Eric Pincus

A number of teams would like Toney Douglas, likely as a reserve, but the Knicks have no intention and no reason to move him. He’s a solid guard. He’s just a marginal starter.

KNICK TOWN

josh harrelson reminds me of klove the way he plays should he lose weight to fit his play style hes to bulky

Eric Pincus

Jorts has a lot of energy. I’m not sure he has the talent to near Kevin Love but Harrelson may prove to be an NBA rotation player – which is saying something for a second-round pick.

adrian

was it a mistake that denver resigned Nene. he is a drain to his team. I never seen him move around on defense or rebound. 7 rebounds is pathetic for someone with that size, he never bangs in the paint, when was the last time you saw him hustle or run . not ot mention bynum destroyed him the last two games they palyed. and if it werent for galinari the nuggets wouldve lost because of nene.

Eric Pincus

I supported the Nene re-signing. He’s integral to what the Nuggets are trying to accomplish. Without him, there’s no inside presence at all. Denver knew what they were getting and flaws and all, the team is better with Nene. If I remember correctly, the Nuggets split with LA and were a lay-up away from getting that first game too, no?

If you ask all your players to be superstars, you’re bound to be disappointed.

Vito Villegas

Hi Eric, Happy New Year! In light of Demarcus Cousin’s request for a trade in Sacramento, do you think a 3 way trade between the Lakers, Magic and Kings involving Cousins and Bynum to Orlando,D. Howard to LA is in the works?

Eric Pincus

Happy New Year. I don’t see how Cousin and Sacramento’s situation is related to LA/Howard/Magic/etc. Actually I’d be surprised if Cousins is dealt any time soon.

Jv

Appears Kobe is taking way too many jumpshots and missing most of them. Do you think it is time to hand over the reins to Bynum? He was very efficient and I thought could have won the game against the nuggets last night.

Eric Pincus

Bryant has always viewed himself as the primary guy offensively for the Lakers. At times, somewhat often, that’s meant he’s done too much. Given his ring-count, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The question moving forward, how limited is Bryant with his wrist? If there are more efficient ways to score, will Kobe choose instead to dominate the ball?

DC Seattle

Keep up the great work! What’s possibilty of Gilbert Arenas signing with LAL? OR someone else Seems apparent Kobe’s wrist is bothering him altho he won’t admit it. Perhaps rest/surgery, then what happens with lack of scoring from outside? He seems to press too much, no trust. Don’t think Goudelock is answer right now. The bench is not
Thanks,

Eric Pincus

There doesn’t seem to be ay Arenas to Lakers momentum at all.

Leroy

Can you guys give me some updates regarding about michael redd’s status? is he going to play around 2 weeks from now? what kind of role do you guys think he will carry in the suns?

Eric Pincus

There’s no update yet on Redd – he was supposedly a couple of weeks away (conditioning) when he signed last week. I don’t expect much given he hasn’t really played for two years. Maybe he’ll benefit from the fantastic training staff in Phoenix. Redd was always a great shooter – if Nash is setting him up, that can’t be bad, no? I wonder though how Redd will be defensively with that reconstructed knee.

Jimmy

Eric do you think Dwight is locked into either the Lakers, Magic, Mavs or Nets? Boston has a ton of cap room is there any word on whether he would consider them? DH, Rondo and Pierce, and maybe ray or kevin resign for cheap, would be instant contenders in my book

Eric Pincus

At this point Howard doesn’t have Boston on his list. Should the Magic eventually move him – and disregard the teams chosen by Howard – the incoming team would have to trust that they’d be able to convince Dwight to re-sign. That’s the kind of move I wouldn’t put past Danny Ainge but wouldn’t it take a play like Rajon Rondo for Orlando to do it? Who else would make sense? Have to give to get.

I do expect Howard’s people to push for a deal before the trade deadline, so that he can have his new home and be eligible for a five-year deal this summer. Walking to a team with cap room, like Boston in the summer means leaving some $25-30 million on the table.

If it comes to that, expect Danny to push your angle with Rondo, Howard, etc. It remains to be seen where Dwight would be willing to sign . . .

Rockets94

Kevin Love puts up great numbers but tends to disappear in the 4th. I think his value is as high now as it’s ever going to be. What could the Wolves get for him. They need someone that can control the pain on defense. I don’t think love fits that bill.

Eric Pincus

They can get Pau Gasol from the Lakers. It would take throw-ins like Brad Miller and Martell Webster to match salary. My understanding is the Wolves would like to keep Love long-term but it ‘s something to monitor.

ShaulennyFrom Queens

Pleasantly surprised by McRoberts and Murphy; if Bynum, Gasol, Peace, Blake play up to their highest level, a return to the finals more of a possibility than most people think.
Would Nate Robinson or Kenyon Martin make any sense for the bench? The Su loss showed a fast player who can drive, make his own shot-Robinson?-could be useful-Kapono, Blake are best for open outside shots when someone else double-teamed. More toughness-Martin-always helps

Eric Pincus

It’s not beyond possible the Lakers return to the NBA Finals. The Western Conference is somewhat open but I’m not sure LA has enough to do it this year. I don’t see how Robinson helps and Martin isn’t eligible to play until March.

Focuslja

I guessing since Charlotte is rebuilding, its a given that they are going to be pretty bad. But from a business standpoint I think they should at least be competitive. That being said, are there any teams that may be interested in Maggette or Tyrus Thomas?

Eric Pincus

Thomas needs to get healthy. No buzz on Maggette. Naturally the Bobcats are trying to turn things around. So far their 1-3 start hasn’t’ been especially impressive.

Marfo

Lakers need a much better point guard. It is no secret the Rockets would love to have Gasol. How about refining the package and demand Kyle Lowry (remember they were willing to give us Kevin Martin), who is having a stellar season thus far.

Lakers get Lowry, Scola, Courtney Lee..

Rockets get Gasol,Devin Ebanks, Goudeluck

I know it places alot of dependency on Bynum being healthy but I would imagine Scola complements Bynum better than Gasol does and we cannot go wrong with Lowry, given how he has started the season and how much he makes.

Eric Pincus

The Rockets have no interest in moving Lowry, who they view as the best point guard in the league per $ (not on a rookie contract).

Peter

Hey whats up man? Hope you had a good new years! Maybe its just me, but I just don’t think Russell is going to work well with KD long term. He’s just too committed to being ball dominant. He is a potential franchise player and I see why he is so highly valuable, but I think downgrading a bit to a pass first point guard still with a high ceilng like Stephen Curry and fillers/lottery protected picks could be a good move long term for both teams. OKC would thrive and KD wouldn’t worry about going possessions off late in the 4th like tonight in Dallas while Westbrook clanks jumper after jumper. KD needs to be alpha dog plus call me crazy I think harden could average 22-24 ppg due to extra touches by trading Westbrook. Mark Jackson gets his defensive point guard to groom into franchise player. Ellis/Russell most intriguing backcourt in the league. Thoughts?

Eric Pincus

I’m curious to see if the Thunder keep building moment with Westbrook/Durant, even if there’s some natural friction there. You can argue Curry is a better fit and that idea has some merit, but I don’t see anything like that happening this year.

Anthony Pascua

Since Bynum has been back, he has been playing very solid basketball. I know he will get better once he gets more accustomed to the offense and his conditioning. If healthy, do you think Bynum will make the All-Stars this year?

Eric Pincus

I do.

stantonia

What’s up with Kobe’s last game? Numbers are scary (bad). Does Brown need to be playing Kobe like Pop does Duncan as far as minutes and games during regular season?

Eric Pincus

One game is an outlier as far as I’m concerned. Let’s wait for a pattern, if there is one . . .

B-Man

with spencer hawes playing well, do you think Vucevic will get a fair shot at playing time? and do you think this is spencer playing up to his potential or playing in his contract year only?

Eric Pincus

Can/will Hawes keep it up? That’s hard to say. I’d expect Vucevic to get some time eventually.

Brandon

Do think there’s a possibility that the Sixers try to make a move for Cousins? What could that deal possibly look like?

Eric Pincus

I’m not sure they go there with Hawes/Vucevic – and it’d probably take at least Evan Turner if not Iguodala – and I don’t see Philadelphia giving up on Turner yet.

Mike Pawka

I think it’s obvious the Lakers should shift the emphasis from Kobe shooting outside so much to getting it inside to Drew & Pau, especially at the end of games. Do you agree and do you see this happening?

Eric Pincus

Yes but that’s been the case the last few years and from what I can tell of Kobe, he doesn’t necessarily agree.

NS

Hi EP…I used to read your chat and articles.
My best regards from Indonesian LAKERS Fans.
First, I wanna ask about Matt Barnes…does he capable to play at the 2 post as Kobe’s backup? while the 3 post already filled by Ebanks and MWP.
And then about Chris Paul…do you think he will extend his contract with the Clippers next year?
Btw, great job by LAKERS with additions of Kapono, McRoberts and Murphy…IMO we should wait 10 or more games to see how good LAKERS Team right now with Brown’s new system.
What do you think?
Thanks and CU

Eric Pincus

Most teams are waiting a bit to see what they have, although in the shortened season everything is a bit more compressed. Paul opted in to his contract so he has another season – after which he’ll be eligible for a new five-year contract. There’s a reasonable chance he stays a Clipper if the team has success as configured.

As far as Barnes at the two, Coach Brown said there’s not much difference in his system between the two and three spots. The Lakers will back up Bryant by committee with Kapono, Goudelock, Fisher, Barnes, Ebanks, etc.

Sump

I honestly cringe when I see Mike D’Antoni as a coach. He needs to get the boot out of NYK and take his run and gun with him. When you have Melo you are a half court team that needs to play defense. Any viable candidates available?

Eric Pincus

The Knicks have a point-guard orientated coach and then took away his point guard(s). D’Antoni likes the ball to move and he has two ball-stopping forwards in Melo and to a lesser extent, Amar’e. I just don’t think it’s a good fit for D’Antoni – but not because of his ability as a coach – but the direction the team has taken from a personnel standpoint.

The speculation is that the team will go after Phil Jackson next season.

B-Man

when was the last time the lakers lead the league in forcing the worst shooting percentage of their opponents? or be in the top 2 in points allowed? Mike Brown is doing his thing and making his mark, even though its not what you would say is ideal for the bright lights of hollywood. can the lakers win it all with this brand of basketball?

Eric Pincus

I’d have to check the numbers but there were some earlier Shaq/Kobe era Laker squads that were excellent at FG% defense. This team is growing in that area in what looks like a positive direction . . .

Changes_in_la

DOnt you agree that the Lakers hould find a way to get rid of Kobe, who’s in big decline as basketball players, but still wants to take every shot. They cant win it anymore with Kobe

Eric Pincus

No, I don’t agree.

Changes_in_la

Is Kobe one of the worst starting shooting guards in the NBA at the moment?

Eric Pincus

Ha, no.

B-Man

who do you see would be most interested in Chris Kaman to trade for this season or chase him hard in the off-season? houston? san antonio? boston?

Eric Pincus

That’s hard to say. I wonder if the Nets can’t use his help given the Lopez injury.

George (CA)

Happy New Year Eric!! My question, Eric if you had to bet your very last dollar on what trade the Lakers will make before the deadline what would it be? Thanks

Eric Pincus

If I had to bet my dollars – I’d go the safer route on no trade. That doesn’t mean I don’t see the team talking and trying – just that it’s more likely nothing than something.

Eric P

Happy New Year! The Pacers are 4-1, albeit with a weak schedule. They look good when they share the ball, but still lack someone who can get a bucket on his own in a tight game. Bird was after Crawford and Mayo but unsuccessful. Do you see the Pacers using some of their cap space to go after a “closer”?

Eric Pincus

The Pacers are actually under the NBA floor for salary. If they don’t bring a player, they will have to cut a check to the league. That doesn’t mean they will. If they don’t find any basketball reasons to make such a move, then a check may be better spent. That said, the team does need a close. That’s supposed to be Granger with a touch of Collison and possibly George – or even West who has been known to hit game-winners in his time with the Hornets.

Look for Indiana to be a willing shopper if the right talent comes along but that’s not an easy thing to get. Most teams value closers and don’t just dump them off to other teams.

Eric P

Hey EP, Have you spoke with Eric Gordon since the trade? If so, what is his state of mind like?

Eric Pincus

I haven’t spoken to Eric since. I’m just hoping to see him healthy and on the court.

Brea Bob

Can we get help at the point? If so, who might be a realistic option and what would we need to give up?

Eric Pincus

I’m judging by your email, you mean the Lakers? I don’t see point guard as the overwhelming priority – in that the long-term future won’t be sacrificed to make a lateral move at the point (a la Luke Ridnour). LA fans need a bit of patience . . . the Lakers need to recover after almost landing one of the best points in the game.

Eric P

If you were coaching the Pacers who would start at PG for you, Darren Collison or George Hill and why?

Eric Pincus

Collison is steadier at this point than Hill.

Eric P

Biggest suprise of the NBA so far?
Who has caught your eye, that you didnt expect?

Eric Pincus

Probably the play of Spencer Hawes.

Eric P

In 3 years who will be the better point guard and why: John Wall, Kyrie Irving, or Ricky Rubio?

Eric Pincus

That’s a great question. In theory Rubio has the greatest overall upside but Wall has more D. Rose potential – while Rubio is more Nash-like. Irving is just steady and solid. A nice get by Cavs but I’m not sure “elite.”

Eric P

Does the lack of trade or trade activity suprise you thus far? I know its early in the season but with a condenced season I would have thought we would hear more chatter

Eric Pincus

Not at all, it’s usually quiet this time of year until mid to late January (on the trade front).

Eric P

Who is the best player ever to put on a clipper uniform? Will that person be replacede by either Blake Griffin or CP3?

Eric Pincus

Probably Blake Griffin already. I’d argue historically either Elton Brand or even Sam Cassell – but Griffin may be it. Now add Paul to that list.

Eric P

Demarcus Cousins for Darren Collison?

Make sense or no?

Eric Pincus

Nah, not for Indiana.

Lewis1201

I know it’s early but what kindof value can the magic get from a package of Nelson Anderson and JJ with 1stround pick

Eric Pincus

That’s a good question and one they need to pursue to try and keep Howard. I’m just not sure they can get an elite player – and if they did get a deal like that, what kind of depth would the Magic be looking at?

Mike

Hi Eric,
Happy new year. I do not think the Lakers need to trade for Dwight Howard at this point. Bymun will be much better as time goes by. Your takes? Thanks.

Eric Pincus

If I had to invest in Bynum or Howard, one is a high-risk option that may pan out big and is less costly to acquire (given LA already has him). The other may be expensive but is (theoretically) a guaranteed producer with an immediately higher rate of return that should continue year in and year out. The safer, better and potentially more successful choice is Howard. The easier choice is Bynum and that may not be a bad one.

Ruben Carballo

what will happen if Lakers is unable to get Big talent via trades this yr, with the new CBA rules taking effect in a 2 years, does that mean that the Lakers will be unloading players to get to salary cap? maybe this is why they are forced to trade Pau…what your take on this Eric?

Eric Pincus

The Lakers have payroll for two more seasons. Next year the tax is the same rate but LA has their large Time Warner Cable television deal kicking in ($150-200 million a year). The next year LA will have a large payroll but it would be the last ones with Bryant/Gasol on the books (barring trades and other signings). After which, it’s wide open and LA would be able to rebuild under the new rules without fear of the tax (initially).

I don’t think it will come to that but it’s worth noting that LA has zero committed past Kobe/Gasol’s contracts.

Ruben Carballo

if not for this new CBA, this team with a an above average, fresh legs PG can still win it all. It is just a head scratcher sometimes why we have to unload Pau or Bynum even if it means even having Dwight. This team has proven to Win in the past so why mess it up? adding one important piece can fix this unless if this is really something they have to do…is this more of a salary cap decision?

Eric Pincus

It’s not a salary cap decision – the Lakers, as you saw, almost got Paul. It’s a matter of opportunity. Who is the cure-all at point that you speak of?

Pete

If and when the Lakers get to a point in the season where they’ve locked in a playoff spot……any chance Kobe can take a few games off to rest his wrist?

Eric Pincus

In this short-schedule, it may be difficult. It may also be necessary at some point.

Pete

From your perspective at the Laker games, can you assess Mike Brown’s developing realtionship with the players so far? Are they growing closer or is everything just even keeled?

Eric Pincus

Brown is extremely positive and enthusiastic. He communicates well. He has an entirely different personality to Phil Jackson and the team has taken to it. Now, what happens when he has to become disciplinarian? We’ll see how things unfold . . .

Chris S.

What’s the latest on Joel Pryzbilla?

He seems to be the perfect fit for the Clippers as a back up big clogging the paint for 15 minutes a night.

Eric Pincus

Last I heard Joel was debating whether or not to play this year. He may even retire. The Clippers are going with Solomon Jones for the time-being, until Evans is healthy.

Chris S.

Does Ricky Rubio have a shot at Rookie of the Year? I think he’s been phenomenal.

Who’s your favorite rookie you’ve gotten a chance to see so far in this young season?

Eric Pincus

He does actually although he’s got a long way to go and a lot to do before truly entering into consideration.

AH

Any other roster moves LAC were planning to make (SG, backup wing) or do they stand pat for the time being?

Eric Pincus

Pat for the time being.

Brian

Will Trey Thompkins eventually get more playing time. He has looked good when VDN puts him in. Also when Bledsoe comes back, who will be the odd man out in the guard rotation.

Eric Pincus

He’s well-liked by the Clipper staff but he’s a rookie. A year in the gym and Thompkins may be a more valuable piece next year. Del Negro likes Thompkins’ understanding of the game.

Scott

Emplay what’s up- your my fav Laker reporter. Do you see Kobe differing more this year? What about Howard will Drew +fillers be enough?

Eric Pincus

I have yet to see Kobe defer consistently over his career, that just doesn’t seem to be in his make-up. Let’s wait and see what Bynum delivers over the next month and how that impacts LA’s future be it with Drew or in pursuit of Howard.

Drew

Rubio a future all-star? He is looking legit!! Also who gets shopped to get the SG we need? Wes, Beaz, ARandolph? and who do we get? K Martin, OJ Mayo? Other?

Eric Pincus

I’m not sure who the Wolves get but at some point they need to consolidate size. The pieces that appear safe would be Kevin Love and Derrick Williams. Otherwise, there’s some serious duplication. Minnesota is a team to seriously monitor given the talent they have to offer.

harry Trattner

la clippers own the rtights to sofa ,why arent they using him they need a big ????

Eric Pincus

I don’t see Sofo ever coming over. His game just doesn’t fit the NBA as well as it does overseas.

Ryan

Hi EP,
What happen to Eric Gordon? He hits the game winner in their season opener and then is supposely is resting… Is his injury serious?

Eric Pincus

I don’t believe it’s serious but there’s no real reason to rush him back on the court either.

MargoLTL

Eric with the way Bynum has come out the gate, and Lopez breaking his foot, how likely is that the Lakers gain (subliminal) leverage the closer we get to trade deadline?

Eric Pincus

Let’s wait to see how quickly Lopez recovers. He may be gone all year. He could be back in a little over the month and quickly affective. I’m skeptical but we don’t know the future.

Bobby

Eric, is there a reason why D. Morris is on IR instead of Luke? Wouldn’t the rook benefit from playing time? Or are they trying to showcase Luke to be part of any trade they make? Thanks.

Eric Pincus

The Lakers are developing the rookie. They just don’t have any minutes for him yet with Fisher, Blake and to a smaller extent Goudelock, who is defensively more ready than Morris for minutes. Walton is at the end of the bench and the minutes he might have gotten recently were more about heavy schedule and injuries/foul trouble.

jake

Is there anyway the Lakers can trade to get a PG? Fisher is old

Eric Pincus

Fisher is old but if any trade now diminishes the team’s chance at landing a player like Dwight Howard, Deron Williams or another true star – for a good to average player like Ridnour or Sessions – then what’s the point? Get Sessions but lose the necessary assets/flexibility for a franchise player?

Mike F

If you had to choose between Blake Griffin and Kevin Love as your starting power forward which would you choose and why?

Derek

If Chauncey can remain healthy and miss little time, as well as Reggie Evans… how much better does my Clippers near league worst defense improve?

frank montana

Do you think the Rockets make a significant trade before the deadline and Do you see the Rockets making the Playoffs

WBS

Health factors aside, would Howard really be that much of an upgrade over Bynum so as to justify trading Gasol too?

jake

What’s your thoughts on dh12 and dwill joining the mavs next year or do you think they will go elsewhere?

Tom

Do you think Coach Brown has enough clout/influence to ask Kobe to tone down the shoot first mentality in crunch time. If he’s going to be handling the ball shouldn’t he look to pass the ball inside first before going 1 on 2 or 3 and looking for a jump shot. Can’t see this being a successful year if Kobe takes 75% of shots in last 6 minutes.

Jonathan

Hey eric. I’m a die hard Knicks fan. What are the chances of us trading Fields and some draft picks..possibly for Cousins? Anyone? I think Shumpert is a starting 2 in the NBA.

E.j

If D12 eventually lands in LA, are the chances of DWill coming to LA higher?

Michael

Is CP3 out of shape?

moe

hey EP..should the raps offer rights to valanciounas for cousins and a 1st