NBA Chat With Eric Pincus 3/27/12

Andy Russell

Anyone that you think will become available to help the Laker bench?

Eric Pincus

Once again it’s time to chat! Let’s do it . . .

Andy, Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak said the team has that spot open but they don’t expect to fill it. Naturally if there’s an injury that could change.

rholly

with the hip injury that MWP is suffering now,is there a possibility that MWP will retire after this season?

Eric Pincus

I wrote recently about Metta’s look at retirement and his agent said that Peace intends to complete his deal – barring amnesty http://www.hoopsworld.com/nba-2-world-peace-researching-retirement

Alex in Burbank

Hi Eric this not so much a question but a concern. I don’t even know if you can answer this or not but it’s worth a shot. Next season the Lakers will be under contract with Timewarner. In Burbank this cable company is not available. How am I to watch my Laker games?

Eric Pincus

It’ll be similar. You have Fox but you don’t have Fox cable provider (doesn’t exist). The Laker stations will offered by the other providers, although how that will all work ($) remains to be seen.

Art

Eric, do you think Phil Jackson would consider a VP/GM job like Riley. Maybe a replacement for Otis Smith. Do you think he would make a good front office exec?

Eric Pincus

Jackson has indicated he doesn’t want to be the front line of GM work – he detests the lying that goes naturally with the job. As far as some sort of stake in a front office and/or ownership? He might be interested on some levels I would think. Some of that depends on his health.

marc pal

Hello Eric,

On a quick judgment call, it looks like Ramon Sessions is an absolute steal for the Lakers. Still, it’s painfully obvious that they need more scoring power off the bench, especially at the 2 guard when Kobe takes a breather. The options in the states are limited, but is there a “Spurs-like” move they can pull off for an overseas sensation like Manu? Have you caught wind of any names being thrown around from Europe?

Eric Pincus

Europe is deeply scouted by all teams and if there was someone coming over, I wouldn’t expect they’d be coming this season.

greg sailor

Any chance the Clippers can pick up a true center to back up Jordan? Too often DeAndre gets into early foul trouble, forcing them to play someone undersized at center. Also, when the team was playing well, they ran a lot more. Any word as to why they don’t run much anymore?

Eric Pincus

You’re kind of talking counter-purposes here. Put in a “true” center and the running decreases. The Clippers and Vinny Del Negro are still searching for the right rotations but no, I don’t see anything changing at all (especially given the team just added Bobby Simmons back).

alan

which of the bulls non guranteed contracts (korver, CJ watson, Brewer) do you see the bull picking up for next year? I would like to see them all, but money is an issue

Eric Pincus

I would think the Bulls keep the band together – unless cutting contracts (and other moves via trade) opened up the cap space angle.

lyon

Is zach Randolph a chemistry killer, overrated
I noticed that he is a bad teammate, and a chem. Killer. Notice how Memphis was winning then he came back, and they lost to crappy azz teams Like the kings, raptors.about overrated he,is. He is too fat to run, dunk, jump. Never seen him play d, block shots,dunk. For simeone his size he cant do not fo any of dat cause he is fat. There is a reason Portland, NY, clippers were happy to get rid of him, cause he is a horrible teammate, and fat
Now after his injury he lookes fattened up even more.

Eric Pincus

Actually if you had a chance to follow my coverage of Zach Randolph through the years, you might have noticed I’m a backer. I like what he brings to the floor. He’s just someone who needs to be managed a bit.

calvinzero

What do you think? Should the Lakers management fire Mike Brown as the head coach? It is quiet embarrassing that they loss to the teams that such so-called ‘winnable games’..

Eric Pincus

No I don’t think they should fire Mike Brown.

Azzar Nadvi

My man. i am one frustrated lakers fan. please make sense of this for me. why does coach continue to play steve blake so much?? he isnt scoring and he isnt special on the defensive end. one might argue he needs to run the offense… he isnt doing that either. im glad coach moved him to the bech… but why not play goudlock at the point off the bench more? 0 minuted since sessions came? ridiculous. goudlock can score far better than blake… is just as good at D.. and can contribute in more ways than blake can. thank you for your time

Eric Pincus

Blake is more experienced that Goudelock. Andrew isn’t a point guard although he has had productive stretches for the team in that position. If Brown went with Drew over Steve now, he’d lose Blake mentally for the rest of the season (already touch and go unfortunately). It makes a lot more sense to try to get Blake to be productive and then later in the game, give Goudelock a look if that’s just not happening.

alan siegel

it appears the failed beasley trade will loom like a sword over the lakers collective head. without having sessions go back to coming off the bench, are there any players D League, Europe, globetrotters, kids in the staples parking lot, that the lakers could get to help the bench? blake is regressing at an alarming rate and only barnes has the semblance of a game. the lakers still look to be one (or two) brick shy of a load.

Eric Pincus

The Lakers haven’t had deep benches for most of their runs the past decade. It’s part of the price for investing so much into the team’s top players. LA won’t lose a series because of their bench but it’s certainly not a strength.

Deven

Hey Eric. What’s your take about Mike Brown benching Kobe during that stretch in the 4th Q against Memphis the other night?

Eric Pincus

That was more of a logistical mismanagement of clock and timeouts than anything related to Kobe/lessons/etc. He tried to check Bryant back in but there was no dead ball and they were too close to the automatic timeout to stop play. An awkward situation.

Deven

What did you notice about the Clippers the other day in that blowout victory to the Grizzlies, compared to the previous games?

Eric Pincus

The Clippers appeared more “connected” as the word Hornets Coach Monty Williams used. That’s probably accurate and the best way to to put it.

ShaulennyFrom Queens

Is it conceivable that the Lakers could be better with Gasol & Sessions than with Paul and someone else at power forward?
Could Sessions give them basically what they need at point w/o having to break up the advantage of having Bynum & Gasol?

Eric Pincus

Perhaps but the long-standing issue with Gasol is how much money he makes as now the third option. Also, we don’t know who else the Lakers would have gotten had they made the Paul trade – so it’s hard to judge in a complete vacuum.

eric allen

Which of these Point Guards: Tyreke Evans, Brandon Jennings, Stephen Curry, John Wall or Kyrie Irving Will ever Reach Derrick Rose or Russel Westbrooks level?

Who has the best chance of that group in order and Why?

Eric Pincus

I would argue that Irving is the best of the bunch but when you’re talking Rose/Westbrook status I think elite athleticism and the closest in that bunch is Wall.

Mark ryan

Both Eric Gordon and Brook Lopez have been hurt all year and both being Restricted free agents this summer what will there values be? Max players or close to? What kind of potential and upside do they have?

Eric Pincus

It’s a tough one. I know Gordon wanted the max from the Clippers. Eric’s hoping to be healthy in a week and able to show the team he’s worth that. It’s hard to say with Lopez but big guys tend to get more than guards, so?

Anthony Pascua

Is there any chance that Jordan Hill sees some playing time before the playoffs? I hear he is a “high energy” guy, so why not try him out to see what he is capable of?

Eric Pincus

You’re probably going to need to see either a blowout or an injury (ideally minor) for Hill to get a major look. He’s just coming into the situation late in the game where the Lakers already have players they’re used to playing.

manila kingpin

hey eric.. whats up with my lakers horrible loss to memphis, and what is mike brown thinking sending kobe to the bench in the 4th,and came back a minute left. i dont get it?? any SG that can sign buy the lakers,and why they didn’t sign gerald green at the start of the season?? gerald green is way better than ebanks right now..i hate to see when nets pick him up. tnx,this may sounds weird but last week it was my first time to write you a question and when i saw it on your chat page it was amazing,i didn’t expect that. =) tnx man.. Godbless.

Eric Pincus

Thanks for your response. It was a bad loss to the Grizzlies but I expected Memphis, who had really struggled lately but is still a powerful, potent team and a very tough match-up for the Lakers, to come out with true desperation. They really caught the Lakers. Also, LA didn’t have the minutes for Green and waited too long to call him up, naturally because they had bigger moves in mind around the deadline and needed the roster spot available.

Aristotle

Heya Eric,
Why is it that you still see articles on Lakers not good enough or unable to win a title this year despite their current standing and performance. Do Laker fans seriously expect perfection otherwise start trading players? In the playoffs you only need to win 2 road games per series (as long as you win the home too) and at crunch time the Lakers can do that as much as any other team

Eric Pincus

I’m not sure the Lakers are good enough this year although they’re certainly in the running.

Ray

Who are Boston likely to throw their cap space at this summer?

Eric Pincus

That’s a very difficult question to answer. Seriously. I’m not sure where Boston goes from here.

SacTown Citizen

Is Tyreke Evans available?

What is his value around the league?

What do you think Sacramento would want in return for him in any trade?

Eric Pincus

For value, yes I would believe he can be had. He’s still a very versatile player and he’s been in a difficult situation with the Kings. It would take a lot but yes, I could see him on the move at some point.

Chris G

Would a coach like Thibs work on the Heat? I see how much he gets out of the Bulls, night-in and night out, with lesser talent, and I think if he had the Heat’s talent they’d be a monster. Then again, I don’t know that Wade or Lebron necessarily likes being told what to do or being pushed that hard. Your thoughts?

Eric Pincus

I believe he’d work. He’s a very strong coach.

rolly

hi eric,with the current lineup.we really dont hve a solid backup at d sg position.jamario moon s doin jas great in d-league.he s a very good defendr and is an above average offensive player who really likes to move without d ball.

Eric Pincus

Moon is more of a three than a two. LA has Devin Ebanks and even Christian Eyenga on the roster. I don’t see someone like Moon called up . . .

Jazzfan

Who do you see in the draft that could be the potential PG of the future for the Jazz? also Devin Harris has stepped up his playa lot since the all star break if he keeps this up do you still draft a PG in the first round (if we still have a pick that is) or do you hold off?

Eric Pincus

The Jazz need a long-term point guard and I don’t see that as Harris. I’ll get into my draft coverage in late May/June.

Mutang

Stephen Curry. Is it just GSW doing their due diligence to keep everything on the up and up, by saying they are “evaluating” his status? Is he really just done for the season, since GS seems to be in tank mode? Supposedly Curry says he wants to play again….

Eric Pincus

Curry has had problems all year and shutting him down is a good idea regardless of standings.

Doug

What is DeMar Derozan’s trade value in your opinion?

Do you know of or can you think of any team that would have interest in him?

Eric Pincus

I haven’t heard that DeRozan is on the move. He’s in the Marcus Thornton/Nick Young realm I would think.

Jazzaholic

The Jazz have won 7 of their last 8 games, except 4OT to the Hawks. They seem to be headed in playoff direction, instead of ping-pong balls.

You’ve seen them beat the Lakers twice and Clippers once.

Where do you think they end up?

Eric Pincus

I see the Jazz as a legitimate threat to take the eighth spot. They’ve been better than I thought although road remains an issue. As far as playoffs, assuming they get there, I don’t see Utah advancing I’m afraid.

paprika

Hi eric. Can u please explain what to call mikr brown’s offense before the sessulion trade? Cause all it was were iso plays more on kobe and bynum while pau is in the middle being the passer. And everyone is watching no cutters. Do u think we should have signed boykins as a back up pg who can cut and get in the freethrow more than blake? Thanks sir!

Eric Pincus

Mike Brown’s offense isn’t the issue. While that’s not his strongest suit (compared to defense) – he needed a point guard. Now that he has one in Sessions, it just shows how badly one was needed every time Ramon is off the court.

pacquiao punch

Now that andrew looks better than kobe from first to 3rd quarter and him having better moves than dwith. Did his value increase in the open market? And do u think the lakers should clear the sf position. Maybe keep barnes and sign a legit guy like maybe gerald wallace? And try and get a goo kob back up like ariza or someone athletic like wes mathews? I as a fan like the lakers now except for the bench,thats the whole that would destroy us in the playoffs.thanksbfor your time

Eric Pincus

If Sessions is the point guard of the future for the Lakers and the team re-invests in Bynum, which is likely – the team will need to improve at both the three and on the bench. The bigger issue is how they manage that and the upcoming supertax when they’re paying Kobe, Bynum, Gasol and the rest? I’m not sure they can.

jake

let’s pretend the original chris paul trade went through and the hornets ended up with Martin, Scola, and Odom. Would the Lakers, Rockets, and Hornets each be better or worse? Why?

Eric Pincus

The Rockets probably sign another big to go with Gasol – like Nene. The Lakers would have brought in a different power forward, perhaps Michael Beasley and some other moves. The Hornets would be a lot better this season which would have been terrible for the organization long term. New Orleans is better off without those contracts and in the high lottery.

jake

The Rockets and Jazz seem to have pieces that the other team needs (Houston loaded with wing players, Jazz with frontcourt.) What is the fairest trade you can come up with between the two teams that helps both?

Eric Pincus

I think we’re done with trades for now. We have to near the draft and see who gets what lottery pick, etc. At some point teams will decide if they can improve via draft or if they need to make wholesale change.

George

Eric: What do you forsee for the Sac Kings next season?

Eric Pincus

More of the same I’m afraid unless they find a way to balance an awkward roster.

Steve

Eric,
Why do I get the feeling that most NBA teams don’t have much of a solid plan and, instead, just kind of make it up as they go?

I read that Portland may use their first round picks to acquire proven veterans. Like Gerald Wallace, for instance? They traded their proven talent to get the picks, what am I not getting?

Eric Pincus

Gerald Wallace was likely to opt out and the team would have to decide which wing player to invest in – Wallace or Batum. They chose Batum and got a lottery pick for their trouble. If they can parlay that into a veteran that fits their need? Absolutely. All teams have to make it up a they go along because they can’t make any moves in a vacuum. You can’t sign a player if he won’t come. You can’t trade for a player if that team won’t deal. You can’t rig the draft order to get your guy.

Maor

Hello again eric,

Quick question for you today, why has mike brown decreased goudelocks minutes? I understand he wants a 2 guard rotation at the 1 but if i recall goudelock used to play the 2 with the second unit when blake was in, why the sudden change of heart. The guy can space the floor, shoot the 3 ball, and he can also take you off the dribble and hit his floater

Eric Pincus

He’s looking for more experience and to salvage Blake’s season. Goudelock is best with the ball in his hand looking for his own shot – and/or playing some pick and roll. Honestly Andrew struggled running the plays. Before the Lakers he never played point guard. Personally I’d like to see him again in that role but for now Brown is trying to get what he can from Steve.

Glen

What do you think of this off-season trade. Anderson S&T if he wants to leave,Turk,Qrich,1st rd. for Stat and Shumpert.

Eric Pincus

I’m not thinking picking up Amar’e and his uninsured back is a good idea.

Deven

Hey Eric. I was just reading your column NBA @ 2. Why are you bashing on my Knicks? Can’t they still make the playoffs even if Amare is out for the remainder of the year?

Eric Pincus

I don’t bash any teams but I look at the remaining schedule and I see the Bucks are at home and the Knicks are on the road with Amar’e hurt, Melo and Lin hobbled and Baron out. It’s disappointing but that’s where things stand looking ahead.

Scott

If you were the Lakers GM and Jim Buss told you to amnesty 1 player next season, who would it be?

Eric Pincus

It’d be between Peace and Blake and I might argue Blake at this point given both have two more seasons.

Scott

I have always loved your chats! You seemed very skeptical that Sessions style of play would gel with the Lakers offense (no room to drive with the Lakers bigs, poor outside shooter). Your thoughts now?

Eric Pincus

I was very concerned that Sessions would struggle to find driving lanes with Pau, Bynum and Bryant in the post – and Kobe demanding the ball, etc. What’s impressed me about Ramon is not his quickness, ability to get to the line and play fast – I knew he had that and it is impressive on it’s own – but in the context of the Lakers he’s played a much slower game at a higher level than I thought he could. The Lakers still have a lot to figure out but Sessions has been better than I expected for the team – no question.

Bolo

@Eric: With the way Bynum is playing, what do you think the odds are the Lakers will trade him this offseason? The way I see it, the only trade they would do is for D12 straight up. Anything else would not make sense for the 2nd best center in the NBA. Any chance the Lakers try and trade Pau for DWill this summer? Would the Nets let go of Lopez and try to get Pau knowing that DWill will walk?

Eric Pincus

It just seems like Bynum is a long-term stay in LA.

mitch

Grizz, Grizz, Grizz. With everyone finally healthy, I’m ready for the playoffs. When Z-Bo and Marc go into beast mode in the playoffs, what team will be able to stop them?

Eric Pincus

The Grizzlies aren’t perfect but they are a force if healthy. I’m not sure anyone wants to see them as an opponent.

Ryan707

How about DMC and that huge game last night? Should we be thinking all star next year. I don’t believe he gets enough credit the kid has skills. I he Will be one of the best centers in the game. Do you agree?

Eric Pincus

Cousins has All-Star potential but I’m not sure he’ll get the fan or coach vote any time soon. If the Kings can climb out of their mediocrity as a team, then we can talk. Cousins can play though, he’s a rare player given his size, strength and skill.

bored warrior fan

i am trying to become optimistic for next years warriors team. who should the warriors target in the draft? since their pick is only top 7 protected is there a chance they could package their picks and move up in the draft?

Eric Pincus

I don’t see the Warriors moving up. I’ll speculate on who would be the one to target as we get closer and the lottery order is set, etc. I like the direction the team is heading, especially if Andrew Bogut is healthy. I’m just not sure it all comes together next year, but I see progress.

Miles

Supposedly Dwight Howard had the Clippers on his ‘Wish List’ anymore news on that for the 2013 free agency season?

Eric Pincus

He’s someone who I would say changes his mind quite often. I don’t put much stake in any of it right now. He’s with the Magic and I expect they won’t win the title this year, so I want to see the repercussions from that.

Anthony B

Hey Eric,

I don’t know if it’s just me but is Bynum’s current offensive spree making him less of a defensive force?

And what’s going on with the Clips? I know don’t have Chauncey or Mo but last week they were demolished by the Hornets. Sure, they beat the Hornets last night but the Hornets were horribly short-handed.

And last question and I don’t mean to sound sarcastic or anything but is the HEAT doing this whole losing slump intentionally for seed purposes?

Thanks

Eric Pincus

As Bynum tires, it’s impacting his boards. In the past he wouldn’t score or rebound when fatigued. This is actually a step forward for Andrew, remaining dominant offensively on a consistent basis. Now he need to work in the rest.

The Clippers have a brutal March schedule. I said before it began that it was going to be a bad month for the team. It’s no surprise.

The HEAT aren’t throwing games.

Jay

How far do you see the lakers going? And does okc has what it takes to be the champs?

Eric Pincus

The Lakers have championship potential although the weak bench and limited foot-speed throughout the roster is still an issue (even with Ramon). The Thunder are a real threat to win it all but that’s not a given by any stretch.

Al

Hey Eric, do you think Patrick Patterson can become a starting center for Houston?

Eric Pincus

I view him as more of a four. He just need to learn how to play at a high level consistently.

Trock

Tyson chandler VS Dwight howard who wins DPOY?

Eric Pincus

I’ll go Howard over Chandler – deserved or not. I’m trying to anticipate the voting, not voicing my opinion.

david

hi, after watching ojmayo torch the lakers, the lakers desperatly need a backup shooting guard do u think rasul butler will help? why doesnt goudelock get more playing time hes the most explosive scorer they have off the bench?

Eric Pincus

I don’t see Rasual as a stopper or a slower or a delayer of any kind.

CrzyFan

Eric, as usual I appreciate being able to ask someone inside the meadia a questions. I feel the Lakers Are 1 player away from being a real threat in the West. I read they got greedy at the Trade Deadline and lost Beasley. Now that Arenas is gone, is this the team we will have through the post season? I think with Beasley and Sessions we would of been a real threat. It’s fun to see the speed and dimention that Session brings to this team. He reminds me of an Arron Brooks.

CrzyFan

Eric Pincus

I don’t believe the Lakers got greedy. They just weren’t willing to add major salary and take on Beasley for two months at nearly $9 million (including tax). I don’t think anyone pays Michael $9 million next year for the season – let alone two months.

philip

deron to dallas? do you have inside info?

Eric Pincus

Deron loves Dallas. Dallas loves Deron. It may happen.

Bryson

Fans want a championship but with a new coach, new offense and even now, new players with the condensed schedule is hard to say that they will win a championship this year. How far in the playoffs do the Lakers need to go for the management to deem the season as a success?

Eric Pincus

If the Lakers don’t win the title, they don’t view the season as a true success but if this year helps to establish a ring over the next few, they’ll take that.

crzyfan

Eric, one last question. Can teams take players from other teams D-League? Do the teams have any say in were they go. Case in Point the Lakers letting Gerald Green go to the nets? How does that happen. are they compensated?

Crzyfan

Eric Pincus

Gerald Green, when playing with the D-Fenders – was a free agent as far as the NBA is concerned. The Lakers have Eyenga in the D-League and since he’s under contract with LA, he can’t be taken by another organization. Anyone else? It’s open season.

Bryson

If the Heat don’t win a championship this year, do the Heat make major moves like firing Coach Erik Spoelstra or trading Chris Bosh to get bigger inside?

Eric Pincus

It’s difficult to predict. No, I don’t think Spoelstra goes. I don’t think moving Bosh is the answer unless another big comes in. The issue might be point guard and center – how do the HEAT man those positions properly – not how do they change superstars out for other stars. It has to fit on the roster. It’s a good question.

Cricket

I am frustrated at Laker fans. How many questions has there been about “frustrated” Laker fans questioning Brown’s decisions, playing Steve Blake, etc. Do they not truly understand how lucky you are? Your team has made the playoffs for 10+ years and won back to back titles only a few years ago. Dallas wins ONE year and now we have frustrated “fans.” I follow the Raps and have watched every game for the past few years, but they don’t even make the playoffs. To Laker fans its either title or frustration. Really? I’m officially starting a group called “Laker Fans Against Parity.” Agree or disagree with this position?

Eric Pincus

I hear you.

kyle wallace

Can you see Eric Gordon Being the Best shooting guard in the NBA after Kobe and Wade Retire? if not who? He seems to have the most talent if he can stay healthy.

Eric Pincus

If he can stay healthy, he’s a very strong player. I don’t have him quite in the elite yet.

Jim

Does it seem like CP3 is holding the ball too long on some possessions? Don’t get me wrong about CP3, but when he does it, it kills ball movement and getting other guys involved with the scoring load. Makes the offense too predictable and easier for the opposition to defend.

Eric Pincus

The Clippers are still learning how to play together. A full training camp, practice and a stable, healthy roster would health. Some argue the team needs a different coach and while that may happen after this year, there’s a lot “wrong” with this lockout shortened season for almost every franchise.

Charlie

If you were the Toronto Raptors GM and were offered Tyreke Evans for the #5 overall pick this year (plus filler to make salaries match). Do you accept? Why or why not?

Eric Pincus

If you can get a high-level player at #5, it’s better to have that player on a long-term rookie contract than having to deal with re-signing/extending Evans soon.

Anthony

Hey Eric,

Thanks for answering my questions for this week and last. I hope to squeeze this last one in. Regarding the Lakers “consistent” inconsistency, are the reasons still the new coach, new system, and new pieces (I know that’s a lot already) but is there some other factor that I’m missing?

Thanks again.

Eric Pincus

This will have to do for the week. Once again, thanks for a tremendous turn-out.

Anthony,

The Lakers have had almost no practice this season. They’ve been fortunate to be mostly healthy but then they just picked up a new starter in Sessions. Mike Brown isn’t just putting in minor tweaks to their offensive and defensive philosophies – we’re talking wholesale change.

Also, the roster – for the most part – is old and/or slow.

Considering, I’d say the Lakers have had a pretty strong year. If they can improve on the road and stop giving up these recent games at home, they may have a shot at a title. I won’t call them a favorite but they’re in the realm of contender. I wouldn’t have said that pre-Sessions.