NBA Chat With Eric Pincus 4/24/12

Mark ryan

If the Kings draft either MKG or Harrison Barnes or go sign a small forward in free agency but Still Keep Tyreke Evans does he Start over Marcus Thornton at SG or Isaiah Thomas at Point Guard and Why?

Eric Pincus

Final week of the regular season! Let’s chat:

The Kings have won just 21 games this year so I’m not sure what they have is quite working. Tyreke is really the wild card moving forward. Can or should he start at the point for the Kings. Should they move him on before he becomes a restricted free agent. Is there any sense in giving him a long-term extension.

Of the 30 teams, I look at Sacramento as one of the top five shrug teams. What’s next for them? Not quite sure!

calvinzero

In the scale of 1-10.. (1 is the lowest score and 10 is the highest score), what is the score can you give to the Lakers and Clippers this 2011-2012 regular season?? Why?? How do you come up with that score?? Thanks Eric, our next chat will be on the playoffs round already.

Eric Pincus

I mean if you want me to judge the Lakers on their season, I’d probably say a seven out of 10. They made mistakes along the way but generally exceeded my expectations. At a 63.1% winning percentage, that works out to be about 52 wins in an 82-game season. Given the entirely new system, coach and personnel moves – and heavy, heavy schedule with almost no practices – the Lakers did quite well.

The Clippers I would probably give an eight to. They’d be on pace for a 51-win season and despite a very difficult stretch in the middle, the team really came out strong and has played some of the best basketball in the league over the past month.

Given the team lost Chauncey Billups early, they’ve recovered quite well.

Now postseason? We’ll have to wait and see.

Anthony

How big of a factor must DeAndre Jordon be for the Clippers to have a long run in the playoffs.

Eric Pincus

It depends on matchups. The more DeAndre gives the Clippers the better. Kenyon Martin has been a tremendous presence recently but the offense is less fluid when he’s on the court. Jordan can’t be left alone near the basket. Even if he doesn’t have much of a post up game or anything resembling a jump shot, he’s always a threat for lobs.

Steve

Does the addition of Nene and the subtraction of McGee help the maturity and overall game of Andray Blatche? Will Blatche and The Wizards be a much improved player and team next season?

Eric Pincus

Blatche has a lot to prove and none of that has to do with McGee.

Deven

Hi Eric. Love the chats! Are you hoping that the Clippers win their final two games on the road, take third in the west and a half game lead on the Lakers and hope they lose to the Kings Thursday to seal their first-ever Pacific Division title?

Eric Pincus

I’m not hoping for anything here other than teams to stay healthy. I would like to see a Lakers/Clippers series at some point but it’s going to take a Western Conference Finals for that to happen and I’m not sure both get that far.

Deven

Will Mike Brown sit the starters out on Thursday?

Eric Pincus

I don’t believe he will. The team still needs to work on integrating Kobe after his stretch on the sideline. Obviously I think it’s safe to say one starter won’t play.

Deven

What’s your take on World Peace elbowing Harden to his head?

Eric Pincus

It was ugly.

Deven

I read your colleague’s, Alex Kennedy, article on the 2014 Free Agent Class and that’s an impressive list right there don’t you think? Even Kobe and Pau are on there as well. But my question is, if the Lakers don’t win a title in the next two years before either of them hit free agency, what’s the likelihood Kobe or Pau end up elsewhere?

Eric Pincus

Pau could be traded before his contract expires, that wouldn’t surprise me. I expect Kobe to be a Laker through his deal and somewhat likely beyond.

Asiong Salonga

Do you think the Lakers will use Odom X this coming off-season? Whom they will use it?

Eric Pincus

Let’s see what they do first in the playoffs. The team doesn’t want to add on salary with the supertax looming but if they do deal Gasol, that changes the math.

Howdy

I heard that Tyreke Evans is on the trade block. Can the Lakers acquire him? I think Evans will get to his natural position at 1 and 2 with the Lakers. Having him start at 1 over Sessions or back-up at 1 and 2. What are your thoughts? Thanks

Eric Pincus

I don’t see what the Lakers have that would interest the Kings, unless they want Gasol.

Vito Villegas

What’s with the all rage on Metta World Peace’s elbow to James Harden? MWP was clearly celebrating his dunk and was thumping his chest and punching air! He was not able to check the return motion of his elbow after the “air punch” and accidentally hit Harden!!! Sure, it merits a flagrant foul but why dig up his past transgressions? Hey, give “Peace” a chance!!!

Eric Pincus

The word I have a problem with in your question is “clearly.” It’s not clear what his intent was or wasn’t. Some believe it was 100% intentional – others that it was 100% accident. To suggest it’s obvious either way isn’t really a gimme.

Vito Villegas

Hey Eric! I always thought that Jordan Hill could be usefull for the Lakers other than a salary dump for D-Fish. With his performance against the Thunder, do you think he might be given more playing time come playoffs?

Eric Pincus

Look for Hill to get a lot of time against the Kings. He could end up taking rotation minutes from Josh McRoberts and Troy Murphy. It depends on matchups. Mike Brown likes that Murphy helps space the floor while Hill and McRoberts are on the floor for their hustle and defense. Whoever is making the bigger impact is going to play.

Welly

With the 60th pick of the lakers this coming draft? What postition they will likely to draft? What type of player?

Eric Pincus

At 60, a team is going to take the best prospect on the board regardless of position.

NATH

Sup Mr. Pincus. Love your chat. I like recent performance in limited minutes of J. Hill. Do you see him stay with Lakers next season? He is more talented than Mbenga or any back-up Center. I missed the Thunders game, can you tell me why Hill logged in more minutes than Bynum? Cheers

Eric Pincus

Hill was playing defense, especially pick and roll defense. Mike Brown stuck with what was working, a rarity for a head coach. How many times do you see a coach go back to his star even when the reserves are getting it done? Credit to Brown for sticking with Hill and getting a needed win. The Lakers probably drop to fourth if they lose that game.

Mike

Who is second in line behind Neil Olshey in the Clipper’s front office? We are one of the few teams that do not have an assistant GM.

Eric Pincus

I would say Gary Sacks, the Director of Player Personnel.
Eric Pincus

When healthy, especially when Varejao was healthy, the Cavaliers were very solid. I’m not sure where they go from here in the draft, etc. – but I like their future.

The team has a lot of financial flexibility this coming year. The difficulty will be drawing from what is a relatively limited pool of quality free agents.

Jaimeson

Realistically, what is best case scenario for Cavs this offseason? Stud SG/SF in draft? SAC pick is protected. Don’t we got some LBJ $ still waiting to be used? Not that Cleveland is hot spot. Did Gilbert ruin any chance of luring FA’s with his mouth? Although his pocketbook seems like it’s willing to put in work to win. Gee still starting SF? All in all, moving in right direct. Kyrie, Varejeo & Tristen are nice 3/5 of starting lineup for future.

Eric Pincus

Beat easily? I’m not sure that’s happening either way. I would say the Nuggets are the better matchup for the Lakers. They have a lot of problems with LA’s size. The Mavericks still have the pieces capable of beating the Lakers, although I’d favor LA.

johncarloyu

the Lakers might meet the Nuggets or the Mavs in the 1st round. Who do you think the Lakers will beat easily? I am thinking of the Mavs in 5?

johncarloyu

Will the Lakers reach the finals? OKC might not survive with Harden injured. the only thorn for the lakers are the spurs.

Eric Pincus

We all have seen the flaws this season. I’m not sure the Lakers are ready but then I’m not sure they’re not. I wouldn’t favor the Lakers to go all the way this year but they have a real chance.

johncarloyu

Will the Lakers retain Sessions next season? Williams is an option.

Eric Pincus

I expect sessions to be a Laker. Do you mean Mo Williams? I don’t view Mo as a likely option for the Lakers.

johncarloyu

Jordan Hill played his breakout game in LA jersey last game, will he be the 3rd big the lakers are searching? He might be a better option than Troy and Josh.

Eric Pincus

Hill may change the dynamic for the Lakers although I don’t think he’s going to be regularly putting up a double-double off the bench.

johncarloyu

Mike Brown plays the older guys more than Glock, Morris, Ebank and Hill. These 4 guys can really help if given enough minutes. Is Mike really serious by not giving them a chance?

Eric Pincus

Goudelock got his chance but I agree with Brown that it’s not his time yet. Morris is still a season away from being able to give anything to this team. Ebanks had opportunity after opportunity and it wasn’t until this past weekend that he finally took advantage. Hill was out for two weeks with a knee sprain. Brown can’t play a player who isn’t in uniform.

johncarloyu

Who do you think will replace Howard in the USA team? Bynum will not play to rest his knees. Is Chandler, Hibbert, Noah a better replacement?

Eric Pincus

I don’t think Noah would be playing for Team USA. He’s on Team France and would never be eligible to play for Team USA. Tyson Chandler is the guy.

johncarloyu

Will Howard ask for a trade next season? Will the Lakers trade Bynum for Howard?

Eric Pincus

Given the back injury, let’s put a pin in this until everyone is sure that Dwight is still Dwight.

Hamilton

Hey Eric I think all these analyst are being to hard on mwp,I guess Kevin’s stomp of scholastic head was ok and not as Artest’s elbow on harden do you think the analysts have a right to judge a man so harsh for his past? Nobdy’s perfect just God this goes to Mr.Stephen a Smith rob Parker and even magic

Eric Pincus

I’m going to guess that’s an auto correct error and you mean Luis Scola. The bar at the bottom for Peace is Love stomping on Scola and Jason Smith body checking Blake Griffin which was two games apiece. The high is Andrew Bynum taking out J.J. Barea which led to a five-game suspension (reduced to four in lockout). Add in the Ron Artest factor and say 3-6.

Now could the the league lump this in with what Artest did at the Palace some eight years ago and make it 10+? It’s certainly possible.

I’d be comfortable with six.

Jazzfan

Eric thanks for the chat, I believe Milsaps contract is up after next season, he has really turned up his game this year if he continues it into next season but Favors really turns his game up as well like he’s expected to, do you try to keep Milsap or do you let him walk/trade him and let Favors take over?, Milsap has made it known he wants to be starter but if Favors turns out to be what many expect I dont see him over starting over Favors

Eric Pincus

The Jazz’ greatest strength is their combination of bigs in Jefferson, Millsap, Favors and Kanter. Let’s see if they make the playoffs and how well they show. At some point Utah needs to add to the backcourt in a big way. Millsap, based on contract status and age (though he’s still young) may be the casualty.

Shaulenny

What do you think of Elijah Millsap? Are there any current D-Fenders or D-League players whom you feel would benefit the Lakers next season?

Eric Pincus

Elijah Millsap has been a force for the D-Fenders. I’m not going to speculate beyond this season, especially at the D-League level. Let’s wait to see the big steps – playoffs, draft, trades, free agency. The rest of the roster guys usually plucked from the D-League? That’s usually after all of that.

JaySway

Eric,
Would the Lakers be wise to pick up a free agent SF for the playoffs given Matt Barnes ankle injury and the possible long term suspension of MWP? Any free agent SF’s out there?

Eric Pincus

Matt Barnes (ankle injury inclusive), Devin Ebanks and Kobe Bryant will likely be it at the three for the Lakers.

Carly Bezilla

Would the Lakers be better seated at the 3rd position or 4th position matchup wise for the playoffs?

Eric Pincus

Third. They don’t want to see the Grizzlies in the first round (or at all really) and they may have shown better against the Thunder than the Spurs.

Peter

What do you think if New Orleans did a sign and trade with Gordon to the Wizards for what most likely will be the #2 pick in the draft and maybe Veseley. While amnesting Lewis? This way Hornets have 3 core players to draft and develop together in an OKC kinda way. They would most likely have the number 2,3 and 10 to put alongside Aminu and pick plus a ton of cap space to search for solid veterans to help these young guys grow. Plus still have some descent trade bait in Ariza. Plus Washington would look dangerous next year with a Wall Gordon and Nene core that I believe would be able to challenge for a 4-5 seed thoughts?

Eric Pincus

Did you ask Eric Gordon if he wants to join the Wizards? That’d be entirely up to him.

Byron Guerrero

What do you think of Jordan Hill? Will the Lakers likely let him go after this season?

Eric Pincus

Hill has some time to establish who his is for the Lakers. There’s no real clarity yet. The Rockets didn’t pick up his player option but the Lakers can still keep him for $3.6 million next season. If he’s offered more, there’s nothing LA can do about that.

Ray Suansing

Going into the playoffs, what do you see as the Lakers strengths and weaknesses?

Eric Pincus

The strengths would be experience, size, Kobe, Bynum, Gasol, Sessions and if healthy the defense of Peace. Weakness? Peace’s pending suspension. Lack of depth is the glaring weakness.

Mathew Fernandez

Where do you see Lamar Odom ending up next year? NJ?

Eric Pincus

I’m not convinced yet Lamar wants to play any more. It’s a concern.

Robert

What number do you think Kyrie Irving, Derrick Williams and Jonas Valanciunas would each be taken if they were in this years draft?

Eric Pincus

It’s difficult to say naturally but I’d think that Irving would be 2-5 depending on need. Williams would probably be in the same range. I’m not sure where Valanciunas would be, perhaps 5-10.

Billy

To avoid end of season tanking why not have the lottery based on team record after 60 games in an 82 game season. Teams would be less likely to tank with so many games left, but still would give an accurate picture of best to worst teams. I’m guessing there’s some flaw to this idea I’m not thinking of.

Eric Pincus

Perhaps but then maybe teams start tanking earlier? By the 61-game mark what then when they’re 100 games out of the playoffs?

Leo

Do you think we’ll see the “old” sessions (20/10 capable/lighting quick) again anytime this year in the playoffs?

Eric Pincus

It depends on matchups. The Lakers are best going inside to their bigs and playing off of Bryant – along with Sessions. If Ramon averaged 14 (on a high percentage) and 10 assists? That would put the Lakers in a good position (assuming they’re playing defense).

Ryan

If the Clippers beat theodds to take the Pacific Division, can you see them hanging a division champ banner in Staples?

Eric Pincus

I wouldn’t if I were the Clippers.

Tom

If nba doesn’t say anything by the sac game then does it mean Ron is safe?

Eric Pincus

The league will rule before the Sacramento game.

Roon

If the Bobcats fail to land the #1 pick and wind up with the #2, should they: A) Draft Kidd-Gilchrist or B) Trade the pick for player(s) and future picks?

Is Kidd-Gilchrist a franchise player? If not, I think the Bobcats should try to acquire as many assets as possible.

Eric Pincus

I’d stick with lottery level talent – but it Kidd-Gilchrist, Andre Drummond, etc. I’ll get more involved in draft come May/June. I’m not an expert at NCAA.

Scott

Playoff predictions for the Lakers? Who is our 1st round opponent? Possible 2nd round opponent?

Eric Pincus

I have Lakers vs. Mavericks in round one and Lakers vs. Thunder in round two.

Kurt

Who do you think the Lakers will start if they meet Denver in the first round? How is Barnes ankle? Hill and Ebanks will probably get some additional minutes Thursday.

Eric Pincus

I’d expect Devin Ebanks to start for Peace. Barnes is favoring his ankle but it’s unclear if this is an injury that will be resolved in a few days or if he really needs a week or two to get back to full strength.

dentist

How much money did the Lakers save by trading Odom and Fisher?

Eric Pincus

With Odom it was basically (before proration) $17.8 million. It’s harder to compute with Fisher midseason but Derek was at $3.4 million this year and Hill is at $2.9 million. Don’t forget to account for luxury tax.

Jobert

Hi,EP. Playoffs just right around the corner. How deep do you think the Lakers can go in the playoffs? IMO they will lose the 2nd round. I like the SPURS chances of winning itr all this year. What is your take?

Eric Pincus

All valid points and possibilities. I’m not sold on the Spurs yet.

joshua rendon

What is the likelihood kobe test free agency in 2014?

Eric Pincus

At some point the Lakers and Kobe had to talk numbers and I don’t think LA can pay Kobe anything close to the $30.5 million he’s getting in 2013/14. If he’s insulted by that, then perhaps there’s a change but then no one else will be able to pay Bryant anything near what the Lakers can.

Jack

It seems like the Clippers(FlopCity) are finally getting known for they’re flopping, do you think that the NBA will ever/should have a rule against flopping?

Eric Pincus

It’s too hard to police flopping. Perhaps they can fine a player after the game upon review.

Shahin O.

Hi Eric,

How do you see the resurgence of the Lakers’ bench playing into the playoffs for them? I know it’s been just one game, but do Jordan Hill, Devin Ebanks, Matt Barnes, and Steve Blake really have it in them to be a solid bench? How about Josh McRoberts?

And why isn’t Mike Brown looking at how to integrate McBob and J-Hill in with Bynum and/or Pau in certain stretches? Maybe put them in at the 3 with Pau & Bynum at the 4 and 5, or simply put one of the bench guys at the 4 when Bynum is in trouble and bring in Ebanks to play SF?

IF these guys are blooming right as the playoffs start I think the Lakers might have lucked into the boost they need to get to the WCF or hopefully the NBA Finals. Thoughts?

Eric Pincus

McRoberts and Hill are not small forwards. That would be a mistake.

The Lakers do not have a strong bench. They don’t. They may have moments but compared to some of the best teams in the playoffs, LA is heavily reliant on their starters.

Jaime Salvador

Do you think the Grizzlies pull another upset? and potentially make their way to the Western Conference finals this year?

Eric Pincus

I’m not sure at this point it would be an upset. The Grizzlies are a dangerous team.

Pac

Hi, just a comment. I hear some sports writers bashing Metta with regards to the elbow that he gave Harden but there have been worst incidents by far over the pass couple of years and even this year. I can think of Lopez fouling Griffin and while Del Negro sounds his alarm neither the sports writers, commentators nor the NBA has anything to say yet Metta is the subject of great discussion.

I am not supporting his actions but if he gets more than a game or two suspension then the NBA is a joke. I really don’t care for the writers including some on Hoopsworld who say that it is “Metta” so he deserves harsher penalties, as far as I am concerned, an infringement is an infringement irregardless of who does it.

There cannot be a rule for him and one for everybody else.

Eric Pincus

Everyone has their take and ultimately it’s up to the league and Commissioner Stern to decide.

It’s not like we can pretend that that elbow wasn’t completely uncalled for, dangerous and not the first out of bounds move Artest/Peace has ever made.

We’ll just have to wait and see what comes.

jesse

what is brandon rush situation like in golden state? do u think they keep him?

Eric Pincus

The Warriors, last check, were high on Rush long-term but it depends on price. He’s a restricted free agent but now that cap room isn’t a priority this summer for Golden State, I’m thinking he sticks.

MWP

How long am I out for? And why’s the league taking so long to tell me?

Eric Pincus

The league is doing a full investigation into the incident including talking to both Peace and Harden. When they make a decision, they’ll announce it. There’s no rush, the Lakers don’t play until Thursday.

Alex in Burbank

The game against the Thunder I was going back and forth on my TV with the Dodgers game so I missed parts of the Lakers game. I did however see the entire 4th quarter til then game ended. My question is, how come Bynum and Sessions weren’t playing the 4th and OT’s? I was curious. Thanks!

Eric Pincus

The Lakers were playing well with Blake, Ebanks and Hill so the coach stuck with them. Credit to Brown as I mentioned earlier for going with the best matchup against the Thunder on that particular day.

Joshua Rendon

?What was your career path that made it possible to do what you love and cover the game of basketball?

Eric Pincus

I hooked up with HOOPSWORLD when it was a much smaller site. I put in a lot of hours – a LOT of hours of work – along with the great team we have here. Initially teams were somewhat resistant to welcome in new media like HOOPSWORLD, but over time we made inroads and the landscape in general changed. Now I would like to think we’re somewhat mainstream.

As far as my own background, UCLA graduate. I used to room with Derrick Martin and Don McLean once upon a time.

topcat61

Eric. no fence-sitting, no ifs ands or buts, just True or False on these three questions:

1) When the Lakers raise Banner Number 17, will Kobe be a member of that team?

2) When the Lakers raise Banner Number 17, will Mike Brown be the head coach of that team?

3) When the Lakers raise Banner Number 17. will Mitch be the GM of that team?

Eric Pincus

I’ll go true across the board but it’s going to take a lot of luck, health and circumstances for all that to happen. It’s not a safe bet by any stretch.

This will have to do for the week! Thanks for the turn-out . . .