NBA Chat With Eric Pincus 5/29/12

ren

If hearing those comments Bynum said and the Kings offered DMC + Tyreke for Bynum would you accept? Could it be a possibility ?

Eric Pincus

Conference Finals! Let’s chat:

Ren, My understanding is that at this time the Lakers don’t intend to deal Bynum. I know there remains a possibility for Howard but I think that’s the extent of it. I don’t think LA goes Cousins/Evans if offered frankly.

You can argue that’s a deal they probably should accept too, it’s not without merit.

Gery

I was of belief that Indy could go past Miami if Hibbert and West dominate Miami front court. I guess Haslem and Joel are too much for them which is kind of sad. Indy needs to mature an Miami is lucky they ll go by this round.whats your take on Indy frontcourt play?

Eric Pincus

I was really happy with the Pacers and their season. They proved to be a lot better than I thought they would be. The issue was really experience. The Pacers weren’t quite ready for what they faced, although to be fair they didn’t shrink in the moment. If the Pacers had more help at guard and Granger didn’t get hurt, they’d have more success inside. Remember – it’s up to the guards to get the bigs the ball. It’s a very dependent position.

Efren

What do you think of this? im only saying this because i heard chris paul would be the main recruiter this offseason
Orlando trade with clippers
orlando gets
gomes exp contract
bledsoe 3 year contract very low value great outbreak playoff player that everyone might want on their team and very young
deandre jordan solid center with potential still because he still young and freak of nature
butler (shoot first player) 2 years left but shorter and better player than richardson gives way to amnesty hedo
also nola two second round picks
for
clippers get
dwight howard
either glen davis or jason richardson long term contract
salaries match orlando get rid of dwight get good pieces and gets rid of one long contract preferably richardson two 2nd round draft picks from clippers belonging to nola

Eric Pincus

I don’t expect Howard to the Clippers and I know that LA doesn’t want to deal away Bledsoe. I’m sure we can come up with any number of combinations. It would take belief from LAC that Howard would stay long-term – and the Magic have to favor that package in return. It feels a stretch to me but in this day and age I don’t like to just discount things . . .

Rico

Do you think some sort of 3-way trade involving the Lakers, Rockets, and Nets might be plausible. With Gasol going to Houston (they resign Dragic), Lowry and Scola going to Nets, and Deron coming to Lakers. I am not sold on Deron resigning with the Nets. Maybe he forces a sign and trade? Trade isn’t perfect but the main cogs are there what do you think?

Eric Pincus

If Deron Williams says outright, I want to play for the Lakers – then the Lakers have a shot. Without that, I don’t see it. Assuming that occurs and the Nets don’t want to lose Deron to say Dallas and instead opt to trade him to LA, you can come up with any number of combinations. If a team will trade for Gasol with suitable assets for the Nets, it’s certainly possible. I don’t like to invest much time in multi-team trades. They’re rare and difficult to construct in real life. Look at Minnesota, Houston, etc. as possible three-way partners but I personally don’t expect Williams in LA.

Tasia

Hey Eric! Lakers want to trade Gasol and Houston wants him and to start a new core and Philly still wants to trade Iguodala, Minny needs a vet scorer. What about this trade.
Lakers trade Pau Gasol/2015 1st
Gets back Andre Iguodala/Luis Scola
Rockets trade Luis Scola/Kevin Martin/#16/Marcus Morris
Gets Pau Gasol/2015 Lakers 1st
76ers trade Andre Iguodala
Gets back #16/#18/Marcus Morris/Darko Milcic/Jordan Hill
I think Philly could get back #5 and #7 form the Kings or GSW for Iggy but they would have to take back a long term horrible contract. They want a salary dump and to build around Jrue/Evan/Thad 3 draft picks in this draft is a good deal.Rockets can keep Lowry in this scenario and still have their lottery pick. Lakers get Iggy but downgrade at the pf position.

Eric Pincus

I haven’t gotten a real feel yet where the Sixers go moving forward. You can argue that an athletic wing who can defend like Iguodala would help the Lakers although I’d argue they need a better shooter than Andre. See the previous question on Deron Williams. If you’re banking on a three-team trade, it immediately enters “far-fetched” although possible.

Daryl

What do you think of this draft day trade? It works on nba trade machine. Can Orlando find a better deal in your estimation? Is this enough for NOLA? They save cash$$ while getting decent talent back

Miami HEAT get: D. Howard, H. Turkoglu, Chris Duhon, Q. Richardson, Earl Clark, J. Harper

Orlando Magic get: Emeka Okafor, Trevor Ariza, Jarrett Jack, U. Haslem, S. Battier, Chris Bosh

New Orleans Hornets get: Glen Davis, M. Chalmers, Joel Anthony, Norris Cole, rights to MIA’s late 1st rounder

Eric Pincus

I’m not seeing that as a viable package for the Magic. That’s not starting over, that’s loading up on players primarily with long-term deals.

Chris

Hi Eric. With Tim Duncan perhaps two series away from his 5th ring, why is no one talking about him as the GOAT or even the greatest player of his era? I know Kobe is MJ’s ‘Rupert Pupkin’ (“King of Comedy”), but Duncan deserves some respect.

Eric Pincus

I think Duncan gets a lot of respect at arguably the best power forward of all time. With a fifth ring he and Kobe Bryant are the best of their eras – big/small. Tim doesn’t have a big, brash personality so maybe he flies a little bit under the radar.

cj vanginkel

Ok everyone want paus head on a silver platter, but i feel he was mis used and could still be of great help. Now to my question it has four parts.

1. how much do u think it is going to cost denver to resinge magee. i was thinking about 10-11 mill.

2.Should the lakers trade andrew buynm for the resinged magee,corey brewer and rudy fernandez as well as a fisrtround pick.I feel this is a very fair trade for both teams,lakers get younger and faster wile geting shooters and still having two seven footers. Denver gets the best or second best center in the game to push with there young talent.

3.If this trade was to go down then call the wolfs and try to trade two firsts and our trade exception for besly.

4.trade away steve and roberts for picks no players. sign lamar and miller to vet min. then resign every body expt mat and murph

our new line up
sesh,kobe,mwp,gasol,magee
our bench
miller,brewer,besly,lamar,hill
our bench bench
moris,god,ebanks,rudy,eyanga

wat do u think?

Eric Pincus

I don’t think Pau was misused as much as he’s not a great fit any more, isn’t aggressive enough and at looking forward, simply makes too much for a third option.

It’s a tricky situation with McGee because you’re paying for potential and that’s a lot in the $10-11 mil range. Will he get that much? I think that’s a little high but he’ll get a lot – probably more than he “should.”

As I mentioned earlier, I don’t believe the Lakers have much of any interest in moving Bynum – certainly not for that package.

Vito Villegas

Hi Eric! In your own opinion, do you think the Lakers will push hard to acquire Deron Williams? Who would be a better fit, D-will, Kobe and Bynum or D-will Kobe and Pau? Is there a chance to acquire both D-wil and Dwight Howard?

Eric Pincus

I believe the Lakers will eye the Deron situation but with realistic expectations. They have about nothing to offer the Nets directly, so the odds are very slim.

Leon

Eric,
Greetings from NYC. I read Sam Smith’s article, concerning Pau and the Bulls. While I would like Deng for the Lakers, his injury concerns me. One thing that Sam brought up that I never thought of, is the possibility of Pau playing overseas once his NBA career is over. If Pau decided to play in Spain now, before LA trades him, how would his contract be handled? Would the Lakers still owe him his remaining contract?

Eric Pincus

The Deng idea is similar to Iguodala. Both would help but neither are “perfect fits.” Without looking it up, I believe Luol is a better three-point shooter than Iguodala but I really think LA needs to think multiple players for Gasol, not one big-money All-Star (or near All-Star). Even if that player is less than Gasol, the Lakers need to find a way to add young depth and get their salary situation under control If you want to argue Deng (or Iguodala), both have contracts that end the same year as Bryant, so in theory LA would still be maintaining extreme flexibility for the 2014/15 season when the repeater tax kicks in. The year to watch is 2013/14 when the graduated tax takes hold. I’m not sure how much payroll the Lakers are willing to carry . . .

paprika

Is sessions better than jordan farmar in a per min. Basis?it kinda look like they are kinda the same type? And did the laker really destroyed the trade value of mcroberts?? Thanks for the time.

Eric Pincus

I’d argue that Sessions is indeed a better all-around point guard than Farmar. Sessions is hungry to learn and grow as a player and from what I’ve witnessed (and who I’ve spoken to), Jordan is pretty well fixed on how he plays and has been since almost the beginning. McRoberts did his job hurting his value. The Lakers aren’t responsible for making a player play. You’d like a coach to bring out the most from everyone but Josh really looked lost from about Game 5 on . . .

mario saves the princes

Bummer that clipz and the lake show are gone in the 2nd. But i bet its exciting times for u eric that this coming summer its safe to say that changes are coming. Can we find these guys in LA uniform next sea., lou williams? Iguadala?dj agustin? Rashard lewis? Nash? J.noah? And lastly sir,who will have a better n deep line up on starting day… Clips or lakeshow? Thanks for the time!

Eric Pincus

I always enjoy the offseason. The first step is the draft lottery, then the draft, etc. The Clippers have to decide on coach. I look forward to seeing where they go. I’m not going to guess who will be better on opening night. At the end of last season the Lakers were slightly above the Clippers but the margin was tight. I imagine it will be tight come next year as well.

zitar coney island

Who would reach the playoffs first ,sac town or the bay warriors? And will a tyreke for this years warrior draft sound crazy? Or fair for both teams? Hows coaching sir? Hope your team go all the way!

Eric Pincus

If the Warriors are healthy and add in a piece or two, I could see them ahead of the Kings. I actually think Sacramento has a lot of “good” players but not the better team. Let’s see if the lottery even gives the Warriors a pick! That’s not locked in yet.

Ah, and my team is doing well (Panthers, girls 9-10yrs old). We’re 4-2 – both losses we had injuries to our best player. We’re too reliant her as a scorer to be honest. Also, we need to control turnovers and rebound. I think we’ll improve before playoffs but we have a lot to work on!

mc jollybee

Why did the shaq kobe era lasted to soon? I heard all about the drama but i just cant help to wonder how they could have won 4 more….

Eric Pincus

The Lakers had reached the end in that configuration. Financially it wasn’t viable. They wouldn’t have had the means to add on pieces to complement Kobe/Shaq. Kobe wouldn’t have stayed to play with O’Neal. It was time.

white chocolate pistol pete

Is rudy gay lock to be a griz next season? Or will the griz choose mayo? Will the lakers consider a bynum for gay trade? Thanks eric

Eric Pincus

I expect the Grizzlies to stick with Rudy another year.

the worm

Mr.brorherson suggested the bulls tank next season to at least get a good draft pick since they wont have drose. Good idea? How will coach thibs take this suggestion? Lastly, if mitch kupchak has a choice on a coach next season.. coach m.brown or coach larry brown?

Eric Pincus

I’d argue the Bulls are not a contender next year and as such shouldn’t be paying the luxury tax. Tanking isn’t the worst idea for a year while Rose is out, ugly as that may be. I fully expect Mike Brown next year with the Lakers.

Will

If you had to guess were do you think D12 is playing next year?

Eric Pincus

If he doesn’t extend – which I don’t think he does – they may deal him before next season. I want to see who the Magic get at GM first, but where? It’s a tough question I know we all want the answer to.

Mike

Danny Granger , Luol Deng, or Andre Iguadola. Could Pau fetch any of these guys and which one would Mitch prefer.

Eric Pincus

Three players in roughly the same salary range with the same number of years. Look at my prior answer for Deng/Iguodala. I’ve debated/discussed those two before – hadn’t thought about Granger.

xonx

Hi Eric. What are the chances of Garnett signing with the Lakers next season? He’s showing some spunk lately belying his age. With Garnett as their starting 4 and part time 5, the Lakers can then possibly trade Gasol for that much needed 1 and 3.

Eric Pincus

Knowing Garnett, I just don’t see him up and leaving Boston to play for the rival Lakers for $3 million.

devonte

in the offseason what does the knicks have to do what pieces do they have to plug into their roster to make them a more dangerous team than last year?

Eric Pincus

The Knicks are involved with that arbitration hearing that would possibly give Early Bird Rights to Jeremy Lin and Steve Novak. As the rules list now, they won’t have their rights and thus NY’s primary tool to add talent will go to Lin. From there it’s either minimum contracts or trades and they don’t exactly have a ton of assets either. I’m not sure there is a clear path to roster upgrades, other than improving from within with what they have – and some minor, low dollar, smart acquisitions.

123Eric

people are saying that the sixers should amnesty brand. wouldn’t it be better to let his contract expire or at least trade his expiring contract for some assets? or is amnestying him THE key for the team in re-signing some of their free agents? thanks!

Eric Pincus

The Sixers, should they amnesty Brand along with Lou Williams opting out, could suddenly have about $34 million on the books which makes them a cap team. Can they add real talent via trade or free agency with that cap space that would offset losing Brand/Williams? The part I have trouble with is expecting Philly to pay $18.1 million for Brand not to play. That feels like a stretch to me.

Beau in Mich

How about Tracy McGrady go see Kobe’s Doctor in Germany and then Join the Lakers rotating with Kobe and MWP? He seemed to still have his post up skill and hes only worth a million dollars and plus get more open looks playing alongside Kobe.

Eric Pincus

McGrady has some strengths but at this point I’m thinking LA needs to add youth, athleticism and shooting. I don’t see that in McGrady today.

chris

would you trade tyreke evans for rudy gay?

Eric Pincus

The Grizzlies are VERY invested in their current core. The four of Zach Randolph, Rudy Gay, Marc Gasol and Mike Conley all but take up the cap by themselves. If Memphis wants a different financial situation, then you can argue Gay for Evans makes some sense. Evans has one more year at $5.3 million but then he’d be looking for an extension. It’s not a move I’m expecting – I think the Grizzlies try one more year as is with minor changes and, hopefully, a healthy Randolph.

Gery

IS there a way for Garnett to go to San Antonio for MLE? If he plays C him and Duncan would be great together for the next 2 years?

Eric Pincus

I’m curious to see how much Duncan gets (along with Danny Green). If the Spurs get into that luxury tax apron, they may lose their MLE to the Mini. Would Garnett come for $5 million? I think that’s more likely than $3 million? That said, we have to see what Boston does. Unless they go all out for cap, I could see Garnett sticking around.

Josh S

What about Ben Gordon, MAxiel and pick for Pau? LAL gets flexibility and bench power while Detroit gets a front court that can get them in the playoffs

Eric Pincus

Yikes, don’t like that one.

Robsa

If OKC loses to SA would they be interested in either Gasol or Kobe to put them over the top? If Lakers get back either Westbrook or Harden plus pieces wouldn’t that allow retool on the fly?

Eric Pincus

Thunder aren’t going to be taking on Pau for Westbrook or Harden.

Zach

Who would say no to this 3 team deal?

Thunder get: Bynum, a low post scorer they need.
Wolves get: Harden and Ibaka, a wing and a shot blocker
Lakers get: Love, shooting and floor spacing. Plus it allows Gasol to move back on the block.

Makes three very good teams out west.

Your thoughts?

Makes for 3 pretty good teams out west.

Eric Pincus

Well I hear the Wolves won’t trade Love, the Lakers won’t trade Bynum and the Thunder won’t trade Ibaka/Harden. I’m not sure what else I can say on that . . .

Scott

Well……were do the Lakers go from here?

Eric Pincus

Look for a Gasol trade, the most simple would be starting with Rockets either two-way or three-way (far more complicated). Nothing is set in stone yet, the lottery dictates who has what in this fight.

Ryan

What the …. are the Clippers thinking letting Neil Osley met with Portland and not firing Vinny? They better not screw this up

Eric Pincus

I would expect the Clippers to retain Olshey but if the Blazers throw a lot more money? I’m not sure how that goes. No word yet on VDN but my gut says LAC goes in a different direction.

The JOkeShow

Which scenario is better for the Jazz?

A) Trade Milsap + Bell for Igyy?

B) Trade Milsap, Harris and bell for Lowery and K-Mart?

Eric Pincus

I’d say the latter. Lowry is a rock-solid point guard and that’s the biggest need for the Jazz as Harris isn’t the player he was in his younger days.

Chris Collins

What’s the chance that the Lakers are still interested in acquiring Rajon Rondo from the Celtics? Woudl the celtics be willing to trade Rondo if a 3rd team was included?

Eric Pincus

Something for both teams to play around with after the season. I’m not sure where either is after the season Rondo has had and after the Sessions pickup.

Chris Collins

If the lakers decide to amnesty Ron Artest how much interest would Nicolas Batum have in coming to the Lakers??? Also, what if they somehow found away to clear salaries of Steve Blake and Josh McRoberts for someone like O.J. Mayo?

Eric Pincus

I don’t see how the Lakers have the means to bring in Batum. Amnesty or no, the Lakers aren’t getting under the cap. The only way I can see it would be LA not taking Bynum’s option and using amnesty on Gasol. That’s not happening.

Steve

Why won’t the Clippers lock up Neil Olshey? As a Clips fan since 1979, I already know how this organization works, but still interested in your take.

Eric Pincus

I expect Olshey to return but then my gut said that the team would move on from Del Negro and now it’s official that he’ll be back: http://www.hoopsworld.com/clippers-retain-vinny-del-negro

Leon

Eric,
What’s the latest on Brandon Roy? I remember earlier this season, it seemed as if he felt that he would make a comeback from his retirement. Do you know if he has made progress? Also, since he was amnestied, if he comes back he could be signed by any team, correct?

Eric Pincus

Roy can’t be signed by any team – not the Blazers! Other than that, then yes. I would love to see a healthy Roy back in the league – IF he’s healthy and can stay healthy.

Max

People keep saying the Lakers should give up valuable pieces to trade for Howard. Isn’t there a considerable risk that we would get him for one season and then he would leave to the highest bidder?

Eric Pincus

I don’t see the Lakers giving up significant assets for Howard without the belief that he’s staying long term.

Jordan

Eric, the Clippers will have one busy summer, with a lot of players entering free agency. Do you see Lamar Odom as a good fit for this team? I know he left the Clippers on bad terms, but he seems to want to stay in LA.

Eric Pincus

I don’t see Odom as a fit. Clippers need a shooter and Lamar, even though he had some great years on the perimeter, really isn’t a trustworthy jump shooter.

big kev

Other than the possibility of trading Pau or Bynum, what players do you see the Lakers targeting in trades or free agency?

Eric Pincus

I will say I haven’t taken a real look at free agency yet but will in my article on Thursday.

Sam in LA

Which do you expect to be resolved first for the Clippers: GM or head coach?

Eric Pincus

Head coach.

sam jooma

What do you think about pau to nj for d will and bynum for d howard?

Eric Pincus

Really, the Nets don’t want Gasol. Some people say well he’s better than nothing but I’d disagree. Tying up $19 million in cap in an over-30 power forward – even with what he brings – doesn’t make sense for a team that is completely rebuilding.

Andrew

What’s up Eric! I’m a big time Warriors fan (sorry LA). What do you think is their most pressing need? Do you think they’ll be able to hang in the–still–tough Western Conference?

Eric Pincus

The biggest need, more than anything else, is a healthy year for Andrew Bogut and Steph Curry. From there it’s a matter of filling in the blanks with the right role players. The front office likes the idea of the Curry/Klay Thompson/fill-in-your-small-forward/David Lee/Bogut. It’s not perfect but they have the makings of a real team if healthy.

Max

If the Lakers would consider trading Kobe, but they don’t know if he would be receptive, should they ask him or would that be opening a huge can of worms?

Eric Pincus

The Lakers aren’t looking to trade Kobe.

diddy dirty money

Would this trade make sense…

LA Lakers get Devin Harris and Paul Millsap

Utah Jazz get Pau Gasol, Steve Blake

This gives the lakers a solid PG and PF and the jazz get a really good starting front court with Al and Pau.

Eric Pincus

It’s not great for the Lakers, it’s not awful. If the goal is saving major tax by 2013/14 then it’s a big step towards that. What I have trouble with is understanding what interest the Jazz would have in Gasol when they are rock solid up front and are really desperate for help at guard.

money in the bank

do you think Gasol has really good trade value. Honestly i wouldn’t take him. Yeah he know how to fill a stat sheet, but its obvious he’s failed in the playoffs for two years. Who do you think is going to pick him up since hes getting traded?

Eric Pincus

The name of Gasol would mean a lot to some teams. He’s a legitimate big man who will age well in the right role since he doesn’t play above the rim, can shoot, pass, rebound, etc. I’ve spoken to a couple of organizations who believe they’d just get more respect on many, many fronts with someone like Gasol in the middle.

If Gasol goes somewhere else, he’s going to need a banger next to him because there’s no secret Pau would prefer to play with less contact as as he ages.

We’ll see what comes. I don’t see a rebuilding squad wanting Gasol and teams on the verge of a title, they’d probably have to give up too much to get him.

Instead I’d look at teams with a ton of young talent on the verge of the playoffs who want to make that leap from 9-12 to 4-8.

Rico

Which Lakers free agents do you expect back next year? Matt Barnes, Devin Ebanks, Troy Murphy, Andrew Goudelock, Jordan Hill and Darius Morris. I left Ramon Sessions off as I expect him to pick up his option or re-sign. Also do you expect the Lakers to try and move a guy like McRoberts if they are able to retain Jordan Hill?

Eric Pincus

The obvious answer is Goudelock who is under contract (non-guaranteed). The Lakers would like Sessions to opt in but that’s unclear as of yet. I’ll address more on Thursday.

Ryan

Who is Chris Paul trying to recruit, what this clips squad going to look like next year

Eric Pincus

The real question is Mo Williams and his word – does he keep it an opt in? If he does, then the Clippers need to look for trades. If he opts out – then they have financial flexibility.

Cain

How good will the back-court of Curry and Thompson be next season?

Eric Pincus

If healthy, and with the duo of Bogut/Lee? They should be very good.

molloy

Hey Erick love your chats. Salary cap not being a factor who says no to Russell Westbrook for Deron Williams?

Eric Pincus

I’d think right now the Thunder say no but let’s see how they do against the Spurs.

Alex in Burbank

LO has expressed interest in coming back to the Lakers according to ESPN. In December do you think the Lakers will show thr same interest?

Eric Pincus

No, I don’t.

John

Wouldnt it be better for the lakers to trade bynum instead of gasol seeing how bynum can help the lakers get more asset to help kobe win his 6th ring?

Eric Pincus

That’s not how the Lakers see it.

Joe

Hey Eric,

The Clips need wings. Could they package something like Caron Butler and Mo Williams (with his expiring deal, once he opts in) for a legit 3, like Igoudala or Rudy Gay? If they needed to throw in future picks to make it happen, I think you do.

Also, when will they give Olshey a new contract? He’s been great!

Eric Pincus

I’m not sure where and what the Clippers do via trade. They’re looking for a stretch four who can shoot and play-make from the high post. They’d also like a traditional two-guard.

Alex in Burbank

Eric, it seems because you cover the mighty Lakers you get bombarded with the MOST questions of any writer here @Hoopsworld. Do you enjoy or hate that? Just curious!

Eric Pincus

I enjoy my weekly chats, can’t complain – whatever the reason for it is.

shreehari

Do u See The Lakers Trading Bynum for anyone other than Dwight for a Lottery pick a.k.a Anthony Davis ?

Eric Pincus

I actually can’t see any team trading Davis for Bynum. Economically what Davis brings on a rookie salary for as long as that team will be able to keep him? Yeah, don’t see it.

J

Hi Eric,

You, and almost everybody else, admits that the only tradeable asset Lakers have is Pau. If you were Mitch Kupchak, what is realistic trade you would definitely go after?

Eric Pincus

I never said that actually. The Lakers have different trade assets including the Lamar Odom trade exception, McRoberts, Hill/Barnes (via S&T) and technically Bynum though as I’ve said, I don’t believe they go there. We’ll have to wait and see what comes.

Chris

Hey Eric, what do you think the Pistons need to do to be a contender in the east? It seems they have some good young pieces but two very bad contracts in Gordon and Villanueva. Should they amnesty one of them in your opinion or wait a year until they are trade bait for having expiring contracts?

Eric Pincus

Yikes, how bad was that summer when the two acquisitions are just killing the cap for year after year. The Pistons just need to stay the course, get more experience, keep playing together. The key is making the right decisions before 2013/14 when the team clears out some cap. I’m not sure amnesty solves anything and the team should certainly look to see if there’s anything to get for Gordon/Villanueva though I’m not sure what.

shreehari

If Miami Doesnt Win the Title Do u see them Trading Bosh for Gasol ? Both teams get Better Players that fit their System ?

Eric Pincus

I don’t believe the Lakers will take Bosh and his contract.

Arley

Though seemingly the laughing stock of the NBA, what do you think the Bobcats are looking for in their next coach? I.e. an X’s and O’s coach, experience, defense, offense, etc.? Also, how much of a player would you expect them to be in this coming off season with regards to free agency and acquiring the right talent to move them out of the basement of the Eastern conference?

Eric Pincus

The Bobcats need a teacher – a patient coach who will deal with a few years of rebuilding. I’ve heard there’s some interest mutually with Nate McMillan although that might depend if he gets a offer elsewhere. In theory, if the Bobcats get the top pick, it changes things for the better with Anthony Davis.

spacefacemace

I have an interesting question for you. Remember that three way trade with the lakers hornets and rockets, and it got rejected? What were the rockets thinking? They were practically giving up their entire team for Gasol. Hes not worth that much in my opinion. Especially when your giving him up for chris paul. What do you think. How much is Gasol worth in a trade. Considering he is deffinetly one of the “softest” polayers

Eric Pincus

The entire team? At the time Dragic wasn’t considered a high-impact player. Scola, Martin and a pick? Is that really that much?

shreehari

Do u See Steve Nash coming to the Lakers Either as a Free Agent or Through The Trade Exception ?

Eric Pincus

Nash would have to demand a sign and trade. I find it a stretch but won’t call it impossible. I think Steve stays in Phoenix.

Tzvizzle Dizzle

Who says no?
Mo Williams and DJ for Pau?

Eric Pincus

Probably both teams.

Drew

Wolves Lakers

Gasol for Derrick Williams, Wesley Johnson and JJ Barea.

Is this about the right ballpark or just more not gonna happen nonsense?

Eric Pincus

I would argue it’s in the ballpark.

John

How would nash fit in with the lakers if he signs either the mini mid level or minimum contract? Would kobe allow nash to run the offense or will kobe allow his ego get the best of him?

Eric Pincus

This will have to do for the week. Once again, thanks for the turn-out! We’ll do it again on Tuesday.

John,

As I mentioned, I expect Nash back in Phoenix and when you say Lakers for minimum or $3.1 million Mini-MLE? I say no way. As far as fit, it’s difficult playing point guard on the Lakers when you must play inside out with Bynum and Gasol – and Bryant needs the majority of the touches.

Nash would fit as a shooter but he’d have to embrace playing off the ball which wouldn’t be easy.

I don’t see it on many fronts!