NBA Chat With Eric Pincus 6/26/12

Dylan

Mike Dunlap? What do you think of this hire?

Eric Pincus

Draft close – chat today – let’s go.

Dylan – I like it. The Bobcats just need to give him some patience, some players – the tools to coach. Dunlap knows basketball and I like it – especially for a team that won’t win much right away regardless.

Marcus

Hypothetical Question: LBJ finishes with 3 Championships, 3 Finals MVPs and 4 MVPs. Is his career better than Kobe’s 5 Championships, but only 2 finals MVPs and 1 MPV?

Eric Pincus

I’m not someone who looks at the MVP awards as a top measure. I’d have Kobe ahead based on ring count – but certainly the gap would not be large.

Rico

What do you make of Jim Buss’s recent public comments that the Lakers are unlikely to make any big moves. And that Kobe believes keeping the big three together gives him the best shot at a championship. Obviously he is speaking the truth as making a trade is more unlikely than not making one. However, do you think the Lakers give the big three another chance and bring in additional talent to surround them with such as M.Beasley.

Eric Pincus

Here’s the rule of thumb – sweeping change is unlikely in the NBA. It’s always unlikely. So Buss was saying a truism.

Because of that – there’s a real chance the team doesn’t find the opportunity to improve as quickly as they’d like – so there’s some expectation-management going on.

The actual work of trying to make trades and moves is independent of that track . . .

Dan

Can the Lakers sign up Jeremy Lin and Gerald Green to replace a “definitely out of touch with reality” ramon sessions, and ebanks? Anyway, if nobody picks ramon, the lakers can sign him to the minimum and teach him a lesson of properly evaluating where he is at the moment.

Eric Pincus

Hmm, no and yeah, no – and also no.

rap-rap

As we get closer to the draft I heard stories about Barnes and Beal going to be in the top 4. with that being said the KINGS really have a good shot at getting either T-rob or MKG depending on who charlotte picks at #2.. Sources are saying that Beal is going to the wizards knowing they already got ariza via trade. and cavs are high on barnes knowing the relationship between him and kyrie.. so if thats the case MKG could slip to #5.. would be another lucky year for the kings right? just like what happened in 2010 when they were able to draft cousins at #5.. I just had this feeling and i know im right that coming this draft it would be in this order, 1. Davis 2. T-rob, 3. Beal, 4. Barnes and 5. MKG.. I know alot of people think MKG would not slip to #5 but given the scenarios and current stories I really think MKG would fall to #5..

Eric Pincus

A real possibility among many.

Rico

What is your take on the Hornets-Wizards trade? I think it was a good trade for both teams. The Hornets clear out significant cap space to be able to sign some player(s) this off season that fit their core of Davis and Gordon. The Wizards get some solid rotation players (which they desperately need) and they could easily flip these players the following year as they will be expiring contracts but still rotation players for just about any team. Agree?

Eric Pincus

Love it for the Hornets – they moved out two players they just didn’t need any more who were set to earn a high dollar (in combination). I like but don’t love it for the Wizards. They have a better, more-solid team than they’ve had in a long time. They need to keep reworking it though . . .

TJ

Hey Eric, First time – long time,

Do you think Ilyasova would be great in the Clipper lineup if they made a move for him (maybe a sign and trade). What would be a package to use in a sign and trade?

Could they then trade DJ for an Iggy type player throwing in pieces to make it work and just go small a la the heat and thinder (with a big added to play 15-20 minutes a game… this is all DJ has been great fr anyways in last playoffs)?

Eric Pincus

I don’t expect DeAndre to be moved. I can’t see the Clippers investing in a player who is really a starting power forward – and looking to be compensated as such.

nick

Assuming OKC loses and Harden demands a lot of cash at contract time doesn’t this make sense for both teams.
Lakers send Bynum and Blake for OKC Westbrook and Perkins.
OKC gets a good low post presence and Harden moves into the starting lineup which makes them the best starting 5 in the NBA. Lakers get the most explosive pg and move Pau back down to the low post. This is a win win

Eric Pincus

This one was sent in before the Finals ended – but no, I don’t trade young big for young small like that.

WIZARD

what grade does ernie grundfeld deserve for lewis trade?Did hornets real offer #10 for taking either okafor or ariza contract?If they did then ernie deserve F.

Eric Pincus

I wrote maybe 30 times that the Hornets weren’t shopping that #10 pick with Ariza or Okafor. That was never the case.

WIZARD

Should pistons try to make dramastic changes(only monroe is untradeable) this offseason because this team is disaster?

Eric Pincus

Walking a long road in Detroit – some positive steps this past year but still a ways to go.

Luka

drummond is next kwame.What are the odds?I think preety good?Is mj so stupid to draft him #2?

Eric Pincus

Hmm – I don’t think Drummond will go #2.

joseph

Do you think that randy witman is wright coach for this wizards?If they hire svg they would probably compete for 4,5 seed in east.

Eric Pincus

This is not a team ready to make a real run yet. I’m not sure if Wittman is the guy long-term but as they rebuild? Sure.

oz

Aldrige doesn’t seem like a real leader and franchise plaxer,more like guy who will get his but it is too much burden on his back without roy and he can0t handle it?I think last season showed that.

Eric Pincus

Aldridge needs to play with more talent before we make that case. I’m not sure I agree there.

Mark

Kobe, Gasol (getting more touches near the basket), Bynum, MWP (with no back problems) and a resigned Session (with more practice time), plus Brandon Roy (back to 80% of his old self) and Rashard Lewis — enough to contend?

Eric Pincus

Could be.

Mark

The original “twin towers” (Robinson and Duncan) were quite effective, despite neither being a “stretch”-type player. If Gasol sticks with the team for another year, do you see the coaching staff continuing to push him away from the basket, or do you think they will change up the offense a bit with the benefit of a full training camp?

Eric Pincus

The Spurs had a lot of the right role players.

anthony

Eric,i believe Pau Gasol was the scapegoat for the lakers 2nd exit.With 2 skill big man i think Mike Brown did’nt use Pau affectly enough.Also,Kobe shoot to much he take those guys out of their game when he plays 3 on 1 hogging the bal, your thoughts.

Eric Pincus

I disagree. I don’t think it was coaching as much as it was Pau, the role players and then some coaching. There’s a movement to Bynum that’s not coming just from Brown but from management. Pau’s time as the top big man on the team is over and he’s not nearly the natural fit as a third option away from the basket. Additionally, I was never a huge fan of the tandem defensively.

Tasia

Hey Eric! Do you think Lakers and GSW would do this

Lakers trade Pau Gasol/Steve Blake/Josh McRoberts/Christian Eyenga

Gets #7/David Lee/Andris Biedrins/Richard Jefferson

Lakers get younger and add depth, Warriors get the star player they want and rid of their worst contracts.

Eric Pincus

I can’t see the Lakers paying for that kind of salary – Lee, Biedrins and Jefferson? I think that’s a non-starter.

jesse

Hey EP…thanks for your insight pal…so do u think its a foregone conclusion that chauncey returns since the arbitration ruled in the players favor? also, u mentioned kg as a possibility, do u believe he would come or is that just a thought?

Eric Pincus

The ruling had nothing really to do with Billups – the only thing it changed was the raise percent on a multi-year deal because LA could already pay Chauncey 120% more than last year’s $14.2 million. He’s not getting near that with or without Bird Rights.

JaMoomba

Is there any way that the Lakers can re-structure Kobe’s contract? No player is worth half of a teams’ cap and it looks like there is nothing the Lakers can do with their current financial situation to get out of 2cnd round purgatory. In your opinion what is the most likely/ideal trade for Pau? At this point, wouldn’t it be worth it for the Lakers to look for a couple high draft picks and some solid youngsters for Pau? It’s delusional for Laker fans to think we are going to get Howard, Williams or any other superstar because we simply don’t have the resources to make a blockbuster move happen, right?

Eric Pincus

The Lakers can’t restructure Kobe’s contract.

JaMoomba

Who’s to blame for the Lakers’ complete incompetence at working the draft? How can a marquee franchise be so seemingly bad at aquiring and developing prospects? I can understand not having high draft picks and Phil Jackson’s unwillingness to work with rookies or young players during his tenure. But the Spurs have been able to infuse their roster with youth and the Celtics retained all their vets, competed and still have the 21st and 22cnd picks in this years draft. Why have the Lakers been so terrible in this aspect?

Eric Pincus

Hmm, I don’t get your question. The Lakers have actually a solid track record – above-average even – in the second round (based on player longevity in the league). The team hasn’t had much chance at the bottom of the first or out. Instead they’ve used their resources in other areas and have five titles and seven NBA Finals appearances to show for it.

The draft is a tool – it’s not the Lakers primary tool and based on track record, I would say that’s not incompetence in any way, shape or form.

Jeff

What’s up Eric.. do you think Raymond Felton would be a good fit at PG for the Lakers? and do you think its some kind of trade the lakers can make with the warriors Pau for Lee & maybe somebody like Dorell Wright and a pick

Eric Pincus

Felton has ability but he was awful last year. I’m not sure he’s the guy. Last check the Warriors are still high on David Lee.

Jeff

Thanks Big E

Eric Pincus

You are welcome . . . wait, was there a question?

Vito Villegas

Hi! Your chats are something to look forward to while waiting for the regular season to start! Do you think Houston may be tempted to trade for Pau Gasol in exchange for their 2 1st round picks and Kyle Lowry? Would it be a fair exchange? Will these be enough to exchange for D-will from Brooklyn?

Eric Pincus

Three first-round picks now – and would the Lakers/Rocket make something like that? I believe Houston has bigger things on their mind than Gasol but as things progress, that might change. I’m thinking if Pau is moved – it’s beyond June – and the picks are made before July. We’ll see – I’m not guaranteeing Pau will be here July 1 but I’m not sure Houston moves that quickly on it with LA.

Alex in Burbank

Hi Eric, in lue of recent rumors, who is more likely to be a Laker next season? Rashard Lewis, Michael Beasly, Brandon Roy, Ray Allen or Kevin Garnett?

Eric Pincus

In order of likelihood? Beasley, Lewis, Roy, Garnett – highest to lowest.

charlie

Hi Eric – Would a “rental” on Howard be worthwhile at the cost of Andrew Bynum, especailly it will be Bynum’s last year anyway? He might opt out then too! With Howard, there is a realistic chance of getting DWill as well!

Eric Pincus

No, the Lakers won’t give up Bynum for a rental. It is very, very difficult for the Lakers to get Deron – given it would likely take a third team to make anything happen.

wenz

do you see the warriors trading a pick or/and players to land a legit starter?? I think anyone but curry is replaceable, although for the right deal i’d be willing to part with curry since he’s so injury prone

Eric Pincus

The recent buzz is the Warriors haven’t found a trade for their pick – not sure they do by draft.

The JOkeShow

Do you think that NOLA would trade #10 for Milsap straight up? The Jazz could use the pick on Marshall, I think the Jazz need a pure point guard then a shooter.

Eric Pincus

I’m not sure I’d go Millsap if I were the Hornets, that’s more of a win-now move and I don’t think they’re there yet by any stretch.

Philip Fletcher

What can you tell me to see that the NBA doesn’t fix things. I can’t see the the Spurs and the Thunder losing 4 in a row for any reason?

Eric Pincus

The NBA doesn’t fix games. There’s too much money at stake to fix games. If you do a basic risk/reward analysis – with the understanding that in most cases at some point the truth is exposed – there’s no reward worth that risk.

Anthony

What do u see the lakers do this offseason?Also,if the lakers really want 2 compete for champion again KOBE BRYANT really going have 2 “STOP HOGGING THE BALL”,trust his teammate get them involve he can’t have 30 touches a game,your thoughts.

Eric Pincus

It’s a two-way street. Kobe is going to be Kobe. You can win titles with him doing what he does – but that takes balancing the floor with the right kind of teammates. The Lakers don’t have that right now, not in full.

Anthony

Eric,realistically can the lakers somehow lured Deron William 2 play for them.The lakers always somehow lands the elite players,Chris Paul for example before the David Stern veto the trade.

Eric Pincus

Deron can sign with Brooklyn or sign with Dallas without a headache. To come to the Lakers involves so much more, it strains credibility.

jesse

with the billups situation mapped out…what stretch 4′s are the clippers looking at? is KG really a strong possibility? What do u think of Rashard Lewis in that capacity? Think he still has game left?

Eric Pincus

Some names attached to Clippers – Lamar Odom, Kevin Garnett, Rashard Lewis, etc. – also the big question will be Mo Williams and his opt out. Is he used in trade – do the Clippers have cap room or just the MLE? Still a lot to figure.

James

Always enjoy the chats EP. Thought it was interesting to see some familar names come out this weekend in regards to the Clipper’s general manager position. Last week you thought David Griffith might be the favorite. Do you still feel that way? Or do you feel there has been another candidate take the lead? Also curious when you think we can expect a hire to be made? Thanks keep up the good work.

Eric Pincus

Clippers still going through the process. Kiki Vandeweghe makes some sense from a PR perspective but I’m not sure he exactly killed it when he ran the Nuggets.

vito villegas

What are the chances of the Lakers acquiring any of the following players: Rashard Lewis, Michael Beasley, Raymond Felton and or Steve Nash? Who do you suppose can help the team the most and what would it take to acquire him?

Eric Pincus

I’m going to say Sessions is far more likely than Felton. I still have Nash back to Suns.

Jason (Sydney)

Hey Eric, with reports that Jared Sullinger is going to end up towards the end of the first round and that the Lakers are looking to trade into the first round, would drafting Sullinger be a good idea for LA if they can make it work? I think he could definitely help the team, back issues not withstanding, and could really add some offensive firepower to the bench.

Eric Pincus

He’s a bruiser with some medical question marks – not sure he has the outside shot to pair with Bynum. If it was something that happened, it’d be an interesting move and one I wouldn’t speak negatively about – even if he’s not the ideal stretch four I think they need.

JJ

Two questions. 1. Do you think the Lakers will end up with a first round pick in this years draft? 2. When the Lakers traded Shaq to the Heat, did they try to get Dwayne Wade in the trade going back to LA? I would think that when you trade a player like Shaq you could have gotten any player off of the Heats roster. Thank you.

Eric Pincus

There’s some debate as to whether or not it was an option for the Lakers re: Wade – but history is history – the Lakers titled up twice as did the HEAT since then . . .

Lakers have a shot at getting into first although it’s never something I’d call likely.

Raf

Hey Eric!
Who says no to this one?

Golden State: Lee and 7
Charlotte: 2 and either 31 or a minor player if they somehow don’t have the cap space to take Lee straight up.

Does the answer change if GSW are on the clock at 7 with MKG and Barnes gone (assuming Charlotte took Robinson at 2 and haven’t traded him to someone else yet)?

Eric Pincus

Probably the Bobcats and the Warriors.

darna

Will tparker be available for a trade? And will ajamison be a good 2nd pf for the lakers?

Eric Pincus

I don’t believe Parker will be traded this summer. I hear there’s a good chance Antawn Jamison goes back home to Charlotte.

adobo with love

Will lou williams be a good target for the lakers? 6th man role in my opinion?

Eric Pincus

Lakers have $3.1 million to spend – that’s not enough for Lou.

siopao

Is there any unknown team that has interest in pau gasol? The bucks,spurs, okc maybe? Where will kaman play,lakers,spurs boston or the heat?

Eric Pincus

Hmm, if it’s unknown – how would I know? I’m not sure yet what the market will be for Kaman. There’s a lot that has to happen first before the price is set.

pepperilla

How comebthe lakers didnt sign g.green and signed kapono and tmurphy? I bet its the scouts fault?

Eric Pincus

Green was a journeyman who hadn’t broken through yet. They had him in camp but he wasn’t allowed to practice or play (until the last game) because of a FIBA clearance issue. Perhaps when he was playing well in the D-League they should have pounced but didn’t.

joe the seller

If dwill makes the mavz signing official to the public by friday will the nets go rebuild mode tru brooks and lopez? Where will gwallace and hump play then?

Eric Pincus

There can’t be an official signing until July 11th. The Nets, if Deron walks for nothing, have a lot to figure out but they have cap room, a great location to play in Brooklyn and a willing owner. I expect the team to gradually become something – it’s just a matter how long. If no Deron -it may be a while.

shaulenny

What do you make of writers claiming that Kobe is the team’s problem? Had his teammates-especially Bynum, Gasol & Sessions-played up to their talent, the team would have gone further this year. Laker fans are spoiled-we’ve had a string of not just stars but superstars-Baylor, West, Chamberlain, Kareem, Magic, Shaq, and Kobe. Kobe may be on the decline, but he’s given the team over 15 years of great play, and he’s not finished yet-recall his 4th quarter flurry in the playoffs this year. It’s also premature and unfair to say that he wouldn’t play a supporting role for the right superstar should one join he team. Your thoughts?

Eric Pincus

Everyone had strengths and weaknesses, Kobe inclusive. He’s not the problem although there are areas he can improve certainly. Bryant’s contract is really more of a concern. No one should be making that kind of money in this new CBA. The bigger question is how much does he get after his deal runs out?

Allan

Hi, Eric:
Is there a reason why Bynum & Gasol combo isn’t working as well as Robinson/Duncan combo? I am sure there is enough room down the low post to accomodate 2 big men.

Eric Pincus

As I mentioned – role players and rule changes. No zone back then really – and the Spurs had guys who could hit shots. Lakers don’t have that kind of depth.

Maurice

Are the Bucks offering Monta Ellis for a top 10 pick and are there any trade rumors about bucks

Eric Pincus

I don’t see the Bucks trading Monta this summer.

Mike

Keep up the good work Eric. It seems that most Clipper’s message boards expect Gary Sacks to get promoted. Are you getting that feeling coming out of the Clipper’s camp?

Eric Pincus

I haven’t heard anything definitively yet but Sacks is a sharp guy. They could do a lot, lot worse.

jason

hi eric,like ur chats…any development with the lakers interest with brandon roy?alot of teams are now expressing their interest with him and as reported, the lakers were not listed.does it mean,the lakers is not interested in him?

Eric Pincus

The Lakers weren’t listed in a report but are you sure that report included every team and every detail? Often, as much as we try as journalists, we only get part of the picture painted. The Lakers have reached out to Roy to gauge his plans. He’s a possibility – although as the report noted – Lakers aren’t the only suitor.

Chris

Was Budinger for the 18th pick a good move? I though the t-wolves needed a sg?

Eric Pincus

Budinger can play two/three. He’s a floor-spacer. While he’s not necessarily going to take the ball off the dribble from the top – they do have Ricky Rubio to help set him up. We’ll see how that team evolves but I like Budinger.

bobby

lots of la trade rumors going on how true is the beasly coming to july trade and what about the lakers talking to the wizard for the 3rd pick trade?

Eric Pincus

Beasley over the summer to the Lakers has a chance. I’m skeptical the Wolves even give a qualifying offer frankly. I’m not thinking LA gets the third from Washington. While anything is possible – the Wiz have been pretty adamant that they’re keeping it.

jason

hi again,is this trade possible?pau gasol for lowry,dalembert + # 14 & 16 picks of the rockets?lowry will be a better fit as our pg and dalembert will be our backup center for andrew.

Eric Pincus

As I mentioned, I think the Rockets have bigger goals first – but you can argue that’s a good deal for the Lakers if you value the players at 14/16.

Nicholas

Do you see the Lakers doing anything on draft night? If not, do you think they could get Jason Terry with the mini and add Beasely through sign and trade?

Eric Pincus

Do you think Terry really wants to come to play for $3.1 million? I’m thinking he doesn’t.

Justin

Are John Paxson and Gar Forman fooled by having the best record in the regular season into thinking they have enough to win it all? Luol Deng cant be the 2nd best player on a team who wants to win a title!

Eric Pincus

The Bulls know they’re one star short of the HEAT – that was before the Rose injury.

Nicholas

Can the Lakers theoretically trade Bynum AND Gasol for Howard, then have enough money to sign Deron Williams if they amnesty Metta World Peace as well?

Eric Pincus

The math doesn’t work on that as far as cap room after such a move.

Tom

Hi Eric, have you seen much of Eyenga. He seems to have crazy athletic abilty-something the Lakers really need. What do you know of his work ethic and do you think he has the potential to become an impact player for the Lakers.

Eric Pincus

He has potential – as any young player does. He’s athletic. I’m not sure he’s impact though.

Jason M.

How serious is the chance of the Lakers trading into the 1st round without giving up Gasol or Bynum? I just don’t see anything that I think would entice a team to move a 1st to them, despite all the speculation. Am I wrong? Maybe their trade exception?

Eric Pincus

If the Lakers really wanted a late pick, I’m sure they can find them with other draft considerations and cash, etc.

Curtis

Lillard at 6 and Meyers/Zeller at 11? What about trading 11 and both 2nd rounders to Sac and drafting Lillard and Drummond? Thoughts?

Eric Pincus

A lot of good buzz on Lillard – then I would imagine the best available big at 11.

cowboy bamzy

At first houston look stupid on wanting to trade for dh12. But when alex twitted the dwilliams angle it maid houston a dark horse genius to get a new dynamic duo. Can it be done?

Eric Pincus

Can is a strange word. Is it legally within the realm? Sure. Is it something Houston will pull off? Difficult.

Bidern

Do you think that Bynum’s seemingly apathetic attitude and, in my view, character flaws, present potential problems for the future of the Lakers? I do.

Eric Pincus

Not really, no.

joker nicholson

Yo eric i heard MSG bought the forum and will be renovated. Will that be a new home for the clipzz?

Eric Pincus

Nah.

Iron

Hi Eric.

Not to bash Mike Brown, but was Larry Brown given any consideration for the Lakers HC job last year? He has a great pedigree and a history of getting teams to play defense while adapting to what he has to work with on offense.

Perhaps he would have been good to sign to a three-year deal to finish out the Kobe era, while keeping Kobe under control in terms to some semblance of shot selection and maximizing our bigs in the half court set.

Your thoughts?

Eric Pincus

Larry Brown is a difficult read. Certainly he can coach at a high level but he tends to bring some baggage with him – and leaves relatively quickly. Mike Brown is solid with still a lot to prove. I don’t think coaching in total was the problem. I’m not saying Mike is the right guy – just that last year a lot more went on than Mike Brown.

Larry

Would a mo Williams for jamal Crawford make sense for both teams?

Eric Pincus

I don’t know if I see Blazers wanting Mo.

Kendal

Could Perry Jones be a Durant type of player, and whats the best team fit for him?

Eric Pincus

If he was close to Durant, I’m not sure he’d be in the teens as he’s projected. He needs to be in a situation where he’s well-coached and has pieces around him so that he’s not the GUY by any stretch – certainly not yet.

Adam

Trading mo williams to the bulls seems like a perfect fit for both teams. What players could you expect in a trade.

Eric Pincus

I don’t think the Bulls want to pay for Mo at $8.5 million.

JGlanton

What is up with the Clippers’ logic of not hiring a GM until right before the FA period starts? There is work to be done. Plans to be formulated, strategies for team building, prelim discussions with FA’s, prelim discussions with other teams on deals, etc. It’s not just about talent evaluation. Don’t they value the importance of this position?

Eric Pincus

Andy Roeser has been the primary decision-maker for a long-time. Gary Sacks has the player evals. Vinny Del Negro represents the team as a public face. They’re fine under the circumstances. Obviously having a GM-level name in place could help.

Adam

I know chris paul wants billups back with the clippers. But a 37 year old player coming off that injury and not being able to play until January seems like not a good acquisition.Your thoughts pincus.com

Eric Pincus

Depends on price.

Adam

Have you heard anything on brandon rush. Will the warriors match his contract. Love to see him in a clippers uni.

Eric Pincus

Rush would be a good fit for a lot of teams. It’s hard to get a read on the Warriors. It’s more of a post-draft question.

Tom

What is the situation with Aaron brooks? Does the rockets have the rights to him? Doesn’t make it 3 pgs they have?

Eric Pincus

He’s a restricted free agent with the Suns.

Kyle

I heard that the Lakers have an interest in Marquis Teague? Is this true?

Eric Pincus

I saw the mention – not sure if accurate.

food truck in downtownLA

Is mwp ,matt barnes blake ,goudelock,dmorris be assets that can bring a pick on this weeks draft? When will the firts domino fall on the lakers mini rebuild to contend for a ring next year? Thanks E!

Eric Pincus

Barnes and Morris aren’t as free agents. What’s the value on Peace, Blake and Goudelock? Not high I’d say, though it depends on context.

Hen1040

Brandon Roy… Please tell me if you have think the lakers have a real shot at Brandon Roy? I know you have hinted at it but is that just a guess or you heard rumblings he might like la.

Eric Pincus

As I mentioned – he’s a possibility although there will be a lot of teams looking to lure Roy.

Hen1040

Is the possible financially if players do it. If the wanted too. Can lakers sign and trade for beasley, resign sessions, sign brandon roy and rashard lewis if bought out. While keep the core of pau, bynum and kobe.

Eric Pincus

Yes if the players (and Wolves) are agreeable.

Cole

If the Jazz are so into Damian Lillard as multiple sources are saying. Is there a realistic way for the Jazz to trade into the top 10 to draft him?

Eric Pincus

I’m hearing a lot of teams are high on Lillard right now – might be difficult.

Robert

What do you see GSW doing with the 7,30,35,52?

Eric Pincus

I see drafting at 7 – maybe trying to trade out at 30. The second-rounders aren’t especially important. I could see a team looking to add youth wanting both 30 and 35.

Gau Pasol

Why does everyone want to trade Pau away? I am, I mean, he is regarded as one of the best big men in the game and had to adjust to playing a different type of game than I’ve ever been asked to play? Why Eric why?

Eric Pincus

The Lakers have shifted priorities. Gasol is older now and at $19 million, too expensive to be a third option. The Lakers need depth and he seems to be the clear path to that. Also, Gasol’s performance the last two postseasons have been lacking.

bolo

Mr. Pincus,

I read a rumor of the Lakers willingness to trade Metta for a late first round pick. It makes sense to me if they can dump his salary for a pick without using the amnesty card. Which teams do you think would even want to consider taking in Metta (and his contract)?

Eric Pincus

The Lakers would like to reduce payroll – not for this coming season but the next (although to a point this season too) – and Metta’s contract has one too-many years on it.

force23

Mavs is going to trade Odom in the draft night?

Eric Pincus

They’d like to (at least before July, not necessarily on draft night itself).

Johnny

Eric, can you confirm Amico’s report last night that the Lakers are essentially shopping everyone outside of Kobe? Said the Lakers could look to trade Metta for a first rounder if they can find a taker. Any other rumblings involving the purple and gold heading into draft day?

Eric Pincus

I’ll say I would add Bynum to the Kobe list – he’s not someone they’re actively looking to move.

Steve

Hi Eric – Rodney Stuckey for Paul Milsap. Which team says “no”?

Eric Pincus

I think the Pistons hold on to Stuckey a little longer.

Nick

If the Knicks re-sign Lin, Fields, Novak and JR Smith, and then add Kidd, Randy Foye and Odom (feasible, even keeps them under hard cap) how do you think that roster would stack up against the East next season?

Eric Pincus

That’s asking too many players to sign at the minimum. I’m not buying it. I don’t see New York as the best in the East but with Chicago hurt, they’re better than they’d otherwise be.

Alex Amerling

What do you think are the most likely additions the lakers will make this offseason?

Eric Pincus

If I had to guess on what free agent, I’d say Beasley.

Mart Juan

Kyle Lowry, Kevin Martin, Luis Scola, no. 16 pick for Pau Gasol and Ron Artest. who says no?

Eric Pincus

Right now Rockets as they look first for more.

Matt

Is Kobe’s reputation hurting the Lakers chance of landing another superstar? First Howard, now Williams is not considering the purple & gold.

Eric Pincus

Actually Williams wants to go to the Lakers, that’s totally backwards. The problem is LA has no cap room to sign him.

jack

Is Pau Gasol about to be traded?

Eric Pincus

I wouldn’t say that just yet – but if the right deal came along, certainly LA would move him.

Paul

Does Steve Nash to the Lakers make that much of a difference? I think his ability to spread the floor and set Pau and Bynum up would make everyone better. Kobe can then just worry about getting his own (doesn’t he always;)

Eric Pincus

Nash is a great fit offensively, tremendous – although there would be some give and take learning how to have him and Kobe play together – and then driving lanes would be limited for Nash with two bigs. That said, because Nash is a tremendous shooter – it’d be workable. Of course I don’t see it, so . . .

jesse

If the clips trade mo will on draft night…what would teams give up for him considering he can opt out?

Eric Pincus

Mo can’t opt out AND be traded. It’s one or the other. If he’s traded, he first has to opt in to allow it to go through.

eric

Will the lakers reschedule their Town Hall Meeting?

Eric Pincus

Looks like no as of right now – TBD.

Scott

More beneficial to the Clips, Mo opts in or opts out? I think it would be better if he’s in. Gives the Clips another asset to work with. Good teams rarely drop below the cap.

Eric Pincus

Best case is a simple opt-out so they have that spending flexibility. If he opts in to allow a trade LA feels helps them? Then sure.

Robert

Eric, I am a Celtics fan. Who do you think slides down to the Celtics at 21 and 22 in the 1st round? Thanks.

Eric Pincus

Hard to say but I will say Ainge usually drafts well and someone will fall. It may not be the best prospects but there will be some solid talent at 21/22.

Christopher Jericho

I am a Canadian, and I would love to see my team the Toronto Velociraptors take a step forward. Obviously they don’t have room on the team for James Johnson, Amir Johnson, and Ed Davis. Who should they try to get rid of, and who is worth of staying on Canada’s best team?

Eric Pincus

The Raptors have a lot to resolve. Their future is quite unclear. I hope we all have a better picture after the draft on “Canada’s best team!”

Jaryd Sul-Injar

I am just curious how important you think height it to an NBA player’s success. I keep hearing about how some players might not do well in the pros simply because they are slightly undersized. However, I feel that if someone was successful in college because of their post moves, and did not rely only on their size to score, they have a good chance of translating that ability to the pros. Thoughts?

Eric Pincus

This will have to do for the week. I, like the rest of you, am looking forward to Thursday’s draft. Love the answers and the intrigue as teams jump around and make some moves finally.

Jaryd, Height is important, absolutely but it’s just one of many, many factors. It’s far from the definitive reason why someone is a great player. It just helps to be 7′ tall and talented vs. 6’7″ and talented as a “big man.”