NBA Chat With Eric Pincus 7/24/12

Deven

Hi Eric. Where would rank the Clippers next season with the additions they’ve made this offseason?

Eric Pincus

Free agency continues – today we chat:

Deven, I’m going to hold off ranking teams until we see their final rosters heading into the season but the Clippers look to be among the top in the Western Conference.

Chris

Do you think with the additions the Lakers and Clippers have made, they are now the top 2-4 teams in the league? Where do you project them ending up at the end of the season?

Eric Pincus

Second verse, same as the first (same answer applies to Lakers).

jelani

What up Eric! hey i just want to say that the lakers are trying to get howard knowing he wont sign an extention with them. so my thought is there only interested cuz they know they csan trade him to the nets and get lopez and some draft picks for him..remember they dont have any draft picks in the first round..what do you thin?

Eric Pincus

The confusion is that Howard won’t sign an extension with anyone. At least as it stands now, he wants to hit free agency in order to sign a longer, five-year deal vs. the three he’d get in an extension. The Lakers would not be trading for Howard just to trade him away later. If it came to that, they’d be doing it because they believe he’s their long-term center.

greg sailor

With DeAndre Jordans propensity to get into early foul trouble, i think the Clips should have a 3rd center to fill out the roster. As it now stands, Hollins may end getting more minutes than DJ. Do you get the impression the organization will sign a 3rd center?

Eric Pincus

No and actually I would expect a lot of minutes at center to go to Lamar Odom alongside Blake Griffin at four.

CrazyFan

Eric, what is your take on d12 wanting to play for the Lakers. Latest rumor says he wants to play and will sign an extension. Now his agent is saying he won’t. Who is credible anymore.

CrzyFan

Eric Pincus

We’re talking semantics. Howard CANNOT promise any team he’ll stay beyond his current contract. You can’t make “deals” like that and it’s the responsibility of Howard’s agent to convey the message that there’s no pre-arranged deal (even if there is/was one) – otherwise David Stern can step in with “basketball reasons.” In other words, the new development would be that Dwight is open to staying long-term with the Lakers – but he won’t take extension anywhere.

Jay

Gerald Green…

What’s his status? I know that the Lakers are looking for an athletic wing or 3. I heard he was on the Lakers radar sometime ago – I don’t know whether that interest fizzled…

Eric Pincus

He’s going to Indiana.

Diego Rico

Although I believe the Lakers would like to trim their payroll some, it doesn’t look like they are able to do that while competing for a championship. Do you think the Lakers ultimately pony up and become luxury tax payers for the next several years? My guess is they use the amnesty on Blake or Metta after this season and then hopefully look to resign Kobe at a lesser cost per year two years from now.

Eric Pincus

Right now it looks like Lakers are willing to go out spending, at least for one more year – before we get to the (potential) post-Kobe Bryant era.

Christian Frank

After the Jordan Hill signing, do the Lakers still have the mini-mid level exception available to them? Although I’ve heard that they aren’t planning to use it, they still need at least one more wing player that can be productive off of the bench. Of the following players; whom do you like, would be a good fit and would be available for the exception—> Leandro Barbosa, Brandon Rush, Carlos Delfino, Mickael Pietrus or Jodie Meeks? Personally I think Rush would round out the roster quite nicely but a sharpshooter like Meeks might be the most useful considering how the roster is currently constituted.

Eric Pincus

Lakers do have the Mini MLE. Rush is restricted. The other three should be considered possibilities although the Lakers have indicated they’re in no rush to use their Mini MLE – and may not use it at all. Keep in mind that if the Lakers do manage to trade for Dwight Howard (long shot as it may be), they would probably be taking on Jason Richardson as well.

Vito Villegas

Hi! As a Lakers fan, there’s a lot to be excited about the coming season!!! Steve Nash, Antawn Jamison, Jordan Hill re-signed!!! Do you think the Lakers should continue to pursue D12? Dwight’s game has reached it’s peak and I don’t think he could become any better. Bynum on the other hand is still evolving and can be much better than Howard.

Eric Pincus

Howard is a better all-around player than Bynum.

Bryant T. Jordan

What are the odds Mike Brown is fired and Phil Jackson is hired if LA isn’t leading their division by the All-Star break?

Eric Pincus

I would say slim – not zero but low single-digits.

Bryant T. Jordan

Why aren’t teams like the Hornets, Bobcats and Blazers interested in swapping future picks and cap space in return for Bynum in a 3-team trade where Orlando sends Dwight to LA? Bynum would make a ton of sense on each of those teams.

Eric Pincus

Who is to say it doesn’t come to that just because to date it hasn’t? Things evolve regularly in this kind of drawn-out scenarios – but suffice it to say, whoever acquires Bynum for valuable pieces is going to expect Bynum to stick around long-term. If they don’t feel that’s the case, they won’t get involved.

Kobe Bryant

Everyone knows I was joking when I said I could retire in two years, right? I’ll obviously play at least 5 more seasons to break Kareem’s all-time scoring mark and give myself the best shot at 7 titles to best Jordan … right?

Eric Pincus

Not sure. I think Kobe sticks around beyond his current contract but that’s just one man’s opinion.

harry young

True or False: The Lakers will have 4 All-Stars next year?

Eric Pincus

At least two, I’m not sure four.

jason

hi eric.if d lakers acquire howard,will he be d last piece of d roster or we will expect small pices to be added in the lineup to upgrade our second unit?morris,goudelock & eyenga r already assured in the lineup or they will battle it out during the training camp?

Eric Pincus

It would be dictated on who was given up and who else comes with Howard.

jason

it’s me again.do you see d lakers pursuing to add brandon rush?who do you think will get d minutes as kobe’s backup sg?goudelock,eyenga or ebanks?do u think DJO will be n d final lineup?r they still going to get jodie meeks n jermaine o’neal?

Eric Pincus

I write about Brandon Rush here NBA@2: Time for Carl Landry to Get Paid http://www.hoopsworld.com/nba2-time-for-carl-landry-to-get-paid – I find it a stretch he’s a Laker but nothing impossible. As far as backup SG, TBD – could be Jason Richardson if they get Howard.

jason

eric,with d jhill signings,wat will happen to mcrob?could we expect to package him in exchange for brandon rush?

Eric Pincus

The Warriors are trying to get Carl Landry. If he doesn’t come, would they want McRoberts? I’m not sure Josh did anything to create value last year and I hear Golden State still wants Brandon Back. TBD.

Putt Saddler

Hey Mr.Pincus can you check out my son Devon Saddler from the Delaware blue hens Devon is shooting guard avg 19pts 5rbs 4ast last season he is a junior next season made 2nd team CAA n also was the Rookie of the year his 1st season.Just want to get his name out there early. Devon is another tough guard from Baltimore. Thanks for your time Mr.Saddler

Eric Pincus

Good luck to Devon.

joel serrano

hi mr pincus,

aside from j.hill and a.jamison, who are possible free agents will be plucked by mr kupchack to boost lakers bench?
do u think j. o’neal and raja bell will fit in?

Eric Pincus

If LA has an extra big, I’m thinking it’s Robert Sacre – their pick in the draft at 60.

hate heat

am0ng the lakers Summer League team players,who d0 think will be included on the final r0ster?
P.s. Y0u l00k like J0HN TRAVOLTA

Eric Pincus

Uh, OK – thanks I guess. Darius Moris and Christian Eyenga are under guaranteed contract (barring a trade for Eyenga). Andrew Goudelock is non-guaranteed. Darius Johnson Odom and Robert Sacre appear likely to sign camp deals – from there it becomes a matter of roster spots. It’s difficult to keep everyone.

jim buss

should we trade bynum f0r dwight or we’ll keep drew?

Eric Pincus

All things being equal, Howard has his flaws but is a better fit with the roster, a better long-term building block and currently the better overall player. You lose some of Drew’s upside offensively, which may be greater than Howard’s but Dwight has more of the complete game (except free throw shooting).

Steve

any news on the raptors and what additional moves they will do this offseason?

Eric Pincus

The Raptors will be better this year with Kyle Lowry, Landry Fields, Jonas Valanciunas, John Lucas, Terrence Ross and Quincy Acy. Also Aaron Gray is back and IF Andrea Bargnani can stay healthy and return to his high level of play, the Raptors as is may compete for a low playoff spot. Jose Calderon is on the block but no word yet what they’ll get for him.

JimNugget

Hey Eric, with all the new signings, where do you get your updated salary cap numbers ?

Eric Pincus

I make them up. Nah, it’s all sourced material and I can’t reveal that sort of thing.

Brea Bob

Great chats Eric. Did Ramon Sessions actually sign with Charlotte yet or can the Lakers do a sign and trade and get something they want. Perhaps even getting a third team involved. We need a young back-up SF/2 Guard that can defend.

Eric Pincus

He’s long-gone to Charlotte.

jmoola

Is there a chance the lakers trade pau gasol instead of bynum for somebody besides howard

Eric Pincus

The buzz out of LA is that the Lakers want to see what Nash/Gasol look like on the floor together.

Diego Rico

Looks like Adam Morrison is out to prove that he deserves one more chance in the NBA. It’s unfortunate he got hurt his second year and then sat on the bench for two years as part of the Lakers championship teams. I hope he makes a NBA roster this year and is able to find a niche on a team. He will never be a good defender but I think he can provide some scoring off the bench in the right situation. What are your thoughts?

Eric Pincus

He can shoot and shooters can often find roles in the NBA. He played really well for the Clippers, especially in that last game where he was vintage-Adam Morrison. He’ll end up in a camp but opportunity will dictate if he sticks with a roster.

LA in LA

I’m hearing conflicting reports about Lakers and J.Richardson/Hedo. One tweet says Lakers want NO PART of Hedo, while another said they would take Hedo but want NO PART of J.Richardson.
What do your sources tell you?

Eric Pincus

I’ve heard Jason Richardson and I don’t think there’s a black and white – NOOOOO on anything here – just a matter of finding a combination that makes the math work. We’re not there yet.

Oleg

Hi Sir!

Die-hard Lakers fan here. Besides Dwight Howard what other needs does the Lakers want to address? Are they looking for additional shooters? Is Delfino an option? He’s a decent shooter and a good defender as well.

Thanks you Sir!

Eric Pincus

You can argue that but it looks like LA will keep Metta and then retain Ebanks – barring a trade.

Michael

Lakers had a very good offseason acquiring Nash, Jaminson, and resigning Hill but do you think it safe to say there are done in the free agent market aspect. Personally I don’t see any realistic signings options who will take the minimum.

Eric Pincus

Ronnie Brewer just took the minimum – I wouldn’t say that.

Azzar Nadvi

Excited to see if DH finally gets to LA. There would still be a small part of me sentimentally sad to see bynum leave. He’s a good man. I read Bill say lakers might land JRich in a trade. Who would Lakers give up besides bynum?
How would you rank lakers now/with DH JRich
Also, do you think bynum would evolve his game through the rough being the focal point or get worse due to more attention on him on defense

Eric Pincus

I’m not going to expand much further here in chat on it but I’d start with Ebanks and McRoberts – and possibly one of Metta World Peace or Steve Blake – but again, it depends on who else is coming back to LA. We’re still in long-shot territory for the Lakers although things certainly can change as the summer goes on.

robsa

Eric -lots of people compare stats on Bynum and Dwightmare, but howcome no one states the obvious- that Bynum has not one fast twitch muscle fiber in his body? He’s a plodder, albeit a big one. I can’t decide if he’s a rich man’s Nazr Mohammed or Rasho Nesterovic ? I bet Lakers would have 2 extra banners if they’d kept both Gasols together instead.Agreed? (assuming you can honestly respond and still interview the big guy in future).

Eric Pincus

Bynum is a lot better than you describe. The issue is more about injury risk, what Dwight can do and Bynum’s looming new contract/extension.

rook

how do rank the lakers young players? like d.morris goudelock sacre djo ebanks +dfenders players,,
1 being the top…

Eric Pincus

Ebanks looks the most polished, though still has a lot of learning to do. Goudelock is still finding a position. Morris still has upside as a pick and roll point guard. I’m curious to see if Johnson-Odom’s shooting will translate to the NBA – and if he can guard the two despite lack of size. He might be able to in certain instances. Lakers like Sacre as a role player.

ted the talking bear

Why did randy foy went for a one year deal?! Im surprise no one took interest on him for atleast a 3 year deal? Lastly are the spurs done remodelling or will they surprise us by letting manu or ginobli go?! Stephen jackson to the lakers for one year maybe?

Eric Pincus

Teams are doing their best not to spend. Utah is a good look for Foye. I don’t see Jackson going to the Lakers.

tapsilog

Where will arenas,matt barnes,terrence williams, deonte green, carlos delfino( i wish the lakers grab him),stephen jax,weems end up??

Eric Pincus

Jackson still under contract with the Lakers. I don’t know where the rest land but Green has some real upside still and Delfino is a capable contributor as well. I’m not sure what happens specifically with Weems – no word yet.

Fred White

reports/sources said the magic date for dwightmare is august 5.
would you rank the possibilities of what will happen.(1 highest)
*dwight to LA
*dwight to Houston
*dwight remains w/ Orlando
*dwight to other teams

Eric Pincus

If the Magic are looking to attain first-round picks who have already signed (Donatas Motiejunas, Tyler Zeller, Dion Waiters, etc.), it may have to wait until the second week in August.

WILL

Is Adam Morrison going to make the clippers roster?

Eric Pincus

They have to sign him to a contract first (even non or partially guaranteed). Just being on as summer squad doesn’t translate to a regular season contract.

johncarloyu

With Nash on board, Sasha Vujacic can be a good spot up shooter to sign?

Eric Pincus

You can argue it but the Lakers already moved on from Vujacic and it’s rare for teams to go back (though sometimes they do).

johncarloyu

If the Lakers will s&t for Rush, who can they offer? Blake and McRoberts will do?

Eric Pincus

Just because the Lakers can offer something doesn’t mean a team is going to want to take that player, no?

Chris

Everyone says the Magic should trade Dwight Howard, but what if they just don’t? There won’t be that much teams in 2013 with enough capspace, the Magic won’t have to do a S&T – so the number of teams Dwight can go to via Free Agency is pretty limited. So if there is no offer the Magic like, why not call Dwights bluff and see if he wants to join the Kings or someone else in Free Agency instead of resigning?

Eric Pincus

If Howard just signs outright with the Mavericks or Hawks, then all these offers the Magic have turned away with nice, young assets and picks – even if they’re not enough so far to trigger a deal – go out the window.

Bobby

With free agency all but over and the Clips having a very good offseason and only formally interviewing one general manager candidate. Do you see them just promoting Gary Sacks to the position? What kind of timetable do you think we’re looking at before a decision is made? Thanks Keep up the great work.

Eric Pincus

The Clippers have been, seemingly, quite functional as is. They may just call Sacks their VP of Basketball Operations and go from there – but that’s only speculative.

Mutang

Well Eric, I think it may be time for people to start worry about the Utah Jazz. There made it to the 8th seed last year with dominant bigs, and weren’t even supposed to make it out of the lottery. They were the worst team in the league in 3pt shooting, but then this offseason added Mo, Marv and now Foye who all shot 39% from 3 last year. Combine that with Gordo who shot above 40% the second half of the season, Burks who is showing he indeed as some James Harden in him, and Favors who clearly is ready to start and punish, and you have the makings of a SERIOUSLY scary team!!!
Where do you see them (I see 4-5th seed) finishing, do you like this team and anything else they should do, thanks!

Eric Pincus

The Jazz are solid and will compete for a playoff spot. I’m not sure they’re elite yet in the West but they will be a factor.

ClipperZach

Clippers bring in Ryan Hollins to back up DeAndre Jordan, Grant Hill to back up Caron Butler, LO to back up BG, Jamal Crawford to back up Billups (Or Vice-Versa dont know who will start the 2) and of coarse Eric Bledsoe will back up CP3, CAN YOU SAY STACKED???? I mean I would prefer DeAndre to back up an elite center but other then that this team is DEEP. How do you rate their offseason moves and how far do you see them going this upcoming season?? Thanks Eric!!

Eric Pincus

The Clippers have done a good job this summer adding depth and mixing in veteran smarts with young athletic (forgive me) freaks.

Rod

Would a Bynum-McRoberts trade to Clev. for Varejao, T. Thompson, D. Gibson and a couple of 1st rd. points make sense? With Nash coming in, a Gasol-Varejao duo would provide for more mobility.
Gibson is outside shooter and Thompson and picks, while not Howard or Andrew, still paves way for life after Kobe/Nash.

Eric Pincus

The Lakers will either keep Bynum or trade him for Howard.

Kevin

Whats your opinion on Nate Robinson as a pick up for Lakers? Only chance they get him is if no one else picks him up and he signs for the minimum but Nate can provide some instant offense and has been known to drain the 3′s on occasion

Eric Pincus

It’d be interesting but given the scoring prowess on the Lakers – I’m thinking they need defenders who can spot up. Not sure that’s Nate really.

Tom Leung

Is it time finally for the Lakers to walk away from DH12 and focus extending AB17? All along the Magic seems don’t know what they are doing.

Eric Pincus

It’s not time to move on until either Dwight is moved or it gets in the way of other things the Lakers need to do – so far it hasn’t

Gil

Why didn’t the Lakers go after Randy Foye or Ronnie Brewer?

Eric Pincus

Typically if a guy is willing to take less – especially younger guys – it’s to an opportunity where they’ll get a lot of minutes to earn the next contract. I’m not sure backing up Kobe Bryant represents that. The Lakers are more likely to get veterans who want a last crack at a championship when it comes to discount signings.

Roman

Randy Foye didn’t get a big contract from Utah, did Clips try to bring him back? Did Randy even want to come back?

Eric Pincus

The Clippers were very happy with what Foye did for them this past year but with Billups, Crawford, Bledsoe and Hill – they just didn’t have the spot for him.

Lakeshow

Thanks for all the Laker insight. Very much appreciated. Nash is an incredible acquisition. That said he has a bad back and requires limited minutes. Blake struggles getting the ball into the post. Are the Lakes considering upgrading their backup PG situation. Or considering signing a combo guard (Delonte?). Whoever is backup will be playing significant minutes. Also r we hoping that Warriors sign Landry and thereby being against the lux cap which might enable us to sign Rush (who would be terrific on the Lakers)?

Eric Pincus

The Lakers are still open to changes but so far it’s Blake behind Nash with a little Morris. I have heard for some time there’s a good chance Delonte returns to Dallas.

Chris

Hi Eric. Safe to say Bulls have conceded the title to Miami/OKC for the next 2 seasons in the hopes of (finally) landing a superstar in summer 2014? And, if that’s the case, which superstars are realistic targets? Lebron, Kobe (if he’s not retired), Kevin Love (trade), etc…?

Eric Pincus

The Bulls saw that Rose is likely out until March and wanted out of the tax. I’m not sure who they land down the road. I know they’d like another star – who wouldn’t?

James

Considering how well Devin Ebanks played last year when Kobe was out, why aren’t the Lakers considering him more to be the back up SG for Kobe? It would help them save money and why did he skip the Las Vegas summer league?

Eric Pincus

Ebanks had a “knee” injury but it’s more about keeping him off the court. They didn’t want him to get hurt and if he doesn’t stay for the team’s qualifying offer, he’ll be involved in a S&T for someone like Dwight . . .

Scott

Will Hill be backing up Bynum and Jamison backing up Gasol?

Eric Pincus

Something like that – but rotations evolve as the season progresses. Jamison can also play some three potentially.

Scott

Thoughts on Morris becoming the number 2 backup to Nash?

Eric Pincus

There’s a chance though it may take some time – possibly not for another year. It really depends on how well Morris develops.

Michael

Hollins looks like the same player as DJ for a fraction of the price. Would Houston have an interest in DJ for the Clips to propose a 3-team trade for Dwight?

Eric Pincus

The Clippers aren’t really in on the Dwight chase right now.

Bruno

Eric, yesterday in his chat Bill said that the Suns are a Top 10 team right now in the NBA. Do you agree with that ? For me they´re the last one on their own division !! And how good would the Warriors be if they can sign Landry and keep Rush ? They would have: Curry, Jack, Thompson, Rush, Jefferson, Barnes, Landry, Lee, Bogut, Jenkins, Ezeli and Green. It´s a playoff team, right ?

Eric Pincus

I like the Suns although I’m not sure I have them as high as Bill does. Honestly, I haven’t ranked and won’t until things clear up with rosters a bit more. I do like the Warriors. If healthy they may be a force.

Dhrupesh Rajani

Do you think Dwightmare will end in early August when the rookies are allowed to be included in trade deals, thus allowing a Houston/Magic or Houston/LA/Magic deal? I can’t help but think that Houston would be better off with Bynum then a mere rental of Dwight

Eric Pincus

To be clear, rookies like Royce White, Jeremy Lamb and Terrence Jones – who haven’t been signed to contracts – can be traded at any point.

kurisu

do u think its wiser for lakers to try and get glen davis from orl than jrich or other bad contract if trade with them whether its straight up or in a 3 team trade? davis looks better to boost the bench more at 5.

Eric Pincus

You can argue that.

scmiker

Now that the Lakers have decided to stand pat with its core players, How does that affect the Lakers getting under the salary cap for next season?

Eric Pincus

I don’t get your question really but I will say the Lakers aren’t getting under the cap next season – under almost any circumstance.

Clay Bertrand

Yo Big PINC, would/should/do the Lakers have any interest in AK47??? Seems he’s coming back to the NBA for more than a paycheck and a gig with a lottery team.

Eric Pincus

The Lakers can offer Kirilenko only $3.09 million. Will he come for that? I’m not sure he does. If he goes to Brooklyn for less, it’s for reasons outside of money.

1982

What do you think Houston is trying to do? Hold onto trade bait while selling tickets?

Eric Pincus

They’re trying to land Dwight Howard and if not Howard, Bynum. If all works well, they’d like to then go after an high-level three like Rudy Gay or Andre Iguodala. A nice plan but the ability to execute it? That remains to be seen.

Jason

Just read a report saying the magic may keep Howard and do a sign and trade next year… This must be a smoke screen… teams over the tax level can’t be involved in S&Ts so that leaves teams under the tax… the two teasm that jump out to me are atlanta and Dallas… why would they give up anything to sign him? and why would dwight help the magic? to get 7.5% raises instead of 4.5%? i don’t see it… he can’t even get the 5th year so… if they keep him they lose him for ZERO.

Eric Pincus

I don’t expect this issue to last through the regular season – past the deadline – to next offseason. I just don’t. That doesn’t mean it’s not possible.

Alfredo Rodriguez

Adam Morrison performed very well for the Clippers Summer League Team. Rumor has it, after the Celtics game, Clippers immediately signed him. Only source right now is Greg Anthony from NBATV who was relayed this information by inside sources in Las Vegas. Can you confirm if he’s signed or if he just joined the training camp roster? Could Morrison be a perfect fit for the Clippers with Paul, Billups and Bledsoe?

Eric Pincus

I haven’t heard anything about a Clipper signing of Morrison – although it may eventually come perhaps.

Jasn

Is it possible the Lakers sign Bynum to extention and THEN trade bynum when eligable? Makes since long term on magic side, but would the Lakers do something this. Major low blow to Bynum. I think players would notice that they did that and remember it when they sign with the team. Or am i just crazy with all this.

Eric Pincus

I believe it’s a six-month wait to trade Bynum after giving him an extension.

Gustavo A Thomas

Why Ch Bulls cant trade good players like R Brewer,CJ Watson and J Lucas on last year contract,when you see others teams trade players like L Walton, E okafol,M Williams with big contract remaining?

Eric Pincus

The Bulls didn’t want to bring much salary back.

Jerry

Can the Lakers use the “stretch clause” on Kobe’s final year to reduce their tax burden?

Eric Pincus

No.

jesse

Happy Tuesday to u E.P…So u think Adam Morrison will be taking his talents and 70′s-italian-pornstar mustache to Playa Vista with the clips after his summer league play? Clippers need shooting right? Thanks E.P.

Eric Pincus

No mustache currently.

Andy B

Why doesn’t the NBA consider having the Summer League before the NBA draft? With so much at stake it would certainly give another perspective in the evaluation process.

Eric Pincus

That kind of defeats the purpose. What teams would each play for? How would they get their intro to the team’s philosophy. It’s kind of backwards, I’m afraid.

nick

Can you please update the CAVS salary page already.

Eric Pincus

I’m trying! I’ve gotten through about 20 of 30 teams give or take. Summer league took a bite out of my schedule. I’ll keep at it!

Rupe

Eric,

After the Asik signing, who has the most cap space – Hou or Clev? And doesn’t it make sense to do a 3 team deal if you really want to dump the most bad contracts?

Eric Pincus

Cavaliers have more cap, although I need to crunch the math.

Apostolos

Could you see Eric Bledsoe and Caron Butler being traded for Andre Igoudala next summer? And how much vale do you think Bledsoe has around the league?

Eric Pincus

I don’t see the Clippers looking to trade Bledsoe any time soon.

Agent Pi

Regarding unsigned 2nd round draft picks like Robert Sacre of the Lakers and Khris Middleton of the Pistons, do they typically sign (a) a “non-guaranteed” contract for the upcoming season (b) a contract that’s guaranteed for the upcoming season but non-guaranteed in future years or (c) do they have to play their way into a contract during camp? I’m curious as to how the process works, as it’s never been well explained to me. Do these 2nd round types have to go on to the team’s 15 man roster, or can they get assigned to a D-League team and still have their rights owned by their original NBA team? Thanks for clarifying!

Eric Pincus

A team over the cap – or a team with their Mid-Level Exception – can sign second-rounders/non-drafted players for multiple years (up to four). Using the veteran’s minimum, the most they can do is two years. Typically there are non or partial guarantees. Agents fight to get their players some guaranteed money to come to camp. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. Usually with the Lakers, camp invites aren’t guaranteed anything. The most a team can have is 15 players – period. D-League assignments come after the team has made the 15-man roster.

Clippers Fan

Which of the Clippers off-season acquisitions do you see having the most impact on the team next season?

Eric Pincus

Odom or Crawford – but Grant will help too.

Muffinalt

Do you think the Cavs make the playoffs? I think Kyrie is definitely a top 5 PG come next playoffs.

Eric Pincus

I’ll say not this year – but they’re improving.

Michael

What do you think the odds are that CP3 re-signs with the Clippers after this season?

Eric Pincus

Reasonably strong chance.

Henry

Hey Eric,

Would Adam Morrison be a solid addition to the Clippers? Would Adam Morrison come cheap? Would the Clippers even sign Adam Morrison?

Eric Pincus

I gotta say – I had like 20 Adam Morrison/Clippers questions today!

LakerTom

If the dwightmare drags on will the Lakers proceed to try ane sign Drew to an extension?

Eric Pincus

Sure but again – does Bynum go for an extension which can be only three-more years or does he let the contract expire and then look to re-sign for five years?

Shahin O.

Hey Eric,

I know new Magic GM Rob Hennigan is trying not to do something stupid with a ‘bad’ D12 trade, but honestly saying they might keep him now is INSANE, right? I know Orlando is trying to play it cool but they’re running out of options now with the Bulls NOT matching Asik’s sheet from the Rockets. It’s Lakers or bust, and if (WHEN) D12 leaves they’ll get nothing.

Other than trying to figure out the contracts to unload (NO ONE WILL TAKE HEDO) what’s left for them to agree to a Dwight to LA, Drew to Cleveland, Varejao & draft picks to Orlando deal? The Magic are looking stupider and stupider as each day goes by.

Eric Pincus

I’m not sure I agree with a lot of that. It would be nice for everyone to get resolution but this isn’t about nice.

Andre Ruffin

What do you see the hawks doing next and will we be decent next year? Also do you think we will land a big free agent with all that cap room????(hint hint dwight howard)

Eric Pincus

The Hawks are trying to rebuild without the lull and frankly, they may have accomplished just that. They are in a great cap position for next year and still have a lot of talent today.

Chris L (ayxchris on Twitter)

What is your opinion of the Knicks’ signing of Ronnie Brewer?

Eric Pincus

Great signing for the Knicks.

Nick

Kennedy reported Hennigan is going to LA to meet face-to-face with Dwight to convince him to stay. What are the chances of Hennigan succeeding?

Eric Pincus

A chance but I’m not sure a great one.

arman martikian

i have bet my house on clippers to win it all. any chance I made a mistake?

Eric Pincus

You did what? I’m not sure that’s a good bet on any team.

Patrick

Do you think that Milwaukee is a playoff team now that they have better defensive back court and 2 elite scorers in the front court?

Eric Pincus

This will have to do for the week, thanks for participating. As always, I did my best to get to everyone but there’s only so much I can do! Let’s meet up next week and do it all over again . . .

Patrick – I don’t have the Bucks as an elite team in the East but they will be in contention for a low seed.