NBA Chat With Eric Pincus 7/31/12

Welcome to NBA Chat with HOOPSWORLD Senior Writer Eric Pincus.  I’ve got all the questions I can handle!  Thanks for participating.

Eric covers the L.A. Lakers, Clippers and NBA at large.

  1. Henry

    Hey Eric,

    Would Adam Morrison be a solid addition for the Clippers? Would Morrison come cheap? Would the Clippers consider Morrison?

    • Eric Pincus

      August about to hit, July was fun. Today we chat:

      Henry – I expect Morrison to sign somewhere for the minimum so I don’t think “cheap” is the question. I think it’s best for Adam to find a roster spot where he has a prayer at minutes and I’m not sure that’s the Clippers who would have Caron Butler and Grant Hill ahead of him – not to mention that Vinny Del Negro prefers a three-guard lineup anyway.

      I just don’t see it as a fit. Now if Morrison can’t get an invite anywhere else, maybe Clippers is better than nothing in the NBA – but I think he’ll find a spot somewhere else.

  2. David

    Hi Eric,

    At this point where DH deal does not seem to be imminent, what is the direction of Lakers? I think they reserved for wing spot ala J Richardson in case of package deal with Magic. Now, they are still hesitating to go foward to get proven veteran backup SG?

    • Eric Pincus

      There’s no rush. It’s not even August yet. Plenty of time to wait for Howard resolution.

  3. Andrew C

    Knicks vs Nets

  4. Allan

    Why do people still refer to Dirk in his last few years of “prime”? He is already past it at the age of 35 (as proven by his efficiency and stats). At the same time, people say Kobe is on the decline when he is younger than Dirk?

    • Eric Pincus

      I’m not really feeling your generalizations about other people’s generalizations.

  5. Joe

    Are the Lakers looking to mikael pietrus or can they sign him?

    • Eric Pincus

      The Lakers can probably have Pietrus today for their Mini MLE – but they won’t offer more than the minimum I hear to anyone who isn’t clearly high impact. Pietrus won’t come for the minimum I hear – would rather play overseas – but that story isn’t written yet.

  6. Nick

    If the Warriors get a backup power forward are they looking good for a 7th or 8th seed in the West? Barring major injuries obviously.

  7. Nick

    What do you think the highest Klay Thompson can become in the league is? Also Festus Ezile and Harrison Barnes?

    • Eric Pincus

      I would say right about now Klay is nearing Kevin Martin. I’d like to see if he has more to his game like passing and defense but man can he light it up. Ezeli is raw but if he can stay on the floor for 15-20 minutes and block a couple of shots and provide some toughness, that’s exactly what the Warriors need. Barnes reminds me a little of Caron Butler.

  8. Roon

    Is there any possible way that Jordan and Cho can recruit Chris Paul to come to Charlotte as a free agent next offseason? They will have the cap to easily throw a max deal in Paul’s direction and there is no denying Paul’s admiration of Jordan. I think the Bobcats will vastly improve their franchise under Rich Cho’s leadership but I feel we need that floor general for us to really take that substantial step forward. Is this just wishful thinking?

    • Eric Pincus

      Sure it’s possible because anything is possible but at this point I expect Paul to stay in Los Angeles.

  9. LennyShaul

    SIGN C.J.MILES
    RE-SIGN DEVIN EBANKS
    TO LAL:K.MARTIN,T.DOUGLAS
    TO HOU M.W.PEACE, S.BLAKE,A.GOUDELOCK
    AFTER THIS SEASON THE LAKERS GETSOME CAP SPACE

    • Eric Pincus

      You know the Rockets have no interest in that kind of move, right?

  10. Pompelmo

    Hi Eric, thank you so much for your work on team salaries. Always my first reference. Why do you think West signed for minimum for Dallas? Everybody assumed it was the room exception.

    • Eric Pincus

      Delonte likes playing for the Mavericks and frankly the new CBA has kept salaries low for the most part. Maybe he could have gotten a little bit more elsewhere, maybe not. To stay in Dallas on a team he believes in? Not a bad way to go for West.

  11. ken

    hello… what is you take on christian eyenga as far as getting minutes on the lakers sqaud?? really liked his game in the summer league…

    Do you have a time frame of when dwight drama will end??

    • Eric Pincus

      I still view Eyenga as a fringe player with athleticism. He needs a lot more grooming but that potential is there. As far as Dwight – you can argue windows open up when rookies on the Rockets, who were signed in July, become available for trade in August. Beyond that it could extend to camp or even the trade deadline. I “think” it will happen before the season but since the Magic haven’t decided yet what they’ll do – certainly there’s no “source” who is going to give more than opinion on this.

  12. Abdul Rahim

    Bottom line, where does dwight end up in your mind?

    • Eric Pincus

      I get this question . . . a lot. There is no bottom line. I see the Lakers and Rockets as more immediate possibilities. Later teams like the Mavericks and Nets are real threats. To an extent the Hawks. Sometimes a dark horse emerges but any team willing to give up the bounty the Magic crave probably don’t do so for a Howard rental.

  13. Kevin

    The rumors are now saying that the Magic might trade Howard by the end of the week! But, if your the Lakers, how long do u deal with the Orlando Circus and focus on your own team and instilling a little confidence in your young (sometimes childish) center by insuring him that you believe in him and he will be you future centerpiece of the organization! They can’t continue to say to him “We don’t want you, we don’t want you, ….” and then start training camp and tell him “your great, your the future!”

    • Eric Pincus

      No, the rumors aren’t saying end of the week. One reporter said he talked to someone in the NBA who “thought” it might happen soon. That’s not relevant to me what some third party executive thinks here. Let’s say you go up to – and this is random – Bryan Colangelo of the Raptors and he gives his opinion on Dwight. Then write an NBA exec says “X.” Does that make it news? It’s just another man – albeit a connected one who runs a team – giving his opinion on something that isn’t decided by the principals.

  14. Kevin

    I read the articles saying that the Magic are holding out to get a great deal, similar to the Melo deal, but the situation is now different from that one. Melo wanted the Knicks, the Knicks wanted him, they had resources and they sucked! Nets are out, Houston can’t take the chance on Howard staying (maybe Bynum), the Lakers have a solid team and will not destroy that to get Howard! So where do the clowns in Orlando think this great deal going to come from if Howard’s not going to commit to anything? Who’s going to take a chance on giving up a ton of resources, to rent Howard for a year ( or 6 months after rehab)? Lakers/Cavs/Magic or Lakers/Magic is only thing make sense!

    • Eric Pincus

      I have a lot of respect for the Magic and what they tried to accomplish the last handful of years with Dwight – and for the pace they’re taking as they resolve a very difficult situation.

  15. joel serrano

    it seems lakers need to fill kobe’s back up, any veteran/s willing to take pay cut for a chance with the ring? redd or barbosa to follow jamison?

    • Eric Pincus

      I don’t think backup two-guard right now is so vital to the Lakers that they rush to move. They can keep Ebanks and have combinations of Ebanks, Goudelock, Darius Johnson-Odom, Steve Blake back up Kobe if it came down to it. They may look to ink someone like Jodie Meeks who really wants to be a Laker. They may trade for Dwight Howard and get an expensive backup in Jason Richardson. In the absence of an answer – we wait. And if there’s something Mitch Kupchak is by personality, it’s patient.

  16. Rico

    Should we expect to see occasionally running the princeton offense now that Eddie Jordan has been brought on as one of Mike’s assistant coaches?

    • Eric Pincus

      The Lakers have spent about a month going over the concepts with Jordan and there’s a lot of excitement amongst the team that this could be a viable option for the coming season based on roster composition. Certainly it’ll need to be tweaked for a ball dominant point guard a bit as the Princeton was in New Jersey with Jason Kidd. I think the similarities to the triangle offense will benefit Kobe and Pau (to an extent).

  17. Zeeshan

    1. On a scale 1-10, how likely is it that the Bulls ambesty Boozer next iffseason?

    2. On a scale 1-10, how likely is it that Nikola Mirotic hoins the Bulls next iffseason?

    3. Say the Bulls amnesty Boozer next iffseason and Mirotic joins the Bulls, do the Bulls have a shot at Iggy? He has been linked with the Bulls in the past.

    4. Tyreke,Ellis,Iggy,DeRozan,and Paul George. Most likely to join the Bulls if amnestied next year?

    I know most of these questions face the Bulls future, but try ur hardest. Thanks!

    • Eric Pincus

      I’ve got to be honest, I’m not really into scales. To me it rings of “almost pregnant.” I don’t know Mirotic’s situation going into next year, I know he’s out this season. There is a path where the Bulls use amnesty on Boozer, supposing they pay Taj Gibson and he’s really ready to take over. The key to amnesty is knowing another team will make a sizable bid on his remaining salary. I would expect that to be the case if and when.

      Now – you want to start projecting if after if after if – you run into trouble because the NBA shifts so much at each rite of passage – draft, free agency in July, trade deadline, etc. The variables break down thinking that far ahead.

  18. @jamas33

    I am hearing from my sources that DH12 may or may not be traded by the end of the week.

    • Eric Pincus

      Exactly. It’s really easy to get excited about non-news.

  19. Mohammad

    I think the Lakers should hold onto Bynum. Howard just came off of a serious back surgery. Bynum is a better offensive player and he is a good defensive player aswell. Thoughts?

    • Eric Pincus

      Howard’s back is still not fully rehabilitated but he’s expected to be at full strength at some point in the near future – be it start of the season or by end of year. I will say outright I believe Dwight is the better overall basketball player than Bynum. You can argue what each does better or worse – but on the whole I see Howard is higher impact.

  20. LA in LA

    2 questions:
    1) If Lakers don’t sign there second round picks or they don’t make the final 15, do they become free agents?
    2) Do you think Lakers should sign DJO and cut Glock? I think DJO is more athletic, a better defender, does more little things and is almost as good a shooter despite his bad Summer league play.
    3) which 2 players get the most PT of the following 4: Robert Sacre, DJO, Darius Morris, Glock.

    • Eric Pincus

      To retain their second-round picks, the Lakers are required to invite them to camp. They can apply pressure and tell them it would be in their best interest to go overseas and not accept the offer – come back next year, etc. If they do end up in training camp and are cut – they’re cut and the Lakers no longer have their rights.

      I imagine DJO and Goudelock will battle it out in camp for the final spot although we still don’t know how and if the Lakers change the roster (Howard, etc.). I also think the Lakers are fond of Robert Sacre as a low-minute, practice big to have on the roster – see if he develops.

  21. Oleg

    Hi sir!

    Great chats! Showtime laker fan here. What is the basic principle of the Princeton offense? Does a point guard like Steve Nash fit in this kind of system? Thank you sir!

  22. Mark

    Hey Eric! Love all the chats! My question is this. Putting away all the talk about Bynum for Dwight.

    Do you think a trade of Bynum, McRoberts, and Blake for Bogut, Curry, Rush, and 2 future firsts would make the Lakers better? It certainly would make the Lakers deeper.

    • Eric Pincus

      The Warriors are really excited about their core.

  23. maestro

    I must be missing something, houston refuses to trade Lowry and Scola for Pau Gasol but then trades Lowry for a future draft pick and waive Scola?

    • Eric Pincus

      Circumstances changed significantly. This is why when someone asks me what will happen in 6, 9 or 12 months, there’s not much to say.

  24. maestro

    I know the Clippers have had a successful off season but how much better would it have been had they acquired Dallas #17 pick in this year draft as part of the Odom trade?

    • Eric Pincus

      I’m going to say, this is a pretty random question. Well for one they wouldn’t have Odom because the Mavericks weren’t giving up that pick.

  25. paprika

    Been quiet for the lakers lately, except for the jordan signing. Any news with our players? Does the guys working hard this summer in their conditioning? Whats new with dj odom,morris,goude, eyenga and sacre? Anyways thanks for the inside stuff we will only know cause of your reports and love the work u have done with each team in your articles! Keep it up bro!

    • Eric Pincus

      Thanks! Some players work out every day. Some not so much. The best and better players put in at least five days of work a week on their game (if not more). Sometimes injuries get in the way of that. Lakers waiting like we all are for the obvious – whatever the resolution might be.

  26. quiapo jeep ride

    Looks like the clippz are deeper roster wise than the lakers. Are the clippz done dealing? Lastly whats the laker management and coaching staff at right now, eager to get d12 or we r fine to win the championship with bynum? Thanks

    • Eric Pincus

      I would say the Clippers are done for the summer although minor, minor tweaks and camp invites are to follow. Jim Buss indicated, within the rules of what he could say, the Lakers feel they’re in a win-win situation regardless.

  27. adobo on my burger

    Any news on lamar odom ? Will he be ready for the nba again? Where will barbosa ,arenas and jermaine end up playing?lastly wouldnt be the spurs the perfect fit for barbosa,jermaine and arenas?? Thanks

    • Eric Pincus

      I think the Spurs are just fine as is. I saw Odom on my flight back from Vegas. He’s doing well. Not sure on Barbosa and really haven’t heard anything on Arenas yet. We’re starting to near the part of the summer where stragglers land but it may take until September even.

  28. caesar flamingo

    Does the laker really dont want to take any other player in the d12 deal except d12? Is that the reason why its not happening? And what scenario does the magic gm waiting for?? A harden and perkins for d12?

    • Eric Pincus

      The Magic want picks, prospects and the ability to move off of bad salary. The Lakers are reportedly open to taking Jason Richardson and possibly Duhon.

  29. clipper jarrel

    Why does mitch kupchak has this fetish with undersize sg’s? J- odom,goudelock? Why not just draft a regular size shooting guard or a real pg?! Cant make up his mind or something?

    • Eric Pincus

      Low draft picks – these guys are still around for a reason.

  30. Mark

    Hey Eric what do you think of a trade where the Lakers send Bynum to Memphis for Marc Gasol Tony Allen and 2 first round picks? The Gasol brother’s together i feel would play much better side by side on the same team playing along side Nash with the pick n roll and you got Allen coming off the bench for 30 minutes a night playing lockdown defense and his jumper has gotten better over the years and the Lakers recoup the picks they lost in the Nash deal.

    • Eric Pincus

      I don’t expect anything like that coming.

  31. Duane

    Lakers should at lease explore using there mini-mid level exemption. Carl Landry signed with the Warriors for just over 4 million. Lakers could have used that one extra player like him. Just one more player might make the difference between winning it all or another 2nd round out.

    • Eric Pincus

      The Lakers probably shouldn’t spend $6 million (with tax) and then near $10 million next year (with higher tax) – on a low minute backup.

  32. Duane

    Just wonder, how about Bynum to Houston for some of those young players they have drafted the last 2 years. Lakers get younger and save money and Houston gets its big time player they want.

    • Eric Pincus

      The Lakers will either keep Bynum or trade him for Howard. I don’t see a third option at this time. Things change over time but during this offseason, that’s my view.

  33. Sean

    Steve Blake, josh McRoberts, and Johnson-odom or Morris for Calderon? Raptors get a cheaper backup PG and big man de

    • Eric Pincus

      Why re: Raptors. I can’t see any reason for that.

  34. shaulenny

    Dear Eric,
    What do you make of reports the Lakers may only carry 13 players? Given the team’s age, doesn’t it make sense to carry all of the following-Morris, Goudelock, Sacre and Johnson-Odom in addition to the presumed 11 (for now) of Bryant, Nash, Gasol, Peace, Bynum, Hill, Jamison, Blake, Ebanks, McRoberts, Eyenga? Thanks. Odds on Howard in LA by opening night? Thanks!

    • Eric Pincus

      The Lakers typically go into the season with the goal of carrying 13. If someone really stands out in camp they go 14. Over the course of the season, injury and opportunity may lead to 15. Obviously there’s still a lot up in the air with the unresolved elephant in the room.

  35. Jon

    Hey Eric,

    Wondering what you think of the Bulls signing Nate Robinson, is it a good fit or will he be a distraction. Also do you think the Bulls are done this offseason due to the hard cap or will they squeze out a another signing….say Malcolm Thomas?

    • Eric Pincus

      The Bulls are right there at the hard cap and they still haven’t signed Marcus Teague. There’s been some buzz they’ll look at add Tracy McGrady – although I’d also heard some Malcolm Thomas buzz.

  36. Joe g

    What are your predictions come aug 5th? Will D12 finally be a laker? Brandon rush? Jodie Meeks? Is there anyone else the lakers are interested in?

    • Eric Pincus

      I say August 5th Dwight will be with the Magic, Rush still with the Warriors and Meeks a free agent. If there’s one to be resolved between the two by then – I’d guess Meeks somewhere.

  37. lawson

    hey mr pincus enjoyed your salary pages,I would like to know can jimmer be traded with outlaw for bell an burks since bell dosent want to be bought out also do u think the teams involved would agree and when, now or by trade deadline? and why

    • Eric Pincus

      Thanks. I’ve also heard the Jazz have interest in Jimmer but I don’t know yet what the Kings are looking for – or even if they’ll move him. I’m not sure Raja/Burks is that package but something to monitor.

  38. Alex in Burbank

    Eric,
    I’m a little worried about where I’m going to watch the Lakers this coming season. I called my cable provider to ask about the new timewarner channel and they had no idea what I was talking about. I need acess to Laker games. Who’s going to carry this channel and how much out of my pocket. Please tell me you have an answer for us.

    • Eric Pincus

      Nothing’s been announced yet. Your cable company isn’t going to know. I’m sure you’ll have access through cable by the start of the season, even if we don’t yet know what that means exactly.

  39. Kurt

    The team salary pages are excellent. If Bynum is not traded, will he enter training camp with an attitude more like Pau or Lamar, after their failed trade?

    • Eric Pincus

      Thanks Kurt – Bynum will be more like Pau. The Lamar situation was unique.

  40. jesse

    Good afternoon mr. Pincus…thanks for chattin…so do u think the clips are done makin moves at 14 players? Love the Willie green signing, good scorer/shooter off the bench…third center with length would be nice…just in case…better to deal now or than during the season after an injury?

    • Eric Pincus

      Other than camp invites, I’d say that Jordan, Turiaf, Hollins, Odom, Griffin will be enough at center over the course of a season.

  41. Randy

    I don’t get how Orlando can revisit talks with Brooklyn in January. It’ll probably the same framework that’s been offered. With Hennigan wanting to bottom out, do you think he’ll take Lopez and Humphries at that point?

  42. Jason M.

    Just on potential alone, who would you have taken #2(if one of them had been available)? MKG or Jonas Valanciunas?

    • Eric Pincus

      I haven’t seen enough of Valanciunas personally to say. I know MKG is an energizing player. It’s a good question.

  43. Cameron

    Are the Lakers really looking into possibly taking back Jason Richardson’s contract in a Dwight trade? I personally wouldn’t. I’d take Jodie Meeks over J-Rich at this stage.

    • Eric Pincus

      Meeks is younger and cheaper. Richardson didn’t have a great year and has a lengthy price tag. We wait and see on it – as it’s obviously bigger than just “backup shooting guard.”

  44. 2dogs

    Eric, 2 guestions, one silly. Do a lot of people say “Poor Little Pincus” to you (Sienfeld reference)? Second, would the Celts/Magic trade a package of Rondo plus for Dwight Howard?

    • Eric Pincus

      I get various Seinfeld references quite often. I don’t see the Celtics making a play for Howard barring Dwight endorsing a long-term future in Boston (which he hasn’t). As far as dealing Rondo? I feel Boston – for now – has done a 180 on Rajon.

  45. vincent

    Can the Grizz make a run for the title this year?? Do they have the pieces in place??

    • Eric Pincus

      The Grizzlies have a really nice roster. I’m not sure they’re at “title” yet – or at all with how they’re built – but they need to at least be considered.

  46. Scott

    Did we resign Ebanks?

    • Eric Pincus

      By we – Lakers – no they haven’t. Not yet.

  47. Scott

    Who would you rather have on the Lakers, Jodie Meeks or Brandon Rush?

    • Eric Pincus

      Easily Rush but he’s not available so then if it’s Meeks or not Meeks – I’ll say Meeks.

  48. @BrotherWalton on Twitter

    It’s got to be the belief that L.A. are the front-runners for Jodie Meeks’ services, but how soon do you see him making a decision? My guest is early to mid August.

    • Eric Pincus

      Meeks is indirectly related to the Howard situation given his agent David Bauman is at the same firm as Howard’s agent Dan Fegan. Maybe that leads to more patience than under different circumstances.

  49. raju

    How do you grade Mitch’s job as gm of Lakers? How do you feel about princeton offence for lakers? By the way i am teired of Dh 12. Is it his fault or Orlando’s managements?

    • Eric Pincus

      Kupchak has a real knack when it comes to trades. That’s how he’s made his name. I would say he’s well respected around the league.

  50. Gustavo A Thomas

    I dont know how some hoopsworld expert coming so cruel with CH Bulls fans to say this is a good and contender team,with D Rose or without D Rose this team have no minimum posibility to win championship,they are on the worst NBA position,middle of the group, no contender no lotery or how i say NOTHING.what you think? Thank you.

    • Eric Pincus

      The last two years the Bulls have been one of the top four teams in the league. The Rose injury obviously killed that last year. Middle of the road is like 10-20, depending on momentum. This year, because Rose is out most of the year, may be difficult but that’s the nature of losing your star to injury.

  51. Lakers Fan

    Hi, I’m not a GM, so I’m having a hard time understanding what Orlando is doing! I know they want to wait for the best deal. With Rockets and Cavs having great picks coming up and cap, maybe they’ll get desperate enough to say we’ll do anything! But why would Houston give up a ton of resources to rent Howard for a season (or half a season after rehab). Houston won’t be able to build a team quickly enough to win a title for Howard, Adidas doesn’t want him in Houston and he won’t sign! The Cavs need Bynum. With the Nets out, the Lakers are the only real choice (because their arrogant enough to say, “To know us, is to love us”) and they’ll take Howard without commitment. This is not like the Melo situation! Melo wanted the Knicks, the Knicks had resources and they sucked (still do)! The Lakers have a solid team and won’t destroy it to get Howard! So where is this great deal coming from, if Howards not committing to nothing?

    • Eric Pincus

      Let’s just say things are rarely black and white like that.

  52. BLAKERS GRIFFIN

    Do u see the wolves having a better record than the clippz coming next season? Why didnt the wolves try and get calderon for der williams? Rubio and calderon got good chemistry. Whats your take?

    • Eric Pincus

      I have the Clippers in the top 1-5 range in the West and the Wolves in the 7-10 range.

  53. Tracy

    Do you think the Lakers, right now, can beat the Thunder in the playoffs or do they still need a shooter and even Howard?

    • Eric Pincus

      The Lakers as is may already be there. Their bench at guard is still a little suspect.

  54. Apostolos

    I know a lot depends on what the Clippers do with the team they have assembled this year but do you see the Clippers making moves to get younger next summer?

    • Eric Pincus

      I’m thinking the Clippers keep trying to win now for as long as they have CP3 and Blake. Getting younger usually isn’t the priority at that point.

  55. Apostolos

    A lot of people feel if the Clippers don’t make the Western Conferense finals Vinnie Del Negro will get fired is that a fair assestment?

    • Eric Pincus

      Actually no. You can argue the Clippers won’t re-hire Del Negro if the team has a bad season but given his contract is up at the end of the year, I don’t think it makes sense to fire a guy who isn’t under contract!

  56. Apostolos

    With Willie Green signing with the Clippers does that mean it will take away from Bledsoe’s minutes?

    • Eric Pincus

      It’s about depth over a long season. Bledsoe will get all the minutes he earns.

  57. Peter

    What do you know about Steve Nash and Jason Richardson allegedly having conflict and how that might affect the Laker’s willingness to receive Richardson in a DH trade?

    • Eric Pincus

      I heard that’s a bogus story but then the truth can be elusive sometimes.

  58. Leo

    I’m a Lakers fan, but why don’t the Cav’s just bypass Bynum and try to get Dwight themselves? Players seem to very often re-up with teams in these kind of situations (i.e. Deron)

    • Eric Pincus

      Howard is really open to signing with the Mavericks next summer, even at the cost of the extra year.

  59. ScarJewels

    Why don’t Clippers make DeAndre Jordan work with Hakeem on his post game? He is from Houston so I see no excuses why he couldn’t do it.0

    • Eric Pincus

      Jordan’s not going to develop an advanced post-game. He needs to be who he is on this team to be successful – shot-blocking, finishing, rebounding, etc.

  60. ScarJewels

    Is there any truth to Morey lookin to do a blockbuster trade like Celtics did to get KG and Ray Allen? I hear Bynum and possibily Rudy Gay is on their radar

    • Eric Pincus

      The Rockets would like to add a top center and a stop scoring wing player. Also, every other team.

  61. ChrisGrant

    Do the cavs make a splash in the summer of 2013 free agent market? It seems like they aren’t going to eat up that cap space just yet and another lottery year seems like the best bet for their rebuild. Thoughts?

    • Eric Pincus

      The Cavs need to be patient. They have a lot of assets but getting something great can take some time.

  62. Aaron Golden

    Likely Travis Leslie sticks with the Clippers after the Clippers acquired Willie Green yesterday?

    • Eric Pincus

      He’s owed $250k on guarantee this year so he might stick, but that’s not a lock yet.

  63. SY

    I have been a longtime Kings fan and after going through the growing pains of the early 2000′s, I’m disgusted by how they look now. Are there any signs for them becoming respectable soon? Will Evans leave or be traded? Will they ever sign a SF?

    • Eric Pincus

      I think the Kings are slowly getting better. They’re not as far off as you might think.

  64. Matty pickles

    You see the Knicks getting blatche?

  65. jazzman

    greetings from Australia Eric!
    Chemistry wise , do you think Crawford will click as much as Foye for the Clippers? Dont you think they shouldve kept their role players (reggie evans too) instead of retooling?

    • Eric Pincus

      I think LA had gotten as far as they were going to get with Foye. I like him in Utah.

  66. Josh

    With Bynum and Howard refusing to sign extensions my question is what is the selling points that teams are giving these players to sign and lose out on more money in free agency? Are there any advantages other than them getting their money before their value drops?

    • Eric Pincus

      It’s very complex and each situation is different. You can argue there’s benefit both economically and with risk in mind with Bynum. As far as leaving money on the table – that might make more sense for Howard than Bynum.

  67. Larry

    Do you think Tracy McGrady would be a good backup for Kobe?

    • Eric Pincus

      Looks like he may go to the Bulls. I’m not sure McGrady makes sense in that role for LA.

  68. Roger

    I saw your comment on LG that Stern is not trying to influence the Howard deal by commenting about leaks by Howard’s agents. But hasn’t just about every agent made leaks to the press to create an advantage for a player? Isn’t it in some sense the agents job to leak to the press if it will improve the players chances of getting the contract he wants? This has been happening for 50 years. Why should Stern start complaining now?

    • Eric Pincus

      Stern was asked a question. He answered it. That’s all.

  69. Darren

    With Derek Fisher receiving very little interest as a free agent do you think he would be willing to retire and rejoin the Lakers as an assistant coach? The Lakers lost two assistants this summer. He would be a great influence on their younger players and Kobe would be happy to have him back with the organization.

    • Eric Pincus

      I think Fish will end up on a playoff team before all is said and done.

  70. TDotDizzle

    Why the heck doesn’t Jonas V. get any recognition? Every list I see that lists candidates for rookie of the year seems to leave him off it, even though he seems like one of the most experienced rookies/rookies bound to make an impact. What gives? Do these writers know something I don’t?

    • Eric Pincus

      I would argue he’s just not as well known as others. Does it matter? If he comes in and tears it up – then he’ll earn that.

  71. d12

    Lot of respect for orlando for what they did in the d12 era eric? Really? And u respect the dismantling of the team that went to the finals? Letting c.lee, turk go and sign vince carter? Wow bro…

    • Eric Pincus

      Oh they made some awful, awful moves. But yes, I respect ownership and the organization and Hennigan for what they’re trying to accomplish.

  72. MF

    The Clippers have added a solid bench!
    How far do you see them advancing with OKC LAL and SAS on top of their game?

  73. Anthony

    Is jerry sloan done coaching????

    • Eric Pincus

      This will have to do for the week! Thanks again for a great turn-out!

      Anthony, I don’t think Sloan is done coaching yet – but he’ll have to find the exact right situation for him – and I can’t guarantee that comes.