NBA Chat With Eric Pincus 8/30/11

1. Kevin

   Am i the only one that sees LA Clippers as being able to make the best deal for D12 should he move? D Jordan (provided sign & trade can still be done), Kaman & Aminu (or flip them for Iggy and include him instead) as well as Minny’s unprotected pick + fillers if need be. Clips would probably have to take back Hedo appease Orlando

   Clips get starting lineup of Mo, EG, Insert SF here, BG & D12. Orlando gets a playmaker or expiring contract, young talent and a high draft pick in a loaded draft class to help along their rebuilding (which they have to do cause that roster is a mess). Is it just me or does that make sense?

   *FYI Lakers fan but can’t see them getting D12*

   • Eric Pincus

     It’s all a stretch right there. Sign and trade may be gone. You’re assuming DeAndre Jordan wants to partake and that Orlando is interested as well. I can’t see the Clippers giving up Jordan, Kaman, the Minnesota pick and Aminu – even for Howard. LAC already has a powerful big man. They need to balance with perimeter players. If they end up going for the big score, it may be instead for someone like Chris Paul.

     Howard is certainly a possibility to keep an eye on but for now I don’t see it as a likely option.

2. jd_striker

   hi eric.brown is probably out og lakers lineup next season,right?if that happens,are they going to get an FA shooting guard or will settle for andrew goudelock?who among the two rookies will have a better chance of having a playing time?

   • Eric Pincus

     I don’t expect Shannon Brown to return to the Lakers. They’re looking for a replacement – a guard who can play either position, dribble, play make, shoot, defend, etc. That’s not an easy get. Both Goudelock and Darius Morris will have opportunities this season. If either or both can adjust quickly to the NBA level of play, they may find concrete roles in the rotation.

3. Anthony

   I don’t understand a decertified union.Does this mean disbanding the union in some way? Why does this favor the players in negotiations ? In times of prosperity most unions are solutions looking for a problem. In this downturn you would think a union would be more relevent in an attempt to maintain salaries. Please explain.

   • Eric Pincus

     it has to do with leverage for the players. Currently the battle is a labor law issue which is why the players (and owners) are appealing to the NLRB. If that doesn’t pan out for the players, by decertifying, the union is essentially dissolved (more or less). Because the owners are not dealing with the players in a collective bargaining environment, it enters to an area of anti-trust law. The federal courts aren’t able to really get involved right now but if the players decertify, then it can go to the government and possibly even the Supreme Court if it’s contentious enough.

     The union doesn’t want to decertify but may have to if they want any sort of leverage, assuming the NLRB doesn’t come through for them.

4. Steve

   What are your thoughts on Timofey Mozgov as a player?

   • Eric Pincus

     Good size. Good potential. He just needs time to develop.

5. Ali

   Hey Eric, now that wilson chandler signed a deal in china as a restricted free agent, what happens to his current contract once the cba is finished (hopefully). I’m a nba fan, just not so great with the contracts etc etc. thanks

   • Eric Pincus

     Chandler isn’t under contract. He’s a restricted free agent with the Denver Nuggets. Unless the new CBA dramatically changes the rules, Chandler will probably remain a restricted free agent with Denver next summer too.

6. Anthony Pascua

   Hey Eric,
   You have mentioned that the core of the Lakers will pretty much be intact for the upcoming season whenever the lockout ends, is the current team’s roster still dangerous enough to challenge for the championship or will they need to trade for one more piece?

   • Eric Pincus

     If the Lakers are 100% healthy (or as close to it as possible), they have a shot to win it all as is. That said, they could use a little more help at guard, quicker feet, more athleticism, better shooting and a dependable backup center.

7. jcarloyu

   no 2011-12 season at all?

   • Eric Pincus

     New look at HOOPSWORLD! New chat engine. Let’s figure this thing out together!

     john,

     I still think there’s a decent chance we get a short season, perhaps 50 games. I would say at this point that’s more likely than no season at all but alas also more likely than a full season . . .

8. jcarloyu

   Philippines allowing unlimited height limit for their imports right now, do you see NBA players signed their if all the season is cancelled?

   • Eric Pincus

     Sure. I see NBA players going anywhere and everywhere if it comes to that. Wait, does that mean there’s typically a limit on how tall an imported player can be?

9. jcarloyu

   Who are the players that might have played their last game if the lockout continue?

   • Eric Pincus

     Perhaps Antonio McDyess, Kurt Thomas, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Charlie Bell, maybe Marcus Camby and even Tim Duncan. I wouldn’t be surprised though if most aging veterans return if they can.

10. Mutang

    Eric, there was alot of concern about Kanter being picked 3, over JV. After being off for 2 years, Kanter in the last couple weeks has shown that maybe he was the right pick. What are your thoughts on Utah’s choice??

    • Eric Pincus

      I don’t really have a problem with Utah’s pick. Kanter has a good NBA body and a ton of potential. Both JV’s (Jonas Valanciunas and Jan Vesely) are intriguing as well. Because of position, I’ll assume you meant Valanciunas, who may end up a steal for the Toronto Raptors. Even with Tristan Thompson in the middle there to the Cleveland Cavaliers, I like the trio of big men that went 3-5. I just want to see them play!

11. MARTY

    Based on what you see & hear, is daddy Buss or Baby Buss in charge of future trades the Lake show makes ??

    • Eric Pincus

      Jim Buss is gradually taking over the decision-making process on the basketball side. Dr. Buss is still very involved but the future of the franchise will be in Jim’s hands.

      It’s hard to imagine anyone following up Dr. Buss, given his track record over decades, so obviously the Laker fan base is a bit nervous about all this.

      At some point the post-Kobe Bryant era will truly begin and it will probably be up to Jim to get the team back on top.

12. Sergio

    Why is it when people start the debate about “who is the current best player”, Wade rarely gets mentioned? I don’t like Kobe for some reason but can’t argue the fact that he deserves to be mentioned if not titled, but I hate Lebron being mentioned. Good player, good skills, great athlete, but hasn’t earned anything. At least Kobe and Wade carry their teams during and at the end of games. Let’s trade him for Joe Johnson…maybe not…would’ve been a good offseason signing though.

    • Eric Pincus

      I spent much of last year debating with folks who claimed LeBron James was the best player in the league – given I didn’t think he was the best player on his own team. I’m with you on that. I wouldn’t move him if I were the HEAT by any stretch. Wade is a tremendous player but then so is LBJ. We’re splitting hairs but I’d rather Dwyane with the ball when the game is on the line. That shouldn’t be the case if James is tops in the NBA.

13. AJ

    What do you think of Lamar Odom and Steve Blake for Jameer Nelson and Brandon Bass? Lakers get a starting point and a replacement backup. Odom would probably be the second best player on the Magic.

    • Eric Pincus

      It’s OK. It depends what you think of Jameer. I’m not sure he’s worth it frankly, even with Bass coming in. It’s not awful though. That’s a subjective one from the Lakers perspective. I’m not sure why the Magic consider that though anyway.

14. jcarloyu

    Good thing that fiba tournaments starts today. no team usa right? Will finally see live basketball.

    • Eric Pincus

      Live basketball is a good thing.

15. Joseph

    Kobe is key for team cohesiveness and I believe success. If he doesn’t support Mike the season will be lost. Do you think he’ll be, for lack of a better choice of words, subservient?

    • Eric Pincus

      Kobe’s going to be Kobe. Subservient is not the right word but I expect Bryant to try and follow what Brown wants. In the end, Kobe only occasionally did what Phil Jackson wanted so I’m not sure Brown is going to be able to exert his will on Bryant. The key is working within what Kobe can and will do on his own and fitting the team concept around that. Obviously Bryant can help the process by being more of a team player. At times in his career he’s shown very capable of that. At other times, not so much.

16. cj

    Do you believe Blake griffin has a legitimate shot at mvp before his rookie contract is up

    • Eric Pincus

      I don’t see Blake getting there over his next two seasons. To win League MVP, your team typically has to be at least top three in overall record and while the Clippers are improving, I don’t see it happening that quickly.

      You’ll have to wait for his second contract and then it’s certainly a possibility if the team makes the right personnel moves.

17. matthew

    your thoughts on the lakers running zone next season?

    • Eric Pincus

      I don’t expect the Lakers to roll out the zone as their primary defensive set. They’ll integrate partial zones and explore different options as Coach Mike Brown learns his players and they learn him. If used properly, the zone can catch teams off guard and force a lot of ill-advised outside shots.

      I look forward to getting to truly analyze this as the season starts, once this pesky lockout thing goes away.

18. Danny

    What are your thoughts on Tony Parker and McDyess for Millsap and Devin Harris?

    • Eric Pincus

      McDyess may retire. Parker is better than Harris but to get Millsap, you can argue that’s a good move for the Spurs. I’m not too high on Harris at this point. He’s capable but injury-prone and inconsistent. The Jazz give up too much in your deal.

19. Danny

    Should the Jazz keep Millsap or Jefferson?

    • Eric Pincus

      Jefferson is one of the best low-post scorers in the game but he’s less versatile than Millsap. While Paul can score close to the basket, he’s also got a solid high-post game as well. I’m curious to see how quickly Enes Kanter develops as a player. Millsap may be the better fit next to Kanter but Enes may take some time to develop his game. The Jazz still need a lot of help at guard and small forward. This is a team in transition but they do have some pieces.

20. Joe

    Hi Eric
    Wondering your opinion on a former Clipper.Will the Cavs be able to trade Baron as a starter for another team with his 2 remaining years and baggage and who are the likely suitors? I’m betting he is reincarnated as he makes a play for a final big payday.

    • Eric Pincus

      I can’t see a team wanting to trade for Baron Davis this season (not until he’s an expiring contract) but then I didn’t think the Clippers would be able to trade him. Baron can play when he’s focused but he’s rarely locked in for more than a week or two at a time. He could end up an amnesty cut if the new CBA allows for it or he may stay on as a mentor for Kyrie Irving. That’s an intriguing storyline I hope to see played out beyond the lockout this season.

21. Mynor

    Hey Eric,

    I believe that by the end of next full season, whenever that may be, Blake Griffin will be a top 5 player in the league.
    The only players I see topping him are Kevin Durant, Lebron James, Dwight Howard, Chris Paul.

    • Eric Pincus

      I wouldn’t take Kobe Bryant or Dwyane Wade off that list just yet. What about Dirk Nowitzki? I suppose if you’re saying the “next full season” to mean not this coming partial season but the one after? Eventually Griffin may be a top five player or higher. I’m not sure it’s within the next 12 months though . . .

22. John

    B. Jennings is calling out Kobe and saying that Kobe is not an Angeleno. Do you think he is? How long do you have to live in LA to be one. I have been here since 84′. Went to elementary here through college. Am I one?

    • Eric Pincus

      This will have to do for the week! If I missed your question, you can find me at epincus@hoopsworld.com, on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/EricPincus or just wait until next week’s chat.

      John,

      Jennings is having fun this summer. He’s been on Kobe more than once, perhaps to motivate himself, cause a little stir or just to occupy the time. Bryant, with his five rings, will represent LA as a Laker for many, many years . . . long after his retirement.

      I’ve been in LA since I was in second grade. I think it’s safe to say you and I are adopted Angelenos. Kobe came later but I’d say the same for him as well.

23. TONY

    IS THERE GOING TO BE AN NBA SEASON ?
    AND ARE THE LAKERS GOING TO MAKE ANY MAJOR TRADE ?

    • Eric Pincus

      I do think there will be a partial season, as I mentioned. Unfortunately there’s a decent chance that there’s no season, so no bets placed just yet. As far as the Lakers, I don’t anticipate a preseason trade of consequence although if they do, Lamar Odom would seem to be the most obvious bait.

24. Michael

    Chris Kaman just seems out of place now on the clips. What happens to him next season?

    • Eric Pincus

      Kaman probably starts the season on the roster. If he plays well, as an expiring contract, he becomes a very movable piece the Clippers would shop through to the deadline. The hope would be to get the small forward without giving up the Minnesota pick. Then, when someone like Chris Paul becomes available, the pick becomes a key asset to bring in a superstar and put the Clippers of the top.

      That’s in a perfect world for LAC and unfortunately it’s a lot easier to say than for the team to actually do.

25. chrispy

    I think they LAKE SHOW will be better thatn last season just because of the coaching changes and young talent sitting on the bench that may get a chance to show their stuff this year what are your thoghts?

    • Eric Pincus

      I don’t think a coaching change where Phil Jackson, the guy with more rings as a head coach than anyone, leaves is an upgrade. As I mentioned, if healthy the Lakers have the talent to get it done. Those three straight trips to the NBA Finals had them mentally and physically fatigued last year. Some of that will be gone but let’s not pretend the roster doesn’t need some help.

26. Tony

    Would Mike Dunleavy Jr be a decent stopgap at the 3 for the Clippers. I understand they’ll take a star if they can get one there, but MDJ is an excellent passer and reliable shooter. I’m not saying that should be the aim of their offseason, but do you think he’d be a good add?

    • Eric Pincus

      I don’t think they go the Dunleavy Jr. direction given they just fought a lawsuit with his father. He’s not a bad fit but there’s more to basketball than just fit sometimes.

27. Drew

    How big a deal is it that Beaz just hurt his wrist? Also assuming we get Adelman how does that change our team outlook? allow us to keep LOVE?

    • Eric Pincus

      Adelman is a good coach. He tends to get as much out of his players as possible. Keeping Love past this contract is probably a CBA issue. The odds are high that he’ll have financial incentive to stay for one more contract. Beyond that it’s too far down the line to guess. I haven’t heard the extent yet of Beasley’s reported wrist injury. I’ll write more when I know more on it.

28. paul

    What is the deal with the fiba turnament when is us scheduled to play

    • Eric Pincus

      Team USA isn’t in the tourney. They’re already locked into the 2012 Olympics. You can call it a bye year if you’d like . . .

29. Jhaen Mascoll

    how good can OJ Mayo be? would he not be great in Goldenstate along my fav point Guard Curry?

    • Eric Pincus

      He’d play well with Curry but it’d still be a pretty small backcourt, assuming Monta Ellis has gone elsewhere.

30. Baywarrior

    this format is cool but difficult to get question in somtimes.

    • Eric Pincus

      Thanks. Send me an e-mail with details if there’s an interface issue you’re having! This way we can get it fixed up.

31. eric johnson

    What are the chances the Lakers trade Gasol for Williams and Sasha. and the 5 of Kobe, Williams, Artest, Odom and Andrew

    • Eric Pincus

      Zero. Sasha’a not even in the league. He’ll be overseas for a year. As far as Gasol for Williams, I’d be skeptical on that but it’s something to ponder.