NBA Chat With Eric Pincus 9/18/12

robsa

why is matt barnes being blackballed?

Eric Pincus

Training camps are right there – just a few weeks to go. Today we chat:

I didn’t know Barnes was being blackballed. Last check he’s with the Los Angeles Clippers with a fully-guaranteed salary at the min.

Steven

What do you think of a pau gasol + steve blake to portland for LA? I know this would never happen but do you think it could work for both teams? If nash/gasol expirement dosent work and portland has another bad yr is it possible? Thanks

Eric Pincus

I mean if you’re the Lakers, then sure Aldridge is a young power forward who can develop with Howard for years and years. What’s not to like – other than the Blazers having absolutely no interest whatsoever – which is kind of an issue there, no?

Naj

Hello there! What can you say about Japeth Aguilar from the Philippines. You think the spurs will consider him?

Eric Pincus

I can’t say I know much about Aguilar. I know that there’s a tremendous passion for basketball in the Philippines. I look forward to the day they have a player representing in the NBA.

bball12

ive been hearing that Barbosa is interested in the suns,nets,and lakers. He was also receiving text messsages from Nash to come to L.A. and he wouldn’t mind signing for the vets minimum if it meant being on a contender. What do you think are the chances that the lakers could land Barbosa?

Eric Pincus

I don’t think the Suns, Nets and Lakers are actually pursuing Barbosa actually. Maybe the Suns I guess. I don’t see where or why the Lakers would need him really. He can’t play point guard and the Lakers have Meeks at the two behind Bryant. If you subscribe to the theory that it’s best to just add so many players – that they sit on the bench and never play – but you have insurance, then sure. But why would Barbosa want to come into that situation? I suppose if he has no other work?

Roger

Hey, another question for you! Okay who would win a best of seven from these two generation teams? Team #1: PG John Stockton, SG Micheal Jordan, SF Scottie Pippen, PF Charles Barkley, C Hakeem Olajuwan. Team #2: PG Jason Kidd, SG Kobe Bryant, SF Lebron James, PF Tim Duncan, C Shaquille O’neal. Arguably each was the best of their generation at their respected positions. Who would eventually come out on top in you’re mind?

Eric Pincus

Team #2.

Steve

Do you think trading Derozan + Calderon + ed davis + Future 1st round pick for Igoudala would’ve been good for the raptors? (COnsidering the long-run)

Eric Pincus

I mean, kind of. I don’t really see Iguodala as a top perimeter player but a really, really strong second. I don’t see how that puts the Raptors on the map.

Jatt

I believe if the Lakers are going to sign someone they should sign T-Mac

Eric Pincus

Is that a question?

LA in LA

You seem higher on DJO than others so I have a question:
If DJO makes the roster, couldn’t you seem him playing at the PG position? I think he fits our weaknesses well.
A) He is Athletic.
B) He could shoot decent (in college)
C) Scouts said he is too small to guard SGs but is a good defender with a 6’7 wingspan, so couldn’t Lakers use him to guard other PGs? I know he doesn’t have much, if any, PG skills but he could play along side Kobe, whom would handle most of the primary play making duties.

Eric Pincus

I don’t see DJO playing point guard but undersized two-guard. He just need to prove that with his athleticism that he can guard shooting guards – at least situationally.

Deven

Hey Eric. It might be a long shot for the Clips to win the pacific division this year now that the Lakers have Nash and Howard, but do you see the Clips winning the pacific division next year?

Eric Pincus

You’re asking about 2013/14? Let’s get through 2012/13 first. We still have the trade deadline, draft, offseason – the next trade deadline, etc. – before the Pacific Division is won in 2013/14. In the meantime I do have the Lakers ahead of the Clippers for this coming season.

Deven

Any predictions on when Howard will make his debut with the Lakers?

Eric Pincus

I’m guessing mid-November but it could be later – December, etc. I’m not too concerned on behalf of the Lakers. At some point he’ll be good to go and I don’t anticipate any setbacks.

Deven

What kind of reaction do you think Nash will get when he returns to Phoenix as a visitor? Both teams have been rivals for years and years and hate one another, so I assume it’ll be a mix of cheers and boos.

Eric Pincus

I anticipate they’ll be respectful and cheer at a much, much higher ratio.

Tony

Eric,
So annoyed that everything seems to fall the lakers way. It would make my day if things went bad and Dwight left the money on the table and went elsewhere next year ( doubt it). Based off fans comments we might as well hand Jim Buss the trophy now and say the 72 win record will fall. With that being said, let’s say the fakers, i mean lakers, stay healthy and click: in your opinion can and will the thunder or heat beat them in a series? (And please dont dismiss this as a speculative question stating we will have to see what happens. Just wondering where u see the final advantage laying when u look at all the matchups and coaching schemes)

Eric Pincus

I like the Lakers, at full strength, to come out of the West. I thought the gap between LA/OK City last year wasn’t much and I like this Laker group on paper more than I did last year’s team. The Lakers have better shooters – more scorers – a more mobile center . . . and Steve Nash.

I can’t really tune into your negativity towards the Lakers – I treat all 30 teams with the same respect.

Jatt

now that we know Howard wont be ready for the season opening game against the Mavs who will play Center. would it be Pau? or Jordan Hill?

Eric Pincus

I don’t think we know that Howard won’t be there for the opening game. What was announced was that he’d miss the preseason opener. The rest is TBD. Without Howard, I’m thinking Jordan Hill gets the start so they can keep Jamison on the bench in that sixth-man type role.

vito villegas

Hi Eric! Can’t wait for the season to start…..i’m so excited with the new-look Lakers! Of all the training camp invitees, who do you think will make it to the final roster?…what’s your take on Reeves Nelson and DJO?

Eric Pincus

Nelson has some real potential but he has a real uphill battle to make the roster. Johnson-Odom is an athlete and that’s an ingredient the Lakers just don’t have in Darius Morris or Andrew Goudelock – not on the level of DJO. We’ll see of Johnson-Odom can play at this level through camp – if he shows enough, he could make the roster. I also think Robert Sacre has a real shot as well.

Rico

What ever happened to former Lakers player Chris Mihm? Last I remember he was traded to Memphis for a second-round pick and then suffered a season ending ankle injury that required surgery. Did that injury end his career or did he have other career interests to pursue?

Eric Pincus

Chris was never close to the same after the ankle injury he suffered with the Lakers. He was one of the most genuine guys I’ve covered – so it was disappointing on that level to see him dealt the same year the team won the title.

Chumpalump

In his chat, Stephen Botherson agrees how far an individual can carry a subpar team indicates a player’s impact on the game. Citing Drik Nowtizki’s teams who almost always win 50+ games despite a constant turnover of players. I was surprised in the two years Kobe didn’t have a dominant bigman in his supporting cast (Shaq, Bynum, or Gasol) the Lakers were a mere 7th seed and bounced in the first round of the playoffs by the Phoenix Suns both times. Do you agree with Botherson and the ability to carry a subpar team indicates a particular players impact on the game. And are you surprised how poor the Lakers were and how inefficient Kobe was when he didn’t have a big man down low to help out.

Eric Pincus

I’m not really going with the whole premise – no offense to anyone here. That’s just not how I quantify players. I view that as quite arbitrary and situational. You’re not judging apples to apples.

Alex in Burbank

Eric, the Clippers and the Lakers have both overhauled their rosters over the past 18 months, and the rivalry is beginning to grow. In your opinion, Is this rivalry finally becoming legitimate for years to come? Or do you think Sterling will somehow break up the team and revert back to just being a successful business man?

Eric Pincus

Until the Lakers and Clippers meet in the playoffs, they’re just roommates. Rivalries are born in the postseason.

Alex in Burbank

Should the Lakers pursue Leandro Barbosa despite an already crowded roster?

Eric Pincus

I’ve never seen Barbosa as a good fit for the Lakers. I mean I did when he the Lakers drafted Brian Cook and I though Barbosa would grow into a defender – but neither happened.

Chumpalump

I compare LA Laker fans to New York Yankee fans. They don`t care about parity if their team is winning. Looking at payrolls, the Lakers spent 100 million compared to my home team Toronto`s 60 million. Laker fans will brag about their success, but shouldn`t they finish with a better record?? Similar to Yanks spending 197 million to the Blue Jays 75 million = difficult to compete year in and year out. Even in a cap sport, there are clearly rules and exceptions which benefit the big market teams who spend more money = easier chance to win. So even if I used this extra payroll unwisely aka. The New York Knicks or Prokhorov taking on Joe Johnson`s contract, my chances of winning are much improved. You still need good management agreed. But probability tells us solid executives and a very large team salary beat solid executives with fewer resources more often. Agree or Disagree?

Eric Pincus

It’s not a straight-up even playing field but there’s something more with the Lakers than just bankroll. The New York Knicks have paid top dollar year after year without success. The Mavericks have done the same but it wasn’t until recently when it all finally paid off. Meanwhile the Spurs won a ton of tiles and the Thunder just went to the NBA Finals. Certainly the Lakers have advantages – and the Raptors may struggle on some levels because of location (fair or not, not I say because I hear it’s a beautiful city) – but that’s not the Lakers’ fault. The NBA is trying to balance the playing field and we’ll see soon that the Lakers can’t carry this level of payroll once the new rules kick in.

It’s really too early to say – we’re still on a flat tax. That changes after this year.

Chumpalump

John Hollinger came up with a Player Efficiency Rating (PER) which takes into account positive accomplishments, such as field goals, free throws, 3-pointers, assists, rebounds, blocks and steals and negative ones, such as missed shots, turnovers and personal fouls. The formula adds positive stats and subtracts negative ones through a statistical point value system. The league average is 15. Looking at the PER stats last year, Kobe Bryant was 17th overall behind Al Jefferson, Manu Ginobli, Keneth Faried, and Greg Monroe. Question: Do you think Hollinger`s PER is a good measure on a player`s overall impact on the game. And are you surprised how poorly Kobe was in the rankings or does that just come with old age?

Eric Pincus

I appreciate John, who is a good basketball guy. I just use different metrics is all.

Mr. Ballistik

When the NBA nixed the CP to Lakers, I thought they did the Lakers a favor.

Do you agree that Kobe, Nash, Dwight, and Gasol > Kobe, CP3, and (hypothetcally) Dwight?

Eric Pincus

The NBA didn’t do the Lakers a favor – but naturally the team has moved on. Long-term you can argue that the Lakers may not be in as good a position – but that really depends on if they can in turn, get something strong back for Gasol. Today, absolutely, but they had designs on landing both Paul and Howard which would have been a tremendous core post Kobe. Ultimately the Lakers are fine. The Clippers are fine. The Hornets are fine. The team that really got burnt by the situation was Houston.

T.J. Wilson

What’s your predictions on the newly revamped Knicks? Will they have a spectacular season this year?

Eric Pincus

I’m not sure the Knicks are elite. They’re certainly one of the better teams in the East but I have them a notch below both the HEAT and Celtics. They are also neck and neck with the Pacers, Nets and Sixers.

rockets fan

Do you rockets will go after in the fa or make any trades before camp? Which point guard do you see backing up Lin? Machado, Douglas or Livingston? Do you think we need to add another center to back up asik? Because I’ve heard he can get into foul trouble pretty quick..

Eric Pincus

I still think the Rockets will look to make a move or two. I’m curious to see what happens with James Harden in OK City. If the Thunder do decide to deal him instead of extending, the Rockets may be a natural trade partner. Given Livingston’s size, he can play multiple positions. Douglas is solid. I think they’ll all get minutes but we’ll have to wait and see how they look together before guessing on rotation. I expect the Rockets to just rotate in their army of power forwards at the center position as well. Just the situation as it is.

grizz

why memphis get too many guards 7 of 14 player is guards??

Eric Pincus

Some in the NBA live by the credo “guards win games.” There’s some truth to it – I’m not sure how much yet – but certainly some.

Sea Harris

Hey Eric,

who do you think will be the regular 5 for the Lakers second unit? And which rookies/sophmores do you figure to make the biggest impact?

Eric Pincus

In regular rotation I expect a combination of Duhon/Blake at the point, Meeks, Ebanks, Jamison and Hill. I’m not sure any other young players make true impact right away – and if there’s someone in that group to get reduced minutes – it’s probably Ebanks with Kobe getting more minutes at three.

RickLevitt

Do you think the Maloofs are going to sell the team or find another home?

Eric Pincus

They don’t appear ready to sell or ready to move – but at some point I expect something to break – be it a new home, or a new owner. My sense is the Kings are waiting for the absolute perfect situation – which may take some real time – but it’s their property. Fans may be impatient and want some form of closure – but I don’t know if that’s to be any time soon.

Leo

I have a feeling Howard’s back is probably 99%, and it’s just a question of building his superman strength and conditioning…But that’s just my guess.

Does anyone know specifically what stage he’s at with his rehab/training (i.e.Just lifting weights & shooting, or also running/jumping)?

Eric Pincus

The only real way to make sure Howard’s back gets and stays healthy is taking it slowly through recovery. Once he’s past a certain point, I don’t think there will be any restrictions. I know he’s been lifting for about a month and doing some level of running, etc. I’ll know more in a couple of weeks.

Leo

Is “On Paper” turning into the cliche of the century?

Eric Pincus

I don’t really think it’s a cliche. Something more like “giving 110%” is a cliche. On paper is just a point of view – all we have at this point is the list of teams and their players. What more do we have to work with during the summer? And that’s ultimately how a general manager works in the NBA. They put together the best team they can based on how they view it on paper.

Tom

Hi Eric! I was wondering what things you think Dwight Howard brings to the Lakers beyond what Drew brought to the center position?

Eric Pincus

Mobility. Apply that to offense but more importantly defense.

Mashkareem

Eric, what do you make of Kendrick Perkins comment about him feeling disrespected by Lakers offseason moves? Who does he think he is? Were the Lakers supposed to pick up the phone and ask for Mr. Perkins permission before they could make a trade or sign player this summer? It’s ridiculous!

Eric Pincus

I don’t really follow you here.

Mashkareem

Why are there so many comments about the Lakers lately by players or owners? If they’re not really scared of the possiblities that the Lakers could win the next two or three championships, then why do they go on early defence and make these stupid comments? If the Lakers don’t impress them, then they have nothing to worry about….why talk so much?

Eric Pincus

There are comments because there are people asking questions to these players, executive, media-types, etc. about the Lakers. Asked and answered is all.

Phil Correa

Hello Mr. Pincus,

Once again, a hell of a good job covering for the Lakers & Clippers. Anyway, do you think the Lakers will have the best record in the Western Conference such as between 60-65 wins or more? (Sorry if I’m not making much sense)

Eric Pincus

I have the Lakers and Thunder neck and neck for best record in the West. I haven’t made my official win-number prediction but will before the season.

Brett

Eric Ik The Lakers Have Not played a game yet but do you think they might be overrated i mean the team is still pretty old and i don’t see howard as THAT big of an upgrade over bynum and he is also shorter

Eric Pincus

Shorter is hardly the issue. Howard changes the foot-speed of the Lakers in the frontcourt and that’s a major change. Also, the outside shooting is a major change with Nash and Meeks. LA also needed another scorer and they got Jamison. I see LA as older, yes, but a lot better than last year.

Jason

Do you see a “good fit” for players like T-Mac or Pietrus to land at before training camp starts? Personally I’d like to see one of them, preferably Pietrus, on Oklahoma City. I think they need just a little bit more pop off the bench and have another wing to check Kobe, Wade, LeBron so that Durant/Harden/Sefolosha aren’t burned out and getting into foul trouble. Does that make sense or am I being too much of a “homer” wanting OKC to go after one of them?

Eric Pincus

I’m more concerned with the James Harden situation. Is he a lock to be extended? If not do they look to move him before the season? That would change the equation significantly. I would say McGrady/Pietrus at the minimum couldn’t hurt.

BrianG modesto, ca

Whats up eric!

do u see the sacramento kings making noise this year?
do they have the pieces now? Or is there too much distractions?

Eric Pincus

I’m not expecting a lot from the Kings this year but I will say they’re on the way up. I don’t think they’re an absolute bottom-dweller anymore.

Locatelli

Hi Eric.
How high do you think is the celing for Affalo? Can he become a star player or will ever be just a good role player ?
What kind of impact will he have on the Magic this season ?
Thanks,

Eric Pincus

I view Afflalo as a very strong second-perimeter player. He needs to play with a star. I do think highly of him and he’ll help the Magic – but Orlando has a long road ahead.

Alfredo Rodriguez

The Clippers have a Goon Squad in Matt Barnes, Ryan Hollins, Ronny Turiaf and Eric Bledsoe. Chris Paul, Chauncey Billups, Grant Hill, and Caron Butler are all capable defenders. Do you see an improvement in their defensive rating? Which team do you see is the best defensive unit in the NBA as currently constructed? And how will Vinny Del Negro find minutes for all the bench players?

Eric Pincus

I haven’t gone through the teams yet from that perspective and I certainly will. I view the Clippers as a little above average defensively but not much above average – certainly not elite. Some players aren’t going to get minutes without injury this year.

PokerKid

Hi Eric,

Being a die hard Lakers fan in the UK is tough enough, having to schedule my sleeping pattern around game-time to be able to watch Kobe & Co play.

Do you know if TWC will have a international package available online for those who live outside the US.

Eric Pincus

Actually we’re still waiting in the US and even Los Angeles to see who carries the Lakers outside of Time Warner. I expect we’ll all know more right around October – these things tend to go to the very last minute.

Lenny

Do you know if Deandre Jordan made any progress on post moves and shooting in general this summer? And who if anyone he has been working with?

Eric Pincus

I’m not sure who he was working with – but he spent a lot of time on free throws and post moves.

bballguy

Hi Eric. Love your chat and keep up the great work! First time posting here. It looks like it will be difficult to watch all the lakers games this season now that they will be exclusively shown through time warner cable sportsnet channel (except for national televised games). Is the only way to watch all lakers game through NBA TV subsciption? that would really suck compare to past seasons. Any thoughts? Sorry for the non-basketball related question. Thank you for your time!

Eric Pincus

Thanks – and it is a basketball-related question. As I mentioned, it’ll go down to the last minute. That’s just the nature of the cable-provider business. I anticipate that eventually (if not sooner), the Lakers will be in most house-holds. It’s just a matter of working out the $.

FreeMaxB

Nate robinsons contract is not guaranteed what does that mean, and do the lakers have a good chance at signing him to the veterans min

Eric Pincus

The Lakers have no chance if he’s with the Bulls. If the Bulls cut him, he can be claimed by another team off waivers. If he clears, then he’s a free agent and any team can sign him – assuming he’s willing to come. I will say outright, I do not expect Nate Robinson to be on the Lakers.

Matthew 'EL CAMPEON' Crawford

Two parter for you today Eric.

1) Is Bargnani an all-Star if he stays healthy? I dont think he is, but dont tell that to Raptor fans.

2) If Mickael Pietrus was open to the minimum would the lakers have to take a long hard look? I would lean toward yes, but could you really argue against it?

Thanks Eric, you are the consummate professional as always.

Eric Pincus

I don’t see Bargnani as an All-Star but when he was healthy and at his best, he was definitely an impact player. Pietrus has been adamant, through his representation, that he won’t come for the minimum. We’ll see if that was a bluff – if he goes no better offer. He’s a decent player – above average – but not necessarily a major difference-maker.

ziad

why isnt the thunder considering a trade with boston , westbrook for rondo ! ur thoughts !

Eric Pincus

I would say that as of today, I don’t think either team goes there. In general, the Thunder are still very high on Westbrook.

Juan Vidales

1.Who will be on that hot seat the most if both Vinny Del Negro and Mike Brown dont win it all?
2. The way Kobe was coaching the players last year, in your opinion would he make a good head coach such as Bird or a bad coach such as Magic? Tnks!

Eric Pincus

Del Negro’s contract is up after this season so it’s a different situation. Brown would have to get fired vs. the Clippers can just go in a different direction. It’s really hard to say – I mean do the Lakers flame out? Do both teams have good showings in the playoffs until the end?

I don’t believe Bryant will go into coaching. I’d question whether he has the right mind-set to really coach. He knows the game – and has done a strong job helping the younger Lakers learn – but head coach? I just don’t see it.

Dave

Hi Eric! As far as scoring averages, what is your GUESS as to the ranking of the Lakers five starters (when Dwight returns) from highest scorer to lowest this year? Also, do you see Kobe logging significant minutes at small forward?

Eric Pincus

I’d say Laker starters – Kobe, Howard, Gasol, Nash, Peace.

JR

With Dwight Coward gone & the Magic in rebuild mode & in possession of quite a large amount of money via TE, do you see them using that to pursue a big name or 2 next year when more money comes off the books? The draft picks aren’t quite pretty, ORL is starving to get back to stardom… Thanks for your time

Eric Pincus

I see the Magic trying to build through the draft first. They need their Durant, Griffin or Rose. From there, then we see how quickly they can build a winner. I don’t think spending on a big name is the way to go without any true support.

phil from La

The Lakers have a excellent starting five but the bench is ok I still think they need one more person if u had a choice who whould u get K.Martin or Barbosa thanks for the time

Eric Pincus

I don’t see any reason to get Barbosa. Martin at least adds a versatile defender. I don’t think either come but between the two, easily Martin.

Aevi

Hello Eric. Do you see Metta having trouble with the Princeton offense the way he struggled with the Triangle? Also, which lineup would you like to see close games, and why: A) Nash / Kobe / Metta / Pau / Dwight, or B) Nash / Meeks / Kobe / Metta / Dwight. Thanks!

Eric Pincus

Peace has already played in motion offense systems before. I don’t anticipate much issue. This will be closer to what Rick Adelman ran anyway than Phil with the triangle. In close games, I’m not thinking that B lineup happens often at all.

shawn

who is the more dominate basketball player lebron or dwight

Eric Pincus

Right now James.

Jared

Would you agree that the Clippers greatly improved their roster at every position but the 5 spot? Moreover, would you agree that unless DJ vastly improves the Clips are destined for another 2nd round exit? Lastly, does another 2nd round exit equate to the end of the Del Negro era?

Eric Pincus

The Clippers are better. The question is – how much better? From a perspective they got a players that were on the outs with their previous teams (Odom, Crawford, etc.) and Grant Hill is 40. LAC has tremendous upside and may prove to be a lot better than last year but they have a lot of work to do. I fully expect the team to finish games with Odom alongside Griffin – but if Jordan makes a leap forward, he changes who the Clippers are.

It’s similar to that little boost that JaVale McGee gave the Nuggets in the playoffs vs. the Lakers. I’m not sure if DJ gets there – but he still has some room to grow that could help the team.

Beyond this year, I think it becomes – who does Chris Paul want coaching the team in order to get him to re-sign, no?

Andrew

Which big man can/should the Raptors target in exchange for Calderon? How about Calderon, Rookie Lituanian Center (he was the 5th pick in 2011) and Ed Davis for Al Jefferson and Earl Watson. I would think Utah would like to create more playing time for Kanter and Derrick Favors in the process.

Eric Pincus

So you want to pay Al Jefferson a huge contract instead of seeing what Valanciunas can do? What exactly has Jefferson done in the postseason over his career? I’d rather go with the younger, rookie scale player and see him develop.

neal

Do you see earl Clark getting any meaningful minutea

Eric Pincus

Honestly, not without injury but then anything is possible. If he can make himself valuable, certainly he can earn minutes.

Kurt

What is next for Derek Fisher? Will he play in the NBA this year? Assistant coach next season? What is the status of his issues with the NBPA?

Eric Pincus

I figure he ends up on a roster somewhere, I imagine a playoff team.

Vince

Don’t you think that if Jonas Valanciunas works out well for the Raptors, they don’t have the ability to make a little noise in the east? Lowry, Ross, Fields, Bargnani, and Valanciunas doesn’t look too shabby as a starting 5, no?

Eric Pincus

I don’t know if the Raptors are a playoff team this year but they have a tiny window. Instead I view it as a development year, which isn’t a bad thing.

Chumpalump

When speaking of PER (Player Efficiency Rating) Coach Macri stated he was not surprised Kobe Bryant ranked 17th overall last year as “he took a ton of bad shots and was not operating in the flow of the offense.” Question: If Kobe’s team still had Smush Parker and Kwame Brown this need to hog the ball and huck up forced shots would be more acceptable. But why does Kobe feel the need to do this last year playing with former all-stars Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol?? I know he has a huge will to win, but wouldn’t Kobe be better served playing team basketball?

Eric Pincus

There were a lot of problems last year – most notably the Lakers had a new system without any training camp to operate with. Gasol really struggled to find a place in the offense (which wasn’t because of Kobe but because of Bynum) and the Lakers had little to no bench support (and practically no outside shooting). I don’t really care about the numbers because it’s a team game – lack of balance in roster/situation skews individual stats.

Clips on 1

The Lakers may be older and they do have Jamison. But Jamison cant defend outside of the perimeter which is where OKC and LAC can excel at. Steve Nash plays virtually no defense which presents a problem against PGs like CP3 and Russell Westbrook. Could you see the Lakers, OKC and Clippers being top 3?

Eric Pincus

This will have to do for the week. Once again, thanks for a fantastic turn-out.

Clips – The Magic made it to the NBA Finals with Dwight in the middle and Rashard Lewis at four, Hedo at three and Rafer/Jameer at point. Howard changes who the Lakers are as a much higher impact defender than Bynum, who was still growing into that role. The game is not about defensive stoppers at each position, it’s about team. The Lakers are better with Nash and Howard than they’d be with Nash and Bynum, because of Howard’s ability to get out on the pick and roll and then recover to the paint.

Jamison is a bench player – and if the Lakers need to bring in a defensive big they have Hill who showed he too can rotate well.

I would argue that CP3 can’t guard CP3 – Westbrook can’t guard Westbrook, etc. The rules favor point guards and it’s more about having the bigs inside to protect the rim than it is to have a Gary Payton-like defender – which is all but illegal in this day and age.

I respect the Thunder for who they are and what they did last year. I see the Lakers a tiny notch above but not so much that a winner is a foregone conclusion. I see the Clippers as a notch below both – but no far behind.