NBA Chat With Eric Pincus 9/27/11

Nick, from Australia

Let’s talk Lakers. I believe losing in the playoffs last season was exactly the motivation we needed to come back stronger this season and be ready to take out the championship.
Do you belive that it is best for the team to stay with what they have? because i personally cannot wait to see the draft picks in action, i think they are great and cant wait to see what they can do in the backcourt with kobe.
The story is about all the other positions though do you think it will be benefitial to the team to move bynum and maybe artest or odom out for D12. This could possibly be a good move but leaves a big hole at the 3.
Your thoughts on the whole situation? what do you believe is best for the lakers and what do you think of the draft picks they acquired?

Eric Pincus

I expect the Lakers to return a very similar team to what they already have, given the brevity of whatever offseason there is (hopefully beyond the lockout). With the rest after three-straight years to the NBA Finals, I expect LA to be better. Then again there will be a difference with Brown instead of Phil – one that may only be clear in the postseason. Long-term LA needs some changes but they are probably better off waiting of great opportunities when right now (lockout aside), there’s not much to speak of. I mean Ramon Sessions? He’s yet to prove he can play without the ball and hit reliably from the outside – and those are musts when playing with guys like Bryant, Gasol and Bynum (not to mention Odom).

Alexis

Do you think Kobe will accept offers for him to play in italy?
And any news about D.Wade playing Overseas?

Eric Pincus

Until the season is officially delayed/scrubbed, I expect Bryant to be asking for more than what these international teams can pay him. You can probably say the same about Wade.

tiff

why is kobe not playing in these games with lbj & cp3 & melo i know he’s in turkey now but do u think he’ll ply in the game on oct 8?

Eric Pincus

These things are kind of random. Kobe’s a guy who pretty much marches to his own beat. I don’t anticipate he’ll play then if it’s not announced. It’s not like he’s going to spend this time rushing around to find pickup games to play in . . .

Hurricane Game

Is it o=possible, if a MLE exists that the Chicago Bulls can sign shane battier and jason richardson for about a lil over 2.5 million each?

and my 2nd question is if they can and do sign them, is there a high chance the magic take a noah, gibson, brewer for howard trade?

Eric Pincus

I don’t believe Battier will come for that, let-alone Richardson. It’s easy to talk about taking less until the bigger offers come. Richardson for the MLE might make some sense although I’d probably prefer a ball-handler/combo guard for the Bulls to help when Derek Rose is swamped with defenders. Who else on that team can create a shot for themselves or others off the dribble? C.J. Watson?

I suppose Chicago can get into the Dwight Howard mix. Personally I don’t think they go Noah/Gibson and pieces for Howard but then again it’s not out of the ballpark.

Victor from Sydney, Australia

Any chance we see Dwight traded for Bynum and Odom this year? There’s a real threat of Orlando ending up with nothing should he leave. Maybe Orlando might want the Lakers to take Hedo or Agent Zero off their hands as well for this to work?

Eric Pincus

I addressed this in another question but keep in mind that if there’s an amnesty, the Magic will likely dump either Arenas or Turkoglu. Historically the Lakers have not been an organization to take on terrible contracts. The worst may have been Brian Grant in the Shaq trade but even that was an expiring deal. We’ll all have to wait and see past the lockout how things progress. I’m curious what happens if the new CBA does away with sign and trade. That could significantly limit Orlando’s summer options.

John

I keep hearing and seeing all these Dwight howard to lakers rumors is there any truth behind them and what would the lakers have to give for him im aware andrew bynum is 1 option is there any others?

Eric Pincus

The Lakers remain a feasible option for Howard if and when he becomes available but there are many, many hurdles to leap before we get to that point. The new CBA will lay the blueprint for Howard’s future among others . . .

Dylan Stevenson

What are some obtainable/reasonable players Lakers could get to fill their roster at backup SG and backup Center?
Thanks

Eric Pincus

This is a weak free agent crop (pre-possible amnesty). I mean we’re talking guys like Jeff Foster, Joel Przybilla and the like at center . . . shooting guard is even weaker. I don’t expect a big expenditure from the Lakers just yet. Let’s wait and see beyond the lockout and things will take form. At this point the Lakers are what they are minus a backup center. I’m not even convinced they sign a guard with rookies Darius Morris and Andrew Goudelock as possible fits. Additionally Matt Barnes may play some non-triangle guard as well.

Dylan Stevenson

If an amnesty clause is in the new CBA, who would the Lakers cut and in what order? I say Luke Walton, Metta World Peace and Steve Blake.

Eric Pincus

Something like that. Obviously they’re not going to amnesty Kobe, Pau, Drew, Odom, the second-year players on non-guaranteed contracts (Ebanks and Caracter) and Matt Barnes on an expiring contract. That basically leaves the three you listed and Fisher. Loyalty takes Fisher off the list and you get Walton (least productive per dollar), Artest (aging rapidly) and Blake. The team is hoping Steve can rebound after a down season outside of the triangle offense. We’ll see . . .

Dylan Stevenson

I read in a Hoopsworld article that the Lakers tried to attain Tayshaun Prince last year. If so, would they still try to get him this year despite Kuester being on the coaching staff?

Eric Pincus

They spoke to the Pistons before the trade deadline but it was just too difficult to find contracts to match in a deal. Prince would be an ideal target if the Lakers found someone to take Ron Artest (Metta World Peace) in trade but that may not be likely.

On another note, I’ve heard Prince may not want to come back to Los Angeles to play in his hometown (Lakers or Clippers) although that’s just some anecdotal buzz. I do think the Kuester thing is an issue though it may not be the decider either way.

LA has Peace, Matt Barnes and Luke Walton at the three. If they can amnesty Luke, perhaps they give Prince a look but even then they’re pretty full at the three. I’m not sure Prince wants to come to a situation where he’s going to have compete like that for minutes.

Nick

Do the cavs find someone to take jamison, davis, gibson or sessions off are hands?

Eric Pincus

At some point they will but there’s no rush. We have to get past the lockout. Does the new CBA include an amnesty clause? Does that mean Baron is cut?

I would expect at least one point guard to be gone before the season although the lockout uncertainty may make player movement difficult in a short time – so it may bleed into the season before moves are made (hard to say definitively there). I know some people in the Cavs organization still value Gibson so if Davis and Sessions are out, he probably sticks. If Cleveland wants to move either Daniel or Ramon, they’ll find a taker.

Jamison can still play and as an expiring contract he might bring some value but the Cavs aren’t likely to get much in the way of young talent for him, given his age, etc.

Dylan Stevenson

How many games can be lost and there still be a NBA season?

Eric Pincus

Based on history, the league can lose 32 games and still function. I’m hoping it will still come down to zero lost games but that’s sadly up in the air right now.

devonte wilson

Iman shumpert has alot of upside and will defiently come into the knicks lineup and get solid minutes about 15-17. predict what his stat line might look like at the end of his rookie season

Eric Pincus

I don’t think he’ll do much on the stats side. I wouldn’t pick him up for a fantasy team. Shumpert is an athlete and he has strong potential defensively. I would say 15-17 minutes sounds about right but I can’t see more than 7-8 ppg if that. That’s not a knock on him but he’s a rookie coming in as a role player on a team with two major scorers.

Dylan Stevenson

In your honest opinion was Mike Brown the best possible hire for the Lakers?

Eric Pincus

I liked Rick Adelman as the coach to take over the veteran Lakers. I fully understand the Mike Brown hiring. If you want a long-term option, Brown is the better choice. I just think Adelman might have been better suited to get this specific veteran-laden team back to the NBA Finals. Rick has yet to win a ring as an NBA head coach but he may have been better suited to win today.

To build a culture based on defense and gradually transition from now to the future – while still providing a chance to win as is – Brown is a suitable hire. I don’t have a problem with it.

There’s going to be drop off after Phil Jackson, regardless.

MARTY

If Kobe or any other player is injured while playing in Europe they can have their contract cut, if that is correct then what would the lakers do if Kobe was in fact hurt during the strike while playing in Europe ?? Lastly if the season is really called by the strike will that count as a year off all players contracts ??

Eric Pincus

It’s difficult to say what any team will do if a player suffers a severe injury overseas, let alone in the case of a star like Kobe. Let’s just all hope across the board that nothing like this comes up. If the lockout costs a season, that’s a year on each players’ contract that is gone and unpaid – and in many cases it’s money that will never be recouped.

Chris Cook

Will the NBA lockout end today (9/27)?

Eric Pincus

Nah.

JJ

What are the most likely free agent pick ups for the Knicks? Is it more likely they start the season (if there is one) largely with the same team as last year with the hope the rookies i.e., Iman because James and harrelson dont seem nba ready, make an impact?

Eric Pincus

The tricky part for the Knicks is maintaining cap room for a run at a player like Chris Paul next summer while adding on a role-playing center like Samuel Dalembert this year. I could see the HEAT outbidding New York for Sam. While Dalembert is limited, he’d be a help for either team. Perhaps if Joel Przybilla is healthy, he’d be a more realistic option.

Lee

Is it a real possibility that the suns would trade robin Lopez for a measley package of 3 mil and a 2nd rounder? What player in today’s league does iman shumpert remind u of?

Eric Pincus

I do know that Alvin Gentry was puzzled by Lopez’ inability to contribute last year. That was the piece they were counting on and it just wasn’t there. I’m not sure what the price will be if and when they move him. Shumpert right now may have some Tony Allen in him – but then I haven’t seen enough to give a true NBA comparison.

Jeff

Kaman,Mo,Bledsoe,Aminu,miny pick for DWill,Farmar,Petro.
Clipps get all star PG. They get downgrade at back up PG but he would only get 10mpg anyway. Petro would compete with Thompkins and Diogu for back up C.
Nets get some good rebuilding pieces and clear two bad contracts in Farmar and Petro. Kaman and Williams could even be used in another trade. Nets would end up with 8 million more in cap space for 2012 and have a lottery pick.
PF-Humphries
SF-Barnes
C-Lopez
PG-Bledsoe
SG-Morrow

That’s a good young team (that’s not including free agents). They could make a run at CP3 or somebody else.

Eric Pincus

Something along those lines, perhaps, would work for the Clippers but I’m doubtful the Nets go there at this point. They want and hope to keep Williams.

Jeff

Clipps should just simply sign Tayshawn Prince. They need a SF more than anyone and they could out bid anyone. I’m not saying give him a bad contract, but Clipps probably do have to over pay a little big just for being the Clipps. At 32, he’s really not that old and the Clipps need a vet leader anyway. Why not offer him a 3 year/24 million contract with 12 million in year one and 6 million per year I’m year 2 and 3?

Eric Pincus

Prince is out of the age range for the Clippers but he’s a fallback option. LAC has some big decisions ahead and I don’t have a problem with Tayshaun as the solution – he’s the guy I had said from the start (two years ago) that I thought they’d end up with . . . but there’s a long list of moves the team would rather make before then. We also have to see what Prince wants to do – that’s not entirely clear.

jj

What ever happened to steve franics? Him, maurbry and iverson were leigt scorers not that long ago I still believe they could put up numbers and be effective.. but it seems like owners and the nba shut them out of the league for personal reason. Is that fair for these guys who were icons to not finish there careers the right way?

Eric Pincus

Francis’ game was over-reliant on his athleticism. Once that started to slip, he didn’t have enough of a game to offset and adjust. It happens to a lot of players unfortunately.

matthew

your thoughts on mike brown running the offense thru bynum and gasol? will kobe buy in?

Eric Pincus

The offense is going to run through Kobe, especially late in games. The team will try to take advantage of going inside just as they tried under Phil Jackson. Bryant plays his way and I don’t see major change and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It’s just about harnessing what Kobe can do (that no one else can) into the team concept.

The Lakers will have a strong regular season – the test probably won’t come until the second round of the playoffs when that finally arrives . . .

Kurt

A hard cap might help a team like the Bucks but hurt the Lakers. Are the owners in general agreement, or just keeping their differences private?

Eric Pincus

The owners are not in overall agreement on a lot of things from hard cap to revenue sharing. They’re focused on getting the best deal overall from the players so there’s more money to go around – which in and of itself will lead to more competitive balance especially if the wealth is shared appropriately. I don’t think a hard cap is the answer either way. Star-driven teams drive the league which brings in $ for everyone. The small market teams may stay at a disadvantage in some areas but that doesn’t mean the new CBA won’t find ways to help offset that . . .

ziad

hey man wassup .
i want to ask you . is there a chance ( when the season starts ) and if miami doesnt win a championship , is there a chance that they trade away bosh ?

Eric Pincus

There’s always a chance but I don’t view Bosh as anywhere close to the problem.

Dong of Dayton

Hello Eric,

Can you shed some light on Eric Gordon’s past injuries. It appears he’s missed 46 games over the last two seasons. Does he have any lingering injuries or is it random ankle sprains and what not?

Also what kind of season do you expect form him this year?

Eric Pincus

There’s nothing chronic going on with Eric Gordon. He had some bad luck with the wrist injury this past year. As he grows as a player and matures in the league, he’s hoping to stay healthier. If the Clippers can add one more piece, I expect a lot out of Gordon and Griffin.

Mario

Is there a chance the bulls land D12 without giving up luol deng or do you think they should focus on the 2 gaurd spot. Thanks

Eric Pincus

I’m not sure fixating on Howard is the answer but having the tools available to get him should at least be monitored. I’m not sure the Magic are going to want Deng frankly and his contract. It’s difficult to truly know until we get the new CBA hashed out.

samy

What kind of season can we expect from Noah? Any chance he will be a top 5 center next year?

Eric Pincus

Defensively yes, Noah when healthy is a top-five center. I’m not sure if he’ll put up top-five offensive numbers but then how many big scoring centers are there in the league? I think highly of Joakim – my impression is that I may value him more as a player than some of the Chicago fans who I come across.

JC

Good article on NBA Tandems. Do you think Beasley doesn’t get enough respect as Love’s partner in crime because of his knucklehead ways? He put up a respectable stat line for a growing player: 19 pts, 6 rebs, 2 assists.

Eric Pincus

I still view Beasley as a Ricky Davis/Antawn Jamison type player – a guy who, when given the minutes can put up some significant numbers but may not necessarily help his team become a steady winner. Perhaps he’ll prove me wrong. It’s not him off the court or maturity, etc. – I’m talking about his game itself.

Earl

The owners indicated that with the players 52% offer there would be a deal and then when they got what they said they wanted they backed off. Are the owner negotiating in good faith or are they to far apart themselves to get a deal done?

Eric Pincus

I don’t believe the owners ever came close to offering 52%. Even if they neared that in the first year, it would have involved a descending percentage so that it wouldn’t be anywhere near 52% 10-years down the road. The owners are doing what they can to get the best deal they can. I don’t think the players argument that negotiations haven’t progressed in good faith will hold any legal bearing.

Dylan Stevenson

Who do you think the Lakers should pursue after Kobe retires to replace the star power?

Eric Pincus

Probably Dwight Howard . . . if not then possibly Chris Paul/Deron Williams. That’s on today’s radar but given that the team is banking Bryant has three good years left (at least), the opportunities will change over time.

Earl

I know you don’t care much for the Kings but do you see any upside for Evans and Cousins at all?

Eric Pincus

I think highly of the Kings as a franchise. I just think they’re a number of years away from competing. Evans and Jimmer Fredette may be an interesting pair. Cousins, when focused, is a beast. There’s some serious potential there but the roster still needs some work and the Kings need Jimmer to be for real. As far as the likability factor, Fredette is it . . . Evans and Cousins aren’t nearly as accessible to the fans . . .

Keith

Eric, I knowna lot of lakers fans have this belief that the lakers are eventually get Dwight Howard, do you as I see that as just being a feel good Dream, the lakers have not signed a superstar free agent in his prime since Shaq, so why would anyone believe one would go there now, especially to play on an aging team,do you think that makes sense?

Eric Pincus

It’s not necessarily about signing a free agent outright. I mean the Lakers did land Pau Gasol, no? He and Kobe Bryant both arrived via trade. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was a trade as well. The Lakers may have the pieces depending on what the Magic think of Bynum. Again, we’re talking down the road beyond the lockout. Will the Lakers and do the Lakers believe they’ll land Howard? I wouldn’t say yes but it’s a factor they pretty much have to take into consideration and prepare for.

As far as why for Howard? Beyond the talent the Lakers are an NBA name brand – and there’s not much value in evaluating the Laker roster as-is – change happens quickly in the NBA and that’s rarely a consideration. The top players generally believe they can win by themselves – or with just a little bit of help. That may be a skewed view but it’s not going to stop someone like Howard from going to LA, an aging roster, etc.

Besides, LA is only locked in financially for 2-3 years before it all opens up to where in 2014 not a single player is under contract.

KH

Sofoklis Schortsanitis,his rights belongs to Clippers.Your opinion?Do you think he’s NBA ready?

Eric Pincus

Honestly I don’t expect Sofoklis to ever land in the NBA. His summer visit a couple of years ago was it I’m afraid.

Brian

Do you see the sacramento kings staying or leaving with lockout going on?

Eric Pincus

There’s still a big push to keep the Kings in Sacramento. I would say the situation did a 180 when it became clear a move to Anaheim would cost the Lakers significant money in their Time Warner deal – that’s money the league is going to want on the books (revenue sharing, etc.).

Dylan Stevenson

Have the Lakers ever been interested in Shane Battier? Would he be a good free agent pickup now for them?

Eric Pincus

I think it’s the same issue with Prince. LA is already invested at the three, not to mention that Bryant likes to play in that spot offensively. LA may need a combo guard to back up Kobe and possibly play some point if the opportunity arises (if perhaps the Fisher/Blake/Morris combination proves ineffective). Battier on the Lakers because he’s not on another team defending Bryant but beyond that, probably not (barring other Laker moves that might open a spot . . . moves I’m not expecting mind you).

LeBron S. Pippen

Seems like the media is hammering Dan Gilbert and his past comments about the team being a money maker is not the priority. Do you think he and some of the other owners are going to soften the stance about losing so much money? The media seems to be siding with the players in that aspect.

Eric Pincus

The owners are going to hold on until the last possible moment to get as big a piece of the piece as they possibly can get. A hard cap is secondary to that. I do believe that Gilbert is a hard cap advocate but I don’t think that’s significant in the final analysis. We’ll see in a week or so . . .

Paul

I’m confused about the Lakers. If Brown really wants to go with the twin towers as the primary options, where does that leave Kobe? I would hate to see Kobe just being a jump shooter. What are their plans for Kobe? I say get two shooters and make Kobe the point guard, that way he dominates the ball and he is involved in the game doing what he does. I would use the trade exception for Boobie Gibson. The Cavs already have Irving and Sessions at PG, they don’t need him. I would then looks for a shooter for LO or with the MLE. It would be cool to see Kobe re invent himself and extend his career by being a facilitator. The key is, the shooting small forward that the Lakers get should also be a good defender, that way Kobe don’t tear up his knee more by chasing around the tougher wings on defense. That’s why Idk of Brandon Roy would be a good fit.

Eric Pincus

I don’t like Sessions as a fit for the Lakers. Roy is under contract and if the Blazers cut him via amnesty (if it’s in the new CBA), I’m thinking it’s because he’s just not healthy enough.

Look . . . this is Kobe’s team. Let’s not forget that. He’s going to be the focus but the Lakers – just as they did under Phil Jackson – are going to try to exploit teams with their size.

Paul

Why don’t the Clippers and Lakers ever make trades? I think Mo Williams would be a perfect fit on the Lakers.

Eric Pincus

I’m sure one day the Lakers and Clippers will make a trade but nothings come up in memory. Williams would be a good fit on the Lakers, sure . . . but the Clippers kind of value him. It’s not like they’re going to give up their starting point guard just because the Lakers want him, you know?

Dylan Stevenson

Did the Lakers almost have a deal to send Artest (MWP) for Stephen Jackson last year? Is it true Artest nixed the deal?

Eric Pincus

There was some discussion but it never got to that point – and I don’t believe Artest nixed anything.

Dylan Stevenson

Have you ever heard about a possible Laker trade rumor and had to be quiet about it for fear that breaking the news might nix the deal? As a sports journalist does this happen often?

Eric Pincus

Not really, no. I’ve heard about moves before they’ve happened and usually that information goes up on the site. Sometimes the news isn’t confirmed and rumors are so common, you wait on it to make sure it’s legit and it’s announced as done deal. As a journalist you can’t worry about news getting in the way of a deal. Typically if it’s gotten to the media, it’s already older news and it’s going to leak somewhere anyway!

Joe

I heard you previously mention the Lakers should persue Willie Green. I hope not, he is one of the worst players in the NBA. It would be a mean drop off from Shannon Brown. If they get a “combo guard”, I would rather them pick up Arenas if he is cut. Hinrich would be nice in a trade.

Eric Pincus

Actually I didn’t say I think they should pursue Willie Green – I was asked to make my best guess on the kind of player the Lakers settle for given the option and Green popped out as a viable option. Obviously the amnesty would change the pool of free agents but neither Arenas nor Hinrich are available.

Simon

Whos a better pick for for the magic? Alen iverson or j.r. smith

Eric Pincus

Smith is playing overseas so simply by availability . . . Iverson because it’s a choice between no one and AI. I’m still going to go AI here.