NBA Chat With Eric Pincus 9/4/12

Jim in LA

Why is Lakers not signing any more free agents knowing that Howard will not be in the line up for first few months? There are teams that has more players with contract than Lakers going into training camp. I know the argument that why sign more player if they are not going to get any minutes or Lakers know that time is on their side and they can get whatever free agents they want at any time.

Eric Pincus

September means we’re a month or less away from training camp – today we chat . . .

Jim – I’m not sure who said Howard won’t be in the lineup for the first few months. Certainly Howard and the Lakers haven’t and while that’s certainly a possibility – it’s also a possibility he’s in the opening night lineup. I don’t expect the Lakers to add much more than rookies and camp fodder. If there’s a delay for Howard, then Pau Gasol, Jordan Hill, Antawn Jamison and Earl Clark will likely hold it down – possibly with some Robert Sacre if he can get through camp.

bobby

Blazers make the playoffs?

Eric Pincus

I say no, not this year.

Christian

What do you know about the raptors’#56 pick Tomislav Zubcic?

Eric Pincus

His name starts with Z, which is a bonus. Other than that, he’s not quite on my radar yet. Once a guy is in the NBA, I quickly learn what they’re about. I prep for the NBA Draft in May and June, watch some NCAA and even catch a few Euroleague games but no, admittedly, it’s not my expertise.

Shaulenny

when are you up to doing the salary pages like m.webster and e.moore

Eric Pincus

I have Webster on the Wizards page – haven’t done Moore and Orlando yet but imagine that will happen shortly.

NBA MANIAC/Shaullenny

where do you think josh howard will land.

perhaps CHI, NYK, CHA or suprise team

who do you think nets will sign
d.james or d.green or j.childress, or s.young, or curry

what about the heat who will they sign as a big

who do you think orlando will cut (they have 17 players) what about cleveland

what teams do you think are done for their offseason?

Eric Pincus

I’m not sure yet where Howard will land, I wouldn’t count out Utah just yet frankly. I don’t see Charlotte as a surprise team by any measure. The Bulls would be a surprise if they’re top four in East without Rose. I see the Knicks in the 3-6 range.

I wonder if Childress is the guy. He was really solid in Atlanta but couldn’t crack the rotation in Phoenix, at all. Looks like Josh Harrellson in Miami. That’s about as far as I can get through your long list of questions!

LA in LA

Hey Eric, once again wanted thank you for a great job on salary pages.
Anyway I have a salary cap question (I tried to ask Coon, but my question didn’t go through):
For 2014-15 teams pay the repeater rate if they also were taxpayers in all of the previous three seasons. The Lakers will have been barring a major dump off. In 2014 Lakers should have lots of cap space with only Dwight’s max contract (around $21 mil) and Nash contract ($9.7mil). If Lakers can resign they’re own players and add free agents without crossing luxury tax line, will they still have to pay the repeater tax? Or do you have to be in the luxury tax in 2014 to pay the repeater tax?

Eric Pincus

If the Lakers are in the tax in 2014 – a dollar or $100 million – they’ll be paying repeater tax. Obviously if they don’t cross the tax line, then what tax is there to pay? None.

chris

the lakers with tax are at about 130 mil this season. why whould the not kall up mickael pietrus and say come and play for the vets min for 1 year have a great shot at a title and then cut either blake or duhon during training camp depending on who is playing better.

nash,blake/dunon,morris
kobe,meeks,godlock/odom
mwp,pietrus,ebanks
gasol,jamison,clark
howard,hill,scare

this team sounds better with pietrus then with out him and both points making the team

Eric Pincus

Actually Pietrus, through his agent, has said he won’t play for the minimum. Also, the Lakers have no room in their rotation for another perimeter player. Not one who wants to play anyway. Those minutes are going to go to a combination of Metta World Peace, Devin Ebanks, Kobe Bryant and Antawn Jamison at the three.

Rico

What do you feel is Kawhi Leonard’s upside? I think he can become a Luol Deng type player. Solid scorer who rebounds the ball well and plays great defense? Thoughts?

Eric Pincus

Leonard is rock-solid. He’s a different player naturally than Deng but that’s a reasonable comparison.

cj

how well would blatche fit with the nets? obviousley he would play behind humphries. but how do you think he would deal with that? of course I could see him playing some C considering if I were the coach I would like to also give r.evans a few minutes of PT.

Eric Pincus

Blatche for the Nets would be one of those low-risk/high-reward moves in that they don’t need him but if he does get his game together, he can help them. In general teams need a few moves like that to pan out, although I’m not sure yet if Blatche will get that chance in Brooklyn.

cj

with LAL possibley passing on matt barnes and with POR having a lil more spending money. how would barnes fit with POR?

Eric Pincus

I’m going to guess, based on my experience covering Neil Olshey with the Clippers, that he passes on Barnes.

aaron

If Miami did not win the title this year, do you think they would have tried to trade for dwight Howard? I think they could have put together the best package for him.

Eric Pincus

The HEAT didn’t have a viable package for Howard – not one the Magic would have wanted.

The Philippine Eagle

Is there a team out there interested in trading with the Lakers for Steve Blake? And will the Lakers ever trade him to that team?

Eric Pincus

I don’t see Blake moved before the season. Beyond that we’ll have to wait and see if a team needs a veteran point guard – one they’d want on a two-year salary at $4 million per. I’m going to guess there won’t be a lot of calls for Blake but there certainly could be.

shawn

i thought the lakers were done making moves this summer so why are their reports coming out about them talking to players like matt barnes and kenyon martin. how possible is it that we sign one of them or invite them to camp?

Eric Pincus

Barnes said he’s still talking to the Lakers but that doesn’t really mean much. There hasn’t been any substantial buzz regarding Kenyon Martin and LA. All I can offer there is that Kenyon’s kids are in Los Angeles – so if it was a minimum offer anywhere else vs. Lakers, perhaps he chooses the latter.

Neither is going to come for a non-guaranteed camp invite.

Rico

Do you hate that people are constantly trying to compare players (such as Kobe, and LeBron) and trying to decide who is better? I only hate it because stats are only part of the story. The truth of the matter is that they are different players, with different skill sets, who are asked to play distinctly different roles for their teams. These roles being highly dictated by the personnel on their teams. I think people get too caught up in comparing stat’s of players rather than enjoying watching their careers and being able to look back and see everything they were able to accomplish.

Eric Pincus

I don’t hate on much of anything – at least I avoid hating as often as possible. Comparisons are only natural – fair or no.

Zeeshan

I believe that the only way Ellis resigns with Bucks is if they make the playoffs? Agree??????? So say the Bucks miss the playoffs, where do u see Ellis going? Btw im a Bulls fan and would lOve him on the bulls

Eric Pincus

Ultimately players follow the money although opportunity to win, locale, etc. can play a part. I wouldn’t cross out the Bucks under any circumstance just yet. Going to the Bulls involves either a trade or cap room for Chicago and I’m not sure they’ll be able to garner either.

Niko

Kevin Martin? Monta Ellis? Tyreke Evans? James Harden? So many SG’s that fan help the Bulls next offseason. Number these guys 1-4 from most realistic to least. Remember, the Bulls can amnesty, not rsign free agents, and can use Rip’s $5M trade exception. So, goo! Lolz

Eric Pincus

There’s no $5 mil Rip Hamilton trade exception.

Azzar Nadvi

JASON KIDD VS STEVE NASH:
1. Better Passer?
2: Better Shooter?
3: Better All-Around Game?
4. 1 on 1?
5. Both in prime. who would you chose as your teams pg?

Eric Pincus

Nash is obviously the better shooter and Kidd the far-better defender. Both have been tremendous players throughout their careers. Nash is a better fit for the Lakers because they need a shooter with their talent. In other circumstances you can argue Kidd.

Charlie

Tyreke Evans is asked to play out of position by the Sacramento Kings, trying SF due to the play of Marcus Thorton. Instead why is the possibility of him playing the 6th man role not discussed (ala Jason Terry + James Harden)? And if you were in charge, would you start him at the 3 or first guard off the bench. Justify your decision.

Eric Pincus

I’d start him and then eventually trade him.

Josh

Hey Eric, I’ve got a two part question here: How much do you see Eric Bledsoe improving and do you think he is part of the Clippers long term plans? Thanks!

Eric Pincus

Bledsoe is currently a part of the team’s long-term plans. Keep in mind that teams can’t get too attached to any long-term plans. Opportunities come from time to time that mean a change of course. This could/should be a big year for Bledsoe.

Randy

Hi Eric

I heard that Time Warner is the only cable service that will carry the Lakers’ network. Time Warner, from what I’ve heard, have not discussed negotiations with any other TV service. Is it possible that many of us will miss out on Laker games locally? Do you think Time Warner will let other services carry the Lakers?

Eric Pincus

It’s all in limbo initially, but I expect the Lakers to eventually end up on nearly every service provider (with fees, naturally, even if that means a higher basic service rate).

B-Rad

Did Kareem ever reach out to Shaq when he arrived in Los Angeles?

Eric Pincus

Kareem makes himself available. He actively promotes what he has to offer.

pinas jeepney driver

Hi ep wassup? Any news on the lakers? Its kinda slow this time of d year huh.. well my question is with alot of cheap sf, why did the lakers stick with ebanks? I know he is the exact clone of durant body wise and he can defend but why not give a guy like al thorton who was drafted higher and has nice scoring? Is it because ebanks already got chemistry with the squad? And lastly sir will duhon and earl play this season? Earl can spot some minutes at the c,pf and sf positions right? More power to u guys! Hw is the best

Eric Pincus

Ebanks was available. He wasn’t going to get a bigger offer elsewhere. He’s young and athletic. Veteran teams need that sort of thing. We’ll see if he continues to develop. Rotation (with Duhon, Clark, etc.) will be determined by play.

Lee

Eric, do you see Mike Brown resting Steve Nash / KB24 in back to back’s as his mentor Pop does with his vets?

Eric Pincus

No.

Denny

Love the chats Eric. Been hearing some rumblings that the Clippers could announce a hire for the GM position this week. Have you heard anything similar? If so who do you think the hire will be?

Eric Pincus

Gary Sacks was promoted today – which is what I had written was the likely outcome.

paprika

If you would be the decision maker, would u trade josh smith for al jeferson? Al horford needs a banger with him down low and before ferry wanted out.

Eric Pincus

You can make that argument but I’d have to believe that Smith wants to leave and that Jefferson wants to stay.

Tom Bird

What’s the word on how the center that the Lakers drafted in the second round is coming along? What are the chances he will make the team? How about Kmart joining the Lakers, what are the odds?

Eric Pincus

The Lakers are fond of Sacre. It doesn’t mean he’ll make the team but he has a real shot through training camp. I don’t expect him to play much at all, if he does make the team. I haven’t heard anything concrete out of the Lakers on Martin – not even a peep. So far that’s really been fan-driven.

pacquiao punch

The lakers on the past always under estimate teams not in the top 8 and end up loosing, the kings,suns ,cavs,wizards played well agains them.is it also because those teams played fast and run alot?

Eric Pincus

A lot of it is schedule. It’s difficult to win night after night in the NBA and even the “lower” teams are capable. If you want to talk about East teams like the Wizards and Cavs – some of that is due to a lack of familiarity with their players and strategy. The Lakers are naturally going to have a better feel playing the Suns/Kings over and over year after year (even with roster changes) than the twice-a-year Eastern squads.

Nasteedunx

What is the depth chart order at Point Guard for the Kings? Does last year’s leading scorer (Marcus Thornton) start, or is it their free agent pickup Aaron Brooks, or will Isaiah Thomas get a chance to pick up where he left off? Barring Tyreke Evans getting traded, moving Evans into full-time SG duty means the best chance for Thornton, a subpar passer, to get minutes will be at PG.

Eric Pincus

I don’t think the Kings have an established depth chart yet but I’d pencil in Brooks/Thornton/Evans to start the season. Eventually that could change, perhaps with an Evans trade, but I don’t think it’s resolved by opening night. Just my hunch.

LakerZip

Has anyone spoken with Leandro Barbosa to see whether he is still considering the Lakers (since they can’t pay very much to acquire him)? What about the other free agents in the same situation, Kenyon Martin? Michael Pietrus?

Eric Pincus

I don’t believe Barbosa is a real possibility for the Lakers. They chose Meeks.

Scott

How many players do the Lakers send to the All-Star game this year?

Eric Pincus

Well two would be a lock if healthy. I think four is a stretch. I’ll guess three but more like 2.5 than 3.5.

Mashkareem

Eric, since it looks like Lakers only retire those jerseys that are inducted or will be inducted into HOF, do you think Byron Scott will be inducted into HOF and his jersey will be retired?

Eric Pincus

Don’t.

Scott

IF and it’s a big ‘if’, the Lakers win it all this year, do we keep Gasol or are the taxes simply too much of a burden?

Eric Pincus

Good question.

Scott

Do you think Darius Morris can beat out Steve Blake as the #2 backup?

Eric Pincus

“Can” is one of those words I don’t want to limit to “No.” That said, I don’t think so.

Collins

With all the weapons now at his disposal, could D-Will not only be named the best PG in the NBA but an MVP candidate as well? 2. Can MarShon Brooks steal the 6th man award away from Harden? And will JJ and Brook have breakout seasons?

Eric Pincus

There’s that “can” word. I mean, sure it’s all possible. I don’t see Brooks as the 6th Man. Williams could/should have a tremendous season.

dub

hey eric, i hear that tmac may have a workout with the bobcats. I’m probably a fool for thinking it but i think that tmac still has some legit amount of gas in the tank. The one time the hawks let him “take over” a game in the playoffs vs the celtics last year when nobody else was producing he started having an outstanding game until he got injured in the 2nd half. Tmac looking to up his stock with maybe some extended mins in charlotte?

Eric Pincus

I’m not sure McGrady should play “extended” minutes but he could prove to be a valuable rotation player for a young team. I’m not sure it’s the perfect fit but it’s not the worst idea I’ve heard.

Erik

Do you think the Hornets combo of G Vasquez and A Rivers is good enough at point or should they try and find a more true PG?

Eric Pincus

I’m not sure it’s good enough frankly but the team needs Rivers to develop and sometimes the only way to learn is to do. It couldn’t hurt to have a low-minute vet on hand.

Mashkareem

I know it’s still off-season, but does any of lakers players use the training facilities to get ready for the upcoming season? Or, the facilities are closed to the players during off-season?

Eric Pincus

Yes, players use the facility throughout the summer.

Mashkareem

Heard something about a lot of interests around the league regarding Steve Blake? Not sure why? But if the Lakers wanted to trade him, do they hav a backup plan for who will be the backup to Steve Blake? Will it be from the rookies? Or, a more established player would be needed for that role?

Eric Pincus

I haven’t heard anything yet on Blake.

magsasaka

Will the spurs have the best west record? is it safe to say tparker ,manu and duncan end the season as a spur? I think its time to add some young pieces and maybe trade tparker for calderon and derozan or manu for derozan or tyreke, would that make sense?

Eric Pincus

The Spurs will be in the mix still – right there with the Thunder and Lakers.

charlie lakers

Hi Eric – Who’s better at their prime, Kareem AJ or the Dream Olajuwon? Then why NBA ballers flocked to Houston for summer school with Olajuwon? Thanks

Eric Pincus

Abdul-Jabbar. I think it’s important to separate quality of play as a pro with quality as a teacher. Two very, very different things.

Jim

Will the lakers sign Terrence Williams?

Eric Pincus

Don’t believe so.

Jason

Why didn’t Clippers hire a real GM? DTS not willing to spend the money?

Eric Pincus

I don’t think that comment makes much sense frankly.

kyle

Better future: 76ers or Nets? Not only team wise but franchise wise? (Market, fans, arena, lease on arena, money making)

Eric Pincus

Money making? Nets

Robby

Is Dwyane Wade reaching that age where his production is starting to decline? He’s still a top 5 SG but he just seems to be a step slower. Is it time to do what Kobe did and work on his jumpshot and perimeter game?

Eric Pincus

Wade already wasn’t what he was five years ago but he’s still a high-impact player.

Ben in LA

It’s really a Fab Five on steroids with the Lakers. Why is MWP not getting love like he deserves? He can still throw down at a high level. Will that make him break out into beast-mode on D even faster this season?

Eric Pincus

I’ve heard that Peace is in very good shape.

Frank

Ben Gordon and Brandon Haywood are decent (at best ) veteran players. Bringing in these type of players makes sense in certain situations (ala Washington’s removal of knuckleheads for season vets – as they push for the last playoff spot this year). But being marginally better and winning a few more games makes little sense for a team with zero chance at the playoffs as you are taking run away from youngsters Gerald Henderson and Bismack Byiombo and decreases your chances of having the most ping pong balls. Did you support these moves by the Bobcats. Why or why not.

Eric Pincus

Players develop better with a semblance of a team around them. It’s not like the team is going to invest more in time to Gordon/Haywood at Henderson/Byiombo’s expense.

Lukas

Hi. Do You think Iggy will rebuild his game in Denver Nuggets system? Can he push his scoring average to high teens? And what do You think about Faried and Mcgee these year?

Eric Pincus

The Nuggets should have a strong year. If they can get to the fourth or fifth seed, I could see Denver getting as far as the second round. Iguodala isn’t a true scorer – it’s just not his game – and that’s not a negative. He impacts the game in many ways – defense, passing, some scoring, etc. Faried was a steal and I hear McGee has been progressing this summer (working on post moves).

Eric Piatkowski

Where am I now?

Eric Pincus

Hitting a jumpshot somewhere?

Jason

Why didn’t the Clippers sign a true GM? DTS not willing to spend the money? Or do they feel GM by committee is a better way to go?

Eric Pincus

Most general managers are groomed. Olshey was promoted from within – now Sacks. This is normal in the NBA. It’s not unique to the Clippers. Were the Lakers cheap when they went with Kupchak after Jerry West?

Mac

I currently have Brooklyn ranked #4 in the East this year in terms of reg. season wins, despite a fairly thin bench as their starting five are pretty impressive. This is ahead of New York, Philly, Chicago and Atlanta. Specifically, where do you have them ranked right now in the conference. And which one of those teams mentioned has the best chance of stealing that #4 spot?

Eric Pincus

I have the Nets among the best teams in the East but behind the HEAT. The Celtics are a threat still. I need to see what Brooklyn looks like on the floor but they have some real potential this year.

Sweet Dee

Rank these teams in terms of number of wins next year: Toronto Raptors, Milwaukee Bucks, Atlanta Hawks

Eric Pincus

Hawks, Bucks, Raptors

Dennis

Who wins more games next year: John Wall leading the veterans or Kyrie Irving carrying the rookies?

Eric Pincus

Wall.

kyle

Any blockbuster trades for brooklyn this year?

Eric Pincus

I think they’ve done that already.

Jazzed

Al Jefferson for perkins and Hardin does that sound like something that would work and would it improve both teams?

Eric Pincus

I don’t believe the Thunder are looking to add an expensive center.

Stephen

Who says no:

Lakers: Luke Ridnour

Pistons: Derrick Williams, Steve Blake, Goudelock

Minny: Will Bynum, Jason Maxiell and Austin Daye

Eric Pincus

Wolves and then the Wolves and then the Wolves.

JoelEh82

What do you expect the Lakers to do with all the Guards they hace now? Nash is going to play 35 minutes. Who is going to play the rest of the minutes. Meeks will back up Kpbe but who is backing up Nash, and why do the Lakers need so many?

Eric Pincus

The Lakers have more guards than they need but depth is a bad thing? They’ll figure it out.

Charlie

In your opinion, who wins more regular season games next year: OKC Thunder or Los Angeles Lakers. LA is stacked (but may lack chemistry / Dwight injury = slow start). OKC team barely changed meaning they will hit the ground running as soon as the season starts. If you were a betting man, who is the favorite for most regular season wins?

Eric Pincus

I’d actually favor the Thunder given there are fewer questions marks (health, mix of players, system, etc.) but this is a race that should come down to the wire in April.

paprika

Lets talk clippers, hows chauncy and will he be back by nov????

Eric Pincus

He’s still trying to be back in time for the opener but I personally think that’s a little ambitious.

darth

Would it he a surprise if the lakers sign matt barnes or josh howard?

Eric Pincus

This will have to do for the week! Let’s do it again Tuesday.

Darth – yes, it would be a surprise to me.