NBA Chat With Jason Fleming 12/19/11

Chat with HOOPSWORLD editor Jason Fleming about any and all things NBA on Monday at 8pm Eastern Time. Trades? Rumors? Rotations? Signings? Anything hoops is fair game. Feel free to leave questions in the queue anytime.

  1. Mike Seller

    Why doesn’t dwight howard want to go to the bulls? It would be the best place for him to go if he wants to win a championship and they have the pieces to get him. It just makes no sense to why he wouldn’t want to go there.

    • Jason Fleming

      Welcome to this week’s chat! Games start in less than a week – everyone’s excited, right?!

      I’m not really sure. No one has asked him that I’m aware of. Maybe he isn’t interested in cold winters? Then again, it’s not exactly warm in January in Brooklyn either, so it can’t be that. Someone needs to go ask Dwight; I don’t want to presume anything.

  2. mojo

    If the Nets are unable to get Dwight Howard in a trade what about the Nets then trading Deron WIlliams for Russell Westbrook and spare parts to make the trade work.

    • Jason Fleming

      OKC wouldn’t be interested. Williams could still leave next summer, and where would that leave them? They fully intend to sign Westbrook to a contract extension before the January 25th deadline.

  3. B-Man

    what will be the status next off-season with jeff green? would he be a restricted free agent again since his contract was voided? do you see garnet and ray allen taking minimum deals to resign with the celtics so that they will have their cap space available to go after decent free agents that can be paired with rondo for the future?

    • Jason Fleming

      I *think* the answer to Green is yes, he would once again be restricted should the Celtics decide to again make him a Qualifying Offer in June. Presumably they would do so.

      Boston currently has $34.5 million on the books for next season to five players. I’m sure KG and Allen could do that, but they will also have plenty of contenders knocking on their doors offering more money to be that missing piece.

  4. maestro

    Is it me are was the deal for Chris Paul terrible for the Clippers. A starting line up of Billips/Gordon/Butler/Griffin/Jordan with a bench of Williams/Foye/Aminu/Kaman looks much better than a starting line up of Paul/Billups/Butler/Griffin/Jordan and a bench of williams/foye/gomes/?. I feel the Clippers should have waited and signed Paul as a free agent.

    • Jason Fleming

      OF COURSE the Clippers would be better with Eric Gordon in the starting lineup, but it really doesn’t matter because that wasn’t an option for the Hornets. They made clear what they wanted Gordon from the beginning, as they should when they have the upper hand (i.e., the best player in the trade). The Clips, on their side, were desperate about wanting to make this splashy move. They decided it was better to go all-in with the Paul-Griffin-Jordan trio, supported by Butler and Billups, and then fill in the gaps.

      Are there still gaps? Sure. They need backup big men, but they also have a decent trade chip in Mo Williams. He’s not Chris Paul or maybe even Billups, but he still has the talent to start for a few teams in this league and has a reasonable contract.

      If the Clips had waited for free agency, they may or may not have had a shot at CP3. I think they did the right thing. They now have two years of Paul/Griffin to prove to both players they are serious about winning and that they are the organization each should sign a long-term deal with.

  5. cj

    any news on samuel salembert and the rockets? dalembert is about the only C left that is good. what would you think about HOU going after r.hollins?

    • Jason Fleming

      With the news today on Chuck Hayes’ contract being voided by the Kings because of his failed physical, Sacramento is once again an option for Dalembert. Which is good for him, because other than Houston he didn’t have many suitors. Houston could offer him a contract starting at about $6.5 million – a decent price for him – while the Kings still have a ton of cap space, somewhere around $13.3 million. If they Kings suddenly decide they want him back, chances are they will make it worth his while.

      You mean Ryan Hollins? He of the career 4.3 points and 2.3 rebounds a game over five seasons? Not really sure what that would accomplish. Jordan Hill could give you the same production with his eyes closed.

  6. Frank

    Hi Jason,
    What is going to happen to Mo Williams? Assume a KING-Clips trade of Jason Thompson/Cisco for Mo (& moving Tyreke to the 3). Who wd say “No”? Thanks.

    • Jason Fleming

      Talentwise it’s an okay deal. Gives the Clips depth, gets Garcia off the Kings’ long-term books, and returns them a point guard they don’t currently have. That said, I don’t think there is any indication from Sacramento they feel like they need a point guard (which I disagree with) and this probably isn’t something they’d have much interest in. Plus, with Hayes gone, they need the frontcourt depth as well. I’m not a fan of Evans at the three…

  7. john

    Is this a better trade for the Magic then just Gasol & Bynum? (And plz don’t answer with: not on trade block)

    Miami gets: D. Howard, H. Turkoglu, Chris Duhon, Q. Richardson

    New Orleans gets: D. Pittman, Joel Anthony, Norris Cole

    Orlando gets: Emeka Okafor, Chris Bosh, S. Battier, M. Chalmers, U. Haslem

    • Jason Fleming

      “Just” Gasol and Bynum? I’d take them over an Okafor/Bosh combo. I’m not even sure the HEAT would like that deal; Haslem, Chalmer, Cole, Battier and Anthony bring much, much more to the team than Hedo/Duhon/Richardson. Sure, they get Howard, but they also lose quite a bit.

  8. zev

    How do you think the Blazers will do this year and will Greg return in Feb.-March??

    • Jason Fleming

      I’m giving up on predicting anything for Oden. Maybe he comes back, maybe not – it really doesn’t matter with the additions of Kurt Thomas and Craig Smith. This team was designed with the assumption Oden wouldn’t be around; if he is, great, but they aren’t counting on it.

      Portland should easily finish second in the Northwest Division, behind OKC, and I think they have an excellent shot at a four seed (or higher) and that last homecourt playoff spot that doesn’t go to a division winner.

      You know, if they avoid another rash of horrible injuries.

  9. Brendan

    There seems to be a big lack of centers in the NBA. If a team spots an established player in their prime (27-28-years-old) that they thought could do a job for them playing in an oversees league would they be able to sign them (cap and buyout allowing) or would that player have to enter the draft like a college player or young international player?

    • Jason Fleming

      If that player went to college in the U.S., they were eligible for the draft after their senior year. If they are not drafted, they then become an unrestricted free agent.

      If that player is an international player, the same rule applies but they have to take the extra step of declaring/applying for a given year’s draft. A lot of agents will actually put their international clients in a draft where they don’t expect them to be picked, just so they can become true free agents and have the ability to choose the best situation when they do decide to come to the NBA.

      There are more rules that go into how long a team holds the rights of U.S. and international players drafted – think second-round picks that went straight to Europe (or back to Europe), but generally most players would be available. Check out draft histories – if the player you are thinking of isn’t listed anywhere, he’s an unrestricted free agent.

  10. Tj

    Do u think the bulls waiving bogans will come back to hunt them I do what if he lands in ny at the two an do u think the bulls will sign someone like Kmart when he leaves china

    • Jason Fleming

      I think between Jimmy Butler and Rip Hamilton the Bulls will more than make up for cutting Bogans. He’s a good defender and a solid guy, but he’s replaceable. If he ends up on the Knicks…the Bulls won’t really worry about it. They also seem pretty pleased with Ronnie Brewer. They may actually have a glut at the two now.

  11. wayne

    Very interesting year for the trailblazers nationally..just seems no one is giving the blazers much thought as a playoff team or for that matter doing much in the playoffs, With the resent additions what is your prediction?

    • Jason Fleming

      Anyone who says the Blazers are not a playoff team this year is someone you should skip over from now on. :)

      They are a playoff team and they have a shot at homecourt advantage in the first round. Like I said earlier, right now I think they hit the four spot and this is the year they finally move on to the second round.

  12. AJ

    Could Portland be a sleeper candidate for the WCF? Crawford helps with their bench scoring and shooting, while Smith and Thomas I think are underrated additions and add toughness.

    • Jason Fleming

      Crawford is nice, but for Portland the additions of Thomas and Smith will be more impactful (at half the price combined!). Crawford’s addition was a luxury because they had plenty of wings, but Smith and Thomas were absolute necessities.

      Sleep for the WCF? Sure. They need to be healthy when the playoffs begin and get the right matchups, but they have the talent and balance to compete with anyone. Have to keep in mind, with the additions of Nolan Smith, Craig Smith, Thomas, Crawford and Ray Felton, have of the rotation is still brand new. Heck, Gerald Wallace only has 23 games of Portland experience. The early word is everyone is meshing nicely, but it’s still a concern – they will need to build chemistry fast.

  13. Marvelous Marv

    Do you think Yi Jianlian at the minimum salary would be a wise gamble for the NYK and could he help them at the power forward spot?

    What about Kenyon Martin at the min when he comes back from China?

    • Jason Fleming

      If Yi is open to the NBA, then a minimum deal wouldn’t be a bad idea. Could he help them? I think he’d be a decent player to have in reserve, but I don’t see him as a rotation piece. He’s also not a typical four, preferring to work from the outside in, and not a great defender at all.

      Martin would absolutely be a better choice.

  14. Luis

    Hey Jason, finally some good news for Portland what did you think of Jamal Crawford signing with the blazers, do you think he fits Nate’s system, & I went to the blazers fan fest to see Elliot Williams play & he definitely didn’t disappoint ending the game with a between the legs dunk, I don’t think the blazers have had anybody this athletic since Clyde Drexler.

    • Jason Fleming

      I like Crawford as a sixth man, which Nate and others have said will be his role. I was cool on the signing when the word was Crawford could be the starter, because I think that’s a bad fit. Matthews is a better rebounder, defender, and actually shoots five percentage points BETTER from the field and from three-point range (in an admittedly smaller sample size since this is only his third season). As the first guard off the bench, it’s a nice addition.

      Since Crawford doesn’t play much defense it’s hard to say if he actually fits Nate’s system, but he is a fit for a higher tempo offense and moves the ball well.

      Of course, to your second point, this directly leads to less minutes for Williams. His time will come, but he’s sure fun to watch, isn’t he?

  15. wil

    what moves could the knicks make next any back up BIGS available? or Posey?

    • Jason Fleming

      Reggie Evans is still out there. After that, there isn’t much you will get worth $2.5 million…and not even much worth a minimum deal.

  16. Jason

    Will Gerald Wallace and LaMarcus be more willing to play the power forward and center with Nate’s “uptempo” offense to get Nic Batum in with the first unit?

    • Jason Fleming

      Maybe. The issue is more on defense, where they would likely be forced to play a more regular tempo and deal with players who normally play those positions. It’s hard for a guy who is used to playing against threes to suddenly have to bang with fours. On offense it’s no big deal, but the defensive side is more physical and where the players will wear down more.

      Now, if the rest of the offense steps up and is able to force the other team to play at a faster tempo as well, that solves most of the problem.

  17. AJ

    Do you foresee any mid-season trades from Portland?

    • Jason Fleming

      Only if they suffer injuries again. If not, I think this is the roster they run with.

  18. Dre

    Kyrie Irving looking like a early R.O.Y…Thoughts?

    • Jason Fleming

      I think it was one preseason game. :)

      That said, yes, he did look good.

  19. Steven

    Will Chuck Hayes be back on the Rockets within this season after failing his Kings physical?

    • Jason Fleming

      I have no idea what his prognosis is right now. Like with Jeff Green, let’s just hope he gets better and worry about where he’s playing next later.

  20. adrian

    Can the lakers make it out of the second round as currently rostered?

    • Jason Fleming

      I don’t see them as a conference finals team. I don’t see them keeping up with Oklahoma City at all and I think they will find themselves in a serious dogfight with any one of Portland, Dallas or Memphis. Right now I still give them a slight edge over the Clips if the Lakers are healthy, but given that list they may not even make it to the second round.

  21. Chicago Charles

    Chicago just waived Pargo and Bogans, can they use that cap space toward getting a center? Since Scalebrine never plays, why don’t they hire him as coach and use that player spot for someone more useful to the team?

    • Jason Fleming

      Chicago doesn’t have any cap space. They have $69.2 million committed to 13 players, so they still have two roster spots they can add a player with, though they seem content to go with 13 for now.

  22. Jacob Abercrombie

    What are the chances Dwight Howard stays in Orlando in your mind? He doesnt want to be anyones Robin to their Batman, so i feel LA, CHI and even Dallas are out. He doesnt want cold weather, so NJ, NY are gone. And he wants to be a big star so going to a large city eventually he is just another guy, in Orlando he is different. Orlando he gets his statue up, he gets a number retired, he gets the off season movies, no state income tax and great weather…. I guess I really dont get him as a person, unless this is a Kobe move from 07.

    • Jason Fleming

      Yet the teams he listed are the Nets, Lakers, Mavs and Magic, so I guess I don’t get it either. If the Magic are on the list, then what are we even talking about? They will do whatever they can to keep him – whether those are good moves or not is another story, but I suppose they try – and they can pay him millions more than any other team with higher annual raises and a guaranteed fifth season of a contract.

      It seems to me the list is really Lakers, Nets, Mavericks and the Magic (as long as they do what I want them to). That’s really unfair to the organization and to the fans. I’m also interested to hear exactly what Howard would have done differently to build this team to see if his point of view on roster changes is really valid. I mean, he wants input, but do we know if that input is good or not?

      And let’s be clear: I’m not saying Dwight Howard would give bad input on roster moves. I’m saying we don’t know.

  23. Willie J

    How will Eddy Curry pan out for Miami? Will he finish this season and if he does will he be a plus? What’s your thoughts on Mr.curry?

    • Jason Fleming

      I think Curry will last the season and it wouldn’t surprise me to see him as a solid part of the rotation. They guy was a good player at one point, but if he can’t put it all back together in Miami he’s done.

  24. Larry Harris

    Whatever happened to dante cunningham and his RFA deal with Charlotte? Seems like he just dropped out of sight. A versatile player and a great effort guy, seems like some team could usehim.

    • Jason Fleming

      I agree. He’s still a restricted free agent and it seems likely he would just end up signing the $1.1 million Qualifying Offer at this point – that’s his best shot at getting paid this year. Cats just added Biyombo and Byron Mullens today, so Cunningham signing the QO would put them at 16 players and force them to cut someone.

  25. John Collins

    Do the Clippers have interest in Michael Redd?

  26. Charlie

    Rank these Eastern Conference teams in terms of wins next year: Cleveland Cavaliers, Washington Wizards, Toronto Raptors, and Charlotte Bobcats

  27. Sweet Dee

    Do the Atlanta Hawks look really smart for not caving into Jamal Crawford’s 10 million dollar a year contract demands? Dude was only able to get a 2 year / 10 million dollar deal on the open market this offseason.

    • Jason Fleming

      Of course – that was a ridiculous request in the first place. The Hawks would have been roasted in the media for giving him a $10 million per year extension.

  28. John Collins

    Why don’t the clippers trade Mo Williams for a shooting guard?

    • Jason Fleming

      I’m sure they will try to trade him for just about any kind of depth they can get. It’s quite obvious he’s not part of the future, and even if he makes it past this season they could still use amnesty on him next summer to get his final $8.5 million off the books.

  29. duane

    I’am in a keeper league who would you sign. I can sign three

    Derrick William , Kemba Walkers , JaVale McGee , and Greg Monroe

    • Jason Fleming

      Last question!

      Williams and Monroe for sure. I’m not sold on Walker making the transition to a star NBA point guard, but he’ll probably still put up more numbers than McGee, who will never be the focal point of Washington’s offense.

      Thanks for all the great questions! Happy Holidays, and if you so desire follow me on Twitter @jfleminghoops.