NBA Chat With Jason Fleming 5/14/12

bryant

hey Jason,
Is there anyone in the draft the blazers could get that has all-star potential? Barnes,Lamb,Sullinger?

Jason Fleming

Welcome to this week’s chat from sunny Portland, Oregon, where we set a record-high today of 88 degrees. Yeah, no one here can believe it either. On to the chat!

At six (if they stay there), then sure. Sullinger (only if he is a center) or Lamb have that potential. So does Barnes, but he is lower on their priority list, I believe. There is every reason for Portland to be optimistic. However, Portland fans should be more excited about potentially adding Joel Freeland.

Deven

Thoughts on the Spurs-LAC series? What do you expect from both teams?

Jason Fleming

I expect a ton of points, that’s for sure. It’s really going to come down to how banged up Paul and Griffin are for the Clips. If they can shake the nagging injuries I like the Clips. If the injuries are going to hold Paul from dominating from the PG spot, Tony Parker is going to shred them. Heck, he may shred them anyway.

Deven

Whenever the Celtics hear the word, “Old,” does that fire them for the next game(s)?

Jason Fleming

Pretty sure that’s exactly what KG said the other day.

Deven

What are the chances D-Will and Dwight Howard end up in Brooklyn next year?

Jason Fleming

By next year I assume you mean the summer of 2013? Less than 50-50…probably less than 25%. If you are asking by the beginning of the 12-13 season, then close to zero.

calvinzero

General assessment on NBA Playoffs?? Is this playoff more or less exciting, in your own observation?

Jason Fleming

I think it’s the same amount of exciting at times, but it seems like every time I look someone is missing an ill-advised shot. Shot selection in these playoffs has been atrocious.

Matt

What happens with Memphis next? Is there a shake up coming or do they stick to what they have? Will they be a luxury tax team? Is one of Randolph or Gay likely to go?

Jason Fleming

I doubt they become a tax payer, which means either they trade one of those guys or they lose O.J. Mayo. Losing Mayo was a forgone conclusion just a few months ago, wasn’t it? If I were Memphis I would hold the line and not make a major move.

Kevin in Tokyo

Realistically, what do you predict Portland does with the following:

1. GM
2. Draft picks (please be as specific as you can)
3. Head Coach
4. Free Agency

I think:
1. Watch Chad B. in draft and promote him if all goes smoothly.
2. Pick the best available player with the first pick (don’t reach for a big if it’s not Drummund), Pick the best available player with the second pick, (I’m thinking bench scorer).
3. Hire a guy like Paul Silas
4. Don’t overspend, be patient and willing to play with what you have rather than overspend on a 2nd Tier PG like Dragic

Jason Fleming

1 – GM just isn’t a priority to them. As long as Buchanan is comfortable with the role he’s doing a solid job. Portland will continue to let him do the job within the parameters they require. It’s going to be tough to sell that role to a veteran GM. I’m like you, though, and think Buchanan just needs the promotion.

2 – Portland wants a big man and a swing-type player in the draft. It seems like they are going big first, so probably Drummond or Sullinger, depending on where they land. They should go PG with the latter first, even if it’s early to take someone like Marshall or Lillard, but Terrence Jones has been mentioned. It’s still early.

3 – No clue. The market hasn’t set itself yet. I believe they are waiting to see what happens in Orlando. Silas won’t move the needle for them.

4 – What you say is what they SHOULD do….but I don’t have hope they will. As for Dragic specifically – is a first-tier PG is available? They are limited to the players available. They want to make a run at Deron Williams. If that doesn’t work they should concentrate on restricted free agents.

Chris

Hi Jason. Does this deal get done? Afflalo and Birdman for Korver, Brewer, and Charlotte 1st rounder. Denver gets an elite 3-point shooter, one of the league’s best 1-on-1 defenders, a future top 10 draft pick, and they dump Birdman’s contract. And, Chicago gets D-Rose a great wingman.

Jason Fleming

No, I don’t think so. I really don’t think that makes Denver a better team. I don’t think Chicago trades that to get Afflalo and Birdman. How does that make them better?

ric kyle

Hornets sign & trade Eric Gordon & package him with Grievis Vasquez to the Pacers for Paul George & Darren Collison. What do you think of this deal?

Jason Fleming

I don’t see Indy signing off on that.

paprika

With all the negativity dh12 got from the magics and vice versa. Do u think he will sign on a tewm where he really dont want to? Lets say lakers?

Jason Fleming

I think the chances of Dwight signing with the Lakers are about nil. He’d have to sign for the MLE next summer, and that’s not going to happen. Orlando isn’t going to help him go to the Lakers. I believe when all is said and done Howard will still be in Orlando, but it’s going to be a long, messy ride to get there.

Jorge Martinez

Who should the mavs pick with their 17th pick? Can Ersan Iliasova play the sf along Dirk? IF dallas gets Dwill, who else should they sign?

Jason Fleming

It seems likely the Mavs will address the three in the draft, so perhaps Quincy Miller, Terrence Ross, Jeff Taylor or maybe they go to the two with Austin Rivers. I don’t see Ilyasova playing the three, but it’s possible.

If the Mavs sign Deron Williams, that’s pretty much it. They will be limited to minimum deals and the room exception.

Peter

Hey Jason! Lakers are lucky to get outta the first round. I don’t think they can knock out OKC. If the Lakers do fall short again this yr, do you expect Major personnel changes? I got a feeling Bynum and Gasol will not return next yr. The rockets might still be interested in Gasol

Jason Fleming

I think it’s unlikely Bynum is moved. Gasol? Perhaps. It would make sense, since half the time they forget him in the offense anyway. The Rockets would absolutely be interested, but what do they send the Lakers? Lowry and…?

NAHMEANSON1

Can the Knicks trade lin for a first round pick/picks and sign a vet.PG(which Coach Woody and Team and I would preffer..)..with the mid-level..like a Andre Miller..Raymond Felton..Mo Williams..Chaunce Billups..Jameer Nelson..or even Steve Nash..

and being that the raptors really want lin do you think they would or could do a sign in trade with their 8th pick..the suns may lose Nash would they trade their 13 pick for him..the hornets to sell tickets along with others for their 10th pick the blazers with their 11th..and houston with their 14 and or 16th pick with the asian population and missing of Yao out there..so we could then draft a 2G that we so desperately need in Jeremy Lamb or Austin Rivers along with a vet. PG..Thanks.

Jason Fleming

Lin cannot be traded as an impending free agent.

paprika

All of the hype on the laker okc series is at kd for the thunder. But i as a laker fan put the meter of success on the okc side on westbrook. If he attacks no one in the laker side can match his speed. Durant can be stop by mwp,barnes and the length of ebanks. No one can stop westbrook. I will stand beside my laker team but something is telling me this is a turning point of the laker roster after this series. If we win its by 7 games. We loose i think thunder by game 5. Whats your take sir?

Jason Fleming

I have the Thunder in six. I disagree with you that Durant can be stopped by that group; maybe “hampered” is a better term. Westbrook absolutely is the key, as is the Thunder’s interior defense against Bynum and Gasol (provided, of course, the Lakers remember Gasol is on their team).

Here’s the deal with the Lakers’ roster: What are they going to do? They have no FA money. They can’t get cap space unless they amnesty Kobe, and that’s not happening. That leaves trading Bynum or Gasol. Will that make them better? The Lakers are a little bit stuck and may have to take a step back to go forward.

paprika

I got a gut feel that this season is bitter sweet for the thunder,if they win all the way ,theres now way ibaka and harder will sign cheap and they will loose atleast one of them. If they dont win it,bitter but they got better chance in negotiating on those guys. How do u think the thunder approach free agency?

Jason Fleming

If the Thunder wins it all they will spend the money it takes to keep the team together. That’s what you do, to win as many rings as you can. If that means tax, I think they pay the tax. However, I also think keeping Harden is more important than Ibaka. Ibaka is a good player, but he’s replaceable. Not everyone can thrive in the sixth man role like Harden.

And just to be clear: both players are under contract for 2012-13, so they don’t HAVE to do anything.

James

Hello Jason, How do you like the idea of Boston holding on to the same pieces by tweaking their roles on the team? Allen could be back for veteran’s minimum, of the bench as a three point specialist. KG back for mid-level, backing up both big positions. There would be a lot of cap space to go after Gordons, Ilyasovas, Kamans and they’ll have a deep rotation. Why all the talk of blowing up when they can make a smooth transition, still playing for the title?

Jason Fleming

Allen is worth the MLE to a few teams, so he’d really have to want to stay in Boston. I can see either of them staying for less money, but probably more in the $6-8 million range (for KG) and $4-5 million for Allen. (To be clear, that won’t be MLE – Boston has Bird Rights.)

The question really is how long do you gamble on players with many, many, many miles on them not breaking down?

Terry K

Blazers have 2 lottery picks and cap to sign someone, rate the priorities: pg, wing, big man. What young decent big man can they get ? B Lopez, Hibbert, R Lopez? Any thoughts on who they draft?

Jason Fleming

Wing is last. PG would be my first priority, but it’s second for the Blazers. They will go big in the draft and look for their PG in free agency.

At center the Blazers need a defensive presence who rebounds to complement LaMarcus Aldridge. That’s not Brook Lopez. Is it his twin? It’s not like he tore it up in Phoenix. As for Hibbert, the Pacers have no intention of letting him go anywhere (nor should they). I believe they will take Drummond or Sullinger in the draft and then sign a cheaper veteran to contribute while the rookie gets his NBA legs under him.

C'mon Now - Enough Flopping in the Playoffs!!

Last year, Jeff Van Gundy volunteered to become the NBA’s disciplinary commissioner. His role would consist of only watching all NBA games over the year and start fining players who are caught on replay blatantly flopping / overly embellish contact. Love this idea and doesn’t seem that unreasonable. A couple 10 and 25 thousand dollar fines might start to keep the Derek Fishers and JJ Barea’s of the NBA in line. What do you think of Van Gundy’s idea? And do you think a rule similar to this will ever exist?

Jason Fleming

Nope, don’t think it will ever happen. You can’t blame the players for being smart enough to trick the refs. The change has to come on the ref side, not the players. Players are doing what players have always done – whatever it takes to get one more call, one more free throw, to give their team one more chance to win. Is it pretty? No, but fining players smart enough to figure it how to make it work isn’t the right play. The refs have to be better about it and learn player tendencies just like a good defender. It may mean offensive players get a little more latitude, but I doubt many will complain much about that when scoring goes up.

Peter

What would you think if the Wizards trade there #2 pick (if it falls there) along with Crawford and Serpahim to OKC for Harden if the Thunder put em on the block which I believe they should if they can get a oackage like this. They can get Beal who is is a winner and selfless teammate with the pick and develop Seraphim potential behind Perklins before his contract expires in 2 years. No pressure on either player plus you get Crawford who can still fill it up as a 6th man in what they lose in Harden. At least scoring wise. Harden is an absolute beast and could average 25 ppg with starting at the 2 guard next to Wall. Also getting a max contract would almost be a guarantee if he plays there. He would make the playoffs in the watered down East maybe a 4-5 seed. Harden would have a huge impact on and off the court for the Wizards and would change the culture with Nene down there and revive Wall’s game to enjoy just playing the game they all love.

Jason Fleming

The problem is where each team sits. Washington is a team that should be developing a core, just like the Thunder did. OKC did their work and now have a contender – right now. Why should they trade a key piece of that contender for a package of maybe? Harden absolutely would make the Wizards better, but that move makes OKC worse in the short-term. That’s not the plan.

Thomas Pynchon

How does a guy who is the third best player on his own team and gives you nothing if he isn’t scoring finish 2nd in the MVP vote?

Jason Fleming

Kevin Durant is the third-best player on his own team? By, um, what measure? Sorry, not buying what you are selling.

john

How good is Jonas Valanciunas? Considering their roots with the raptors, will Jonas be better than Roy Hibbert at the peak of their respective careers?

Jason Fleming

At their peak? It’s a little early for that, considering Valanciunas hasn’t logged a single NBA minute and Hibbert was an All-Star in just his fourth season.

Keefe

So I’ve been hearing some rumours that the Knicks might try to move Stoudemire for Joe Johnson..

How do you think that works for both of the teams? Do you think anyone else (perhaps the rockets) will take on Amare’s Contract?

Jason Fleming

That doesn’t make the Hawks better, that’s for sure. They would then HAVE to turn around and trade Josh Smith for a guard. Trading a star player in a move that requires then trading another star player is generally not a good way to end up with a better team.

Lance

If we get the 11th pick and both Lillard and Lamb are available for PDX, which direction do they go (assuming we don’t draft a PG or SG with the Nets pick)?

Jason Fleming

I have a feeling if that’s the choice they take Lamb. Lillard has a lot of skills, but I don’t think he’s the right answer for the Blazers. They’ll go big if they keep the Nets pick (and the draft lottery doesn’t give it back to Jersey).

Lance

What are the chances PDX signs both Gordan and Dragic to form our new backcourt?

Jason Fleming

Probably pretty low. I don’t think Portland can afford them both at a dollar amount the Hornets wouldn’t match on Gordon (assuming he is restricted).

Jason

Hi Jason. I love your name. Anyways, due to Bosh’s injury, do the celtics have an advantage on the heat if they play next round and bosh is unavailable? Thanks.

Jason Fleming

Thank my parents.

I don’t think Miami loses a ton with Bosh out. Some, but not a ton. Haslem is more than capable, but the problem is what it does to their frontcourt depth. KG would still have an edge, but Boston still doesn’t have anyone who can guard LeBron James or Dwyane Wade and keep them under control consistently.

Lateak

I still think the knicks is better then everybody n tha east but miami n chicago…. I think we r a pg away 4 a title

Jason Fleming

Well, when they re-sign Jeremy Lin we shall see.

yass

What direction do you see Portland going in regarding a big and a pg? And what will they do with the two first round picks they got? Any chance they go after Phil Jackson as coach?

Jason Fleming

I’ve talked about the other parts in other questions, so I’ll just address Jackson. I don’t think he’s a good fit for a franchise that likes to control everything. I still maintain it’s unlikely we see Jackson again on the sidelines.

Bobby

Hi Jason,
Do u think there is any chance the Bulls could trade for Tyreke Evans this offseason. I have seen different reports over the past few months saying the Kings wouldn’t mind trading him. Thibs coaching could get him to put up similar numbers to his rookie season. He could play pg while D Rose is out and at 6’6″ he could move over to sg once D Rose is back. That would be a scary backcourt with Rose and Evans. What would it take to get both side to do a trade.

Jason Fleming

Look at Chicago’s roster. What do they have that the Kings would trade the former Rookie of the Year for? They won’t just give him away. (Also, Evans isn’t a real PG – part of the reason he’s available.)

Brettt

Hey Jason I love your chats!!

I was just wondering about jonas valanciunas. I know myself and alot of raptors fans and excited to have him north of the boarder.

What do you think the future holds for him allstar? averge player?

How much upside does this guy have?

Jason Fleming

I try not to every project a player to be an All-Star because that’s simply not fair to him. Better than average? Yes. Jonas will bring some toughness inside the Raptors really need. He can provide a nice balance to Bargnani’s offense or team with Ed Davis to give the Raps a stifling frontcourt. Raps’ fans should be very excited.

Alex

Should the Hawks deal J.Smith in the offseason rather than being low balled at the deadline? I think he’ll leave via FA, so they better get something for him now.

Jason Fleming

I will be surprised if he’s still a Hawk come fall camp. I expect them to shop him heavily and they should have plenty of offers.

Derek

Do you see any chance the raptors move their 2 second round picks to move up in the draft?

Jason Fleming

They will try, but the truth is the #56 pick holds little value in trade. Is someone going to give up a first for 37 and 56? Not likely.

Blake

Does anyone in the league have greater impact on their team then Chris Paul?

Jason Fleming

Greater? No. Plenty of players have a similar impact – LeBron, Rose, Nash, Kobe…

Steve

Hi Jason,
How should the Blazers value Matthews?
Trade bait, core guy, key piece of future etc?
What can he really improve upon? I keep hearing he is a weak finisher driving to the hoop.
Thanks

Jason Fleming

He’s been banged up a lot too, and he plays through it. He was also much better later in the year. I personally feel Matthews is the kind of player every team needs to have, whether he starts or comes off the bench. He hustles, he defends, does anything asked of him, and everyone genuinely likes him.

Lateak

Where does oj mayo fit… Knicks he can replace jr smith

Jason Fleming

Can he physically? Sure. Can the Knicks sign him for the MLE, even if they win Early Bird Rights for Novak and Lin in the NBPA arbitration request? Probably not.

Derek

If you had to draft either Terrence Jones or John Henson who would you chose and why?

Jason Fleming

Jones. I think he has more upside, is more athletic, and would be a better long-term fit. I think Henson’s talents aren’t that special.

Kimbo

Just a thought. Should the magic decide to trade
Dwight, how does bogut and klay in return sound? Works on the trade machine and the warriors seem ok with a one year rental

Jason Fleming

Sounds not bad, actually…

Pablo

Ric Bucher was on a radio show in PDX and said about chasing DWIll

“Really? Wow. I didn’t even know… wow. That’s pie in the sky, my friends. Wow. OK. I didn’t even know the imaginations ran that wild in Portland but God bless them. That’s good. That’s good. Quite honestly, have you ever turned a corner and accidentally bumped your head and you see stars for a second and your equilibrium is off? That’s what I feel like… I’m sitting down. If I was standing up, I would be staggering a little bit.”

Is it that far out or is Bucher off his rocker?

Jason Fleming

Well, Bucher is being a bit dramatic. It IS pie in the sky, but that’s the way they are thinking until told otherwise. I will be very surprised if they pull it off…but wouldn’t they be insane to need a PG and have all this money to spend and not at least try?

John

After the influx of talented point guards lately coming in from the draft, this year`s crop looks extremely weak. Is there really anyone that you see can get a city excited? any potential allstars?

Jason Fleming

Last question!

I really like Kendall Marshall. He’s not a get the city excited kind of guy, but I think he’ll be solid for a lot of years.

Thanks for all the great questions! We’ll do it again next week, same time and place! Follow me on Twitter @jfleminghoops.