NBA Chat With Joel Brigham, 11/1/12

1. Big Z

   Good Day Mr. Brigham,

   Do you think Pat Riley will ever consider trading Lebron James for two Top 15 level talent in the NBA or even two Top 10 level talent? To give you some perspective, according to ESPN’s NBA rank, here are players 2-15.

   15. Pau Gasol
   14. Blake Griffin
   13. Andrew Bynum
   12. Rajon Rondo
   11. Dirk Nowitzki
   10. Deron Williams
   09. Russel Westbrook
   08. Dwyane Wade (Not qualified)
   07. Kevin Love
   06. Kobe Bryant
   05. Derrick Rose
   04. Chris Paul
   03. Dwight Howard
   02. Kevin Durant

   What do you think Lebron James worth is to other GMs?

   I know the only possible teams that could do that kind of trade is Lakers, Clippers, and Thunder. But let’s say that wasn’t the case. What is Lebron worth in terms of a trade deal?

   • Joel Brigham

     Good afternoon, HOOPSWORLD Citizens, and welcome to another edition of my weekly chat! Games are underway, the Bulls are 1-0 (but it ain’t gonna be pretty), and my fantasy basketball team already looks like it sucks. Que sera sera. Let’s get right into the questions…

     No. Never in a million years. That’s like asking if the Bulls would’ve entertained Michael Jordan in the peak of his career for Charles Barkley and Kevin Johnson or something. The answer would’ve been known because Jordan was the most ridiculous physical specimen had ever seen and by far the best player of his generation. Probably ever.

     LeBron James isn’t in the best-player-ever conversation at this point in his career, but he is the best basketball player alive and a physical freak the likes of which we’ve never seen. The fact that he figured out how not to suck at crunchtime in last year’s playoffs means he’s all the better, and I expect we’re going to see some other-worldly statistics this season from. I don’t trade him for anybody. Not Kevin Durant. Not Kobe Bryant. Not nobody. And no, the Thunder aren’t packaging Durant with anyone else for LeBron. They’re just as enamored with him as the HEAT are with LeBron, and rightfully so.

     LeBron’s a HEAT for as long as he wants to be. We’ll what his The Decision is when he hits free agency again in a couple years. That’s only way I can see him in a different uniform.

2. Chris

   Hi Joel. 1st impressions of Nash as a Laker? The Lakers seem kind of like the guy who buys a ferrari but only uses it to drive to the grocery store. If you’re not going to allow Nash to be the floor general like he was in Phoenix and expect him to cough the ball up to Kobe every time they cross half court, the whole acquisition comes off as overkill. Hate to say it, but he would have been a much better fit as Rose’s stand in this season.

   • Joel Brigham

     I love your analogy here, but we sort of knew that was going to be the issue with this offense. How much is Kobe going to cede control of the ball when he’s spent the last several years have complete and utter dominance over the thing. Nash needs to run things to be the virtuoso he is, and you’re right that sticking it in Kobe’s hands (7 turnovers???) is going to be counterproductive on the Nash front. 0-2 kind of speaks for itself, I guess. But keep in mind this is all very new, and these guys have a nice, long season to figure things out. You don’t add two bigtime guys like Nash and Dwight (not to mention Jamison) and just immediately click. It takes time. As long as they’re good by the playoffs, they’ll be dangerous. I fully expect for them to be dangerous.

     As for Nash as a Bull, that didn’t make a lot of sense, because even though he’d enjoy a pretty fun experience for a few months, the long-term security there was pretty bad. I’d much rather Nash than Hinrich, for like a million obvious reasons, but it was never going to happen. L.A. can still work I think. Just needs to marinate a little longer.

3. tj

   why dont the bulls ever engage in anything big we lucked up on d rose but every trade i hope the bulls do something an its nothing an when we do its horrible they shouldnt have let asik go he may be bette than noah also think about all the trades we passed up because we ddnt wanna give up deng or noah it may be time to start over

   • Joel Brigham

     TJ, you sound angry, brother. Take a deep breath and relax. Lucking into Derrick Rose is enough. Just need him healthy.

     As for everything else, Noah played GREAT last night, and the Taj Gibson extension is great news. They didn’t keep Omer because it was going to be him or Taj, and I think Taj was the smarter choice since you’ve got your future center in Jo, but not your future power foward (Boozer… barf). Just keep in mind that this team could not have afforded to keep Omer and Gibson. Which one would you have rather had?

     And yes, they’re silly conservative when it comes to trade. They’re always minor upgrades or salary dumps it seems like. This front office just doesn’t take a lot of risks, and I’m with you on being frustrated like that. Had chances for Kevin Garnett and Pau Gasol and even Kobe in the past, and it seems like Luol Deng was the hang-up in all of them. Like you, I still wish something could’ve happened with one of those guys. But had something happened with one of those guys, we wouldn’t have Derrick. And man, I love Derrick.

4. LA in LA

   You know how the Miami Heat feature the best of the 2003 class? How good would a big 3 of the 2008 class for the Bulls be(minus Westbrook for obvious reasons):
   D.Rose, Kevin Love, Roy Hibbert. Those 3 make about $43.8 mil. Plenty of room for flexibility. Could that team with appropriate filler (C.Lee! fellow 2008 draftee) beat MIA?

   • Joel Brigham

     No, that team can’t beat Miami. Even with Rose and Love healthy, I don’t see that group being enough to topple LeBron where he’s at right now. I like how Rose and Wade match up, and Hibbert and Bosh, but LeBron is the superior player in a match-up with K-Love. He’d eat him up like a medianoche sandwich, which, by the way, sounds delicious right now.

5. Luke

   How good did Noah look in the opener Kirk didnt look so good offence loks ugly would u start nate if it doesnt straiten outafter a few weeks

   • Joel Brigham

     Nate made a lot of silly mistakes last night, which, good as he is, he’s prone to do. He’s such an energetic kid that I think his game kind of gets away from him sometimes. Kirk is a more solid veteran presence for now, and he is playing hurt, so I’d stick with him for now and hope that Luol and Boozer and Rip can find some ways to get easier points in the games to come. Because that was some ugly Bulls basketball last night. Gonna need some GREAT defense to balance out that cruddy O all season.

     As for Joakim, he was awesome. I really hope he stays healthy. Might be the closest thing the Bulls have to an All-Star this season.

6. Wil

   Hi Joel, well it looks like we learned two lessons from OKC-HOU this week. One is that the “Rose” rule is going to kill teams in terms of re-signing players (how did that ever make it into the CBA) and the second is it is better to trade players quickly, rather than ‘wait for the best offer’. Does this change the landscape a bit in terms of player movement (e.g. more D-Will types of deals and less Dwight types of deals)? Also, what are your thoughts on Gibson, seems Chicago got one heck of deal! Thanks.

   • Joel Brigham

     Taj basically got $9.5 million a season for four years, which I think is more than fair for what he could do as a starter. Considering Boozer makes $15 million a season, I think Gibson’s deal is a bargain, particularly when he finally gets his opportunity to start every day. If there’s a basketball god, he’ll encourage the amnestying of Carlos this offseaon so Taj can finally get his shot. One of my favorite guys in the NBA, and I can’t explain how happy I am for him.

     As for the Harden deal, I think there absolutely is something behind the idea of trading a potentially disgruntled asset more sooner than later. I still don’t love the Houston deal because Martin is blah and Lamb is underwhelming, but really, all things considered, they ended up with quite a haul for Harden. Harden looking awesome in Houston aside, that probably was the best they were going to be able to do, which is why I think Presti pulled the trigger when he did.

     Don’t know if that will change the way things operate henceforth, because part of why that deal worked was because Houston had the assets stock-piled and were absolutely ITCHING to make any kind of deal for any kind of star player, but it worked out okay for both teams this time.

     OKC should’ve kept Harden, though. Should’ve given the title run one more shot and dealt with him the summer. Very disappointing.

7. keo

   James harden the next tmac? When tmac left the raptors cuz he didn’t wanna live in the shadows of vince he became a superstar ….do you think this will happen to harden ?

   • Joel Brigham

     Those guys have almost nothing in common, so no, I don’t see him as the next T-Mac. Honestly, I’m not sure what to expect. 37 points and 12 assists is a killer start, but I just didn’t have him pegged as that kind of megastar. I suppose he might be, though. Best of luck to him out there with Asik and Lin. Houston might finally have the start of something interesting again…

8. Rick Levitt

   Hey Joel. Always love your chats. I noticed 2 things from watching the Kings/Bulls last night. First, The Kings played great defense (which here in Sac) has always been a four letter word. Secondly, the Bulls defense appears to be better without Rose.Of course the offense sorely lacks without him. Was Tyreke trying to make a statement?

   • Joel Brigham

     Thank you, Rick Levitt. Appreciate it. Thomas Robinson changes a lot of things for Sacramento, and you’ve got a great guy out there in Aaron Brooks who I think makes a big difference, too. Sacramento might not be as bad as everyone thinks they’re going to be. T-Rob is one of my faves from this draft class, so I’m pulling for him to do big things up there. Could’ve have asked for a better player at pick #5.

     As for the Bulls, there is no chance that they’re better without Rose. I thought the team looked pretty rough without him last night, actually. The thing about Derrick is that he’s able to inject offense into this team when things start to slow down. When things slowed down yesterday I saw the team turning to Boozer and Deng and didn’t like the results. Boozer couldn’t keep his hands on the friggin’ ball, and Deng never has been great at creating his own shots with the game on the line. I hated the sans-Derrick lineup, personally. Can’t wait for him to get back so I can watch some real Bulls basketball again.

9. Benny Da Bull

   Good Afternoon Joel, thanks for the chats. Now that the Bulls have signed Taj on for 4 years, does that pretty much mean that Boozer will be amnestied next off season? If Mirotic is not coming to the team next year who do you think the Bulls will target for the backup 4? Also does this move give the Bulls the financial flexibility to go after Monta Ellis if he opts out? With such a defensive oriented Frontcourt DRose would be helped with a backcourt mate that knows how to get buckets.

   • Joel Brigham

     I can’t say for certain about Boozer, because you just never know with this organization. So far the company line has been that they’d rather pay Carlos to play for them than pay him to play for someone else, and I get that. He is, at least, still producing at more than a modest level, and $32 million-ish is a lot of bread to eat for a guy who can, at least, still play a little. I see them holding onto Boozer this season and next, then using the amnesty provision in the summer of 2014 before the final year of his deal. That means only crossing over into Taj’s extension one year, clearing up the spot for Mirotic in ’14, and having some financial flexibility for another free agent.

     Monta Ellis, however, won’t be one of those free agents. He’ll probably explore the market this coming summer, which means the Bulls won’t have a shot at him. I’m not sure that’d be the right way to go anyway. Derrick needs a symbiotic shooter who can be a second fiddle rather than someone who needs the ball in his hands all the time and never plays defense. Not sure Thibs would endorse chasing after a cat like that.

10. matt

    What do you think of the bucks, should they go ahead a trade BJ for value and try a re sign Monte. I like Monte at the point, and the Bucks trading BJ for a bigger SG. What do you think?

    • Joel Brigham

      I think Brandon Jennings is definitely gone, and Monta Ellis is maybe gone. Knowing that, I’d rather trade the one I’m pretty sure it out the door and then sing in the ear of Monta that he’s our franchise guy moving forward so that at least he stays put. You don’t want to lose BOTH of those guys. And if George Hill can start at point guard, Monta Ellis certainly can, too. Not a lot of top-notch SG’s just out there though, even for Jennings. And what team is really going to give up a ton for BJ if he’s this ready for free agency anyway? Can’t imagine the offers will be particularly pretty.

11. Tj

    At some point the bulls have to do something do u think Sacramento would do boozer butler type trade for Evans Hayes an salmons or monta Ellis an sanders for deng or boozer

    • Joel Brigham

      No and no. I don’t see any teams liking any of these trades. Boozer is pretty much impossible to trade right now. Unless Isiah Thomas starts running a team again, the Bulls are stuck with him for a little while.

      By the way, I really, really like Carlos on a personal level. You guys should know that Boozer is one of the most decent dudes in the Chicago locker room. He’s just been a disappointment for the money the team spent on him. Remember, I don’t have these guys, just the way they play sometimes. Thought that was worth sharing.

12. Beau

    Who do you think will be a first time All-Pro this year? Basically, who will be the next guy to take that Big Step Forward?

    • Joel Brigham

      James Harden is obviously that guy. Kyrie Irving is close. Could see Brook Lopez, Ty Lawson, Paul George getting there soon, too.

13. tom deneen

    Joel – Can you project the trajectory you anticipate for Brad Beal and Austin Rivers this season and over their careers?

    • Joel Brigham

      Austin Rivers is a great kid, but I hate, hate, hate his potential as a pro basketball player. He measured taller than anyone expected back at the combine in the spring, but he plays like he’s 6’2″ and that’s the problem. He’ll have some big scoring nights because when he’s hot, he’s really hot. But he’s too hot and cold, isn’t all that hot at defense, and can’t play point guard like the team seems to want him to. As long as Eric Gordon is on that roster, he’s going to have a hard time getting respectable minutes, too.

      As for Brad Beal, I see him being a more respectable NBA 2-guard. He’s not athletic like, at all, and defense is an issue for him, too. But as a running mate for John Wall, I like him. He’s going to knock down some threes, score some points.

      Both players have their heads in the right places, but neither is all that physically gifted. For now, I’ve got more confidence in Beal than Rivers. A lot more.

14. Jake

    After watching last nights game, the blazers seemed pretty good. Granting it’s only one game, could the blazers be a surprise team or was the lakers defense really that horrendous?

    • Joel Brigham

      The Blazers have an excellent starting lineup. Really promising. Wes Matthews and Nic Batum are both primed for breakout years, methinks, and it’s no secret how much I love Dame Lillard. The problem there is the bench, which is super thin and a potential problem all season long. Lakers are still getting their stuff together with all those new guys, and Portland took advantage of that. Kind of a perfect storm, but I’m with you that the Blazers are better than we think they are. Maybe not playoffs-bound, but better than we thought.

15. james

    What’s UP JOEL!! Happy the nba season is back under way, and here are a few questions.. I HATE how everyone keeps saying that the bulls are going to amnesty boozer. I’m his biggest critic over the past 2 years, but do you agree that its more likely he puts up big numbers this year without rose and the bulls get a good trade for him at the deadline?

    • Joel Brigham

      The reason everybody keeps talking about using amnesty on Boozer is because it’s going to be impossible to trade him. No one wants to take on his scant production for his big dollars, so the team’s best shot at getting rid of the contract and reinvesting in something different is via amnesty. So if you’re really that critical of him, perchance it’s time you jumped aboard yonder bandwagon. Who the hell is going to trade real assets for Carlos Boozer? I guess I just don’t see him having the kind of season you’re expecting. If he’s averaging 20 and 10 by February, maybe someone takes a nibble. I just don’t buy it.

16. James

    Observing Boston against Miami I have concluded that Beantown can compete but not win. They have great guard play but lack rebounders and a low post player. Love KG but he is the “Big Jump Shooter”. Thoughts?

    • Joel Brigham

      Of course they can’t win. Because Miami.

17. Calvin

    I’m a big fan of your work and was hoping for some advice. I’m in a 9 category league (PG, SG, G, G, SF, PF, F, F, C, C, U, U, BN, BN, BN) with:

    PG’s – Parker, Rubio, I. Thomas, Collison
    G’s – Ellis and Vasquez
    G/F – George, Dudley
    SF – Gallinari
    F – Josh Smith
    F/C – Aldridge, Bargnani, Vucevic, T. Thompson
    C – Asik

    I’m considering trading the 6 guys in bold because of issues with age, injuries, and playing time.
    My question is who should I target and if you have any ideas on specific trades?
    I was offered Deng for Parker which I considered…should I do it?
    I was offered Teague for Thomas should I do that?
    One of my friends is looking to trade Rodney Stuckey what are your thoughts on him…for who?
    Is there anyone on my team you dislike and think I should trade/drop…if so for who?

    Thanks a lot,

    Calvin

    • Joel Brigham

      Calvin, thanks for reading, but your BOLD guys didn’t show up bold, unfortunately, so I can’t help you with your first question.

      With the rest, I’ll say definitely trade Isaiah Thomas for Jeff Teague. I’m all in on that. The Deng-for-Parker offer all depends on what categories you need help in. Look at your team’s numbers, figure out where you’re weak, and make your decision based on that.

      And also, keep in mind that I suck at fantasy sports this year and am probably a bad person to ask. Tweet Tommy Beer or something instead. He’s paid to be good at answering fantasy queries.

18. Ray

    Did the raptors pay demar too much I don’t think he’s worth 41 million

    • Joel Brigham

      I’ve heard $40 million, and absolutely it’s too much. From what I’ve read about it today, the Raps gave him the cash with an expectation that he continue to improve. In other words, they’re paying him almost exclusively for potential, which is something you really, really have to be careful about doing with the new CBA. DeRozan got more than Taj Gibson, folks, and Taj has already proven to be the kind of guy who can be a very good pro. DeRozan has been soft and inconsistent. They must really have faith in him and would rather overpay a little (probably would’ve gotten $7-9 million/season in RFA ayway) now than lose him for nothing later. I get it, I just disagree with it. Silly money for DD.

19. Cain

    Thoughts on Paul George’s game yesterday? Also the Pacers as a whole?

    • Joel Brigham

      Hope he keeps that up. Would rather they not eked out a win and blown a supposedly inferior team like the Raptors out of the water. West looked great. Roy looked solid. Will need more out of Gerald Green, but I think he’ll get there. Getting Granger back healthy should make a big difference, too. In all, I’m definitely optimistic about things to come in Indy. Got my first Pacers game of the year next weekend (the 10th, I think), so I’m looking forward to getting out that way and seeing them in person.

20. Steve

    Do you think Scott Skiles will still be coaching the Bucks on Jan. 1?

    • Joel Brigham

      I’ll be surprised. The guys out there are getting pretty burned out by his abrasive style of coaching and inconsistent rotations. It’s not like they’re going to lose a ton of money by firing him midseason. I wonder if Jim Boylan will take over as interim again, just like he did in Chicago? Ahhh, the plotlines that are to come this NBA season. Can’t wait to see how it unfolds.

      Well, folks, that’s my hour. Thanks for all the great questions, and make sure you find your way back here next Thursday for more of the same. Keep the conversation going with me on Twitter @joelbrigham, and I’ll see you back here in a week.

      Oh, and go Bulls!