NBA Chat With Joel Brigham 11/8/12

Join Joel Brigham this Thursday at 3pm ET to chat about all things NBA, including the first couple weeks of the regular season in the book, as well as any trade rumors that may currently be tickling our fancy.

  1. Deven

    How would you grade the Bulls performance so far into this season?

    • Joel Brigham

      Good afternoon, HOOPSWORLD Citizens, and welcome to another edition of my weekly chat! I come to you today on the tail end of a flu-induced stupor that has had the better of me for a couple days now, but I’m seemingly on the mend and am at least competent enough at the moment to answer some questions about the NBA. I’ve been totally out of it for about 48 hours, but I do remember getting a news alert on Danny Granger’s knee injury keeping him out at least 3-4 months, and that’s not the kind of thing to make me feel any less nauseous. The two best players on my two favorite teams are out for the foreseeable future. That, folks, is a huge bummer. Que sera sera, right?

      Anyway, on to the questions…

      I think the Bulls have done a fine job so far, actually, though the loss to the Hornets without Anthony Davis or Eric Gordon was a little embarrassing. Still, they’re 3-1 and still look like the defensive juggernaut they’ve been the last two seasons, so I can accept the performance so far. They have played literally nobody of note yet, though, so we’ll see how they fare against the Thunder tonight. That should be the first playoff-bound team they’ll face this year, and it comes five games into the year.

      I’ve loved watching Joakim Noah so far this season, and I’m so, so angry that my fantasy basketball draft applet crashed on me literally seconds before I was going to select him. Ricky Rubio, who I had just sent over to my queue to save as a sleeper later in the draft, ended up going at the top of round 5 for me instead thank to computer autopick. This is going to be a sore subject for me all year if Noah keeps playing as well as he has been.

      I see this team making the playoffs as a 6 or 7 seed. Like I’ve said all along, if they can hover around .500 until Derrick gets back, they should be okay.

  2. Angelo

    I always thought that in the finals last year OKC should have played Perk more. I know that he would have had a hard time guarding Bosh BUT (and I cant believe I am saying this because I know Perk is not a great offensive player)if they gave the ball to him a few times I think bosh would have had a really hard time guarding him in the post just because of his size . That being said I think everyone trying to match up small with the Heat this year is a bad idea I say beat them up with size!! Your thoughts?

    • Joel Brigham

      Try what you might, the HEAT are just that much better than everybody else. Throw whatever you can dream at them, but sometimes the talent just wins out. I think that’s going to be the case most of the year.

      As for your Perk ploy, I think they could’ve tried it, but you’re right in that he’s not a good offensive player. Not sure you’d want to slow down your own offense when Miami’s was rolling the way it was back in June.

  3. Che in Salt Lake

    Hi Joel, how’s the Boozer era treating you?
    JazzNation is waiting for a trade of Milsap or Big Al to get a good asset at the wing or point guard, but what they don’t understand is to get a high caliber wing or point, they’ll have to open a position by including an existing wing or point with Milsap/Jefferson. What scenario do you see best fits Utah? I would have done Milsap/Hayward for Harden in a heartbeat, but alas, that ship has sailed. What’s the next best fit?

    • Joel Brigham

      I think what OKC got out of Houston was a much better fit for their needs as a franchise than what you’re suggesting, and for that reason I don’t think Harden really ever would’ve been much of a consideration to end up in Utah.

      But as to who you could hope for by dangling one of your bigs, I’d maybe take a stab at Jose Calderon since he’s probably not going to cost all that much. Eventually, I could see Milwaukee agreeing to part with either Monta Ellis or Brandon Jennings (but not if Jennings keeps playing the way he’s been–whew!). Tyreke Evans might eventually be available and they certainly need help at small forward, so a Hayward trade might not be outrageous. Not sure they’d be keen on bringing in a big guy to take away minutes from Cousins and T-Rob, though.

      No easy answer, but there’s some ideas, at least. I’m always open to things I haven’t thought of.

      Or Boozer for Big Al straight up. Eh? Ehhhhh????

  4. Cain

    My Pacers without Granger, expectations?

    • Joel Brigham

      Lower than they were. The Pacers have relied on Granger to orchestrate that offense for so long that I think it’s going to be really hard to keep that wheel greased with him out and both Gerald Green and Paul George sort of struggling to start the year. Both guys are putting up reasonable scoring numbers, but neither has looked much like a #1 guy on a playoff team, and George in particular was expected to be that guy this year. Granger gave them confidence, and he gave them points. With him gone, I think the culture is even a little different on the court, and I’m not a fan of where this is headed. They’re good enough to make the playoffs, but maybe not win the Central as we all sort of originally expected. The Bulls and Bucks have just as good a shot at this point it seems.

  5. Jay

    How’s everything Joel..Since Granger is out..what do you think about the Pacers starting Paul George at the 3..George Hill at 2 and DJ Augustin at 1??they haven’t do this line up,,i think it’s going to work for them and let Paul George play his natural position..also what do you think about D.Rose injury,,i am pulling for him but knee injuries is kinda career threatening,,see what happen to T-Mac and Penny Hardaway..i hope not but i don’t think D.Rose will be the same D.Rose again..tnx for the time man!!

    • Joel Brigham

      Just answered a Granger question, so I’ll respond to your bit about Derrick.

      Kyle Lowry came back from an ACL tear and had the best year of his career last season, and plenty of other players–especially young, athletic ones–are coming back from serious knee surgeries and playing like their old selves. Rose has admitted he might have to change the way he attacks the rim, but he can be cautious and still be effective. Worked for Dwyane Wade, right?

      I have no idea what to expect in regards to explosiveness, but he’s working his butt off right now to get right, and I just can’t see this kid stepping in and failing. Lot of win left in him, and I’m excited to see him back out on the court.

  6. LA in LA

    Hey Joel there are two things the media has been talking about lately I feel are off base:
    1) Laker’s running the Princeton being their problem.
    Clearly the offense has not looked fine tuned but Lakers are still averaging almost 50% from field. Only Miami has a FG%.
    On the other hand before playing Detroit the Lakers D gave up 47%, then 50% twice on D. Not going to win too many games allowing 49% from the field. And it wasn’t just turnovers because the Lakers only had 14 TOs vs Mavs and still gave up 47%.
    Our rebounding is also an issue, though I think it won’t be if Dwight returns to 100%.
    2) I think the media are sensationalizing these Thunder arguments among themselves. It seems like every year, the last 3 years, there is one month where we keep hearing about Thunder Player A yelling at Thunder player B.
    Agree?

    • Joel Brigham

      1. I think the Lakers just need time to gel together, though Steve Nash’s injury is going to make that hard in the immediate future. They’ll figure it out, and they’ll be tough as hell to beat in the playoffs. You’re right in that people need to get of the Lakers’ jock strap, but that’s not going to happen because L.A. is the second most insane media market in the country. Every little thing is a scoop to be taken out of proportion.

      2. My bet is that those guys are really bent out of shape about James Harden being gone and it’s effecting the overall vibe in the locker room. Guys are probably just getting crabby. That certainly doesn’t mean that they’re not still a scary team because come on. Kevin Durant, remember?

  7. LA in LA

    Thanks for your input on Lawson vs Curry vs Holiday.
    Now I need to know who you’d pick between Eran Ilyasova vs Paul Millsap? NBA 2k13 overvalues Boozer so both of those guys are being offered to me on the Bulls.
    I’m leaning towards Ilyasova because he can shoot 3s more consistently and the rebounding is close between them.

    • Joel Brigham

      I would take either one over Boozer in a hearbeat. Flip a coin.

  8. drop it like its hot

    Have u noticed it already? I noticed this for almost a year or 2 already. Dwilliams being compared to cp3 is somehow a joke. Cp3 maybe not as strong as him but he doesnt want to lose.he is crafty and buttomline he is a winner. Dwilliams looks contented to wait for monthly pay day and doesnt seem to care wether they win or lose. I think rondo ,westB are ahead of dwilliams in my opinion.with me???

    • Joel Brigham

      With you on Rondo, yes. Westbrook, I don’t know. I think if Russ were given his own team to run like Deron has with Brooklyn, he’d be a very similar kind of player. The stats are always going to be good, but Williams just doesn’t come off as a winner to me. That’s why Chris Paul is the greatest point guard in the game today. He does everything well, and he’s better at scoring than most scoring point guards and better at dealing that most pass-first point guards. He makes people better and is great in the clutch. That’s why he’s tops in the league.

      With everybody healthy, I have point guard rankings like this:
      1. CP3
      2. Rose
      3. Rondo
      4. D-Will
      5. Russ

  9. BSaintm

    Hey Joel hope you are doing well!
    I was wondering what teams you think Tyreke Evans would be a good fit on assuming he doesn’t stay in Sacramento beyond this season (if he even stays all season). I was thinking that maybe a young team like Charlotte or Orlando would be good but then again why would they take a flyer on him if they want high draft picks?

    • Joel Brigham

      You say that like acquiring ‘Reke automatically equates to more wins. If you’ve watched any Kings games the last few years you know that’s not true.

      As to where he’d be a good fit, I don’t think Orlando is really even an option. Charlotte’s kind of heavy in the backcourt too with Sessions, Henderson, Kemba, and Ben Gordon. Utah was mentioned earlier, and I could see that. Atlanta could provide him with an interesting opportunity. Depending on what happens with Milwaukee and Detroit this offseason (or this season too, I guess), those could serve as eventual landing places. Money has a lot to do with it, and Evans is going to expect a decent chunk of that in free agency. Not sure what team is going to be dying to pony up fat stacks for this kid. But as we all know, I’m not a really a fan of his in the first place.

  10. Georkles

    Dear Mr. Brigham,

    long time reader, first time asker so to say…
    I really would like to have your advice on my fantasy team. It´s a 12-team league with FG%, FT%, PTs, Rebounds, Assists, Steals, Blocks, 3P made,TO´s and Assist to TO-Ratio. My Tam is: PG:Nash, Nelson, Collison, Hinrich
    SG/SF:Harden, P.George, Gallinari, Beasley
    PF: Josh Smith, Favours
    Center: Noah, Valanciunas, Vucevic

    I just dropped Okafor for Vucevic, because he wasnt getting any minutes(even for the wizzards…dont get that). Any other “surprises” you see in store for me, or any other advice? There are still good PLayers like M. Williams or DeAndre JOrdan available on the fa-market.

    Thank you very much in Advance and keep up the good work.Really like your chats , especially since you are covering my Bulls.

    Greetings from Germany

    • Joel Brigham

      I think you’ve got a great starting lineup there, man, especially for a 12-team league. Assist-to-TO ratio is a weird category, but whatever works for you, I guess.

      Check and see if Gerald Green is out there. Might be worth a flier with Granger out half the season.

      And hey, they aren’t YOUR Bulls; they’re OUR Bulls. Good luck!

  11. john

    The Bulls struggelt in the first games with the rebounding which was their biggest strenght the last two seasons. Just because of that they had the best record. Do you think that this will hold on the whole season or will they be all right?

    • Joel Brigham

      Losing Asik is going to hurt them in that category a little bit, but rebounds are only part of what got them into the postseason the last two years. They just generally play good defense ,and I expect them to do the same this year. That should be enough to get them in… I read a stat somewhere that said only one top-five defensive team has ever missed the playoffs, and that makes me like Chicago’s odds.

  12. Sam S.

    Hi Joel. Pistons and Raptors had high hopes going into the season. So far, the results have not been good. Can either of these teams turn it around? And will Detroit give Drummond a chance to sink or swim, similar to the approach Dwayne Casey is using with Valanciunas?

    • Joel Brigham

      The Raptors have a better shot at it because Kyle Lowry hasn’t been healthy and he’s probably their best player. I still think this is a pretty good, scrappy Raptors team, and I’ll be curious to see if they can cash out Calderon for a high-middle tier swingman. Plenty at play up in Canada, and I’m still optimistic they can have a playoff-worthy season.

      As for Drummond, he’s averaging 1.2 bpg in only 14.4 minutes a night, which makes me drool at what he could do with more floor time. Would love to see bigger things out of him, but he’s got a lot of growth to do. Long way to go for this kid.

  13. BullsFan1986

    Joakim Noah is really starting to look like the best center in the East with his play of late, and Taj Gibson is proving so far this season he can hit those 15ft. jumpers. Those two are starting to look like one of the best if not the best front courts in the nba. Do you agree? And how about Tiny Nate, I always wanted the Bulls to get him, he’s fun to watch, most athletic player ever under 6 foot.

    • Joel Brigham

      If only we didn’t have to wait a full year-and-a-half until Boozer is likely amnestied! Yes, those two look great together and I wish I was watching Taj play starter’s minutes alongside Jo. Would make for a solid young frontcourt, wouldn’t it? Nikola Mirotic is only going to make things interestinger.

      And Nate the Great has indeed been excellent, injecting a ton of energy into the clubhouse, which is something the business-like Bulls sometimes need from a guy other than Noah. He’s definitely been fun to watch.

  14. likeabull

    Could these trades work for both team?deng/hamilton for gay/ allen or deng/1rd pick for raja/marv-williams/burks

    • Joel Brigham

      Memphis wouldn’t go for the first one, and Chicago wouldn’t go for the second.

  15. like a bull

    I say rest rose all year unless we win the central divison, which is posible. If not whom should we look at in this year. We could have 15th pick. If rose do come back who could we use that trade exception on to us a boost in the playoffs.

    • Joel Brigham

      I really think Rose is coming back this year. He really, really wants it, and his rehab is going well enough that I could absolutely see him getting back out there. I also think that the Central is more in play now than it was before the Granger news, so that means the Bulls might not even have to suffer as a 7 or 8 seed facing Miami or New York or Boston. With the fourth seed, they could get Indiana or Philly or Brooklyn, any of which would be a much better match-up.

  16. Blake

    Do you think any team in their right minds would take Fields from Toronto? I am guessing we are stuck with him for the next 3 years with his horrible contract.

    • Joel Brigham

      Yeah, that whole ploy to screw with New York’s cap space to have a shot at Steve Nash totally backfired. You’re stuck with him and that silly contract for the forseeable future. Get used to him, and just remember, it’s not as bad as 7 years and $70 million for Raef LaFrentz. Yes, that actually happened. So did 7 years and $35 for Jim McIlvane.

      Congratulations, now you’re all sick right along with me!

  17. bounced it like kidd

    Where do u think pietrus,josh howard,dfish and kenyon mart end up?

    • Joel Brigham

      Hearing Indy showing some interest in Pietrus, which makes sense with the Granger stuff. The other three guys are getting zero love from any teams right now, so I’ve got no answer here. Amazing that these guys are still free agents, isn’t it?

  18. tinola sa tanghali

    Laker fan here,somehow i love kobe’s iso. But it destroys team game at times,my suggestion is play kobe less min.. specially in the first to 3rd qtr.let him explode at the fourth,is mike brown scared of taking kobe out of the game cause kobe might get mad? He should be tough as a coach,let the bench play and lastly i feel like playin jamison more on sf at pf position.with me sir?

    • Joel Brigham

      I just think Kobe’s at a point in his career where you only take him out if he wants to be out. And Kobe never wants to be out, so he’s going to play. His isolation game is seriously messing with the Lakers’ offense, but we sort of knew that was going to be the case, didn’t we? Shouldn’t they have enough to be really, really good even with Kobe hogging the ball? I think so, but like I said earlier in the chat, they need a little more time to figure that all out. These guys just need time, that’s all. No reason to overthink it.

  19. burn them rubber

    Please evaluate boozer and rip? If drose was never hurt was rip and booz the sure answer that they can beat the heat or was all those wrong moves? Lastly ,who is your dream pair for drose when he gets back? Thanks

    • Joel Brigham

      Boozer was the best they could do with their cap space in 2010, and if he wasn’t making quite so much money I don’t think people would be complaining about him as much as they do. If Boozer made $10 million a year, his “poor play” wouldn’t be as big a deal. But he makes $15 million a year, and he certainly hasn’t earned that, hence the animosity.

      Both he and Rip have looked past their primes, which they are, but Hamilton at least was a bargain for what he still brings to the table. Neither has been great, though, and even with Rose they aren’t good enough to beat the HEAT.

      A young Ray Allen would’ve been perfect for Derrick. Klay Thompson would be nice. Maybe (MAYBE) Joe Johnson.

  20. Tim

    Nets cant be feeling good after that 30 point thumping by miami. Not to mention blowing a 20 pt lead vs twolves and losing. They were talking titles and being the best team in NYC during preseason, cant seem to own up to it so far. Is it growing pains? Or is this team just overhyped and overrated?

    Lastly, how about them Knicks huh? =D

    • Joel Brigham

      The Nets can score. Defense is going to be a problem, and they’re not particularly deep. I said before the season that I thought the Knicks were the better team, and so far I’ve been basking in the glow of being right. We’ll see if that holds up, but I feel good about that particular prediction for now. I reserve the right to pretend like I never made that prediction, however, if Brooklyn gets awesome and a third of the Knicks roster ends up committed to nursing homes by April.

  21. mario

    Hey Joel what’s up buddy ok I guess I’m not the only one who caught the pre game show last week when jalen rose threw out the idea of big al coming to Chicago now say that Utah does want to move him and they don’t want the boozer big al straight what in your mind would it take and what would you be willing to part with to get it done and why

    • Joel Brigham

      Not a lot, because I don’t think Jefferson is all that much better than Boozer, but the difference there is the money. The Bulls didn’t just pay Taj $9.5 million a season to be a backup forever; they want him starting, so a trade for Jefferson would be more for cap relief than anything else. Honestly, there isn’t a lot I wouldn’t offer up to make something happen with Utah, and I think both teams have enough assets to get creative if they wanted to.

      But let’s be honest… no one is taking on Boozer’s contract without some seeeeerious sweetener. And the Bulls don’t take risks, so don’t count anything happening there. Fun to talk about, but just not realistic.

      Alright gang, that’s my hour. Thanks for all the great questions, and I shall return to you in a week hopefully in better spirits and better health. Have a great weekend, and go Bulls!

      (And get better, Danny Granger).