NBA Chat With Joel Brigham, 1/26/12

1. Patrick E

   I think it would be cool to have a 2 on 2 tournament during All Star weekend where any player can sign up with any other player. Do you think that would be entertaing or even possible?

   • Joel Brigham

     Good afternoon, HOOPSWORLD Citizens, and welcome to another edition of my weekly chat. I’ve spent my mourning working through the grieving process of having that glorious Chicago Bulls perfect home record snapped, and I think I’m hovering ever closer towards acceptance. Covering Bulls/Bucks this weekend, so hopefully that’s enough to raise my spirits, though Milwaukee is playing pretty solid ball recently, too, even without Stephen Jackson playing well. At all. So how’s that for a rant to kick things off today? Enough blabbering. Let’s get onto the questions…

     I’d be okay with 2-on-2 or 3-on-3, actually. You could even set it up where you take the NBA player-WNBA player-NBA legend combos used for the Shooting Stars thing and just have them play 3-on-3. I think that could have potential for reasonable entertainment. I’m all for anything that shakes up the weekend a little. It’s gotten to a stale place lately. Something like this would make it spicy again.

2. Will

   Joel, should the Sixers take a shot at big trade this season? I realize we’re winning on chemistry but it’s hard to imagine success in the playoffs w/o a legit first option

   • Joel Brigham

     Chemistry and coaching, but I see your point. For two consecutive years they’re playing that little engine that could card, and teams like that will never have any problem getting into the postseason, but they’re also never going to actually win a championship, either. You need a stud for that, but what stud is out there for them to grab at? What combination of Sixer assets is going to return the number one option we all know they need? You could easily start a package built around Andre Iguodala, but I have yet to hear a trade rumor with his name in that returns equal or superior talent. It’s always the other team winning the trade. And unless you’re getting a guaranteed stud, it’s hard to move away your captain and defensive leader. I think you’re better off just rolling with what you’ve got and hope that you end up with a breakout All-Star. Jrue Holiday, Spencer Hawes, or Thaddeus Young, maybe?

3. Lance

   What type of players can Melo play woth to succede? Could ORL pull a trade for Stat or Melo…Stat,Douglas,Bill Walker for Turk,JJ and filler

   • Joel Brigham

     It looks like you just suggested trading Amar’e Stoudemire, Toney Douglass, and Bill Walker for J.J. Redick and Hedo Turkoglu.

     Read that sentence and figure out what you did wrong there.

     As for what kind of player Melo needs to play with… I would’ve thought that someone like Tyson Chandler would be perfect. Good rebounder that plays tough defense and doesn’t require too much attention on offense. Amar’e should be a good fit, too, but the Knicks just aren’t gelling for whatever reason. Honestly, I think a real NBA point guard out there would make a world of difference, so I’ll be curious to see what kind of effect Baron Davis has on the team when he gets healthy. I’m not sure he’s really what any of us would consider a top-tier NBA point guard at this point, but he’s better than anything NYK have on the roster right now. For the right deal, I’d absolutely trade Amar’e for Deron Williams. Not that Deron looks great at this point or anything (honestly, STAT doesn’t, either), but alongside Melo he could do damage.

4. rodney

   the magic are currently 11,186,087 dollars above the cap.

   if dwight were to opt out that would free up 18,091 770 in cap space putting us at 6,905,683 dollars bellow the cap

   if the magic were to trade Nelson for Andre Millers expiring contract and allow Millers contract to come off the books that would free up an additional 7,807,728

   putting the magic bellow cap 14,713,411. if they were to use the stretch provision on j rich that would free up enough cap space for them to sign a major market free agent and re-up on howard since they have his bird rights similar to how Miami was able to sign both Bosh and James and then use there bird rights on Wade.

   my question is how realistic would this methodical plan be for Otis to do? and if the Magic had the financial cap space to sign a market free agent would Howard then decide to resign with the Magic?

   • Joel Brigham

     Not realistic. Why would Denver trade Dre Miller for Nelson? There’s zero motivation for them to do unless they just want to help Orlando sign another max guy, and trust me when I say they have no interest in doing that. Miller’s deal is more desirable, and the Nuggets are playing pretty solid basketball right now under his leadership. If I’m the Denver organization, I kind of like my team right now. (That Galinari extension was perfect, by the way. Absolutely fair price for a player of his caliber, right around $10 million per for four years? Very nice).

     So that’s the main wrench. Nobody wants any Orlando player in trade right now except for Howard, who they aren’t going to trade. It’s a great idea if you can offload the appropriate amount of salary, but I don’t think they can.

5. The Philippine Eagle

   Hi Joel, CP3 just bought a mansion in LA. Did he really bought the mansion with intent to stay long-term with the Clippers or did he buy it hoping that the Lakers will do something to get him next season?

   • Joel Brigham

     Interesting thought, but the Clippers aren’t letting Paul voluntarily. He picked up his option in the trade, which means he’s with the Clipps through the end of 2012-2013 at least. Two years in LA with literally zero chance of getting trade is enough to buy a house when you’ve got as much money as CP3 has. Considering he’ll have two serious LA suitors when he hits free agency in 2013, he could be in that house even longer. He likes LA, but that’s not odd. A lot of people like LA. It’s a cool city, so if he wants to live there long-term, we shouldn’t look too much into it. I’m sure he thinks he could be there the rest of his career, playing with Blake Griffin.

6. Dylan

   True or false. Paul Silas will be the head coach at the end of the season. Please explain your decision and why.

   • Joel Brigham

     He’s doing a lot with those young kids as far as development is concerned. Just look at how well Gerald Henderson as bloomed under him? I’ve talked with the guys in that locker room twice already this season, and all them absolutely sing the praises of Silas. He’s doing the best he can, but I think we all understand that the talent just isn’t there. The two rookies (Biyombo and Kemba) haven’t been great yet either, which makes it even harder. Plus, Corey Maggette has been hurt pretty much all season up to this point, and healthy he’d probably be their top scorer. It’s just a perfect crapstorm in North Carolina right now. If Silas is developing kids, win or lose, I think he’ll finish out the season. He’s not a long-term solution at coach for anybody at this point, but for this season, I think he’s perfectly capable to do what Jordan wants him to with the ‘Cats.

7. AJ

   Sorry to be that guy, couple trade ideas here:

   Ridnour, W. Johnson, Pekovic, 2012 1st round pick (Utah) for Ellis + pieces (Barron, McGuire etc.)

   (If C’s keep losing) Hansbrough, Stephenson, 1st round pick for Allen and Bass.

   Thabeet, Hill, Lee, Patterson, Budinger, 2012 1st round pick for Pierce and pieces.

   • Joel Brigham

     1. Golden State’s going to want more for Ellis than that. Not enough star power coming back to Oakland.
     2. Bass and Hansbrough are more or less a wash, which means Ray Allen for Lance Stephenson? Come now…
     3. That’s a lot of mediocre-to-bad talent for Pierce. You’d have to offer up Kevin Martin and/or Luis Scola to even get Boston to start having that conversation. Even then, even if it’s both, you’d need a godfather deal to keep Pierce from retiring in Beantown. What you’ve proposed ain’t it.

     In conclusion, I’d say you’re 0-for-3, but thanks for playing!

8. Rockets Fan On Strike till Morey is Fired.

   Javale Mcgee to the T’wolves for lob city north, can it be done? what would it take?

   • Joel Brigham

     The Wizards are awful, so I don’t see why they wouldn’t at least consider a trade with as many assets as the Wolves have. McGee doesn’t make the money he’s worth, so it could be tricky getting salaries to match, but I would say someone like Wes Johnson or Derrick Williams would be worth exploring. You’d probably have to send back Darko and Pekovic so that Washington would have somebody capable of playing center, but I don’t think it’s impossible. I’m open to hearing suggestions from readers. Any ideas for a WAS-MIN trade, folks?

9. Mike

   Denver has Wilson Chandler’s Bird Rights. Sacramento and Indiana have a lot of cap space. Toronto has about $6M of cap space and if they made a trade with less coming back would obviously have more.

   Where do you think Wilson Chandler ends up in March? What do you think would be a fair contract for him? What do you think would be considered too much to keep him in Denver considering they have Afflalo and Gallinari locked up at $18M per year between them?

   • Joel Brigham

     I’d be kind of surprised if Chandler ended up back in Denver for the exact reason you stated. They’ve got plenty of money locked in up in that 2-3 position, and both Danilo and Afflalo need to be starting. Chandler would be an expensive bench guy, and I just don’t think Denver’s going to splurge on him.

     If I was Chandler, I might just hook up with a team to wrap up 2012, preferably a competitor, and then hit free agency for realsies over the summer. But if he can get a big boy long-term deal in March, there’s no reason he shouldn’t go for it. Not sure what Sacramento would plan to do with him, and Indiana wouldn’t have too many minutes for him unless they traded Danny Granger or something. It’s hard to figure out where he’d end up because I think playing for pennies on a contender is still pretty possible.

     One thing’s for sure–whoever gets him will get a serious boost for the spring and early summer.

10. like a bull

    Whom says no to this trade Booz/Deng/Brewer for Ellis/Lee/Wright? Bulls get more scrappy/better offense.Warriors get better defensive wings and a post player

    • Joel Brigham

      Bulls say no. They aren’t messing with chemistry right now. Best record in the league, and they’ve played more away games than anybody and haven’t even come close to having everybody healthy over the course of the last two weeks. They’re the top rebounding team in the league, among the best in opponents field goal percentages and points allowed, and surprisingly one of the most efficient offenses as well, at least from a statistical standpoint. Bulls leadership is just too conservative to make that kind of deal. They like their team right now.

11. George Y

    Im a big Bulls fan but have been wondering alot about the Dwight Howard scenario.

    Will the clippers have the cap space to sign Dwight Howard outright assuming they amnesty Mo Williams? I’m asking because as it currently stands the Clippers would only have 59 million in committed salary (with Mo) and 50 million (no Mo) for 2012-2013.
    GO BULLS

    • Joel Brigham

      Without analyzing it and having a conversation with Larry Coon, I’m not sure. Cap crap isn’t my forte, especially not off the top of my head. Find Coon’s chat, and copy and paste your question there. He’ll know better than me.

12. Trevor

    What is it with Dwight talking about how he would listen to the C’s and saying he needs to be on a team that knows how to win in the playoffs? What has he proven in the playoffs truly? Also where were the celtics as far as winning before the big “3″ what does he think that team will do without their leader KG and most consistent player Ray? Rondo and Dwight are not winning a championship over Miami and Chicago.

    • Joel Brigham

      The Celtics are a VERY thin team. Pierce is one of the nastiest, grittiest players I’ve ever watched, and Ray Allen will always be my favorite shooter in the history of the game (I don’t say that lightly). But you’re right that KG has lost more than a step. Probably more than a few. Rondo has been great, but if all that’s left is him, Dwight, and the rest of that bench? Yeesh… That’s nowhere near a championship team. Honestly, the group he’s got in Orlando is eons further along than what he’d be stepping into with the Celtics. I get that maybe there’s a certain level of tradition there he could interested in, and he’d certainly be the face of the franchise at that point, but I’m just not feeling that. I’d be shocked if something like that went down.

13. jazzfan

    If you’re the Jazz who do you trade Jefferson or Milsap? with Favors and Kanter on the roster doesn’t make sense to keep both, I think Milsap has more Value due to age and upside and his recent play certainly helps his stock but is he someone you really wanna get rid of?

    • Joel Brigham

      Millsap’s having a great season, but I say sell high on him. You’re right about his value being higher than Jefferson’s. We know what Big Al does at this point, and while we understand that that’s consistent post production, it’s also not very exciting. Millsap has more exciting moments, but that’s why you trade him. If you can trade Jefferson too, do it. I’m ready to see Favors and Kanter get big minutes. The Jazz need to rebuild through those two kids, and in order to do that they’ll need minutes. But that’s just me. There are a lot of Jazz fans I’m sure that are happy with how things have gone this season, at least for the most part. Utah certainly has been better than I ever thought they would be.

14. ryan

    Are the cavs more inclined to keep Andy or trade him this season? are there even any good offers for him that would interest the cavs?

    • Joel Brigham

      Flip a coin. I don’t know that the offers coming in for Varejao are anything close to his value, and if that’s the case I’d rather just keep him. I mean, they’re actually in the playoff hunt a quarter of the way through the season. I very much doubt they’ll be there in April, but hey, it’s not impossible. Andy’s a great playoff guy, so he’s someone I’d want on my side when the time came. At the end of the day, though, I just don’t think they can get out of them what they think he’s worth, so he probably stays.

15. English Knick

    I want Knicks to succeed with this roster and I love Stat. But if it can’t be made to work, would Houston bite on a Stat trade? The Hoopsworld article today speculates they would consider Gasol for Lowry and Scola. Stat has injury history, but is three years younger and a better (offensively, at least) player. I asked a similar question to another writer and the Stat insurance issue came up but surely if you do this for a 32-year-old Gasol you do it for Stat?

    • Joel Brigham

      If I were Houston, I’d be happy with either guy. Scola has been kind of disappointing this year, and Lowry has clearly over-achieved. If you can move those two for a bona fide All-Star, you do it immediately. That trade actually probably makes the Knicks a better team, too. I like it for both teams. But I’d like it for the Lakers, too. In any event, it’s a trade I’m in favor of, whomever the trading partner may be.

16. ALEX

    Great chat. RAPS. fan. IF?? RAPS. win the lottery 2 best players r DAVIS and DRUMMOND, but we have 4 bigs, BARG. VAL.AMIR and DAVIS.
    thanks.

    • Joel Brigham

      I’m not sure that’s technically a question, but I get what you’re “asking” here. Draft Anthony Davis. Figure out the rest later. I see no problem with moving Bargnani in a trade to make room for Valanciunas (who I’m on record as loving) and Davis (who is going to DESTROY the NBA). Build around those two and DeRozan, bring Amir and Davis off the bench. You’ll be fine.

17. T.J

    So, Do you believe Hibbert will be a Pacer long term? His game is developing and he is a positive role model in Indy (something they lacked in years past).

    • Joel Brigham

      Yeah, I think he sticks. Just because they didn’t extend him doesn’t mean he’s gone. They just want him to give them a full season and see what he’s worth in the playoffs. If Indy wins a series (and I think they can, and will), Roy becomes a lot more valuable. Big guys who show up in the postseason get paid, and Indiana has the money to keep him. He’s like the second or third tallest guy in the league, but of those top three tall dudes, he’s by FAR the best. That kind of height with that kind of skill doesn’t come along often, so I’d be shocked if Morway and Bird let him go.

18. Ryan

    What about Philly trades Iggy+Lou+a pick for Ellis+Lee, i think it helps out both teams a lot and they both become much better, who says no?

    • Joel Brigham

      Golden State says no. Not for Ellis AND Lee. However, I could see the benefits of an Ellis-for-Iguodala trade. That allows you to plug Thad into the starting lineup AND you’ve have an offensive player that could close things out at the ends of games. Values of both guys is relatively even, and there are plenty of pluses and minuses for both teams. Crafty. I’d be open to it.

19. Matt

    Here we are again, talking about Pau to the Rockets for some crazy high price (since Gasol is not much better or younger than Scola). IF the Rox are going to use their resources to trade with the Lakers, why not go for Bynum? Dragic, Bud, Scola, and Hill for Bynum seems better for Houston and still great for LA (Dragic-Kobe-Bud-Scola-Pau)

    • Joel Brigham

      Go Lowry, Scola, and either Budinger or Hill for Bynum, and maybe. But I don’t think L.A. is trading Bynum in that package. Should something go awry with Orlando this season and they decide to move Dwight after all, Bynum’s their best hope at getting him. This guy’s going to start for the West at center in the All-Star game this year. Can’t trade him lightly. Gasol, you can be a little more generous with because of his age.

20. BSaintM

    Hey Joel how’s it going!

    I was just wondering which of the players who didn’t get an extension do you see on a different team next year?

    I think Gordon will end up staying in NOH but I could see Batum, Mayo, Lopez and even Beasley playing in a different area next year.

    • Joel Brigham

      I’d say Beasley is the most likely guy gone. They’ve got too many young and talented kids on that roster that are going to need to get paid eventually. Beasley’s been solid, but not good enough to siphon away money that will eventually have to go to Ricky Rubio and Wes Johnson and Derrick Williams. Frees up that frontcourt a little bit, too, so those kids can actually see some more consistent minutes. So that’s my most likely choice for guy who’ll change teams.

      Mayo’s up there, too. Memphis doesn’t really seem all that interested in him long-term, and since they paid Marc Gasol without trading Gay or Z-Bo, they’re kind of out of money, even to keep O.J. at a middling salary. My guess is that Lopez stays, but only after NJ has come to the conclusion that they cant’ get Howard. If they can, though, he’ll be gone, too. I can’t decide about Batum. I could see it going either with him, but Gerald Wallace has sort of change Nic’s role there short-term. I’d want him long-term, though, you know? He’d get more minutes elsewhere. That much is for sure, and I think he’d do plenty with those minutes if given the proper opportunity.

21. mistry man

    Do you think brags from raps will go to the all star game this yea. He is playing like he should and is key for the raps every game so far he has played in. Also calderon is having a great yea, do you think he is under rated amoung league players at pg

    • Joel Brigham

      Not that he doesn’t deserve it, but I don’t think he’ll get in. The East is too loaded with individual talent, and Toronto’s record hasn’t been good enough to sway coaches towards rewarding them with a selection. Great year, but not good enough for All-Star.

22. Al

    MN/WAS trade idea

    One of the Wolves picks, Beaz/Randolph, Darko/Pec for McGee. As any basement dweller, Washington needs to start stocking up on picks to bring in youth.

    If I’m MN I want to hold onto Williams as we’ll need trade fodder for a shooting guard

    • Joel Brigham

      That’s kind of what I was thinking, too. Solid suggestion… would be curious how Washington fans felt about it.

      Guys, that’s my hour. Thank you for all the great questions, and I’ll see you next week for more of the same. Until then, have an excellent weekend, and go Bulls!