NBA Chat With Joel Brigham, 3/22/12

1. chuck

   Im wondering if breakng the core of what the bulls have now is worthied in chasing d12. I know d12 and drose combo for this decade would be HUGE, like bling bling huge. But I would also like to consider having the solid core we have along with its chemistry to win it all for us fans to know tha basketball is a TEAM SPORT.

   bulls fan since the day MJ arrived.

   • Joel Brigham

     Good afternoon, HOOPSWORLD Citizens, and welcome to another edition of my weekly chat! I’m guessing today’s chat is going to be considerably calmer than the insane deadline day chat we had last Thursday, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still have a fair amount of fun. We’re actually only about a month away from the end of the regular season, which means the postseason is near. Then the draft combine, the Finals, the draft itself, and free agency. It’s all coming up quicker than any of us realize, and that should make for some very entertaining conversation.

     In the meantime, though, let’s start with the questions already in the hopper, starting with what appears to be a bit of an anticlimactic question about Dwight Howard and the Chicago Bulls…

     This is a tough question to answer, Chuck, because there are strong arguments either way. Do you know hard it would be to beat a team that featured both Derrick Rose AND Dwight Howard? It wouldn’t matter much what else was around those guys; they’d run a lot of teams off the court based on talent alone. But that said, this current Chicago team is a group Windy City fans can respect because you’re right about them playing as a team. They go hard, play defense, share the ball, and have so many likeable role players that can step up at different times. Any real Bulls fan, like you or me, loves this current team.

     But it all comes to back to whether or not we think they can win a championship with this group, and I’m not sure they can. I still think Miami is too tough in a seven-game series, and New York and Orlando look like formidable playoff adversaries as well. I can’t count out Philly or Indiana, either. Another star makes moving on more likely, which is where the Dwight talk comes from. It doesn’t matter now, though, does it? At least not until we run the circus again 11 months from now.

2. calvinzero

   Anthony Davis domination in the mock drafts are so fantastic .. How the Bobcats feel regarding these? Are they excited to get Davis? I want to watch him on the national television. Who do you think is the best partner for him to make the Bobcats more competitive this coming season? Thanks Mr.Brigham.

   • Joel Brigham

     Anthony Davis will be the top pick. That’s all but a certainty at this point. What’s not a certainty is Charlotte getting the top pick. Keep in mind that there’s still a lottery to run here, and even though the Bobcats are clearly the saddest team in the league at the moment, that doesn’t mean they’ll get the top pick. I mean, Washington and New Orleans look pretty sad, too, and they both could use some help at the power forward spot, too.

     But, if Charlotte is the team that ends up with him, it’ll be interesting to pair him with Bismack Biyombo in that frontcourt and let athleticism do what athleticism does in this league. I know Biyombo is still really raw, but I’ve seen flashes of what he can be, and that could be really fun to watch for quite a few years if both players pan out. Don’t forget about Kemba, either. He’ll get better, too. Those are three guys you can build a franchise around, but it would need some time to come together.

3. Chris G

   Three questions. (1) Is John Lucas III the Bulls’ new Ben Gordon? (2) Will Thibs win Coach of the Year again this year? (3) Does winning these games against the East’s best without Rose indicate a good thing, bad thing, or nothing about the Bulls going forward when he returns?

   • Joel Brigham

     1. Actually, a good buddy and I were talking the other night about how we think John Lucas is the Bulls’ new Jannero Pargo. Instant offense off the bench, but not anywhere near becoming a consistent starter for this or any other team. My goodness has Lucas been a pleasant surprise in bursts this season, and that’s a cool thing to see for a dude that’s so easy to get along with. People asked a lot this year why Lucas stayed aboard full time instead of Mike James, and it’s not just the offense; it’s his personality. He fits in better with the overall vibe of the locker room, and he’s definitely found a good role on a team that has clearly needed him to do what he’s been doing.

     On the topic of Ben Gordon… holy cow, right? 9-for-9 last night, 45 points? One of my all-time favorite Bulls alumni, if only that for that ’09 Bulls/Celtics series. Wish he could play half that well more consistently.

     2. Looking around, I don’t know who else would… Doug Collins will get a lot of votes, though, and I could see Gregg Popovich in the running, too. But for what Thibs has done… fastest coach ever to 100 wins, and a third of those coming this season through just a silly amount of Bulls injuries. I know voters like to spread the love, so that’s something that could hurt his chances, but based on merit alone, I could certainly see it.

     3. It’s good. They’re even better with Derrick.

4. Peter

   what would u think if toronto traded bargs, bayless (who still has potential) and maybe their pick depending if its top 5 or 10 to the rebuilding celtics for Rondo. Davis, Jonas, and amir gets more minutes and everyone gets better with rondo playmaking especially Derozan. Fair deal for both sides?

   • Joel Brigham

     I think if the Raptors get a top five pick in this draft, they’re keeping it. To package that AND Bargnani and Bayless for Rondo seems like something Toronto would consider too steep a price. I can’t say it’s an awful idea, but a top five pick potentially gets you a franchise-saver, and for less money than Rondo. I’m all in favor of moving Bargs, especially with Valanciunas coming in next season, but they might have to look for a different idea.

5. Jazzfan

   Thanks for the chat Joel, what do you think of the Jazz’s young core of Kanter, Favors, Hayward and Burks? they’ve really started to come on strong the last few weeks and I can see a big future for us, I still think we need to find our PG of the future.

   • Joel Brigham

     Your assessment is exactly correct. The problem now is that you’ve got these really good players ahead of those guys soaking up all the minutes. Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap are too good to just not play, but Favors and Kanter are clearly the future of this organization and need their fair share of minutes, too. I suppose it’s a good problem to have, but I’d rather they jettison the detritus and start fresh with the young’ns.

     And yes, getting a point guard is important, but I don’t think it’s going to happen in this draft. Not a lot of point guard options… more will be around in the summer of 2013. You mind waiting that long?

6. Grandad in FOG, TX

   Joel,
   If Pierce continues to decrapitate this season they HAVE to move him this summer and it would benefit Detroit (who will most likely use their amnesty on Charlie V next summer) to try Pierce out as a veteran leader with next generation Knight and Monroe starting him at either SG or SF. If he doesn’t work out, you’ve only got him in Detroit for a season and then you can pay the $4 million summer 2013 to cut him where as with Gordon, he’s set to make a killing in 2013-2014 that is a player option, and he’s not going to see that much money ANY where else and will pick that option up 100% in Detroit. Gordon with Rondo and Green in the back court could really thrive with KG (resigning much cheaper) and Better Lopez (Jersey exodus) with Bass phasing in and out like this season in the front court. What say you?

   • Joel Brigham

     You’re counting on a lot of “if’s” here, but the heart of your comment–the Pierce trade to Detroit–isn’t going to happen. At least, I don’t think it’s going to happen. Brandon Knight and Greg Monroe are clearly (CLEARLY) the best chance that Detroit has of being successful in the future, so making a trade for a guy just as beat up as their current small forward, Tayshaun Prince, doesn’t make a lot of sense. Just don’t see it happening. Not sure I see Brook Lopez in Boston, either.

7. George

   Hi Joel. The Kings are starting to look like the team people were hoping they could become. What one thing do you think they need to become a playoff team?

   • Joel Brigham

     Not Tyreke Evans. Lose him, and you’ve got a better concept of team right off the bat. I’ve loved watching Isaiah Thomas out there, too. Good short guys never stop being entertaining…

8. Tj

   I hear the bulls are signing Chris Douglas Roberts for this years version of rasual butler bulls will lose in first round this year boozer too inconsistent an rose an rip too injury prone pacers Knicks an drose kryptonite monta awaits

   • Joel Brigham

     Hey, a D-Rose and CDR reunion! He’s hinting at it on Twitter, I see, but it’s just one of things you have no way of knowing until it’s done. I’m sure he’d love to play for the Chicago Bulls, but right now who wouldn’t? Offensively, he’s streaky as all get-out… there’s no denying his talent, at least in bursts, but how does he fit into the culture of the team? Thibodeau would have some work to do with that one.

     For the record, I’m not against it. Bulls need help at the two, and CDR has to be considered one of the better realistic options right now, right?

9. Deven

   Is this what the Clippers are, a 5-8 type team in the West or are they not playing to their potential? The halfcourt Offense is terrible. What are your thoughts?

   • Joel Brigham

     Vinny Del Negro.

     Saw an interesting tweet from Jorge Sierra yesterday questioning what might happen if Mike D’Antoni ended up coaching this group. You think about that for a second, and think about VDN’s track record as an NBA head coach. We knew there’d be rough moments with him at the helm this season, and we’re in the midst of one of them. It is what it is, but LAC needs a better head coach if they want to have a real shot at winning the West. D’Antoni seems like he’d be great, doesn’t he?

10. MAC

    diaw to lakers.. pinocus keeps saying no but makes sense to me. Rather put him out there then Troy Murphy… Yet Murphy keeps being put in the game! smh

    • Joel Brigham

      If I’m Diaw, I’d sign with either the Lakers or Spurs. Both need depth at the power forward spot, and Diaw would be cheap, solid help there. He’s not the player he once was (the guy has clearly put on some weight), but for the price he’ll command, a playoff contender would be crazy not to take a flier on him. He and Tony Parker are buddies and countrymen, so I would think the Spurs have the one-up. That’s what I’ve been hearing all say, anyway, so count the Lakers as Diaw’s plan B for now.

11. Cole

    Who do you think the best defender in the NBA is? Which player do you think will win DPoY?

    • Joel Brigham

      Hard to argue against Dwight Howard, but Serge Ibaka has been an absolute killer on the defensive end this year. He’s got two games this year with 10 blocks, and he leads the league in category, as well. Howard’s won it before, and we’ve already talked today about spreading the love. So there you go. My vote’s for Ibaka, Dwight a close second.

12. JM

    Harrison Barnes – he might be the 4th best player on his team. Why is he ranked so high in the draft?
    He seems to lack the killer instinct, elite athleticism, and off the dribble skills to be a franchise player. And doesn’t have the motor, or elite defensive skills to be a Deng like 2nd/3rd option.
    Don’t get me wrong, he is a really good, all-around, player, but Marwin Williams with a better shot good, not allstart good.

    • Joel Brigham

      It’s not quite fair to compare Barnes to Marvin Williams, since Williams did absolutely NOTHING in his college career before getting drafted 2nd overall in the Chris Paul/Deron Williams draft. Barnes is a more accomplished collegiate ball player, and scouts tend to think his game will translate well to the pro game. It’s hard to argue with that having seen what we’ve seen out of him, but at the same time we can’t in good conscience call him a better prospect than Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. Barnes feels more like a supporting character than a star in his own right, and that’s why I think we’ll see him picked more in the 4-7 range than the 2-4 range he would’ve fell into a year ago.

13. Justin

    Do you see Tristan Thompson becoming a high impact player in the nba like Kyrie Irving has?

    • Joel Brigham

      He’s not quite on the same level. Irving is a future perennial All-Star, and that’s not Thompson’s destiny. I can see him as a 12 and 8 sort of guy for his career, but not All-NBA team good. He’s better than I thought he’d be (and I thought he’d be painfully average), but slightly above average isn’t the same as “high impact in the NBA like Kyrie Irving.”

14. Eric Aldridge

    Why Does Everybody have Bradley Beal ranked higher than Austin Rivers? Beal is going to be good but Rivers is more NBA Ready and his potential and upside is much higher.

    • Joel Brigham

      That’s a good question. Rivers certainly came out of high school more highly-touted, and there have been times over the course of the past year that Rivers has looked like a star. To me, though, Beal is kind of built more like like an NBA player, and there’s something distinctly Eric Gordon-y about him. I like that, and I have just a tish more confidence in him as a pro than I do Rivers. Beal could be a star, while I see Austin as a niche scorer. For now, Beal is higher in mocks than Rivers, but there’s nothing that says that won’t switch again between now and June. Beal, after all, is still playing in the tournament. Rivers is out…

15. Paaul

    What would be Ronnie Turiaf’s impact with Miami? Can he help Udonis Haslem off the bench? Energy guys!!

    • Joel Brigham

      Good signing for Miami. They’ve got kind of a revolving door at center, but while Joel Anthony remains the starter they really did need help with some depth. Now, they’ve got it. I like Turiaf as a guy, and hope this ends up being the best fit for him. I’ve got no reason to believe it won’t be.

16. SenseiOfSoul - Chicago

    Hi Joel -

    To piggy back off of your answer to George’s question: What do you think about a Derrick Rose Tyreke Evans backcourt? Do you think it could work? My buddy Jeff really likes the idea and possible Reke doesn’t fit with the Kings longterm. Thoughts?

    • Joel Brigham

      Horrible, horrible idea. Awful. Evans is a ball-stopper and is only effective when the ball’s in his hands. This needs to be Derrick Rose’s team unequivocably, and Tyreke would kill that his first day with the team. He’s not Chicago Bulls material, my friend. This will never happen…

17. 5mangame

    This year tanking might get interesting. e.g., Portland would like to keep losing but JJ Hickson also needs another contract. JJH blew up at the end of last year in CLE. What happens w/ these conflicts of interest?

    • Joel Brigham

      You can’t ever assume a team is trying to tank. If that’s what Portland really wanted to do, and they were afraid Hickson would jeopardize that, why would they have claimed him off waivers? No, the best bet for them is to have Hickson work out. If he starts killing again, they got themselves a young star, which is exactly what they need. That, plus the draft picks, can do nothing but help them moving forward.

      That’s my hour, folks… thanks for all the great questions, and I’m sure I’ll see you all back here next week for more of the same! In the meantime, have a great weekend (and Spring Break for some of you, I’m sure), and go Bulls!