NBA Chat With Joel Brigham, 3/29/12

1. Kareem

   What is your prediction for the Pacers in the playoffs? Also what do you think they need to be a legit NBA Championship contender? Who can help them?

   • Joel Brigham

     Good afternoon, HOOPSWORLD Citizens, and welcome to another edition of my weekly chat. It feels like late May here in Illinois, which has put me in the mood to talk about playoff basketball and the draft, but of course as always we’ll cover anything you guys feel like discussing this afternoon. I’m down for whatever, so bring it on, and I’ll get to as many questions as I can in the hour I’ve been allotted.

     Ah, the Pacers. My favorite non-Bulls NBA team. The way the seedings are set up at the moment, Indy looks like they will probably finish somewhere in the 4-7 range (they’re currently at 5, set up for what would be an excellent first-round series against the Philadelphia 76ers). Odds are good that Philly is who they end up with, and that’s probably their best bet for a shot at winning a series, because Orlando and especially Chicago/Miami would make for a really tough first-round matchup without homecourt advantage. Two good, young, hungry teams like Philadelphia and Indiana would probably be the most hotly contested series of the first round (though Chicago/New York would be juicy, too), and I like Indiana’s chances there.

     As far as contending for a championship, that’s a whole other question. Signing Eric Gordon would be a nice place to start, or they could do what I thought they should this past fall and sign Jamal Crawford if he opts out. Not sure either puts them in championship territory, but it gets them a little closer.

2. Deven

   Hi Joel. What matters the most for the Bulls and Heat: Playoff positioning or health?

   • Joel Brigham

     Health, definitely. Neither one of those teams is going to have much of a shot against, say, Oklahoma City in the Finals if they aren’t coming in at full-strength. Chicago came back with essentially the same team that lost to Miami in five games last year with the sole addition of Richard Hamilton, and so far he’s been a non-factor. He and Derrick Rose need to get themselves right in time for the postseason, or there are going to be issues. Miami I’m less concerned about, but if they lose LeBron or Wade when it matters, they’ll be even worse off than Chicago.

3. paprika

   Just wana share a wow moment by gordan hayward on the boston game.he block 2 shots in a row . This kid is a bit under the radar but what do u think is his ceiling? Mike miller prime type of player?

   • Joel Brigham

     Hayward is slowly coming along, but most people outside of Utah have no idea how good the kid has looked. Before the year, you would’ve sworn this team needed a better long-term solution at the three, and in fact their ostensible need for depth is what prompted them to sign Josh Howard, but now he looks like a long-term starter. He’s the third-highest scorer on the team, plays good defense, and is one of the most likeable kids in the league. Great future for that young man, but you’re right about ceiling being relatively low. He’ll have a role on good teams his whole career, but he’s not a particularly athletic guy (though better than you think), and that kind of limits how high he can go. Mike Miller in his prime? Not out of the question. Would need to get a little stronger to get himself there.

4. Cain

   How do the Pacers go from beating the Heat to getting beat up by the Nets? What has happened to our defense?

   • Joel Brigham

     It’s just the way the schedule works. Some nights you’re feeling good, well-rested, and ready to roll, and other nights you’re just worn out, travel-beaten, and off your chemistry. That’s how something like that happens, and trust me, Indiana isn’t the only team to have had that sort of thing happen to them this year. Everybody’s going through it, and it absolutely has everything to do with the highs and lows of this crazy compacted schedule.

5. mango juice

   Hi joel great job! Everyone knows shannon brown can dunk but how with his talent n great vertical he dont get points from nash? Amare ,shawn marrion all benifited from nash passing skills. Is it chemistry due to no training camp?

   • Joel Brigham

     I remember over the summer being pretty amazed that Phoenix got Brown on a one-year deal for so little money considering how well he played in L.A. and how he appeared to be heading straight into the prime of his career. But something just hasn’t clicked for him in ‘Zona, and 20 mpg isn’t going to lead to huge stats for an NBA player. Jared Dudley is still getting most of those minutes, and Mike Redd is siphoning some off, too. With a more clearly defined roll he could probably be better, but his 9.7ppg is a career-high, keep in mind. He’s not doing awfully, just not getting a ton of minutes. You’re right about Nash, though; usually he does get guys like Brown to explode offensively, and that just hasn’t happened.

6. calvinzero

   Which of the following draft prospects fits the system of coach Tom Thibodeau of Chicago Bulls? Why? Thanks Joel for the answer..

   • Joel Brigham

     Since you didn’t actually list any draft prospects, I’ll assume you’re asking what guys available around pick 30 in 2012 would be a good fit for Thibs. If that’s the question, here’s my answer: I could see them drafting a big like Mason Plumlee or Arnett Moultrie if they fell. Doron Lamb might be the best shooting guard available to them there, and D-Rose played under Calipari and obviously has been ok with Thibs. Will have to see how draft orders shake out closer to the draft, but there’s a few ideas to tide you over…

7. Chris

   Hi Joel. How has Chicago’s recent run of success in the Thibs era changed the perception of the Bulls in the eyes of free agents. In the era of brand building (how sad is that), you’d have to think winning and playing with great teammates has to have some appeal.

   • Joel Brigham

     Apparently, not enough (see: Dwight Howard). But in general, Chicago is a place guys want to latch on with right now. They’ve got a couple of roster spots opening up next year, but not a lot of money to spend as they’re going to be creeping towards luxury tax range when Rose’s extension kicks in next season. Between him, Deng, Noah, and Boozer, they’ve got a lot of money invested in these kids. There just won’t be a lot of cash to swing at heavy hitting free agents, no matter how they feel about Chicago. Vets (like Rip Hamilton, for example) for whom money is longer an issue or even a possibility, you could see them taking a discount to win. But not somebody in their mid-20s looking for a big contract. Chicago just ain’t the place for that right now.

8. Jazzfan

   Devin Harris has stepped up his play a lot since the all star break if he keeps this up do you still draft a PG in the first round (if we still have a pick that is) or do you hold off?

   • Joel Brigham

     If I’m the Jazz, and I’m drafting at the tail end of the lottery, I’d give a good hard look at Kendall Marshall from UNC. Particularly if they’re going to have two lottery picks, I see no reason not to spend one of them on a point guard. Granted, this year’s point guard class is weak (Marshall and Damian Lillard and that’s about it), but Utah does NOT need a power forward or center, and we’ve already talked about Hayward as a starter moving forward… I see no reason not to draft a point guard. Harris has played well, but we know what he is at this point, and he’s not going to get back to an All-Star game any time soon.

9. Seth

   The Bobcats are terrible, plain and simple. What does the road-map look like for this franchise? Amnesty Thomas, let Augustin walk, and build a new roster around Hendo, Walker, and Biyombo? The ‘Cats need to have the #1 pick to have any chance of turning the franchise around. It is apparent they are going to have to build through the draft because Charlotte is not exactly an enticing city, though the possibility of Michael Jordan being your owner could be attractive to some free-agents. Thoughts

   • Joel Brigham

     The plan was to be terrible for a few years. That’s why you jettison off all your veterans and try to clear cap space for the future. Believe it or not, they’ve actually taken the right route to rebuilding. Get some young talent (check), such for a couple years (check), and try to do right with your draft picks (we’ll see). Anthony Davis would be a huge help, but I wouldn’t scoff at Kidd-Gilchrist or Thomas Robinson, either. I think you are going to have to let Augustin walk, but that’s okay. Send out a lineup featuring Kemba, Henderson, Davis, and Biyombo for a couple years, let them grow together, and you’ll have something halfway decent in a reasonable number of years. Rebuilding takes time, and it takes some luck with the ping pong balls. Let’s just hope that they fall their way for Davis, who really would help turn the franchise around very quickly.

10. dyrese

    yo joel,the knicks really amazed me last night with that win against orlando i think the knicks without amare can slide up to the 6 seed if the play another week of good basketball do you agree?

    • Joel Brigham

      First the Knicks were better without Carmelo, then they’re better without Amar’e… what a weird season it’s been for them, eh?

      It’s going to be hard to slip out of that eight seed at this point… Making up 2.5 games on a surging Boston team will be tough… 3.5 games on any team would be hard with only 15 games left to play, so Atlanta won’t be easy to catch, either. I think it’s time we start gearing up for Bulls/Knicks. Let’s face it, that would be a really fun series to watch, wouldn’t it?

11. Sweet Dee

    If you were starting a team from scratch, which center do you choose: Marc Gasol, DeMarcus Cousins, Nene Hilario or Al Horford.

    • Joel Brigham

      I don’t think Nene has gone by “Hilario” in like a decade, but it’s fun to read his former full name. Like calling Snoop Dogg, “Calvin.”

      Anyway, my choice of those four would be Marc Gasol. He’s big, he’s young, he’s well-rounded, and he doesn’t carry the emotional baggage of Cousins, who would be my second choice. I’m not sure I’ll ever consider Horford a center, which is why I’m ignoring him here. Nene is a distant fourth.

12. Cricket

    Alonzo Mourning was the main trade piece the Toronto Raptors received in return for their star Vince Carter. He then cried and complained like a little girl on her first day of preschool, forcing the Raps to trade him to the Heat. Alonzo then wins his first championship with Miami that year. Question: If you were in the identical position as Alonzo (and knew the outcome) would you rather be the douche with the championship or the respectful team guy who helped develop the young bigs in Toronto (be honest)?

    • Joel Brigham

      First of all, Zo is not a douche. Zo is a great guy, and I think at that point in any player’s career they aren’t trying to mess around with playing mentor to young guns. If I had the choice, I would 100% go back to my old team and try to win the only championship I’d ever get in my career. Nothing is more important that, certainly not developing the young bigs of Toronto. Who even were those young bigs, and where are they now? Would it have even been worth it?

      I’m sorry, but you’re remembered in this league for rings, and Mourning got a (well-deserved) one. I would’ve done exactly what he did, and so would have most other people.

13. knicks fan

    the knicks or celtics who makes it to the 6th seed and why i dont think indiana and and 76ers can hold up

    • Joel Brigham

      Not a lot of time left, and the Celtics have less ground to make up, so I’ll go with Boston. Philly and Indy seems mathematically imminent.

14. Charlie

    Before the season started, I put a BIG online bet on who would win the NBA championship this year. I got Miami at 3 to 1, Thunder at 8 to 1 and Bulls at 8 to 1. My theory, if Miami wins as expected, I break even. If Miami crumbles to OKC or Chicago, I make out like a robber. Questions: Do you support this theory? And do NBA insiders (ex. writers on Hoopsworld) make legal online bets for a little side income or are there too many variables to take into account?

    • Joel Brigham

      I would be shocked if one of those three teams did not win the NBA championship this year, so I think you’ll be okay. OKC at 8 to 1 looks pretty good right now, doesn’t it?

      And I can’t speak for my colleagues, but the closest I ever get to actually betting on sports is the $50 I put into my fantasy football pool every fall. I’ll do a $10 NCAA bracket, but that’s pretty much it. I’m not big on making those sorts of “investments,” not with a two-year-old at home I’d like to put through college someday. I just don’t have the $100 here, $200 there to risk.

15. Randy

    Centers in the Draft:
    I know everyone desires a top center, but this year, who is really interested in the mystery potential that is 18 year old Andre Drummond? You’ve got 9 potential teams; New Orleans, Charlotte, Detroit, Washington, Cleveland, Toronto, Sacramento and New Jersey/Portland. Who might roll the dice? Who is willing to give up on their current center? Does anyone really love this guy enough to use a top 3 pick?

    • Joel Brigham

      I think he’ll be top five at worst. New Orleans isn’t really invested enough in Okafor to consider him their long-term center, so I’d say that’s a possibility for a landing place. Detroit, Washington, Sacramento all are set at center, and Charlotte, Cleveland, and New Jersey also have guys they put out there that could be or will be very good in that spot. Portland has no reason not to draft him if he’s there, but all things considered I’d say the Hornets make the most sense. Not sure Charlotte would say no, either.

16. Scott Skiles

    Will I coach the Bucks next year?

    • Joel Brigham

      Skiles has a shelf life because of his abrasive coaching style. He’s one of the best X’s and O’s guys in the league and is in fact the fifth longest-tenured coach in the league, but his teams always eventually tune him out, and then he has to go start fresh again with a franchise that needs a good swift kick in the pants. I could definitely see him holding on there, especially because injuries and roster shake-ups have made it very hard for him to have a real shot at doing any long-term coaching, but it also wouldn’t surprise me if the higher-ups in Milwaukee decided it was time to go in a different direction.

17. George

    T/F: Kings make the playoffs next season?

    • Joel Brigham

      Well, let’s do the math… OKC, both L.A. teams, San Antonio, and Dallas most likely will be in again next season. Denver has the look of a perennial playoff team, too, and the Grizzlies and Jazz are on the up-and-up. That’s eight teams right there. As long as Steve Nash is still playing, I consider Phoenix to be a better team, and Portland will bounce back, too. Minnesota will be in the playoff picture, too. Probably in it, if we’re being honest with ourselves.

      All that said, I’d say False. The Kings don’t look like they’ve got much of a shot.

18. Cricket

    Amazingly, since Woodson took over, the Knicks have held 7 of their 9 opponents to 88 points or less and were 8-1 during that stretch. Does this statistic exemplify how poor of a defensive coach D’Antoni is. New York clearly had the talent to play defense, but D’Antoni doesn’t seemed concerned at that end of the court. Other than entertainment value, why would an owner who is interested in winning hire him?

    • Joel Brigham

      If the clientele you’ve got is so ridiculously talented offensively that you’ve got the ability to just out-run and out-shoot opponents, than D’Antoni is your man. For example, he’d do amazing things for the Clippers right now. But you’re right about the importance of defense, and that’s a huge reason the Knicks have had this resurgence. D’Antoni’s not a bad coach, he’s just a specialist, and a team with that many ball-stoppers didn’t work to his system’s strengths. Perhaps a different situation will.

19. JM

    Are there any all-start wings in this draft?
    MKG has a Gerald Wallace ceiling
    Beal is undersized – Eric Gordon ceiling?
    Barnes now looks like a less athletic Deng at best.

    • Joel Brigham

      I’m not impressed by Barnes. I see him as an average player having a long NBA career, but there’s no real star quality there. You’re spot-on about Beal, and I’m not sure I agree about Gilchrist. If any of these guys have the chance to be an All-Star, I think it’s him. We haven’t gotten to see it much because of all the talent on this Kentucky team, but if he’s asked to lead a team he can do it. The kid is very, very talented, but he can also be a great leader and has the sort of all-around game that would make him an asset anywhere. Him in Toronto would be perfect.

      And that’s my hour, folks. Thanks for all the great questions, and I look forward to more of the same next week. In the meantime, have a great weekend, and go Bulls!