NBA Chat With Mark Nugent 1/19/12

Dylan

I can’t figure this out. What is wrong with the Bobcats? They are so inconsistent. They almost beat Miami, then it seems like they haven’t been the same since. Or they haven’t been the same since we won in New York… Do you know what the problem is?

Mark Nugent

The Bobcats don’t have enough talent. Gerald henderson, Kemba Walker, DJ Augstin, and maybe Bismack are the only fringe starters they have on their team. Most of the guys would be back of the bench guys or not even on a decent team. The Bobcats are rebuilding and it is going to be a long time since they even sniff the playoffs.

Sweet Dee

The trade of Eric Gordon to the New Orleans Hornets has put Eric in a position of power in terms of contact negotiations/extensions. He is not unintelligent, and understands management traded away their best player for him. He may argue “either give me the max or I walk,” knowing full well management can’t let him walk due to all the assets they gave up to get him. This means he is almost guaranteed the max (even if he’s not a max player). Your thoughts.

Mark Nugent

I think that could be a strategy used, but it is doubtful the Hornets, AKA David Stern will respond to such strong arm tactics. Most likely the NBA will wait until there is a new buyer for the Hornets and let him make the decision on an extension for Gordon. I doubt the Hornets make him any offer before the January 25th deadline and most likely they will wait until he hits restricted free agency.

Dennis

Who’s the bigger snub from the announced 20 man USA squad? Amare Stoudemire or Stephen Curry

Mark Nugent

Really neither. If i have to pick between the two I’d go Amar’e because he is such a multi-talented big man. Curry has zero chance of making the team over Rose, Westbrook, and Williams.

Cricket

If you were the GM of the Lakers and were offered Dwight Howard and Hedo Turkalou for Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol (additional parts on either side may be added to match salaries). With Howard agreeing to sign an extension, do you accept? Why or why not.

Mark Nugent

Yes. Because Howard is the best big man of his generation and history has proven that those guys always win a title or two. Duncan, Shaq, Hakeem, Kareem, Moses. Even though the league has gotten a bit smaller and quicker, the dominant bigs still end up winning a title eventually. So yes, I’d try the entire Lakers team for Howard and rebuild around him, he’s only 26.

Cricket

If you were starting a team from scratch, which frontcourt would you choose and why: DeMarcus Cousins / Kevin Love, Blake Griffin / DeAndre Jordan, or Andrew Bynum/ Andrea Bargnani

Mark Nugent

If I have to choose from these three I’d take Griffin and Jordan without question. Griffin is probably the best of the group and Jordan is a defensive monster. Plus they don’t have the injury issues of Bynum or the craziness of Cousins.

Dennis

OJ Mayo was once touted as the next Lebron James. Last year he struggled to get minutes over Tony Allen. Given the potential, what is the maximum yearly salary you would match this offseason for Mayo if you were the Grizz GM? 6 mill a year, 8 mill a year, 10 mill a year.

Mark Nugent

If I’m the Grizzlies I’ll keep him unless he gets a crazy offer. He is the perfect sixth man. They traded Xavier Henry so now they really only have Gay, Allen, Mayo, and Young at the 2/3 positions. So I’d go as high as 5 million per year, maybe 6. But i’d feel better at 5. I don’t believe Mayo is really well rounded enough to be a starter on a good team, but he is a great guy to have off the bench, that seems like 5 million per in my book. Remember though, Afflalo just got over 8 million per year, so it’s possible Mayo gets a lot more than 5.

Sweet Dee

Everyone and their brother disagreed with the Kendrick Perkins for Jeff Green trade last year. Boston was on their last playoff run, only to give up their defensive anchor. Easy to say bad trade after Green’s heart condition, but I personally don’t believe that trade would have been good even if he was playing. Why do I not hear Danny Ainge catching more grief, especially considering the poor start the Celtics are having this year?

Mark Nugent

I never thought the Perkins trade made any sense for the Celtics. With the team they have, it’s clear they were going all in with the old guys, and trading Perkins wasn’t going to help. Plus Perkins when healthy was just as good as Green. I hate to say this, but guys like Green are pretty plentiful in the NBA, but true centers aren’t.

mojart

paul george and a future 1st rd pick for eric gordon?indy get their SG and NOLA get a player wid ton of upside and a pick

Mark Nugent

Hornets won’t do that. I believe Gordon will get a big contract, likely during the offseason when he is a restricted free agent and they aren’t trading that for Paul George. Gordon has all-star potential, I don’t beleive George does.

jullia from manila, philippines

3 questions

1. do kevin love deserve a max extension?
2. should brandon knight start the game for the pistons?
3. sullinger, davis or barnes if you have the 1st pick and why?thanks

Mark Nugent

Yes Love deserves the max. I don’t understand the hesitation. He can score, his post game is getting better, he’s the best rebounder in the league, and he’s at least an average big man defender. Not sure what the problem is here.

Knight should definitely start. I’m not a Stuckey fan and I think Knight is the future at PG for the Pistons.

Davis-he will be a force on defense and I think at the very least a good offensive player. to me he is the best bet to be an all-star player. Second would be Barnes, then Sullinger.

Cain

Do the Pacers still need a closer/game-changer in order to make that next step? Any chance that we could get someone for this role?

Mark Nugent

I think Granger is their closer, but the beautiful thing about the Pacers is their crunch time lineup is very versatile and everyone can hit the shot. So what’s the most important thing for the Pacers is they make the right decision. Don’t shoot over a double team unless they have to.

Cain

What do you think of Marshon Brooks?

Mark Nugent

I like Brooks. He’s a good scorer, has a decent NBA body. I think he could be a starting level player for a long time. I don’t think he’s an all-star, but definitely a solid player.

Cain

How do you think Eric Gordon will do once he comes back from injury?

Mark Nugent

Hopefully great. These injuries are starting to become a concern though. He was on his way to the all-star game last year before an injury ruined what should have been a breakout season. This year he started out decent, hit a game winner against the Suns, and now he can’t get back on the court. Gordon is one of my favorite young players and I picked him to have a huge breakout this season, so I’m hoping he comes back in a big way.

Patrick E

Is there any way the Wizards can get rid of Nick Young (who in my opinion can score and that’s about it) and/or Blatche midseason or this offseason? I don’t think the Wizards get any better until they are gone. Thoughts? Thanks!

Mark Nugent

Not Nick Young. They just extended him this past offseason so he can’t be traded for a while, and even then It becomes difficult because of the crazy base year compensation rules, which I don’t totally understand. See Larry Coon for more.

As for Blatche, I’d trade him for nothing.

I completely agree that the Wizards need to start over. Get rid of Young, Blatche, maybe even McGee and start surrounding Wall with guys that want to win and aren’t concerned with their own individual stats.

Tbadfw

The way Millsap is playing he should be an all-star this year. But with Griffin, Love, Gasol, Aldridge and Dirk ahead of him, is there any way he can?

Mark Nugent

If he keeps up his current pace and the Jazz keep winning, then yes I could see him pushing Gasol out. But it’s going to be very hard. The west is loaded with quality bigs right now.

derek

Do u know of any particular part of Noah’s game that he worked on this past offseason cuz I don’t see ANYTHING! He’s come in just as offensively challenged as ever. If he doesn’t bring energy he’s practically USELESS!!!

Mark Nugent

At media day Noah said he worked mostly on keeping his body in top shape and doing everything he can to make sure he was healthy all season. He didn’t talk much about working on anything specific offensively. To me, he’s looked really good the last four or five games. Hopefully he’s got his rhythm back and the Bulls will continue to go on a nice winning streak. They need Noah. They need his defense, rebounding and his ability to pass, drive the lane, and knock down the occasional jumper. I know some fans cry for more Asik, but make no mistake a healthy Noah is an all-star center in the East, in my opinion.

Mac

Which team is the bigger success story this year: Utah Jazz, Philadelphia 76ers, or Cleveland Cavaliers

Mark Nugent

If the Cavs make the playoffs, it will be the Cavs. But right now I’d have to go with the Jazz. They are playing great basketball and are beating some good teams out West. Talent wise I thought they could compete in the West, but I never thought they’d be this good this early.

Mark

Indy looks good but lacks a creator and clearly isn’t getting the value out of Granger. How about sending Granger and Collison to Toronto for DeRozan, Calderon and Bayless. Toronto would need to find another PG but I think both teams get better.

Mark Nugent

I think that is a pretty serious downgrade for the Pacers. Granger is a better scorer and defender than DeRozan. And Collison does exactly what the Pacers ask of him. I would stick with that Pacers team and see what they can do for at least this season.

Jaimeson

Not sayin to blow it all up, but with all the talk of WASH immaturity & not playin as a team, & assuming Wall is the future, where would be the best scenarios for Young, Blatche & McGee to grow & advance careers? Who could mentor them? Lewis tradable only if amnestied?

Mark Nugent

Lewis is untradeable. If he’s amnestied that means the Wizards no longer hold his rights.

Young, Blatche, and McGee need to play somewhere with a tough but well respected coach, and a lot of proven veterans who won’t take shit from these young guys. Teams like the Celtics, Bucks, Lakers come to mind.

Jaimeson

A little early but top 5 most improved in no particular order? I’m going with DJ Augustin, R Anderson, G Henderson, B Mullens & J Teague. You?

Mark Nugent

I love Jeff Teague and I am all in on him. Ryan Anderson is another good one, but I doubt he keeps up the scoring up. How about John Lucas III? Anyway, that’s two.

Mark

Or Calderon, Barbosa and Ed Davis and a lottery protected 1st for Collison and Granger? ESPN trade machine says both teams get a game better.

Mark Nugent

Again, I don’t think that is an upgrade for the Pacers. I’d do it if I’m the Raptors in a heartbeat.

ryan

which wing player in the 2012 draft would be best suited to play along side Irving and Thompson, Beal, Lamb, or Barnes? Are the Cavs active in trying to acquire another pick in this years draft or did last years clippers deal scare teams?

Mark Nugent

All three would be a good fit, so it’s really who do you think is the best player. I like Barnes. He does everything well and can definitely score.

I haven’t heard any rumors about the Cavs yet, but I expect them to be very busy at the deadline with Jamison’s expiring deal, perhaps Varejao, and maybe Gibson. So it’s possible they end up with another pick, but I doubt a lottery pick, those are going to be very hard to come by this year with how loaded the 2012 draft is.

Mac

I personally dislike it when people refer to “my Lakers.” I understand being a fan, but realize you are cheering for one of the most successful teams in sports history. If your from the LA area – then you are justified. But I hear tons of people from the East Coast saying that’s “their team.” You can say “My T-Wolves, My Wizards, My Raptors” people who are fans through thick and thin. But a “poor” season in LA is making the playoffs and a first round exit (leading to public outcry and drastic changes). Laker fans are equivalent to Yankee and Red Sox fans, easy to cheer for a champion and no concern for parity because why would I? “My” team wins. Your thoughts

Mark Nugent

I don’t care where you are from, what I care about is whether or not you have been rooting for that team your whole life or are you just a front runner. My Bulls have stunk and been great, but I’ve stuck by them, and don’t get me started on ‘My Cubs’.

Example, LeBron can say ‘My Yankees’ because he’s always been a Yankee fan despite growing up in Ohio. I find that said, but I’m OK with it since he rooted for them as a kid.

Cricket

If the Chicago Bulls offered you a job of your choice tomorrow, what would it be and why: Head Scout, General Manager, or Head Coach.

Mark Nugent

GM, that’s the best job in the world. Or maybe Executive VP in charge of Player Personnel. The John Paxson job.

The JOkeShow

With the Celtics looking to rebuild sooner than later, should the jazz try to get Ray, some expiring contracts like CJ’s and GS’s draft pick?

Mark Nugent

That makes some sense for the Jazz, but isn’t that Golden State pick unprotected? Nope it’s top 7 protected. I’d consider that, but I like the way the Jazz are building and I’d probably continue on the path they are on.

TJ

Hey man how are you? My question is this how is Steve Nash still playing at an all star level with these new breed of athletic guards? And when all said and done what do you think of Nash as a player and as a person?? Just a reminder he’s the oldest player in the league to score 25 points and dish 11 assists and he’s leading the league in assists again at this age. And what about Hakim Warwick and Lopez for diaw

Mark Nugent

As a person Nash is awsome. He talks to reporters and is very good in interviews. On the court he’s one of the top PGs to ever play. I’d have to really go through the list, but I’d say he’s top 10 PGs ever. That’s pretty good.

Diaw weighs 300 pounds, the Suns aren’t going to trade for him. Also, Warick has three or four more years left on his contract and the Bobcats don’t want that.

Artemis

What is Antawn Jamison’s trade value at this point? Could the Cavs get a late 1st round pick for him or maybe just a couple of role players signed beyond this year? Would they be better off letting him walk and get his $15 million off the books?

Mark Nugent

His contract is too big, so I don’t think he has much value. if a team needs to get under the cap/luxury tax then he could be moved, but i don’t see a lot of teams willing to take on his contract even for half a year.

I think the Cavs would love to trade him for a draft pick or two, but they won’t take back any long-term money. With the new CBA having salary cap space is going to be even more important than it used to be.

B Dubb

Where do you see the Pacers finishing in the East? How affective do you think they’ll be in the playoffs given their front court depth and how ineffective do you think they’ll be given their lack of back court depth and experience?

Mark Nugent

I think the Pacers will finish top 5, maybe top four. The top 2 spots are already filled with the HEAT and Bulls, so they could finish as high as 3 and in my opinion as low as 6. I think the Pacers could get out of the first round depending on matchup, but I think the Bulls and HEAT are destined to meet again in the Eastern Conference Finals.

bullzfan

If ray allen is available should the bulls try to trade for him? what would bulls be willing to give up korver+pick? saves boston money/

Mark Nugent

Allen makes 10 million, so the salaries need to be closer than just Korver. But my guess is the Celtics want more than just korver and a pick, and I doubt the Bulls will trade the Charlotte pick or Taj/Asik. IF Allen becomes available the Bulls should definitely inquire, but I doubt anything happens.

Chicago Charles

I noticed that Keith Bogans is still on the Bull’s payroll and that amount is still toward the cap. Is that true or am I counting something wrong here.

Mark Nugent

Sorry I don’t know. Direct those questions to Larry Coon who is also on twitter.

like a bull

Do my Bulls have enough to get past Miami of Championship? Or you see Bulls making a small roster change. I like a Dudley for Brewer trade.

Mark Nugent

I don’t see them making any changes this year. they are winning with and without Rose. So that has to make them feel good. My guess is they go into the playoffs with the team they have right now, unless someone gets injured.

And yes, I think they can get past the HEAT, I think a lot will have to do with how the games are being called and which players can hit the big shots. That’s what determined last year’s series.

simon

jrich and quentin for danny granger?

Mark Nugent

Pacers aren’t trading Granger. Not sure why so many people think they might, but they aren’t. The Pacers like the team they have and believe they can compete in the East this year and believe Granger is a big part of that. I know he’s started slow, but you don’t trade your best player for two OK players.

simon

whats up with jameer? u think hes playing bad so magic wont trade him for someone on dwights wish list?

Mark Nugent

That’s really silly. Jameer is who he is, a solid but unspectacular PG. He’s probably the 20th or so best PG in the league and makes 10 million a year. How much value would that have?