NBA Chat With Mark Nugent 12/21/11

Steve

Hi Mark,
Great chats you do.
Why doesn’t Howard just say “I want to play for X team and if they have cap space for me next year, I will be there.”??
This way his new team wouldn’t have to trade a bunch of good assets to get him and they could actually build a team around him.
Sure, he might get traded somewhere by Orlando for a year as a rental but tough tootsie. If the guy is “all about winning” blah blah blah, that seems like the way to get it done, IMO. He should just stop being a drama queen and man-up.

Mark Nugent

This is also about money. If Howard was traded this year, he could then opt out of his contract this summer and sign a five year max deal for around 100 million. If he leaves via free agency the max he can get is around 4 years 70 or so million. But I believe he has said that he will most likely be joining D-Will either in Brooklyn or Dallas next offseason. That’s just speculation on my part. He has said he wants to be traded, but that is it for the full details. My guess is he’s trying to use the cap space dallas and Brooklyn will have has leverage to force a trade so he can then get the max amount of money.

Chirs Madonna

Hey I’m a big Sixers fan, and it seems Doug Collins has been raving about Igoudala’s training camp performance. Does this mean he’s off the trading block for now and what do you believe is the sixers best option when it comes to the igoudala situation?

Mark Nugent

As of right now, Igoudala is off the block. The new ownership group with the Sixers wants to win right now and they believe they have a team that can win.

If I was them I’d offer AI for a center, like Chris Kaman or even an out of place center like Luis Scola or Emeka Okafor. I don’t believe the 76ers will be anything but a first round playoff team until they get some interior toughness.

Cain

Hey Mark, Hansbrough is playing really well was it a mistake to sign West for Indiana?

Mark Nugent

Not a mistake, no. I just would have gone after a center like Nene. West is going to help them and when healthy is one of the better PF in the league and a step up from Psycho T. I would say West and Hansbrough may finish quite a few games together with Hibbert on the bench.

Cain

What do you think of Paul George now after first two pre-season games? I know you aren’t as high on him as others.

Mark Nugent

Huge George fan. I think his offense is limited, but his D can change games and he can knock down the open J.

Alec

Hey Mark, interesting Q for you. Name 2 players from any generation that you liked watching and expected to be HUGE for any team, but never really succeeded. Mines are Gerald Green for the C’s, I honestly thought he was ” the FUTURE “, guess I thought wrong lol. And my second player is Adam Morrison. I thought coming out of Gonzaga, he was going to do HUGE things for Charlotte, also guessed wrong.

Mark Nugent

I thought Glenn Robinson of the Bucks would be better. he took his huge contract and stopped working as hard. I really thought Harold Miner would have a good career as well.

Steven

What will the heat do when bosh james and wade take up 65 mil in cap

Mark Nugent

Not much. As long as players will play for the veteran minimum then they will keep adding players, but eventually the well will run dry and the team they have right now is the team they will have for the next two or three years. I expect this team to look very similar next year and the year after that.

i am houston

we want Bynum…what team can the rockets get involved with to get him here or is the lakers only want d-howard talks in there office?

Mark Nugent

I think the only way the Lakers trade Bynum is for Howard, and I doubt the Rockets have anything the Magic want as far as a three team trade. I can’t think of any realistic way the Rockets can land Bynum. The Lakers have an unhealthy love of Bynum, despite his injury history.

Steve

Hey Mark! What is your playoff bracket? Who makes it, wins it all? Thanks!

Mark Nugent

I have the HEAT and Thunder in the Finals. I have the Bulls, Pacers, Celtics, Knicks, 76ers all making the playoffs. I have the Grizzlies, Spurs, Mavs, Lakers, Clippers making the playoffs. The last few spots I haven’t quite decided on yet. Ask me next week and I’ll have it figured out for sure.

niko#3

How is possible that no one is not even considering Allen Iverson, and guys like
Bonzi Wells who all of a sudden wants back in NBA ( didn t play since 2008 ) gets to sign a proffesional contract. The guy is now willing to come of a bench and will ask only a veteran minimum. You cannot tell me that he can t help, I don t know, maybe miami or lakers who desperately needs a PG. The guy is trying to get back and win that championship, do whatever it takes for the team but it seems that no one cares. Please answer honestly what you think?

Mark Nugent

Because Iverson had his chance to come off the bench for a good team and he failed. I wouldn’t have signed Wells either, but he has proven he can be a bench guy. When a player is a superstar and he is unwilling to accept a lesser role, there will be very few teams that will hold onto him. Aging stars can crush a locker room if they’re not willing to accept their role. And that’s what Iverson did

B-Man

if all dalembert is receiving are one year deals, should he take the highest amount or the one that would give him the biggest shot at a ring? if he enters next year’s off-season comming off a championship, wouldnt the offers be higher for him?

Mark Nugent

He just signed with the Rockets. here is the link.

B-Man

who do you expect to start beside nene in denver? mozgov? faired? al harrington? and can we expect miller to start alongside lawson? or no chance that afflalo wont be there when the game begins?

Mark Nugent

I think the Nugs starting lineup will be Lawson, Afflalo, Danilo, Nene and Mozgov. That’s my best guess.

Jiggy

I believe that Minny should look into trading Rubio and DWilliams for JWall. Minny gets set at PG,PF and Wizzards get more talent to build around.It doesnt have to be this year but why carry number 2 pick as a sub if his name is not Thabeet?

Mark Nugent

The Wizards won’t trade John Wall. he has superstar potential and everything the Wizards are doing is built around Wall.

Mutang

Alright, so Paul MIllsap/Al Jefferson just staying in Utah??? Lots of teams needs bigs, and Utah still has theres. You see them keeping all their bigs or trade with who? So who starts out there in Utah then?

Mark Nugent

I think they make a trade at the deadline when teams get a little more desperate. The problem is, who to trade for. All the rumors i’ve heard have the Jazz giving up good talent for very little in return. It’s better to have too much and hold onto it, then trade it for cap space. Even the picks that have been offered are generally in the 20s. So why bother?

ejhay

do you think miami can have their chances to get a big man and a spot shooter in a trade? if your answer is yes… then who they should get in trading block so that they will become more dominant in the east and win a title.

Mark Nugent

My answer is no. They have zero trade pieces. the only chance of them adding talent is if veterans are willing to take the minimum to chase a championship, like Battier did. Ok he took less, not the minimum.

ejhay

do you think pau gasol will be agreat fit for them or darko milicic is more compatible for miami? what about j.j redick or jason richardson or even marco bellineli do you think they can fill the missing piece in miami?

Mark Nugent

None of those players will end up in Miami. What would Miami give up to get any of those guys?

ian

are the bulls searching for a replacement of k.thomas? k.martin, e.thomas or someone else?

Mark Nugent

Yes, they are looking for another big man to back up the back ups. I haven’t heard anything is imminent, so at this point everyone is on the table.

I’ll say this, Kenyon Martin will want more money and/or more playing time. So it likely won’t be him.

bullsfanpr

Hi Mark! I’m really excited for our Bulls and I’m looking forward for a great season (and a championship). I watched last night’s game and I’m concerned over Taj and Carlos getting in foul trouble so early. Unfortunately we’ve lost Big Sexy. Are the Bulls looking for another big? I’d like them to get one of these bigs (preferably in this order): Joel Przybilla, Nenad Krstic, Solomon Jones, Dan Gadzuric, Kyrylo Fesenko, Francisco Elson, Alexis Ajinca and Leon Powe. Your thoughts?

Mark Nugent

All of those are possible, but nothing is close to being done. I’m not worried about foul trouble, Taj is pretty good at being aggressive but not overly aggressive.

Sam P.

Hey Mark question about the magic. Do you see them making any type of trades to try to please Dwight or do you think hes 100% gone. Also if he is traded do you think it will be the nets I know Brook Lopez is a good player but couldnt the magic do alot better then that? I mean look at all that NO got for Paul.

Mark Nugent

I think the Magic have already tried to please Howard by trading for Glen Davis. how’s that working so far? The only way to please Howard is to bring in another superstar and I don’t see that happening with the assets the Magic have.

If the Magic trade Howard they will get 50 cents on the dollar. The Clippers were the one big market team that had assets and were willing to deal. the Nets, Lakers, and Mavs don’t really have rebuilding chips. It’s unfortunate, but true. there is no way the Magic will get as good a deal for Howard as the Hornets got for Paul. If I’m the Magic I keep him all year, the assets they could get in return aren’t worth trading him away for. better to hold onto him, try and convince him to re-sign for more money, and make one last playoff run.

bullsfanpr

DRose and Rip played well together last night. Rip as our starting SG is definitely an upgrade. I know our team is really deep but I understand we still need another shooter. Are the Bulls lookig at Michael Redd? Bostjan Nachbar? Also, I think they should waive John Lucas III and bring in another veteran PG. I still haven’t forgotten the Denver game he threw away last season; we could’ve been 63-19! I like Chris Quinn as an upgrade over Lucas.

Mark Nugent

I don’t believe the Bulls are looking at any other perimeter players. they have Rose, Watson at the Point and I believe Lucas is still on the roster as the third string. Then they have Rip, Brewer and Korver at the 2. Then they have Deng, Brewer, Korver, and Butler at the 3. They really don’t need any other perimeter players.

bullsfanpr

Any news on Keith Bogans? We definitely needed an upgrade at SG but I respect him for giving us all he had. He was always very professional despite all the criticism, always played hard and even was a key player in some wins last year. I would’ve preferred we kept him (as a bench player) instead of re-signing Scalabrine. He never plays! If management loves him so much, why don’t they bring him back as an assistant coach?

Mark Nugent

Bogans was making more money than Scal, plus the Bulls have plenty of perimeter players and needed one more big, hence bringing in Scal. I think there was a rumor last year that Scal would like to coach at some point and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him as an assistant to Thibs in the next 2-4 years.

As for Bogans, he is still unsigned I believe. I haven’t heard him linked to any teams except the Clippers, and that was right after he was waived, so I’m not sure what is going on with him.

bullsfanpr

Can the Bulls sign K-Mart, Wilson Chandler or JR Smith when/if they return from China?

Mark Nugent

If they are willing to sign for the minimum, yes. If they want more than that, no.

Tj

Do u think the bulls should trade Gibson an asik because Chicago teams are cheap an wont resign both an we could lose both for nothing

Mark Nugent

No I do not think they should trade either player. The Bulls need them this season and they are both under team control, Gibson for three more years, Asik for two more years. By then the Bulls may Amnesty Boozer or free cap space some other way. I believe Gibson and Asik will be on the Bulls for the next 2-6 years minimum.

i am houston

We (the rockets) would love to be in the playoffs but with our current roster I don’t see us as a real contender in the west no time soon.Do we have any valuable pieces to the lakers or any other team that could land us Bynum or is this a another bust season for us?Is rebuilding the only thing left in our futures?

Mark Nugent

Sorry, this is another bust season for the Rockets. they just signed Dalembert, which I think can help. It will move Scola back to PF which is his natural NBA position, but I don’t think it will do much more than make them a first round playoff exit. I said last year they should blow up the team, trade for young players and draft picks and completely rebuild, of course they don’t listen to me. So they are stuck with a mediocre team that will be a fringe playoff team for the next year or two or until they blow it up. they don’t have the assets to pursue a star, but they do have assets to quicken the rebuilding process if they were ever interested in doing that.

B-Man

i always find that every year, during pre-season, the hardest and most fun award to guess would be the winner of the MIP award. i know its still way too early, but who do you feel are the top candidate for this season? mcgee? lawson? teague? cousins? jordan hill? who gets your pre-season vote?

Mark Nugent

I think Lawson or Teague are my clear cut favorites for most improved.

Lewis1201

What is the trade market for jameer Nelson can a package of him and JJ get a a good young point guard???

Mark Nugent

I don’t think there is much of a market. The league is flush with PGs right now, and Nelson is at best an average PG. Redick can’t stay healthy and I would say is overpaid because of his injury concerns. So I doubt the Magic can do much with Nelson or Redick.

Jonathan

I’m not impressed with the Heat. LeBron continues to show he can’t come through in the clutch and their biggest move was signing Shane Battier. Yet some still think they can win. They are worse than last year so why are so many people still obsessed with the Wade/James tag team?

Mark Nugent

Not sure why you think they are worse than last year? I think they got a little better by adding Battier and the question will be can James or Wade finish and do they have enough interior defense to win.

Keep in mind, when the playoffs roll around the ‘big three’ are playing 44 minutes a game so the bench isn’t as big a deal. Also keep in mind, in my opinion, Wade and James get away with a lot on defense. Rose had scratches all over his arms after playing the HEAT in the playoffs and rarely went to the free throw line. When James and Wade are allowed to reach in and not get fouls called, it’s a big bonus. Also, Wade and James get calls late in games and in the fourth quarter.

The HEAT are my pick to make the Finals again, but I reserve the right to pick the Bulls are any time!

rodney

hay mark enjoy ur chats

Its well known as a magic fan that dwight is going to leave, i guess otis is either prolong his position of gm because we all know the second Dwight is traded Otis is fired.

So when Dwight is eventually traded how do you feel about this trade

orl gets Kevin Martin, Scola, Dragic, Bynum

La gets Howard Turk and Nelson

houston gets Gasol

i think with this trade all teams benefit sorry about the duplicate my computer accidentally hit enter before i could finish the original.

Mark Nugent

Does this trade work under the salary cap structure? Because if it does, I could see how this could actually happen. This is a good deal for the Magic and Lakers, but I don’t know why the Rockets would do it now. They wanted to get Gasol and then pair him with Nene, that can’t happen now. I think the Magic are best suited to keeping Howard and making him walk. there are only two teams he would consider in the offseason with space, the Mavs and Nets. Are those teams better then the Magic are? It’s close, it depends on D-Will I guess.

Brian

After all that’s happened in GS, if the Warriors don’t shoot out the gate and having Monta Ellis’ new lawsuit, is Monta Ellis shipped?

Mark Nugent

I keep thinking the Warriors will trade Ellis because he is so similar to Curry, but not as good of a facilitator, but they keep saying they are going to hold onto him. So I don’t know, I would have traded him last year or this offseason for a bigger 2 guard like Andre Iguodala.

Eric P

Hi Mark, What did the Bulls do to make Tyler Handsbro so angry Does he just have athing for showing up against Chicago or is he turning the corner?

Mark Nugent

I think Psycho T is a good player, but he abuses Boozer. Boozer can be a little soft and a little late on his rotations, which leaves Hansbrough in a perfect position to have a big game. It’s a different story once Taj comes in. Gibson does a much better job, obviously.

Eric P

So Rip looked great last night. One thing though, will they miss Bogans defense of the oppenents SG while he is not starting?

Mark Nugent

No, because Brewer is one of the top defensive 2 guards in the league. Also, the Bulls are a team defense, so it’s up to everyone to slow down guys like Kobe and Wade. lastly, Hamilton impressed me last night, I think he’ll be ok on D. And no one can guard Wade if the refs are calling every ticky tack thing like they normally do.

Yes I’m bitter the bulls lost last year!

Eric P

I know I am probably in the minority here, but I think the Bulls should have looked at signing Mike Dunleavy. One thing Rose could use is someone to occassioanly bring the ball up court and in itiate the offense. Dun is a 6’9 PG in some respects , and a career 42% 3Pt

Mark Nugent

Who’s minutes would he have taken? Korver is guaranteed this year, so you can’t just cut him. There just aren’t minutes for him, plus the Bulls like Butler.

I like Dunleavy, but he just wouldn’t have played any this year.

Eric P

What did you learn about the Pacers, if anything, from the two pre-season games?

Mark Nugent

That they are not a complete team yet. Give them 5-10 games to work in George Hill and David West and that is going to be a very scary team. I think they have the potential to be a top five seed in the East ahead of the Magic and Hawks.

Danny Granger needs to calm down though, his shot selection is terrible and if he plays like that all season they could be derailed very quickly.

Eric P

Do you think Paul GEorge will step up even more this year? He k now stands 6’10 which is rediculous for a SG

Mark Nugent

I think he will be a very good player this year. He’s still limited some on offense, but he can knock down the open J and he can finish. As long as he isn’t relied on to be the man, which should be West and Granger, then I think he will have a solid year. His defense is going to be great. He will be able to guard four positions, that crazy rare in the NBA.

Eric P

Mark my man, I am afraid what we say from Roy Hibbert is what we will get, now and the future. Agree/disagree?

Mark Nugent

I’ve never been a huge Hibbert fan. He is pretty slow, even for a center. his range is very limited, and for someone of his size his isn’t aggressive enough in going after boards. I think he would have been a heck of a backup had the Pacers gone after Nene, but that never seemed to be there plan.

Short answer, I think this is about it for Hibbert, a solid center, but not a player who can really change the game on either side of the floor. He’ll probably get 10 million a season when his contract is up though!!!

Eric P

Why didnt the Bulls pusrue DeShawn Stevenson? I would think he could really help come playoff time , assuming you face the Heat

Mark Nugent

It seems to me, they had their eyes set on Hamilton from day one. I’m pretty sure they talked to Caron Butler and Jason Richardson, but both seemed to want more money then the Bulls could offer and I’m not 100% sure they would have wanted either over Hamilton. I don’t think Stevenson can score enough for the Bulls. Keep in mind the Mavs had a lot of offensive options to hide Stevenson, the Bulls don’t have that luxury.

Eric P

Is their a rivalry brewing between Pacers and Bulls, or is this my wishfull thinkning?

Mark Nugent

I think there is a rivalry brewing, but for it to be taken seriously the Pacers have to start winning. Otherwise it’s a one-sided rivalry that’s not really any fun.

Glen

Detroit needs to change their gm!the dude keeps on digging his whole!prince to 4 years? Stuckey almost 10 mil! This team doesn’t need either dude and needs to move forward!

Mark Nugent

I have no idea why Dumars still has a job. He hasn’t helped that team get better in years. Hamilton’s extension, re-signing prince, Stuckey, Gordon, Charlie V. All bad signings in my opinion. I’m not sure what his plan, but it doesn’t seem to be working.

dyrese

yo mark,what wings are left in free agency is posey gonna sign with the knicks or not?

Mark Nugent

Here is a mostly up to date list of FAs.

I haven’t heard that posey has made a decision, so it still seems up in the air to me. The Knicks seem like the right place for him, but I wouldn’t get my hopes up, I think he is pretty much done and would mostly be a practice player. I wouldn’t expect him to help much.

Ray

are the knicks done in free agency?

Mark Nugent

They just added Baron Davis, so unless one of the guys over in China is willing to sign for the minimum, I’m pretty sure they are done. That said, they look pretty good on paper.

Mitch Van Riel

Hi Mark! Imagine you are in control of the Boston Celtics, as GM would you get reinforcement now that Jeff Green is out, which player would be suited/still available?

Mark Nugent

The Celtics have no cap room, so they can’t bring anyone in. they have to hope their old guys can be healthy come playoff time and that next year Jeff Green is fully recovered.

As a side note, Pierce is already injured. I think it’s going to be a tough year for the Celtics, they’ll make the playoffs, but I’d be surprised if they are 100% healthy come playoff time.

George

What do you see from the Sac Kings this year>

Mark Nugent

I see them being a very exciting late night NBA League Pass team to watch. I don’t see them fighting for the playoffs, but I do see them being entertaining like Golden State. I think they are one more good draft pick, like Anthony Davis, Andre Drummond, Perry Jones, Harrison Barnes, or someone along those lines away from being a borderline playoff team. I’ll admit though, I’m curious to see Jimmer, Tyreke and Cousins play together. That should be a lot of fun.

I also like the direction they are heading, they are making pretty good decisions in my mind.

Dennis

This trade might sound crazy, but actually makes sense for both teams:
LA Lakers get: Andrea Bargnani, Leandro Barbosa, and Jose Calderon
Toronto gets: Andrew Bynum + filler (to make salaries match)
LA gets a starting point guard to replace Fisher, a combo guard off the bench with playoff experience, and a legit bigman who averaged 20+ points last year to pair with Pau Gasol.
Toronto finally gets the legit center they always needed, shed Calderon’s contract, and reduce the glut they have at the 4 spot.
Timing is perfect now that Kobe is upset at the Lamar trade and the Lakers are in a more desperate situation to make something happen. Your thoughts.

Mark Nugent

I have no problem with that trade. I actually like it for both teams. the Lakers will never do it because of their love of Bynum, but I’d take Bargs and a PG for Bynum right now.

Brooks

I know everyone says the Lamar Odom trade was stupid, but I think that draft pick will turn into a valuable one. Next years draft is really deep and the Lakers have two picks in the 1st round. Do you think they will get two solid players next year?

Mark Nugent

Both picks in next year’s draft will likely be in the 20s. It’s unlikely they land anything more than a role player off the bench at that point. I’m sorry, but that was a terrible trade for the Lakers.

mark

is there a deeper team in the west than the Denver Nuggets?

Mark Nugent

The Grizzlies, the Thunder, and the Mavs. Those are the three deepest teams in the West and the top three teams in the west. Spurs are probably deeper as well.

jeremy

so which team do you think is better this year the Mavs or Lakers?

Mark Nugent

Mavs, I think the Lakers take a HUGE step back. Bynum is out for five games, then he will likely miss time with injuries. I’ve never been a huge Mike Brown fan. And Kobe is already injured. Plus, losing Odom is going to be huge, and they still don’t have a point guard, unless Darius Morris really surprises people. They will make the playoffs, but I’d be shocked if they made it out of the first round this year.