NBA Chat With Mark Nugent 12/7/11

Duane

Can C. Butler play the 2? Is he enough to put us over top–Miami fans on blogs think so

Mark Nugent

Welcome everyone. Please follow me on Twitter @MarkNugentNBA!

I believe Butler can play the 2. He’s done it in the past and eventhough he started at the 3 for the Mavs last year, when healthy, he definitely played some 2 throughout certain games.

I think it would help, it would depend on what Miami does.

Dee

Proposed trade:

Magic get: Gasol, Iguodala, Walton, cash

NO get: Bynum, Lou Williams, pick

Philly gets: Odom, Devin Ebanks,

LA gets: D12, CP3, Hedo

Mark Nugent

Sorry, these four team trades with stars never happen. Also, I just don’t see any scenario that has the Lakers end up with Paul and Howard.

Alec

Hey Mark, I was reading Lang’s chat last night and a interesting trade proposal came up that I thought was worth it. Tyreke for Rondo. I understand if that deal was made straight up, I would say no too. Lets say a Tyreke/Thompson/Udrih/Dalembert for Rondo/Green/Davis. It works really well for both sides. I mean seriously, lets be honest here, after this back to back to back schedule, Allen will be like ” I’m retiring “, and Reke can be the man and I expect him to fully thrive in the C’s system. I’m probably the only one out of the C’s fan that thinks Rondo should be shipped out because he just won’t cut it after Allen and Garnett retires. Westbrook for Rondo even made sense! Westbrook is looking to be the man of his own team and Rondo and Durant would be so good it’s just digusting lol . I only said Westbrook for Rondo made sense IF that first proposal doesnt or will not follow through, so don’t make this question seem like Boston is landing Westbrook and Reke.

Mark Nugent

Rondo has value, but he is not in the same class as Westbrook. Westbrook is on the verge of being a truly elite PG.

I think Evans for Rondo is fair, but I don’t think that helps the Celtics this year. I think the Cs are looking to go all in this year even if it costs them down the line. Any trade I think the Celtics make is for this year, and what Rondo brings to the table is more important to the Celtics right now than what Evans would bring to the table.

Johnny

If the Bulls land Crawford via Sign & Trade, can they still sign J Richardson via mid-level

Mark Nugent

I’m sorry, but I don’t know the answer. Direct this question to Larry Coon. he does his chat every Wednesday at 3PM

Aristotle

Hi there Mark,
what do you think of Wesley Matthews as that missing shooting guard piece for Chicago? If he’s attainable I think he has upside and room to grow, and can see him next to Rose

Mark Nugent

I love Matthews, but all signs point to him being a fixture with the Trail Blazers for a long time. They seem to love him there and he will likely be their starting 2-guard for the foreseeable future.

Aristotle

Hi again mate,
Do you believe if the Clippers could aquire Howard, that he could truly coexist with Griffin? Both young, both THEIR team, both aggressive in the paint & boards to show their domination… I see it as 2 alpha lions in the same cage. I think Griffin needs a PG (Williams or Paul) to create a duo like Malone/Stockton

Mark Nugent

I believe Howard can play next to anyone. He is a true difference maker and arguably the most dominant player in the league. Pairing him with Griffin would work fine, especially as Griffin continues to expand his jump shooting range.

I do think Paul or Williams would thrive on the Clippers, but I will always take Howard over either of them, regardless of how my team is setup. The only player in the league I’d consider taking over Howard is LeBron.

Lee

what moves if any will the raptors make. are there any teams interested in bargani and what could they get in return for him?

Mark Nugent

I don’t believe the Raps are interested in trading Bargs right now. I expect him to stay with the team for at least another season, most likely the next two.

I don’t see them making any major moves, just small additions to fill out the roster. They are trying to ‘see what they have’ as the saying goes. So I expect them to stick with Bayless and James Johnson and play the season out with pretty much their current roster.

Will

Bonjour! I love thoses chats man keep the good work guys!
-S.Curry/K.Thompson/Lee for CP3+fillers
-Ellis for Iggy
-D.Wright on SG
-sign Chandler

starting 5 : Paul/Wright/Iggy/Udoh/Chandler
Contenders?

Mark Nugent

That team would be a playoff team. it would depend on how they mesh together, but they would struggle to score points, so it’s doubtful they would be anything more than a first round loss waiting to happen. It’s better than their current team for sure.

That said, I don’t think the 76ers are interested in Ellis for Iggy. If they were, this deal would have happened at the draft, I think.

Casimir

Not a contract guru or anything but if CP3 is not willing to sign extension with golden state… wouldn’t it work for all 3 teams do a deal that sends Gasol and throw-in to warriors, A Monte or a Curry package To hornets and CP3 to a Lakers… all teams would win in that scenario right??

Mark Nugent

Not sure what you mean by win. The Lakers win, but the Warriors don’t really need Gasol. He is old and has a big contract, mind you they might spend even more on Chandler (Which I think is a mistake). What the Warriors want is a true superstar, and that isn’t Gasol. The Hornets don’t seem interested in Monta, so if the Warriors are willing to trade Curry there is no reason to involve the Lakers.

So to answer your question, no I don’t think all the teams win in that scenario.

Gar/Pax

Read on HW, JCrawford S&T for Brewer AND Asik. Isnt that too much? Couldnt that same deal get OJMayo & wouldnt he be better?

Mark Nugent

In my opinion, I think the Bulls would be giving up WAAAAY too much!!! I actually believe Brewer is a better all around player than Crawford and I wouldn’t do that trade straight up, and I’m certainly not adding Asik. Asik is arguably the best backup center in the league AND he is on a rookie contract. Why trade that for a volume shooter who needs the ball to be effective? I believe this is something that is being talked about, but I don’t think it happens. I could see Brewer and filler for Crawford, but i don’t think there is anyway the Bulls give up Asik for Crawford.

I’d much rather have Mayo than Crawford. He’s younger, cheaper, you control his rights, and he can grow with Rose. not sure I’d trade Asik for Mayo either. I’m more interested in the Bulls adding a SG thru free agency by using their MLE!

Nick

Will Cavs trade ramon sessions or amnesty Baron Davis? What can cavs get for him?

Mark Nugent

Cavs won’t be able to get anything significant for Sessions, he has very little value and a pretty large contract for what he actually brings to the table.

As for Davis, it seems the Cavs are going back and forth on this one, so I can’t really say. He seems like a prime candidate, but they may wait a year and have him tutor Irving and offer him up for free at the trade deadline.

Jay

If the rockets end up being a lottery team do you think they could get the star player they looking for in the 2012 draft

Mark Nugent

I think there are potential star players in the 2012 draft, so it will depend on what pick they get. Right now I love Anthony Davis (so does everyone). I think Harrison Barnes has all-star potential, and I’m a big Jeremy Lamb and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist fan. I’m yet to see Bradley Beal, but apparently he is the best shooter in NCAA so I’ll probably be a fan of his too.

The Rockets have wanted a center for over a year now, so really they need to get lucky and draft Andre Drummond and hope he pans out.

L. A. Steve

Mark, I have a simple one, Will Andre Iguodala get traded,and what does the market look like?

Mark Nugent

I don’t think he will. Not this year anyway. I think they move him full time to the 3, which he played a lot of last year, and start him next to Evan Turner and see how things go before shopping him around.

B-Man

if the hornets do make the rumored deal with gsw, do you think the hornets would benefit with from a three way trade that would send out trveor arriza and emeka okafor and get courtney lee, jordan hill, terence williams hasheem thabeet and chris kaman. the clippers get jordan hill and trevor arriza, and the rockets get emeka okafor.

Mark Nugent

If the Hornets trade Paul, I think any deal that brings them back expiring contracts, young talent, and draft picks will help them long-term. If Paul is gone they need to fully commit to rebuilding and not worry about their record this year.

Cameron

Compare and contrast Derrick Rose and Russel Westbrook. Russel is a wanna-be Derrick, hands down.

Mark Nugent

I think Westbrook is his own player, I don’t think he wants to be like anyone.

I think Rose wants to be a pass first PG, while Westbrook is more interested in being a combo guard. Rose is stronger and faster in my opinion, but Westbrook jumps a bit higher and both are crazy athletic. I definitely think Westbrook is still the better defender, but Rose made some strides in that area last year.

You can’t go wrong with either player, I love it that both want the ball in their hands at the end of games, I just trust Rose a lot more in making the right decision. I believe Westbrook will be great this year, and will defer more in the playoffs to Durant.

B-Man

is anthony parker on chicago’s free agent radar and if he’s not, should he be? how high on their priority list should he be? is there any other team out there that might want to acquire his services more than the bulls?

Mark Nugent

He is on the radar as a veteran minimum add, so I’ve read. But he isn’t the answer and I would be surprised if the Bulls make any real move to sign him.

B-Man

isnt it better to have drew gooden at the four while having larry sanders back him and bogut up at the pf and c positions. that way you can have mbah a moute start at the three and be the primary perimeter stopper.

Mark Nugent

That is certainly one option, I like Mbah Moute at the four because he has an advantage over most PFs because of his athleticism. He is also strong and willing to do the dirty work. Gooden is none of those things. To me, Gooden should be coming off the bench and is insurance in case Bogut gets re-injured, but I don’t think you can be a playoff team with Gooden playing 30+ minutes a game.

B-Man

if both are healthy, who do you think adelman would give more minutes to, anthony randolph or anthony tolliver? tolliver seesm to me to be an adelman type player in his system, but i hate to see randolph not get his chance with inconsistent playing time.

Mark Nugent

This is really the last chance for Randolph. You can no longer talk about him and his ‘Potential’. He either steps up and earns minutes or he will be banished to the bench forever. I think the first week of the season is going to be critical for Randolph and the ‘Wolves. They have a lot of players that play similar styles and positions, so there is going to be a lot of competition for minutes. I’m rooting for Randolph, but if I had to make a bet on it, I’d take Tolliver.

B-Man

would you rank nene over david west as a bigger catch in free agency? if you were the pacers and the nets, who would you go after more. and how far off is kris humphries in the list of top free agent bigs?

Mark Nugent

Definitely, West’s injury and age scare me. I’d go after Nene, but I wouldn’t offer him a max deal. I’d offer like four years and 50 million, which is a far cray for the 75 million someone will offer.

For West I’d offer 4 years and 40 million. I think he is worth that risk, but I’d be real hesitant to go any higher for a PF coming off a major knee injury on the downside of his career.

Humphries is pretty far down. he’s a tremendous rebounder, but his D is pretty average and his offensive game is raw to say the least. Anything over 7 million per season is waaay overpaying.

ronj027

mark do you think drose not being buddy buddy with all the stars in this new aau style in nba actually hurts the bulls it seems like he refuses to recruit anyone its commendable but i think a mistake

Mark Nugent

I think it might hurt some, but I love it!!! He believes with all his heart that the Bulls can win with the talent they have right now and he is unwilling to sell out his teammates. Guys will go to war with Rose and give that much more because they want to prove he is right. I truly believe this. If the talent gap is to big, then there is nothing you can do, but when it comes down to it, players want their stars to believe in them, and Rose does. Plus, Rose believes his management team will do what is best for the team, so there is no reason for him to always be recruiting. Lastly, he always says that he is available to talk to any free agent that has questions about the team or city. He just won’t bash his teammates to get someone else in, but if Butler or Richardson want to talk him, I bet he would do it, he just won’t be the first one to make the call.

What does it say for the Knicks that Anthony and Stoudemire are actively recruiting Paul? I think that is a mistake for this year. Do that stuff behind the scenes, but don’t do it in public.

Thomas Pynchon

If Iverson ( a high volume shooter who gives little else) were white and from the suburbs, would he have had a cult following from the general public?

Mark Nugent

No idea. Race is always an issue so it’s hard to tell. Jimmer is a high volume shooter and he has a cult following. So my guess would be yes. I like to believe that if a player is good, fans will follow, regardless of race.

B-Man

if nene isnt brought back like i believe is in the nuggets’ best interest, who do you feel will get the starting spot at center, mozgov, chris anderson, or some other free agent signing?

Mark Nugent

I think Mozgov. He has the most upside. The latest rumor though is if the Nuggets offer a max contract (which I think is insane for Nene) he will take it and remain a Nugget.

B-Man

im very much interested in denver and new orleans this season and see what direction they can go forward in. do you think either team will try and get anthony randolph and see what eh can with consistent extended minutes?

Mark Nugent

Minny is an interesting case, they have so many players at the 3-4, that I expect them to trade at least one of them come the trade deadline, but who that is will all depend on who is playing well come Feb and March.

Rich

OK, how about this one. Denver gets Billups, Balkman, and enough cash to pay for amnesty on Balkman; Knicks get Mozgov, Andre Miller and Harrington. Knicks use amnesty on Harrington. Knicks get a center they liked, and Denver dumps Harrington’s salary. I’m assuming Denver keeps Nene.

Mark Nugent

a traded player cannot be amnestied. mozgov cannot be traded back to the Knicks for a period of time, i think a year. Sorry this trade can’t happen under the CBA rules.

Carlos A

Is there any truth to a s&t for crawford to the bulls? If soo what are the bulls giving up an what would they offer to crawford? Thanks

Mark Nugent

Truth? We won’t know what is truth until a deal happens. The rumor is Brewer for Crawford and maybe the Bulls through in Asik. As I explained earlier, I don’t think the Bulls move Asik. he is too important especially with this compressed schedule.

Chris

Hi Mark. Jamal Crawford has made it known that Chicago is his preferred destination. How does this impact the Bulls’ chance of a sign and trade w/ Atlanta?

Mark Nugent

If the Bulls are willing to give up assets that the Hawks want then it will be no problem. If the Bulls aren’t, then it will be tough to make a deal. Me personally, I’m not overly interested in Crawford.

Chris

Hi Mark. Do these moves get the Bulls to the Finals? Sign-and -trade for Crawford, sign G-Hill for the MLE, and then resign K-Thomas.

Mark Nugent

It all depends on what the Bulls give up for Crawford and what the Miami HEAT do this offseason.

knicks fan

the knicks are after kurt thomas and thier resigning jared jeffries i dont think this should be happening what free agents you think the knicks should be looking to sign?

Mark Nugent

The Knicks only want guys on one-year contracts. So their options are very limited. I think they should figure out if Howard is interested in signing with them in the offseason, and if not I think they should pursue Nene, Marc Gasol, and Chandler. What they need is a defensive center, not a PG.

gus26

before the draft miny was offered odom for #2 pick… they said they wanted pau to pair with rubio… if hornets get involved and send cp3 to lakers can this deal happen?… (NO gets derrick williams, and other parts, lakers get cp3 and miny gets pau) also this trade would effect that pick the clippers have from miny, all of a sudden not a top 5 right? further helping the chances they can’t use that pick to get howard….

Mark Nugent

I don’t think too many teams are going to help Paul get to the Lakers, the small markets are pretty pissed about the Lakers new billion dollar TV deal.

Odom doesn’t help the T-Wolves that much, they are going to be dysfunctional at best, in my opinion.

Van

Are the Bulls really going to include Asik in a s&t for Crawford?? That would be unwise as Asik is insurance just in case Noah gwts injured.Thoughts??

Mark Nugent

agree completely, and if they do include Asik it will be the first big mistake management has made since they drafted Rose, and it will be a huge mistake in my opinion.

Robert

A lot of talk of Chris Paul to Golden State or Clippers, but if he doesn’t agree to any extension with any team other than the Knicks are the Hornets forced to let him walk in the summer?

Mark Nugent

Paul will not agree to an extension because it doesn’t make sense financially any more to do extensions for the players. He can only add a couple years with an extension, but can get a five year max worth more if he goes to free agency.

I think there are enough teams with assets that are willing to take a risk that Paul will be traded sooner rather than later. If Paul walks for free over the summer, I think the Hornets may not be in New Orleans come 2013.

Mic

hi mark,i know the bulls have some intrest in mayo.do you see them working something out for him? and if so,what would get it done and when?

Mark Nugent

I think the Bulls look to Free agency first. they have already spoken to Caron Butler about taking the MLE and I believe they will or already have spoken with Jason Richardson about the same thing.

I don’t think the Bulls make a deal for anyone that involves them having to trade a big man. I think front court depth will be to important in this shortened season, so I don’t believe they will make a that involves Gibson or Asik. So, I think Mayo will be off the table until the trade deadline. I still think the Grizzlies trade a perimeter player, I’m just not sure who yet. If they Grizzlies would take Brewer or Korver (expiring deals) for Mayo then it could happen, but I don’t think Memphis is interested in that.

So short answer, no I don’t think it will happen.

dyrese

the kings have a logjam @ guard and forward y dont they send over thronton and delembert to the knicks for billups and turiaf

the kings can move evans to the 2 or 1 and billups can play either position get rid of dalembert for expiring contract cap for 2012

Mark Nugent

The Knicks don’t want to take on any long-term salary, they want to have as much room as possible for next summer’s free agents. Both Thornton (Restricted and Dalembert are free agents and both are looking for long-term deals. The knicks won’t be adding either player.

likeAbull

Who is coming to the bulls as our 2guard?
Who gonna fill out our roster? Would vc or redd play for vets min?

Mark Nugent

I think VC and Redd will both sign for the veterans minimum somewhere, Redd especially. I could see Carter signing with Charlotte or some other cash strapped team for a year or two to help sell some tickets, but time will tell. I think one of those two ends up on Miami for the vets min.

I doubt the Bulls pursue either unless all other options fall through. I still believe there is a very good chance the Bulls can sign or do a sign and trade for Jason Richardson. That’s who I think will end up with the Bulls.

likeAbull

I hear kurt thomas is thinking bout teamin up with the knicks? Who do we get to replace him if he leaves? What happened to Josh Boone

Mark Nugent

If Thomas leaves, I don’t know who the Bulls target, I haven’t heard any rumors regarding big men going to the Bulls, so at this point your guess is as good as mine.

j garth

if a player gets amnestied do they become a free agent?

Mark Nugent

They have to clear waivers first. Any team that is under the salary cap can bid on an amnestied player and take over his contract. the new team will not be responsible for the total contract, just what they bid. If the player clears waivers, then he is a free agent.

Chris

Would you trade for Dwight Howard if you had to take Gilbert Arenas’ 60mil contract in return? I believe he would no longer get amnesty rights. Then the Magic would be free to amnesty Hedo if they felt it necessary.

Mark Nugent

Depends on the trade and it depends on whether or not I believe I could sign Howard long-term. If I thought Howard would sign long-term then yes, if not then no.

Eddie

Wil the Heat end up getting any center? Any point guard?

Mark Nugent

Not sure, they will sign someone. right now Battier is the most recent rumor. I believe they need a center, but with only the MLE to work with, that’s unlikely to happen. They need another big to do the dirty work in the playoffs. i love Battier, but I don’t think he makes them much better come playoff time.

John

hi mark, do you see nash asking for a trade if hill doesnt resign with the suns? Also, which contending teams would be willing to trade for nash

Mark Nugent

No, I think Nash is a class act and would like to retire with the Suns. I could see the Suns trading him though for their own future, but it’s doubtful. Nash puts fans in seats, and that’s important to a non-playoff team.

Anthony

Will the Kings ever be in talks to aquire a superstar or should us kings fans just cross our fingers that Tyreke can play like he did as a rookie, Cousins can control his temper, and Jimmer can be the Tebow of the NBA?

Mark Nugent

Until they get a new Arena or the Maloofs start making money on their casino in vegas, I would have to say no, they won’t be involved in any major trade talks.

I think crossing your fingers is a good idea.

ErIc

Any chance the Kings get into the CP mix with an offer built around tyreke – add in a sf (green or garcia) and a big (thompson or hickson) then pursue Tyson chandler to help convince CP to stay. Starting core of CP, jimmer, salmons, chandler and cousins could do some damage.

Mark Nugent

I don’t think so. The Kings have money issues and are building through the draft. They are under the cap right now, but you don’t hear them linked to anyone but their own free agents. I don’t think they would be willing to trade young cheap talent for a star who won’t commit to them long-term.

neo

Three way trade mem gets:taj,krover,Chicago 1st
Chi gets:D12,turk
Orl gets:Noah,mayo,and deng,bobcats 1st

Mark Nugent

Makes sense on paper for all teams involved. The problem is I don’t believe there is any chance the Bulls make a trade for Howard unless he gives them a verbal commitment that he will re-sign with the team. And Howard by all accounts wants to be a free agent and have that experience.

Big Tito

What are the chances for orando trading for D-Will

Mark Nugent

I say zero percent chance. The Nets are keeping D-Will and hope to sign him to a new five year max next summer.