NBA Chat With Mark Nugent 2/16/12

Jazzfan

Do you think Ty Corbin is legitmate candidate for Coach Of The Year? considering he took over for Jerry Sloan unexpectdly in mid season last year then loses DWill almost immediatly after, then there’s the lockout and the shortened training camp with little time to implement his system, they get off to a horrible start with the blowout losses and then turns it around and has us in playoff contention and were doing better than most “experts” expected us to.

Mark Nugent

No I don’t. I think if they finish inside the top four out West, than absolutely, but as it stands now they are likely to miss the playoffs. They are playing hard, and are playing better than most experts predicted, but I have a hard time picking him over what Scott is doing in Cleveland, Pop in SA, or even Thibs in Chicago dealing with all the injuries. I like Corbin and think he is a good fit, but he is a year away from getting his team in the playoffs and then we can talk about him being a COY candidate.

Chris

Hi Mark. Let’s be real. Lin is putting up big numbers against mostly bottom feeder teams, not to mention in the middle of a compressed post-lockout schedule. Plus, opposing coaches have next to no tape on him. Any other season, Lin is a great backup PG on most teams. What do you think?

Mark Nugent

I think Lin has some serious game, and it is an unreal story. I think he has proven he is a starting level PG in the league and will be all season long. The Knicks should get even better once ‘Melo comes back.

i am houston

Whats going on with the Rockets?Do they make any moves at or before the trade deadline?Do they have any real shot at D-Howard or is the wholesale give away of the team for Gasol our only option?I dont see that trade making them better.1 mediocre player for 2 and picks doesn’t seem to smart on Morey’s part.He makes questionable moves after questionable moves should we be GM shopping?

Mark Nugent

They have been trying to make moves, but you need two to tango as the saying goes. They do not have any chance at Howard, in my opinion. I’m not sure about Gasol, not sure why they really even want him considering all that they would have to give up. I think Morey is in trouble if the Rockets don’t start winning. I think he gets one more season and if they miss the playoffs next year I expect he’ll be let go. That’s all my opinion.

Tony in the Nap

Is Anthony Morrow on the trading block, or is he an untouchable for NJ? Would love to see his shooting on the Pacers.

Mark Nugent

No one is untouchable on the Nets. They are waiting to see what happens with Dwight Howard, and then they will make other moves.

Nick

What fringe teams (either playoffs or elite) should be making trades? I believe the Bucks should make a youth movement, Jazz push for playoffs and Sixers go all in.

Mark Nugent

I think the Bucks should start over for sure. I think they should trade everyone not named Jennings, Sanders, or Livingston. I think the Jazz should stay put unless it’s an upgrade. They have a lot of young talent and they are on the right path I wouldn’t screw that up. As for the Sixers, I agree, push in if they can, but I’m not sure what veteran help they could add.

Deven

Mr. Nugent, do you think the Bulls can still compete for a championship, with or without Richard Hamilton? I mean, they lacked a second scoring option last year in the conference finals against the Miami Heat.

Mark Nugent

Yes I think they can compete without Hamilton. They need everyone else though. I think Korver and Brewer can fill in for Rip, but it would certainly help their chances if everyone was healthy.

Bill

Have you joined the Linsanity bandwagon?

Mark Nugent

Joined it, I started it!!! OK, I didn’t start it, but I did jump on very earlier, even before his game winner v. the Raptors and his crazy 38 against the Lakers. As a Bulls fan my entire life, I hate the Knicks, but I am rooting for them every time Lin steps on the floor. I love this story and can’t get enough. I love that he was cut by two NBA teams, played in the DLeague, went to Harvard. I love all of it.

Bill

Why have you not signed up for Fantasy Baseball?

Mark Nugent

I do love fantasy baseball, and I intend to join my old buddies in a league this spring.

Bill

Do you really think Keith Smart is the answer in Sacramento or is he a placeholder until they get someone else in the offseason?

Mark Nugent

I just did a piece on Smart this week. Here’s the link.

I do think Smart is a good coach, and I think the Kings respond to him, especially DeMarcus Cousins, who is their most important player since Chris Webber. I give Smart a nice three year deal to show the players he is the guy for the next few seasons.

John

Do you think this trade could work

Beasly and Randolph + Draft picks to Celtics
Rondo And D. Williams To LaL
Gasol and Ebanks to T-Wolfs

Mark Nugent

I don’t think that is enough for Rondo to the Celtics. So no. I think the other parts work, but the Cs would need Gasol. A Gasol for Rondo trade makes too much sense, so there is no way it will happen, since the Lakers and Celtics hate each other.

JP

1-I know Pekovic can grab a lot of rebounds and he has a soft touch but he is not a defensive specialist or potential monster on that end. Wouldn’t you search that kind of player using his recently increased market value (due to his recent play) even if it´s through the Draft (for example trading to get Bobcats first pick to draft Anthony Davis)?
2-Wouldn´t you make a big trade for a great young SG or a potential great SG (even if it´s through the Draft) if you are Kahn instead of trading for players that have 30 or more like the Gasol and Kevin Martin rumor?

Mark Nugent

First, no one is going to trade a known lottery pick this season, the draft is to deep and none of the bottom feeder teams will trade a lottery pick that has the potential to be Anthony Davis. He has superstar potential.

Pekovic is solid, but he isn’t going to bring back a top lottery pick in trade, this isn’t Kevin Love we are talking about. I would not trade Pekovic if I’m the ‘Wolves. He’s cheap and he is a starting Center in the NBA that can score and rebound and is a decent help defender. He’s not a shot blocker, but he does a lot of other things very well.

What great SG is available? Who should they go after? I think they should go after JR Smith in FA and offer him the full MLE for one year. Low commitment and potentially high rewards, since he’d immediately be the team’s best SG option.

devonte

with j.r smith how far are the knicks chances in the east? j-lin, j.r, carmelo, amare, tyson, gives us a good back court and a great front court right?

Mark Nugent

I don’t think the Knicks need JR Smith and I think they should stay away. I like Fields and Shumpert at the two, and I wouldn’t mess with the chemistry right now. I’d ride this Lin thing as far as it can take the Knicks, which I believe could be a top four seed in the East, which is where I had them before the season started. They are only 4 games back of the four seed and there is a lot of time left in the season.

Flute

Whats the latest on allen iverson I here he would be willing to play in the d league.what are the chances he does?what are the chances the lakers sign him?

Mark Nugent

I don’t think he plays in the DLeague and I don’t think he plays again in the NBA. It’s certainly possible, but I don’t see it happening.

anthony

Minnesota is interested in acquiring for gasol so he can play with rubio what kind of package can Minnesota offers the Lakers to get their interest?

Mark Nugent

young players and picks and a PG like Luke Ridnour. Maybe Beasley and it would definitely have to include Derrick Williams and likely Pekovic as well. So I’d say a first rounder or two, Williams, Ridnour, and Beasley. I’d do that for sure if I’m the ‘Wolves and if they added Pekovic, I’d do that for sure as well if I’m the Lakers.

Charlie

Rick Barry has the top 5 highest free throw percentages in NBA history. He did it by using the “grannystyle/underhanded” method. This success has always made me wonder why players such as Shaq or Dwight Howard didn’t use this technique. I can almost guarantee with some practice and repetition they would improve upon their current rate of”lucky to hit 60%.” Question: Do you think a big man with little touch will ever resort to the granny style or does self-respect trump a few percentage points?

Mark Nugent

No, I think it’s too embarrassing and players have too much pride. It’s not always about winning for guys, there are a lot of other factors.

Mac

If you were GM of the Lake Show, would you sign Gilbert Arenas, Allen Iverson, Rafer Alston, other player you had in mind, or stick with the Fisher/Blake combo?

Mark Nugent

I’d sign Arenas and I would have a long time ago. I’m not sure what the Lakers are waiting for. Arenas would play for the minimum and he is instantly an upgrade over Fisher and Blake.

Mac

Which is worst: Mike D’Antoni teaching a shut down defense or Mike Brown teaching a free flow offense?

Mark Nugent

I’d say D’Antoni teaching a shut down defense. That will never happen. They need to outscore people.

Dennis

Which player had the greatest court vision: 1rst year Steve Nash out of Santa Clara, 1rst year John Stockon out of Gonzaga, or 1rst year Ricky Rubio out of Barcelona

Mark Nugent

Ricky and it’s not even close. He’s having a rookie PG season unlike anyone. Nash and Stockton were nowhere near the players they became their rookie season. Just think what Rubio will be like in 3 years or so.

Dennis

Joel Brigham is supporting the idea that Paul Millsap should be named an injury replacement for the all-star team, while Charlie Rosen on Hoopshype believes that Al Jefferson should get the nod. Who would you side with – Al Jefferson or Paul Millsap?

Mark Nugent

I’d take Milsap. He brings it on both ends of the floor, and Jefferson is more of an offense only option who’s D is improving

Cricket

Jeremy Lin’s numbers are clearly inflated due to the fact he plays in a Mike D’Antoni offense and the ball stopper Melo was out. If you were a betting man, does Jeremy start over/under 41 games next year or will reality hit with whatever team he signs with next season (whether it be NYK or elsewhere).

Mark Nugent

If he’s healthy, I think he will be the starting PG for the Knicks next season and the season after at least. i think he can run the pick and roll and get into the paint, which are key components of a D’Antoni offense, plus Lin just saved Mike’s job. So I definitely think he will be the starter next year for the Knicks. By all accounts he’s a hard worker and good student of the game, so there is no reason he won’t be their starter. Plus the Knicks are capped out, so it’s not like they can bring in a big name PG.

Cricket

Who would you rather start a team with: Jeremy Lin, Brandon Knight, Darren Collison, or DJ Augustine.

Mark Nugent

I’m swept up in the Lin hype, so I’ll take Lin right now. He was beating up on those teams with STAT and ‘Melo out. Knight would be my next pick.

Frank

Looks like Kevin McHale is proving all the naysayers wrong. Everyone and their brother disagreed with Houston’s coaching selection, especially considering Rick Adelman and Dwayne Casey were available. But with Houston now sitting at 17-13 despite Samuel Dalemart starting at center, McHale has to be given his due. How would you grade his coaching job so far this season, and do you think he is early front runner for coach of the year?

Mark Nugent

I’ve always been a fan of McHale as a head coach. He knows the game, and he seems to be a good motivator. I’ve always had issues with him as a GM. He made some good moves late in his time with the ‘wolves, but he made some terrible moves as well.

Frank

It was very interesting in Joel Brigham’s chat he accused Tom Thibodeau of playing his starters “waaayyy too much” as he doesn’t seem to pack it in early enough in games (to ensure the lead is preserved). Do you agree Thibs is playing his starters too much? Do you think this will lead to injuries and/or fatigue later in the season as a result?

Mark Nugent

I agree Thibs is playing his starters too much in blowouts. That said, I’ll give Thibs the benefit of the doubt right now, but I’d love to see Rose, Deng, and Noah especially sit the last 6 minutes or so of blowouts. All coaches, except Pop, plays his starters big minutes, so it’s hard to say he’s really doing anything wrong. If your good enough play, then you are good enough to play. Like I said, I’d play guys less, I wouldn’t have any averaging over 36 minutes a game because this team is so deep, but it’s hard to second guess what Thibs has done in his career so far.

Dante

Hi Mark,
Do you think the lakers can feasably swing this trade?
NJ gets: Scola, Martin, Dragic, first round pick from Houston and another from Lakers
Houston Gets: Pau
Lakers get Deron Williams

Mark Nugent

I think once the Howard chip falls, then a trade like this will be possible. Nothing major will happen until Howard gets moved, then the Nets might consider trading Williams. And then yes, something similar to this trade could definitely happen.

AJ

Blazers get Petro, Farmar, Shawne Williams (after March 1st), and an unprotected 2012 first round pick (NJ). Nets get Wallace, Chris Johnson, Armon Johnson.

Nets putting the pieces together to complement Howard and D-Will (Wallace, Morrow, Brooks). Blazers build for the future without tanking this season.

Mark Nugent

I don’t see the Blazers trading Wallace for those guys. That doesn’t make sense for them as they believe they can contend this year, and that trade makes them a ton worse.

Rudens

Everyone talks about our chemistry, and we have a great rotation, and we shouldn’t ruin it. But does anybody really know if Rip’s body will hold up for the rest of the season? J.R. Smith is a proven scorer that the bulls need to grab him. We’re going to need as much fire power to go up against the heat. Your thoughts?

Mark Nugent

I’d have no problem if they took a chance on Smith for a one year deal. But my understanding is he wants as much money as possible (and the Bulls are unlikely to offer him much) and as much playing time as possible (and a lot of other teams will offer him more). My understanding is, even if the Bulls have interest, he will be unlikely to sign with Chicago.

AJ

Would the Pacers give up their first-rounder for Jamaal Crawford?

Mark Nugent

I’m gonna say no. Crawford hasn’t been that good this year, and I don’t think he is an upgrade for the Pacers. Plus he’s a jacker, is that really what they need?

JOEY BOY

Hi buddy,

Will the lakers sign arenas? What are the chances orlando will deal howard before the deadline?

Mark Nugent

Not sure if Lakers will sign Arenas but they should. I think the Magic will cave and trade Howard before the deadline. There are a couple deals I would be willing to do if I’m the Magic, but I wouldn’t trade him just to trade him.

T-Time

Assuming Dwight would sign a longer term extension with the Lakers and the recent news Minnesota is still interested in acquiring Pau, should the Magic jump in and try to take some picks and young talent from Minnesota? For example,

Lakers Wolves Magic
Dwight Pau Bynum
Turk Redick Pekovic
Duhon Orton Williams
Lots o Picks

Mark Nugent

I do think a three team trade with the ‘Wolves and Lakers could make a lot of sense for the Magic. Magic get Bynum Williams, Beasley picks, Lakers get Howard, Turk and Ridnour, ‘Wolves get Gasol. Something like that. I think they could make a trade work.

Drew

What about this trade. Lal- scola, Beaz, Luke. Houston- Gasol. Minny – k Martin. Twolves could also add the Utah and or Memphis 1 sts if needed. To whomever.

Mark Nugent

I think that trade makes a ton of sense for all three teams. However I doubt it happens. Seems like the Lakers would want more than just Scoal, Beasley, and Ridnour. But I think that’s a pretty good haul for all three teams.

Dennis

Hibbert for Dwight Howard straight up. Will Indy and Orlando pull the trigger?

Mark Nugent

Nope. No chance that is enough for Howard. It’s not even close.

JP

Why would you trade 1 or 2 picks and 3 players (Williams, Ridnour, and Beasley)for Gasol? It´s a no sense move. I would do that move if it´s for Dwight. Something like this http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=6oo9wk9 with some picks perhaps?
Wouldn´t you?

Mark Nugent

I’d make that trade for Gasol as along as it is just one first rounder. They don’t need Ridnour and I’m not a Beasley fan. So in my mind, they are really trading Williams and a pick for Gasol. I do that every time. and I’d trade anyone not name Rubio or Love for Howard if he would stay long term.

brooklyn

if the nets sign howard in free agency, who do u think they should trade lopez for? i was thinking j-smoove

Mark Nugent

It depends on who’s available. I’d rather have Smith than Lopez, that’s for sure if I’m the Nets. They need a shooter as well.