NBA Chat With Mark Nugent 3/8/12

Aristotle

Hey there Mark,

Hypothetical… If you are Pat Riley and Otis Smith calls you to trade you Dwight Howard with Hedo Turkoglu for LeBron James and God knows what Miami pieces might help make that trade possible $$$$ wise (throw in a Mike Miller? James Jones? anyways you get my point).

What do you do????

Mark Nugent

Welcome everyone. Just a side note, next week I won’t be hosting a chat, I’ll be on vacation. I’ll be back in full force on March 22.

I probably keep LeBron. He’s signed to a long-term deal, so you don’t have to worry about him leaving. Wade, Bosh, and James all like each other and they were two games away from winning a title. I’d certainly think twice about it, but I’d probably stand pat.

Aristotle

Mark.. With Chicago still looking for a step up in the SG position, do you think Dwyane Wade was that missing piece for this current Chicago Bulls squad had he not re-signed with Miami and courted LeBron and Bosh? And could have Chicago signed Bosh and Wade that year to join Rose or Wade and James?

Mark Nugent

Wade could have been a difference maker for the Bulls, for sure. The Bulls had the money to sign any two free agents, but not three. They would have had to trade Deng in order to sign three.

Aristotle

Hey Mark,
Rumours have it the C’s are looking to move Jesus for young talent and draft pick. Howbout Allen & Garnett for something like Beasley, Wesley Johnson, and Milicic +/- whoever or whatever is needed for it? I think Love can learn from Garnett, and imagine Allen’s shooting off Ricky’s fine passes. I’d like to see that. Your thoughts?

Mark Nugent

I am yet to hear any rumors that involve the Celtic’s trading Pierce. The only thing I’ve heard is the Celtics will let Pierce decide if he wants to be traded, and that’s a rumor, not fact. Allen and Garnett make some 30 million, not sure the ‘Wolves are interested in taking on that much money, even for one year. I could see them making a run at Allen though.

alan

is there any way that the bulls could pull off a deal for garnett and ray allen. the bulls send asik or taj gibson along with their 1st rounder, the charlotte pick they have, Nikola Mirotic and carlos boozer, ronnie brewer and CJ watson? the celtics could send watson to LA for their 1st this year leading to 3 1st rounders and a first round talent in mirotic to go along with a starting 5 of rondo, brewer, pierce, boozer and asik which could still lock down the 8 spot. the bulls dont want to shake up the chemistry, but what two players would fit in better than those 2 who already know thibs’ system

Mark Nugent

For both, I highly doubt it. I could see the Bulls going after Allen and making a deal that would work for both teams. But I can’t see them giving up the players that it would take to bring in KG.

Gerald

I’ve looked at every roster and concluded that Mareese Speights, Aaron Gray & Birdman are the three most realistic trade options for the HEAT to fill the hole at the 5 without blowing the team up. My question to you is: Do you think Memphis would take Joel Anthony and Terrel Harris (sweetener) for Speights and Pondexter (cap sweetener)? If that fell thru, how about Joel for Birdman straight up? And lastly, Aaron Gray, Magloire & Anthony Carter for Joel Anthony, T. Harris & Pittman. Thanks for the time.

Mark Nugent

I don’t think the HEAT would trade Joel Anthony for any of those three guys. Anthony is tough and provides exactly what the HEAT need. Gray and Birdman are serious down grades and Speights is a little soft for what the HEAT do on D. None of those trades make the HEAT better.

Hassan

Do you think the Bulls should sign Arenas, given the fact that Rip can’t stay healthy and also sign Rasheed Wallace for more big man depth in the playoffs? I think that combination would put the Bulls over the top and make them very tough to beat.

Mark Nugent

Nope. Stay away from Arenas if your the Bulls. They don’t need that headache and who knows if he can even play.

RocketFan09

What do you see happening with the ATL Roster come March 15??.. And We All Know T-Mac isnt as healthy and youthful as he used to be but do you see him getting more consistent minutes under Coach Drew??

Mark Nugent

I see Hinrich being traded somewhere and I think there is at least a 50/50 chance they move Josh Smith. I said in the offseason I thought a Pau Gasol for Smith and Hinrich trade made sense for both teams.

T-Mac, in my opinion cannot play more than 20 minutes a night. He doesn’t have the health to be a starter any more. He can throw back the clock every once in a while, but not every night.

alan

can the bulls trade omer Asik and Kyle Korver to portland for Jamal Crawford and Kurt Thomas? Portland gets a young big an expiring deal. bulls get scoring and a tough veteran who knows the team in fits in.

Mark Nugent

They can, they won’t. I don’t think the Bulls want Jamal Crawford. He doesn’t fit with what Thibs is doing and is way to me first and shot happy on offense.

Cricket

The Bruce Bowen type role was a great niche carved out on the championship San Antonio Spurs teams. Which player best fits this role today and which young player could you see developing into this role for his career?

Mark Nugent

There are three or four Spurs who would be a great fit for the Bowen role. Depending on how Klay Thompson’s career goes, that’s possible as well. Although I think he’s better than that.

Charlie

If you were starting a team tomorrow, rank your preference for power forward: Kevin Love, Dirk Nowitzki, Blake Griffin, and LaMarcus Aldridge

Mark Nugent

Love, Blake, Aldridge, then Dirk. Dirk is too old to start a team around. I was a Blake guy coming into the season, but K-Love has made me a believer. He is incredible.

Sweet Dee

In your opinion, who was the better point guard: John Stockton or Magic Johnson

Mark Nugent

Magic, and it’s not even close.

Frank

If you were casting your vote for Coach of the Year today, who would it be and why?

Mark Nugent

I like what Doug Collins has done in Philly a lot. Rick Adelman has turned the T-Wolves into a playoff team, that’s incredible. But for my money, I’ll take Tom Thibodeau and Gregg Popovich. Those two have kept their teams near the top of NBA despite having to deal with major injury issues.

Smitty

The seventh game of the NBA Finals is tied up with 8 seconds left on the game clock. You call a time out to draw up the last play. Who’s the #1 option for the Miami HEAT (with Wade out with injury) Lebron, Bosh, Battier, or other.

Mark Nugent

LeBron. I run a pick and roll with LeBron and Bosh.

Cricket

Toronto Raptor small forward James Johnson is currently 19th overall in block shots per game, higher than bigs Perkins, Cousins, Pau Gasol, Chandler, Noah, and Haywood. Should this give Raps fans hope for the future or do individuals stats like this inflate one’s value?

Mark Nugent

I like James Johnson and I think he has a chance to be a starting SF in the league, or a combo forward sixth man off the bench. That’s pretty good.

Sweet Dee

For the second straight year, Kris Humphries is putting up decent numbers in New Jersey with 13 points and 10 boards a game. As a free agent this offseason, what is the maximum yearly salary would you pay for a player like Hump? And what yearly salary do you think he will get?

Mark Nugent

I think he is actually undervalued because he plays on such a poor team. Depending on my team, I’d be willing to give him 7-8 million a year for three years. My bet is he gets 5 million a year for 2.

Frank

In Mark Nugent’s ideal world you are offered the coaching spots in Portland and Sacramento for next season. Which one do you accept and why?

Mark Nugent

Portland. I don’t want to have to deal with Cousins issues.

alan

do you think the bulls would move kyle korver, their own 1st rounder and some cash to cover the difference in salaries to the wizards for nick young? he plays about the same defense as korver but can create his own shot more

Mark Nugent

No I don’t. I don’t think Young is the type of player they want. The Bulls tend to target certain types of personalities and it has worked for them. I don’t see them making a move for a me-first type player, especially one that doesn’t play defense.

Also, Korver’s D has been very good this year. And if you are comparing him to Nick Young, I don’t think you’ve been watching enough Bulls games lately.

The JOkeShow

The Jazz are in a tough spot. They need a point guard but they have a possible of 2 draft picks if warriors fall out of the top 7 only, and if the jazz only miss the playoffs they get theirs. If the Jazz get one or two, do you just draft a potential franchise PG or try to trade one or both draft picks and players to get a PG like a Rondo?

Mark Nugent

There is no potential franchise PG in this year’s draft. The best PG is Kendall Marshall from UNC, and while he is probably a starting level PG, he is not likely a franchise changer. If the Jazz could land an upgrade via trade without trading away major pieces, I think they should do it.

Edward Lee

Should the Lakers fire Mike Brown? Mitch kupchak should resign out of disgust with what is happening to the Lakers, be it his fault or anybody elses’(jim buss)

Mark Nugent

The Lakers are tyring to rebuild on the fly while cutting salary. This isn’t Kupchak or Brown’s fault. It’s the owner’s fault for acquiescing to Odom’s trade demand and not wanting to take on more salary.

Bill A.

Do you think my Sixers can hang on and win the Atlantic?

Mark Nugent

I do. Two weeks ago I thought the Knicks would catch them, but after seeing the way they’ve been playing lately, I think the Sixers hold on. The Knicks just can’t pull it together and the Celtics are too old to catch them.

JC

Mark – I think some teams, fans, and members of media put way to much stock in washed-up, players like Sheed, Damp, and Bibby. There has to be 2-3 players in the D-league right now at each position that can contribute more and will work harder to prove themselves. Right or wrong?

Mark Nugent

Agreed. I wouldn’t sign any of those three. I’d rather have a D-League guy who will do whatever the coach asks him to do and is anxious to please and show what he can do.

AJ

Can the Blazers get a first round pick for Camby, and/or Crawford?

Mark Nugent

Camby, maybe. Crawford, I doubt it. The bigger issue is will the Blazers have to take back salary to get rid of either player? First round picks are going to become like gold under this new CBA and I think GMs are realizing that.

CAS

LAL trades Pau & Blake to HOU for Lowry & Scola. Thereafter LA spends the TE+pick on Beasley in addition LA trades McRoberts to MEM for OJ Mayo.

If this can get done what is your opinion on the following team.

Starting 5 of: Lowry-Kobe-MWP-Scola-Bynum
BENCH: Fisher-Mayo-Barnes-Beasley-Murphy

Mark Nugent

Houston doesn’t/Won’t trade Lowry. They like him a lot!!!

shreehari

How active are the Lakers in the trade market? Is there a chance they go into the playoffs without adding a Point guard and go with the same team ?

Mark Nugent

By all accounts they are talking to a lot of teams about a PG and possibly a SF. It should be interesting to see if they can land anyone, because the rumors about Gasol will continue to fly until the trade deadline passes.

Brendan

Hey Mark, long time reader first time question asker here.

I was just wondering if a trade between Boston,Portland, and Philly like this: http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=6rxlhay would seem realistic. I know multi-team trades are in themselves rare but this I think would help each team.

Mark Nugent

Portland is getting way too much in this scenario and not giving up enough. Also, the Celtics aren’t getting nearly enough for Rondo.

Anthony Pascua

If Josh Smith wants to be traded, why not Pau Gasol for Smith? ATL can use another big man, LA can utilize Smith’s youth, scoring ability, and his defense?

Mark Nugent

I’ve said it before, in this chat in fact, I’ll say it one more time. Gasol for Smith and Hinrich is a great deal for both teams.

George

What’s your take on D12′s behavior this year in regards to going to other teams? I think it sums up what many people dislike abt athletes: unprofessional and self-serving

Mark Nugent

I don’t think it’s unprofessional. I do think it’s self-serving and a bit silly. Most of the time, he is just answering a question, so I don’t think it’s unprofessional.

George

Any take on how Kings fans should feel abt the team’s future? Any potential trades before the deadline?

Mark Nugent

I don’t see any major trades in their future. They may make small moves, but nothing major. I think fans should be excited. The team is staying and while they are a ways from being a playoff team, they are trying to build the right way.

Rovyn

I was an optimist going Into the season about Monta and steph being able to make it work, but it hasn’t worked. Ellis is Iverson-light, and curry is beginning to be labeled as “injury prone”. What trade scenario would be realistic for GSW?

Curry, Biedrins 1st for Rondo
Then
Ellis for Iggy or Ellis for Gay

Ellis, Biedrins, Udoh 1st for Bynum + Barnes
Klay, Biedrins for Gortat

Mark Nugent

I like the Curry for Rondo trade, not sure Ellis is worth Iggy or Gay. But I do think the Warriors are going to be active at the deadline, and I for one would love to see them make a move. Ellis and Curry in the same backcourt isn’t a playoff team.

FocusLJA

Gerald Henderson for Iman Shumpert. Who says no?

Mark Nugent

Bobcats laugh at the Knicks. Henderson is a starter in the NBA, Shumpert is hopeful he can be a sixth man.

John

Hey Mr. Nugen what do you think about this trade

Atl. gets Gasol and D.Orton + Pick
Orl. Bynum and Z.Pachulia + pick
Lal. Gets Teague Josh Smith and D12

Lal get their PG need as well d12 and Jsmith get to live out their dream of playing on the same time which will most likely make howard stay Atl gets a center / PF to replaced injured Horford and a possibly good prospect in Orton if healthy Orlando gets a 1st round from LAL + second best center in the leauge and a back up incase he gets hurt what do you think?

Mark Nugent

I think it’s ridiculous that you think for one second Atlanta and Orlando would do that trade.

jey

Josh Smith wants out (again)… ATL should listen now since his value is high… what should the trade package be? How about this proposal:

ATL: K Lowry, A. Bogut, C. Bud/TWill/Insert SF

Bucks: K. Martin, M. Williams

Rockets: J. Smith, S. Jackson

Shuffle draft picks as needed… your thoughts? Salaries work

Mark Nugent

Not sure the Rockets get enough in return for Lowry and Martin. They love Lowry.

Tj

I know the bulls want do anything major but what about a minor move like a second round pick for josh Howard from Utah or a 2nd pick an butler for cj miles or even nick young for a pick an butler rip is done

Mark Nugent

Not sure they view that as an upgrade. I wouldn’t expect any Bulls deals until the offseason.

Tj

I was just looking at the standings an this trade came to mind melo toney Douglas an fields for Gerald Wallace Wes Matthews an ray Felton nice right melo just don’t fit in ny

Mark Nugent

They are not trading ‘Melo. They just traded half their team for him, they won’t trade him after one year. This offseason or next season, maybe. But they need to give it some time to see if they can make it all work.

trock

kobe recently said the thunder are not sitting at his lunch table do yo see him trying to take shaq credit for first 3 rings and the two 7 footers credit last two? the lakers should play inside out with kobe chucking up shots i dont see them beating OKC in the playoffs do u agree?

Mark Nugent

I don’t see the Lakers beating the Thunder in the Playoffs. Kobe is in full jacker mode and I don’t think that is helping his team. Bynum is dominating, but isn’t getting enough shots each night.

Jazzaholic

If Millsap, with $8.1m/$8.6m on the books, but $5.6m signing bonus already paid, were traded, where do you see him going and for which player?

Mark Nugent

I haven’t heard any rumors involving him. I think a good trade would be Rondo for Milsap. That makes sense for both teams. Otherwise, maybe Milsap for Monta Ellis. But again, there have been virtually no rumors involving Milsap.

Josh

Who says no?
Kings get Anderson Varejao
Cavs get Thornton

Mark Nugent

Probably the Cavs. They love Varejao and think he is the veteran leader for their young team.

alex from sudbury

Hey mark. Love your chats.
Was wondering about something and wanted your opinion.
Seeing as how Mayo is forever being mentioned in trade rumors and the raps seem open to trading Barbosa, wouldn’t trading them for one another make sense. The Griz get a potent veteran scoring guard off the bench who is happy in that role plus he is expiring. The raps get a young hungry 2 guard that needs a change of scenery. The raps could move Derozan to the three spot( i think he would be better suited at that position). What other parts would it take to make this happen ( Davis, Johnson ect)? Would this work ? Your thoughts. Thanks so much.

Mark Nugent

No. that’s a downgrade for the Grizz and I think Barbosa has one more year on his deal. The Grizz will only trade Mayo for a big and because they don’t want to spend the money to keep him.

Eric P

Dear Mark, as a Pacer fan, could you please tell Mr Rose, we are sorry for “celebrating” and then kindly remind him that his own player, Noah, will celebrate like he saved the world, just because he drew a charge. Pot meet kettle?

Mark Nugent

Yes, Noah celebrates big time, so does Boozer. I think that was just a way for the Bulls to say they don’t like losing to the Pacers.

lakerfan

Does this trade work – LAL(gasol) to minny for (Beasley, William,ridnour) to boston and lakers get rando

Mark Nugent

No, not enough salary is involved.

Josh

Despite the fact that Philly blew out my C’s what are the chances Boston comes back and takes the division crown?

Mark Nugent

I don’t think very high. I think the C’s are a 7 or 8 seed. They are just too old and slow and small.

Eric P

Mark, did you see mondays game? How could the Pacers play so well for the first half, then get waxed like a new Bentley the second? What is your honest opinion on the Pacers? Pacer fans think, DC should be instant offense off the bench and we need a pass first PG, and an upgrade at SG. Also I dont think Roy is worth more than 10M plus

Mark Nugent

Roy will be worth whatever the market dictates. He is one of, if not the only major center on the market this offseason (After Howard of course).

The Pacers need someone to score in the clutch. not sure Granger is that guy. I think they should look into trading Granger for a true shooting guard, like Monta Ellis and then they can move George to the 3.

Mike

What do you think the Clippers will do at the deadline? Is Ray Allen or a Corey Maggette reunion possible?

Mark Nugent

They are definitely looking at a 2-guard. If they end up with someone is anyone’s guess.

Lance

Do you see the spurs trading for a bigman? Like Okafor,Anderson or Kaman?

Mark Nugent

No. They do most of their deals in the offseason.

Eric P

I know hindsight is 20/20 but just maybe Bulls would have been better off signing T Mac and Dunleavy moreso than Rip? I understand Rip’s pedigree but T Mac provides instant scoring and Dunleavy could facilatate the offense, post up and still stick the three. A backcourt of Dunleavy and Rose for short minutes would be intriging. Am I delusional?

Mark Nugent

Nope. T-mac won’t except his role in Atlanta, he certainly wouldn’t have been happy with his role in Chicago.

Daniel

Do you see the blazers in the play offs? Please explain. And if they miss the playoffs, the picks they sent to charlotte stay with pdx if they are lottery correct? Also if they are lottery what pick would you estimate and is there potentially any great prospects at that pick range? Thanks.

Mark Nugent

It will come down to the last week of the season for them to make the playoffs. As for a lottery pick, it will all depend on who will come out this year, but there is likely to be at least a rotation player in the 12-16 range.

Gar Forman

Isn’t it smarter to wait out this whole D12 situation this year? He obviously wants to experience the courtship of free agency. Besides, if he was really interested in Chicago, we could amnesty Boozer, trade Noah to a team with CAP space, and not bring back our non-guaranteed contracts (CJ, KK, and RB). This would give us enough to offer D12 16+ Mil. Not to mention, we would have Deng and not Hedo.

Mark Nugent

The Bulls are going to sit out the D12 trade deadline mayhem. They won’t trade for him because he won’t sign an extension. If he wants to play the Bulls, which it seems like he doesn’t, then he and the Bulls can find a way to make that happen this offseason. But don’t count on that. Howard seems to have his sights set on NJ or Dallas.

Jordan F.

Do the Wolves make the playoffs this year?

Mark Nugent

I’m going to say yes.

Jeremy

why would the jazz not be interested in a rondo+ allen for millsap, harris and 1st round pick? Are the Jazz going to be aggesive before the deadline?

Mark Nugent

Why would the Celtics be interested in that? I think a Milsap for Rondo deal makes sense, but they can get a lot more for Allen.