NBA Chat With Mark Nugent 5/10/12

jayjay

Who says no? Cavs package their 24th, 2nd rounder and take on Warrick and get the Suns 13th pick?

Mark Nugent

The Suns are unlikely to give up a lottery pick in a deep draft. So I doubt the financial savings would be worth it to them.

Wil

Mark, I don’t buy the Nicks are better off without STAT arguments. Seriously would you rather have Amare or any of the other Nick bench players? I do agree that Melo and STAT need to figure out how to co-exist and that Woodson (if he keeps the job) needs to figure out how to better use them, but this concept of taking away players is a poor use of stats and a cop-out. Thoughts?

Mark Nugent

I don’t think Amar’e is the same player any more. I don’t trust him and if the Knicks could trade him without having to take back long-term salary I would do it. I firmly believe the Knicks cannot be a serious contender with STAT and ‘Melo. Neither is willing to play defense, which they proved during the Knicks series. I like Amar’e, but he is a 5-8 million a year player now, not a 20 million a year player.

Matt O

Hey Mark, the Hornets are in a great position this offseason. If they can keep Kaman and Gordon, what do you think is out there value wise for Okafor? With 2 lottery picks I can see them picking up Marshall and T Robinson… Surely Okafor can bring in something that may help. A back up SG and SF would be a huge help right?

Mark Nugent

The Hornets are starting over completely, I believe they will let Kaman walk, but will keep Gordon. I think they will build the team around Gordon and their two lottery picks this year. I believe they will draft at least one big man and then likely one perimeter player. But it will all depend on where the two picks end up. I think Okafor has some value, but he still has a large contract and with the new CBA, very few teams will be willing to take on that kind of money for an average big man. So I guess the Hornets end up keeping Okafor for at least one more year.

Raptor fan

Jonas valanciunas – rotation player, all star, or superstar?

Mark Nugent

I think at worst a rotation player, at best a starter on a good team. I don’t see him being an all-star though, but he is very young and hasn’t played stateside yet, so anything is really possible.

HoopsFreak!

Mark, greetings from Australia!

Big fan of these chats you all at Hoopsworld post every week, great look inside the minds of some NBA Journalists..
Anyway onto my question..

Im a OKC fan, and i was wondering how James Harden doesn’t start, yes i know how the NBA works where you need scoring punches off the bench, Jason Terry, Manu Ginoboli, etc etc..
But they all can (and have) started in the past, why do teams play one player who starts 16mpg and the bench player 30mpg.
Always wondered, thanks for you time.

Mark Nugent

Glad you like them. I can’t speak for everyone here at HOOPSWORLD, but this is my favorite part of working for HOOPSWORLD. I love doing the chats.

The Thunder site needing scoring off the bench, but what I truly believe is with Westbrook and Durant starting, there are not enough shots to go around in the starting lineup. When Harden started a few games this year the Thunder looked terrible because no one knew who should shoot the ball. Harden plays most of his minutes as the main offensive player and then shares that job the last 8 minutes or so of every game.

Personally, I think Harden is going to have to start next year or the year after if the Thunder really want to be a dynasty.

calvinzero

To those who will be free agent this summer, who do you think will be prone to sign to other teams?? Why do you think so? Thanks Mark. You know, that it is an earlier Q but it is already one of the center of talks inside the NBA besides the thrilling playoffs. Right?

Mark Nugent

I think Deron Williams leaves Brooklyn and heads to Dallas. But that is the only star on the free agent market. I think the restricted guys all stay put, because they almost always do. Other than Williams, any moves that happen this offseason will likely be small moves.

AJ

I have 2 things totally unrelated.

1. why do u guys (the site) cover the raptors? seriously im tired of reading questions regarding derozan and bargnani and the draft etc. they wont make the playoffs in the next 10 yrs im sorry.

2. what do u think about the lakers trading pau for younger cheaper talent. landry? milsapp? and can kobe re-do his deal to free up space and get help? kob’ already got his money and pau should re-do his or get traded. i can see drew needing his big payday. lakers have no bench because kobe is getting 30 pau 19 and drew 16. mill/yr not ppg.. long i know but thanks for ur time man…

Mark Nugent

HOOPSWORLD has a reporter in Toronto, and he is a very good reporter. So he covers the Raptors and whichever teams come into town.

Kobe most likely cannot re-do his deal, because the NBPA would never allow it. They are very picky when it comes to players contracts, since that’s why they are there in the first place. I don’t think Pau for Landry or Milsap is an upgrade, and the Lakers are in win now mode with Kobe’s age, so I expect Pau to be there next season.

Jazzfan

Mark thanks for your time, Raja Bell and CJ Miles each took some shots at Ty Corbin citing his “communication skills”, do you think this is anything to be concered bout or is it just a case of a couple of players that struggled and lost playing time and are still sore about it?

Mark Nugent

I think it is a couple of players that struggled all year and I think it’s something to be concerned about.

Maurice

Should the bucks use the amnesty clause on Drew Gooden and try sign JaVale McGee or Spencer Hawes for $9-$10 million a year or should they go after Chris Kaman for $7 million

Mark Nugent

The Bucks currently have some 58 million in contracts for next year, if they amnesty Gooden they have about 51. That’s not really enough to sign any major free agents. Either way the Bucks will have essentially the MLE. Which isn’t enough for any centers.

maurice

I think Tobias Harris can be a scoring “3″ in this league in 2-3 years what do you see his potential as

Mark Nugent

I like Harris, I think he’s a solid player. I think he is meant to be a 3 in the league. I see him as a potential starter, but I don’t think he has all-star upside.

Marcus

What positions do the bucks have to address this offseason and can they do it

Mark Nugent

They need a center. And i doubt they can get it. I like Jennings, Ellis, the Dunleavy/Harris/Delfino platoon is decent, and I like Sanders/Mbah a Moute/Ilyasova combo at the four. But there center right now is Gooden and Udoh. I don’t like Gooden at all and thought he was a bad signing. I like Udoh, but he’s more of a backup then starter.

Charlie

Allen Iverson is my all time favorite player. When I say this everyone points to the “Talking About Practice” rant. Am I the only person who thinks Iverson was right? The media was crying about practice when this guy habitually played through broken fingers, banged up knees, and was a pure warrior. How about judge him by on-court performances (MVP, 4 time scoring champion, 11 time allstar and brought a team whose second and third best players were Aaron McKie and Theo Ratliff to the finals). The heart inside that 6 foot 165 lbs man is bigger than 99% of the league. Agree or Disagree?

Mark Nugent

Iverson was not right. What you do in practice translates to the games. Ask Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant about that. I agree that he was a great player and what he did on the court was amazing, but as the star of the team, his attitude played a role in how the team played. I also believe had he worked on his game harder in the offseason and in practice he could have been even better, which is amazing to think about.

Sweet Dee

Kevin Johnson is your favorite player of all-time. Questions: what were the reasons that contributed to him being your favorite? A particular series, interview or meeting that swayed your opinion? Or were you just from the Phoenix area

Mark Nugent

He’s one of my favorite players. I grew up in chicago so Rose/Jordan/Pippen are my favorites, then Steve Kerr who I loved watching shoot. Then it’s KJ. I loved his game and he was the best PG in the NBA when I first became a crazy passionate NBA fan. He could shoot, dunk, break down defense and make crazy passes. His dunk on Hakeem is an all-time great!

Frank

Paul George is truly overrated. Everyone has this guy on the list of the NBA’s next generation of elite scorers. Fact – buddy averaged only 12 points a game this year and has done even worse in the playoffs at less than 10 a game. Yet the same old Granger card is played when this is pointed out arguing George is only 22 years old. No problem, let’s give him time to develop. But then why is everyone crowning this man king with so little statistical merit to support?

Mark Nugent

I’m not crowning him king, but I will say that for him to reach his potential he will need to play the 3 and that isn’t going to happen with Granger around. Also, the Pacers have a lot of weapons and they don’t need or want George to jack up 20 shots a game. He gets all his points within the offense which is a beautiful thing.

Mac

The Dallas Mavericks allowed Tyson Chandler to walk in the offseason to free cap space for Deron Williams. Chandler then goes on to win Defensive Player of the Year. My question, do you even make that trade? It would essentially be PG – Deron Williams and C – Brandon Haywood or PG – Jason Kidd and PG – Tyson Chandler. Which pair would you rather have starting?

Mark Nugent

I think the question was whether or not you wanted Chandler for the next four or five years at that price. Chandler has a history of major injuries and even bad play. The Mavs didn’t want to pay top dollar for a guy with those issues. I think it had more to do with that, then even the chance at Williams. Though I’d rather have Williams then Chandler every day of the week.

Chris

Hi Mark. How about this trade? Bulls get Kevin Martin, Lakers get Scola, Brewer, and Korver, and Houston gets Pau Gasol. Hamilton becomes the Bulls’ sixth man, Lakers add depth or dump salary, and Houston finally gets Pau.

Mark Nugent

I doubt that is enough for the Lakers to give up Gasol, but that trade sounds pretty good for the Rockets and Bulls.

diehardNFFLbarnone

Biggest threat to the Spurs out West: LAC, LAL, or MEM?

Mark Nugent

The Lakers

Bill A.

How ya feeling for tonight’s game? Will my Sixers put your Bulls out of their misery?

Mark Nugent

I think the Sixers will put the Bulls out their misery, but I’ll be rooting hard for the Bulls. A game seven would be a lot of fun. I still cry myself to sleep at night thinking about DRose’s injury.

Saulo

For some reason I keep looking at Austin River’s tapes and the kid seems to have star written all over him. He reminds me a bit of Steph Curry but more athletic (with a worse shot).. Would a backcourt of him and Rubio work? I tend to think it’d be amazing..

Mark Nugent

I worry about Rivers because he is just an average outside shooter and he needs the ball to be effective. I think the ‘Wolves would be better off drafting a shooter like Beal or Jeremy Lamb. Beal won’t be there when they pick 18, but Lamb could be. I’ll say this, whoever the best 2 guard is available at that point, that’s who they should take, Rivers, Lamb, whoever.

Saulo

Can you break down the best fit at SG for MN? To me Harden is by far the best, then OJ Mayo.. Kevin Martin and Eric Gordon.. in that order. But who’s more realistic and who’s a better fit of the available 2guards.

Mark Nugent

Harden is staying put in OKC, so don’t get excited by him. Gordon is going to cost a max or near max contract, so I think that’s out. Kevin Martin would be a good fit, but I’d go with youth and try and sign or trade for OJ Mayo this offseason. I think the TWolves could afford him and he would be a serious upgrade over what they currently have. The other guy I would pursue is Nick Young. He’s an offense only guy, but maybe Adelman could get him to buy in on D.

paprika

Hi ,whats your prediction on tonights den vs lal game? And wouldnt a coaching session with olajuwin benifitt a guy like javale? Athleticism plus footwork can be a strong key for him to be a superstar. Causei dont want him to just be adeandre jordan who the clippz ask him to give up scoring and just focus on D. I believe defense and offense should be balance for that kind of caliber.whats your take?

Mark Nugent

I have to pick the Lakers, but if JaVale McGee shows up like he is capable of AND Kobe is at 80% or so because of his illness, then all bets are off. I know I’m excited to watch all three of tonights games. I’m picking the Bulls (Yes I’m a homer), the Celtics, and Lakers tonight. Though I hope all three underdogs win and we get three game seven’s this weekend.

Mac

Kosta Kofous started the first two games of the Lakers/Denver series and now has got no burn the last few games in favor in Tim Mozgov and Javale McGee. What were the reasons for George Karl to make the change. And how do you project Kosta as a NBA pro?

Mark Nugent

I think McGee was playing so well he had to make the move. McGee is the only player on the Nuggets that can actually play against Bynum.

I Kosta is a bench player, a solid 15 minutes a game guy.

Randy D.F.

Draft Question:
I hate when teams draft centers. At all. It’s just a constant process of over-reaching for a guy that never pans out, and frequently busts explosively. Alright – that’s probably stretching the truth, but you feel my pain, right?
So this year DraftExpress has Andre Drummond ranked #2. But when you read his analysis of Drummond, it sounds like he secretly believes the bust potential is about 80%. The short version – Drummond has a great body. So does Adriana Lima, but she lacks game in the same other areas as Drummond.
Also, he can improve because he’s only 11 years old. He can defend, but beyond that, a variety of major weaknesses. What’s your take? Should Drummond model swimsuits, or play ball?

Mark Nugent

I think Drummond has a lot of potential and it all comes down to whether or not he becomes a motivated NBA player. The issue with Centers is there are not many of them around, you can’t teach height. So teams have to draft them or overpay for them. It’s why Kwame Brown is still in the league. I am a big fan of drafting ‘sure thing’ centers early, but then passing on guys like Drummond and then taking a chance on bigs late, like DeAndre Jordan or Omer Asik.

John

Hi mark thank you for doing the chat, are the spurs good enough to beat both miami and okc in a 7 game series and what are the chances of duncan winning his 5th ring this yr?

Mark Nugent

They are good enough, but we will have to wait and see. I’m still picking an OKC/Miami final, but the Lakers and Spurs have a great shot at making the Finals.

Lateak

Do u think the knicks should go after nash…. I think we can win a title with him

Mark Nugent

I don’t think they will have any money to sign him after they re-sign Jeremy Lin. And rest assured they will re-sign Lin. He makes them too much money and he has proven he can play.

H-town Billy

Should the Rockets start building with Dragic and Courtney lee, and package martin and lowry and scola for there super star they seek? And what or there chances for getting a star if there willing to part from lowry? Who is more valuable out of lowry and Dragic?

Mark Nugent

They won’t land a superstar in trade. If they could have they would have already. I think they basically need to start over and should consider trading anyone for a lottery pick or expiring contracts. They are not a playoff team, and they are not bad enough to land a good draft pick. That’s the worst place to be. They need to bottom out or land a superstar (which I don’t think will happen), so I’d be trading guys away for young talent and picks.

Lateak

Is t.evans a good fit 4 the blazers…. Does dwill go to dallas… I do… I think d12 best fit is tha lakers n bynum is the magic

Mark Nugent

I don’t think Evans is a good fit for the Blazers. I know Wes Matthews had a rough year, but I’m still a fan, plus Evans is going to be looking for a big contract. Plus I like Batum at the three, and I’ve said since day one that Evans is not a PG.

I think Dwill goes to Dallas, but he hasn’t let on what his plan is yet.

After this season, I doubt the Lakers would trade Bynum straight up for Howard, and I don’t blame them. You never know how long back injuries are going to last.

paprika

How do u think the bulls and the lakers would do in the off season? If u are the gm of both teams,what would u do?

Mark Nugent

I don’t think either team makes any major moves. And looking at the new CBA going into affect after next season, I probably would give each team one more year before making any moves. Both teams will pursue Howard, but I don’t think either team lands him.

Don’t expect the Bulls to do anything major. Rose is going to be out until February or so, and when he comes back he is unlikely to be 100%, so I think the Bulls are already looking to 2013-14 and whatever they do this offseason will be with that in mind.

Cricket

Steve Kerr is walking a thin line by saying he has seen a lot of Europeans who flop (in reference to the Galinari incident). If we were to break down NBA players by country, would Kerr be proven correct and Europeans have a higher percentage of gross embellishment than players from the US?

Mark Nugent

I would have agreed about 3 years ago, but now everyone is doing it. LeBron is as big a flopper as anyone in the NBA, he snaps his head back everytime he gets touched. Flopping drives me insane and almost everyone is guilty of it now.

Mac

Rank these players offensive talent / post moves / different ways to score? Javale McGee, DeAndre Jordan, Bismack Biyombo, and Kendrick Perkins

Mark Nugent

I think McGee is the best offensive player, then Jordan because of his crazy hops, then Perkins, then Biyombo.

Dr. J

It is obvious the Jazz need a PG. How about Millsap for Avery Bradley and a pick? Do you think Bradley can play point full time?

Mark Nugent

Bradley is an undersized 2 in my opinion. I’m hoping the Jazz end up with GS pick and they draft a PG this year. Otherwise going after a guy like Aaron Brooks in FA is a good idea as well.

luis

Deandre Jordan, growing pains or something worse?

Mark Nugent

He’s being exposed for the lack of offense and his lack of discipline on D. In my opinion.

Mac

Jeff Van Gundy is by far my favorite announcer during the playoffs. Who’s your all-time favorite and why?

Mark Nugent

Play by play is Marv Albert and second is Kevin Harlan. Love both those guys. Vin Scully by the way, who does Dodgers games is the greatest announcer of any sport all time. I’m not a huge baseball fan, but it’s poetry what he does.

Color guy, I really like Chris Webber. He does an excellent job, is very insightful and doesn’t say things just to spark controversy. I also really like Steve Kerr, although I wish he was a little more outspoken.

Sweet Dee

Will having Metta World Peace back for the second round help or hurt the Lakers? Buddy still has cement boots and no jimmy (compounded with a big ego). We can’t just concentrate on the single three pointer he made during the title run rather than the 16 other mediocre games. Your thoughts.

Mark Nugent

Probably help. they need his physical presence against Durant and Harden. Yes he makes bad decisions, but Sessions AND Blake closing out games will not get it done v. the Thunder. Westbrook and Harden would torch that backcourt.

Sweet Dee

My list of top floppers in the NBA: Derek Fisher, Anderson Varejao, JJ Barea, Raja Bell, and Manu Ginobli. Who’s on Mark Nugents current top 5 Flop Team?

Mark Nugent

I don’t have a list, everyone flops and it makes me sick. Watch the games tonight and watch how many times guys flop. I will say LeBron and Wade are huge offenders on offense.