NBA Chat With Mark Nugent 5/3/12

Join HOOPSWORLD’s Newsline Editor Mark Nugent for his weekly chat this Thursday at 6pm EST.  Mark is based out of Chicago and covers all things NBA so get your comments and questions in early.

  1. Aristotle

    Hey Mark,

    With New Jersey now starting fresh as Brooklyn, who do they make their star if Deron leaves?

    Do you try and trade for Melo from NY? Or any other superstar preferably from the area?

    Do you try and trade for Anthony Davis and have him as the face of this new franchise?

    Surely one of those All-Stars out there would love to be the face.

    • Mark Nugent

      They won’t be able to trade for another star right away if they lose Williams. They don’t have the assets to trade for a big name, they moved them all for Williams. Their best bet is Williams stays and they end up with a draft pick inside the top three, otherwise it goes to the Trail Blazers.

  2. Johnny

    Hey Mark, With the injury to D Rose ACL, do you think Chicago will keep D Rose out the whole year next year. I know if he comes back next year that he won’t be fully able to do everything he was once able to do. I heard players say it takes at lest a 1 1/2 years to fully recover. If Deny has surgery in the off season then they would be without their best two players to start the season & that would probably mean back to the lottery next year. That wouldn’t be a bad thing.

    • Mark Nugent

      I think they will be very cautious with him, but they will bring him back when he is ready. The most recent thing I’ve read is that 6-9 months is the average return time. My guess is he’ll be back near the end of that 9 months. But that is just a guess and no one will know anything until they actually do the surgery and see exactly how bad the injury is.

  3. Mike

    Do you think it would have been more beneficial for the Jazz if they had missed the playoffs? Not just based on the recent results vs the Spurs, but by having a lottery pick in a talented draft?

    • Mark Nugent

      No, the pick would only be a few spots higher than it is now, so it’s not likely to result in much difference when it comes to talent. The Jazz have a lot of young guys and I think the experience is worth it to make the playoffs.

  4. Jazzfan

    Mark thanks for the chat as a Jazz fan last night was tough but like a true fan I watched till the bitter (and somewhat releaving) end, I know in the long run this playoff experience will help with the growth of the young players, but why do you think Ty Corbin doesnt play Derrick Favors more? dude troe it up during the few minutes he was on the court and he’s a force on defense, play the kid!

    • Mark Nugent

      I think he likes the matchups with Jefferson and Milsap, but I agree that Favors is the Jazz best chance at a star. I also would like to see him play more, and my guess is the Jazz make a move this offseason to free up more playing time for Favors and Kanter. I think either Milsap or Jefferson could be on the move this offseason.

  5. Josh

    Mark,

    After the Jazz management uses this playoffs series to assess the team do you think they will understand that they need to trade Jefferson to open up a starting spot for Favors? Simply because the Jazz could go throw next year with this same team but they will end with the same result in a 1st round exit.

    • Mark Nugent

      I think it’s more likely the Jazz move Milsap, an undersized power forward and move Favors into the starting lineup at PF and keep Jefferson at the center. But I do expect someone to get moved.

  6. rap4ever

    Hi mark, What are the chances the Raptors, get to sign Danny Green? If they do, I think they should get rid of DeRozan. I believe Green, has better potential to contribute significantly under Casey’s system. Green, is an above average defender, w/c you can’t teach and a decent all around offensive player. if that happens DeRozan, is out of the picture. Do you agree?

    • Mark Nugent

      Not sure Green will be going anywhere. The Spurs have a history keeping their own players and I would expect that to happen with Green.

  7. Peter

    What do you think if Pacers offer Deron Williams max contract and then trade Granger for the Raptors draft pick so they could draft Beal. You all of a sudden have an extremely dangerous team with Deron, Beal, George, West and Hibbert. Plus Raptors are looking for a young veteran 3 and that is what Granger is letting George slide to his more natural 3 spot. Also what would you think of having his fellow countrymen Big Z come in on a veteran min deal out of retirement or as the Raptors big man coach to help Valanciunas on and off the court of his NBA life.

    • Mark Nugent

      I doubt the Raptors will trade their draft pick, but maybe. Williams is likely to stay in Brooklyn or move to the Mavericks. From what I’ve read the Pacers are interested in going after Eric Gordon.

  8. Cain

    Hey Mark, any reason for Paul George’s shooting struggles from range in the playoffs?

    • Mark Nugent

      Not sure, just a cold streak would be my thought.

  9. Dr. J

    The Spurs have been exposing the Jazz’s lack of ability to hit a jump shot. It is obvious a change needs to be made. One trade that was mentioned on twitter the other night was Al Jefferson for Ben Gordon and the number 9 pick. Any chance this happens?

    • Mark Nugent

      That’s an internet rumor as of right now. I could see a trade being made and Gordon would help the Jazz. But right now this is just a rumor.

  10. Mark ryan

    Will Kevin Durrant lead the league in scoring for at least the next 3 years?
    I don’t know anybody who will stop him from doing so.

    Who are some young up and coming players who could challenge Durrant for the scoring title in the next few years?

    • Mark Nugent

      There isn’t really anyone in college right now who will compete with Durant for the scoring title. His closest competition will be ‘Melo, Kobe, and LeBron.

  11. Mike aldridge

    Will John Wall or Kyrie Irving ever be as good as Derrick Rose or Russel Westbrook why or why not?

    I can honestly see Both Irving and Wall passing Westbrook in a few years.

    • Mark Nugent

      No. Those are two of the top five PGs in the league, I don’t see either being that good. I do see Wall and Irving both being excellent PGs, but top five in the NBA is unlikely.

  12. Jacob R.

    Which point guard would you rather draft and who has the highest Potential of these 4 and WHY?

    Damian Lillard, Tony Wroten, Kemba Walker or Brandon Knight.

    • Mark Nugent

      I like Brandon Knight. He’s got the size and speed to be a top pg, plus he’s a good shooter. I could see him being a solid pg for the next ten years.

  13. Bill Wallace

    Which players from the 2011 NBA Draft last year would be top 10 picks this year and Why?

    i say

    Kyrie Irving, Brandon Knight and Marshon Brooks.

    • Mark Nugent

      I think just Knight and Irving. Maybe Derrick Williams based on potential, but who knows.

  14. Jake allen

    If your the kings and Either Marcus Thorton, Tyreke Evans or Isiah Thomas HAVE to come off the bench who would it be any WHY?

    • Mark Nugent

      Thorton. He’s a perfect sixth man. he’s a great scorer and can provide that spark off the bench.

  15. Ron

    Kobe and Wade are already in there 30s, so in a few years who do you see being the best Shooting Guard in the NBA and Why?

    Eric Gordon Would be my choice

    • Mark Nugent

      I think Eric Gordon, if he stays healthy has the best chance, but that is a big IF right now. It could be someone who isn’t even in the league right now.

  16. Jake allen

    Would the Celtics do this Trade?

    Jazz give Paul Milsap, Devin Harris a Top 10 pick in the draft(if they get the warriors) for Rajon Rondo?

    Who says no?

    • Mark Nugent

      I think both teams would consider it even without the top 10 pick. I’m not sure the Jazz would be willing to trade that pick along with Milsap and Harris. Milsap and Harris for Rondo is a good deal for both teams.

  17. Mark ryan

    Who Will be the next Rookie to put up 20point 5 rebounds and 5 assists or who has best chance?

    • Mark Nugent

      It all depends on opportunity. If the Bobcats end up with the fourth pick and they take Kidd-Gilchrist, Beal or Barnes then they would have a legit shot at it.

  18. T-Nap in Indy

    If D-Will signs in Jersey or Big-D, should the Pacers take a look at Jason Kidd at mid-level for a couple seasons? I know he’s getting towards the end, but he’d still do wonders for this team with his passing.

    • Mark Nugent

      There is no Jersey, just Brooklyn now. The Pacers are set at PG with George Hill and Darren Collison, what they are looking for is a SG according to earlier reports.

  19. Focuslja

    Who says no:

    CHA: Tyrus Thomas/ 2012 2nd rd pick (31)

    CLE: Gibson/Walton (two) 2012 2nd rd picks

  20. Focuslja

    What positions/players do you predict the Charlotte Bobcats will try to fill with the Free Agent class available? (this is assuming they draft Anthony Davis)

    • Mark Nugent

      They won’t be spending any real money this offseason. They are going to build thru the draft for the next few seasons and then they will look to add a few free agent veterans.

  21. Lateak

    I think tha knicks should get nash n let lin walk…. We not goin to beat miami r chicago with lin

    • Mark Nugent

      Not going to beat Miami with a 39 year-old Nash most likely either. Plus Lin is a cash cow in New York. That guy is selling jerseys like hot cakes.

  22. charry

    Hi Mark, I just need to know your opinion on how raptors can improve their team through free agency and draft night. Whom do you think Raps need to keep in the team? Is it possible for them to get Dragic and Ilysova? Thanks for your time and for accomodating my questions. I always read your Q & A…

    • Mark Nugent

      Raptors need a SF, I hope they draft Kidd-Gilchrist or Barnes. I think either player would be a perfect fit for them. I don’t know if there are any great FA fits, I’d stick with the draft if I was the Raps and then maybe explore trades.

  23. Lateak

    Do u think d will goes to dallas…. I do…. D12 should choose tha lakers idk y he doesnt want to play with kobe… Plus if he goes to tha nets they will always be 2nd fiddle to tha knicks

    • Mark Nugent

      I think Williams definitely goes to Dallas, otherwise he stays in Brooklyn. Howard should be traded in the offseason, the Magic need to move on from him.

  24. Ntokozo

    The Spurs look like the team to beat this year. Do you see them winning the West or will they face some stiff competition from a younger team, say OKC?

    • Mark Nugent

      I think it’s wide open between the Thunder, Spurs, Lakers, and Grizzlies. I could see anyone of those four teams winning the West.

  25. Sweet Dee

    Pau Gasol was called the best passing big man in the NBA during last night’s telecast. I remember Arvydas Sabonis dropping some dirty dimes on two bum knees back in the day. Who is Mark Nugent’s current and all-time best passing big man?

    • Mark Nugent

      Bill Walton is the best all-time, unless you include Magic at 6’9” or Bird as big man, then they take the title. Currently I’m a big fan of Pau and Noah. Those two would be my top passers.

  26. charry

    Hi Mark,
    Do you think chicago should go after Hibbert and dragic to give more depth on their bench? If you were ask by Chicago’s management, to improve lineup in order for them to win championship, who will you add and give up? thanks

    • Mark Nugent

      They don’t have any money, unless they amnesty Boozer, which is highly unlikely to happen this offseason. The Bulls believe, by all accounts, that this team was good enough to win right now. I don’t expect them to make any major changes this offseason unless Howard is available at the right price (Basically Noah and Picks). I wouldn’t make any changes until I could bring over Mirotic, but I’d probably give this group one more shot, unless Howard does become available.

  27. Mark ryan

    No just college players who will challenge Durrant but any young up coming players like

    Eric Gordon, Marshon Brooks, Monta Ellis, Paul George, Austin Rivers, Marcus Thornton, Rudy Gay.

    • Mark Nugent

      The top scorers for the next five years will be Durant, ‘Melo, LeBron and for a year or two maybe Kobe.

  28. charry

    Thank you for answering all my questions earlier. From the 2012 draft, who has the potential to be a franchise player and why? Who is the best shooter in the draft? who is the best rebounder in the draft? who is the point guard in the draft? and lastly, who is the best defender in the incoming draft? Appreciate your time and opinion…

    • Mark Nugent

      No problem, I try to answer every question that is asked of me. I love Anthony Davis and think he is a franchise changer. He is the best defensive player to come in the draft in a long time and he actually has some good offensive tools. I see him being very very good in the NBA. best shooter is Beal, he is lights out. Rebounder is Davis as is defender. PG in my opinion is Kendall Marshall, but this is going to be the big debate on draft night. If I needed a true PG Marshall would be my guy, but in some mocks he is the second or third PG taken, which is crazy to me.

  29. lakeshow

    If you’re the lakers does it make sense to trade pau this offseason while he still has value and go after eric gordon to play under and eventually replace kobe? maybe landry and e gordon for pau and pieces?

    Also, would u amnesty mwp after his latest incedent. We could make a push for beasley…?

    • Mark Nugent

      It all depends on how far the Lakers go this playoffs. they look really good and could beat any team out west. If they win, they won’t make any major moves, if they lose then who knows. If World Peace plays well in the playoffs then no, I’d hold onto him for another year, if he stinks then I’d probably do it.

  30. Charry

    Would you consider trading boozer for hibbert? if you were trade someone from chicago to improve their line-up whom would you trade and who do you want to have in the team? Would you trade 2 chicago player for Pau Gasol? thank again :D

    • Mark Nugent

      No one wants Boozer, he has very little value with that contract and lack of defense. I’d trade Boozer for a lot of players, but most teams would laugh at me for even making the offer. I’d trade Boozer and picks for Gasol, but that’s not happening. Again, the only player the Bulls could trade for Boozer would be Stoudemire, which would be a terrible trade for the Bulls.

  31. Alex

    Pacers sign E.Gordon to an offer sheet, the only way the Hornets don’t match if it’s a sign and trade for P.George and Tyler Hansbrough and a pick. Do the Pacers do this deal?

    • Mark Nugent

      I don’t think the Pacers will trade Paul George. I think they will consider moving Granger this offseason, but not George. The Hornets may not match a max offer, we have no idea what the new owner is thinking right now.