NBA Chat With Mark Nugent 6/14/12

PANAMARED

gooood morning!! jason from portland. Having 2 picks which we havent had in a looong time what moves as a GM would you make to improve..Drummond? risky? Damian Llilard?

Mark Nugent

I would not trade the picks first and foremost and I would not package both to move up to 2. I’d keep them both and take the best players available. I love Lillard, and I think I’d take him 6th. I love the potential of Drummond, but I’m positive after being at the draft combine that Lillard won’t last until the 11th pick. No sources or inside info, it was just the buzz throughout the combine that he moved his stock way up. Then with the 11th pick I’d take the best center available, which to me will be Meyers Leonard. He also really impressed. Things could change depending on what the Bobcats do with the 2nd pick and even the kings at 5, but those are the two guys I’d probably target.

A starting five of Lillard, Matthews, Batum, Aldridge and Meyers would be tough.

Nick

Hey Mark,

Any thoughts on who the Warriors draft at number 7? Who do you think they will and who would you like them to draft? Also what are the chances of trading their 2 second round picks and their late first for a 10-20 first rounder?

Mark Nugent

Most mock drafts have the warriors taking a small forward, but I think they strictly go best player available. If that’s harrison Barnes so be it, if that’s Andre Drummond so be it. They are set at PG, SG, and C so a forward is likely the pick.

I think they could move into the mid to high twenties, but I don’t think they can crack the teens by trading the 30th pick and two 2nd rounders.

John

I think that there is apsoultly none chance gasol coming to chicago.What do you think where will he and are lakers overvalueing him consider his age and contract?

Mark Nugent

I don’t think there is any chance of Gasol landing in Chicago either. The Lakers are going to ask a lot for Gasol, if they do in fact trade him, and I don’t the Bulls would be willing to give up the assets. If Rose was healthy that might be a different story, but with his injury, the Bulls are unlikely to add veterans for this year, I think they will be looking to add youth to help build around Rose in the future.

Ronny

detroit:brewer,korver,c.j.watson,#29
chicagoo:ben gordon,bynum,#39.That would solve every bulls problems with sg position and detroit wouldn’t even think about this deal.

Mark Nugent

Bulls don’t want to add that big Gordon contract, plus he doesn’t play any defense. Fans need to move on from Gordon, it’s not going happen.

I think the Pistons would do this trade right now to rid themselves of Gordon’s contract.

Luka

Do you think that bulls will shut down rose for a year if he returns in march rather then risk playing straigth after recovery and possibly destroy his career and bulls future?Example gilbert arenas.

Mark Nugent

I think if the doctors clear him and he is working out and moving well, I believe the Bulls will let him play. Unless, the team is out of the playoffs, in which case they may shut him down the whole year and play for a pick. But if March 15th rolls around and the doctors say he’s ready, and he says he’s ready and he looks good in practice, and the Bulls are say the 7th seed in the East, I think they let him play.

JFK

How more season is kobe going to play?Is he caling it a day because lakers aren’t going to give him nowhere near 30mil.

Mark Nugent

He’s going to play until he can’t play any more. Every indication that he has ever given is he wants to play until he just can’t go. I say he plays at least 4 more years and possibly plays until he’s forty (7 more years).

WIZARD

If somebody offer hibbert a max deal what pacers do?Heat seria shown that he isnt worth that much?

Mark Nugent

I don’t think Hibbert will get a max offer, but I bet it’s close. I think the Pacers match no matter what. He’s a crucial part of their team. I think what they want to do is sign a guy like Gordon to a contract right away, see if the Hornets match it, then negotiate with Hibbert. In the end I think Hibbert remains with the Pacers.

WIZARD

#3 pick mkg,lewis for deng,brewer,korver,#29.Who say no.I think it would work for both teams

Mark Nugent

I think the Wizards do, but I’m not sure. Maybe both teams say no. If I’m the Bulls I don’t think I trade Deng for Kidd-Gilchrist. MKG projects to be a lot like Deng. If I’m the Bulls I’d rather have a scorer like Barnes or Beal to play next to Rose, someone that can really shoot the ball. This is a good trade, not sure what either team would say. I hope it happens, just for fun!
Mark Nugent

I think the Wizards do, but I’m not sure. Maybe both teams say no. If I’m the Bulls I don’t think I trade Deng for Kidd-Gilchrist. MKG projects to be a lot like Deng. If I’m the Bulls I’d rather have a scorer like Barnes or Beal to play next to Rose, someone that can really shoot the ball. This is a good trade, not sure what either team would say. I hope it happens, just for fun!

Jay

Do you think the Bulls are contemplating putting Deng on the trade block to possibly move up in the draft

Mark Nugent

I think they might look into it, but I doubt they do. Plus it’s no secret he’s injured so his value wouldn’t be all that high anyway.

The JOkeShow

Should the Jazz try to trade for Lowry and K-mart? How about those 2 and the 14th pick for Harris, Milsap, and Bell and a future pick?

Mark Nugent

That’s a steal for the Jazz, so that won’t happen. I don’t think the Jazz need a SG, I like Alec Burks. I think they could use Lowry in a big way and trading Millsap for Lowry would work for both teams.

brian

Are the Kings seriously shopping Tyreke Evans? His style doesnt really mesh well with Demarcus.

Mark Nugent

Rumors say they are looking into it. But the other day he was working out with GM Petrie, so that doesn’t sound like a guy on the block.

Sven

Hi Mark, great playoffs !
If OKC decides against paying luxury tax and has to choose between Harden and Ibaka, would they be willing to dangle Harden to the Bobcats for the 2nd pick ?
And would/should Bobcats take the deal ?

Mark Nugent

That decision doesn’t have to be made until next year, so there is no way Harden or Ibaka are not with the Thunder next season.

The Bobcats should trade the 2nd pick to the Cavs for number 4 and 24. and then take the best player on the board. I vote for a perimeter player to go with Irving. One of the following, Beal, Barnes or MKG.

Deven

Where do you think Gasol will end up? Chicago rumors are going around but I just cant see it.

Mark Nugent

I don’t think there is any chance. The Bulls won’t trade the assets that the Lakers will want, plus with the Rose injury I think the Bulls are trying to get younger, not older.

tapsilog

No writter or nba analyst can give an anwer on any laker question about them getting back to the finals.all answers are sounds like pau gasol will be hard to trade. So is it time for the 3 or 4 year finals hybernation for the lakers?

Mark Nugent

Yes it is. I think the Hawks and Lakers made this trade it makes both teams better. sign and trade Kirk HInrich and Josh smith for Gasol. That could help the Lakers get closer to the Finals, but it’s going to be real tough to beat the THunder.

shaq gone fishing

Who would u rather listen to, stephen a.smith or j.rome?

Mark Nugent

I am not a fan of either and don’t listen to either. I will say I used to love Jim Rome’s Radio show. But his schtick got a little old to me.

Stan

Harrison Barnes = a modern day Lamond Murray, a small forward who is strong and big enough to go inside but would rather shoot from mid range.
The Bernard King and Glen Rice comparisons are off because Barnes does not seem have the personality nor the skill level to take games over.
Care to comment on my analysis?

Mark Nugent

I think Barnes is a shooter and scorer who needs a PG to put him in a good position to be successful. He’s not the guy you can just give the ball to and he can go score. he’s more of the Ray Allen coming off screens or a guy who can get out on the break. I love Barnes and think he is going to be an excellent pro and eventually a 20 ppg guy. I’d love him on the Bulls and I trade Deng for his right’s. It would be a risk, but I’d go for it.

Mateo

How much do you think garnett and allen will worth in the free agency? Lang said 7m for garnett and 5m for allen. If thats the case, celtics can afford them and add another significant player. ( as long as allen will be comfortable playing off the bench. ) Another thing is if they sign for 1 yr, celtics can go after howard in 2013. Is these feasible?

Mark Nugent

I think Lang is pretty on target. I think both will sign for 1 year deals with a team option for a 2nd year. I think Allen leaves the Celtics, but I think KG returns.

Tom

Is it possible that the 76ers trade up in the draft for Drummond?

Mark Nugent

Possible? Yes, Probable? No.

Kevin

Does this work?

Rodney Stuckey to Utah

Pau Gasol to Detroit

Ben Gordon, Paul Milsap to Lakers

Throw in a couple picks. All sides are satisfied.

Mark Nugent

I don’t think Stuckey is enough for the Jazz. He’s more of a scorer than PG, and the Jazz need a PG.

Paulo Ferreira

Since Rose’s out, maybe it’s time for chicago to shed some salary and think outside the box.

Three scenarios:

01) Trade Deng and Watson (and/or Brewer) to Cleveland for the 4th pick. In this case, the cavs have cap space to absorb luol’s salary and still sign a free agent. Then, Chicago’d be able to resign Korver and sign a MLE point guard in the mold of Kirk, Andre Miller or Kidd. I’d even throw our pick and/or Kyle if they’d insist.

02) Trade Deng and our pick and/or Butler (maybe the right to swap 2012/2013 picks as well) for Ginobili and Kawhy Leonard. It works salary wise. It makes sense for the bulls because Ginobili is a great playmaker that chicago doesn’t have to help Rose and it may works for San Antonio cause luol is a lot younger and can help them stay competitive after duncan retires.

03) Trade Deng for Sacramento for their pick. Although they have cap, i assume they’d ask the bulls to take at least one bad contract (maybe Garcia?), so this would be my last option.

Which one you like the most and which ons(s) would you agree if you were san antonio, sacramento or cleveland?

Mark Nugent

I think the Bulls are looking at all scenarios. I’d definitely consider trading Deng, but I’d rather trade Asik who has a lot of value around the league for a later pick. I think 1 and 3 are possible, but I don’t think the Bulls would trade for Ginobili, it just doesn’t make sense. He’s on his way down and the Bulls want guys on the upswing.

Massey

Can you tell me the Celtics ten man rotation next year. And if they don’t make a big splash this year in fa what could they do need off season even j smoove snd dh 12 are free?

Mark Nugent

The Celtics are going to have a lot of cap space after next season and they will pursue Howard and Smith. Whether they land them is another story. I have no idea what their rotation will be. I think Allen leaves, and KG stays though.

Chad M.

Mark, sounds like Jameer Nelson has chosen to opt out of his deal. If you’re the Denver Nuggets, would you be interested in him as a replacement for Andre Miller? He opted out of 8mil but wants a long term deal. Would a deal similar to Al Harrington’s work? (4/5 years, starts around 5/6mil-ish, last two years partially guaranteed?)

Mark Nugent

If I’m the Nuggets, no I don’t want Nelson. You don’t pay 5 million for a backup PG.

Brian

Hey Mark, I read on ESPN that the Kings and Bulls are talking about a trade of Evans and the 5th for Noah and the 29th. I’m a Kings fan and think they are giving away too much for that deal.

How about the kings get Noah, Deng, and the 29th for Evans, Hayes, Salmons, and the 5th. That way the Kings get some strong veterans, and the Bulls get the guard help they will need till Rose is back, get Drummond at the 5th pick, can use Hayes till Drummond is ready, PLUS they are saving about $8 million in salary.

Just wanted to get your thoughts, thanks.

Mark Nugent

If the Bulls make a deal, and that is a big IF, they won’t trade more than one name player. So there is no way they trade Noah and Deng. The Bulls want a wing that can score and will consider making a deal to land one, but they won’t sell the farm.

Deven

Please tell me Kevin Garnett won’t be back with the Celtics next year. If so, where will he end up?

Mark Nugent

I can’t tell you that. I’d bet he’s back.

Chris

Hi Mark,
I was just wondering if a trade like this would work…
Kings receive Iggy and #15
Sixers receive Tyreke and #5

….p.s is there any other Iggy trade ideas you like

Mark Nugent

I doubt either team would do that, but I would do it. I think this is a great trade and I would make if I was both team’s.

DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER TRADE IDEAS?

Steve

Hi Mark,
I’ve watched Wade very closely (on TV) his entire career.
The dude looks slow and heavy out there.
Is he hurt or just tired/aged or disinterested??

Mark Nugent

He is definitely hurt. You don’t have your knee drained if you are 100%. He is very interested. He’s a competitive dude and want’s to win badly. I also think he is just getting older. He’s taken a beating over the years and he is slower than he was two years ago.

Steve

Mark,
At the draft combine, are players weighed with shoes on or off?
They play with shoes on, after all….

Mark Nugent

actually I don’t know. I know they do height with shoes on and off.

Chad M

Mark, sounds like Jameer Nelson has chosen to opt out of his deal. If you’re the Denver Nuggets, would you be interested in him as a replacement for Andre Miller? He opted out of 8mil but wants a long term deal. Would a deal similar to Al Harrington’s work? (4/5 years, starts around 5/6mil-ish, last two years partially guaranteed?)

Mark Nugent

I would not sign him if I’m the Nuggets. Too much money for a backup PG.

Steve

Hi Mark,
Interesting that the two finalists are completely different business models of how to build a team….free-agent stars and old vets (Miami) VS young draft picks and clever trades/waiver pick-ups etc. (Thunder).

Mark Nugent

Yes it is, it’s why these Finals are so fascinating.

Steve

Mark,
How much is D Howard’s trade value and future contract value hurt by his somewhat serious back injury? Is it Karma?

Mark Nugent

I don’t think the back injury will concern too many teams. He’s the best Center in the league and until he gets back on the court and proves he CANNOT play, every team in the league will want him.

Kevin

Realistically, what moves do you see Lakers making? Are they going to hit a home run or just a couple singles?

Mark Nugent

I think they try and trade Gasol and if that fails, then I don’t see them doing much of anything.

likeabull

What moves would you make prior to up coming Season? Draft/trades you consider. Would cavs trade 33•34 for watson? So bulls can pick up orlando johnson and buford

Mark Nugent

There are too many scenarios i would do or consider. I’ll say this, I would not make that trade if I’m the Bulls. I’d either keep Watson or not pick up his team option.

Jason M.

I see Austin Rivers out of the lottery in a lot of mock drafts and I don’t get it. I actually think he will look much better in the pros than at Duke because he will have iso’s ran for him and it will be easier for him to dominate the ball effectively. Am I wrong?

Mark Nugent

You are not wrong, but the question is, is he strong enough to get to the rim in the NBA? he’s skinny and quick, but is he NBA quick? I think Rivers is destined to be a sixth man extraordinaire like Jason Terry.

Chris

Any chance that the Heat move Wade, and if so, what do you think the most likely landing spot for him would be? Bulls or Lakers possibly?

Mark Nugent

I doubt it. The HEAT have made the Finals two years in a row and may still win the championship this year. If he is ever traded they will send him out west. No way Riley trades a star in the East to come back and haunt him.

likeabull

Would warriors trade wright/biedrins #7 for deng/asik # 29
They get an all star/ asik. Bull might over pay to keep him. Wright is a better shooter than deng and we save cash to resign deng. But whom do we get at 7

Mark Nugent

I don’t think the Bulls would do that. That’s way to much to give up for #7. I like the idea of trading Asik though.

Roon

I would love to see the Bobcats move out of the #2 spot. What are some potential deals you could see them doing?

Mark Nugent

Cavs #4 and #24, Blazers #6 and #11 (Though I doubt the Blazers would do this), Kings #5 and a player (Tyreke Evans perhaps) Most trade scenarios have to return the Bobcats a lottery pick, otherwise I think they hold onto #2 and pick either Thomas Robinson or MKG.

luis

clippers trade mo williams and Ryan Gome to Dallas for Marion and Odom. Help/hurt bot teams?

Mark Nugent

Odom is going to be bought out and Dallas would love to rid themselves of Marion’s contract. I think the Clippers would be wise to trade Williams, but they need his scoring off the bench, so they would have to get another scorer or some kind.

likeabull

Noah for evans + 5th pick. Deng +29th for calderon and 8th pick. Please tell me these r false rumors. But what trade would u do to get bulls in lottery

Mark Nugent

I doubt either trade happens. I could see the bulls making a trade, but I don’t think Noah is going anywhere. Even though he keeps getting injured, he is the heart and soul of the team (with Rose) and I doubt they trade him. Deng though, could maybe be had, but I think it will take more than the 8th pick for it. I could actually see him being traded to the Kings for Evans and the 5th, but the 8th pick isn’t enough. I’d do Deng or Asik for anything in the top 5. What I’d love to see happen is for the Bulls to make a trade that lands them somewhere between 12 and 18 and they draft a SG like Rivers, Lamb, Ross, or Waiters. Plus they wouldn’t have to give up as much. Maybe Asik and future picks.

John

Whats up with my Phoenix Suns. They seem to have a lot of cap space. So would it be a realistic move to sign Eric Gordon and resign Nash amnesty SF Josh Childress and keep J Dudley at the SF. Trade H Warrick. I would also Sign KG. This would be the Suns.

PG S Nash
SG E Gordon
SF J Dudley
PF K Garnett
C M Gortat

Mark Nugent

KG isn’t going there. He’s old and wants to play for a title and he loves playing for Rivers. Expect him back in Boston next year. The Suns need to start over and build through the draft, I wouldn’t spend any serious money this offseason.

Chris

Do you think that the Hornets would deal the #1 pick for Andrew Bynum? Would the Lakers consent?

Mark Nugent

The Hornets will not trade the #1 pick. Davis is a huge talent, will be on a cheap contract and will be under team control for 7+ years, give or take. Davis projects as a Kevin Garnett type player, which is better than Bynum.

John

I really think Phoenix is gonna be really active this offseason what have you heard about them.

Mark Nugent

Very little. They want Nash back, other than that haven’t heard anything.

k sharma

Is Austin Rivers really 6’5?

Mark Nugent

with shoes. Without I think he measured about 6’3.5” I’ve stood next to him and he seems shorter than 6’5” even in shoes, but that was an official measurement of the NBA, so that’s what it is.

Ryan

If the raptors were to trade their pick, what package would you see them put together with what team?

Mark Nugent

not sure, The only deal I’ve heard is with the Bulls and I doubt that happens. They need a SF, so if a team offers them a good SF I think they will deal.

Chris

Hey mark
I was wondering what possible trades for Iggy you could see happening? Also out of McGee and Lopez who could you see going to a different team for a nice new contract?

Mark Nugent

I haven’t heard any trades involving Iggy.

I think both end up back with their current team.