NBA Chat With Mark Nugent 7/12/12

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. Jay

    Hearing da bulls may attempt to pick up gerald green, I can dig that, but is there news about them and lou williams and if not then why aren’t they?? We should be able to have some room if we don’t pick the watson or brewer option right?

    • Mark Nugent

      Green signed elsewhere sadly, but more than I would have paid for someone who is yet to succeed in the NBA. Lou Williams signed with the Mavs where he will likely be their starter. The Bulls have zero room they are at the luxury tax threshold and likely will surpass it once they match the eventual offer to Omer Asik.

  2. joe

    1. Who would u draft. 23 year old Kobe or 23 year old Shaq? 2. What do u think 25 yr old Shaq would avg in todays nba( no ewing, olawjuwon, robinson)

    • Mark Nugent

      Shaq. In Shaqs prime, from the ages of 23-32, outside of Michael Jordan he was the most dominant player in basketball. Not the best necessarily, but most dominant. He had to be double teamed every time he touched the ball otherwise he would kill your team. I would take Shaq in his prime over just about every player to ever play, the exceptions are MJ, Bird, Magic, Kareem, Wilt, and that’s about it. He didn’t have as a great a career as those guys, because in my opinion he lacked focus and drive, but his three year run from 2000-2003 was as good as anyone has ever had.

  3. Benny Da Bull

    Mark,

    Give me some good Bulls news. I know that the writers at Hoopsworld tend to believe that keeping the Bulls as they are is a good thing however to get past the Heat the Bulls need more Guns. As part of that how about a sign and swap of Asik for CLee between the Bulls and the Rockets. Also Greg Steimsma would be a decent replacement for Asik’s productivity. Your insight? Your thoughts?

    • Mark Nugent

      Their is really no good Bulls news. They seem intent on standing pat with the team they have plus Kirk Hinrich. As for me, I think they should make some changes, I think they should try and sign and trade OJ Mayo for Kyle Korver and a pick. I think they should pursue Courtney Lee, although I doubt they can get him. I think they definitely should match Asik and I would want him at that money more than I would want Courtey Lee at the same money. Steisma will eventually cost too much because the Bulls are up against the tax so all they can offer is the vet min. I also wouldn’t mind seeing the Bulls take the plunge and offer Noah and the Charlotte pick for Howard. I wouldn’t give up the farm for Howard unless he agrees to an extension, but I would take a serious run at him even for a one year rental.

      The HEAT have gotten better this offseason, the Bulls have not. I want the Bulls to either go for it right now, or decide they can’t win this season and put the pieces in place for next season. That would mean maybe amnestying Boozer, getting an OJ Mayo or CLee. There are options out there, it just seems like the Bulls aren’t really looking at them. They seem content to play this out until 2014 when big contracts come up or only have a year or so left on them. Which to me is a mistake.

  4. Deven

    I have a Dwight question to ask. Hope it’s okay. Whenever he gets traded, does he sign the extension with his new team right away or wait until next year?

    • Mark Nugent

      It depends on where he gets traded to. He would sign right now with Brooklyn, but apperantley that’s the only team.

  5. Deven

    What’s taking Tim Duncan so long to re-sign with the Spurs?

    • Mark Nugent

      He did re-sign, not sure what you mean. He re-signed on the first day he was able to.

  6. Bryant

    Hey Mark!
    I’m really excited about Damian lillard, should I be? could you give me a prediction of his rookie stats?

    • Mark Nugent

      Yes you should be. I was at the draft combine and I watched him very closely and he was head and shoulders above the other PGs in this class. He can really shoot from deep, he’s strong, quick, and can even defend. I see him averaging 15 points and 5 assists in his rookie season, which are really good numbers for a PG. There may be some bumps in the road, since this will be a serious step up for him from where he played last year, but I have high hopes for him in the NBA. It also helps that he has LaMarcus Aldridge to play alongside.

  7. Trez

    My man Mark, what do you think of these trades? Thanks.

    -CHA trades Walker/Kidd-Gilchrist to GS for Curry/Barnes

    As hometown Curry has those ankle issues, if the ‘Cats still wanted him, this package is respectable, and they’d get Barnes of UNC fame. GS gets NCAA Winners/Warriors.

    -NO signs & trades E. Gordon to IND for P. George/Barbosa/D. Jones

    Pacers get hometown EJ & Hornets start Davis/Rivers alongside an on the rise Paul George playing his natural position.

    -CHA signs & trades Augustin to HOU for Royce White/Marcus Morris

    Instead of, or along with Jamison, the ‘Cats get running with these budding tweener forwards & Rox get their PG of Longhorn fame.

    • Mark Nugent

      The Bobcats like MKG and think he can really play. GS has shown zero inclination to trade Curry. So neither side is interested in this.

      I love the Gordon trade. I thought both teams should have done this trade. George is a great fit and cheap for the Hornets and the Pacers need someone like Gordon and can afford to pay him. It would have made perfect sense. Alas, it’s not meant to be.

      Houston doesn’t need Augustin and would never give up two good assets for a backup PG.

  8. TJ

    What side of Clipper trade has more value please?

    1- side A is Bledsoe versus side B is Lamb, T. Jones?

    2- side A is Bledsoe and 2-year Caron contract versus sign-and-traded high market contract for Batum and a future 1st?

    3- can griffin play C for long stretches with a guy like odom at PF?

    Thanks!

    • Mark Nugent

      1. for the Clippers it’s Bledsoe, they need him and he is a perfect for them. For every other team it’s probably Lamb and Jones.

      2. Batum is way over priced in my opinion, I wouldn’t go anywhere near that contract.

      3. Odom likely is the center in those situations and he can definitely do it for 15 minutes a night, assuming his mind is in the right place.

  9. Winston

    What do you think the Mavs will do during the rest of this offseason?

    What do you think they SHOULD do?

    • Mark Nugent

      I think they should and will pursue Elton Brand off waivers and pursue a cheap SG option. Not sure they have much luck for the guard though. But really they need to completely start over. They will be lucky to make the playoffs this year, if they start slowly, they should at least consider trading Dirk. They won’t, but if they want to rebuild, now is the time to do that.

  10. Naj

    Most of the teams are getting ready for the next season maybe 90% of it. How about D.Howard? I think he will end up again in orlando because of his attitude on choosing team to deal with. I know this is business, but come on this is basketball. Where is the love for the game?!

    • Mark Nugent

      I think Howard will either add some teams to his list that he would like to play for, or he will start the season in Orlando. I don’t see how the Magic can trade him to Brooklyn for a maxed out Brook Lopez and some bad draft picks. Better to let him walk for free then take on that contract. In the offseason it’s always about business. Once the season starts, no matter where Howard is playing, I expect him to go hard.

  11. Gustavo A.Thomas

    Lang Greene said last night CH.bulls fan need to be patient with the team. Can you agree with that? How you can be patient when you know your team lose the season before start?and the front office no make any move to bring good players to win championship.CH.Bulls fan around the world need to be moré vocal on our team decisión or we never see another title on lifetime. What you think.

    • Mark Nugent

      I think the Bulls are missing a golden opportunity to make some big moves this offseason. They could have tried to trade the non-guaranteed contracts of Brewer and Watson to take back some salary, but they didn’t. They could still trade Korver for someone in a S&T, but that seems unlikely. They could have amnestied Boozer and been a real player with the MLE this offseason, but there is no chance they would ever do that. As I read somewhere earlier today, the Bulls are a huge market team that act like a small market team. It is what it is.

      I still think a S&T for Courtney Lee or OJ Mayo for Korver’s non-guaranteed deal and a first round draft pick makes sense for all parties.

  12. mario

    Hey mark why don’t the bulls work a sign and trade with houston for asik and go after courtney lee or something why aren’t they doing something they need real help for derrick

    • Mark Nugent

      I don’t value Lee more than Asik. I do value Lee more than Kyle Korver and a first round draft pick next season though, so that I’d do. I’d only S&T Asik to the Rockets if they included the draft right’s to Jeremy Lamb. I think Lamb could be very good and I would take that risk. We know what we are getting in Lee and I’d rather have Asik.

  13. Mutang

    Hey Mark,I love the moves made so far by Utah, definitely addressed some needs. Do you hear any other rumors involving Utah players? Kind of hoping to hear one involving Philly and their excess of SF’s, and Utah their excess of bigs; both need the other position.

    • Mark Nugent

      Sorry, I haven’t heard anything new on the Jazz. I also liked the moves they’ve made so far.

  14. Brandon

    wat do you think about the rockets? if they get Dwight do you think they would get another star to play with him? I’ve heard rumors like Rudy gay, iggy, or Josh Smith? wat do you think?

    • Mark Nugent

      I think the Rockets will try to land another star to pair with HOward, but most likely if they land Howard they will have used all their assets to obtain him. If they don’t land Howard I really like how they have started their rebuilding process. Once they trade Kevin Martin and Luis Scola for young talent or picks, they will be in good shape. However, they have to use those picks wisely otherwise they could be bottom dwellers for a long time. But I do like what they are trying to do.

  15. LA in LA

    Also do you think Bulls could get Courtney Lee for their Mini-MLE or would they have to do a S&T? They need a SG upgrade.

    • Mark Nugent

      The Bulls used their mini MLE on Kirk Hinrich, so it would have to be a S&T. I think they need a young shooting guard that they can play next to Derrick Rose. I like Veterans when you are going for the title, but I think they need an OJ Mayo or Courtney Lee to pair with Rose for the next few years. Let those two grow together.

  16. GS Fan

    With all of the moves and draft this year, it seems like more pieces are being added to being a decent team. Am I being too overly optimistic or does it look like things are starting to turn around?

    • Mark Nugent

      What team are you referring to? Please ask again with the team involved in the question.

  17. rodney

    Can detroit trade prince?Who are looking for veteran sf with championship experience?

    • Mark Nugent

      Sure they can. His contract is definitely high, but 3 years and 21 million isn’t insane. I think they would trade him if a they got something decent in return. But Prince seems to like Detroit and is a good veteran for the locker room.

  18. Ryan

    What do you think the Jazz next move will be? Any chance of them picking up Korver or Ronnie Brewer?

    • Mark Nugent

      I think they are looking to build with their young guys. I think they want Alec Burks to take the 2 guard job. I wouldn’t expect much from them between now and the start of the season. I could be wrong of course.

      Expect them to entertain offers during the season for one of their bigs.

  19. Gustavo A.Thomas

    Can I use your chat to call every CH.bulls fan around the world to asking for D Howard trade to CH. Everybody together PLEASE,PLEASE.players like that,WE NEED.

    • Mark Nugent

      I’m all for pursuing Howard, but I wouldn’t give up all my assets if he won’t agree to sign an extension. I’d do Noah, a Bulls draft pick, and then one of the following: Deng/Gibson/Mirotic/or the Charlotte pick. But that’s it. If he agrees to an extension, well then all bets are off. I’d trade essentially anything for him not named Rose. This trade would be a good deal for the Magic. Noah/Deng/Charlotte Pick/and 2 Bulls first rounders for Howard/Richardson or Hedo.

  20. Jon

    The Raptors are starting to look like a better team with the acquisitions of Lowry an Fields and also JoVal coming in this year. Do you see Colangelo bringing in Batum or Iggy or even Gay on a S&T deal sending a calderon package?

    • Mark Nugent

      They just signed Batum to an offer sheet, but expect the Blazers to match. They have said all along they intend to keep Batum. I love the Lowry trade and I think Jonas could be very good. I finally like what the Raptors are doing. Don’t count on Iggy or Gay being traded.

  21. Cody

    Are the clippers a sleeper in the dwightmare marathon. IMO Bledsoe dj and Caron for Dwight and bad contract could set up Orlando into hornets status. Orlando would be set to draft a high pick to add to dj and Bledsoe and Caron while erasing one bad contract hedo/jRich and getting multiple late round first rnd picks. Dj’s contract isn’t horrible compared to Lopez and even bynums max offer he will get even though he played one healthy season. Bynum won’t extend in Orlando, Lopez just got maxed out, you would think Dwight would agree to play with cp3 and griffin right?

    • Mark Nugent

      The Clips are a sleeper, but unless they offer Blake Griffin, it’s unlikely to happen, and by all accounts they won’t offer Griffin. Bledsoe and Jordan aren’t nearly enough. They can get better than that from the Rockets.

  22. Gustavo A.Thomas

    Two possible trade. CH. Get DHOWARD,ORLANDO get DENG,NOAH and two 1round pick.another one S&T HOUSTON get O. ASIK,and CH.get J.LAMB.what you think?who say no?

    • Mark Nugent

      Deng/Noah may not be enough for Howard. The Magic want a lot, and they should, he’s the best big man in the game.

      I like the idea of Asik for Jeremy Lamb, but that is about the only player on the Rockets I would trade for Asik. I like Courtney Lee but I would rather have Asik. The upside for Lamb I would take though.

  23. Kid

    hey mark, if luis scola is amnestied, can he be a potential suitor for the 76ers?!what team would you like to see oj mayo play for next year?what is up with chicago and the over haul of pgs if they trade korver for luke?

    • Mark Nugent

      Scola will have a lot of options if he is willing to play for 1-5 million per season. The Sixers would do very well to sign him.

      I’d like to see Mayo on the Bulls. If not the Bulls then a team where he can play 32 minutes a night, like the Suns.

      From the sounds of it, that Korver deal is dead. Not sure why they would want another PG with Teague and Hinrich and eventually Rose. But the Bulls have been confusing this offseason.

  24. Nick

    What bigger guard would be a good fit for Milwaukee? Courtney Lee?

    • Mark Nugent

      The Bucks have Monta Ellis, so if they get someone it will just be as a backup. Lee would be a great fit.

  25. Julian

    Where will swingman Andre Iguodala most likely end up now since it’s pretty much ascending to a conclusion that Iggy won’t be playing in a Sixers’ uniform?

    • Mark Nugent

      I bet Iggy starts the year with the Sixers. I’d actually be surprised if he was traded. He has two years and almost 30 million left on his deal. That’s a big pill to swallow for most teams. I think next offseason we could see him moved, but I doubt this year.

  26. Dwayne

    Hey Mark,

    If the Lakers age has been their problem, why do they continuously try to get older? I mean they are going after guys like Jamison and Grant Hill instead of some youngsters with legs that can get it done in the open court. Honestly I have no idea when was the last time I seen a Laker fast break bucket.

    • Mark Nugent

      Youngsters cost more money and usually aren’t ready to chase a title. The vets are looking to live in a warm climate and chase that elusive title. They are more likely to play for the minimum than say OJ Mayo. But yes, the Lakers could use some younger legs, but that doesn’t look like that’s going to happen any time soon.

  27. Philip Fletcher

    Can the spurs get
    darko off of amnesty?

    • Mark Nugent

      I don’t believe so. I believe they are capped out and only teams with cap space can bid on waived amnesty players. If he becomes an unrestricted free agent then they can pursue him just like any other team.

  28. Leo

    With the current roster, what do you think the Golden State Warriors next moves should be ?

    • Mark Nugent

      They need a legit backup center, because Bogut has a very very long history of injury.

  29. Reggie

    So Bobcats rescind QO from Augustin and he signs w/Indy. I smell a hose job and the Cats just let another lotto pick walk for nothing. Ray/Ray, was allowed to walk as well. Was this bad move by Cho? MJ being to cheap to keep QO? or Augustin being slick and devious since there were talks of s/t w indy recently?
    As a suffering Cats seasoin tix holder want your esteemed opinion, thanks for taking time for the fans….

    • Mark Nugent

      Augustin is a backup PG in the NBA, and that’s it. It was a bad pick at the time and the team let Larry Brown make it (Rumored anyway) and they should have taken Brook Lopez who was the consensus pick at that time for the Bobcats. Felton was essentially the same thing as Augustin, but that was the right pick at the time, just a terrible draft that year. I would have let Augustin go, I have no problems with that. They want to see if Kemba is a starter in the NBA or a backup and this year should determine that.

      Tough being a season tix holder for the Bobcats, I wish you luck this year.

  30. John

    Isn’t 11.65mil per year WWAAYY too much for Nic Batum? Wouldn’t it be better for the Blazers to let him walk and let the Wolves be stuck with that bad contract?

    • Mark Nugent

      In my opinion, IT IS WAAAAAAY TOO MUCH! I like Batum at about $6 million per season, but there are some very smart people out there that still believe Batum can be a number 1 option on a playoff team. I disagree with them, but I’m just a writer. I think the Blazers should have trade and acquired either a pick or two or maybe a player for Batum. But they seem intent on matching the offer. So time will tell who is right.

  31. CAS

    Nash-Kobe-Ebanks/Grant Hill/MWP-Gasol-Dwight

    #17?

    • Mark Nugent

      Nothing is a shoe in, but having Howard makes them more of a title contender than having Bynum. I still think the Thunder are the team to beat. The Lakers have no one to stop Westbrook or Durant. Howard will help, but if you can’t stop those guys from getting into the paint, it’s going to be a long series, and I would still pick the Thunder. I would say the Lakers would be number 2 with Howard though.

  32. Ryan Gilbert

    Mark,

    I use to work with at PGA Tour. Glad to see you doing your thing. You and I use to talk Bulls, Magic all the time. Watching the Magic summer game right now.

    Bulls vs Magic in the Eastern Conference Finals next year? Hey, a fan has to dream, right?

    • Mark Nugent

      Ryan Gilbert, great to hear from ya! Keep clicking on the site!

      Sorry to say, but their is no chance for your Magic, I feel for you. Sad to see a star player want to leave like Howard is doing now. Real Sad. I love the TOUR!!!