NBA Chat With Mark Nugent 7/19/12

Jay

Mark Eric Gordon how is he viewed around the NBA? Is he consider a “Max” talent?

Mark Nugent

A crazy amount of questions today, I’ll try and get to as many as possible. Forgive me if I don’t get to yours.

Gordon isn’t considered a max player due to injury, but he is definitely a max talent. If he can stay healthy he will earn that contract.

brian y

I think the Kings ar going to be one of the more improved teams this year. I belive DMC will play himsef into the discussion of best bigmen in the game. your thoughts?

Mark Nugent

I think Cousins has all the talent in the world and if he really dedicated himself he could be a top five center in the league without question and could easily lead the Kings to the playoffs. However, I don’t expect that to happen. Cousins has a lot of growing up to do before he comes anywhere near his potential. I do think the Kings will be much improved this year and if they can share the ball they should be able to compete for that last spot out West. But again, I doubt they share the ball the way they need to. Lot of guys want to shoot on that team.

brian y

How “under the radar” do you think the Kings might be this year?

Mark Nugent

I doubt very much they will be under radar. Flying under the radar means they are a playoff team no one thought would get there. I don’t think they are a playoff team.

tj

why are the bulls so cheap all the other teams over the cap are making big moves an we cant even sign a courtney lee with a sign an trade for a pick this year it wont be a lottery pick anyway 3rd largest market but never make any big boy moves we got lucky with rose in the draft or we really would be horrible

Mark Nugent

I have no idea why the Bulls refuse to make moves that would improve the team. They are going to be capped out for the next 2-3 years so why not try adding a CLee or OJ Mayo in a sign and trade or even buy a pick in the second round of the draft? Why do nothing then add veterans who have no upside like VRad and Darko.

The Bulls are making the same mistake the Cavs made with LeBron, they aren’t adding any young talent the Bulls can build with Rose. Someone like Mayo is a young guy that can improve along with Rose. The Bulls need to add a scottie Pippen type player and until they do that, I will always worry that Rose will leave when his contract is up. Mind you that’s five years from now, but he’ll only be 28-29.

tj

what are the chances rose returns to mvp form from this injury an can u name players who have had a hard time regaining there form an players who did return to form

Mark Nugent

I’ll be really happy if Rose returns to about 90% of what he used to be. That means he wouldn’t be a MVP candidate but would be a top five PG in the NBA. The doctors say he can return to 100% as long as he rehabs and works his butt off and knowing what I know about him he will do exactly that. But I’ll be happy if he’s still an all-star in 18 months.

Christian Frank

Should NBA superstars play in the Olympics? Why or why not?

Mark Nugent

I’m fine with it. What I’ve always said is I’d like to see Stars only play once though. But I’m cool with stars playing, it’s fun.

moe

would the bobcats do a MKG trade for James Johnson, Ed Davis and Demar Derozan…bobcats dont have a pf and will get a young one with great upside, with Demar who can be a future allstar and james johnson who is a serviceable roll player..all 3 raps players are very young…terrence ross and mkg would be amazing together…if they say no i think the raps should take tyrus thomas..i dont see the cats saying no..raps can amnesty him
what do you think?

Mark Nugent

nope. Bobcats want cheap young star quality talent. They are building through the draft and no one on Toronto has the upside that MKG does.

Deven

I’ve read some reports lately about how Chris Paul still wants to go to the Knicks? I understand that he turned that extension down because he’ll get more money next summer when he becomes a free agent. Is it still a possibility he goes to NY next summer?

Mark Nugent

Sorry everyone, we are having some server issues. I may not get to nearly as many questions today as I’d hoped.

If those rumors are true it goes to be extremely hard for Paul to end up on the Knicks. They are capped out and they don’t have assets that would likely interest the Clippers enough to trade him there. I doubt very much that that happens.

Mateo

Is there a way celtics can get mcgee? How about sign and trade for bass, steimsma, fab melo for javale?

Mark Nugent

McGee is said to be re-signing with the Nuggets.

Kareem

Do you see the Pacers making any more moves after signing Green, Augustin, Hibbert, Hill and trading for Mahinmi? What position do you see them in the Eastern Conference next year?

Mark Nugent

Nope, the Pacers like the Bulls are sticking with what they have I believe.

I see them as number 2 or 3 behind the HEAT and with the Celtics.

Deven

Fact or Fiction: Dwight Howard will be a member of the Magic when the season begins.

Mark Nugent

I’d say fiction. I think they trade him before training camp, but I think they wait until September, at least August.

Deven

Where do you see the Bulls in the standings next year with or without Derrick Rose?

Mark Nugent

I think the Bulls finish fifth, maybe fourth. I don’t see them finishing ahead of the HEAT, Celts or Pacers, but everyone else is up for grabs. I think the Nets will finish fourth with the Bulls fifth, but don’t rule out Thibs as a regular season coach. He really gets his guys locked in during the regular season and the Nets will be playing together for the first time.

quiapo jeep ride

What does aaron brooks means to sactown? Jimmer and isiah t. Will be fighting for 6th man minutes? Who will pick deonte green and twilliams? And thomas robinson in my opinion can scare cousins to stop his kid like tantrums and be the rookie team captain of this team that this young core babdly needs. Your take?

Mark Nugent

I like Brooks, but he is a scoring PG. They need a true PG who is looking to pass first or they need to move Evans or Thornton. To many guys need the ball on that team to be effective, not enough role players. I expect Brooks to start and take minutes from Thomas and Jimmer. Not sure Jimmer is going to play much, because Thomas is definitely a better PG than Jimmer. I hope your right about Robinson, I love that guy and hope he has a huge impact on the Kings. Cousins has all the talent in the world and hopefully Robinson’s work ethic will rub off on him.

Chris Magee

Hi fan from Toronto here. I think the magic should sign Jason Kapono, it would solve all their problems. Dwight Howard is usually around Kapono’s close circle of friends. He can be their best 3 point shooter with all the attention Dwight would get, and he can lock down the 2 and 3 spot on defence with his long arms and mean IQ. Also will Nash, Calderon and Kapono inducted into canada’s hall of fame? some day?

Mark Nugent

Kapono is a 12th man and nothing else at this point. He won’t change anything with regards to Howard. Nash will be in Canada’s hall of fame for sure.

Chris

Hi Mark. Why do the Bulls have such a difficult time attracting star free agents? They’re the 3rd biggest market and they play in the House that Jordan built, yet you never hear about star players (seriously) wanting to play for Bulls. What’s the reason? a.) bad reputation with agents? b.) lack of a charismatic/showman of a GM c.) low ball FA offers? d.) cold weather?

Mark Nugent

Right now stars don’t want to play in Rose’s shadow and Rose isn’t recruiting anyone. Star’s seem to like to be courted by other star’s and that’s not DRose’s style. So that definitely hurts them. Chicago is cold in the winter, very cold and it’s not New York, which is a big check against them. Right now stars want to play in LA, Miami or New York and that seems to be it. As for lower rung players like Mayo or CLee or Batum, that’s all about money. If the Bulls offered Lee 20 million over four years, which is more than the rumored deal the Celts offered him I’d be willing to bet he’d come to town. But management doesn’t do those deals for a variety of reasons.

LA in LA

Anthony Randolph fits into Nuggets play style but I don’t see what the Nuggets’ long term plan is. Having no superstars and struggling to produce in halfcourt in playoffs doesn’t seem like a title winning team…

Mark Nugent

It’s hard to attract superstars in Denver, in fact the only way it happens is through trade or the draft. So the Nuggets are accumulating assets and building the best team they can, which they should be commended for. I believe they hope they can compete with the top teams in the West and that one of their players makes a leap, like McGee or Felton or Danilo.

mike b

People keep asking what Morey is doing with the Rockets. Let’s say the follwing trade goes through. Houston gives up Martin, Patterson, Lamb, T. Jones, and 2 1st rounders. They get Bynum from L.A and take in G. Davis and J. Richardson from ORL. My idea would be re-sign Courtney Lee and try to sign Delonte West. Think about this rotation: Lin, Lee, West, Richardson, and T. Douglas at guard. You have Parsons, G Davis, M. Morris, Montejunas, and R. White as your forwards and Bynum and Asik (or cheap backup) at center. Is any of this possible and could this group win a playoff series?

Mark Nugent

Lee is heading to Boston. The Rockets are trying to land a franchise star to play next to Lin. Whether they do it, who knows. If not they will build through the draft and continue to shop their assets around for a franchise changer.

michael scofield

Magic for howard wants deal similar to anthony but what are odds for somebody to be dolan stupid and take their bad contracts and gives them young player and picks?Morey is the best gm in nba but he surely isn’t stupid.He know that magic have limited trade options and should take advantage of it?Do you see him doing that?

Mark Nugent

Morey is not the best GM in NBA right now, you can’t call a team that hasn’t made the playoffs in several years the best GM. I think Howard is worth a lot more than just clearing out some cap space and getting a couple late round picks. If I’m the Magic there is no way I trade him for that. I want an all but guaranteed lottery pick or an all-star in return or I want a team to take every contract I have off my hands. Right now no team is willing to do that. If the Rockets would offer up three picks (Including the Toronto pick) plus the rights to Lamb and White and they take one other contract off my hands, I’d make that trade. I wouldn’t make the rumored trade that sends Howard to LAL and Bynum to Cavs and all the Lakers get is a couple picks in the twenties and two bad contracts removed. I’d rather play out the year and let Howard leave for nothing. It will take the same amount of time to rebuild either way.

phil

Why amnesty blatche when you don’t have any benefits from that?I would send him in d-league to show everybody he is pro if that turns good he will have trade value if not they can’t amnesty him next year.Would pistons accept villanueva for blatche+2nd round pick?

Mark Nugent

I don’t think they wanted him around the team, and I don’t think they could trade him, and I think they were hoping someone would claim him thereby lessening the amount they would have to pay him.

John

Drummond shown that he isn’t great rebounder.How can you teach like that.I heard that rodman and big ben stayed extra hour or two just to be good in that segment?Everybody question his work ethic but in interviews he always told that he will do everything to become better player.Is that what he has to said or he really thinks so?

Mark Nugent

It’s hustle and positioning. If He wants to rebound he just has to want the ball and study about positioning. It’s up to him and he can be good, but it’s all motivation.

ted

Portland lillard is playing great in sl.Do you see him in roy contest or is that reserved for davis?

Mark Nugent

I think he will be a first team all-rookie player. he should get tons of minutes and he can really shoot and get into the lane. I’m a big fan. I think he has a legit shot at Rookie of the year, but if I was a betting man I’d stick with Davis or maybe Harrison Barnes, because he may lead the rookies in scoring in the high flying GS offense.

mkg

What do you think of ben wallace decision to return.I think that is too much.I would rather see him as assistent coach.He just takes spot and minutes to youngster and future of club.

Mark Nugent

I’m ready for him to retire, but he isn’t. He flat out told me in an interview last year that he was done, he was tired, and he was ready to walk away. I guess he changed his mind.

bill

Nets will take magic place in playoff.Are wizards currently better then 76s to take their place?

Mark Nugent

Nets will make playoffs, so will 76ers. And I think Wizards could compete with the Hawks for a spot. That 8th spot is up for grabs.

piston

Pistons have way too many sf.Who do you see being traded?Which teams would love to have prince?

Mark Nugent

Not sure I see anyone being traded actually. Prince still has a few years on his deal, so I don’t see too many teams lining up to take him.

WIZARD

Where do you see blatche end up?Spurs always had intrest in him.

Mark Nugent

Somewhere with a very strong coach. The Celtics, the Spurs, maybe the HEAT with Riley and Spo. A good coach is crucial for that guy.

Steve

Is orlando a playoff team to you? Assuming that dwight is gone

Mark Nugent

If dwight is gone and the Magic don’t receive a Bynum type replacement, then no.

Vincent

Bonsoir Mark. Belinelli, Greene, i mean REALLY? WHO do you realisticly see in Chicago? Maybe we should hang on Leon Powe.

Mark Nugent

I don’t see the Bulls adding anyone of consequence this season, including at the trade deadline.

Wil

Hi Mark, I have been disappointed with the offseason theatrics of the owners and GMs who seem more intent on outsmarting themselves than running quality basketball operations. The complete lack of respect for each other and their own players is disheartening. Perhaps it is just the media interpretations, but the way NY handled Lin and Portland handled Batum is despicable. I am tired of the ‘it is a business excuse’. Yes it is a business, but that does not mean it has to be a classless one. As a fan, it is hard to stomach. Thoughts…

Mark Nugent

I don’t know what Portland did? They said all along they were matching. I don’t remember anything else.

As for the KNicks, James Dolan is a tough one. I’d have a hard time rooting for that team if he was my owner.

BRETT

Are the lakers still pursuing a s&t with hou involving C.Lee??? a s&t with j mcrob or j.hill along with Ebanks for C.Lee would make sense for both sides, your thoughts.

Mark Nugent

Latest rumor Lee is heading to Boston.

Dave

Knicks are by far the worst managed team in the NBA. They traded for an out of shape Felton? Who is a system player. I doubt he’d fit into Woodson’s isolation offense. Didn’t they realize that Felton is only good at up tempo offenses? Look at what happened in Portland.
Jeremy Lin to Houston is a great move. Now China is going to support Houston again and they’re gonna make a lot of $$$. They’ll finally be filling that arena!

Mark Nugent

If I was a Knicks fan, I’d consider becoming a Nets fan. I never would have let Lin go. In fact I might have kept Fields as well since the Knicks are, I believe, the most profitable franchise in the league.

Emanuel

Where do you see Carlos Delfino ending up?

Mark Nugent

No idea. I haven’t heard any rumors about him yet.

Jason

With Vlad going to the Bulls, what next for Marco Belineli who was rumored to sign with the Bulls?

Mark Nugent

I haven’t heard anything about Belinelli, sorry.

RocketBoy

Can the lakers afford Howard if he is to play for them?

Mark Nugent

Sure, the Lakers make a ton of money and will have his bird rights so they can re-sign him in the offseason.

Jimmy Crack Corn

If Nicolas Batum is worth north of 11 Mil a year on the open market…what is James Harden worth, 12.5, 13 Mil?

Mark Nugent

I expect Harden to get a max contract either from the Thunder or from another team.

Shad

Al Jefferson to the sixers for Iggy! Good trade?

Mark Nugent

Yes, makes sense for both teams, without looking at money anyways. Not sure how many years are left on both contracts.

Josh

I am wondering why Houston can off Omer Asik a contract of 5/5/15, and because the Bulls dont want to pay that 3rd year have to lose him. Why cant the Bulls match the offer but in more equal amounts? like 8.3/8.3/8.3? Or why dont the Bulls straight up just offer that to him in the first place before he even signs the offer sheet from Houston?

Mark Nugent

The Bulls can’t pay more than $5 million in first year because they are over the cap and that is the way it is structured via the CBA. You’d have to ask Larry Coon about the specifics, but that is my understanding. If the Bulls were under the cap they could match the contract exactly as it is written, but since they are over the cap this is the only way they can match. Why the Bulls don’t offer that too him I have no idea. It would make sense to me to just offer 8 million a year and re-sign him.

Zach

With the Lakers acquisition of Nash, coupled with keeping some version of the twin towers ( Bynum/Gasol or Howard/Gasol), they become the top challengers to the thunder in the west. The Thunder have extensions coming up for Harden and Ibaka. One theory out there was they could amnesty Perkins to clear payroll to sign both. I think with the lakers keeping a twin towers line-up the thunder must keep Perkins and sign Ibaka. Thus leaving Harden, the better player, future with the team up in the air. What are your thoughts on the Thunder’s plan with Harden and Ibaka and will the Lakers personal affect their decision?

Mark Nugent

The Thunder should not make any decisions based on the Lakers. They should make a decision based on what makes their team the best it can be. I’d like to see them keep both and I think they will. One way or another I see Ibaka and Harden back with the team.

tim

should the bulls try an jump in the mix in the dwight drama and be the third team willing to take back bynum an magic contract or too noah gibson teague butler plus picks for bynum j rich and maybe duhon put rip ex deal in there noah is better than varajo from cavs an we have better picks we cant sit back an let the cavs knicks nets pacers wizards raptors an heat bypass us

Mark Nugent

I think they should. the problem is they can’t really take back any contracts because they don’t have cap space, but they could offer picks. I’d be willing to give up a decent package for Howard or Bynum and I’d give up a great package if either would sign an extension or agree to re-sign. Sometimes you have to take their word for it.

David Rivas

Would be Brandon Rush a good fit for Sacramento Kings? How could they get him?

Mark Nugent

No. Kings have plenty of shooters. They need D and rebounding.

tim

if the bulls wait it out do we let this season go see if rose returns to form amnesty boozer an try an sign harden next summer an if the bulls get darko isnt he the same as a asik but better offense courtney lee or brandon rush would be cool

Mark Nugent

I doubt Bulls will amnesty Boozer next year. I’d do just about anything to pair Harden with Rose, but I don’t see the Thunder letting him leave.

tim

since the bulls got a te for korver for 5mil can we sign someone too a four year deal at 5mil a year like lakers did for nash maybe a sign an trade for lee an also who is gonna back up hinrich because teague not ready at all would barbosa or foye fit they both can play the two when rose get back an do you like the radmadovic signing i guess he is the new korver and darko may be the new asik butler the new brewer and hinrich is cj

Mark Nugent

We can use the TPE, but we won’t. At least not during the offseason. All the candidates for that have been signed, in my opinion.

ron j

what is up with the bulls this offseason everyones getting better while where cutting costs im convinced the only thing that matters to them is the bottom line and winning the fiscal champions of the year award

Mark Nugent

I sorta agree. they want to put the best team out there while still remaining under the Luxury Tax. Also, they don’t want to go crazy because of the Rose injury. No reason to spend big when I believe, they think they don’t have a legit shot this year anyway, which is hard to argue against.

My argument is there were players that could have helped the team in the long-term that wouldn’t have cost that much to acquire, but would have put them over the tax.

Sed D Cain

Hi mark do you see the Bulls signing and trading Asik For Courtney Lee, also do you think the bulls should make a play at Bynum im sure he would sign long term play with Rose. And do you think the bulls will sign Tmac.

Mark Nugent

Lee is rumored to be signing with the Celtics in a Sign and trade, so no the Bulls won’t be adding him. No on TMac, please NO! And I would go after Bynum, I’d at least ask about him.

JimNugget

Hey Mark, what’s you opinion of JaVale McGee’s new contract, I thought it was a good signing for my Nuggets. Also, with 15 players on the roster, do you cut Julyan Stone to keep Quincy Miller on the roster or keep Stone for PG depth and stash Miller overseas, do they keep Miller’s rights if they do that ?

Mark Nugent

It’s way to much, but to have an athletic center it’s going to cost you about 10 million a season. this is why the Bulls should match Asik, it’s really not a bad deal. The Nuggets need to keep Miller. Before he injured his knee 2-3 years ago he was the top player in his class. They need to play that one out for a few years and see if he develops.

JimNugget

One more Mark, can George Karl get a better game outta Anthony Randolph, similar to the maturity/development we’ve seen (so far) from McGee ?

Mark Nugent

I’ve moved on from Randolph. I was a huge fan two years ago, but it looks like it isn’t going to happen.

Jazzfan

Thanks for your time Mark, a lot of Jazz fans and some analysts think that Jefferson slows down the offense, would you agree? and does that affect his trade value?

Mark Nugent

He does slow down the offense, because he is one of the few true post players in the NBA. Bynum slows down the offense as well. I like Jefferson a lot and think he’s solid. His trade value is hurt because he makes a lot of money.

Gustavo A.Thomas

I believe the only team with problem on the new cba is CH Bulls, every NBA team, make trades, S&T,get FA players they make everything,but CH cant do nothing because the salary CAP and luxery tax.CH BULLS fans aré living a horror movie right now. What you think?

Mark Nugent

The Bulls CAN make moves, they just choose not to. They had deals they could have traded to add salary, they currently own a $5 million TPE that they could have used on Lee or Mayo. They have options, they just choose to stand pat. If Bulls want to be mad, be mad at management and ownership, it’s not the CBA’s fault.

I AM HOUSTON

In your opinion who wins the sweepstakes for A.Bynum the Rockets or the Cavs???

Mark Nugent

I think if a trade happens that sends Bynum anywhere other than to the Magic, I think it has to be the Rockets. They can offer much better assets.

Jeff

The pacers need a starting 2 and they need to move granger so george can play his natural position, who says no to granger and pendegraph for Tyreke and Salmons?

Mark Nugent

pacers won’t take on Salmons contract. It’s way to big for what he brings the team.

Money

Do you hear any news about pistons and their plans?

Mark Nugent

Nope, just building through the draft. This should kind of concern Pistons fans.

ernie

What do you think about john wall statement that is time for playoff and all star for him?Do you see that happen?

Mark Nugent

I agree with everything he said and I do think they SHOULD make the playoffs. I won’t believe it until it happens, but they have the talent.

Steve

Any news on what the raptors are thinking of doing with jose calderon?

Mark Nugent

I think they are trying to trade him, but if they don’t get anything they like they will keep him and play out the year. Look for lots of rumors with him as the deadline nears.

zoe

Who are lottery picks who suprised you positevly and negativly in summer league?

Mark Nugent

Sorry, I don’t watch summer league. Too much to do right now with free agency.

RanDY

I know that lin has great marketing value but giving him 8mil/y is absurd.In best he is average player who isn’t great shooter plays bad without ball and is bad in D and will never deserve all star with his quality(chinese votes will get him there).Does morey have ace in sleeve?

Mark Nugent

Lin is not Chinese, so we don’t know exactly how that will unfurl yet overseas. I think he is overpaid, but he is a starting caliber PG and if he did what he did last year in college instead of in the NBA, we would have been a top 10 pick and everyone would be raving about what he can do, instead of what he can’t do. Remember he’s only 23 and is just getting started in his career.

Deven

Now that free agency has settled down, do you expect at big trades in the coming days, weeks or months? (Not naming Dwight)

Mark Nugent

I don’t expect any big trades other than Howard to happen before the season starts.

LP

Star player won’t sign in-season extensions anymore due to the new CBA rules, as they get more years by waiting until the current contract expires. Is there anything a team can do, legally or contractually, to ensure a player will sign the extension when the off-season comes? Or do they basically have to take a player at his word that when the time comes he will sign an extension.

Mark Nugent

Nope, they have to rely on the player to stay and take the extra year and trust his word if he said he would re-sign with the team. They can nothing. This was the dumbest part of the new CBA, in my opinion.

Ronaldo

Where do you think D12 will end up?

Mark Nugent

I think the lakers. Or he starts the season in Orlando.

Wayne

The money is drying up!!! What free agents are left that can actually impact a playoff team??

Mark Nugent

I think the last one is reportedly signing today in Courtney Lee. I can’t think of any other vets that will have a real impact on a playoff team. Right now I’d go after undrafted rookies.

Don

how come nobody is talking about danny grangers this offseason? something like a sg, pf, and picks i would think could get it done. i always thought eric grodan for granger would of made sense. for a team like the rapters of wants a sf could offer dd, ed davis, and a 1st. Your thoughts please.

Mark Nugent

Granger makes too much money. No team wants to take on that type of money for someone who isn’t a true star. Teams might take Granger, but the Pacers would have to take back some money to make that happen, so I don’t see it.

Jake

The Jazz are banking on a “growth from within” model. Do you think Favors, Hayward, Burks, and Kanter will progress enough in the next few years to be real contenders in the future? Or even enough to be legitimate trade bait for a superstar?

Mark Nugent

True contenders? Probably not, but I do see them improving and moving up from the 8th seed to maybe 6. that’s something. It’s going to be a few years before we know if favors or Burks can lead them to the top. I like what they are doing, but you have to be patient, teams in Utah can’t just recruit stars.

Chris

Do you think Greg Oden will play this upcoming season? Who could you see him signing with?

Mark Nugent

No I don’t. He might sign with someone, but I don’t see him playing. With any luck, maybe next year. I hope he goes to Phoenix, those guys are geniuses down there.

jon

who wins the finals if dwight goes to LA

Mark Nugent

The HEAT or the Thunder. Nothing changes in my opinion for those two teams.

Ryan

why not just post all the questions and answers now? Why make us wait?

Mark Nugent

Not sure I understand the question. I’m typing as fast as I can and I started 15 minutes early.

RJ

Hey Nugosaurus,
Hypothetical bizarro world. Let’s say you could send every NBA team to the Olympics to compete in various events: swimming, decathalon, gymnastics, etc. They all get three months training before. Based on sheer athleticism and work ethic, which teams do you think would fare the best?

Mark Nugent

HEAT and Thunder. Best athletes and young.

purpleandgold

Hey Mark, just watched Underworld III and I have to say you are my favorite Death Dealer.

Mark Nugent

Um…OK. The first one was good, the second one had it’s moments, the third one was pretty poor. I do love Kate Beckinsale though.

jon

how good is j lamb

Mark Nugent

I’m a huge fan. I’d do a sign and trade with Asik right now to get him on the Bulls. I think Lamb is going to have a very long career in the NBA, at worst I think he will be a starter, at best I see him making a few all-star games. I think he could have a better career than Beal if he gets in the right situation. And yes I still would have taken Beal, his upside is much higher.

Harold

Do you think the players around the league are aware of the Bulls front office being cheap? Why have they failed to land great Free Agents? Non of them want to come to Chicago it seems.

Mark Nugent

Bulls aren’t cheap, they just don’t want to go over the luxury tax. Look at the contracts they have right now in Rose, Boozer, Noah, Deng. Those aren’t cheap. I think location and Rose has more to do with it than being cheap. If the Bulls made a legit offer to Lee or Mayo or Terry I think they might have come. But the stars are looking for more than just money, they want location as well. And chicago isn’t high on the list right now. It was a 100 here the other day, and it will be 30 below zero in the winter. that’s tough to live with when you could be playing in LA.

Jake

Don’t the Jazz have the assets to land Bynum or Gasol? Either one would look real nice playing next to Favors.

Mark Nugent

Doubt it. The Lakers are in win now mode and the Jazz have future assets mostly, young guys.

Valanciunus

What are the chances I’m the ROY? I would give myself a 100% chance.

Mark Nugent

I’d say 10% There are a lot of players that have a shot at it this year. I could see you on the all-rookie team though.

Harold

You said location and Rose? I myself wouldnt want to live in Chicago but as far as Rose, what did you mean? His refusal to recruit? Or does he not have a good relationship with his fellow all-stars?

Mark Nugent

I just mean Rose doesn’t recruit players, and it seems like other stars want to be recruited. Also, Rose is the alpha dog in Chicago, so any star would have to be willing to be a number two. Not many are willing to do that. By all accounts Rose is a great teammate and a great person, but there is always more to it than that.

rscivil

Is Shannon Brown the last good option for the PHX? Is he gonna start or back up for JD if ever he will sign?

Mark Nugent

If I’m the Suns I don’t sign anyone to a deal other than league minimum. I want flexibility in my rebuild. so if he takes the minimum, then sure.

Willy b

Now Tht the Knicks and nets rosters are pretty much set do you thing one of the teams can consistently beet the other
2) how about this trade amare for boozer and rip and 2 second re picks
3) with Aaron Brooks is Isaiah Thomas still the starter and is he the franchise PG n sac town

Mark Nugent

I see them about equal, but as always with the Knicks it will come down to what Carmelo shows up. Is he just a jacker? or is he a jack of all trades that dominates both ends and gets his teammates involved?

Bulls won’t take Amar’e.

I think Brooks starts for them.