NBA Chat With Stephen Litel 1/17/12

1. Mike

   Hey Stephen,
   I hadn’t read your stuff before last week’s chat and you’re a new favorite of mine. I really think Gerald Henderson would be an excellent fit at the sg position. Do you think the Timberwolves could acquire him. I’d offer everyone, but Derrick Williams,Love, Rubio, and JJ Barea(I really like Barea and think he’s excellent off the bench) or picks. I think pretty much all the other players are bad fits or just not very good players.

   • Stephen Litel

     What’s up, everyone? Welcome to this week’s chat! I see a lot of great questions in the que, so I’m gonna get right to it.

     Hey Mike,

     Well, now that you said that, you are now a favorite of mine too. I appreciate the love.

     I haven’t heard anything of the Bobcats looking to move Henderson. In fact, I think they quite enjoy him. You are correct, however, that he would be a nice fit at the SG position for the Timberwolves. After all, with how this season is going, isn’t ANYONE a better fit than Wes Johnson?

2. FocusLJA

   Terrence Williams seems to be out of the loop in Houston. How do you feel about him to CHA? And what would it take to get him at this point?

   • Stephen Litel

     Williams is playing right in his average for number of minutes per game this season and is putting up pretty regular stats for how his career has gone to this point. He’d be an ok fit in Charlotte, but don’t see that happening.

3. Jimmy

   Derrick Rose or Chris Paul?

   • Stephen Litel

     Wow, Jimmy…short and to the point…and basically, it comes down to personal preference.

     My personal preference is to have a point guard who is pass-first. While neither Rose nor Paul could truly be considered one compared to old-school standards, I would say Paul leans that way slightly more than Rose. I flipped a coin, it landed on its side, but leaned slightly towards Chris Paul. Nothing but love for the reigning MVP though!

4. Niraj

   Would a 3 team trade involving Bynum for Howard and Pau for Deron Williams work out for all teams involved?

   • Stephen Litel

     In some way, yeah sure, it could probably work for all three teams. It’s not going to happen though.

5. jonny boy

   Mario Chalmers, Joel Anthony and Mike Miller for Emeka Okafor, who says no?

   • Stephen Litel

     Miami says no. That’s too much to give up to only get Okafor in return. Yeah, he’d fit a need, but they are giving up three guys they see as big parts of their rotation to get one.

6. Chris

   Hi Stephen. Are the Bulls still interested in Dwight Howard, despite not being on his list? As yesterday’s loss to Memphis shows, chemistry and depth is a great luxury but having a second super-star is an even greater insurance policy. Plus, a deep run in the playoffs/championship might be all it takes to convince DH to resign.

   • Stephen Litel

     Hey Chris,

     Of course the Bulls are still interested. What team isn’t interested in one of the best–if not the best–big men in the game today? I disagree with you on a fundamental point though. I’m all about building a deep team with great chemistry and if that means a team without a “superstar,” then so be it. I know that goes against, well, pretty much everyone, but that’s how I roll, I guess.

     In the end, Dwight Howard to Chicago doesn’t have much of a chance of happening.

7. Ralph

   Kyrie Irving, is putting up better stats so far then Rose did his rookie year. Pretty impressive don’t you think.

   • Stephen Litel

     Hey there, Ralph…

     Yep, Kyrie’s doing just fine, showing he was worthy of the number one pick. Impressive.

8. Drew

   Sounds like tpups are offering K Love a 4 yr 60 mil deal is that about right? High or is he worth Max?

   • Stephen Litel

     Hi Drew,

     Personally, I think the Timberwolves are offering about the right thing. However, I also believe Love is worth the max. After watching him nearly every night of his NBA career, I believe he’s earned it. The Wolves are doing the right thing though by seeing if they can secure his services for cheaper than what he’s probably worth. Let’s see what Love does now.

9. Drew

   What can the wolves get for Beaz and Darko plus a 1st? I am hoping for Kamen is that realistic? Other Also can D Williams play the 3 or is he only a 4?

   • Stephen Litel

     Kaman would probably be realistic in that scenario, but I wouldn’t do that deal. If it could be done without the pick, then I’d go for it.

     Right now, Derrick Williams is focusing on learning the power forward position. Coach Adelman said he wanted to make things simple for the rookie and, as we’ve seen the past few games, he’s having ups and downs. I’m not concerned about him overall as a player, understanding that these down times happen for rookies, but yes, eventually the Timberwolves want Williams to play both positions.

10. Ryan Manning

    Please, please, please tell us if you have heard anything regarding the Love contract negotiations. Based on what you know, do you believe he will stay in Minnesota?

    • Stephen Litel

      Hey Ryan,

      See below. Love should have his contract extension any time now.

      For the second part of your question, based on what I know and believe, I think Love stays in Minnesota. Sure, he has a couple frustrations, but he’s already pretty tight with Rubio and enjoys many of his teammates. I think he likes the direction the team is going, but just wants them to get to their destination a little faster.

11. Dennis

    Los Angeles Lakers fans like to claim their franchise has a history of making lopsided trades. The most commonly used example is Pau Gasol. However, despite the fact that LA went on to win a few chips – the trade itself actually worked out for both teams. The Lakers ended giving up a young, 7 foot conventional back to the basket center (who would have looked GREAT in a Lakers uniform for the next 6-8 years). Are Lakers fans justified in their claim or are they overvaluing the results of a solitary trade?

    • Stephen Litel

      Hi Dennis,

      I suppose the answer to this question is determined by what the definition of success is. Most of the time, teams that win the championship have a season or two where they bottom out after the championship years are over. I think you’re right the trade worked out for both teams because the Grizzlies did get a solid player in return and will be relevant for as long as they can keep it going.

      The point of playing the games is to win though, right?

12. Sweet Dee

    If you were David Khan and were offered Kyrie Irving and Anderson Varejao for Ricky Rubio + spare parts (to make salaries match). Do you accept? Why or why not.

    • Stephen Litel

      Hey there, Sweet Dee,

      Nope, I do not take this deal. As I mentioned before, my personal preference is as close to a pass-first point guard as comes in today’s NBA. Ricky Rubio is one of the best point guards right now with that mindset and, of course, since I have the opportunity to watch him night in and night out, I’ve grown quite fond of his game. The excitement he brings to a crowd throughout a game goes beyond the stats he puts up, although the stats are Rookie of the Year material.

13. Frank

    If the Boston Celtics were in a seven game playoff series with the Indiana Pacers tomorrow. Who’s the favorite in your eyes and why?

    • Stephen Litel

      Hi Frank,

      In this scenario, I take the Pacers for a couple reasons.

      One, I’m of the belief the NBA world is under-estimating the moves the Pacers made in the off-season. They have an above average player at each position and are playing great basketball so far this year. I mean, SEVEN players averaging in double-figures scoring. That’s nice.

      Secondly, the Celtics are old, look old and the Pacers would run them out of the gym if the playoffs started tomorrow. Maybe I’m in the minority, but I like what Indiana did in the off-season and the direction they’re going.

14. Charlie

    Last week, coach Mark Jackson employed the “Hack a Shaq” strategy against Dwight Howard. Despite Howard hitting only 21 of 39 free throws, the Warriors still ended up losing the game. Do you agree with coaches using this strategy during the regular season? Seems like Mr. New Coach wanted to show the world how smart he was (by doing something no other coach did all year). Your thoughts.

    • Stephen Litel

      Hi Charlie,

      No, I don’t believe in using this strategy in the playoffs. I also don’t believe in using it in the playoffs. Play the game…don’t pull out gimmicky stuff. Play basketball.

      To me, when you do those sort of things, you’re saying, “This is the only chance we have at beating you because we are an inferior team.” I know people will say you do whatever it takes to win, but I wouldn’t take satisfaction from a win when we were wrestling when we should’ve been playing basketball.

15. simon

    jrich and Quentin for danny granger??

    • Stephen Litel

      Pass…by Indiana.

16. Charlie

    Who’s the bigger snub from the 20 man USA team squad announced? Stephen Curry or Amare Stoudemire

    • Stephen Litel

      Neither are snubs. Curry wasn’t going to get a spot with all the perimeter players that will get the spots on the team. Stoudemire had insurance issues and Team USA has other options.

17. Chewbacca

    Contenders or Pretenders: 76ers, Magic, Clippers and Spurs?

    • Stephen Litel

      What’s up, Chewy?

      Pretender…pretender…pretender…and contender.

18. Nick

    Sup Stephen! Have you heard anything about a possible Granger for Ellis swap? I read one article that’s about it. Also your thoughts on the Pacers making any moves before deadline? Thanx

    • Stephen Litel

      Hi Nick,

      I haven’t heard anything of this, but will look into it. While I turned down a Granger deal earlier in the chat, Ellis would be an interesting add to the mix. I’m not sure he would fit with the new team chemistry though…just my personal thinking.

19. Chris

    What about dwight to the spurs skip the big city lights and play for a winning organization with great veterans and promising youth and he would be first option on a championships caliber team

    • Stephen Litel

      Hi Chris,

      …and who’s the big name star to pair up with Howard for the next decade? It’s not Duncan, Ginobili or Parker.

20. Andy

    How good do you honestly think the Blazers are and what is their ceiling. Can they make it out of the west. If so what odds do you place on it? Thanks in advance!

    • Stephen Litel

      The Blazers are legit. The still have a few kinks to work out, but they’ll get there. They have good players who are also high character guys, which is the perfect blend. With the Western Conference as it is right now–especially in a lockout-shortened season–it wouldn’t be an incredible shock if the Blazers made it out of the West.

      I don’t believe they will though. That’s going to be Oklahoma City.

21. Mike

    Considering how they’re playing, should the Cavs still attempt to trade Jamison or retain him and let his contract expire? What would he bring back if he were traded?

    • Stephen Litel

      Jamison is a great role model to Irving, teaching him how to be a professional on and off the court. There is HUGE value in that for the future of the franchise, so Jamison’s value to the team is more than what he contributes on the court. With that said, if the right trade came around, I’m sure they’d take it if it brings more young talent to the mix. What he would bring back in a deal, I would only be speculating.

22. Brooks

    There are rumors that the Celts might blow up the big 3. As much as this hurts to say as a huge LAL fan, how would Paul Pierce look in purple and gold?

    • Stephen Litel

      Hi Brooks,

      Paul Pierce would look hideous in purple and gold! Just god-awful. Yuck.

      No way that happens. None.

      (I just threw up in my mouth a little bit.)

23. Matt

    Just curious your thoughts about the Kings firing their coach, especially in relation to the things said about Cousins. I know you said they were over blown, so just curious what your overall thoughts on the situation are? Thanks

    • Stephen Litel

      Everything that I know of the situation indicates the Kings made the right move by making a change. Things just weren’t right there.

      After speaking with Cousins, as well as most of the rest of the Kings last night, you can see they believe in Coach Smart and WANT to do well. They are a young, talented team…but need the right vets to come in and teach them how to do it.

24. Matt

    What do you think is the ceiling for Wes Johnson? Should the Wolves have taken Cousins?

    • Stephen Litel

      Wes Johnson can and will be a solid NBA player. He’s never going to be an All-Star or anything close to that caliber, but he will have a long and successful career.

      SHOULD the Wolves have taken Cousins? “Should” is always tough, but if I’m the one making the call at the time…I take Cousins and attempt to figure him out.

25. Cricket

    Given the choice, who would you rather have as your head coach if you were a NBA owner: Mark Jackson or Keith Smart

    • Stephen Litel

      Keith Smart.

      Both should be good coaches, but I go by the theory that most good to great players make bad coaches…Jackson was a better player, so Smart will be a better coach.

26. Matt

    Should McGee have been benched for that dunk?

    • Stephen Litel

      McGee wasn’t benched for the dunk, specifically. He was benched because the unit on the floor was kinda sorta playing well for the Wizards, so Flip rolled with them. The dunk just didn’t help his cause.

      But, to answer your question…yes, he should’ve been benched. Yes, the game is entertainment for the fans and highlights like those are nice, but show off when you’re winning. Again, the old-school side of me comes out here.

      OK, everyone…that’s it for me this week. Great questions! If you’d like to continue the conversation, hit me up on Twitter @stephenlitel anytime. Always up for a good hoops chat!

      Until next week!