NBA Chat With Stephen Litel 1/24/2012

Discuss all the latest news, rumors and predictions with HOOPSWORLD’s Stephen Litel every Tuesday at 8:00 PM Eastern.

Stephen covers the entire NBA and is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, enjoying a front-row seat to watch Ricky Rubio, Kevin Love and the Minnesota Timberwolves.  He has been an NBA analyst since 2005.

You can follow Stephen on Twitter by linking here: @stephenlitel.

Drop your questions in now and join the fun, NBA fans.

  1. d

    True or False? Otis Smith is the worst GM in the nba.

    • Stephen Litel

      What’s up, everyone? I’m ready for my State of the NBA address, so let’s jump right in. As always, if I don’t get to your question, hit me up on Twitter @stephenlitel.

      What an interesting way to kick off tonight’s chat, but I’m going to go with false. The Magic have been contenders in the East for years and he continues to tinker with the lineup. Obviously, some of the moves have been questionable, but he’s kept them at around the same level as the day he took over.

      There are worse GM’s out there.

  2. jeff

    is granger enough to get gordon from the hornets? if not then what will it take?

    • Stephen Litel

      Hi Jeff,

      No, Granger alone is not enough. Without even looking to see how salaries match up, it doesn’t matter. Granger has had better seasons than he is having now and the Hornets would want more.

  3. Rockets Fan On Strike till Morey is Fired.

    Watching Pekovec and Love fumble perfectly placed passes from Rubio in the box is painful. Love makes up for it from the outside. What do you think of Javale McGee in a T’Wolves Uni? Adeleman is the right coach for him. Rubio passing to him gets him 6 more points per game. What do we have to give up to get him?

    • Stephen Litel

      First of all, not sure I’d agree at all about Love fumbling “perfectly placed passes from Rubio in the box.” Sure, each player has had moments where they weren’t expecting a pass as they adjusted to Rubio’s ability to get the pass there, but Love was one of the two Wolves players who adjusted most quickly. Tolliver is the second.

      As for McGee in a Wolves uniform, sure there is some interest there. However, I don’t think adding another young player to the mix is ideal. This is a team that needs veteran help now in key spots…those spots being at the two and the center position. I’d focus more on the SG position at this time.

  4. jay

    Hey Stephen,whats going on??i read a rumor here in hoopsworld saying that Memphis wants a first round pick for O.J Mayo..how about a first rounder from INDY??they not looking like a lottery team for next year..they could be picking in the 20′s if they can continue what they doing right now..do you see INDY make a run for Mayo??i believe they want Mayo since last year..

    • Stephen Litel

      Jay,

      I don’t believe any of the rumors state the Grizzlies are ONLY wanting a first rounder for Mayo…they’d want a player or two AND the pick. To repeat some from the other Indy question, Granger would more than likely have to be included, but I don’t see how that helps Memphis. They’d be in the same position of limited money to re-sign the players they are expected to re-sign.

      The Pacers would still love to get Mayo, but that would be a pretty tricky deal. Even after what happened last season.

  5. Mutang

    Utah really is the most interesting team this year. I mean they have to be THE most surprising team, or at least in the conversation being picked to be horrible, and now 3rd in the West. They went into this season with “the glut” of bigs, and talk that one needed to be or would be moved. Now Paul and Al both playing great, Favors and Kanter looking very good. On the other side, Devin not so good. They have a TPE and GS pick in ’12. What does Utah do, who do they move if any at all? Do they just stay the course? They need their PG of the future from somewhere…..

    • Stephen Litel

      Utah is a surprise this year, aren’t they? Now, imagine if Harris was doing anything significant to help them out.

      I say stay the course. Harris is a good player and I’m sure he will eventually find his way again. The Jazz have a solid team and have assets coming in the future. Just stay the course.

  6. Can Pelister

    Hi, what are you think for Enes Kanter?

    • Stephen Litel

      He doesn’t blow me away or anything like that, but he’s solid. That’s all I really have on him. Some good, some bad…nothing remarkable. A good player who will play in the league for years.

  7. Jazzfan

    If you’re the Jazz who do you trade Jefferson or Milsap? with Favors and Kanter on the roster doesn’t make sense to keep both, I think Milsap has more Value due to age and upside and his recent play certainly helps his stock but is he someone you really wanna get rid of?

    • Stephen Litel

      I trade Milsap.

      It’s an interesting situation because I believe Milsap is the better of the two players between he and Jefferson, but in a trade the Jazz could get more in return for Milsap. You’re dead right on that one, Jazzfan.

      It would be difficult for the Jazz to part with him, but if the right trade came along, they’d be all over it.

  8. rick

    HEY STEPHEN, HAVE YOU HEARD ANY RUMORS ON BEASLEY FOR PRINCE?

    • Stephen Litel

      Hi Ricky,

      The only thing that I’ve heard of this is complete rumor. “Someone” threw this out there as a trade that “someone” would look into, but there is nothing from either team indicating it’s been discussed or even an option. This is complete speculation from one person.

  9. 76ERS4LIFE

    amnisty on brand. sign dw12 to a 5 yr deal. sign and trade and trade 2 of 4 guys and a pick for dwill. jrue, iggy, thad and lou will. orlando gets trade exception, nets get quality players. philly is deep.

  10. Matt

    I have only seen two Wizards games this year, but I saw 5 guys always looking for their own shot. I doubt Flip was calling fade away jumpers for Blatche with 18 seconds left on the shot clock or deep threes for Young when there were no rebounders. Granted Flip lost the team, but is his firing going to solve the problem in Wash?

    • Stephen Litel

      You’re right on your assessment of the Wizards, Matt. A lot of selfish, young players there right now and, no, it’s not all Flip’s fault. As we all know, the first person to take the blame is the coach and that’s what we saw happen today. The firing of Flip doesn’t solve all–or much of any–of Washington’s troubles.

      Another reason I say that, Randy Wittman is a career assistant. He’s a good guy, but not a good head coach.

  11. Matt

    How much of the Wolves turn around on defense do credit to Adelman and his staff? 100% or only 99%

    • Stephen Litel

      Well, if those are my options, I’ll say 99%.

      Some credit goes to Kevin Love for becoming an even better player this season. Some credit goes to Glen Taylor for hiring Adelman. Some credit goes to Rubio for being close to the player the Timberwolves needed him to be. Some credit goes to JJ Barea…some goes to Wayne Ellington…etc…etc…etc…

  12. Matt

    Whats more maddening, Darko’s inability to be consistent, or Anthony Randolphs inability to be consistent?

    • Stephen Litel

      Randolph…because his upside is much, much higher.

  13. Mac

    Jordan Hill looked great during the preseason. I even remember a box score where he started and dropped 15 points and 13 boards. But since the start of the season he is non-existent. The once highly touted Knicks prospect looks like an afterthought on a team that starts Samuel Dalembart. Question: how do you project Hill as a pro? Do you believe he could be a rotation player on a winning team in this league?

    • Stephen Litel

      Yeah, Mac…Hill does tease Rockets fans from time to time, doesn’t he?

      He’s a decent player now, like I mentioned earlier about Kanter, but I do see him getting better. He’s a young player with a good head, so as his playing time increases, I believe he can and will improve. Right now, he’s just trying to find his way under McHale’s system. Everyone has to learn quickly in this lockout-shortened season.

  14. Mac

    Is veteran Jarrett Jack considered a legit “most improved player’ candidate this year. Dude has been doing about a good of a job replacing CP3 as possible. But, do players like this get considered for the award or does the fact that he is now starting and getting 35+ minutes more of a contributing factor of improved stats. Your thoughts.

    • Stephen Litel

      If you look at the past winner’s of the award, there are plenty of players who didn’t really improve much, but received more playing time. Because of that, I’d say Jack is a legit candidate. Will he win it? Nope.

  15. Mac

    If you were starting a team from scratch, which prospect would you choose and why: Jonas Valanacious, Derrick Williams, or Enes Kanter

    • Stephen Litel

      Somewhat of a homer pick, I’m sure, but I go with Derrick Williams. The man is an athletic freak and, in a perfect world, can play two positions. I’d roll with the most versatile player available and I believe that to be Williams.

  16. Sweet Dee

    What would you prefer for a playoff run: a mediocre team that has great coaching (ex. Phil Jackson) or a star studded line-up that has little direction (ex. Mike ‘how did I get the LA job’ Brown).

    • Stephen Litel

      A mediocre team with great coaching.

      (Although I don’t quite agree with your assessment of Coach Brown.)

  17. Charlie

    How much longer do we have to hear about the ‘potential’ of Paul George. Every year the same old story: ‘once he plays the 3′ or ‘as soon as the Pacers move Granger’ or ‘did you see him guard D-Rose in the playoffs?’ But how many years is it going to take for this potential label to fade. Either step up to the mike and show your worth or drop him from the ‘up and coming’ players list please. Your thoughts.

    • Stephen Litel

      I can see both sides of the argument, Charlie, but man, you have to give it more time.

      While I don’t believe that George will ever be a super-star in this league or anything along those lines, he will be an above average player. He’s only a year into his career and has made improvements from his rookie season. Give it more time.

  18. simon

    jrich, anderson and hughes for Love and 1st round pick

    • Stephen Litel

      Oh, wow…I haven’t had a laugh that hard in quite a while. Thanks, Simon!

      The Timberwolves would hang up the phone so quickly, even if it were for Love alone.

  19. benny

    deron, lopez, and humphries for pau and drew. who says no?

  20. highpostmook

    Hey Stephen,

    Trade package of Dwilliams/Mbeasley/Mwebster..
    For Pierce does Ainge say no?..

    Rubio a bigger version of Stockton?..

    Is there a player in league that Twolves don’t have
    3 players that can matchup with?
    Isn’t it all about matchups?

    Mook in minny

    • Stephen Litel

      Hi Mook,

      Wow…a lot here…

      Ainge thinks about it, but says no. I still believe Pierce retires a member of the Celtics at this point.

      Rubio/Stockton question…while I am quite enjoying Rubio this season, I am in no way ready to compare him to one of the all-time greats. That’s just a personal choice because I hate comparisons. As Ricky once said himself, “I’m Ricky Rubio. I’m not like anyone else.” <–That's a rough, from memory quote.

      For the third part of the question…there are plenty of players in the league that the Timberwolves wouldn't have much of an answer to on the court. Yes, it is all about matchups and the Wolves still have work to do to be able to claim victory in matchups on the court at most positions on most occasions.

  21. jullia from manila, philippines

    eric gordon, emeka okafor and a future 2nd rd pick for paul george and roy hibbert

    • Stephen Litel

      Bad trade for the NBA run Hornets, but the Pacers would jump at it.

  22. eddy

    Lakers offense is terrible. Why not trade Bynum, Blake and a 1st round pick for D-Will.
    Nets get the 2nd best center in the NBA. Lopez moves to PF (some critics say that’s his best position) and Blake is good enough to start over Farmar.

    Also if the trade ever did happen the Lakers can sign Rasheed Wallace or use the TPE on Blatche. Gives use depth.
    Thoughts? thanks

    • Stephen Litel

      Hi Eddy,

      The Nets are going to want way more for D-Will than this trade proposal, that’s why. If the Lakers offered this and the Nets actually accepted, it would be a STEAL for LA.

      Rasheed is done…very few, if any, want to give him a look. Blatche will not play for LA while Kobe is there.

  23. mojart

    eric gordon for derrick williams and anthony randolph?

    • Stephen Litel

      Am I to answer this as if I were the Timberwolves? If so, I’d do it.

  24. Jason

    Ive been waiting for Ricky to play for the wolves ever since the day they called his name.. Is it finally time to say I told you so to all the doubters? Do you think he lived up to the hype?

    Also, assuming Love resigns with the Wolves, and Rubio continues to impress.. what is the next type of player they need to take the next big step?

    • Stephen Litel

      Rubio has played relatively close to the hype that surrounded him. While the passing is what we expected, his shooting is a bit better than I expected and his defense is WAY better than hoped. He’s been great so far and is wonderful interview too.

      The Wolves need a SG to contribute big time. They hoped Wes Johnson would slide into that role this year, but he’s not. They have to address this.

  25. jonel

    the hornets have the minny pick dis year…in wat range u think it myt fall…and who do u think the hornets should get wid dat pick?

    • Stephen Litel

      It’s not going to be as high as the Hornets wanted/hoped for it to be. I’ll say that.

  26. eddy

    If D-Will is on the trading block, it’s hard not to believe that they won’t get a package better than Miami’s Bosh and Cole. Which sounds totally realistic.

  27. Jason

    So much for all the Kahn hate that Rubio and another PG (Flynn) Ridinour/Barea couldent work in the same backcourt..

    • Stephen Litel

      Flynn is nowhere near the player Barea is and wouldn’t have worked in the same backcourt with Rubio.

  28. eddy

    True or False.
    Tyson Chandler is the most overrated center with Deandre Jordan a close 2nd.

    • Stephen Litel

      False on both.

      Chandler is a stud. Jordan is pretty good.

  29. Dominic

    Do you think DWill and D12 end up on the same team next year?

  30. simon

    your welcome stephan :D

    • Stephen Litel

      Good sport. I like that…

      …even though you spelled my name wrong.

  31. Jason

    Last year around Allstar time you mentioned how Aldridge was more proabably better than Love, deserved to be an all star, but Love deserved it to (or something to that summary).

    Who you take now if your starting a team from scratch? If your adding one to a contender? or if you had 1 max contract and had to decide?

    • Stephen Litel

      You were perfect in my assessment, Jason. After Love was announced as an All-Star last year, I did say I believed Aldridge was probably a better player at that time…but both deserved the All-Star nod. There were other players to complain about who made it.

      Building my team from scratch today and choosing between these two? I take Love…as I mentioned in an earlier answer, I’ll take the player who can do more on the court. With how Love has improved, he is the choice.

  32. Adam K

    Do you ever get tired of ridiculous trade questions followed by “who says no”?

  33. simon

    nelson, qrich and hughes for rubio and 1st round pick?
    u like??

    • Stephen Litel

      Man, another great laugh. Thanks so much, everyone…bringing smiles to my face.

  34. simon

    the next move magic make, will the consult howard first????

  35. Adam K

    Thoughts on these supposed Stat + Chandler for D12 trade? As a Knicks fan I’m torn.

    • Stephen Litel

      I pass if I’m the Knicks. Amare will get it back together soon.

  36. eddy

    Stephen are you low on Bosh? I think that if he was a #1 option on a team he could score 25 ppg efficiently and still take his team to the playoffs. He’s also not old.

    • Stephen Litel

      I’m not low on Bosh…I just value him where he should be valued. He’s the third best player on a championship-level team…he’s not and never was a franchise player. Doesn’t mean he’s not a good player or a good guy…I just value him as he should be.

  37. Jason

    Any chance Randolph could grow into a reliable Center? He has the Defensive ability, I just get the feeling he would rather be like Amare than Tyson Chandler.

    • Stephen Litel

      No, I don’t think so. What you see is what you get, pretty much.

  38. simon

    oh sorry

    • Stephen Litel

      Don’t be sorry. I love to smile and laugh!

      OK, everyone…that’s my time. As always, hit me up on Twitter @stephenlitel if you’d like to continue the chat at any time. See you next week!