NBA Chat With Stephen Litel 1/31/2012

1. jeff W

   I know this is VERY unlikely but what effect would Dwight Howard have on the Timberwolves if they sign him as a free agent?

   • Stephen Litel

     Hello, everyone! After an oversight in my setup of this week’s chat, there aren’t many questions in the que…so ask away! If you ask, it shall be answered tonight.

     Hey there, Jeff…

     Man, if the Wolves were able to sign Howard as a free agent, he would have a huge impact. Without question, they would be a playoff team and could make some noise. Two things…can you imagine the number of rebounds that team would pull down with Howard AND Love on the same team? Also, can you imagine how many alley-oop dunks Howard would have off passes from Rubio? Man, that would be entertaining.

     Now that that dream is over…time for reality. Howard isn’t going to come to Minnesota.

2. misk

   is it just me or is what dwight howard doing with the magic so much worse than what lebron did, and hes not getting any crap fro it!!!

   • Stephen Litel

     Hi Misk,

     I don’t know if I follow the logic here. Howard would have no issues with staying in Orlando if the team made the moves to get quality players around him and compete for championships. They haven’t done much to make him feel comfortable and he has every right to leave if that’s what he wants.

     LeBron absolutely wanted to leave. There was never a doubt.

3. Sarah

   The last few games the Wolves have had big number from some unexpected players. Do you think Pec and Beasly are going to start to put up those numbers more often?

   • Stephen Litel

     Hi Sarah!

     Beasley has been inconsistent throughout his career and has done the same this season. As a whole, however, I like how he’s playing since returning from injury. Sure, there are temporary relapses to old MIchael Beasley, but he seems to want to fit in better than he has before. If he continues moving forward with the right mindset, he could have a place on this team for a long time. It’s all up to him at this point.

     Pekovic has been a lot of fun the past few games. Wolves fans are loving his play for sure, but it’s difficult to imagine that consistency from Pek at this point. Rubio makes life easier for everyone, so let’s watch and see how Pek plays going forward. It sure would help the Wolves if they could get consistent play from their center position.

4. Tim Allen

   Do you think Michael Beasley will accept his sixth-man role long term?

   • Stephen Litel

     My man, Tim…here to help in the mercy of Stephen after my user error. If you don’t know Mr. Allen here, you should, due to his great work at Canis Hoopus.

     Ok, now that the plug is over…

     I hope Beasley accepts the role. Do I THINK he will? No, I don’t. The track record states Beasley will want more, but I go old school here…who cares who starts if you’re on the floor at the end of the game? If Beasley could accept that same mindset, the sixth man role is a great spot for him.

5. Sarah

   Out of all the wolves from last year that are still on the team, who is the most improved in your eyes?

   • Stephen Litel

     Hi again, Sarah…

     Wes Johnson. (I’m totally kidding…just wanted to see if Wolves fans were paying attention.)

     Honestly, I’d go with Pekovic here. Last year, we didn’t see much of him because he wasn’t able to adjust to the NBA game on most nights and had to sit due to foul trouble. This year, at least he’s getting run. He has definitely been a bright spot on the court and is one heck of a fun guy to interview.

6. Nick

   Who is your “best case scenario” player the Wolves can realistically add this season?

   • Stephen Litel

     Hello, Nick!

     It would HAVE to be a shooting guard or a center, right? That’s what this team really needs right now.

     With the constant rumors, I’d think it would be possible to land someone such as Kevin Martin, but the deal would have to be pretty good with how the Rockets are playing lately. Obviously, they aren’t going to give him away for nothing. The Timberwolves have options, but I don’t think they will land Martin. Martin, or someone close to his level is possible.

7. Dianne

   What do you make of Michael Beasley? I’m tired of the schizophrenic performances and am losing patience. I get that he’s young, but how much longer do we give him?

   • Stephen Litel

     Hey there, Dianne…

     I know I’ve answered some of this question already in the chat, but you have to give Beasley a little more time for sure. Right now, the “excuse” can be that he’s returning from injury and trying to find his groove again. Do I buy into that? No, but he has played pretty well since his return. Last night against Houston, he was great and in control most of the game.

     The Timberwolves have greater concerns right now to address.

8. luis

   Gomes and 2nd round pick for Ariza?

   E. Bledsoe and filler for Courtney Lee?

   Foye and Gomes for Matrix?

   Mo Williams and protected 1st for Mayo and filler?

   Any of these deals good? help clippers?

   • Stephen Litel

     Hi Luis,

     If I’m the Clippers and looking at these proposals, here are my decisions…

     1. No.
     2. No.
     3. Heck no.
     4. I would probably take the shot with Mayo in LA.

     Can’t figure out why Matrix in LA would be a good call, especially giving up two of their players for him. The Clippers do have some depth, but would give up a chunk of that JUST to get Marion. No thanks.

9. RC

   From a Hornets Fan; Tell the Twolves to stop winning please thank you.

   • Stephen Litel

     Hey there, RC…

     I certainly understand why you’re asking this, but I’m going to have to pass on your request. After the past handful of seasons, I’m definitely glad to see Timberwolves fans excited about the team for once. These are my people and they deserve it after all the suffering.

10. Joe McGrath

    Can you think of a trade scenario where the Timberwolves could get a good SG without giving up Derrick Williams?

    • Stephen Litel

      Joe…what’s good?

      Sure…substitute Beasley for Williams in the trade proposal. You’d get more for Williams, but there are a few teams out there that would take a shot on Beasley. As far as who they could get, I don’t want to speculate more than the constant rumors that we hear.

11. Dianne

    What are the Twolves going to do about Wes Johnson? He’s clearly a liability and yet has zero trade value.

    • Stephen Litel

      I wouldn’t say he has zero trade value, Dianne, but it has gone down a lot since last year.

      Going back to your last question, if we’re going to give Michael Beasley more time…we have to do the same for Johnson. This is one heck of a slump he’s in, but after a decent rookie season…we still don’t know which player Johnson really is. I actually plan to speak with Johnson at tomorrow night’s game regarding his struggles for an upcoming HOOPSWORLD piece. I should have even more answers after that conversation. Look for that as soon as I can post it.

12. Nick

    Are Rubio and Love better than Cassell and Garnett?

    • Stephen Litel

      Whoa…whoa…whoa, Nick. Settle down, sir.

      Rubio and Love are fun to watch and are winning games at a faster clip than Wolves fans are used to recently, but to put them in the same category as Cassell and Garnett at this point is rather far-fetched. I do believe they have a great chance to get to that same level, but remember this…one of the reasons we hold those players in such high regard in MInnesota is because they won games. How did they win games? They didn’t do it alone…they had a talented roster surrounding them. The Timberwolves today have some pieces in place, but still need to up the talent level…as well as finding talent that gives a consistent effort night in and night out.

13. luis

    Jerry West said “Addition by subtraction.” Gosal/kobe are the real one-two punch that won the Lakers those last two championships. If you want to give Kobe his last chance to win it all again, trade bynum for pieces for a last run. This won’t happen but…

    Lakers trade Bynum and Barnes, get Mo Williams, Randy Foye, DJ from the clippers. Add a pick here and there and Lakers get a starting point, backup for Kobe and a healthy young athlectic defensive center. Clippers get a “big Three” and backup 3.

    • Stephen Litel

      Hi again Luis…

      I hear what you’re saying as far as Kobe and Pau being the one-two punch. However, I don’t give up Bynum unless I get Dwight Howard. Period. He’s one of the few big men who can dominate in the paint with a back-to-the-basket game and I’m a big supporter of what he’s doing.

      …and, to be honest, I really don’t like the scenario you proposed anyway. Easy pass for me.

14. like a bull

    Howard is good as gone which deal sounds realistic, as far as Magic GM say yes to this trade. DH12 for Noah/Taj/Brewer and Bobcat pick or DH12/Turk for Deng/Noah/Taj/1rd pick/right to Mirotic

    • Stephen Litel

      Of those two options, the Magic would take the first one.

      I don’t think the Bulls should go after Howard though. Would have to give up too much of their chemistry for one player.

15. Christian P

    Is there anything the warriors can do this season to win more games? It seems like they’re trying hard to play defense with coach jackson but they aren’t built to be a defensive team. Like can they trade for anyone to make them better?

    • Stephen Litel

      Hi Christian,

      There’s a lot they CAN do, but it’s whether or not they can make it happen. They can control the on-court play, which is up and down for sure. They can’t control injuries, but would be a much better team without what’s happened to them at times this year…but that’s the case around the league. There are trades out there for the Warriors to make, but are you ready to give up on the Curry/Ellis combo?

16. like a bull

    Should my Bulls gut the team to bring in Howard? why/why not

    • Stephen Litel

      Nope…they shouldn’t. As you can probably tell, I’m not huge on Howard. Yes, he’s a great player and I respect what he brings to his team, but I don’t think the Bulls should give up flexibility and depth for one player.

17. Chosen One

    Do you think that Vince Carter, Allen Iverson, and Tracy McGrady will get into the Hall of Fame ?

    • Stephen Litel

      I go “No,” “Yes” and “No” here.

      Carter and McGrady didn’t REALLY accomplish much during their careers outside of being fan favorites at times. Iverson accomplished quite a lot and was an MVP. He’s hall of fame bound for sure.

18. Suzanne

    Do you think DWill and D12 end up playing together next year? Thanks!

    • Stephen Litel

      The Nets sure better hope they are on the same team in New Jersey next season…or DWill is gone. I would not be surprised at all to see a trade go down before the deadline that sends Howard to NJ, but would also not be shocked if the Magic roll the dice and get burned when Howard walks. I believe he’d choose NJ right now, but other teams could make moves that clear up room for him before then. Only time will tell…

19. luis

    thank you for answering my question.

    • Stephen Litel

      It’s what I’m here for, Luis…

      Thank YOU for asking questions after my “oops” moment setting up this week’s chat.

20. Blaze

    Thoughts on the potential renting of Nash for the Trailblazers this season? Swapping Felton, Babbitt and a 2nd rounder seems possible.

    • Stephen Litel

      Hi Blaze,

      If the Suns ever actually got to the point they were ready to trade Nash, they would want more than this…but, at the same time, I pass on bringing Nash in by giving up these players. Depth and future options are a big thing with me…I’m old school…and want a TEAM, rather than a star player or two.

21. Nick

    Can Anthony Randolph fit with this team?

    • Stephen Litel

      He already is fitting in…but the question should be–as is the case with Beasley–can he become a consistent player? He hasn’t shown that ability yet this season, so the Wolves will have to continue to decide if his potential is worth it.

22. Matt

    Has Pek’s play intrigued you? TV announcers a week or so ago make comment about him not rebounding well unless the ball comes right to him. While he isn’t on Love’s level, he seems to rebound decent enough. Your thoughts?

    • Stephen Litel

      Sure, Pek could rebound more…but that’s difficult when you’re on a team with Kevin Love. As Pek continues to become comfortable in the NBA, his rebounding numbers will go up.

23. Ryan

    He there!!! So since all of these questions are about the t-wolves, what about Beasley for Jodie Meeks and a pick, i mean evan turner, iggy and lou can play the 2 guard so the trade makes a lot of sense

    • Stephen Litel

      Hey Ryan,

      How high is the pick? For Meeks and a 2nd rounder, nah…a lottery pick? Yeah, probably.

24. Matt

    Who has been your favorite interview of all time?

    • Stephen Litel

      Easy one for me here. It’s when I had the opportunity to interview Kobe Bryant one-on-one in my first season covering the league. I waited him out in the locker room and as all the other media members went to chat with Phil Jackson, I had my moment with Kobe. I didn’t want to do the normal interview and his daughter had just been born a couple weeks earlier. As a father myself, we discussed fatherhood, especially when you’re a father of daughters…how that changes you and your outlook on life…all that sort of stuff.

      Is Kobe the best father in the world? Of course not…but that conversation was quite memorable.

25. Matt

    Do you think Adelman can keep his staff around? Or is a guy like Porter going to be a head guy somewhere soon?

    • Stephen Litel

      OK, everyone…last question for the night. Thank all of you for saving me from sitting here and sitting at a blank screen for an hour by submitting your questions!

      I think Adelman can keep this staff around. I don’t see a great amount of teams I expect a coaching change to happen leading into next season and Porter has had a few chances already. I think he very well may be better served as an assistant.
      
      Thanks again, everyone! I always enjoy chatting with you. Until next week…