NBA Chat With Stephen Litel 2/14/12

Stephen Litel will stop by for a Valentine’s Day chat with all the NBA lovers Tuesday, Feb. 14 at 8:00pm EST. Drop your questions in now.

  1. Nick

    Why is Wes Johnson still in the starting lineup? His shot is not falling and not contributing like a top 5 pick should.

    • Stephen Litel

      What’s up, everyone? Thanks for joining the chat this week and Happy Valentine’s Day to all of you. If you aren’t already, why aren’t you following me on Twitter yet @stephenlitel? Let’s tip off this chat for all the NBA lovers out there…

      Hey there, Nick…

      Wes has been more than frustrating this season, hasn’t he? However, if you look around the league, most second-year players are in the same boat. One of the main problems for Wes right now is confidence and rightfully so with how rough his season has been to this point. While he frustrates a majority of the time, it’s too early to give up on him unless a great trade came around that’s just too good to pass on. If he would be a part of that deal, so be it, but I also believe that Wes would accept a role off the bench–and probably produce better there–if a better player came along to take his spot.

  2. Derek

    Trade ideas:
    Gasol, Barnes to New Jersey
    Williams, Varejao, Morrow to Lakeshow
    Odom TPE to Cleveland

    New Jersey gets a big to build around with- locked in for 2 years so they can attract talent and a gritty 3 who plays hard every night
    Lakers get their best PG since Magic left town, an AC Green like hardworking 4 to give them energy and a 6th man to cure their bench woes and can play with Kobe as he slides to the 3 when all the other 3s (MWP) are having a really poor night
    Cavs clear cap space and get potentially 2 big players (Eric Gordon & Brook Lopez) to join Irving, Thompson
    Who says no?

    • Stephen Litel

      Hi Derek,

      I’ll tell you what…the Lakers would do this deal in a heartbeat. New Jersey is giving up too much though, even with the likelihood of Williams leaving. They can still do better than this. Cleveland would also want more out of the deal.

  3. Austrian powers

    What do you think of the following trade: lal gets gay, lee, gsw gets pau and morris, mem gets ellis, blake. Then the lakers use their te on hinrich

    • Stephen Litel

      Again, LA gets the best of this deal.

      Don’t quite see why Golden State or Memphis would pull the trigger here.

  4. Alex

    Will this trade improve all 3 teams?

    HOU
    Gasol + LAL 1st Round pick

    LAL
    Scola + Mo Williams

    LAC
    Martin

    • Stephen Litel

      It improves the Clippers, as I personally would prefer Martin to Mo Williams, but Houston and LA don’t get better.

  5. Jimmy

    Hey Steve, Do you think going without D Rose for a few games at this time of year is going to be good for the Bulls in the long run? It forces Booze and the bench to be proactive and not rely on Derrick creating everything for them like he always does.

    • Stephen Litel

      Hi Jimmy,

      It’s a benefit to Chicago for the reason you stated, for sure.

      We all know Chicago is going to be in the playoffs and that’s when it matters. They will have homecourt advantage through most of it and that is the time when it’s critical Rose is healthy. I’m all for sitting him now if he’s as healthy as can be in the postseason.

  6. big al

    Sorry, bit of a long one here:

    Do the Wolves have their big 3? Rubio, Love and Pek are playing great and they seem to be a strong enough core to build a team around. We obviously still need some pieces. Teams are killing us with outside shooting and we’re not moving the ball around enough on offense.

    If you’re the GM, what moves would you make to address these issues? Do you even see these as the main problems with the team?

    Also, any word on Malcolm Lee’s progress in the D league and is there any chance we see him get minutes with the Wolves this year?

    • Stephen Litel

      Hey Big Al,

      Let’s see here, so many questions…

      Your big three of Love, Rubio and Pek puts a lot of faith in Pek, but he very well could fit into a bigger role on this team for years to come. It’s up to him and lately he’s played some great basketball, so all signs are good.

      As is the case with most people who follow the Wolves, I would find a way to upgrade the shooting guard position as soon as possible…if not earlier. They need a creator out there, someone who can catch-and-shoot AND put the ball on the floor and drive to the rim. Currently, the guys Minnesota has in that role can catch-and-shoot (but miss consistently) or put it on the court TOO much. They have to find a way to address this and they are attempting to do so.

      Malcolm Lee played well in the D-league, but was just called back up to the Timberwolves. I’m sure we’ll see him at some point this season, but I wouldn’t expect too much out of him this year.

  7. Jazzfan

    Do you think Ty Corbin is legitmate candidate for Coach Of The Year? considering he took over for Jerry Sloan unexpectdly in mid season last year then loses DWill almost immediatly after, then there’s the lockout and the shortened training camp with little time to implement his system, they get off to a horrible start with the blowout losses and then turns it around and has us in playoff contention and were doing better than most “experts” expected us to.

    • Stephen Litel

      Hi Jazzfan,

      Corbin has done a pretty decent job, but I don’t see the COY going to a team outside of the playoffs. If he would want a legit shot at it, he better get his team to the postseason.

  8. Drew

    Couple of trade Ideas. 1. D Williams for Evan Turner? (helps both teams) 2. Beaz or Luke,Randolph and Memphis’s 1st we have for Mayo? 3. Randolph and Webster plus Memphis or Utah pick for Marvin Williams?! Finally what do you think are the chances JR Smith comes to Minny! And how good a fit would he be? Thanks!!!

    • Stephen Litel

      Hi Drew,

      1. No. Giving up on Williams too early.
      2. Minnesota would do it if it were Ridnour or Randolph, but Beasley would be unlikely.
      3. I don’t want any part of Marvin Williams, so I’ll pass on that one.

      Minnesota is in the running for JR Smith for sure, but I have a feeling he ends up with a whole bunch of his former teammates with the Clippers.

  9. Wolvesfan

    Thoughts on JR Smith, is he our answer at the 2? How would he fit with Adelman, RR, and Love? Who do we get rid of to make room?

    What are your impressions of Biyombo? I was hoping to trade down for him in the draft and I am excited to watch him tomorrow night. Would he look good with Love and Pek?

    Lots of questions dont worry if you dont want to answer them all. Thanks appreciate your time

    • Stephen Litel

      Hi Wolvesfan,

      Since I just discussed Smith, I’ll go on to the next part of your question.

      Biyombo is a major project and was taken WAY to highly in the draft. I’m not saying he can’t become a better player (I have a very difficult time writing off any player), but it will take a while.

  10. Hudsen

    If jr smith signs with the knicks he will get a starting spot with plenty of minutes and the green light to shoot the three. The knicks style of play allows him to excel. Where do you think he signs? And how soon will it happen considering he’ll be back in the US by wednesday.

    • Stephen Litel

      Hi Hudsen,

      Everyone is curious about Smith…and rightfully so. Could be a big contributor to a lot of teams.

      Again, I think he ends up with the Clippers.

  11. Sarah

    I was very surprised that Dallas made a lot of changes to their roster this year. Do you think they have a chance to make it as far this year?

    • Stephen Litel

      Hi Sarah,

      A lot of the changes the Mavericks made were forced upon them. They had to make many difficult decisions and it’s hurt them this year and, if you’re asking if they win the NBA title again this year…no, they don’t. We’ll have a new champion this year.

  12. Sarah

    The Wolves have been in a slump the last few games. When are they going to get back on track? By the way, I blame the Muskies uniforms.

    • Stephen Litel

      Hi again Sarah,

      You’d hope they can get back to their winning ways tomorrow against the Bobcats, but man, do they need to stop turning the ball over so much. Playing the Bobcats at home in front of a Timberwolves crowd hungry for a win should help.

      And, you’re right…0-3 in the Muskies uniforms? Burn them.

  13. Matt

    Early I know, but do the Wolves seem to be winning enough for Adelman to be in consideration for coach of the year? What about if they make the playoffs?

    • Stephen Litel

      Hi Matt,

      Coach Adelman is doing a great job with the Wolves and, like Corbin earlier in the chat, I don’t think they’re currently winning quite enough to make him a contender for COY. Now, if the Wolves finished the season at 0.500? You could make a heck of a case because they would have nearly doubled their win total in a single season.

  14. bentong

    Hi can u give us aspiring nba fans who wants to one day work in the nba industry an inside look on the experiences u had? Good n bad? How was your first day? How did u get d job n were u starstruck? Maraming salamat in english thanks !

    • Stephen Litel

      Fun question, bentong,

      Yeah, I’ll admit it…the first few games I covered, I was pretty star struck. Growing up as a diehard NBA fans, it’s rather jarring to walk into a locker room and there stands Kobe Bryant…or Kevin Garnett…or Shaquille O’Neal…or Tim Duncan…or…or…

      You’d be amazed at how quickly that fades though. Once you remember they are normal people and a great majority WANT to speak with you as long as you ask interesting and unique questions, it’s all cake.

  15. cupido ng pinas

    Best player u ever covered in each position and the 6 thman and why?

    • Stephen Litel

      Tough one…

      Off the top of my head, I’d say…

      PG – Steve Nash during MVP years.
      SG – Kobe.
      SF – Kevin Durant.
      PF – I’m in Minnesota…it’s a tie between Kevin Garnett and Kevin Love.
      C – Shaquille O’Neal.
      6th – Ginobili 6th man years.

  16. taong matanong

    Who would u think would win on a one on one. Prime c.barkley vs prime lebron? In a game 7 finals r.miller’s pacers roster that push mj’ s bulls to a game 7 or the r.allen celtics roster who won the finals a few seasons ago?

    • Stephen Litel

      Fun question here as well.

      LeBron would ABUSE Barkley.

      I go with the Pacers over the Celtics because they had more depth.

  17. tsinelas at dyaryo

    Would a prime iverson better player than derrick rose?

    • Stephen Litel

      No…

      Iverson was a better scorer. Rose is a better all-around player.

  18. Michael Sasse

    Clearly the Timberwolves are in desperate need of a starting caliber 2 guard. Other teams have an absolute blast abusing Ridnour in the post.

    What shooting guards out there are even available and do you feel any of them are attainable considering we only have the likes of Randolph, Beasley, Miller, etc. to offer in return?

    • Stephen Litel

      Hi Michael,

      The biggest names mentioned have been Kevin Martin and JR Smith, but I don’t think either land here. I think Martin stays in Houston and Smith ends up with the Clippers.

  19. Klomp

    Is Malcolm Lee (part of) the answer at SG for the Wolves?

    • Stephen Litel

      My man, Klomp…good to see you on here,

      No, he’s not. At least, not this season. He may have some moments where he plays well (when he actually gets playing time), but as a part of a long-term answer at the two? No, he’s not.

  20. Mateo

    After watching moneyball, is it good to suggest that nba should give award, in the level of mvp or most improve award, to players that are most at par to the level of their performance to the salaries they are getting? I think most nba players are overpaid. What’s your thought? And to add most overpaid player award? :)

    • Stephen Litel

      I’ll let you know after I’ve actually seen Moneyball…

      But, no…don’t like any of these ideas. Way too subjective.

  21. Mark Revering

    Whats the likely-hood the Wolves make a move for a shooting guard before the deadline?

    • Stephen Litel

      Hey Mark,

      This has to be priority number one and it sounds as if it is, but we’ll see, won’t we?

  22. Jae

    Who says no to this trade?
    Phoenix gets: Felton, Wallace
    Portland gets: Nash, Childress, Lopez

    • Stephen Litel

      Hi Jae,

      Portland says no. Giving up too much of their really good team for a short-term rental in Nash.

  23. Robert

    Hi Stephen, do the Timberwolves need to stay put and remain patient? We were/are never going to contend (for a championship) this year or next, although Playoffs should be the goal next year. Seems to me that some fans have gotten impatient with the glaring weaknesses (SG, Athletic defensive C)that this team has. I would expect (relatively) minor moves if any are to occur (Courtney Lee) this year. No need to give up assets for a quick fix. In your opinion, what do you think the Wolves do? and what do you think they should do?

    • Stephen Litel

      Hi Robert,

      GREAT take. Remember back as the lockout was ending? Most Timberwolves fans said the same thing heading into the year…they wanted Ricky Rubio to be somewhere near the player he was hyped up to be and for the Timberwolves to be more competitive. Well, Rubio is close to they hype, if not better…and the Timberwolves are infinitely more competitive. Two for two. While it’s easy to focus on the negatives, it’s refreshing to have an entertaining brand of basketball in the Twin Cities and the team is well-aware they have more work to do.

      I wouldn’t necessarily say stand pat. Always look for ways to improve your team, but if it gives up too much future flexibility and assets, pass on it.

  24. Nick

    Who is the east number three team (behind Heat and Bulls)…Sixers or Pacers?

    • Stephen Litel

      Hi Nick,

      Why not the Knicks with all the Linsanity going on? lol

      If I’m choosing between the two teams you brought up, I go with Indiana. I like the balance on their team better.

  25. Capone

    How about cleveland finds away to get brook lopez with a draft pic or we just sign him in the off season

    • Stephen Litel

      That would be remarkable…

      …and also has no chance of happening either way.

  26. Michael K

    Hi,
    Do you think Rudy Fernandez could be the answer to the timberwolves’ SG problem? If so who should go Denver’s way? Wes Johnson?

    • Stephen Litel

      Wow…

      If the Nuggets are stupid enough to trade Fernandez straight up for Wes Johnson, the Timberwolves BETTER jump on it or fold the franchise. Of course Fernandez could be a major factor at the position if he were on the Timberwolves roster, but there is no way this trade happens. Denver would want A LOT…A LOT…A LOT more than that.

  27. Ryan

    I know the sixers arent going to make any moves. I think they will end up like the Hawks and they are at their ceiling and wont get much better with time. I think they could make two trades that would improve them greatly.

    Trade Jodie Meeks+first rounder for Beasley.
    and
    Iggy for Monta Ellis…what do you think of that if the sixers were willing to make them?

    • Stephen Litel

      Hi Ryan,

      Well, if Beasley and Monta Ellis were on the same team, I hope everyone else on the roster is a big time rebounder. That’s a lot of shots heading towards the rim.

      No, this wouldn’t make Philly better…it would make them much worse.

  28. mat

    Monta to twolves for Beasley, pekovich, and pick.

    • Stephen Litel

      Hi Mat,

      Beasley and the pick…you have a deal. No Pek.

      Or, even better…Beasley…the pick…and we’ll even throw in Darko.

  29. Keith

    Will the T-Wolves take Stephen Jackson off the Bucks hands for Beasley? Or, something of the sorts…

    • Stephen Litel

      Ok, everyone…last question for tonight…

      Hi Keith,

      That’s just one set of headaches and problems for another. I’d pass rather easily since I can see Beas TRYING to do the right things for his team.

      Have a great Valentine’s Day, everyone! If I didn’t get to your questions, hit me up on Twitter @stephenlitel. I’m always up for a good hoops chat!

      Until next time…