NBA Chat With Stephen Litel 2/7/12

Stephen Litel (@stephenlitel) will stop by to answer your questions on Tuesday, February 7 at 8:00pm EST. Get those questions in now and join the conversation.

  1. Mike

    Why haven’t the T-Wolves tried to trade Randolph for a first rounder from a team like the Celtics yet? Seems like Adelman is bored with him anyways. They’ll likely just let him go anyways, at least get some value back.

    • Stephen Litel

      What’s up, everyone? I’m keeping one eye on the Timberwolves/Kings game to see how Minnesota plays without the suspended Kevin Love, but I’m here and ready to answer your questions…

      The first question is this: would Anthony Randolph get a first round pick back in a trade? It’s if-fy. I also don’t know why the Celtics would want him.

      The Wolves won’t let him go for nothing though…they’ll get something out of him IF they trade him, but I haven’t heard anything to indicate their shopping him.

  2. kobe

    Hi i see wesley johnson of d wolves as a raw young kobe. It just me? Pacquiao or mayweather? And i just think that dhoward is one injury away in learning to be humble. He should just be thankful and not be a spoile brat. If not for the magics u aint who u are. Show some respect.just another man’s opinion. Win or loose .. we in los angeles will bleed purple n gold. No jumping on d lob angeles bandwagon. I hope the clippers go to seattle.

    • Stephen Litel

      Hey there, Kobe…

      As far as Wes Johnson…it’s just you. Wes still has an opportunity to be a fine player in the NBA, but he has to get over his confidence issues.

      Pacquiao or Mayweather? Don’t care in the slightest.

      As for the rest, you’re entitled to your opinions and I won’t comment.

  3. Ronny

    This is a big if I know, but a healthy Boston come playoff time is capable of beating any team over 7 games. Do you agree or would you blow it up?

    • Stephen Litel

      Hi Ronny,

      We all know what the Celtics can do when completely healthy, but will this old team ever be completely healthy this year, especially at the end of the season? I seriously doubt it, but I would roll with this Celtics team for one more run.

  4. mojart

    the hornets have the minny pick…wer do u think it wil fall?and is tony wroten jr. available wen d hornets mke dat pick?dat guy is der nxt cp3!

    • Stephen Litel

      Hi Mojart,

      That Minnesota pick isn’t going to be as high as the Hornets want it to be. Period.

      I don’t follow college ball until the tourney, so I have no idea on if Wroten would be going in the lottery or not. Sorry…not my forte.

  5. Gunnar

    I’ve had a crush on the minnesota timberwolfs for quite some time. Just something cool about that franchise. Since im not an american i am curious, how do minnesotans view the Timberwolves? Have they always been an outsider in a football’s state? If so, is that changing these days?

    • Stephen Litel

      Hi Gunnar,

      Minnesota is definitely Vikings country, but the Timberwolves have more than enough support when they earn it. As is the case with most franchises, there is a great contingent of die-hard Timberwolves fans who stick with them through thick and thin…and those are my people.

  6. Kenny V

    Does NJ hold a 1st rd. pick in next years draft?

    • Stephen Litel

      I would assume so…and I would assume it would be pretty high.

  7. Jesse

    what do you think of Austin Daye? I think he can be a lot better if given playing time at SF. It seems like a lot more potential that Gordon Heywood from UTAH, but they signed Prince instead.

    • Stephen Litel

      Hi Jesse,

      Daye is a solid player, but nothing spectacular. I would agree with you that he probably has more potential than Haywood, but the Pistons did the right thing by bringing Prince back.

  8. big al

    Two Wolves questions:

    1) Why doesn’t Scola deserve the same suspension as Love for throwing the ball at his groin? If I was the commissioner I would just pull both of them back to their corners and tell them to cool off. Or at worst, suspend both players an equal amount of time. They’re both equally guilty here

    2) I think Williams will be a very good player in this league, but I see him succeeding at the 4 rather than a 3. Obviously we’re good to go at the 4. Why not trade Williams in a package for the wing player we so desperately need? His value won’t go up playing 6 minutes per game.

    • Stephen Litel

      Hi there, Big Al,

      1) Yes, Scola hit Love in the man-area with the ball earlier in the week, but it was accidental. He was trying to throw the ball off of Love and it just happened to hit him in the unfortunate spot. There is no reason for a suspension for that. Love and Scola are in no way “equally guilty” here. As I’ve said in conversations on my FB page since the situation with Love and Scola, only K-Love knows what his true intentions were there since the video can be interpreted either way. If he did mean to step on Scola, he needs to grow up and definitely deserved the suspension. If it was an accident as he says, the suspension is a bit much, but because of the fact it can be seen both ways, the NBA had to sit him down. Scola did nothing to deserve a suspension or even a fine in either game.

      2) You may very well be correct that Williams will be better as a four than as a three, but it’s too early to make the final decision on that. The Timberwolves are going to see how it goes for the entire season and, more than likely, next season as well. They do, however, have to find ways to get him more time.

  9. Jazzfan

    Obviously the Jazz ran into a guy by the name of Jeremy Lin you mave have heard that name once or twice by now lol, but it also seems like the Jazz play to the level of the competition they beat the Lakers, have close games against the Mav’s and Clippers etc.. and then lose to teams like Golden State and now the Knicks minus Melo AND STAT, How hard is this type of issue for a coach to correct?, it’s obvious Corbin knows its an issue but seems like he;s having a hard time gettin the team to correct it.

    • Stephen Litel

      Hi Jazzfan,

      How hard is it for a coach to correct consistency from his players? It depends on what kind of team you have. If you have a roster full of highly motivated players committed to winning basketball games, it shouldn’t take long. If you have a roster full of players who are all about individual stats and their own highlights, then it may never happen. Which category do you see the Jazz falling into?

  10. Jeff

    Does Gallo injury mean Denver more likely to bring back Wilson Chandler?

    • Stephen Litel

      Jeff,

      I wouldn’t be surprised at all. I’ve always been big on Chandler’s game, so I thought they should’ve found a way to make it happen…even if Gallo was healthy.

  11. Flute

    I have been reading several articles that iverson could possibly be in puerto rico..How accurate is that?If he does what are the chances of in nba return in your opinion if he goes out there and play well

    • Stephen Litel

      Iverson won’t be back in the NBA. There isn’t a single team that would take the risk on an old player who’s best days are far, far behind him.

  12. Drew

    Ok the Whole world know Tpups need a SG so the question is who can we get? Ellis, Mayo,CLee,Morrow,E Turner, Derozen,Gerald henderson, JJredick, J Rich,Nick Young Other?(Knowing that KMartin is not avaialble and who we really want/need) And what are we looking to need to give up. I am hoping for a Beaz or Randolph/Ellington and send Memphis’s 1st back to them for Mayo. Your thoughts….What do you do?!

    • Stephen Litel

      Hi Drew,

      I’d rule Ellis, Turner and DeRozan out of the list almost immediately.

      If I’m making the call, I don’t want CLee, Reddick, J-Rich or Nick Young.

      So, that leaves Mayo, Morrow and Henderson from your list.

      Mayo would be the best fit and the most excited one, but I’d be happy with any of the three.

  13. Josh

    Stephen,

    Do you think either of these trade scenarios are possible:

    Utah trades Millsap and Harris for Rondo and Oneal

    Utah trades Jefferson and Harris for Brand and Holiday

    • Stephen Litel

      Hi Josh,

      Utah says no in the first scenario.

      Philadelphia says no in the second.

  14. Niraj

    Looking at the Lakers, it seems like they just need some other pieces to make it work. The big three can work, but they need either some better bench players that are consistent from night to night or a steady PG to calm everything down and stop the Lakers from getting burned from the perimeter every time. Agree?

  15. Drew

    Thoughts on this 3 Team trade Beaz to Milwaukee, SJax to Orlando and JRich to Minny. Gets Sjax out of milwaukee and over to Orlando to play with his boy DH12, Beaz is a wash but gets Milwaukee some flexability and JRich gets Minny the SG / Vet we need? Works for all 3 Teams!!!

    • Stephen Litel

      This trade only helps Milwaukee…

      And it certainly doesn’t keep Howard in Orlando.

  16. andrea

    Bargnani and Calderon to Lakers for Gasol, is it possible?
    I think when Bargnani is healthy, is one of the best PF in the league, and I’d love to see him in a big team

    • Stephen Litel

      Lakers say no here. Not enough…and you’re over-rating Bargs. Above average player, but one of the best PF’s in the NBA…no.

  17. HoBo

    Hi Stephen, Cavs have cap space and a real need for a real SG and SF. Wilson Chandler and JR Smith retuns to the USA in a month or so . What are the odds that one of those guys could end up in Cleveland?

    • Stephen Litel

      Hi HoBo,

      Not sure why either of these guys would want to end up in Cleveland when they have other options, so chances are not good at all.

  18. Kevin

    Hi Stephen,

    Big fan of you and your colleagues for hosting these chats.

    Love made the Wolves relevant again and Rubio is making them competent. Everyone forgot about Khan’s history until he didn’t give Love the max years. With a lot of GMs overvaluing their own players, I don’t anticipate Minnesota making any moves until the offseason when Khan decides to offer Mayo 32 million over 4 years because he likes his wristband (joking). Given their history, salary cap situation and the upcoming free agent class, what do you think the Wolves should do in the offseason?? If different, what do you think they will do??

    • Stephen Litel

      Hi Kevin,

      Without question, they have to address the SG spot. Many hope it would be Mayo filling the role and I think it would be a nice fit. Will it happen? We’ll see…

  19. Jimmy V

    Which top college prospects should stay in college another year with all the talent that is coming out this year?

    • Stephen Litel

      Jimmy V, huh?

      As I mentioned earlier, I’m not a college basketball guy, but everything I’ve heard is actually the opposite of what you said…that this is a pretty weak draft.

  20. Sarah

    JJ had struggled to really make an impact with the Wolves this season. I know he has been battling injuries. Will we get to see the JJ from last seasons finals?

    • Stephen Litel

      Hi there, Sarah!

      We already have seen flashes of Finals JJ, but you’re right…the injuries have slowed him down. With how feisty he is, I wouldn’t be surprised if he is able to contribute more soon…but I’m not disappointed with what he’s been able to give to this point.

  21. Hopeful Hornet

    How do you project the Knicks record at the end of this season? I’m wanting that pick from Houston…especially with Minny crushing my hopes for 2 picks in the top 10

    • Stephen Litel

      Hopeful Hornet…like the name…

      The Knicks will finish in the 32-37 win range…and that’s if Melo’s injury doesn’t linger.

  22. Sarah

    Now that the Wolves finally hit the .500 mark, do you think they can keep the wins coming without K Love the next two games?

    • Stephen Litel

      Hi again, Sarah…

      Great question…will be interesting to see a bunch of players get more of an opportunity with K-Love sitting out. So far tonight, they’re looking pretty good at home against the Kings. Tomorrow’s game on the road will be much tougher.

  23. mynor

    So with Chauncey out, are the Clips now front runners for JR Smith??

    • Stephen Litel

      Hi Mynor,

      Front runners? Probably, yeah…but that’s pure speculation.

  24. Jonas

    I Think Kobe is All Top 3 in Skill All Time, Top 3 Perimeter Scorer All Time, Top 10 All Time Clutch, Top 10 All Time Competitor, and Overall a Top 10 Player, and He Still is Playing This Game lol Would You Agree With What I Said ?? And Where Do You Rank Him All Time ???

    • Stephen Litel

      Hi Jonas,

      Honestly, I hate comparing players from different eras, so I won’t. I will say this, however…Kobe is one of the top two or three players from HIS generation and probably is the best.

  25. racquel

    Is it just me or do the lakers now look like a 3 man team because the last 2 games they lost only 3 players were in double digit. This shows me that they underestimate LO value at the chance of landing DH12. With all the heat Shaq gives DH12 of trying to be like him there was no way he was really considering them(the lakers)I AM NOT a fan anymore of DH12 because he can’t seem to make up his mind and teams are just willing to throw away their chances of a chip in hopes of getting him. Mavs just let Tyson walk as well as other free agents they could’ve sign. Lakers appears to be stuck on stupid waitng for him to change his mind instead of getting a pg.

    • Stephen Litel

      Alrighty then, Racquel…seems like you have some pent up anger…

      Just a few things…

      Yes, the Lakers need a point guard and should have tried to address the situation by now.

      Not sure how Howard “can’t make up his mind.” He provided a list of acceptable teams and that’s it. He really avoids this conversation as much as possible, trying not to be more of a distraction than he could be.

      …and the Mavs had to let Tyson walk. Yeah, that move hurt, but they had to for financial reasons.

  26. James

    Do you think if the Lakers deal for CP3 didnt fall through we would be talking about a big 3 of KOBE-CP3-D12 right now?…or looking forward to it?….seems to me like it would have been the perfectly balanced big 3 aswell for distributing,scoring and defense

    • Stephen Litel

      Hi James,

      Yeah, probably…but the Lakers might as well have signed me to play point guard for them because they wouldn’t have money for anybody else.

  27. JD

    Kobe doesn’t use his big men well enough as is so why would dwight Howard go to the lakers? he be nothing more than a clean up guy for Kobes’ missed shots. Ur thoughts?

    • Stephen Litel

      Hi JD,

      Kobe could do better in that department, but is he really going to change his style of play at this point in his career? Probably not…and that is going to be a factor to Howard and whether or not he would choose to go to LA or if he would stay there if traded.

  28. Jake

    If you had to name names, who would do you think Wolves will look at either at the trade deadline or in free agency? Gordon? Hibbert? Ndudi Ebi?

    • Stephen Litel

      Hi Jake,

      Gordon? Nope.

      Hibbert? Nope.

      Ebi? My soul just died a little bit.

      Anyone else and I would just be speculating…and I don’t have to “name names.”

  29. Adam K

    What would it take for the Knicks to grab a draft pick for this year? I was hoping for a late first round pure point guard that isn’t looking to shoot…

    And is there any upside left for Johnny Flynn or is he a bust?

    • Stephen Litel

      Hi Adam,

      Lose, lose, lose. lol

      Sure, there’s upside to Jonny Flynn…but I’d stick with Lin over him. Seriously.

  30. Adam K

    Toney Douglas and cash to Lakers for their 1st rounder?
    I don’t want to move Melo, but is a trade with Philly good for both teams (maybe Holliday and Iggy?)

    • Stephen Litel

      OK, everyone, last question…need to cut out a bit early tonight, so if I didn’t get to your question, hit me up on Twitter @stephenlitel

      Adam,

      I would think the Lakers would value the pick much more than Douglas and Cash…and there is no way Philly would do that trade. They shouldn’t even consider it either. Not even a bit.

      Alright, everyone! It was fun! Time for me to check out Wolves/Kings with both eyes now. Until next week…