NBA Chat with Stephen Litel 3/6/2012

JP

If you main goal is to have cap space to sign Harden to a MAX and Pekovic with the remaining in the 2013-14 Free Agency, what other moves would you do?
Important note: I asked Susan Bible if OKC would sign Harden if he wanted the MAX and she answered me this:
I can just answer this one way: the Thunder are not letting loose of James Harden.He’s not going to get the max, but they’ll work out something.
Impossible dream or possible dream?

Stephen Litel

Hi there, NBA fans! Welcome to this week’s chat. I see a lot of great questions waiting for me, so let’s jump right in. If I don’t happen to get to your question, hit me up on Twitter @stephenlitel. Even if I do get to your question, hit me up…who doesn’t love more followers? Let’s get to it…

Hi JP,

Who’s main goal is to sign Harden to a max contract? While he is a great player, paying him max money is over-paying him significantly. He is not a franchise player. Now, if the Timberwolves could find a way to sign him to a reasonable contract, they would love to have him. However, I believe Susan is correct…Harden isn’t leaving the Thunder.

Jazzaholic

If you were the Jazz GM, what moves would you make this year with the expiring contracts of Josh Howard ($2.15m), CJ Miles ($3.7m), a $10.9m TPE and Millsap?

Stephen Litel

Hi Jazzaholic,

That’s somewhat of a loaded question, but the Jazz could use upgrades at quite a few positions. I will say, however, that I am of the belief that Milsap and Jefferson CAN coexist, so I would keep him around.

AJ

What would the Wolves give up for Crawford? Wesley Matthews? I could see those two teams as trade partners.

Stephen Litel

Hi AJ,

There have been reports the two teams are discussing a trade, but it also sounds as if the Timberwolves are battling with the Los Angeles Clippers for Crawford’s services. The latest I’ve heard is it would be something along the lines of Crawford for Ridnour, if the Timberwolves were the trade partner, as that trade does make sense for both teams. However, you’d have to think the Blazers would want a little more than just Luke.

Derek

Given that MWP has been traded for Ron Artest of late, will an above average PG (Felton, Sessions, Hinrich) be sufficient to make the Lakers contenders again?

Stephen Litel

Hi Derek,

Ron Artest is a much better player than Metta World Peace, isn’t he? It’s obvious the biggest hole in the Lakers attack is at the point guard position and any of the points you mentioned would be good fits. With the play of the Lakers big three, adding an above average point guard would more than likely make them contenders again, yes.

jonel

- Boston gets: Chris Kaman, Grievis Vasquez, Al-Farouq Aminu and Minnesota’s 2012 first-round pick;

- New Orleans gets: Rajon Rondo and Jermaine O’Neal.is this a fair deal for both teams…thanks

Stephen Litel

Hi Jonel,

Fair trade in the fact that it may work money-wise? Yes. Fair-trade in the real world? No. In this trade, New Orleans is giving up to much.

jullia

1. Kaman to the Houston Rockets for Hasheem Thabeet, Johnny Flynn, Patrick Patterson, Jordan Hill and the New York Knicks’ 2012 first-round draft pick

2. Kaman to the San Antonio Spurs for Richard Jefferson, Danny Green, James Anderson, $3 million and the Spurs’ No. 1 pick in 2012.

3. Kaman to the New Jersey Nets for Mehmet Okur, Damion James, $3 million, Houston’s 2012 first-round draft pick and the Nets’ own 2013 pick (lottery protected).

which one of these is the best package and why

Stephen Litel

Hi Jullia,

None of these are good packages. You are over-valuing Chris Kaman big time.

John

Final 12 seconds of the same score is tied who do u want taking the last shot LBJ or Carmelo Anthony?

Stephen Litel

Hi John,

Carmelo Anthony. Without hesitation.

And, no, that doesn’t make me a LeBron hater…Anthony has a track record of hitting big shots in big moments.

vhalz

hey…i knw carmelo is an overrated player he won’t be if he learn to attack the basket more…
pls let him realize is more of a slashing forward….

geeezz i thought knicks will be an elite team this season….epic fail!!…

Stephen Litel

Hi Vhalz,

Or maybe Knicks fans should relax and allow the new-look Knicks time to mesh together. They have a lot of new pieces and it doesn’t happen over night.

alan

is there any way that the bulls could pull off a deal for garnett and ray allen. the bulls send asik or taj gibson along with their 1st rounder, the charlotte pick they have, Nikola Mirotic and carlos boozer, ronnie brewer and CJ watson? the celtics could send watson to LA for their 1st this year leading to 3 1st rounders and a first round talent in mirotic to go along with a starting 5 of rondo, brewer, pierce, boozer and asik which could still lock down the 8 spot. the bulls dont want to shake up the chemistry, but what two players would fit in better than those 2 who already know thibs’ system

Stephen Litel

Hi Alan,

Well, I wouldn’t give up a first round pick for either Garnett or Allen at this point of their careers. Also, why would the Bulls mess with something that is working? Complaints about Boozer are legit at times, but the Bulls are having a great season. Why not just wait until the summer and attempt to get those players in FA?

Charlie

If you were starting a team tomorrow, rank your preference for power forward: Kevin Love, Dirk Nowitzki, Blake Griffin, and LaMarcus Aldridge

Stephen Litel

Hi Charlie,

1. Kevin Love.
2. LaMarcus Aldridge
3. Blake Griffin
4. Dirk Nowitzki

Cricket

In your opinion, who was the better point guard: John Stockton or Magic Johnson

Stephen Litel

Hi Cricket,

Great, fun question!

Well, the point of playing the game is to win, right? While Stockton was a stud, Johnson has the championship rings. Therefore, I go with the Magic man.

Dennis

Which big man has the best repertoire of low post moves: Al Jefferson, Zach Randolph, or Dwight Howard

Stephen Litel

Hi Dennis,

My answer may surprise you a bit, but I rank the three exactly as you typed them…Al Jefferson, followed by Zach Randolph, followed by Dwight Howard. Of the three, Howard is the best all-around player, but he needs more work on his low post moves.

Charlie

If you were casting your vote for Coach of the Year today, who would it be and why?

Stephen Litel

Hi Charlie,

Unbelievably, I cast my vote for Popovich in San Antonio. Yet again, many in NBA circles over-looked the Spurs entering the season, thinking they were done. They lost Manu on two different occasions for good chunks of time, yet look at their record. Hopefully for them, their playoff run will be a little longer than last year.

Dennis

Who’s the better weakside defender: Josh Smith or Serge Ibaka

Stephen Litel

Ibaka. How many games this season does he have 10+ blocks? That is ridiculous.

Cricket

In Mr. Litel’s ideal world you are offered the coaching spots in Portland, Sacramento, and Denver for next season. Which one do you accept and why?

Stephen Litel

Mr. Litel is my Dad…I’m Stephen.

Of these three, I would take the coaching job in Denver. Love what they’re doing there and they are young.

Frank

In your opinion, would a Larry Bird type player be able to win the MVP trophy and multiple titles in modern day NBA (i.e. player with his level of athleticism). Or has the NBA evolved to a point where the Adam Morrisons of the world will always struggle to stay in the league.

Stephen Litel

Hi Frank,

I hear what you’re saying, but don’t ever put Adam Morrison in the same question as Larry Bird again. That’s disrespectful to Larry Legend big time.

To answer your question, I’ll point you to Kevin Love. He is NOT an athletic dude, but the man is dominating a lot of games this season. If you’re a smart player, you can overcome athletic deficiencies.

Smitty

The seventh game of the NBA Finals is tied up with 8 seconds left on the game clock. Coach Litel calls a time out to draw up the last play. Who’s the #1 option for the Miami HEAT (with Wade out with injury) Lebron, Bosh, Battier, or other.

Stephen Litel

Hi Smitty,

I go with LeBron. I look him in the eye and tell him this is his time to silence the doubters and roll the dice.

Sweet Dee

I have heard a number of writers on Hoopsworld chirp Rondo for his bad attitude and temperament. I believe players such as Rondo, who are not media friendly, are automatically labelled as problem players. Dude was the starting point on a championship team when he was a rook, but because he doesn’t smile and give the media the same robotic memorized lines “its all about the team” and “I’m just here to do whatever the coaches asks me” he is viewed as a problem. I personally love the fact he doesn’t conform to this norm. Agree or Disagree Rondo would be a problem player on a team without veterans

Stephen Litel

Hi Sweet Dee,

I hear what you’re saying and I won’t speak for anyone but myself. In my interactions with Rondo, he has been a little standoff-ish, but if you ask the right questions, he will answer professionally. I somewhat empathize with the players who have to answer the same questions night in and night out, so if you ask questions that are original, the player is pleasantly surprised and more willing to give you more thoughtful responses.

Rondo answers the questions posed to him, so that doesn’t make him a “problem player.”

Deven

Hi Stephen. Would Danny Ainge really consider trading Paul Pierce for young assets? I mean, he’s been with that organization for a long time. Do you see it happening?

Stephen Litel

Hi Deven,

Sure, Ainge would think about it if it was the best option to put the Celtics in a position to win later. It’s unfortunate though…there are some players who should play their entire careers with the same team and Pierce is one of them.

Matt from Oz

Hey Stephen,,
Lookin forward to the trade deadline countdown. Any chance I can get ur thoughts on this one-
Utah gets Kevin Martin, (+ Terrence Williams for $ purposes)
Houston gets Pau Gasol
Lakers gets Al Jefferson, Goran Dragic

Seems to me like it works for everyone, and the money works.
Thanks Stephen.

Stephen Litel

Hi Matt from Oz,

Like another trade earlier in the chat, sure this trade works on paper. However, I don’t see it happening because the Lakers would want more. Dragic isn’t the answer to their point guard problems.

Joe Shafer

Posted this earlier but wanted you view point from the TimberWolves perspective. What about Kevin Martin and a second round pick (also maybe buddinger) for Beasley and Milicic?

Stephen Litel

Hi Joe,

Done deal. If I’m the Timberwolves and you call me with this proposal, the paperwork is written up, signed and sent to the NBA in about 5 minutes.

Hassan

Do you think the Bulls should sign Arenas, given the fact that Rip can’t stay healthy and also sign Rasheed Wallace for more big man depth in the playoffs? I think that combination would put the Bulls over the top and make them very tough to beat.

Stephen Litel

Hi Hassan,

Nope and nope. Neither of these players and their potential headaches are anything the Bulls want to get involved with. Add into the mix they haven’t played in a while? Pass without hesitation.

Sven

Hi Stephen, is it worth trading Beasley and B. Miller to Detroit for Ben Gordon ?
He surely is overpaid but I think he could fit in well with ‘Sota and Adelman’s system.

Stephen Litel

Hi Sven,

Detroit would never do this deal, getting stuck with Miller’s contract. The Timberwolves have better options to go after than Gordon.

Chris

The games against Philly and Indy have magnified the Bulls glaring need for a legit SG. I think GarPax should call Sacramento to guage their interest in a trade built around Omer, Korver, and a first for Thornton. I think this is a trade that helps both teams. Kings get a young center to team/backup Cousins and we get a young SG that is on a reasonable contract for the next four years.Kings have too many shooters as is and could use a big that know his role and has potential.

Stephen Litel

Hi Chris,

There could be something to this trade, as I do see your point how it works for either team. However, I don’t think it happens…I think Sacramento would pass.

Cricket

In this week’s chat, Mr. Bill Ingram ranked his current top three point guards: CP3, Derrick Rose, and Rajon Rondo. Would these be the same three pgs on Mr. Litel’s list? Or do Deron Williams, Steve Nash or other make the cut

Stephen Litel

Bill has a good list there, but I make one change. My list would be CP3, Derrick Rose and Deron Williams. I want my point guard to be able to hit outside shots consistently, which is why I removed Rondo from the original list. It’s difficult though because he’s such a stud and finds a way.

TJ

How is Nash still playing at an all star level?? he’s putting up unheard of stats for his age and with this team around him. Also what about Greg oden to the suns? Our training staff is perfect for him. And or Brandon Roy? Also when will Aaron Brooks be eligible to come back he might be that offense that we need

Stephen Litel

Hi TJ,

Nash takes good care of his body and, as a whole, has avoided major injuries throughout his career. Also, he’s just THAT good of a player.

Oden to the Suns? Only if for a minimum deal. Roy? A little more than minimum.

Aaron Brooks has to play out his contract…not sure when that’s up.

Dante

Hi,

Are there any real legs to the Raymond felton trade that would include Steve Blake going back to portland?
Also I think the lakers would be stupid to give up the 2 first round picks they have for 2012, The draft is deep and we could get young fast and find some talent. I think we have not had a first round pick since bynum. What are your thoughts on the draft picks?

Stephen Litel

Hi Dante,

Yes, the two teams have discussed a trade where those are the two major pieces switching teams. We’ll see if it actually happens though.

And, yes again, the Lakers shouldn’t give up draft picks. Like it or not, they are an older team and need to start re-tooling with younger players.

alan

can the bulls trade omer Asik and Kyle Korver to portland for Jamal Crawford and Kurt Thomas? Portland gets a young big an expiring deal. bulls get scoring and a tough veteran who knows the team in fits in.

Stephen Litel

Can they? Sure, but that would be a heck of a steal for Chicago. Portland would pass.

Matt

If the entire pool of NBA players were put in a draft, who are your top 5 picks? And in that scenerio, do you draft Love over Griffen?

Stephen Litel

Hi Matt,

In no particular order…

Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Derrick Rose, Dwyane Wade and Chris Paul.

In any scenario, I draft Kevin Love above Griffin. Love is a much better all-around player than Blake, despite what national media believes.

o

u think suns will trade nash and grant hill to lakers for gasol

Stephen Litel

Hi O,

No, no I don’t.

Mitch Kupchak

Hi Stephen. In light of Ric Bucher’s proposal, here’ something I’ve been mulling over. The Bulls get Kobe Bryant, the Lakers get Dwight Howard, Steve Nash, and Hedo Turkoglu, the Magic get Andrew Bynum and Luol Deng, and the Suns get Joakim Noah. What do you think?

Stephen Litel

Hi Mitch Kupchak,

If this is really the real Kupchak, (LOL), you’re making a mistake if you’re thinking about trading Kobe. As I mentioned earlier about Paul Pierce, there are some players who should play their entire careers with one team. Kobe is tops on this list.

Celts4life

Given the 4-0 start (and the way rondo, pierce, and garnett have been playing) do you think that the Celtics are less likely to move the big 4 at the deadline? Also, do the celtics make moves that help them, without giving up the big 4?

Stephen Litel

Hi Celts4life,

No, I don’t think it makes it less possible to trade any of the four. If the right trade comes around that puts the team in a better position for both this season and the future, you pull the trigger.

Ante

why doesnt philly go for howard?
i know that its a question if he gona stay long term with them but he could consider it, besides that phily has great trade assets. hawes, lou and turner would be enough for dwight. coz if they do sign him now they can give him max in summer and amnesty brand to get a decent SG ( alldow i like meeks) or mb add some depth ( they lose it by trading hawes turner and lou).
whats your thinking?

Stephen Litel

Hi Ante,

Because Dwight doesn’t want to go to Philly. As simple as that.

Kirby

Can you see Kyrie Irving being a top 5 point guard in the next few years?

Stephen Litel

Hi Kirby,

Yes, I can. He has every opportunity and the skill set for it to happen. Now, he just has to continue to learn and grow. He’ll get there.

Peter

Since Minny is interested in Crawford they should trade em for beasley while his value is low. make em there 6th man to help their poor bench and build for the future with aldridge. he still has plenty of game if used properly. Then they could let Wallace walk if he was too expensive. Or trade Batum and expiring contract for Nash and fillers. Phoenix gets cap space and young piece while Blazers just became very scary in the first round. Especially if they could find a way to trade Felton and Williams/Babbitt/Nolan for Kaman to retool around.

Stephen Litel

Hi Peter,

If Portland wants to trade Crawford for Beasley straight up, this is a done deal. Minnesota would jump on it.

Big D

The new player On the magic on march 16th is…

Stephen Litel

Hi Big D,

Brook Lopez…since Dwight Howard will be in New Jersey.

Ted Gottlieb

Is it true Jim Buss of the Lakers is pulling all the strings now? Jim hired his friend and drinking buddy, put him in charge of scouting. Also I hear Mitch is frustrated and may want out of the Lakers origination because he is now just a puppet? Can you comment on all of this?

Stephen Litel

Hi Ted,

Yes, Jim Buss is running the show and hired his friend. As far as Mitch and his frustrations, I’ll point you to Eric Pincus, who has everything covered in LA.

mike

Stephen,

Why do you think the wolves are not trying to trade Wes Johnson instead of Beasly. I think b-eazy should be starting in wes’s place

Stephen Litel

Hi Mike,

I wouldn’t say the Timberwolves aren’t trying to trade Johnson…the problem is that he has no trade value and nobody is interested.

And I agree with you about Beasley starting.

Justin

Would the timberwolves possibly be interested in a beasley, wes, and a conditional first for monte ellis. I feel ellis would be the perfect addition to Minnesota

Stephen Litel

Hi Justin,

Would the Timberwolves be interested in this? Of course, as Ellis would be a great fit. There’s not a chance the Warriors do this trade though.

kyle

With the success of the Timberwolves this year, we’re getting a lot of talk time in the media, being local and national. We hear everyone talking about us, Rubio, and Love. Everyone! BUT the one guy who did the most talking about the club the past 2 seasons, David Kahn. Why isn’t he calling ESPN, Chris Webber, Paul Allen in Minneapolis to say “I TOLD YOU SO!!” This guy has been at the butt end of every sports related joke told in the past 2 years. Why is he so silent now?

Stephen Litel

Kyle,

David Kahn didn’t care when he was the butt of jokes the past two years and he doesn’t care now. He’s only concerned with how the Timberwolves play and progress. I’m sure the greatest “I told you so” moment would be a playoff berth…and a championship down the line. There’s still a lot of work to do for the latter to happen, but you get the point.

OK, everyone…that’s my time for this week. Great questions! Again, if I didn’t get to yours, hit me up on Twitter @stephenlitel. I’m always up for a good basketball chat and with the trade deadline coming up, there’s a lot to discuss.

See you next week!