NBA Chat with Stephen Litel 4/10/2012

1. calvinzero

   Technically speaking in the NBA rules, if there was a tie between no.8 and no.9 of the conference(example is New York and Milwaukee), is there a possibility that they will play each other battling the critical no.8 spot?
   I hope that you can cite to me any same instances( tie no.8 and 9) in the NBA history, if there is such existent scenario in the past. Thanks Stephen

   • Stephen Litel

     Hi everyone! Welcome to this week’s chat. As always, I’m going to jump right in and look forward to seeing the great questions you always come up with. Hit me up on Twitter @stephenlitel as well!

     No, they wouldn’t play a one game series for a playoff berth. They’d follow the NBA tie-breaker rules, which are…

     (1) Better winning percentage in games against each other.
     (2) Better winning percentage against teams in own conference.
     (3) Better winning percentage against teams eligible for playoffs in own conference (including teams that finished the regular season tied for a playoff position).
     (4) Better winning percentage against teams eligible for playoffs in opposite conference (including teams that finished the regular season tied for a playoff position).
     (5) Better net result of total points scored less total points allowed against all opponents (“point differential”).

2. Sweet Dee

   Nicolas Batum is one of those players that has far more impact on the game then his boxscore would indicate. Dude only averages 14 points and 6 boards, but is one of the centerpieces to build the future around in Portland (along with Lamarcus Aldridge). What other players in the NBA have a far greater impact on the game then you would assume by just looking at the boxscore?

   • Stephen Litel

     You’re absolutely right on Batum. Great player and his stats don’t reflect his importance to his team. Yes, I do consider him to be one of the building blocks for the Blazers moving forward and am confident the team feels the same way.

     As far as other examples, the first one who pops into my head is Shane Battier. He’s been under-rated by most fans throughout his career, but the man plays some great defense.

3. Wendy

   Hi Stephen, if the Mavericks are done with Odom, why did they not release him? Do they really feel that they’ll be able to trade him (or rather that anyone would take him) after the season?

   • Stephen Litel

     There will always be a team who would take a flyer on Odom after his rough–to be kind–season. Even if the Mavericks are only able to get something like a second round pick for him, it’s better than nothing. If Odom is able to get his mind back on track, he can still be a decent asset to the right NBA team. Which team will that be? Nobody knows…and nobody other than Odom himself knows if he’ll be able to get his mind right again.

4. The JOkeShow

   So if the Jazz get 2 draft picks, do you try and trade both + Milsap and Harris for Rondo or just draft a PG and SG or SF, and build them and let Milsap or Jefferson walk after next season?

   • Stephen Litel

     I say stay the course if you’re the Utah Jazz and keep as many of the current pieces together as possible. They’ve shown a lot of promise this year after the craziness of the Deron Williams/Jerry Sloan situation last year. When you have a young team that also is able to win, I believe in letting them grow together. Now it’s time to add the additional pieces you can get from the draft. I don’t believe they’d let either Milsap or Jefferson just walk after next season…they’d attempt to find a trade instead.

5. Deven

   Hi Stephen. Love your chats. This is the second time SAS’s 11 game winning streak(s) came to end while resting the key players. To me, I wasn’t really impressed at all about the Jazz beating the Spurs. It would have been nice to beat SAS with all their guys. As I’m typing this, you can probably tell I’m a Spurs hater. What do you think about Coach Pop resting the key guys with the playoffs coming around?

   • Stephen Litel

     Certainly a big topic of discussion today on Twitter and FB, so I knew someone would ask about it here as well. Good call on the question, Deven.

     When a coach has the track record that Pop has, I really don’t question many of their decisions. He knows his team best and if the players needed some rest, they needed rest. We’ll see if the rest works come Playoff time though. After last year’s postseason “run,” you’d expect the Spurs to be quite motivated to prove some doubters wrong. We’ll see if it happens.

     The unfortunate thing in situations like this are the fans in Utah or whatever city the team is in when players sit out. They paid good money and it’s unfortunate they don’t get to see the big name players on the court.

6. Prem I.

   With the bucks need at center do you think Meyers Lenard would be a good fit for coach skiles

   • Stephen Litel

     I’d be a little cautious of the Bucks taking Lenard only because he’s been known to be quite the emotional young man. He has a great amount of talent and is NBA ready, but I don’t know if he and Skiles would be a great fit. His skills do seem to fit what Milwaukee needs, so the Bucks will have to do their research on how to approach him on a day-to-day basis if that is indeed who they end up selecting in the draft.

7. sammy

   what do you think of a trio of cousins, marcus thornton and say… kidd-gilchrist? makings of a good team?

   • Stephen Litel

     Absolutely would be the makings of a good team…the Kings already have the pieces to build around. Can someone explain to ME why there are always so many “trade Tyreke Evans for…” questions lately. I don’t understand why people are so down on him lately.

8. Raps4ever

   Hi Steve, As a loyal Raptor fan, I have seen enough of DeRozan and Ed Davis. I feel these guys are definitely wrong picks. DeRozan’s defence is horrible, and Davis’ Offense I don’t seen any potential. The Raps should have picked G Hayward, or trade him for Farried. While DeRozan, should be traded for Gerald Green or a 7th or 8th pick.What do you think?

   • Stephen Litel

     You may be correct in your assessments of the players NOW, but you’re done with them completely, thinking they can’t improve? I’m not saying you’re wrong, but just want to be sure. Apparently, I’m too nice this year with young NBA players, thinking a lockout-shortened season threw a lot of wrenches in player development. I understand the frustration though.

     It’s always tough to say what teams SHOULD HAVE done in the past, but I think getting Green and a 7th or 8th pick would be a lot to receive for a player as bad as you suggest.

9. Jazzfan

   Just a fun question if you had to decide between a player with great offense and avg defense or a player with great defense and avg offense which would you choose?

   • Stephen Litel

     My answer is immediate…I take a player with great defense and average offense any day.

     The whole cliche answer of “Defense wins championships.”

10. JfromPHI

    Your the 76ers GM…your team started so hot and not you might not even make the playoffs…What 2-3 things would you do in the offseason to improve this squad and compete with the BULLS and HEAT next season?
    Thanks

    • Stephen Litel

      Fun question…

      1. Don’t panic and make crazy moves. Let the young team develop.
      2. Address the post. There are decent players there for Philly, but they can upgrade as well.
      3. Don’t over-pay for the players you find.

11. Hugh

    I don’t understand all this tyreke trade talk. Do u think he can still be a star in Sacramento or will he be traded?

    • Stephen Litel

      See my answer earlier, Hugh…I don’t get it either.

      I think he can still be a star in Sacramento. Tyreke is one of the best young players in the league and can only improve if his mindset is to do just that. Everything I’ve ever seen from him indicates his mind is right.

12. GoThunder!

    Detroit has to be praying for Anthony Davis. Would be instantly one of the better front courts in the league pairing him with Monroe. Who else besides maybe New Orleans with Kaman do you see him fitting with best?

    • Stephen Litel

      Davis and Monroe would be pretty great, wouldn’t it? They could hold down the fort for years to come in the post for Detroit.

      I don’t think Kaman will be in New Orleans next year.

      Obviously, the Bobcats could use Anthony Davis and, if the basketball gods are kind and merciful, that’s where he will end up. Give the Charlotte fans SOMETHING to believe in.

13. petey

    Ed Davis and Jose Calderon for Tyreke Evans… who says no? Sacramento gets an infusion of professionalism and lets Thornton take over the SG spot while Toronto gets a high-impact talent that needs a change of scenery.

    • Stephen Litel

      Again with Tyreke Evans. haha!

      Actually, this isn’t a HORRIBLE deal, but I still believe Sacramento could get more if they’d trade Evans. The question for Toronto becomes if DeRozan and Evans would work or do they then try and trade DD?

14. Lucas

    Hi Stephen, couple questions: Why the Celtics even thinking of trading Rondo/ J.Smith to Orlando, is it a possibility or a fantasy?

    Thank you.

    • Stephen Litel

      Assuming you’re meaning Josh Smith from Atlanta? Well, since he isn’t property of the Celtics, I think the NBA would not look kindly on a team that trades a player not even on their roster. haha. Sorry, couldn’t resist.

      Therefore, it’s fantasy.

15. Chris

    Am I the only one who thinks Tyreke Evans is still a good fit with the Kings?

    • Stephen Litel

      No, you’re not, Chris…I’m with you. Again, I just don’t get it.

16. GoThunder!

    Got a feeling Minny will end up with Beal or Lamb in the draft. Meaning they don’t have to overpay for c. Lee or whoever. Do they then throw whatever cap space they have at Roy Hibbert? Didn’t check salaries but a lineup with Rubio, Beal/Lamb, DWill, Love and Hibbert scares me in OKC!

    • Stephen Litel

      Not sure how the Wolves end up with either since, as of now, they don’t have a draft pick. Also hearing the Wolves aren’t really interested in adding any more young pieces to their team…now it’s about adding veterans at key positions. Yes, the center position is one of those, but with the development of Pekovic, they are more looking for a backup. Plus, the Pacers aren’t going to let Hibbert go from what I’ve heard.

17. Lucas

    Hi Stephen,

    Where do you see Beasly going at the end of the season? Or does he stay put with the Wolves

    • Stephen Litel

      That’s too difficult to predict because there would be a lot of team’s interested. Wouldn’t be shocked if he ended up in LA if he’s not back in Minnesota. I do know that Beasley enjoys his teammates and is fine with the Timberwolves as a whole, but isn’t 100% comfortable with his role. He hasn’t made waves about it, which shows maturity, but if the price isn’t right for Minnesota, he’ll be gone.

18. Level Headed Blazer Fan

    Is there even a sliver of a chance the Blazers could convince Deron to sign with them over Dallas or resigning with the Nets?

    • Stephen Litel

      Sure, there’s a chance since Portland has a lot of good, young pieces. However, I do think Williams ends up in Dallas. Sorry, Level Headed Blazer Fan…I’m sure that’s not the answer you wanted to hear. Does Dragic from Houston do anything for you? I’m hearing the Blazers are thinking of making a run at him.

19. Mitsuaki

    Hey,
    with two weeks left on regular season,who is going to be the core member of the Twolves next season?
    seems like Adelman is now testing the players
    an finding whether team do a contract extension.
    For Beas, he is a qualifying offer right?

    • Stephen Litel

      Look who it is! My man, Mitsuaki! One of the world’s greatest Timberwolves fans right here, folks!

      Honestly, I believe only two players are safe to return to the team next year…Love and Rubio. Beyond that, anyone can be had. The closest other player to be a lock to return would be Ridnour.

      As I mentioned a bit ago about Beasley, the offer has to be the right amount of money for the Timberwolves to bring him back. What does Beasley feel he’s worth? We’ll find out if his judgment and the Timberwolves are the same.

20. Jordan Nelson

    The Jazz have an interesting decision next year with Millsap and Jefferson. Which one would you rather have on your team? Millsap has heart and the occasional monster game but Big Al is the only consistent scorer on the team. Al does interrupt the offensive flow pretty badly also.

    • Stephen Litel

      There probably is a bit of bias in this one since Jefferson played in Minnesota and I was able to watch him night in and night out, but I’d go with Big Al. Just as you mentioned, he is more consistent and although he is a ball-stopper, the man can score the ball. I bet that I’m in the minority on this one, but I’ll stand tall with my decision.

21. Charlie

    Steve Nash is a team oriented guy, so he doesn’t demand a trade from the Suns. If he acted like a d#$$k (ex. Carmelo Anthony) then he would have forced a trade and be competing for his first championship rather than booking a tee off time. What does that say to the rest of the league? Cry and complain and you’ll get your way. If you were Steve Nash, would you be respectful for the good of the team or selfish for the good of yourself (be honest)?

    • Stephen Litel

      OK, everyone…last question for this week. Time for me to catch the tail end of this fun Celtics/HEAT game, then Knicks/Bulls. I should be on Twitter throughout if you have more questions for me. Hit me up there @stephenlitel.

      To be honest, there is no way to answer this question with any honesty. The reason I say that is because everyone would like to think they’d be respectful and loyal for the good of the team, but you never can truly know what you’d do until you’ve been in the situation. I respect Nash greatly and how he has handled himself throughout all of this, but I know that I would be all about the rings. Would I pout and complain until I’m traded where I want? I’d hope I’d act like more of a professional than that, but it’s impossible to say.

      Thanks for the fun questions this week, everyone! You guys rock. Tell your friends of our weekly chats and bring them with next week! Until next time…