NBA Chat with Stephen Litel 4/24/2012
Stephen Litel will stop by to answer your questions Tuesday, Apr. 24 at 8:00pm EST. Drop those questions in now.
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NBA Chat with Stephen Litel 7/10/2012
Stephen Litel will stop by for his weekly chat at 8:00pm EST on Tuesday, July 10, 2012. Drop your questions in the que.
Jason Kidd to New York Knicks? Steve Nash to the New York Knicks? NBA Chat with Stephen Litel 7/3/2012 Timberwolves Free Agency Roundup NBA Free Agent Watch #18: Terrence Jones Day-Of NBA Draft Notebook read more
Stephen Litel will stop by to answer your questions Tuesday, Apr. 24 at 8:00pm EST. Drop those questions in now.
more from Stephen Litel
NBA Chat with Stephen Litel 7/10/2012
Stephen Litel will stop by for his weekly chat at 8:00pm EST on Tuesday, July 10, 2012. Drop your questions in the que.
calvinzero
What can you say about Spurs now?? For me, age is only just a number, its based on performance. Right?
Stephen Litel
Hey there, everyone! Hope everybody had a great week. The regular season is wrapping up and the playoffs are about to begin. “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” As always, if I don’t get to your question, hit me up on Twitter @stephenlitel. Let’s get to it…
All I can say is what has happened this year…the Spurs had a great regular season and clinched the #1 spot in the West. That’s the same thing they did last year, but we all know how they did in the Playoffs. While I don’t expect them to do the same this year, we’ll see what happens.
One thing is for sure…the Spurs are playing great basketball.
Sweet Dee
Rank these players in terms of ability to rebound despite not having NBA center size: Kevin Love, Dennis Rodman, and Charles Barkley
Stephen Litel
Well, of course they don’t have NBA center size since all three are power forwards, but just on their ability to rebound from their position, I’ll go…
Rodman, Love, Barkley.
I initially thought about putting Love at the top of the list, but decided against it because Rodman did it for a longer stretch of time. If Love keeps it up for a few more years, he does go to the top of the list.
Cricket
Rank these pair of players (assume all in prime): Team #1 – Steve Nash and Dirk Nowitizki, Team #2 – Stephon Marbury and Kevin Garnett, Team #3 – Charles Barkley and Kevin Johnson, Team #4 – John Stockton and Karl Malone
Stephen Litel
Well, it’s a run-away for the #1 spot…that easily goes to Stockton and Malone.
After that, I would rank them this way…
#2 Kevin Johnson/Charles Barkley…#3 Steve Nash/Dirk Nowitzki and, finally, #4 Stephon Marbury/Kevin Garnett.
You really can’t go wrong with any of these combos though.
Mac
Who was the “flashier” point guard during his rookie season: Jason Williams (aka White Chocolate) or Ricky Rubio (aka the Spanish Assassin)
Stephen Litel
“Flashier?” White Chocolate.
Better overall player? Ricky Rubio.
Deven
Hi Stephen. New Jersey governor Chris Christie had some harsh words towards the Nets about leaving for Brooklyn next season. Do you think maybe they could of stayed in NJ long term at the Prudential Center? I mean, that’s a really nice arena. I’ve been there before and it’s awesome! What are your thoughts about negative comments about the team leaving?
Stephen Litel
COULD they have stayed? Of course they could have if they really wanted to do so, but the Nets have wanted out of New Jersey for years.
Personally, I kind of enjoyed what the governor had to say. Kind of like a breakup of a relationship…”Well, if you’re leaving, I never wanted you anyway.”
Deven
If San Antonio doesn’t win the title this year, or if they lose early in the postseason, what’s next for the organization?
Stephen Litel
They would certainly be disappointed, especially after clinching the #1 seed in the West. They would continue to tinker with their team and continue to be one of the best squads in the league for a few more years. The Spurs are a class act of an organization and do things the right way…seems like 99% of the decisions they make are the correct ones.
Kevin
Given the option of signing either Courtney Lee or Aaron Afflalo for the T-Wolves starting SG this year who would you sign and why?
(Assume both unrestricted free agents and both willing to sign for the same $)
Stephen Litel
Of the two, I would go with Courtney Lee. The Timberwolves have enough scoring for the most part, but, of course, need someone who can hit outside shots and drive to the hoop. Both of these players can fill that role, but I go with Lee because he plays slightly better defense.
Kevin
Derrick Williams is showing some potential, but its really looking like he is a 4. With K-Love in the way what would you do with Williams? Try and convert him to a 3 (which he thinks he is), or move him for other assists. Seems like a waste to have him sitting on the bench for extended periods of time…
Also Anthony Randolph, has been putting up some decent stats lately, i know 2 other teams have already given up on him (GSW & NY) but do you think he is worthwhile investing some $$ and showing some minutes? I can’t help but feel he still has a lot of potential, just a matter of putting it together and having someone believe in him. Think he could be a solid 4 of the bench and even backup the 5 spot
Stephen Litel
I’m of the mind to give Williams next season to play the three, especially if Beasley is on the way out. The thing we hear all the time is that players make the most improvement the summer between their rookie and second seasons, so if Williams is aware the Wolves want/need him to play the three…give him the summer to work on it.
Of course, if the right deal comes along to address some major needs, you’d have to include him in most scenarios. If that’s the case, you have to make the trade.
Even with Randolph’s recent play, it is very hard to give him his qualifying offer of $4,049,522. It’s just too much for a player who took advantage of far too few opportunities to receive significant playing time this season until after the season was lost.
Jazzfan
Stephen thanks for the chat, I believe Milsaps contract is up after next season, he has really turned up his game this year if he continues it into next season but Favors really turns his game up as well like he’s expected to, do you try to keep Milsap or do you let him walk/trade him and let Favors take over?, Milsap has made it known he wants to be starter but if Favors turns out to be what many expect I dont see him over starting over Favors
Stephen Litel
Favors is cheaper as well, so that may play a role too. I’m sure the Jazz will start to see what offers they could get for Millsap and should probably get some pretty good ones, as he’s a more than solid player. If Favors is able to grow into the player they hope, he will be a fine compliment to Al Jefferson in the post. They can then use Millsap to address their other areas of need.
Robert
What number do you think Kyrie Irving, Derrick Williams and Jonas Valanciunas would each be taken if they were in this years draft?
Stephen Litel
The same as they were chosen in the draft. No reason to change it up.
WBT
Would Danny Green be a good pick up for MN at the 2? Can he be had easily from SA?
Stephen Litel
Yeah, Green could be a nice addition to the Wolves and he is an unrestricted free agent after this year. However, it’s difficult to imagine the Spurs letting him go anywhere and I can’t imagine he’d want to leave such a quality organization.
Roon
If the Bobcats fail to land the #1 pick and miss out on Davis and wind up with the #2, should they: A) Draft Kidd-Gilchrist or B) Trade the pick for player(s) and future picks?
Is Kidd-Gilchrist a franchise player? If not, shouldn’t the Bobcats try to acquire as many assets as possible?
Stephen Litel
If the Bobcats would have such horrible luck, they should try to trade the pick for as many assets as possible. One player isn’t going to change it all up for Charlotte, so they should maybe even think of doing so should they land the #1 pick.
Deven
For San Antonio, Tim Duncan will be a free agent this summer. Now I know its very doubtful if he signed somewhere else, but what would it take him to re-sign with the Spurs at a good price?
Stephen Litel
You’re right…Tim Duncan isn’t going to leave San Antonio. The man has made a lot of money…knowing both his character and desire to win championships, it would not be a surprise to see him give San Antonio a discount. Even he knows he’s not worth $21.3M anymore.
JC
If the Lakers amnesty Peace after the season, do you think any other teams would try to pick him up? If I were a GM, I wouldn’t bring him into my locker room.
Stephen Litel
Of course there is SOME team out there that would take a flyer on Artest, er, World Peace…but, like you, I wouldn’t want to bring the circus to my team if I were a GM.
Zech
The Cavs have two first Round picks and two second round picks. Do you see them packaging up any of their lower picks and/Or players to move up in the draft?
Stephen Litel
Everything I’ve heard is they will either stand pat or will try to package the lower picks to move up in next year’s draft.
Wil
Hi Stephen, the multi-million dollar question for MINN is how to resolve the log-jam at forward and hole at SG. What are your thoughts (who to trade for whom)?
Stephen Litel
Well, first of all, I think Beasley is gone, so that helps to clear up the logjam at the forward. As mentioned earlier, I think the Wolves want to go into next season and give Williams the small forward position full time to see if he really can do it or not. A veteran SG is coming through free agency or, at least that’s the plan.
Cain
What is the ceiling for Avery Bradley? Can he be a Monta Ellis with defence?
Stephen Litel
Bradley’s ceiling is pretty high, but I don’t think he ever becomes the offensive threat Ellis is right now. Bradley’s defense is already superior though and he will have a fine NBA career.
John
Which rookie are you the most excited to watch next season and how will you remember Nash, Dirk, Duncan, and Kobe on and off the court when they retire?
Stephen Litel
Anthony Davis…is there really any doubt about this one? lol. Of course, I’m curious to see how Rivers adjusts to the NBA as well.
As far as how I’ll remember the four players you mentioned…winners. They are all winners in their own way…and, yes, I know Nash hasn’t won a title.
John
Which team do you think should take a chance on Andre Drummond when he enters?
Stephen Litel
Drummond would be a good fit with any of the teams expected to be in the top five picks, except Sacramento. The four I’m referring to would be Charlotte, Washington, New Orleans or Cleveland. Personally, I’d love to see him end up with Irving in Cleveland.
John
Would you ever consider being a gm or a coach in the nba?
Stephen Litel
I would, but only if it were of the Timberwolves. My family and home is here and I’m not leaving.
However, I’m also sure that while we all love to play GM, the job is difficult and thankless most of the time…and I’m positive I would be in over my head. Most who believe they could do it are misguided.
John
What is your favorite basketball moment and what inspired you to become a basketball writer?
Stephen Litel
I have two favorite basketball memories during my writing career…one NBA and one WNBA.
NBA was the very first game I ever covered as media, walking into the Timberwolves locker room for the first time only to walk into a nearly empty room except for some guy named Kevin Garnett. While he never would do pregame interviews, it was still a cool moment.
WNBA was the entirety of last season covering the WNBA champion Minnesota Lynx. They just dominated their competition and it was a blast to celebrate a championship with friends and family downtown Minneapolis. Great times.
What inspired me to do this? It’s simple…I love the game of basketball. It’s that simple.
Huey
if wizards land anthony davis, do you think wizards will be a playoff team? if so what seed?
Stephen Litel
No, they aren’t a playoff team just by landing Davis. He’s a heck of a player, but the Wizards would still need to address other areas as well. A core of Wall and Davis ain’t too shabby to build around though!
John
What is your gut feeling of Nash deciding which team he is going to play for next season?
Stephen Litel
Miami…all indications are Miami.
John
which superstar do you think is the most overrated in the league right now? I think its blake griffin just because the only thing hes good for is dunking the ball
Stephen Litel
I’ll agree with you…Blake Griffin. He doesn’t do many things at a dominant level and with the skill level he has, he should be. Of course, he’s still young and after Charles Barkley called him out, I’d be willing to bet he puts in a lot of work this off-season to improve.
Dennis
Hi Mr. Litel,
How far do you think the Pacers will go this season? Thanks.
Stephen Litel
As of now, the Pacers would play the Orlando Magic in the first round. Without Dwight Howard, the Magic don’t stand much of a chance, so Indiana at least makes it to the second round. If seedings hold, the Pacers would play the Celtics in the second round. That would be a fun series for sure, but I would go with the Celtics experience over the youth of the Pacers there. However, if Atlanta were to upset the Celtics, I would pick the Pacers over the Hawks.
Mitsuaki
Hello Stephen. on my way to work now.
Tough question here.
JJ Barea said ‘We Have a Lot of Guys That Don’t Care’.
he didn’t name names.who do you think?
From my point of view,there are some difference between the players at this time of the season,nearly end of the season.
Stephen Litel
OK, everyone…last question for this week…
My man, Mitsuaki! Good to see you.
Barea didn’t name names because it’s rather obvious who the players are he’s calling out. If you really watched this team this year, it’s simple to figure out. I’m not going to name names here, but I will say that I know that YOU know your Timberwolves…so trust your gut.
Ok, that’s it for this week, NBA fans! Thanks for taking the time out of your busy weeks to join me here…I appreciate all of you. Bring a friend along next week and be sure to hit me up on Twitter @stephenlitel.
Until next week…