NBA Chat with Stephen Litel 4/3/2012

1. Mac

   If you were GM of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Michael Beasley signs a 4 year / 32 million dollar offer sheet with another team this offseason. Do you match? Why or why not.

   • Stephen Litel

     Hi everyone!

     Welcome to this week’s chat! I see a lot of great questions in the que, so I’m going to jump right in. Hit me up on Twitter @stephenlitel if I don’t get to yours…

     Wow…Mac puts me on the spot right away, huh? I’ll tell you what…I’ve been a big supporter of Beasley this year, despite other media reports of his immaturity and things of that nature. I’ve seen a player who has accepted his role (although he would much prefer to be in the starting five). With what I’ve seen and the conversations I’ve had with him throughout his time in Minnesota, I would take the risk on Beasley and match the offer you suggested.

2. Cricket

   If you were starting a team from scratch, rank your preference for these pair of players (assume all in prime): Michael Jordan and Tim Duncan, Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant and Hakeem Olajuwon

   • Stephen Litel

     Cricket…I always love your questions! So fun.

     Assuming all these players are in their prime, I go Jordan, Magic, Hakeem, Kareen, Kobe and Duncan in that order. Maybe that seems like a slam against Kobe and Duncan, but you really can’t go wrong with any of the players you listed.

3. Dennis

   The Sacramento Kings have a lot of redundant talent on their squad. If you were the GM, which current players do you consider apart of “the core” to build around for the future and which one`s are viewed as expendable.

   • Stephen Litel

     Dennis,

     I think of the core of the Sacramento Kings as Cousins, Evans, Thornton, Thomas and Fredette. If I were the GM, I would feel good about that group to build around.

4. Frank

   During last week’s chat, you said Otis Smith would not call the Lakers first if he were forced to trade Dwight Howard next year because “he has other options out there and would look to explore those first.” This statement was surprising, as a trade centered around Bynum may be the best offer out there, as he at least gets a legit seven footer in return. Questions: Why do you believe Andrew Bynum wouldn’t be Smith`s first option? And if you were the GM, which specific players would you be targeting instead?

   • Stephen Litel

     Hi Frank…great follow up question from last week.

     Have you noticed the attitude issues with Bynum? He may be one of the best centers in the league, but he’s showing his own immaturity lately. Personally, I’d go other routes to trade a franchise player such as Dwight Howard, as I don’t believe Bynum is a “franchise player” on the same level. Of course, the Magic aren’t really going to be able to get completely fair value back for Howard, but multiple players and picks would be a better option than any offer the Lakers could put together in a one team to one team trade. Maybe Bynum would end up in Orlando in a Howard trade if other teams were involved, but one team to one team? Orlando can find better.

5. Sweet Dee

   In your opinion, which struggling player has a greater chance of making a NBA team next year and staying in the league for 5+ years: Gerald Green, Terrance Williams, or Jordan Hill.

   • Stephen Litel

     Jordan Hill. He’s physical and a hustle player. Players like that can always find a home in the NBA. I like what he brings when he gets minutes.

6. Charlie

   The play of Marcin Gortat this year has exemplified how poor of a GM Otis Smith really is. If the Suns ever decided to put Marcin on the trade market (not sure they would) how much more would they return in a trade than players like Jason Richardson, Hedo Turkoglu, and Earl Clark.

   • Stephen Litel

     Difficult to say, but I bet you’re correct. Phoenix could get more in return.

7. Dennis

   Kevin McHale has gotten far too little publicity this year. Everything we hear in the media is Vogel, Collins, Pop, Thibs and even Corbin. But this guy has lost his starting backcourt of Kevin Martin and Kyle Lowry, only had center for a few games now, and still has his team in the playoffs in the West. Questions: How would you grade McHale’s coaching job this year? And what rank approx. do you think he’ll finish in coach of the year voting?

   • Stephen Litel

     McHale does deserve a bit more credit than he has received…you are correct. The Rockets have gone through a lot of stuff this year and he has them right in the playoff hunt. Don’t forget, the players who were involved in the killed trade COULD have become a problem, feeling as if they weren’t wanted, but McHale was able to get them to buy into what he wants his teams to do on the court. He’s done a fine job this year, but I don’t think he finishes in the top five in COY votes.

8. Frank

   Some believe Rajon Rondo is a star you can build a team around, while others are fixated on his lack of jumpshot and leadership skills. If you were the GM of Boston, and your team was eliminated in the first round this year, do you build the future around Rondo or are you actively looking to trade him for young players and/or picks to start the rebuild?

   • Stephen Litel

     This is a tough one for sure, but I’ll go with the greater basketball minds than mine whom I’ve spoken with on the topic. Most of them believe Rondo is a player you can build a franchise around, even with his lack of a jumpshot. I agree because a true point guard can make mediocre players above average and make above average players great. Rondo has that in his game and does it consistently.

9. Mac

   Speaking of overrated players, one player who truly deserves the title of most overhyped phenom is Paul George. Dude averages 12 points a game, yet EVERY media outlet heralds this guy as the next great superstar. How long can the Granger card be played to justify these stats? I’ll go against the grain and say he NEVER averages over 19 points in a single season during his career. Agree or Disagree?

   • Stephen Litel

     I do agree with you that George is somewhat over-hyped because of his current stats, but he’s definitely a more than solid NBA player already. The question with him–and with many players throughout the league–is at what point does the hype have to live up to what we see consistently on the court? Personally, I think you have to give George a little more time…such as next season…before you get on his case. Again, he’s a more than solid NBA player already.

10. Lance Wallace

    Which Point Guards out of John Wall, Kyrie Irving, or Brandon Jennings do you see making the All Star team first? If D-WIll goes to the mavs that would free up a spot for one of them.

    Rank them right now and what do you see them doing in a few years and WHY?

    • Stephen Litel

      I go with the order you listed them…John Wall, Kyrie Irving and Jennings. Obviously, all three are good, but to answer your question without being a wuss about it…

      I think Wall is the best all-around of the three players right now…I think Irving will be the best of the three when their careers are over…and I think Jennings is the best scorer of the bunch.

11. Russel Allen

    Out of all the NBA Draft Prospects everybody likes to find the holes in Austin Rivers game instead of what he can do.
    I Actually Think with his Elite NBA Ready Ball handling skills, quickness and Shooting abilty he will be a VERY good NBA player and should easily be a top 10 pick.

    • Stephen Litel

      I agree…and whatever team ends up with him will have a great young player.

12. Adam

    Why does everyone think Deron Williams will leave? He has $28 million to stay and the potential to be paired with Josh Smith or Dwight Howard in 2013. The Mavericks roster will look terrible two years from now.

    • Stephen Litel

      Everyone thinks he will leave because he has flat out said he’s going to explore his options. Sure, that doesn’t necessarily mean he 100% is gone, but when he says he would have re-signed if Howard was there, it sure seems to indicate he’s on the way out.

13. calvinzero

    Let us make an assumption. OKC goes to the Finals. Who do you think is the best opponent for them from the East? Why you choose them? Thanks, Stephen.

    • Stephen Litel

      Miami. That would be a great match-up in the Finals…and I look forward to these teams matching up in the Finals in a few months.

14. Roon

    If the Bobcats do not land the #1 pick, would they be better served in trading the pick to someone like the Sacramento Kings for someone like Tyreke Evans? Or would it be better for the ‘Cats to take someone like Kidd-Gilchrist?

    • Stephen Litel

      It probably would be best for Charlotte to take offers for their pick, no matter where they land. One player isn’t going to turn that franchise around, so anything to bring in multiple players, picks, assets would be best.

15. cebu gems

    Whats your take on the wolve’s derwilliams? What will be his ceiling? And do u think he and love’s game would compliment each other? Wnd please give us an analysis on wes johnson. I dont wana give up on this kid cause i always thought he got game and jump. He just lack confidence.im sure he is better than corey brewer . But whats your take on him? Thanks!!!!

    • Stephen Litel

      Williams has had an average rookie season. Definitely a lot of ups and downs, but when the Timberwolves play him at the four with Love at the five, they have shown they can play well together. I’ve seen enough to believe he has the skills and work ethic to be an All-Star at some point in his career (you heard it hear first), but the question is whether or not he’s in Minnesota when that happens. Can the Timberwolves compete at the level they want with Williams at the PF next to Love’s center?

      Wes Johnson is frustrating for sure and while some may not want the Timberwolves to give up on him, I’m willing to bet they get rid of him this off-season if they can.

16. Eric Busch

    What are Love’s chances at All-NBA 1st team? It would seem like he would need to be put in as a center for this to be the case, is that a correct assumption? Is it in any way possible?

    • Stephen Litel

      Yes, he would have to be listed as a center, but don’t you think Howard or Bynum would make it at the center position over Love since they’re “true” centers? Obviously, Love has the stats to make the first team, but he’s not going to pass LeBron or Durant and make it there as a forward. There is no shame in that at all.

17. Eric Busch

    How important is big Pek to the Wolves success? Is it perhaps being overshadowed by the accompanied loss of Ricky Rubio?

    • Stephen Litel

      Incredibly important. Pek is a great compliment inside to Kevin Love, especially with how much Love likes to be out past the free-throw line. Even with all the rebounds Love pulls down, Pek is still a double-double machine himself. That’s remarkable.

18. Klomp

    Do you see a mini-overhaul in Minnesota next year? I could see as many as 9 of the current 15 players on the roster gone in the offseason. The only six I see here for sure are Rubio, Love, Pekovic, Ridnour, Williams, and Lee. Any of the others I could easily see being moved. Thoughts?

    • Stephen Litel

      Here are the players I believe will be here next year…

      Rubio, Love, Pekovic, Ridnour and Williams. Those are the only five I believe are safe.

19. Gabe G #HEATNATION

    If the Miami Heat don’t win the chip this year.. do you see Pat breaking up the big three and trying to get pieces to compliment only two of them?

    • Stephen Litel

      No, I don’t. Miami is going to have a deep playoff run this year after a Finals berth last year. They don’t need to panic and trade away their core guys…they need to adjust the way they approach games.

20. manila jeepney

    Yo man wassup. Do u play video games specifically 2k12 nba. Lets play bro! Haha

    • Stephen Litel

      I do play games, but with my schedule I’m not playing as much as I used to (still a good amount though). I stuck with NBA2K11 and didn’t get the new one because I’m a nerd and have played the My Player mode for that long…and I actually just passed John Stockton as the NBA’s all-time leader in assists. The Timberwolves have won 4 titles during my time there and I am a 6 time MVP. haha.

      STEPHEN IS A BIG NERD!

21. Flight33, A Chicagoan in England

    Hey Stephen, love the chats. I want you opinion on something if you will. Dirk is (for the most part) always considered to be the best international player in NBA history. Although that is a pretty big statement to make wouldnt the same be said of Manu? The guy’s accomplishments, stand out to me more than Dirk (not to mention, possibly the best 2nd round pick and biggest draft steal of all time). Even though Dirk finally won his first ring last year and was an MVP, I would still take Manu’s body of work over Dirk. Dont get me wrong, I love Dirk as a player but although Manu gets lots of credit as a player and garners respect whenever you mention his name, how come he couldnt be considered to be the best international player in NBA history?

    • Stephen Litel

      I hear what you’re saying and agree with you some, but I still would take Dirk. The reason why is because he helped to revolutionize the game because of being a 7 footer who plays like a guard. I believe that’s one of the biggest reasons most give the nod to Dirk.

22. Marco

    Hi Stephen,
    Do you think that the Celtics, given the fact that they are playing very good after all star and almost 100% healthy, can cause Chicago and Miami trouble in a seven-game series? I think that it will be a great ending story for these guys to win the title

    • Stephen Litel

      OK, everyone…last question. Time for me to take in the NCAA Women’s Championship game. Griner vs. Diggins? Awesome.

      Boston has played well since the break and, yes, they could cause Miami and/or Chicago some headaches, but they would not defeat either of them in a series. As of today, I think Boston will advance to the second round, but that’s where their run ends.

      Great questions today, everyone! I appreciate all of you for taking the time to join in the conversation. Let’s keep it rolling on Twitter…hit me up @stephenlitel.

      Until next week…