NBA Chat with Stephen Litel 5/1/2012

1. matt from Oz

   Hey Stephen,
   Just wondering on your thoughts with JaVale McGee.
   Where would he need to end up in Free Agency to “grow up” and get some consistency going?
   Is Boston a possible suitor? Rondo would get him easy looks, he’s a defensive weapon, and surely would respect Doc Rivers enough to pull the attitude into check.
   cheers, from a hopeful Celtics fan.

   • Stephen Litel

     Hi everyone! Welcome to this week’s chat. We are having some rough weather in the Twin Cities right now (we’re under tornado watches all evening) and my internet connection is spotty right now. I will do my best to answer the questions in the system and those you ask during the hour, but if I cut out early, it is due to my connection. As always, hit me up on Twitter @stephenlitel if you aren’t already…love chatting with all of you.
     

     My thoughts on McGee haven’t changed in a long time and are similar to pretty much everyone else’s. McGee has a lot of natural talent, but his immaturity and focus really are hindering his growth as a player. Because of that, I really don’t see him as a Celtics kind of guy.

2. Mutang

   Stephen, Deron Williams said this the other day “That’s first and foremost. I want to go where I feel we have the best chance to win,” he said. ”I know we might not win a championship in the first year or two, but hopefully as the chances of building something special and have flexibility and somewhere where I believe they’re headed in the right direction.”

   I mean, its crazy I know, but does that not just sound like Utah???? They already have all the pieces, just need a distributing PG, that can also hit the 3….unbelievably perfect marriage!
   Tell me Deron would be considering it if D12 doesn’t go to NJ.

   • Stephen Litel

     You are correct that Utah has many pieces, but they still need to add more. A point guard like Williams would be a great fit, but because of the history between the player and team, I really don’t see them reuniting.

3. Pynchon

   is is true that kevin durant is playing in the 2012 nba playoffs? I haven’t seen him yet but i hear he’s taking a lot of shots and making very few of them.

   • Stephen Litel

     Yes, it is true Durant is playing in the 2012 NBA Playoffs. He may not be playing the best basketball he is capable of playing, but how many games has his team won in the postseason? That’s all that matters this time of year.

4. calvinzero

   What could be the reason why the New York Knicks struggling on the first round series against the Heat. They suffered that same feat last season(against Celtics)? If you are Mike Woodson, what will you do to overcome the 0-2 deficit? Knicks never won a playoff game since last season, remember?

   • Stephen Litel

     They’re playing a superior team in nearly every aspect.

     It’s hard to imagine much Woodson could do to change their fate, especially now after Amare’s issues.

5. Aristotle

   Hey Stephen

   With Minnesota looking good this year, and with only Love and Rubio safe:
   1. Who do you still see in a Wolves jersey next season.
   2. Who played their last game for the Wolves?
   3. Which players or vets would Adelman look to bring in? (I think Ellis would of been great at SG for Minnie, but I don’t think he’d be acquirable).

   • Stephen Litel

     There are four players I believe will be in Timberwolves uniforms next season. Love, Rubio, Pekovic and Ridnour. Of course, that is not to say Pek and Ridnour are of the same caliber as the team’s stars, but they are solid and professional. A professional atmosphere is something the team will really be looking to upgrade in the off-season, making those two players valuable.

6. jayjay

   With the Amare fiasco, will the Knicks look to trade him this off-season? If so, would they really get anything back for him or is it simply a matter of a salary dump? And finally, if they can do a salary dmp would that open the door wide open for Deron Williams?

   • Stephen Litel

     The Knicks invest a lot of money in Amare to give up this quickly, but with these issues, they need to find a way to address them with the player. Hopefully, he is learning as his tweets last night seemed to indicate. If not, it’s very difficult for New York to trade that contract.

7. Oldschool

   Hey Steve! I’ve been a huge KG supporter throughout his hall of fame career… I was wondering where you rank him on the all time list of players/ power forwards?

   • Stephen Litel

     I don’t have a personal list of 1-50 or so of my all-time list, but KG is definitely up there in power forwards. Offense, defense, intensity, entertainment value and his importance in Minnesota will always keep him high on that list for me.

8. Mark ryan

   if the kings draft Barnes or MKG or sign a starting small forward in free agency but also keep Tyreke Evans, who comes off the bench Marcus Thornton or Isiah Thomas?

   • Stephen Litel

     If it’s through the draft, the rookie would come off the bench. It’s too difficult to consider it via free agency without knowing whom would be on the squad, but if the Kings are looking to address the perimeter through free agency, it’s also hard to imagine them not trading Tyreke.

9. Jacob R.

   Why don’t you realize how good Austin Rivers is. He is the Only Lottery Pick who gets talked about most about the things he cant do rather than the things he can do. Of course he needs to get stronger and work on his shot selection but the kid is only 19 years old. Rivers is an Elite Prospect which made him the Number 1 recruit in High school. He has Elite NBA ready Ball handling Skills, Quickness and shooting ability. His size isn’t a big deal when 3 of the top 5 SG in the league are “undersized” in Dwyane wade, Monta Ellis and Eric Gordon. I will truly be shocked when its all said and done and hes not one of the top 5 players to come out of this draft.

   • Stephen Litel

     I answered this exact same question last week, but thanks for trolling.

10. Mike aldridge

    Will John Wall and Kyrie Irving ever be at the same level as Rose and Westbrook? Why or why not?

    In no more than 2 years from now John Wall should be better than Westbrook.

    • Stephen Litel

      I may even place Wall and Irving at the same level as Westbrook now as far as talent and all-around game. The only difference is the success of the team.

11. Bill Wallace

    What are your thoughts on Marshon Brooks and whats his potential and upside? i can see him being one of the top scorers in the league in few years.

    • Stephen Litel

      Brooks is an above average player now and has the potential to be great. This is an important off-season for him to be honest with himself and address what he perceives as the weaknesses in his game now that he’s familiar with the NBA and the players. If he works on the right areas, he very well could be great.

12. Jeff allen

    Will Kevin Durrant lead the league in PPG for at least the next 3 years if not longer? Who are some young up and coming players who could challenge Durrant for the scoring title in the next couple of years?

    Eric Gordon, Marshon Brooks, Monta Ellis, Paul George, Blake Griffin, Harrison Barnes, Austin Rivers, Marcus Thornton.

    • Stephen Litel

      Although Durant is on a heck of a run scoring the ball, it’s hard to imagine him winning it that many time consecutively. Durant wants a title and will do whatever it takes to help his team achieve that goal…so I would expect his assist numbers to continue to go up, taking shots away from KD.

      That’s a fun list of players you added, but don’t forget about Kobe…never count out Kobe.

13. Brian

    Hey Stephen, what’s up?

    SG and C the Wolves SIGN in the offseason? And would you get rid of Beasley, Randolph, Darko, Webster, and Wes? Or which of those would you jettison?

    Thanks!

    • Stephen Litel

      I go after Jamal Crawford since he seems to have been ready to join the team before. He can fill that perimeter need for the Timberwolves. Center? Anyone who is willing to play limited minutes behind Pek and Love–who will play minutes there due to Williams playing the four at time–can block shots, rebound and be a professional.

      In a perfect world, all of the players you listed would have to go because of either the amount of money due to them or because of limited production and professionalism.

14. devonte

    can you see amare getting traded around or on draft day or any knick players for that matter? we need some younger talented players in who will buy in to coach woodson, want to become leaders of the team and be held accountable for the team. building through the draft might be the only way because this team is cursed

    • Stephen Litel

      Can I see it, yes. Do I think it will happen, no. As I mentioned a bit earlier, the Knicks have a lot invested in the current squad and I bet they continue to try to build around that for a little while longer.

15. matt from Oz

    Just another free agent query, where do you see teams interest for Aaron Brooks come free agency?
    Is he a chance of a starting PG somewhere and recapturing his form at Houston pre-injury?
    i could see, if they miss out on Nash, him being an option for the Knicks, as he doesn’t need the ball in his hands at all times, and can definitely create his own shot when required.
    Or maybe he heads back to the Suns to start “post Nash”?
    Cheers Stephen.

    • Stephen Litel

      Aaron Brooks is a talented player for sure, but also a bit moody. That’s puts off some teams and I would expect him to head back to the Suns, as you suggested. There’s already a working relationship there.

16. Eric Busch

    What do you think would be the best acquisition for the Wolves this offseason that seems plausible?

    • Stephen Litel

      Jamal Crawford or Kevin Martin.

17. Eric Busch

    How likely is it that the amnesty clause is used on Darko this offseason?

    • Stephen Litel

      It’s likely, but I’m sure the Wolves will look to include his contract in a trade. They probably won’t be successful, so that’s where amnesty comes into play here.

18. Pynchon

    You know whats a really hilarious and witty nickname? Westbrick! Especially when he is completely outplaying the guy whose fans coined the term. Safe to say Durant would be the worst MVP ever?

    • Stephen Litel

      No, Durant would not be the worst MVP of all time. Not even close. He had an amazing regular season and should be in the running, but the MVP will go to LBJ. I really don’t get into the Durant vs. Westbrook conversation because it’s really dumb, to be honest. Oh no, a team has TWO incredible players AND they have a chance to win a championship? First world problems.

19. Libraryben

    Who do you think is still here and who do you think is gone next year from the current TWolves roster? Great job covering the Wovles, my man!

    • Stephen Litel

      I touched on this in an earlier question, but thanks for the compliment, my man. Be sure to pass that on to the bosses, Steve and Bill. (LOL)

20. Alex

    Can the hawks afford to keep j.smith? If not, do you see them moving him at the deadline?

    • Stephen Litel

      I think the question should be can the Hawks afford to LOSE J. Smith? He is their best player and they should do everything possible to keep him there.

21. Alex

    Had this debate at lunch…. Your the knicks, do you trade amare lin and shumpert for anthony davis?

    • Stephen Litel

      OK, everyone…this is going to be the last question this week. My internet is getting really spotty now and I see many questions in the que that are repetitive to ones I’ve already answered tonight.

      No, I wouldn’t. First, salaries make it impossible. Second of all and most important, the Knicks would be giving up too much for one player who hasn’t even played a game in the NBA yet. Davis sure seems like a lock, but you never know.
      
      Thanks for taking time out of your busy week’s to come spend some time with me, NBA fans. I always enjoy your questions and company! If I didn’t get to your question tonight or if you aren’t already, give me a follow on Twitter @stephenlitel. I’m always up to answer your questions…