NBA Chat with Stephen Litel 5/15/2012

1. Rockets Fan On Strike till Morey is Fired.

   About 5 months ago i posted on your chat that Javale McGee was a player that the T’Wolves needed to trade for. At the time his trade value was low in Washington due to his rep. I posted that Rubio and Adleman would make him an allstar and McGee made the T’wolves a playoff team. At the time you responded that they wanted a 2 instead. Maybe, but a big man with McGee’s skills is rare. What an opportunity the T’wolves passed. This dude is going to be an allstar. He could have been had for Williams, Randolph and a number 1.

   • Stephen Litel

     Hey, everyone! Welcome to this week’s chat. I see a great amount of questions in the que, so let’s jump right in. As always, hit me up on Twitter @stephenlitel if I don’t get to your question…

     Yes, you did…I remember that. McGee would be a lovely fit on the Timberwolves, but giving up Williams, Randolph and a number one is way too much. He’s way too inconsistent and has a lot of growing to do on and off the court. The number one priority for Minnesota remains a shooting guard, as it should be.

2. Hurricane Game

   now that we see what has happened with the bulls(that the team has no true #2 option, etc) will the bulls finally consider a boozer+deng for gasol+artest swap?

   lets face it, deng is overated, only shot 40% from the field this season and has shown what everyone knew all along, he is not a #2 on a championship team, but a nice #3 option

   pau gasol has been playing the role of a #3 for the lakers all year long, and boozer fits the same mold and matches well with bynum on the offensive end as all he does is shoot jumpers, which gives bynum great space.

   is it time for this trade to finally happen? the bulls have butler and brewer to replace deng at the 3, i think its time this deal happens

   thoughts?

   • Stephen Litel

     I could see the two teams discussing the deal if the Lakers don’t find a way to wake up against the Thunder. However, I’m sure they believe they can get more in a deal involving Gasol than what is in this deal.

3. Chris

   Hi Stephen. Should the Bulls roll the dice and make the deadline deal they discussed with the Magic (Dwight and Hedo for Boozer, Deng, Asik, and the Charlotte 1st rounder)? Depth wins the regular season but stars win titles (if even for just one season).

   • Stephen Litel

     Man, two early questions, wanting to trade Boozer. Chicago fans aren’t happy, huh?

     Dwight doesn’t want to go to Chicago. Simple as that. This deal doesn’t happen.

4. Joe

   Why don’t they just hand the championship to Miami now? If the refs are going to call a foul every time a player even looks at LeBron or Wade they don’t even need Bosh.My stomach is getting quesy already with their anticipated acceptance speeches as basketball gods.Aren’t they talented enough already to win without the deck stacked in favor of these two actors and posers?

   • Stephen Litel

     David Stern mentioned the other day how the league is going to look into flopping, amongst other things. To me, this is a ref issue. Train them better, so they don’t fall for it.

     …and I’m sure the Thunder and Spurs will still have something to say about whether or not the HEAT win the title, as will the Pacers (who are playing them well) and the Celtics.

5. maestro

   Who cries foul first when the hornets win the draft lottery? Michael Jordan or Mark Cuban)?

   • Stephen Litel

     Nobody should…the Hornets have a great shot to win and “earned” it.

6. Aristotle

   Hey Stephen,

   Considering what amazing things the Suns medical staff have done with players who’s careers should have been over due to major injuries (e.g Grant Hill, Michael Redd), would it make sense for Oden and/or Broy(if he came out of retirment) to be considered by Phoenix if the price was right and both players understood they won’t get paid or play the minutes they may have once wanted to?

   • Stephen Litel

     Yeah, absolutely agree. Phoenix sure seems to have one of the best medical staffs in the NBA. Don’t know if it’s witchcraft or what, but they work wonders. Now, will either of those players find a deal to their liking with Phoenix? They’ll have to take less and we’ll see if they agree to that.

7. Aristotle

   From trade rumours that he was being shopped to everyone, to the way he’s been playing all season and scoring triple doubles, is Rondo showing Ainge that with KG and RayRay hitting free agency, and Pierce apparently considering retirement, that he is ready to be the face of Boston? And if this is the case, who do you surround him with?

   • Stephen Litel

     Rondo is doing everything he can, for sure, and it’s impressive. I still don’t believe he’s a franchise player and probably never will be, but if you surround him with shooters and defenders, he can have the same amount of success in Boston for years to come. It’s that simple…guys who defend and guys who can hit shots. Rondo will get them the ball.

8. calvinzero

   What will be the key for the Clippers to win the series against the dangerous Spurs??

   • Stephen Litel

     Play defense and not get frustrated when San Antonio takes away their first and second options. The Clippers are way more athletic than San Antonio, but the Spurs are a much better team. It’s hard to imagine Los Angeles finding a way to advance now, especially with the health issues to both Paul and Griffin.

9. John

   If duncan were to win his 5th ring, where would duncan rank on the all time list?

   • Stephen Litel

     Duncan doesn’t need another ring to rank as one of the all-time greats, but another one never hurts.

10. John

    what was your favorite memory of kg?

    • Stephen Litel

      I was in the stands as a fan for the Game 7 with Sacramento on KG’s birthday. That game was such a blast, as KG just took over and hit some ridiculous shots to lead the Timberwolves to the win. To me, that game was his greatest Timberwolves moment.

11. Free Agency and Dallas Mavericks.

    I keep reading the post about the Mavericks, and a lot of people believe Dallas can’t rebuild a good team next season with Dirk. No one is really sure if Deron Williams is going there. But, if he does, the future looks bright for that franchise. I wouldn’t be surprised if there were plenty of players in the league who want to go play with a Deron and Dirk combo. Also, Keep in mind that people keep saying they won’t have enough money to sign other contracts if they can make that duo. Do you think any of this is possible for Dallas. (In my opinion, I believe these are players that Dallas is looking to pursue.)

    1. Dallas gets rid of Haywood’s, and Marion’s contracts. Now they have more spending money to get other key free agents. Then, they let Terry walk to free agency.

    2. Sign Eric gordon,(FA) C.J. Miles(who said he would possibly be interested in going there), and Chris Kaman(who is pretty close friends with Dirk)

    3.Trade Lamar Odom for anything at all costs. Maybe some decent bench players.

    4. Keep Delonte West, J-Kidd, Vince Carter, Ian Mahimini, and Brandon Wright.

    5. Resign their head coach.

    The starting line up of D-will, Eric Gordon, CJ Miles, Dirk, and Kaman would be a team to mess with if this can get pulled together this will be a serious playoff team.

    • Stephen Litel

      There’s a lot to answer there, but they re-signed their coach, so there’s a start. I’m not sure who you have spoken to who believes that Dallas can’t rebuild around Dirk again. He still has time in his career and since I believe Deron Williams ends up there, they will have a good start.

12. James

    How do you see the chances of this team?

    Nash-Delfino-Marion-Nowitzki-Kaman (Terry)

    • Stephen Litel

      A playoff team, but that’s about it. Can’t compete with the championship-caliber squads.

13. William Faulkner

    I was having a debate with my friend over who is the best player on the Thunder-I say Westbrook and he says Harden. Who is right?

    • Stephen Litel

      Neither of you. Their best player is the guy who finished second in MVP voting…Kevin Durant.

14. Jazzfan

    Stephen thanks for your time, What do you think Derrick Favors ceiling is? All Star? Super Star?, I see super star written all over this kid.

    • Stephen Litel

      Man, Favors had a coming out party in the playoffs, didn’t he? He has a very high ceiling, so as of now, I think he can become an All-Star for sure. Super-star? We’ll see how hard he works to continue improving his game.

15. Joche

    The mavericks trade Vince Carter for Michael Beasley, who says no? The mavs trade shawn marion for beasley, who says no?

    • Stephen Litel

      The Timberwolves say no…both times.

16. Deven

    With the Heat now losing Bosh, how far do you see them going in the playoffs, Conference Finals, NBA Finals, Champions?

    • Stephen Litel

      Even is Bosh was out for the remainder of the postseason, I see them still finding a way to make it to the Finals. Facing either the Spurs or Thunder in the Finals, I’d pick the West team to hoist the championship trophy.

17. keo

    If the nets can trade lopez for boozer and probably sign mcgee will this be enough to make deron happy? I think it will work out for both teams

    • Stephen Litel

      No, it wouldn’t be enough. Williams wants to play with another star or superstar. Either Dwight ends up in Brooklyn, Deron ends up in Orlando…or Deron ends up in Dallas.

18. Ron

    Who in your opinion is the best point guard in this draft and why?

    • Stephen Litel

      I like Damian Lillard from Weber State. Just think he has the best floor game of the PG’s in the draft and makes great decisions. He’ll be able to run an NBA squad.

19. knicksfan

    Hi Stephen
    as a knicks fan,i hate the celtics guts.But as a basketball fan,are they crazy to entertain any trade scenario for Rondo aka “LeBRondo?”Sure his J is shaky, but this kid does everything…

    • Stephen Litel

      See my early Rondo response, but I do believe Rondo should remain in Boston. You can build a team around him again rather easily.

20. stephen

    With rose out a year, why dont the bulls amnesty boozer, replace him with a scrub and land a top ten pick in next years draft to add to rose… The bulls ave demonstrated their skill in the draft

    • Stephen Litel

      Because the Bulls players and management are too competitive to ever do anything like that. Whether or not move Boozer, they will still be one of the best teams in the East.

21. Hector

    Hey thanks for the chat.

    Lakers need help on pg.

    What is the best pg they can get? Trade for gasol?keep ramon?

    What’s your input?

    Thanks

    • Stephen Litel

      Give Ramon more time. He’s shown flashes of what he can do…it would be beneficial to give him a training camp with the Lakers.

22. John Greig

    I feel AK-47 would be a perfect fit for the wolves. D, passing, efficient O and a vet. Your take?

    • Stephen Litel

      He doesn’t fit the needs the Timberwolves need to address on the perimeter, he would probably cost too much and he’s not exactly the veteran presence you’d want on a young team.

23. WolvesNation

    Who do you think the Twolves #1 SG option is this offseason? and do you think Derrick Williams will be on the roster next season..

    • Stephen Litel

      All indications are that Jamal Crawford ends up in Minnesota this off-season. That’s a good start and, yes, Williams will be on the roster next year…unless an AMAZING deal comes along where they have to include him.

24. Mac

    Does anyone else think it is ironic that Ron Artest changed his name to Metta “World Peace.” Yet after throwing a dirty elbow that concussed another player, won’t call him to apologize. As Mr. Artest so eloquently explained you can’t call your enemies during the playoffs. In your opinion, ironic or not ironic?

    • Stephen Litel

      Ok, everyone…last question for this week…

      Yeah, it’s pretty ironic. That’s why many in the NBA world have stated they’re going to go back to calling him Ron Artest since World Peace doesn’t fit anymore. However, I hope the conversation regarding his name and the elbow to Harden ends the moment the Thunder eliminate the Lakers. (Yes, I said it…the better team is going to win the series.)

      Alright, everyone…thanks for all the great questions and thank you for taking time out of your busy lives to drop me a question. I appreciate all of you. Hit me up on Twitter @stephenlitel to chat anytime. Look forward to chatting next week.

      Until then…