NBA Chat with Stephen Litel 6/12/2012

1. Cwal

   Why do the draft boards talk about Austin Rivers size being an issue at shooting guard. But Brandon Beal who is listed under 6’4 but stronger gets a pass? Out of the two players Rivers seems to be a more creative scorer. Why isn’t this skill placed at a higher premium the Beal’s jumpshot?

   • Stephen Litel

     Hi everyone! Welcome to this week’s chat…what a great way to pass the time before the tip-off of the 2012 NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Miami HEAT! If I don’t get to your question, hit me up on Twitter @stephenlitel. Let’s get to it…

     The things with Rivers is he may have all these offensive skills, but still has a lot of growing to do…and he doesn’t do much other than that. His build allows for him to be beaten up on the defensive end at times and he must address that when he arrives in the NBA. Beal is much more prepared for the NBA physically.

2. badoodelz

   it this ere were dominate big men are rare, would u take robinson over mgk?

   • Stephen Litel

     Thomas Robinson is going to be a BEAST in the NBA after he adjusts. Obviously, as I mentioned in my first answer in regards to Beal, Robinson already has an NBA body. He has for a long time. If I’m the Charlotte Bobcats, I take Robinson and don’t think twice.

     And, oh, by the way, later on tonight I have an article posting on Robinson. Keep an eye out for that!

3. The JOkeShow

   Should the Jazz try to trade for Lowry and K-mart? How about those 2 and the 14th pick for Harris, Milsap, and Bell and a future pick?

   • Stephen Litel

     Acquiring those two players may make some sense for Utah, but I believe Utah would have better options out there. Plus, Utah would pass on this trade…they would want more back from Houston.

4. ralph lawrence

   Heard the rumors about cavs selecting barnes as their 4th pick, in that case who do you think the KINGS will select with their 5TH PICK? thinking davis, robinson and mkg would be gone by that time.. It would leave between drummond or beal.. Im thinking of taking drummond because both would compliment each others game talking about cousins and drummond.. your thoughts?

   • Stephen Litel

     If the Cavs would take Barnes, the Kings would take Beal…and that would officially be the end of Tyreke Evans time in Sacramento. They would look to move Evans immediately.

5. Zee

   On a scale 1-10, how likely
   Is it that the bulls trade deng for harrison barnes or beal?

   • Stephen Litel

     2 or 3. Some aspects of the rumors make sense, but I can’t see Chicago actually pulling the plug to change a major part of a team that was the #1 seed in the Eastern Conference. If not for Rose’s injury, it’s highly conceivable the Bulls might have been playing tonight.

6. badax33

   Hi Stephen, how you doing?

   Just wonder what you see the Celtics doing? I want them to resign KG and Ray on 2 yr deal (at lower salaries), sign Jeff Green (1 or 2 yr deal), add another big, fill in with Vet Min and add 2 1st rd picks. I think they’d be very competitive and would provide mentoring for the young players. And if things broke perfect maybe a banner. My thinking is that there are no SS in this FA class (except DWill) but 2014 there are much better FAs and the entire Big 3 would expire giving them lots of money to spend. Or do you think they should just start over NoW?!

   • Stephen Litel

     I hear you, but I think they should just start over now.

7. Sean

   I read today Cavaliers are making huge offers for Anthony Davis (aka New Orleans #1 pick). I read it was #4, #24, #33 and #34 and New Orleans declined. But to make things interesting what if the Cavaliers also offered to take on Okafor and/or Ariza’s contract do you think that would be enough to get them to bite? Or is Anthony Davis just one of those players you absolutely do not give up once you have him? I do not watch college ball much.

   • Stephen Litel

     Anthony Davis is a game-changer…and is only going to get better. New Orleans should hold out for even more if they are even thinking about trading the rights to the #1 pick. And, oh, by the way, they shouldn’t make a trade…keep him.

8. Kevin

   Hawks get Andrew Bynum, Ramon Sessions

   Nets get Josh Smith, Jeff Teague, Future 1st

   Lakers get Deron Williams, Zaza Pachulia

   Good trade for all?

   • Stephen Litel

     Not bad, but I think the Lakers would pass unless you can substitute Gasol for Bynum in this scenario.

9. Sed D Cain

   Hey what do you think the bulls should do with their bench mob players should they keep im go watson or let him go to try to get a guy like Nick Young or Ray Allen with the mle,and who do you think will be a better fit short term and long term for the bulls picking Orlando Johnson or Jared Cunningham.

   • Stephen Litel

     I’m thinking along the same lines as you. I’d keep Watson and go after Ray Allen hardcore. Also, I like Orlando Johnson as Chicago’s pick.

10. topp

    What are the chances the lakers swing for the fence and make a major move on D12 or D11 your thoughts?

    • Stephen Litel

      They’re going to do everything they can to land one of those two. I’m of the belief they’re going to go after Howard first, then Williams…and I also believe they have that backwards. They should go after Deron.

11. Gabe

    What happened to Al Thornton?
    He is an absolute monster, he can easily start for at least 10 NBA teams. Why isn’t he in the NBA?

    • Stephen Litel

      To be honest, I’m not 100% on this. Last I heard, he had signed to play with a team in Puerto Rico(?). At least, I think that’s where it was. I’ll look into this and go on a “Where in the world is Al Thornton?” adventure.

12. The JOkeShow

    Should the Jazz try to trade Milsap for the 10th pick and ariza?

    • Stephen Litel

      Ariza wouldn’t be a horrible fit, but making this trade seems to indicate officially giving up on Harris as the starting point guard. Reason I say that is because of the players expected to be there around the 10th pick…you have point guard options there.

13. Shane

    Who do you think the Pistons will draft? Is there any chance that Drummond falls to them or they trade up? Maybe use Stuckey as trade bait to get another pick?

    • Stephen Litel

      Do they want to start their own Twin Towers with Monroe and then draft Sullinger? I don’t think they do, so if I’m making the call, I select Damian Lillard from Weber State.

14. Jason

    What are the chances that the wolves sign either Batum or Gordon this off season??

    • Stephen Litel

      I think the Wolves will make a run at Gordon, but he will have better offers elsewhere. Same thing with Batum, so it depends on if they want more playing time on an up-and-coming team or decent minutes on a team that may be better NOW.

15. big kev

    Hey Stephen,

    If the Raptors decide to trade their #8 pick for Gay or Iguodala, who do you see being a better fit for the team?

    • Stephen Litel

      The Raptors can’t go wrong with either, really…but I’d go for Iguodala because he’s a better defender.

16. Chris

    Hey Steve, I was just wondering if there is any buzz around the Sixers moving Iggy? And what could they get….Raptors pick….Josh Smith….any rumored big men on the move?

    • Stephen Litel

      There is a lot of buzz, as always seems to be the case with Iguodala. Honestly, too many different scenarios to list, but they have options should the Sixers choose to take them. Personally, I don’t think they should.

17. Casey

    Blazers pick the best player available at 6; Damian Lillard.

    True or false?

    • Stephen Litel

      False…they pick the best player available…and that is Andre Drummond.

18. Kevin

    Is there any way Lakers can trade MWP or Blake along with a 2nd for cap space?

    • Stephen Litel

      There HAS to be a way. I haven’t heard of any scenarios out there right now though.

19. Tom

    Wtih new ownership about to take over in Memphis, will Rudy Gay be traded? Do Gay and Randolph really not get along?

    • Stephen Litel

      I don’t think new ownership (which isn’t official yet) makes a difference whether or not Gay is traded. The team is shopping him regardless to see what they can get. As far as Gay and Randolph’s relationship, I’ve heard a few things, but nothing more than what I’ve heard from other teams.

20. basilis

    hello fron greece! everybody blame ainge for the perkins/green trade.. but with the way garnett played the center position,if green was healthy, he could be great next to him..celtics would be much better..he could not know that jeff was going to lose a whole season..

    • Stephen Litel

      Ok, everyone…last question this week. Time to get ready for the NBA Finals…

      I don’t think there’s a lot of blame going on anymore, but I hear you. The Celtics would have had more punch to their lineup with Green and he was excited to show Celtics fans why the trade was a good one before his situation came up. Boston will look into bringing him back and, hopefully, he is ready to go again.

      Thanks for the great questions, everyone! I appreciate you taking time out of your busy week’s to spend time with me, especially right as the NBA Finals are about to tip-off. Hit me up on Twitter if I didn’t get to your question @stephenlitel.

      Until next week…