NBA Chat with Stephen Litel 6/19/2012

Stephen Litel will stop by for his weekly chat at 8:00pm EST on Tuesday, June 19, 2012. Drop your questions in the que.

  1. jimmy

    Why do people say Love is the best PF in the league? Dirk is still the top PF. He is thr most clutch player in the game and still a top 10 player in the league.

    • Stephen Litel

      Hi, everyone! Wow…there are a lot of questions waiting for me tonight, so I’m going to jump right in…

      Kevin Love is the best power forward in the game today, if you look at the position as far as scoring ability AND rebounding. That combo is lethal. You are dead-on about Dirk though because I agree with you that he’s still a top ten player in the NBA now, but, of course, Love takes him to task on the glass. I would give Love the edge because of his overall game, but remember that Dirk paved the way for power forwards to play on the perimeter, where Love excels.

  2. Jim S

    The first time in any magor leage sport’s history, with a singular name??? Certainly the NBA. Jazz, Magic, Heat, Thunder. No Esses.

    Heat vs Thunder, both “Natural” forces.

    U professional writers must love this, the story lines are endless?

    • Stephen Litel

      The storylines in the NBA Finals are endless, but the least interesting is the fact that neither team name ends in an “S.” It’s great for the TV people though because there’s all the “Heat wave in Oklahoma City” or “Thunder-storms in Miami” stuff.

  3. Paulo Ferreira

    Chicago may try to shed some salary this year since rose is out. Which of these scenarios do you think make the most sense?

    01) Trade Deng and Watson and/or Brewer (teams options) to Cleveland for the 4th pick. In this case, the cavs have cap space to absorb luol’s salary and still sign a free agent. Then, Chicago’d be able to resign Korver and sign a MLE point guard in the mold of Kirk, Andre Miller or Kidd. I’d even throw our pick and/or Kyle if they’d insist.

    02) Trade Deng and our pick and/or Butler(maybe the right to swap 2012/2013 picks as well) for Ginobili and Kawhy Leonard. It works salary wise. It makes sense for the bulls because Ginobili is a great playmaker that chicago doesn’t have to help Rose and it may works for San Antonio cause luol is a lot younger tha Manu and can help them stay competitive after duncan retires.

    03) Trade Deng for Sacramento for their pick. Although they have cap, i assume they’d ask the bulls to take at least one bad contract (maybe Garcia?), so this would be my last option.

    • Stephen Litel

      I’ll rule out option number two immediately because Ginobili isn’t leaving San Antonio.

      I’d think #1 has the better chance of happening because Cleveland may be willing to take on a player like Deng. Sacramento would probably want to try to trade Evans back in that scenario, so that doesn’t help Chicago.

  4. Robert

    Haven’t checked if the numbers work, but in theory, what do you think of this trade? Draft picks may be added wherever needed.

    Los Angeles:
    Luis Scola
    Deron Williams
    Brook Lopez

    Houston:
    Pau Gasol
    Derrick Williams

    Brooklyn:
    Andrew Bynum
    Kyle Lowry

    Minnesota:
    Kevin Martin

    • Stephen Litel

      Looking at it very quickly and, like you, not looking up numbers, this does seem like roughly a fair trade. Only thought is Houston would probably want more.

  5. josh

    True or false —–Tyreke silences the haters and has a career year …he wants big money so im saying kings are borderline playoffs next season….also how about kings overpaying a lil for ryan anderson

    • Stephen Litel

      I bet Evans does have a more-like-Tyreke season next year, but that has more to do with going back to a normal schedule rather than “silencing the haters.” The question is whether or not he will have that fine season as a member of the Sacramento Kings.

      Ryan Anderson wouldn’t be bad at all, but I haven’t heard anything to suggest it might happen.

  6. clay

    As a mavs fan I’m confused, why exactly are we pursuing d will? With the new cba it makes zero sense to Max out a pg, especially one that led the nets to 22 wins in the leastern conference, smart money would be use that money on kg and Nash on two yr deals, feel out the bench, and completely rebuild in two years, deron has already proved he cant carry a team to anything

    • Stephen Litel

      D-Will is one of the best point guards in the game. He can only “carry” a team so far that has little talent. Dallas has a lot more talent and, without question, Williams is an upgrade over Kidd. However, I think you are correct in the idea that there are better ways for that team to rebuild, instead of committing to Williams when they still aren’t sure how much longer Dirk will play.

  7. Mateo

    21 and 22 draft pick + bass (sign and trade) + fillers for hornets 10th pick +ariza. What do you think?

  8. Tio

    Ray Allen in a Knick uniform and KG in a laker uniform would be sick. Ur thoughts?

    • Stephen Litel

      Ray Allen would be a solid fit in NY, sure. KG in a Laker uniform? You’re right…that is sick. KG would puke all the way from Boston to LA if that happened.

  9. Anthony

    what big man could the spurs get to help tim duncan get his 5th ring maybe garrnet

    • Stephen Litel

      Here’s a list of free agents…

      Who appeals to you? KG? I don’t see him going there for two reasons. One, he’s already said he wants to stay in Boston. Two, with the battles he and Duncan have had in the past, KG is not much of a fan of TD.

  10. D

    If any of these players are available who should the magic take? Sullenger, Perry Jones,Moultrie,Harkless,Zeller.I’ve seen the mocks go from backup PG(Duhon SUCKS) now to bigger players.

    • Stephen Litel

      Exactly…the Magic should be looking for point guards, especially with Nelson and the team pushing back their deadline.

  11. Deven

    How much does Tim Duncan re-sign for?

    • Stephen Litel

      The amount that is correct for San Antonio to continue to do things the right way. He’s made his money.

  12. sisig express

    Is jflynn a bust? I love his game coming To the nba… What happened? Is he the pg version of thabeet. I wish those guys get a good Lin type of come back.

    • Stephen Litel

      I wouldn’t necessarily consider Flynn a bust, but the problem is that he was over-valued entering the NBA. He was never going to be a starting point guard in the league on a consistent basis. He’s a career back-up and that’s fine, but he needs a team that believes in him to take on that role.

  13. sisig express

    Will mem give us a surprising rgay trade on draft day? Or will phillie beat them to.curb with a fash iggie trade to.the west?

    • Stephen Litel

      Gay and AI will be two players to watch on draft night, for sure. I haven’t heard of anything coming up that quickly, but with their teams shopping them, a deal could come together.

  14. piston

    If you are joe dumars what would you do this summer?Pistons are terrible constructed.Is blowing the whole team up solution or trades or simply waiting for bad contracts expire?

    • Stephen Litel

      Blow it up. Everyone but Monroe is able to be had…if they can find teams willing to take the players.

  15. Luka

    I don’t think that mkg would be perfect fit for wizards.Wizs are terrible in shooting and drafting player like mkg wouldn’t help.Also is #3 really worth spending on next g,wallace and such offensivly limited player.I would go with beal or barnes.your thoughts

    • Stephen Litel

      Personally, I’m higher on Beal than MKG or Barnes, but I’m hearing that most teams just absolutely love Barnes. I’d go Beal if I’m the Wiz.

  16. 123Eric

    Your comment is awaiting moderation.
    First off, I just wanna say that I’ll be missing j. fleming. A good writer..

    On to my question: Whats your take on the flack s.brooks has been getting from some journalists?

    • Stephen Litel

      We all will miss Jason around here, for sure. Great guy, great writer with great knowledge.

      Brooks deserves the talk he’s getting from media because his gamble didn’t pay off. If it had, he’d be hearing praise. Guess what though? He doesn’t care either way…he’s going to do what he feels is best at the time.

  17. jenny

    Can indiana get dwill?Will granger be traded?Wuold you trade him for #2?

    • Stephen Litel

      I’m sure Indiana could put together a package to get DWill, but I’m sure they also don’t want to do so. I think Granger stays, but sure, I’d trade him if I could get the #2 pick. Of course, that isn’t a possibility.

  18. Tony

    Bill Igram suggested that Dallas should amnesty Haywood. Would Haywood be a better than average solution at back-up center for the Pacers?

    • Stephen Litel

      He would be a decent backup, but only if he signed for cheap, cheap, cheap.

  19. Jazzfan

    Thanks for your time, With the Jazz basically saying theyre not looking to move into the 1st round of the draft do you think they’re going to try swinging a trade for a PG? or try to sign one in FA?

    • Stephen Litel

      They might try, but I don’t think they should. I think most fans are way too hard on Harris. Give him this off-season to get his game back on track and see what happens next year.

  20. Devonte

    if knick fans, the media, coaches or who ever it may be knows that the knicks need talent, why is it we surround our star players with one-way players, bums, bench warmers i mean its been going on for years, we haven’t been relevant for years and if we dont get some serious talent now then i believe we are seriously a cursed organization

    • Stephen Litel

      Because the amount of money allocated to the star players only allows the team to bring in the other players who are “one-way players…”, as you called them.

  21. Anthony

    With Ramon Session opting out 2 explore free agency do the lakers try and bring him back or look 4 best available pg they can afford with new CBA kicking 2012-2013,your thoughts please.

    • Stephen Litel

      The Lakers liked what Sessions brought to them, as a whole, so I’m sure they will monitor the situation to see how much money he is offered. If the price is right to bring him back, I’m sure they will do so if they can.

  22. Julian

    Whats up stephen, hope all is well. quick question, in your opinion is Carmelo Anthony a top 10 player today?

    • Stephen Litel

      Top ten offensive player, yes. Top ten as an overall, complete player? No.

  23. Seve

    Hey Stephen-

    You’re the Bobcats, the Cavs or the Wizards and the Wolves offer you Derrick Williams (last years number 2) and their 18th pick for your first round pick (to take MKG or Beal) and your second round pick. Do you say yes or no? Good for the Wolves to balance their roster with this move?

    • Stephen Litel

      I think all of the teams mentioned would prefer their options of keeping their pick this year over taking Williams, even though he’s only one year into his career. Yes, of course, this would be a good move for the Wolves to balance their roster.

  24. Kevin

    How do you view Bynum as a player? We all know he’s the 2nd best center that answers a cop out. Is he a franchise player and will he improve 7 years in?

    • Stephen Litel

      You don’t want a cop out? Well, here you go…

      Bynum is the best OFFENSIVE center in the NBA. He’s number two defensively, when motivated. However, he is not a franchise player and never will be. He will improve again next year if he stays healthy again, but he won’t ever grow into being a franchise player.

  25. Kevin

    If you were Lakers GM what would be your 1st priority this summer? Trade Pau, Trade Bynum, Amnesty Kobe, Trade into the Draft.

    • Stephen Litel

      I just laughed out loud for real when I read “amnesty Kobe.”

      I would try to trade Pau. He can get more in return right now.

  26. Brian

    Hey, Stephen.

    Look inside your crystal ball and tell me what trades or FA moves the Wolves WILL make. I am hoping it has nothing to do with Kevin Martin and Jamal Crawford and more to do with Mayo.

    Also, thoughts on B. Roy and J. Green signing FA contracts with the Wolves?

    Thanks and enjoy and appreciate your chats!

    • Stephen Litel

      I hate to break it to you, but I’m betting Crawford is the top option because he’s already stated how he’d like to play in Minny.

      I’d take a shot on one (or both) of Roy and Green if the price were right, but I don’t see either ending up with the Timberwolves. They’ll have “better” options elsewhere.

  27. Geoff

    Looks like draft gona go Davis, t rob, beal, barnes then Kidd-gilchrist after latest workout cancellations and stuff. Kidd-gilchrist to kings wud be awesome! Thoughts on all this??

    • Stephen Litel

      If that order is true, it seems to be another indication that Evan is on his way out.

  28. Jake

    1. If Beasley is gone does that mean D Will starts at the 3?

    2. What are some realistic options for the Wolves acquiring a legit 2 Guard?

    Thanks

    • Stephen Litel

      The Timberwolves have always hoped Williams could develop into the small forward position, so if Beasley is gone, the job is D-Will’s.

      See earlier question for two-guard options.

  29. luis

    should the clippers trade E Bledsoe for a high draft pick?

    • Stephen Litel

      Could the Clippers GET a high draft pick for E. Bledsoe?

  30. marc

    do you think the bobcats should draft robinson despite having a young biyombo on the team or go beal/mkg?

    • Stephen Litel

      Robinson…Robinson…Robinson.

      That man is going to be a beast in the NBA.

  31. ken

    hello.. what are the chances are that the wolves will land k martin do you feel they are willing to give up derrick williams to do so?

    do you feel like garnett will sign with the wolves since he was there most of his career?

    • Stephen Litel

      I sort of answered the first question in a previous question, but decided to answer this because of the second part.

      KG is not coming back to Minnesota. He doesn’t want to be here and they don’t want him here.

  32. Matt

    Do you see the Wolves actually making a pick at 18, or trading it away?

    • Stephen Litel

      My feeling today is that they make a pick. I’ll let you know should that feeling change.

  33. Your Favorite Reader

    Pound for pound.. Was Spud Webb the greatest NBA player ever at 133lbs?

    • Stephen Litel

      No, he wasn’t…because I once weighed 133 pounds.

      Oh, you mean in the NBA…then yes, he was.

  34. pacquiao punch

    Who’s better okc this yearbor last years mavs?

    • Stephen Litel

      Have to say last year’s Mavs right now…because they won.

  35. bingo

    You really think the Lakers would take Roberts trade? Bynum and Gasol for DWill, no rebound lopez and no knees scola? No doubt this is coming from a brooklyn fan since they get the best of it.

    • Stephen Litel

      HA!!! Like I mentioned earlier, I looked at the trade quickly. I’m not sure what I saw in my mind when I read “Bynum,” but holy cow, no. Sorry to Robert, but I have to change my initial answer…no way the Lakers do that trade.

      Good looking out, Bingo!

  36. john

    I heard the Likes of Eric Gordon, OJ Mayo and Jamal Crawford could sign with the Suns. Anyone of them teaming up with Nash would be a killer back court.

    • Stephen Litel

      OK, everyone…last question for this week. Have to get ready for the Finals! Who ya got tonight? Hit me up on Twitter during the game @stephenlitel to chat during the game!

      You are correct…because any shooting guard who can even remotely hit shots and put the ball on the court is an excellent fit alongside a point guard like Steve Nash. Now, will NASH be back in Phoenix?

      Thanks so much for spending time with me during your busy week’s leading up to tonight’s NBA Finals game, everyone. I appreciate you!

      See you next week…