NBA Chat with Stephen Litel 6/26/2012

Stephen Litel will stop by for his weekly chat at 8:00pm EST on Tuesday, June 26, 2012. Drop your questions in the que.

  1. Chris

    what do you think of this trade,orl trades d12,nelson,j rich for okc westbrook,perkins

    • Stephen Litel

      Hi, everyone! Welcome to this week’s chat. There are a ton of questions waiting for me, so looks like the NBA draft is coming soon, huh? Hit me up on Twitter @stephenlitel if I don’t get to your question. Let’s get to it…

      Orlando would want way more in return than this. Way more.

  2. rap-rap

    As we get closer to the draft I heard stories about Barnes and Beal going to be in the top 4. with that being said the KINGS really have a good shot at getting either T-rob or MKG depending on who charlotte picks at #2.. Sources are saying that Beal is going to the wizards knowing they already got ariza via trade. and cavs are high on barnes knowing the relationship between him and kyrie.. so if thats the case MKG could slip to #5.. would be another lucky year for the kings right? just like what happened in 2010 when they were able to draft cousins at #5.. I just had this feeling and i know im right that coming this draft it would be in this order, 1. Davis 2. T-rob, 3. Beal, 4. Barnes and 5. MKG.. I know alot of people think MKG would not slip to #5 but given the scenarios and current stories I really think MKG would fall to #5..

    • Stephen Litel

      I agree with you. I would not be surprised at all if MKG is there for the Kings to select…and he’d be a great fit in Sacramento.

  3. piston

    Should pistons try to make dramastic changes(only monroe is untradeable) this offseason because this team is disaster?

    • Stephen Litel

      Yes, they should. I’ve said that for a while that Monroe is the only one “safe.” That includes Joe Dumars.

  4. blake

    Do you see some franchise coming in seatle in next 7-8 years?

    • Stephen Litel

      Yes, I do. It won’t be through expansion though. It will be a team relocating.

  5. jenny

    Do you think that randy witman is wright coach for this wizards?If they hire svg they would probably compete for 4,5 seed in east.

    • Stephen Litel

      No, I don’t. I had the opportunity to watch him up close when he coached in Minnesota and his players tuned him out quickly. I’ve never seen him as head coaching material. He is and should be an assistant. SVG wouldn’t help the Wizards that much anyway…you have to have talent to compete. The Wiz need to upgrade.

  6. joseph

    why greg oden insists so much on getting back when he isn’t worth more then vet min considering his injury history?

    • Stephen Litel

      I think he understands any contract he receives now will have injury clauses in it. At this point in his career, he has to accept that and I’m sure he has.

  7. joseph

    Aldrige doesn’t seem like a real leader and franchise plaxer,more like guy who will get his but it is too much burden on his back without roy and he can0t handle it?I think last season showed that.

    • Stephen Litel

      It’s too early to say if Aldridge is a franchise guy or not, even at this point in his career. Yes, everyone always talks about franchise guys making their teammates better and all that, but it’s difficult to do when you’re still learning your new role yourself. Give him more time.

  8. Zee

    So, Billups is a free agent. Any chance the Bulls can sign him?

    • Stephen Litel

      There’s a chance, sure, but I don’t see it. I think he stays in LA.

  9. Niko

    Who are the Bulls lOoking to sign,trade,and draft? I heard Deng is on the market but i dont like it at all as a bulls fan?

    • Stephen Litel

      What you’ve heard about Deng is correct. They are looking to move him. It’s salary, not that they don’t like what he brings to the team. This is the tough call they have to make being stuck with Boozer’s contract.

  10. Nikeslolz

    Wats nxt for heat?

    • Stephen Litel

      A summer of celebrations…and a run at trying to repeat next year.

  11. Hi

    Knicks contenders or pretenders?

    • Stephen Litel

      Right now? Pretenders. Let’s see what they do in the off-season…ask me again when the season tips off.

  12. Steve

    With a healthy Rubio and all other players, how many wins can you see the Timberwolves having this year? What playoff spot? Can they possibly reach the second round or Conference Finals?

    • Stephen Litel

      Whoa there, Steve. Let’s take it one step at a time with the Timberwolves and just aim for a playoff berth. Many Twolves fans will probably rip me for this, but there’s nothing to be ashamed of with the eighth seed next season.

  13. Deven

    Hi Stephen. Read your column the other day on Rubio progress. When do you expect him to be back on the court?

    • Stephen Litel

      The only timeframe I’ve ever heard on Rubio is targeting being back around Christmas. His rehab is going well, so we’ll see.

  14. Jorg Lueke

    A better question: Would KG go and finish his career with the Bulls who seem to have a better shot of stopping Miami than Boston?

    • Stephen Litel

      Everything I’ve heard is that Garnett either returns to Boston or retires. Miami doesn’t have the money to get KG, especially if they’re going to get Ray Allen.

  15. Deven

    Why are some lottery teams considering giving up their picks? What’s the deal? Do they not want to build for their future or something?

    • Stephen Litel

      Because while there may be solid players in the lottery this year, there are only a handful of players expected to be franchise players. Might as well trade down and get a few solid players rather than one.

  16. Alex

    Hey Stephen,
    How about the Sixers sending Holiday, Turner, Vucevic and Hawes (s&t) for Howard? Lots of talent to rebuild on for Orlando and the Sixers can dump Brand, sign Deron (if they are teamed up with Iggy they both say yes) and go for the championship

    • Stephen Litel

      One, Orlando would want way more in return. Two, Dwight doesn’t want to go to Philly.

  17. Maurice

    Are the Bucks offering Monta Ellis for a top 10 pick and are there any trade rumors about bucks

    • Stephen Litel

      I haven’t heard much of anything out of Milwaukee…and the Bucks seem rather happy with Monta.

  18. Saulo

    Hey Stephen, what’s your take on Bud? Personally I really liked the deal and I think he can play both wing positions. Does this change anything in terms of who we’re targeting to sign and who’s gone?

    • Stephen Litel

      Finally…the question I was sure to get tonight.

      The Budinger trade is good for the Timberwolves. It is a very low-risk move and he hit the three-pointer at a 40% clip last year. I don’t think it changes much of who the Wolves are going after though.

  19. Ronny

    What teams would add ben gordon considering his contract.I think that detriot wouldn’t ask much(big disappoinment since his arrival).

    • Stephen Litel

      Any team that wants to put a lot of money into a player who doesn’t produce enough for the money he is paid. I think Detroit is stuck with him until closer to his contract expiring as a trade chip. He’s in Detroit at least one more season.

  20. thiery

    Do you see joe dumars getting fired by start 2013/14 season.is he deserve fire long before considering moves he made in last 5years?

    • Stephen Litel

      Dumars had a solid run in his position for sure, but made bad choices with Charlie V. and Ben Gordon. Their contracts hurt the Pistons. I think it’s time to start over.

  21. Your Favorite Reader

    With today’s move of adding Chase Budinger what do you think the Wolves next move will be?

    • Stephen Litel

      With how close they were at the deadline, the Timberwolves are going after Jamal Crawford hardcore. Budinger + Crawford (or Roy) = Beasley is gone for sure.

  22. food truck in downtownLA

    Stephen would this be a fair trade for LA / wolves.. jordan hill for beasley and a.randolph maybe u could throw in wes johnson or luke r. And lal can throw in steve. Blake or the young incoming sophomores? Insane or workable trade? I bet u guys wont touch MWP? Thanks for the time bro.

    • Stephen Litel

      The Wolves may have some interest in Hill, but they want NOTHING to do with Blake or MWP. Beasley, Randolph and/or Johnson and Ridnour is too much for Hill. Lakers bench players better than rest of league’s best players, right? lol

  23. greek theater

    R u happy with the budinger trade? Its seems like the wolves are at the thunder way to the top… Do u think barrea is part of the plan and will they try and get a legit starting pg? Lastly sir please rate nolan smith and terrnece williams as players. Thanks

    • Stephen Litel

      Mentioned Budinger trade earlier, so scroll up. Barea is part of the plan, as he’s only one year in and was forced to play a different role than what he was brought to Minnesota to play when Rubio was injured. Will they try to get a legit starting point guard? Remember that guy named Ricky?

      Smith and Williams are the players now that they always will be. Eh.

  24. u said what?!

    Im just curious why kg dont wana be back in a wolves uniform? Is there bad blood between him and management? Or did he felt they went cheap on bringing talent around him when he was the franchise? Thanks

    • Stephen Litel

      Too much bad blood and burned bridges. Remember, there were many instances where the Timberwolves brought in the players KG wanted, so both sides are to blame. It was time to part ways for good years ago (and probably a few years before he was actually traded) and there’s no time to rehash the past when the Wolves feel they are on the right track now.

  25. Andre Iguodala

    Who will I be playing for on Friday?

    • Stephen Litel

      Nowhere…the NBA season is over.

      Just kidding…you’ll still be in Philly.

  26. Drew

    Do you agree with trading #18 for Chase? I think we should have kept it and drafted T Ross. Chase is good but really just a back up. Ross has a chance to be a starter.

    • Stephen Litel

      There’s the main word, Drew…”chance.” Ross (or anyone else the Wolves may have selected with 18) has a chance to be good. With Budinger, you know what you’re getting, he still can improve, Adelman wanted him and he fits the outside shooting needs of the team.

  27. Drew

    If you are the wolves do you go after Roy? If so what type of deal are you offering him? Or do we go for Mayo or C Lee and if so which?

    • Stephen Litel

      I’d go after Roy and offer a one-year deal, but understand why the Wolves are set to offer a two-year deal. Obviously, Roy wants to play for a contender, so if Minnesota is going to get him, they need to commit longer. If they offer the deal, they apparently believe his health is good enough to hold up and he can contribute.

  28. Paul

    I don’t like Lebron as much as the next guy but here is my question. Everyone criticized MJ for being too selfish and not trusting his teammates for the first 7 years and than when he started trusting them he won championship after championship. Why is it that Lebron was criticized for the exactly opposite thing which is trusting his teammates too much and not being selfish enough? Is it that the media always has to point a finger at something? Im a little bit confused.

    • Stephen Litel

      That’s a great way to put it, Paul. It all stems from “The Decision” and LBJ’s ego being out of control for the past couple years. It turns people off. Media and fans are slowly backing down on their criticism once he quieted his mouth and let his play talk…because his play was amazing this postseason.

  29. George

    Good idea or bad idea? D will and Wes for #2 and Gerald Henderson.

    • Stephen Litel

      Charlotte wouldn’t do it. They have a player in mind they like way more than D-Will.

  30. Mensa

    What will it take for Dwight Howard to sign an extension?

  31. Marc

    I hear Nash has narrowed his destination for free agency to about 3 teams (Portland, Phoenix, and Toronto)out of those 3 teams which would be a better situation for Nash and why?

    • Stephen Litel

      Of the three, Phoenix…because they have the best opportunity to win while he’s still in the league.

  32. Kurt

    If the Rockets can’t land Dwight, is there a possibility that they could use cap space to go after Roy Hibbert?

    • Stephen Litel

      Yes, there’s a chance, but it’s not good. I expect Hibbert to stay in Indiana.

  33. Matt

    I am sure you will get a million Chase Buddinger questions, so how about the European guy that was the throw in. Know anything about him?

    • Stephen Litel

      I know that if he ever plays in the NBA, I will be shocked. That’s about it.

  34. Adrian

    Better fit for the bobcats: MGK, HB, Beal, or Robinson? Im leaning toward Beal or T-Rob myself

    • Stephen Litel

      If I’m the Bobcats, I go Robinson. I’ll take a post player to build around.

  35. Adam K

    Between Nash, Allen, Foye, Odom, and Kidd, who will most likely wear a Knicks uniform next year (or is there a dark horses we may not know about)?

    • Stephen Litel

      Foye.

      I think Nash ends up staying in Phoenix and Kidd goes to Chicago. Odom? Well, let’s hope he comes back to Earth.

  36. Adrian

    Who is the better long-term prospect: MKG, Beal, Barnes, T-Rob, of Drummond

    • Stephen Litel

      Beal. Everyone is loving him leading up to the draft. He’s gonna be a good one.

  37. Eric Busch

    Now that the Wolves have traded the pick, should we even have any hopes or thoughts on the draft? Will there be anything exciting for the Pups on Thursday?

    • Stephen Litel

      When David Kahn is running the show, it’s always exciting. Good or bad is another conversation, but it’s always exciting. I won’t be surprised at all if the Timberwolves are in the news Thursday…and I’ll be in the media room to let you know as soon as I hear anything.

  38. Aaron Kasey

    How come Deron Williams doesn’t want to come to the Lakers?

    • Stephen Litel

      Because he would love to play with his buddy Dwight…and, believe it or not, Kobe is getting old. Williams wants to partner up with another star for years to come.

  39. Eric Busch

    What is your favorite arena you have ever been to?

    • Stephen Litel

      United Center. I was a Bulls fan growing up…it’s as simple as that.

  40. David Kahn

    Now that I’ve landed budinger, who should I get next? Rick keeps pestering me about trading derrick williams…..

    • Stephen Litel

      I won’t tell you how to do your job, David…save one thing. Do NOT get Kevin Martin.

  41. Matt

    What do you think happens with Beasley

    • Stephen Litel

      Unless they have something in the works I haven’t heard about to this point, they have to let him walk.

  42. Brian

    Stephen, what’s up? Seriously, Chase Budinger? That’s Kahn’s big move? I knew he was going to blow it…the guy can’t think big and has no clue how to build a team. Love is gone after 3.

    Thanks!

    • Stephen Litel

      Don’t judge an off-season until you’ve seen the whole thing. Plus, as mentioned before, Chase is a good pickup…and Adelman wanted him. If Timberwolves fans trusted and appreciated Adelman so much last year, you have to respect him building the team he wants.

  43. charlie

    Hi Stephen, would the Heat trade Bosch and Battier to the Lakers for Gasol? Thanks

  44. CAS

    Why does the media continue to down play Pau? GaSOFT, he’s old, he doesnt play defense, he’s lost a step… The guy is LA’s 3rd option, he had an off year this season and the Spaniard still gave LA 17ppg, 9rpg 1.5bpg… can imagine this guy as a 1st or 2nd option? He is very capable of 22ppg, 10rpg and a great team mate… I think its all part of the anti-Laker machine.

    • Stephen Litel

      Did you see how he played in the playoffs this year?

  45. green man

    just to comment on a question you just answered…. Ben gordon was just traded to charlotte w/ a protected future 1st for maggette…… what the **** is Jordan thinking on that one wowwww

    • Stephen Litel

      Thanks, green man…you broke news to me. Just saw that one went down.

      MJ, MJ, MJ…

  46. Mitsuaki

    Hello Stephen!
    With Budinger in,which player likely to gone? Wes or Wayne? Beas is gone for sure.
    And what position Wolves are looking for? any players in Center position?

    • Stephen Litel

      Ok, everyone…last question for this week. I tried to answer as many as I could, but man! You all bombarded me this week. Hit me up on Twitter @stephenlitel and I’ll keep answering questions and chatting with everyone…

      The Wolves will get rid of Wes if they can and I do think Beasley is gone. I don’t know what the backup plan is, but they are going to go after Roy and/or Crawford hardcore. In a perfect world, they’d land both. That probably won’t happen though.

      Thanks for submitting all these questions, everyone! I appreciate all of you! See you next week!