NBA Chat With Susan Bible 1/21/12

Please join Susan Bible for her NBA Chat each Saturday at 11:00 am EST. Susan is a Newlines Editor and a member of the fantasy team at HOOPSWORLD. She covers the Oklahoma City Thunder and the NBA at large. Drop in your questions now.

  1. LSO

    Comment: Notice the difference between how King James was received in Cleveland after he “took his talents to Miami” and how Perk was received upon his return to Boston a few days ago?! Which is the classier reception and player!!!!!? I have PERK-PRIDE.

    • Susan Bible

      Good morning and welcome to the Chat!

      Perkins is one outstanding individual and the perfect fit for Oklahoma City. I respect that he’s so open about his feelings toward Boston…and for sure, the Celtics went out of their way to make sure Perk knew how much he meant to the organization. In case you missed it, here’s a link to Perk’s reception: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0U77Udqsfw

      I must point out one thing…James made the decision to leave Cleveland while Perkins was traded. That explains a lot of the difference in reception by their respective former hometown crowds. On class alone though: it’s Perk hands-down. And I say that also based on how I’ve observed him in the locker room. Everyone knows he doesn’t talk pre-game, because this is when his game-face is developing. Heck, I see it when he arrives, just walking down the arena hall in street clothes to the locker room. That’s his routine. During his first talk with OKC reporters, Perk said with a straight face that before every game, he picks out one thing he doesn’t like about an opposing player and that fuels his “mean” attitude on-court. But in the locker room with the media – with me – he has been nothing but professional, welcoming and just so funny. I have to note that I’ve never talked to James alone because of the mass following everywhere he goes. He seems nice enough.

  2. ric kyle

    Fantasy-wise and/or reality-wise, but preferably fantasy-wise, which pair of rookie guards do you roll with: Kyrie & Iman or Ricky & Kemba?

    • Susan Bible

      Fantasy is my middle name (in basketball, that is). So, between those two pairings – right now – I’d go with Irving/Shumpert for combined higher FT%, FG%, FGM and points per game (that’s a biggie).

  3. Celtic Fan

    Who says no? Harris and Warriors #1pick for Rondo? Celtic’s need draft picks to rebuild and this draft in forward/center talent heavy to help replace Garnett or Pierce. And Salaries match up pretty close.

    • Susan Bible

      That’s hard to see when Doc recently said – actually just last week – “this is his team right now”…meaning Rondo. I understand his name was attached to trade talks not too long ago, but that was for Chris Paul. I’d be pretty surprised now. Especially when Ainge said on Wednesday that he would trade the Big Three (Allen, Garnett, Pierce) for the right group of young players. Check this: http://www.hoopsworld.com/ainge-would-trade-big-three-for-youngsters

  4. Frankie

    Do you think Dwight Howard will be delt before the trade deadline? and if so where do you see him landing? I believe that wherever DH12 lands, Deron will follow. If dwight goes to lakers for bynum do the lakers have a chance to land D-will? If dwight doesnt get traded, I believe he and d-will will end up in Dallas. Your thoughts???

    • Susan Bible

      More and more, I’m thinking Howard stays for the season. Maybe longer? It’s hard to argue with Otis Smith’s line of thinking, i.e. why would he leave $30M on the table? Under the CBA, Howard can take a FA deal for $80M/four years. In Orlando, he can re-sign for $110M /five years. That’s a lot of money. Of course, a trade is a different story; I think Smith is going to play it out.

      I’ve long thought the master plan was for Deron to end up in Dallas.

  5. Matt

    Who would you rather have moving forward James Harden orEvan Turner. I don’t see much differnece except everyone is in love with Harden and down on Turner.
    Year 2 stats Harden (min 26, PPG 12.2, RPG 3.1, APG 2.1) Turner (Min 26, PPG 10.8, RPG 6.4, APG 2.9)

    • Susan Bible

      James Harden – there really is quite a difference. Keep in mind Harden was way under the radar until the Jeff Green trade last year, which changed everything. That’s when minutes opened up, his confidence started soaring and his stats really jumped (10.3 ppg to 15.8 ppg after the All-Star break). That’s why it’s hard to just make a blanket Year Two Comparison between the two. Plus Harden averaged 31.6 minutes in 17 playoff games last year vs. Turner’s 19.4 mpg in five games. He’s just further along. We won’t even talk about this year (hint…three-pointers…free throws…scoring).

  6. Mac

    If you were starting a team from scratch, which point guard do you choose: Brandon Jennings, Darren Collison, or Devin Harris.

  7. JP, Hamburg

    Hey Susan,
    now that Russel resigned, what is your take on this: http://goo.gl/CrbKJ ?
    Is this contract too much for Russel? Seems to be hard to resign Harden and Ibaka now?!

    • Susan Bible

      I’m not putting a lot of stock in Bayless’ opinion. Westbrook potentially left 5% on the table. Check my article written right after the extension was announced: http://www.hoopsworld.com/westbrook-presti-thrilled-about-extension
      I don’t think the contract is excessive for a second-best player, plus it has no opt-out. That 5% (about $3.2M) will go help re-sign Ibaka and Harden. Don’t forget, Presti can keep those two throughout 2013-14 without re-signing them = a nice window for championship runs.

  8. Pynchon

    Hey Susan,

    I know you’re the world’s biggest Durant homer, but do you think it’s safe to say that he and OKC have a mental block when it comes to going up against Dirk? You look at the WCF and outside of Game 1 he was abysmal/nonexistent and then this season they needed massive ref help and a Durant desperation heave (incredible shot) just to win and home and then the following week were promptly dispatched in convincing fashion in Dallas. I feel like OKC can win the West only assuming they don’t face Dirk and the Mavs–whats your take?

    • Susan Bible

      Do I detect a bit of disdain in your voice? Seriously, what can I say? I’ve lived in Oklahoma City almost my whole life…still can’t believe we have our own NBA team…have studied Durant and his game, and yes, he’s my favorite player right now. If we’re talking of all-time, it’s Magic. Just an FYI there.

      Now about Nowitzki/Dallas vs. Durant/Thunder, I’m giving weight to the fact OKC has appeared in exactly four playoff series in three years vs. Dallas’ heavy postseason history. It’s now a rivalry and it won’t be easy for the Thunder to get past them. There may well be a mental block…which should lesson with experience.

  9. Vince

    Tyreke Evans has been ballin lately, Do you think there’s any way to get E Maynor on the Kings at the deadline? I know he’s out for the year but He would be an awesome pickup for nxt year, him and our top 10 pick added to this young nucleus would make us 1 of the top up and comers.

    • Susan Bible

      Yeah, I don’t know what the pulse of Maynor is to Oklahoma City, especially with Reggie Jackson holding down the position fairly well. I do know he strengthens benches wherever he lands.

  10. Cain

    Hey Susan, Granger had a great game against GSW but I still think the Pacers need a pure SG to become truly elite and they won’t lose to much with George at 3. (Despite being his 2nd season) What you think of situation?

    • Susan Bible

      If recent sources are correct, the Pacers want Eric Gordon for Danny Granger. If that doesn’t materialize, Gordon will be a free agent this summer.

  11. JaMoomba

    I’m cool keeping Bynum. Sure, Howard would be nice but its seeming less and less likely of happening. BUT I’m convinced that Gasol has gotta go. Off the top of your head, what could the Lakers get for Gasol? What about deals revolving around Josh Smith and Hinrich? Steph Curry or Monta and another piece? Maynor, Ibaka and Harden? Randolph,Mayo and a pick or two? Eric Gordon, Landry and the first rounder they just got?

    • Susan Bible

      He’s not the Gasol of old, but still obviously relevant with 16.3 ppg and 9.4 rebounds so far. I think the Lakers showed his value in the trade-that-never-happened. Recall it went like this: Gasol to Houston, Chris Paul to the Lakers and Scola, Lamar Odom and Kevin Martin to the New Orleans Hornets. I’d need a lot of time to really review all your scenarios, i.e. match salaries, contracts. Since Perk identified Gasol as his number-one nemesis, I can’t see that one. Plus no way are they breaking up that team right now.

  12. Falco

    Hey Susan, i was just looking at the all star ballots und despite the fact that i don’t take this voting too serious because of the last years (iverson, yao and so on) i was wondering who you think should start alongside lebron at east forward position? i think i’d pick deng. melo and the knicks are having a hard season. also think that love should be starting instead of griffin. your thoughts?

    • Susan Bible

      All-Star is fun; fans generally get it right, but sometimes…it’s just funny. Alongside of James, it’s probably going to be Melo. Looks like Love is fifth right now in WC forwards behind Durant, Griffin, Nowitzki and Gasol. I would start Griffin over Love – fans want to see the dunks.

  13. Alex

    Will the blazers retire Brandon Roy’s jersey?

  14. like a bull

    Sorry I love Westbrook and Rondo`s game but to swap those player in a trade would be great. Russel would dominate in Boston and rondo would make Thunder players even better.

  15. Nana

    End of the day: Does Howard stay…… or go? Ever?

    • Susan Bible

      Man, I go back and forth on that one. My guts says he goes…

  16. Vince

    G’mornin Sus, what do you think the Kings need to do to get to that next step? They’ve looked impressive under Keith Smart, beating Indy and The Spurs was awesome but theirs still work to be done. I think this draft is going to be our last lottery selection, That combined with a move at the deadline should probably have us in contention nxt year. What should that trade at the deadline be? 2 moves I’ve thought of are trading for Paul Geaorge, Eric Maynor, something under the radar? Thanks

    • Susan Bible

      Simple statement: they need a true point guard to run the floor. They are dead last in the league in assists. Dead last in field goal percentage (and eFG%). Second to last in three-point percentage. 25th in points per game.

  17. Mac

    I’m starting to see why the Minnesota Timberwolves have been such a bad team for so many years in a row. Year after year they strike out in the draft. They FINALLY get a stud in Kevin Love and now are only offering him a 4 year 60 million dollar deal. Why are they nickel and diming their best player? If I was the owner, my number one priority would have been to lock this guy up for as long as possible. Your thoughts.

    • Susan Bible

      I agree and I don’t get it. Lock him up. Now.

  18. Kevin in Tokyo

    Why all the talk about Love vs Griffin, I know they both have game, but LaMarcus what?

    • Susan Bible

      I think Aldridge is sixth in votes right now. And he’s awesome.

      Thanks for participating today! See you again next week…