NBA Chat With Susan Bible 12/31/11

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. Dylan

    Based on what you have seen from the Bobcats, how do you see them doing in this season? What do you think their record will be?

    • Susan Bible

      After a nice start (1-1, both by one point), losing by 21 points last night to Orlando was disappointing. I think they’re headed in the right direction but not at all ready to make noise. Yes, they get the “rebuilding” tag. In a division conference with Miami, Atlanta and Orlando, they’ve got an uphill battle. One thing’s for sure, they’ve got to get to the foul line as they are currently ranked 27th in the league in free throws attempted and 29th in FTs made. Plus, as a team, they’ve only logged 14 steals = 29th in the league, and they are 20th in turnovers and 25th in points. I’m hesitant to predict a record, but if I had to, I’d say 20-46.

  2. maestro

    When will Westbrook get his extension? Based off the recent incident will we see Westbrook moved?

    • Susan Bible

      What incident exactly? Durant and Westbrook arguing on the bench? That doesn’t matter; just two talented and competitive players working through differences. Love Stan Van Gundy’s humorous take: “I think it’s very serious, and I think the only thing they can do is split those two guys up. And I think they need to get them a long way away, I think here to Florida, to diffuse that problem; Kevin Durant here.”

      Do people really think great players on the same team get along 100% of the time in a game? Did you see Durant pat Westbrook’s head afterwards? Did you see Westbrook’s giant bear hug after The Shot vs. Dallas on Thursday? They both want to win…they both have different ideas at times…it’s no biggie.

      Now about the contract extension, everybody remains tight-lipped on the subject. I have to believe Presti is weighing a max deal that Westbrook surely wants vs. his desire to maximize cap space in order to re-sign Ibaka and Harden next year.

  3. Johnnie

    What Pgs will be available at the deadline and who can the Lakers get?

    • Susan Bible

      Not many. Would you think I was crazy if I suggested Nate Robinson? He’s still young and can play…and I bet Kobe could harness him. The options are limited: Gilbert Arenas, Earl Boykins…and Iverson is still out there wanting to play.

  4. Sweet Dee

    Watched the Lakers game last night, and couldn’t help but think Ron Artest’s PR stunt is actually working. I know it sounds crazy but the announcers are legally obligated to call him “Metta World Peace.” And while they did a good job not acknowledging the name – we can admit it has to spark debate among the casual fan. What was his name?? Why is he called that?? The conversation might end with everyone admitting Ron is a goofball, but can’t argue we are talking about it. Agree or Disagree?

    • Susan Bible

      I thought it was funny last night when the announcers would say “Ron—er, Metta World Peace…” Doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue. One of my kids asked me why he changed his name while watching that game. I just didn’t have an answer, besides the obvious “he’s just a little nuts.”

      I googled it last night and the best answer I could find was his release stating “Changing my name was meant to inspire and bring youth together all around the world” – apparently Chad Ochocinco inspired him as well. So yes, you’re right, we’re talking about it.

  5. Steven

    Which teams r interested in renting howard

    • Susan Bible

      None have been confirmed, but my best guess says the Pacers, Blazers or Hawks.

  6. Allen

    It’s going to be a great season. If the defense continues to gel, potentially championship caliber. What piece might you try to add to this team if you were Presti? I thought Battier was one of the best to add in the offseason. However, after watching them play, a player who has some good post moves seems like a better fit, someone who can make power moves in the 4th quarter. On the offensive end, Ibaka seems to have improved his perimeter shooting more than anything. I can’t think of a specific player but it would probably have to be someone who is willing to play on both ends and is team oriented.

    • Susan Bible

      In all seriousness, I think you take this team as is just as far as you can this season. Presti eliminated the non-factors – Byron Mullens and Nate Robinson – leaving basically the same roster as last year, but with more experience under their belts. And that’s really what they need. Reggie Jackson may develop into something special, Lazar Hayward is a big help in practice, and little-known Ryan Reid considers himself a Nick-Collison type (always useful).

  7. Steve

    Susan,
    Happy New Year!
    Blah blah blah
    Westbrook and Durant certainly can’t get along…
    Blah blah blah
    When will they trade Westbrook for Sessions or somebody so the team can really thrive
    Yadda yadda yadda ?????

    • Susan Bible

      Absolutely. People can keep talking; we’ll just watch them keep winning

  8. George

    What do you think of Ian Mahinmi and do you think he can progress into a starter? Haywood’s not athletic or energetic enough.

    • Susan Bible

      Compare their stats so far:
      Mahinmi, 6’11”: 8.3 ppg, .733 FG%, 3.0 rpg in 17.3 minutes off the bench
      Haywood 7’: 4.8 ppg, .500 FG%, 5.5 rpg in 17.5 minutes as a starter

      Now their stats Per 36 Minutes:
      Mahinmi: 17.2 ppg, 8.3 rpg
      Haywood: 8.9 ppg, 10.3 rpg

      If Mahinmi can produce these numbers on a consistent basis, I can see him eventually working into a starting role.

  9. ejhay

    is their a chance that miami can land steve nash on the free agency next summer?
    do you think they can also get tim duncan in veteran minimum pay?

    • Susan Bible

      Yes to Nash, No to Duncan. Although I think New York is a more likely destination for Nash.

  10. Catlos A

    Good morning! Happy new years
    Who do you think are some sleepers in fantast points? And who should I drop mayo or nelson or both! An Who should I pick up? Thanks an be safe!

    • Susan Bible

      Thanks! And Happy New Year to you. Funny you bring up Mayo and Nelson, as I drafted both of them on one of my fantasy teams in late rounds. I dropped Mayo pretty quickly (7.0 ppg in 25.3 minutes – not good), but I’m hanging on to Nelson. As long as Dwight Howard stays in Orlando…and Nelson stays healthy (and he’s already battling a neck strain), I’m not too worried about him. Well, I’m a little worried actually. That said, I’m checking the waiver wire frequently for a PG opportunity. Here are some early sleepers: Brandon Knight for points and steals, Kemba Walker for increased minutes and Robin Lopez, Gerald Henderson and James Harden.

  11. mike

    greetings from Poland
    jazz r playing rubbish what do u think about sending jefferson and harris for westbrook??thank u and happy new year

    • Susan Bible

      Greetings! The Jazz have got to be among the top of the disappointing teams thus far. Of course, they did start vs. the Lakers (lost by 25), then the Nuggets (lost by 17), and finally won against the Sixers (by 3). There’s no way Presti would swap Westbrook for Harris, nearly 29 years old at 11.3 ppg/3.7 apg…and they sure don’t need Jefferson with a healthy Perkins and Ibaka. Why do they need to enter into any trades with the best record in the Western Conference right now? Nice try, though!

  12. JP

    What do you think of Rubio`s future after the display he had yesterday?

    • Susan Bible

      I’m a fan…which actually began long ago. In three games this season, he’s logged 8.0 points (at a crazy-good .615 FG percentage),1.3 steals and 7.3 assists in 28.3 minutes. How bright is the 21-year-old’s future? We need shades.

  13. John

    Hey Susan what do you think of the Knicks offensive woes? happy new years from NYC

    • Susan Bible

      Happy New Year from OKC! Be thankful you’ve got Carmelo (25.7 ppg)…the Knicks are ranked 25th in points per game and dead last in field goals attempted and 26th in FG%. Their Offensive and Defensive Ratings are among the bottom eight. Ouch…to all. Stoudemire’s hurt, Shumpert’s hurt…1-2 record. The season is early, but you may have good reason to be more than slightly concerned.

  14. ed

    Do u really think the pacers would break up their young core for a howard rental especially since they struck out in nene n j crawford

    • Susan Bible

      I do. The appeal of contending now vs. years from now may be too tempting for Bird to pass up.

  15. LJE

    What are the chances that the Thunder core stays together throughtout the entire season?

  16. john

    quick fantasy question…plz rank favors,james johnson,richard hamilton,rashard lewis

  17. Sweet Dee

    The Lakers are currently starting Derek Fisher, Devin Ebanks, and Josh McRoberts. I’m sure Los Angeles fans are aware that individually none of the players would even start for the Toronto Raptors. Yet we are to believe that bringing back an injury prone 7 footer will completely turn this ship around. Who are we trying to fool?? As currently constructed the Lakers have 0% chance to win the title. Agree or Disagree?
    -

    • Susan Bible

      Maybe not zero percent….but it would be a way low number.

  18. Dennis

    Yesterday, Yannis’ chat was riddled with questions about Russell Westbook. Asking if they could trade him for Rondo or Nash, etc. Man, are fans tough on players or what. Russell and KD led Oklahoma to the conference finals LAST YEAR!!! And just because Westbrook called his own number a few too many times during the playoffs were calling for his head?? City fans should be begging that man to resign, if not they will take a major step backwards. Agree?

  19. LSO

    Not one person has mentioned (except you, a little) THE SHOT KD made against the Mavs? Who was the more surprised – KD, Scott Brooks, Mark Cuban – or YOU?

    • Susan Bible

      LOL! I’d say Cuban (based on the look he had after the Vince Carter shot), then me, then Brooks, then KD. Great question!

  20. Lara

    No burning question today…just wanted to say Happy New Year and keep up the good work!!

    • Susan Bible

      Thanks!! And a very Happy New Year to you, too :)

      What a perfect place to end the Chat. Thanks to everyone — really great questions today! Have a very Happy and Safe New Year’s Eve celebration. See you again next Saturday….