NBA Chat With Susan Bible 6/9/12

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. joe

    i bet you are really digging the addition of fisher. i was genuinely upset when the lakers traded him away. anyways, why are people hating on westbrook for his game last night? he may not have been very efficient and 6 turnovers, but 12 assists is a solid game.

    • Susan Bible

      Yep, the Fisher addition was great. I didn’t even realize how great until the postseason. You gotta feel for Westbrook sometimes — he gets it from every angle no matter what he does. They want to make him a pass-first guy.

  2. Joe

    Susan, are you a believer yet?
    What’s with all the negative emails from several different writers to you and your coworkers about KD?The fact that self proclamed King James’ overall season numbers are slightly better overall is immaterial,its when the rubber hits the road that counts.If you asked every GM or coach in the NBA who they would rather have at crunch time in game 7 of the NBA final it’s KD not that me first gutless phony.He should change his name to LeShrinking Violet.

    • Susan Bible

      Joe, I am a believer. In Game 6 a few days ago, it hit me. Why do I continually doubt this team? Obviously the Thunder is my team – call me a homer, I will not apologize for it – yet so many times this postseason I start thinking the worst. Someone had to explain it to me like this: I’m a diehard OU fan. Always have been. I never think they are going to lose. Why then don’t I get that same mindset about the Thunder? It’s because they haven’t won yet. The Thunder showed me something Wednesday night…they do not give up. They have the pieces. Now I believe they will beat whoever wins the East to capture the title this year.

  3. AJ

    Neil Olshey was successful in bringing an elite point guard to join a star power forward. Any chance he can duplicate that success and bring Deron Williams to P-Town?

    • Susan Bible

      It’s an exciting thought, but I can’t see it. Deron has bigger things in mind.

  4. paprika

    Wow dfish… Modern day bigshot bob! Ok let ke be the first to put this out there, tiago and tparker for sess ,goudlocke, pau gasol! Mitch kupchak ! Make it happen boss!

    • Susan Bible

      I can’t imagine them letting loose of Parker.

  5. Brendan

    Hi Susan,
    Firstly congratulations on the WCF win, the Thunder have an amazing team that could go on to dominate the league for over a decade.

    My question is, after picking Durrant how did the Thunder manage to stay right at the bottom of the lottery for so long and keep drafting with top picks?

    Usually after drafting a stellar young player the teams record improves relatively quickly. I wasn’t following the league as closely then so I have always wondered about this.

    • Susan Bible

      Thanks! Building the team through the draft was no accident. All credit in roster-building goes to the Thunder’s GM, Sam Presti. Following the 2006-07 season, the then-Sonics had a 31-51 record which allowed Kevin Durant to be drafted second overall in 2007. After that it was all about trading pieces (Ray Allen, Rashard Lewis and others), eating contracts (Kurt Thomas, which Presti flipped into picks) and stockpiling draft picks. In 2007-08, the record was 20-62. The Thunder picked Russell Westbrook with the fourth pick and Serge Ibaka at 24th. In 2008-09, the record was 23-59 and along came James Harden. With that core, that’s when things turned around.

  6. Ax of Manila

    Regardless of where the C’s current playoff run ends, if KG returns to Boston, where will he play? Back to his old 4 position or he’ll stay put at the 5 position?

    • Susan Bible

      Interesting this year, right? Boston won 25 games of the 36 when KG played center – and he had 15 double-doubles in the 36. Unless they nab some free agent, he probably stays at the position.

  7. Tiho Vuksanovic

    Hello Susan!
    Say,what should Cavs do in free agency?And what players they targeting?
    Also,any chance LeBron wants back at the end of season?

    • Susan Bible

      Zero chance LeBron wants back in…he’s moved on. As far as the four picks the Cavs hold for the 2012 draft, you’ve got to read this recent breakdown from HOOPSWORLD. Click here: http://www.hoopsworld.com/draft-options-for-the-cleveland-cavaliers

      With rebuilding in full swing, I don’t expect any splashy free agent signings. Expect continued development of Irving and Thompson, focus on Gee and Varejao, and a couple veterans/leader types to fill holes. They want to maintain flexibility in cap space so that they are prepared when the right piece(s) comes along; in the meantime, the plan is to just keep developing and growing through the draft.

  8. manila tapsilog

    One spurs mistake i noticed is pops played okc style. He played diaw and sjax alot . Good move yes, but why didnt he try n play the twin tower style. Duncan and taigo together. Slow it down. Okc is alot more athletic. He cant beat them that way.your take?

    • Susan Bible

      The easy answer is that Duncan and Splitter are basically the same player. Both want the ball in the same place in the paint. Plus, Duncan has to have his rest.

  9. Trevor

    What do you think of Rondo for Westbrook? I think that could actually benefit both teams, your thoughts?

    • Susan Bible

      I think that is pure insanity. Oklahoma City has an elite point guard under contract through the 2015-16 season who helped push them to an NBA Finals appearance. Why make a roster change?

  10. Alex in Burbank

    Hi Susan, so OKC finally grew up and advanced to the finals. You are probably jumping up and down in anticipation of a championship. I have good news for you. I have no choice but to root for DERECK FISHER. OKC in 5 over Celtics. Yes I wrote this question before game 6 of the ECF. But lets face it, Miami is done so lets just say OKC in 5 over the Celtics. What’s your prediction.

    • Susan Bible

      “Finally grew up”? Their record was 23-59 just three years ago. They followed that with a first-round appearance in the playoffs, then an appearance in the Western Conference Finals, and now they are going to the NBA Finals. I’d say that is progression at warp speed.

      I’m saying Thunder in 6.

      And yes, I was literally jumping up and down the entire final 14 seconds of the game Wednesday night.

      (p.s. it’s spelled Derek Fisher)

  11. TheBossOfHoopsworld

    Hello Lovely Susan its been to long…..congrats to your thunder for being future champions, but my question is about my Blazers. Who do you think would make a good Coach for my Blazers and who would you draft with our 6 and 11 picks

    • Susan Bible

      Welcome back! Are you not feeling Canales? Olshey called him “the in-house favorite.” How about D’Antoni? Shaw? Malone? I vote for Shaw. As for the draft, Drummond and Marshall.

  12. Alvin

    Got to love OKC,that said I hate what happen with the cap,because I hope to see this team together 4 ,5 years from now.if a year from now they have to trade one i think it would be Westbrook

    • Susan Bible

      I would respectfully disagree. At least we know they will all return for next season; I have to think Presti will find a way to keep the four. If not, it’s not Westbrook who leaves.

  13. calvinzero

    In your own opinion, who is the best opponent for the OKC Thunder in the Finals?? Miami or Boston? Why? Thanks Susan

    • Susan Bible

      For pure entertainment reasons, I have to go with Miami for a Durant vs. LeBron showdown. For the best shot at winning, I’d say Boston – mainly because of their inferior depth and legs.

  14. LSO

    I was so happy to see Eric Maynor on the court as the Thunder accepted the Western Conference Finals Champions. It makes me wonder if players on the DL, i. e., Jeff Green, travel with the team. Maybe not for away games especially but for Playoff games.

    • Susan Bible

      I agree…the mental image of James Harden hugging Maynor will stick with me for awhile. I enjoyed seeing Maynor on the sidelines for virtually every game following his injury. He’s typically in the locker room, too, pre-game. As for Jeff Green, he’s been spotted at Celtics games – sitting on their bench and in the locker room – but he doesn’t travel with them since he’s not under contract, and in fact, an unrestricted free agent.

  15. Deven

    If OKC shoots too many jumpers in the Finals, should the team improve on getting to the post more, like Lebron did last summer?

    • Susan Bible

      I’m sure there will be no shortage of critics pointing at all sorts of things if the Thunder lose. Getting to the post usually isn’t a problem.

  16. Jim in Subic

    As much as I dislike the Heat, I Hope the Thunder faces LBJ, DWade and crew in the finals.

    Classic Good vs Bad. David Stern must be smiling.

    “IF” the Thunder win, the Cherry on top will be the August release of KD’s movie “ThunderStruck”.

    I don’t have a sextant at hand, but the stars are starting to align. The Chamber of Commerce in OKC must smiling as well. Can’t “buy” this sort of exposure.

    • Susan Bible

      Isn’t that the truth? I’m seeing a decided shift in my city, and it’s amazing. Instead of strangers making small talk about the weather (although here in Oklahoma, that’s a huge topic, too), talking about the Thunder is a commonality. Everywhere I go, people are donning Thunderwear. It’s just a source of huge pride…especially given the nature of the type of people on the roster.

      I will watch “Thunderstruck”, but I confess parts of that trailer were cringe-inducing.

  17. Scott Whitney

    What can Tom Penn bring to the Magic?

    • Susan Bible

      Keen salary-cap knowledge. The Magic likes his legal and financial background. He brings a business mind.

  18. Sergio

    Susan, good morning, really like your chats. What do you think of possibly bringing one of the HEAT big three, either LBJ or Wade? Bosh is interchangeable with either of the two and it could immensely help their second unit.
    What do you think SAC should do with Tyreke Evans? I love his game, but I think he needs a better coach and off season mentor to help him learn to utilize his physical features with his talent.

    • Susan Bible

      Appreciate that! You mean off the bench? I suppose if things aren’t going their way and they’ve got to try something, maybe. Pop sure did it with Ginobili, and while he was terrific, it messed things up for others as far as adjusting. From what I understand just recently, the Kings do not intend to offer Evans a contract extension when eligible. I’ve been a Tyreke fan since Day One — and I can’t disagree with your suggestion. The guy has too much talent to not try to maximize it.

  19. charlieng

    Any chance the Lakers trade Mike brown and PTE to San Antonio for Pop?

  20. MemphisDell

    Rudy & Pondexter to the Bobcats for the #2 pick, Tyrus Thomas & Desagana Diop. If we get Kidd-Gilchrist @ #2 & Draymond Green # #25, LOOKOUT OKC!!!

  21. Matt

    With the Blazers in love with Wesley Matthews and Elliot Williams at the SG position, do you see them taking Beal if he falls to them?

    • Susan Bible

      I’m thinking Washington gets him to pair with Wall.

  22. Matt

    With everyone raving about Lillard, and how he’s impressed at the combine, do you see him still possibly falling past New Orleans and everyone to 11?

    • Susan Bible

      I really don’t think so. From all indications, he’ll go to the Hornets.

      Thanks — have a great weekend!