NBA Chat With Susan Bible 8/25/12

1. LSO

   For an NBA novice (me). within the confines of your Chat, can you explain the luxury tax vis-a-vis the current salary cap. What has to happen to raise this cap?

   • Susan Bible

     For all things related to salary cap, luxury tax, etc., I must refer you to the NBA Salary Cap Guru himself, our own Larry Coon: http://www.cbafaq.com/salarycap.htm

     Everything you ever wanted to know but were afraid to ask on the subject is contained within his site. It’s comprehensive and awesome. He goes into great detail on the subject you raise, but I’ll try to answer your question simply: The agreed-upon CBA defines salary cap structures and is in place until 2020-21, but either side can opt out with notice after the 2016-17 season. The salary cap for the 2012-13 season was guaranteed to be $58.044M. Teams can exceed the amount using salary cap exceptions; in the event salaries reaches a certain amount ($70.307M for 2012-13), teams are subject to a tax, i.e. a penalty for each dollar they exceed the max.

2. Jaywes

   Within the next 2 seasons , do you believe Russell Westbrook has the offensive and defensive capacity to be considered the BEST point guard in the league? that’s assuming DRose doesn’t return to 100%

   • Susan Bible

     My first thought is no, due to the massive volume of people who do not, and will never, look at Westbrook as a pure point guard. That hinders the discussion. I’m not one of those people. Within the next two seasons, I think Chris Paul will still hover at the top of the discussion.

3. LA in LA

   I know I’m in the minority, but if the Thunder ever do amnesty or decide not to resign Perkins, they should replace him with an offensive center rather than a defensive one. I think it would really help their offense to have a big man around the rim with nice hands, athleticism, and maybe even a few post moves.
   Agree or disagree?

   • Susan Bible

     If they amnesty Perkins after next season, it would be to avoid the luxury tax. They’re counting on the continued improvement of Ibaka; we’re all interested in seeing how Perry Jones pans out. The other option is Cole Aldrich, but I’m not that hopeful about him. Thabeet and Orton – I found the two rather odd pickups, but I guess we’ll see.

4. Wil

   Hi Susan, I am sure you are going to quickly tire of the Harden trade questions, but the big issue is will OKC match a max contract offer?

   • Susan Bible

     I never tire of Thunder questions. I’m not sure how it’s going to look, but I just feel like Harden is staying. I think extension terms will be reached before they have to think about matching. You should have heard Harden at the exit interviews in June where he said the word “sacrifice” multiple times. I took that as his understanding that he will have to give up some salary to keep this thing going. The image of Durant, Westbrook and Harden arm in arm at the end of Game 5 of the Finals is still fresh on my mind. The three just won gold. Life is good here for Harden; they’ll find a combination of a little less salary and going into luxury tax land.

5. Shaullenny

   i tried this rade on excel
   to atl d.williams, n.pekovic, l.ridnour, a.goudelock, d.cunnigham, m.morris, 2013 2nd rd picks from hou, min and por
   to min p.gasol
   to hou z.pachulia, e.williams
   to lal l.aldridge, c.fortson, g.smith, w.barton
   to por j.smith, c.budinger, p.patterson, m.lee, d.simpson
   lakers then waive fortson and smith
   atl waives goudelock
   por waives simpson

   • Susan Bible

     I trust that you did try that trade. It’s way too involved for me to delve into here.

6. Alex in Burbank

   Good morning Susan. Check out this stat. When Carmelo and Amare have played together in the same game the last two seasons, the team is 31-42. Wait what?

   • Susan Bible

     “Wait, what?” That’s one of my favorite expressions…remember Norm MacDonald’s Sports Show? OK, I digress. So 31-42, huh? That’s not great, but I think they need a little more time. They’ve had to endure a coaching change, injuries, Linsanity, and huge scrutiny. I give them one more season to capture some chemistry and prove it works or doesn’t. Maybe Stoudemire’s new post moves will shake things up.

7. paprika

   Have u seen the new knicks jersey? They wen OG less is more approach. Mint and hot lookin. To my question do u think its better that teams should change jersey’s every 3 or 4 years? Brings excitement and style to fans and players. The rockets for example is still stuck on the team china style concept dedicated to the great yao. I think its time for uni change, with me??

   • Susan Bible

     I don’t mind teams changing their jerseys; I say spruce it up from time to time (but only if it’s cool..the Hornets did not heed my advice). To me, the Knicks’ new look borders on plain.

8. marquel

   2 questions why havent the lakers gone for another small forward intsead they sign devin ebanks and since the signed devin do you think he would be good back up for mwp when it comes to big forward like the Lbj’s and melo”s

   • Susan Bible

     Are you forgetting about Antawn Jamison at 6’9” 235 lbs? Leave Metta to defend the big names; Jamison can come in and score.

9. LA Fans

   What is your opinio about rumors that dwight must recovered on August 20 which past days ago ? can Kobe Willing to pass the ball to the open shooters like Nash,Howard , Jamison , Meeks or Duhon ? What Do You think to dwight vs Bosh?

   • Susan Bible

     I’m having serious trouble following your questions. I’ll take a stab at what I think you mean: 1) From what I hear, Howard probably won’t be ready to go until December. 2) With Steve Nash as point guard, he’ll distribute and Kobe will be on the receiving end of the ball plenty of times and 3) Howard vs. Bosh? In what context?

10. john

    who are your fantasy sleepers this year?

    • Susan Bible

      Off the top of my head: Donatas Motiejunas, Mo Williams, Alexey Shved, Andrew Nicholson, Terrence Jones, Kawhi Leonard.

11. Jim in Cyber Space

    This new CBA sucks. How does a small market team like OKC keep up with Jonses?

    Serge is sewn up…what about “Mr White-out Yacht party host”?

    LAL, etc…Luxury tax now? I know Clay is smart and has deep pockets…he married a Gaylord.

    BUT…he’s part of an ownership team…Aubrey McClendon has REAL corporate problems.

    • Susan Bible

      I guess our invitation got lost in the mail. Quite the party, I hear!

      I have no inside track, but I’m just not worried about the Harden thing. They’ll find a way to keep him as part of the core.

12. Adrian

    What do you think about Chris Bosh’s comments on the Lakers being the top team on paper?

    • Susan Bible

      I immediately wondered what LeBron and Wade thought of that proclamation. Probably not the wisest thing to say on radio, especially from a guy on the reigning championship team.

13. will

    where do kings go next year

    • Susan Bible

      Anaheim, Seattle, Virginia Beach? Staying put? It’s a topic that won’t go away until the Maloofs put it away. It’s a guessing game, but if I had to say, I say they leave for Anaheim, though I’d like to see Seattle in the mix IF they relocate at all. My first choice would be to stay in Sacto.

14. Drew

    Any news on when OKC will get a alternate uniform?

    • Susan Bible

      I wish I did have news on that.

15. Adrian

    Susan I was reading some of your responses to questions on your chat back on 8/11/12 right after the D12 trade & I must admit, you handled those questions very well to the Laker fans rubbing it in on OKC fans…just wanted to express…great job!

    • Susan Bible

      Thanks! The Lakers fans are not shy, right?

16. Leo

    Whats the latest on Terrence Williams? Really would like to see him in the purple and gold

    • Susan Bible

      It’s gone quiet on Terrence Williams; last I heard, the Wizards had interest.

17. Adrian

    Laker fans not shy at all…I’m a Laker fan but a respectful one & a realist. In my opinion, OKC is still the team to beat in the West. I think they’re athleticism, age, experience & hunger have an edge on the Lakers right now. We’ll have to see how this interested season plays out…nonetheless, it makes for great basketball.

    • Susan Bible

      Did the Howard move surprise you? Only topped by the Nash acquisition? I can’t wait for the season to get started. I love the rivalry that’s already developed between the two teams.

18. chuck

    If Harden signs, do you think there will be enough money left for Maynor to stay? I thought it was Maynor saying the word sacrifice and Harden was wanting to keep the team together forming a dynasty.

    • Susan Bible

      Dang, you’re right. It was Maynor saying sacrifice and Harden saying “dynasty” and “family” and “brothers”. I’ll reserve my thoughts on Maynor until I see him play. That was a huge injury. That said, is Jackson ready to backup Westbrook as well as Maynor did?

      Thanks for dropping by this morning! See you again soon…