NBA Chat With Yannis 1/20/12

Join senior NCAA and NBA analyst Yannis Koutroupis for his weekly chat at 11 am EST this Friday January 20th. As always basketball questions from all levels are welcomed.

  1. Sean King

    Do you think the Orlando Magic will try and add someone before the deadline to keep Howard happy? If so who are a couple guys they could aquire?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Welcome everyone to this week’s chat! Lots of questions today, so I’m going to try to get through these the best I can.

      I don’t think teams are eager to deal with them to be honest with you. Their most attractive asset is Howard and everyone knows they’re in a position where they’re either going to trade him or let him walk for nothing. There’s no guarantee he won’t just outright walk in the summer rather than letting Orlando work out a sign and trade. Even if he does work with them, their leverage is non-existent then. They’re better off dealing him at the deadline. Nothing they could acquire at the deadline for their assets other than Howard would be enough to get him to stay.

  2. Sean King

    Where will howard end up?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Either New Jersey or Los Angeles Lakers. I think it’s going to be the Lakers. I expect Bynum to continue to play at the level he is right now and change Orlando’s outlook on him.

  3. Mac

    Cheering for the Los Angeles Lakers is like going to a casino and cheering for the house. You’re rooting for the statistical favorite. If your teams spends the most money year in and year out, aren’t they supposed to win??? Laker fans should start a group “Fans Against Parity.” Why would they care if only 7 teams have one a championship over the past 20 years, if their team is one of the 7? (note: drafting the Durant’s and Duncan’s of the world are the exception to the rule – not the standard). Your thoughts.

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Spending the most money doesn’t guarantee a championship. There are plenty of examples of that. The Lakers haven’t won championships solely because they’re willing to spend more. They make quality moves as well. They haven’t always been the highest-spending team when they’ve won it all.

  4. Cricket

    Steven Litel turned down the trade, while Joel Brigham accepted. Perhaps you could break the tie. If you were David Khan and were offered Kyrie Irving and Anderson Varejao for Ricky Rubio + spare parts (to make salaries match), do you accept? Why or why not.

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Interesting scenario. I can understand both sides, but I’m going to pass on saying yes or no to this deal because I don’t see anyway that the spare parts offered by Minnesota would be enough to make Cleveland actually offer that deal. I think the root of your question is who would I rather have, Irving or Rubio. Right now, I’m really intrigued by Ricky and would rather have him. But Kyrie is very, very close to him. I’d be happy with either.

  5. Cain

    Do you think the Pacers should keep Granger or make a trade for a scorer SG or add Collison and go for an upgrade at PG? Really wanna see George at SF.

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      A lot of people are really wanting to see him more. I think that you have to see what’s out there for Granger, but I’d be hesitant to let him go. Same thing with Collison, he’s a fine PG, no need to rush to trade him.

  6. Terry

    Hey Yannis, I think in the coming weeks Steve Nash could be had to a contender that needs a PG(Lakers)..Given his expiring contract 11.6 mil and his desire to win a championship coupled with the fact Phoenix will be in rebuild mode soon. I think the Lakers can make it happen. They have 2 or 3 1st round picks that a rebuilding team would want as well as the 8.9 exception which is around what Nash is owed left this yr on the contract. So they will get more capspace for nxt yr..There would be no competition other then maybe Miami(highly doubt) for his services. No other contender needs a PG..What do you think

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I just can’t see Phoenix management and ownership being willing to trade him to the Lakers for nothing. There would have to be another team out there willing to give them some nice young prospects. It’s an intriguing idea. The Lakers are awful offensively right now, they could greatly use his offense. They’re much more defensive oriented under Mike Brown, but they could live with Nash and his lack of D based on what they’re already putting up with at the point. It’s not like Fisher, Blake and Morris are locking guys down.

  7. Mark

    Would the pacers be interested in ray Allen for granger? They could move George to sf and get someone who can make a 3. Maybe boston adds avery bradley?

  8. Mark

    What are your thoughts on Andre Drummond? His YouTube clips are jaw dropping and size is size but He looks clueless and has really bad body language to me? Obviously, he’s immature being that he’s 18 but I just see a lot of thabeet in this guy.

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I’m really intrigued by his potential. He’s a young kid who was supposed to be a high school senior this year. He’s ridiculously athletic for his size. Like I said with Thabeet, he’s got things you can’t teach and is lacking things you can. Thabeet hasn’t put it together, but I like Drummond’s chances to do so better. I’d take him in the top three, invest in a quality big man coach and expect to have a top five center in two-three years. I’d put him on the Andrew Bynum development plan. Have him watch for a year or two, then unleash him.

  9. Mark

    How would you rate Barnes as an athlete? Athletically I see a young Paul Pierce. With his skill set can he be a star?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      As an athlete? Probably a 6 or 7. He doesn’t get to the rim and finish a lot, although it’s not like he’s a stiff by any stretch of the imagination. I wouldn’t rule out him being an All-Star, but I consider it far less likely than I did a year ago.

  10. Mark

    Does beal remind you of westbrook?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      You know what, a little bit. I don’t know if he can make the transition over to point like RW did, but there are some definite similarities.

  11. Mark

    Mo Williams for Jason Thompson and Garcia? Clips get front court help and a real sg. The Kings get a good shooter next to reke who defend pg. the maloofs even save a few $.

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Nice idea, shoot it over to them. Clippers gotta trade Mo, he’s too fragile mentally to be stuck on the bench behind two All-Stars. He needs to be somewhere where he can start or at least get major run.

  12. 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?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Ricky and Kemba! They’d help me win steals, rebounds, assists and free throw attempts. I don’t care too much about scoring.

  13. George

    L. Fields for W. Ellingotn, possible? Who says no?

  14. James

    Do you still think that Otis Smith holding on to Dwight is pure leverage play or is there any possibility of trading him to the Nets even though they don’t really have the pieces to do so, the Lakers, or some other team?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      If it was up to Otis D12 would be a Net already. He had a deal worked out with them but ownership killed it. They’re going to hold onto him for as long as they can, up until the deadline, then deal him. You want to get everything you can from Dwight while you can. Players like him don’t come around often.

  15. Kobe

    When did LBJ get a floater?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      That dude has everything. He just doesn’t use it all every game.

  16. Kobe

    Why does King James always bust me up?

  17. Kobe

    What are your thoughts on Perry Jones III? I have a feeling he will be this years version of Rudy Gay. I super athletic and skilled player who slips in the draft due to questions about his motor and then ends up being an All Star.

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I’m along the same lines of thinking as you. As I wrote last time I covered him, he’s either going to get a general manager an extension or pink slip.

  18. James

    Would Philly consider trading Iggy for Paul Pierce and its first round draft pick? Last thing they need is more youth.

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      They’re playing too well to make a move like that, I think. Two years from now they’d probably wish they still had Iggy.

  19. James

    Three way trade thoughts.
    CLE: Shumpert, Douglas, and Turk
    ORL: Melo and Varejoa
    NYC: Dwight Howard

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Ahh, cool idea! Why does Cleveland trade for those three pieces though? Not that it’s a bad return for Varejao, but they’re more than set at the point right now. They don’t need two more, nor do they really need Turk. You’d have to improve the deal for them in order for it to get passed.

  20. Coach Cal

    Will I finally win the championship this year?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I think so, but the great thing about college basketball is that you never know.

  21. Gil

    As much as I dislike Lebron’s public image, i can’t deny the skills. I was very impressed to see him make that teardrop last night. How difficult do you think it is to master that shot, ala Tony Parker?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      There’s no secret to the game of basketball. Repetition leads to results. Nothing is difficult if you practice it enough, which I’m sure LeBron does.

  22. Jiggy

    Could you explain me the slump players have (ie.DHarris, Jnelson)who played better at the begining of their career then now…is it motivation or a bunch of factors

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I think injuries have something to do with it in the case of Harris. And that’s just how things happen most of the time. Guys decline. Neither of them came into the league really young. They were experienced guys.

  23. Anthony

    Let’s saying Cleveland’s 2012 pick ends up in the 5-15 range, any thoughts on who they should target? In no particular order, I have Beal, Lamb, MKG, Miller and Ross.

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I like all those guys. You answered the question for yourself! There are also a lot of quality power forwards, the deepest position in this year’s class I believe, that they could choose from.

  24. @InfraRen

    Gaze into a crystal ball. Who’s rookie of the year? Rubio or Irving? Someone else?

  25. Jazzfan

    Hi Yannis thanks for your time,Not based just off last night but doesn’t seem like it would make more sense to start Earl Watson over Devin Harris? The team seems to play better with Watson in over Harrisand this has been the case all season and even parts of last year. Also what did you think of the call to eject Favors last night? I didn’t think it ejection worthy.

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I’m sure that management has noticed that, which has increased their already-existing desire to move Harris. Thought the toss was quick for Favors too.

  26. @InfraRen

    The Wolves are surprising, and playing pretty well at 6-8. Do you think that the imminent returns of Webster, Lee, Beasley and Miller are enough and sufficient for the front office, or will they make a trade for SG/C?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      They’re going to keep their ears open for all trades. By no means are they wanting to stand pat just because they’re 6-8. They want to be a playoff contender and they’ll make a big move if the right one comes along.

  27. Christopher

    Kevin Love is averaging a career low rebounding percentage despite shredding all this weight in the offseason. Do you have any rationale for that. Minnesota is down in rebounding rate so it’s not like teammates pick up the slack. Do you think it is something to look for?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Teams focus night in and night out on keeping him off the glass. If you’ve got an entire team looking to keep you off the glass, it’s gonna be hard to get the high numbers that he’s been averaging in the past.

  28. Jiggy

    Do you think there is a chance ORL trades Jameer and Turk for some expiring contracts…so Magic can get under lux tax?

  29. ian

    Yassoo Yannis! Tell me your thoughts about Koufos.It s the first time he gets regular PT in Denver!What’s his ceiling?
    And could Calathes ever play in NBA? After Rubio success i am a lot more optimistic!

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Yasou! I’m nowhere near as high on Koufos as I was when he first came into the league. I think he can be a serviceable big man, but no better than the 3rd or 4th in a team’s rotation. I think Calathes can play in the NBA. He’s going to come over when it makes sense financially.

  30. Vince

    Hey Yanny, Is there any chance the Kings get Paul George? We have 2 guards who could work with the Pacers, reunite Thornton with Collison/West? I think if were able to get an under the radar player like him or Eric Maynor (while he’s hurt, low value) in addition with our top ten pick nxt year were on our way, what do you think?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Good luck prying George away from Indiana. Won’t be easy. I like where the Kings are at right now, think that they’re on the right track. Just gotta continue to add the right pieces.

  31. david loya

    The Lakers look like Boston right now. Old and slow. They really need a another Kobe like player in the lineup. Do you see any player out there be it point guard or small foward that the Lakers can trade for?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Another player like Kobe? That’s not going to happen. They need to get younger at the point, I think that’s the priority. They’ll get it done at small forward with what they’ve got.

  32. Vlad

    D. Williams and Pek (or Darko) for Gortat and Suns 1st this year. Would Wolves need to add a lot to that package, like Utah’s 1st rounder, or Suns wouldn’t be interested at all.

  33. Vlad

    what do you think is Rubio’s future: a good PG, a star or a superstar like Nash or Paul at some point?

  34. Vince

    I know its early to talk draft but in your opinion which top 10 player would be the best pick for the Kings? Someone in the 5-10 range because we’ll never win the lottery, I’ve been looking at players like Quincy Miller, MKG, Thomas Robinson, who do you think?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      It’s never too early to talk about the draft! Robinson is interesting there, I’d be curious to see how he plays alongside Cousins. MKG would be a real nice grab for them.

  35. ziad

    what did u think about curry’s play yesterday ? do u think he is REALLY going to help miami or is he going to be burried on the bench ?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I think it’s way too early to say one way or the other. Let’s just hope he can stay in shape and healthy, that’s all Curry deserves to have expected of him right now.

  36. Vince

    If Cousins attitude doesn’t improve, what would be fair value for him? I love him as a Kings fan and recognize his potential but he might need a change of scenery to eventually get there even though there’s already been improvement with K Smart. A couple ideas I’ve though of; DC for Jonas V/draft pick, DC/Garcia for Horford? He’d be perfect next to Andrea and would fill in great for the Hawks, with the potential to be better at a cheaper price than Horford, THANX.

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Being on his rookie contract, it’s hard to get proper value back for Cousins. I think he’s eventually going to get it together and make it work in Sacramento. I think people are too quick to write him off as an unfixable problem. There are coaches out there who can get him to do what he needs to do to fulfill his potential.

  37. NorthernBasketBallFan

    It surely isn’t intentional but the raptors are tanking this season and the young guys they have are young but not necessarily talented so assuming they get a lottery pick who do they pick and do they try and acquire anymore first round picks with the deepness of this draft class?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      MKG is really popular amongst Raptor fans right now. I think he makes a lot of sense.

  38. Nick

    Makes sense for all right?

    Orlando gets Bogut and Luc Richard

    NJ gets Howard and Jackson

    Milwaukee gets Hedo, Brooks and Lopez

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Not that it’s a bad deal, but Orlando is going to want more in return. Picks and prospects.

  39. Drew

    Do you give Love the max if so 4 or 5 year? Second who do we get for SG? I say K Martin or Ellis but?!

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Those guys are going to be tough to get. It’s too bad they don’t have their first round pick, I’d love to see them nab Jeremy Lamb. And, I give Love whatever it takes to get his name on the dotted line.

  40. James

    I was thinking more on the lines of Shumpert being Cle starting SG. But, I guess u could replace One of the PG with fields?

  41. martay

    They say bynum is second best center in NBA some say he better reguardless for us to even be comparing the 2 is a testiment to bynum. Why not trade d12 for ssecond best center in game. He better than lopez

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Much better, in my opinion. I think that’s what Orlando eventually does, they’re just playing their cards close to the vest on that one.

  42. Sweet Dee

    20 games in last year, people (especially in New York) were clamoring for Amare Stoudemire for MVP. Fast forward one year, and he is struggling to keep his team at 500 with the Meloman. You can always hear New York fans, but what caught their tongue?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      They’re struggling this year in a big way. I think the coaching staff is going to become the scapegoat and they offer Phil Jackson whatever he wants to come out of retirement.

  43. Mac

    OJ Mayo was once touted as the next Lebron James. Last year he struggled to get minutes over Tony Allen. Given the potential, what is the maximum yearly salary you would match this offseason for Mayo if you were the Grizz GM? 6 mill a year, 8 mill a year, 10 mill a year.

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I’d ask for something in the 5-7 range if I was his agent. He hasn’t warranted much more.

  44. Mac

    If you were starting a team from scratch, which backcourt do you choose: Marcus Thornton / Tyreke Evans, Ricky Rubio / OJ Mayo, or John Wall / Nick Young.

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      John Wall and Nick Young, although Rubio and Mayo is intriguing to me as well.

  45. Mac

    The trade of Eric Gordon to the New Orleans Hornets has put Eric in a position of power in terms of contact negotiations/extensions. He is not unintelligent, and understands management traded away their best player for him. He may argue “either give me the max or I walk,” knowing full well management can’t let him walk due to all the assets they gave up to get him. This means he is almost guaranteed the max (even if he’s not a max player). Your thoughts.

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I’m curious to see how the league handles this situation. Obviously, I think they’re going to offer him a reasonable deal. Probably something near the max that will be good enough for EG to accept.

  46. Ryan

    Who do you see the raptors targeting in the coming draft considering that PF is their deepest position.

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      This is going to be my last one folks! I’ll be back next week at the same time.

      They’ll look at small forward, I think. MKG, Quincy Miller, along those lines.