NBA Chat With Yannis 10/28/11

1. Dave

   Are any of these trades realistic for the HEAT using some combination of Bosh/Cole/Pittman/Anthony?—> Steph Curry/Biedrins/Udoh/Thompson or Jrue Holliday/Brand/Meeks/Speights or Danny Granger/Collison or Marc Gasol/Mayo

   How much trade value does Bosh have? Didn’t most people consider him a top 12 player before last season?

   • Yannis Koutroupis

     Welcome everyone to this week’s chat! Seems like today could be the big day. We’ll have to keep our fingers crossed. For now, lets get to the questions.

     Wow, those are some pretty big deals. I don’t think Golden State would do it, they’re pretty adamant against trading Stephen. Philly could be on board with that, but seems like Miami gets taken a bit. Don’t think that Granger fits in with the big three, but maybe if two of the four players in the deal weren’t centers, a position they already have their guy in Roy Hibbert at, they consider because they are looking for a four man. The Memphis deal seems plausible, although Miami would probably want to take a player out of that package. I consider Bosh’s value to be underrated in the public but solid throughout the league. Everyone knows what kind of position he was in last year and that he has another level he can take his game to when he’s not on the court with two ball dominating All-Stars. I’d have to think longer and harder than I have time for right now to say he’s top 12, but he’s definitely top five at his position.

2. Shawn

   What do you think of Josh and Kirk going to ATL for Bynum and Blake? It seems like it would fix the Hawks need for a 5 while giving LA some prime talent in Josh at the 3 – 4 allowing them to amnesty Artest.

   • Yannis Koutroupis

     Kupchak said that they plan to build around Bynum for the next 10 years recently. He didn’t mention him directly of course because of the lockout, but there’s no way he’s going anywhere. Certainly not for Smith.

3. aaron

   hey yannis, in regards to a query about omar asik joel brigham wrote “Did you? I didn’t. I think most of us saw a big white Euro center, and in the past those guys haven’t amounted to much. He’s been so much better than advertised. Good kid, too. Will be curious to see how he does in year 2.”

   I find this very offensive and racist to be honest with you. I do not think he belongs on this site.

   • Yannis Koutroupis

     Based on my skin complexion and Greek heritage I may be the most fitting person on this site to address this question and my answer is no, I don’t see how this could be interpreted as very offensive and racist. I’m not going to go back and do a historical analysis or anything like that, but I’m sure if one was done it would give credence to the fact that guys like that have possibly had more than their fair share of struggles. That doesn’t mean Joel hates them and is intentionally looking to be unfair to them. He’s incredibly complementary to Asik after that statement as well. I think you should relax a little, Joel is one our top writers and someone we’re lucky to have. To base him on a single statement that is not all that bad to begin with is wrong considering his five plus years of material you can also view just to see how talented, fair and unbiased he is. But for the record on something actually important, I would like to say that I did think Asik would be good and have the video preview to prove it.

4. Josh

   If there is no season, do the celtics have a shot at landing dwight? and if they do can they bring back allen and garnett for less money? and will jeff green sign a QO?

   • Yannis Koutroupis

     All possible scenarios, but not very likely. The Celtics could potentially have some cap room, and if Garnett and Allen play for less the Celtics will probably be the only team they’re willing to do so for. Green signing a qualifying offer all depends on how much other teams are offering him. I have a feeling there will be a long-term deal he’d be willing to accept rather than taking a one-year deal.

5. Anthony

   Any word on what Christian Eyenga has been working on this offseason? Do you have any expectations for him at this point?

   • Yannis Koutroupis

     I don’t know any of the particulars, but he has been staying active and has a deal to play overseas in Spain right now. My expectations aren’t overly high for him. When I talked to Byron Scott about him he definitely said he liked his potential, but I don’t think he’s an overly big part of the Cavaliers future plans right now. Who knows, though, playing with Kyrie Irving could really bring out the best in him. Kyrie is the dynamic kind of playmaker who can make those around him much, much better.

6. Dong of Dayton

   Hey Yannis,

   Kris Humphries had a breakout year. If he goes back to the Nets, do you see him continuing the upward trend? After Odom got married to a Kardashian he had a great season, probably not relevant but just saying.

   • Yannis Koutroupis

     There’s no denying the improvement in Lamar’s game after the marriage, but I think a lot of that had to do with bringing stability into his life that he didn’t have prior. In Kris’ case things could be completely different, Kim’s high maintenance could take away from his game. Apparently they’re already having problems. But who cares about that. I think the Nets are a good team for Kris because of the pieces there. Being alongside a strong big man like Lopez is important for him, as is having a playmaker like Deron Williams setting the table for him.

7. Alec

   Whats your take on Stephen A Smith? He knows his sports but damn, dude goes hard on alot of players. Is he respected in sports or do everyone look at him as a crazed human?

   • Yannis Koutroupis

     He acts a little bit, I don’t think there’s any denying that. He plays his part and goes over the top, but that’s who he is. Some players in the league swear by him, some hate him for things he’s said. It’s hard not to respect him based on what he’s accomplished and done, though. But he’s definitely somewhat crazed, especially when he’s in character.

8. Charlie

   If you were GM of the Clippers, would you target Michael Beasley in a trade for your starting SFspot? Is the risk worth the possible reward? Do you think he would make a great addition to make up a new, young big three: Blake Griffin, Eric Gordon, Michael Beasley

   • Yannis Koutroupis

     The actual GM of Clippers has made it pretty clear that they’re not interested in Beasley, which is what really matters. I’m sure the TWolves would be willing to swap him for Kaman in a heartbeat.

9. Sweet Dee

   In your opinion, who will turn out to be the better pro: Toney Douglas or Iman Shumpert

   • Yannis Koutroupis

     I like what Shumpert can do on the defensive end, so I’d go with him in hopes that his jump shot eventually comes around. Right now that’s a weakness whereas it’s a strength for Douglas.

10. Anthonyk

    Iverson wants to come back.. which team could use his help? maybe Miami?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      None, he’s selfish, washed up and not willing to play the role that’s best suited at him for his career. I predict that Iverson will get zero looks from NBA teams. He blew it during his last stint with Philly and Memphis.

11. luvabull

    Who`s the bulls starting sg for bulls once season starts? Or whom be a good signing? whom should we trade for?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I’d really love to see J.R. Smith there, that would be quite the pickup for them. To a lesser extent Shannon Brown would be a good fit as well. If they can’t find a starter in free agency it’ll be between Korver and Brewer again.

12. Jon in WA

    Let’s talk Blazers….Do you think that Felton will be allowed to push the tempo and if so what will that do for the win/loss with the Blazers?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I don’t think they would have traded for him if they didn’t plan on letting him be who he is, which is a point who loves to push the tempo. That’s something that Roy wanted from a backcourt mate, some speed. I think they’ll be a formidable team still, but they need to stay healthy if they’re going to move up the rankings significantly.

13. clint

    Hi Yannis,

    Your fantasy sleepers for the season?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I’d answer this, but I don’t wan to give you bad information when we have two great fantasy people in Susan Bible and Tommy Beer. They can answer your question much better and accurately than I can. I’m not much of a fantasy guy to be honest.

14. clint

    Who are the teams in your mind that will surprise us this season with either better than expected ball, or below average ball?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      It’s really too early to say that. There are some obvious candidates like the Philadelphia 76ers and Sacramento Kings, but I want to wait before free agency is complete before making any picks that I have to stick to.

15. Jon in WA

    Tell me what you think the chances are of Lamarcas Aldridge becoming an All Star this year? What does he need to do in the West to make that jump (even though he should have been there last year over Love!).

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      He has the exact same year next year and he should be in. Last year was a unique situation, don’t see how he gets snubbed next year if he produces the same. I think that the snubbing will play in the coach’s mind some and make him choose LA.

16. Dong of Dayton

    Hey Again Yannis,

    I really likes Aaron Affalos game last year. Do you see his role expanding this year with jr smith gone? Or will Denver look for someone else to split time with him?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      He’ll have the opportunity to really shine. Right now it looks like he’s going to be a big part of the rotation. How they handle free agency will determine whether or not that changes, but I definitely think that Denver has confidence in him.

17. Vince

    Hy Yannis.
    Deal done 2day –When will the market open for trade and FA rumors ?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Just guessing here, but sometime late in the first week of November or early the week after. They’re going to want to get started as soon as possible.

18. Daniel

    Would you tree Chris Kaman and a second round pick for Michael Beasly and Darko??

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Not if I don’t like the way he fits with the team, which the Clippers apparently do not. There are probably better offers out there for a All-Star center like Kaman.

19. George

    We all know Dwight Howard wants to play in a city like L.A. But is Los Angeles really the best destination?? I mean the team gets older so in 3-4 years the team is in a rebuild mode and this is not what Dwight wants. So, Chicago seems like the best option ( to win long time ). What do you think?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      If Howard goes to LA they’re going to be winners for as long as he is there. They’ll still have Gasol and the two of them will be very, very difficult to contain. Kobe’s 32, but Dwight will add years to his game. He’ll stick around till he’s 42 if he’s got Dwight and Pau inside. It’s not a bad move for him at all, short-term or long-term.

20. Josh

    Yannis,

    What do you think are the Jazz plans for free agency? Trade Milsap? Trade Harris?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I think Millsap is likely to be moved. I’m interested to see what they do with Kirilenko. I think that it would make sense to keep him. Harris needs to be kept until they find a better option at point guard. The combination of Millsap and Harris could net them a nice package in return.

      That’s going to be it for me this week folks. I’ll be back next week at the same time!