NBA Chat With Yannis 3/9/12

Join senior NCAA and NBA analyst Yannis Koutroupis for his weekly chat on Friday March 9th at 11 am EST. As always basketball questions from all levels are welcomed.

  1. joe

    lakers send blake and the dallas pick to pho for brooks in a sign and trade when he gets back from china. does this work and would the teams likely agree?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Welcome everyone to this week’s chat! Let’s get right to the questions.

      I just don’t see how Phoenix agrees to that. Sure, they may end up with Nash signing a two-year extension this offseason, but that doesn’t mean they’re gonna settle for less for Brooks. They can get more than a backup point guard and a late first round pick for him. He’d be great in L.A., though. He’s killed the Lakers previously.

  2. Jabba the Hutt

    Why not trade Kevin Garnett for Al Jefferson and Raja Bell. The Celtics can rebuild on the fly, finding a new younger big to pair with Rondo and Pierce.

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      That’d be funny and a true example of things coming full circle. Interesting proposal, I must say. Warrants some thought on both ends. KG would be a great mentor to Utah’s young bigs. But I’ve always felt if they were going to trade anyone it should be Millsap. Partially because his value is high, but also because I like that Jefferson can play the four and five.

  3. John

    how do you see the Unlv Rebels doing in the tournement? begging of the season they looked poised to make the sweet 16 now they dont look ready to make it out of the first round ( Kind of like the lakers huh )

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      They have slipped up a few times, but I still look at them as a viable team to go on a run. All of their recent struggles will be a thought of the past if they win the Mountain West tourney, because that won’t be easy.

  4. Josh

    Yannis,

    Hope all is good! Houston has been desperate for a center, if they strike out on gasol do you think they could turn to Al Jefferson? Would a Jefferson, Harris and GS 1st round pick for Scola and Lowry be something they would entertain?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Hey Josh, things are great thanks for asking. From what I understand, Houston is dead set on keeping Lowry. That’s a good offer, the pick is the sweetener it needed. I personally think that they should let Lowry go if it means getting a game-changing center, just because I’m a big believer in building inside than out. If they do that deal, they should draft Damian Lillard from Weber State. He’d be a fine replacement for Lowry.

  5. The JOkeShow

    The Jazz are in a tough spot. They need a point guard but they have a possible of 2 draft picks if warriors fall out of the top 7 only, and if the jazz only miss the playoffs they get theirs. If the Jazz get one or two, do you just draft a potential franchise PG or try to trade one or both draft picks and players to get a PG like a Rondo?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      If Rondo is available, you go and get him. He’s a top five point guard, those aren’t easy to obtain. Having multiple draft picks in a draft as deep of this is a great thing, especially from a stacking assets perspective. There will be teams willing to trade for them, although maybe not Boston with Rondo.

  6. Edward Lee

    Which scenario is best for the Lakers with Jim buss being the boss right now, Lakers out of the playoff with a higher draft pick or lakers in the playoff but losing in the first round( which is very, very realistic)?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      The Lakers have only missed the playoffs twice, if not only a few more, I believe under the Buss watch. They want to at least be a part of the playoffs. Can you imagine the negativity that would come from this team missing the playoffs? It’d be insane.

  7. jullia

    i wnt to know if the future is bright in new orleans hornets basketball organization?thanks….

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Do you see a whole lot to be excited about? They have some decent pieces, but their ownership position is still in flux. Their future has been brighter. As for right now I want to say it’s never been dimmer.

  8. mojart

    yannis…can u give me a trade proposal for my hornets?which the salary match and wil help both teams and as well as intersting?i wil post it in a hornets blog for discussion…thanks…hope u answer

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Come on, you’re not exactly asking for something easy. I’d need a lot more than a few minutes to come up with a lopsided proposal that a team would be willing to give up to appease Stern and his ridiculous demands.

  9. mojart

    the twolves pick acquire by the hornets luks lyk a pick from-14-20 range…if ur the hornets and they need a PG who wil be the best pick if available (wroten lillard or marshall)why…thanks

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I’m not incredibly high on Marshall as a pro point guard, certainly think the other two guys have more upside. Lillard would contribute immediately and be a great fit in the locker room. I’ve got a feature including him and a scout’s take on his game coming out later this afternoon.

  10. Radu

    Carmelo for Dwight Howard – straight up!! I know it’s not going to happen, but at least theoretically it would get Howard where he wants to be and it would be the best Orlando could get for him, especially since he is likely to leave soon, whereas Carmelo is locked into a long-term contract.
    And to solve positional logjams for either team, you could make it Carmelo+Chandler for Turkoglu+Howard.
    Salaries match.
    I would rather have proven veterans like Carmelo and Chandler than “future assets”. Ask NOH how Eric Gordon is working out.

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Well, future assets appear to be what Orlando wants. They’re looking for a deal like the one the Nuggets got for Carmelo, which was built around young guys who could play now but best days are ahead of them. Eric Gordon is the same kind of player. NOH would love him, he’s just been hurt.

  11. jonel

    yannis…trade propsal for u dat i think magic should luk at

    kaman,jack,ariza,aminu,thomas or smith or landry depending on the salary and hornets pick dis year and a 1st rd pick nxt year for DH12 and turk..

    hornets-they have the money and they have EG so howard wil stay..EG is better than ellis!draft a PG wid d minny pick (marshall from UNC-hoping)

    magic-they get expiring contract, future picks, solid defender and a projected player wid lot of potential (wat u think)

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I’m tempted not to answer it because I just deleted the same question from you where you called me Alex. You’re lucky I’m a big Kennedy fan or I’d be upset! That’s just a bunch of mediocre pieces for Orlando. I don’t think they’re interested in taking the entire hornets roster for Dwight.

  12. Aristotle

    Heya Yanni,

    Debate with my mates: Who would be more dominant… Shaq & Kobe or Kareem & Magic?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Because of his pure strength and athleticism, I’ve felt Shaq would dominate more in previous eras than he did during his prime, where he was extremely dominant. With that said, it’s hard to find a point guard in any era who can match up with the 6’8 Magic.. So I’ll take them. Also helps knowing that they got along better than Shaq and Kobe did.

  13. Jason

    Hey Yannis,
    What do you think about these two trades between raptors and lakers:
    Trade 1:
    Raptors trade leandro barbosa to LA for trade exception and 2012 first round pick (From LA)
    Trade 2:
    Toronto trades Jerryd Bayless and Amir Johnson to LA for Steve Blake, Josh Mcroberts and a 2012 first round pick (from dallas)
    Lakers get playmaking and bench scoring from barbosa and bayless (both expiring deals) plus a solid big in amir (who they could pair with D12 should LA decide to trade Pau and Bynum for Howard). Toronto gets 2 late first rounders that they could package in another trade or use to move up the draft board for a pg.What do you think?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I don’t think they’re much better after that deal than they are right now. I’m not sure how much playing time Barbosa would see under Brown. And Jerryd Bayless is not the answer for them at point.

  14. Giannis

    Hello Yannis!! Are u greek we have the same name. Any news for lakers. I think nothing will happen at the end of the day. Your opinion?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I am. Looks like you spell your name differently, though. I think at the very least the Lakers get Sessions or Felton.

  15. JfromPHI

    what are your thoughts on Evan Turner game against a tired Boston squad? what is your outlook for him at the PG spot and the rest of the team? Couldn’t they reasonably get into any major trade dicussion with expendable parts like Holiday, Lou Will, and ET?
    Thanks

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Evan Turner isn’t a point guard, but he is a fine basketball player who I believe will come close to justifying being the second overall pick. Holiday and ET would definitely garner some interest, but that’s their future. I think they’d rather move Iguodala first.

  16. Bill Ingram

    Hey Yannis! If the Wolves acquire Jamal Crawford are they ready for home court advantage?

  17. Simon

    any new news on my magic? will the pursue josh smith?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      They’re trying to do whatever they can to keep Dwight. He’d like Smith, but I don’t think they have the pieces to get him or anyone of significance really.

  18. Anthony

    Which college wing that will likely be in the 2012 draft do you feel would be the best fit next to Irving, and why?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I’d love to have anyone aside him, really. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and him could be really spectacular because of his ability to slash and fill the lane on the break. So would Jeremy Lamb or Brad Beal.

  19. Howard Abrams

    Are the WOlves going to get Jamal Crawford? What are they going to have to give up in order to do so?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      If they can get him within their means, they will. Last I heard they’re trying but Portland is in real bad shape right now. They’re not ideal to work with. They’ll have to give up a pick and a young player, maybe Wes Johnson?

  20. Brooks

    If you were to predict the first big trade this season before the deadline, what would it be? Or at least the players involved.

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Pau Gasol and filler to Rockets for Lowry and Scola. Think Houston’s love affair with Pau is too strong. Mitch will find a deal that makes them willing to give up Lowry.

  21. domnick

    Hi, do you think Detroit can Trade Austin Daye for Chase Budinger

  22. Rajon fan

    Rajon Rondo may call a better game than any pg in the game today and has a very reasonable contract for his talent level. Sure he has some serious holes in his game (outside shooting, free throws) but i wonder why he isn’t considered someone you would build around?
    It seems to me his leadership is greatly underrated considering the egos on that Boston squad he has to keep happy…. Thoughts?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Let’s be clear here, he does his own thing in Boston. They’re more concerned about keeping him happy than he is any of them. I think you build around him despite his faults cause he’s a top-flight point guard. Boston really like Avery Bradley, though, and think he’s a guy who can man the point for them. I, personally, would just keep Rondo.

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      It’s because of how hard he is to deal with off the court. I keep him regardless, though. His contract is one of the best values in the league.

  23. Jack

    Where does Dwight go and will this be a 11th hour, 5 team deal that happens?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I still don’t have a great feel for it to be honest with you. With the deadline six days away, I’m guessing he stays. Don’t agree with that being the right move, though.

  24. Mike

    Do you think any big names besides Dwight could/would be moved?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Sure, I think the Nets would trade Deron Williams if Dwight was moved and they were offered something great. Also think Pau may get moved.

  25. SenseiOfSoul - Chicago

    What’s good Yannis? Love reading your chats. I wanted your feedback on a “Melo-type deal” that would bring DH12 to Chicago. Bulls get Howard, Hedo, and Anderson. Magic get Boozer, Noah,Jimmy Butler, John Lucas, draft rights to Mirotic, and the CHA pick.

    http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=7l67l8c

    On a completely separate note, who do you think are the late 1st round and second round steals of this upcoming loaded draft?

    Thanks

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Not a bad deal, but I don’t think Orlando bites. It’s too lopsided from a talent standpoint. Still too early to say, C.J. Leslie and Darius Johnson Odom are two guys I like.

  26. Rajon fan

    Utah seems to have great young pieces 2-5 in burks, Hayward,
    Favors,kanter – a nice bench w Watson and Howard an amazing post scorer in Jefferson…. Could they flip milsap/Harris for Rondo and keep picks?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      It’s worth trying, but Boston would almost certainly ask for picks.

  27. Tl

    If magic takes joe $90 mil contracts, can you see this trade next week?
    Orl- Joe, Josh, Kirk
    Atl- Nelson,Anderson,JRich,hedo, karman
    Nor-JJ

  28. Arvin Singh

    What is MOST likely to happen with the Indiana Pacers, regarding trades? I have heard Jamal Crawford and Kaman…but, what honestly do you think will result, before the deadline? Thank you.

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      They want someone who can create their own shot. As good as they are, I think they should bite the bullet on whatever it is Portland wants for Jamal. They can live without overpaying, which is what you have to do to complete a deal with the Stern-run Hornets, for Kaman.

  29. DJ

    What is the real problem with Eric Gordon?Is he dogging it to force a deal to Indy or his “bruised knee” really that messed up?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Don’t question the guys character like that. If he could play, he would.

  30. frank

    Why are guys like McGuire, Robinson & Rush often getting more playing time in Golden State than Klay?

  31. Lateak

    Where does dwill go… I think dallas… Where does that leave d12

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I honestly don’t know. Dallas makes sense for Deron. D12 could end up staying. Or, they could both be elsewhere by the deadline in six days.

  32. theprune777

    Are the spurs title contenders?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I get asked this question a ton. Put them in a seven-game series right now and their weaknesses will get exploited. I can’t see them making it through the West. They’re benefiting right now from having better chemistry and coaching than a lot of teams during this shortened season.

  33. Drew

    Who do the Wolves get for a SG? Martin, Mayo, Ellis, Morrow, CLee, Crawford? Other? Also is it Beaz or Luke that gets traded? I would actually like to keep Luke and trade JJ and or Beaz

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Crawford is the most likely. Both Beaz and Luke could get traded.

  34. Lateak

    I think dwill is goin to dallas… Where does leave d12

  35. Howie Abrams

    Do the Jamal Crawford being traded to the WOlves rumors have legs? WHat are we going to have to give up in order to get him? Who else are we kicking the tires on?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Yes, they do. They’re going to have to give up a first and a player. According to reports Kahn wants Gasol, but he’s probably going to have to find a third team willing to give up a quality point guard to make that happen.

  36. Steve

    Hey Yannis, Who do you think is the most likely to be traded? SJax, Beno, or Bogut? And what kind of assets do you think the Bucks could get in return for them?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Jackson. Bucks could get a couple starts, maybe even a few picks for the three of them.

  37. Steve

    Hey Yannis, Do you think Stephen Jackson will be dealt? Do you think the rift between Skiles and SJax is more on Skiles or SJax? Will this be Skiles last season in Milwaukee?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      This is going to be my last question guys. I do think that Jackson gets dealt and that both of them are to blame for their issues. Skiles isn’t feeling too safe there, he probably is gone.

      That’ll do it for me this week folks. I’ll be back next week! Enjoy the rest of championship week and make sure to come back to HOOPSWORLD on Selection Sunday as we roll out our tournament preview.