NBA Chat With Yannis 5/11/12

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

  1. Francesco

    Good Morning to you on this lovely Friday.

    I was wondering, what do you think of the idea for the Bobcats to trade Henderson for a lottery pick to draft Jeremy Lamb. Really loved him and Kemba at Uconn last year. I’m personally not convinced that Henderson will be a good fit long term.
    If they also are able to draft Davis, that would set them up nicely for the future. All they would really miss is a good SF then. Maybe they can convince G.Wallace to come back in Free Agency (just let me dream on this one, haha).

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Welcome everyone to this week’s chat, gonna go ahead and jump right into the questions. We’re extra loaded today, hopefully I can get to you all.

      I’m not sure if a team in a position to draft Jeremy Lamb would accept Henderson for him. It’s quite possible, I’m just not positive about it. If they lose the lottery, though, they could very easily trade down and get Lamb. I think the Bobcats will be able to get a good SF with their second round pick. Maybe Jae Crowder or Darius Miller.

  2. calvinzero

    In your own research, what is the win-loss playoff record of the Lakers in terms of comeback from a huge lead of the opponent? In my personal observation, the Lakers are very rare to make a come-from-behind victories (except Game 7 versus Celtics on the Finals last 2010).

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I’ve never done research like that, so I have nothing to go to here. I don’t remember more than maybe a couple of other comeback victories myself.

  3. HoBo

    waz up Yannis! Next year in the NBA Kidd-Gilchrist plays against Barnes. Who comes out with the better night?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Very well could be Barnes, I consider him the more pro ready of the two. As long as he’s on, I like him to win a head-to-head battle as a rookie. MKG did win the individual battle when they went at it earlier this year. He had a double double of like 17 and 11 while Barnes just had 18.

  4. Sweet Dee

    Steve Kerr is walking a thin line by saying he has seen a lot of Europeans who flop (in reference to the Galinari incident). If we were to break down NBA players by country, would Kerr be proven correct and Europeans have a higher percentage of gross embellishment than players from the US?

  5. Mark ryan

    For some reason I keep looking at Austin River’s tapes and the kid seems to have star written all over him. He reminds me a bit of Steph Curry but more athletic (with a worse shot).. Would a backcourt of him and Rubio work? I tend to think it’d be amazing.

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      It’d be exciting and potent offensively. Defensively I have my concerns, although maybe Rubio could guard some of the bigger twos in situations where Austin’s overmatched. I don’t see a star in Austin myself. I see a solid combo guard who will probably always be at his best when brought off the bench.

  6. Robert

    The Philly/Chicago series has highlighted how ineffective Boozer is as the second option on Chicago. Does Chicago look to move him in the off-season or do they keep them together and try again next year?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Because of the injury to Rose I don’t think we see a lot of major changes made in Chicago. It’d be easy to point out what everyone didn’t do, but they were in a different role than they were signed on for due to the injury. Don’t want to make rash decisions in light of that.

  7. Dave

    How does this trade sound? (Salaries Match)
    Utah Jazz Get: Igoudala
    76ers Get: Milsap and Bell
    (Then 76ers amnesty Brand)
    76ers get an upgrade at PF with Milsap. He has a similar play style and younger than Brand. Raja Bell gives them defense, veteran leadership and 3 point shooting. By using the amnesty on Brand they will have the money to resign Williams and Hawes while also being able to spend money in free agency for other additions.
    Utah Jazz get help on the perimeter (which they desperately need. They have a glut of bigs. If you can get one for an all star, why not pull the trigger, right?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I don’t think that’s a bad trade. Only thing that jumps out to me is that amnestying Brand when he’s an expiring contract seems like a waste of the amnesty clause.

  8. Saulo

    Could an NBA team owner offer a player money from the outside? For example, say we want Harden, we clear cap space and offer him 10M, he doesn’t budge but than Glen Taylor sparks up some marketing money and promises him a 30M-5yr deal with some MN company.. giving him a guarantee of 16M if he went there. Is that legal? Can owners find outside deals (or bankroll them themselves) to give them more money without affecting cap room?

  9. matt from Oz

    hey Yannis,
    Although they aren’t done yet, and how they fair in the post season may decide any off-season moves, could the Celtics and Lakers possibly conjure up a move to swap Rondo for Gasol?
    Something along the lines of-
    Celtics trade Rondo + Bass
    Lakers trade Sessions + Gasol

    there’d need to be a little work for the salaries to match, but is it something either team might consider? Lakers could resign Jordan Hill as a cheaper PF option.

    cheers man.

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Sessions is going to be a free agent, so you’d have to find another filler. And I don’t know why Boston would do that trade in light of how Pau has played. This is his second-straight terrible postseason run.

  10. Maurice

    If the Bucks stay where they are who they take

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I think they go big. John Henson, Terrence Jones, Tyler Zeller, something like that.

  11. Maurice

    Is Tobias Harris a “3″ or “4″ and what is his potential

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I think he’s a four most likely, and his potential is a solid rotation guy. Not a starter, in my eyes.

  12. Marcus

    Should the Bucks try and sign JaVale McGee, Spencer Hawes or Chris Kaman this summer

  13. Mike aldridge

    Bradley Beal has become a bit overrated. Not as great a shooter as some have made him to be. Below average size and length but has strength and hustle to be a decent defender. More smooth than explosive. I wonder will he be able to get to the rim in the nba?…value wise doron lamb may end up being looked at as the better pick

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Very possible. I think Beal’s stroke is pure and will be very reliable throughout his career. He didn’t shoot it spectacularly at Florida this year, I will give you that. I think he’s a smart player who does the little things, that’s one of the reasons why I’m pretty high on him. If I was drafting in the lottery and needed a two, he’d be my first choice.

  14. John

    How will you remember nash, kobe, duncan, and dirk on and off the court when they retire?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      As some of the greatest to ever play the game. Duncan in my eyes is the most ideal franchise player ever. I’ll always remember Nash for getting the most out of his abilities, being an extremely underrated shooter, and a brilliant passer. Kobe’s one of the greatest ever, a relentless worker who can just do ridiculous things on the court. Dirk’s simply unguardable when he wants to be, and someone who improved a great deal throughout his career.

  15. John

    What is your gut feeling of where nash is going during free agency?

  16. John

    which rookie are excited to watch next yr and do you see andre drummond being a bust?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Hate to be cliche, but I can’t wait to see how Anthony Davis and MKG do in their NBA debuts. Drummond definitely has high bust potential, but I think he can also become great just as easily.

  17. John

    where would you rank nash and kidd on the all time pg list?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      He’d be on it. I’m not sure where, but I doubt he’d be outside of the top five. I respect the hell out of Nash.

  18. John

    what inspired you to be a basketball writer and what was your favorite basketball moment?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I’ve loved writing since I was young and shared the same passion for basketball. Easy way to combine two of my favorite things, and get paid. Was an easy choice to make. My favorite moments growing up were watching the clutch shots Derek Fisher and Robert Horry hit throughout their careers. I also feel fortunate, as a huge fan of big man play, to grow up and see so many great ones like Hakeem, Ewing, Shaq, Zo and ect.

  19. John

    would you ever consider being a coach or gm?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I’m not the coach type. I would love to be a GM someday, given that I had the opportunity to work my way up and really learn the ropes before being put in such an important position.

  20. John

    how do you pronounce your last name?

  21. John

    who was your favorite big 3 of all time?

  22. Deven

    What’s next for the Bulls, Yannis?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Hopefully a speedy recovery for Rose and an improvement of their role players.

  23. Deven

    You still got LAL in Seven?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I had LA in less than seven, but I’m still sticking with them. I don’t think they lose.

  24. Deven

    Would you call the Lakers-Nuggets series a failure for LA, if they were to lose Game 7 Saturday?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      This season is a failure for the Lakers if they don’t win it all. Losing in the first round would be horrific for them.

  25. Deven

    Who’s your pick for the Sixers-Celtics series? For me, its Sixers in 6. Boston is not 100%. Agreed?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I’m still going with Boston, largely because I think they’re in the semis due to Rose’s injury rather than being a true second round team.

  26. Jeff allen

    Why don’t you have Tony Wroten ranked higher when he is easily a top 5-10 talent. Because he is a Ball Dominant guard who cant shoot and turns the ball over a lot?

    Wasn’t all that said about Tyreke Evans and that didn’t stop him from being the 4th pick and winning ROY.

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I feel like we go over this every week. I think Tony’s got great talent, maybe a little underranked. But, I don’t know if he makes the transition like Tyreke does. I’m concerned about him because of the things you mentioned. They’re more glaring for Tony than they were for Tyreke.

  27. Brad

    Last week you stated that Anthony Davis could be a Number 1 scoring option which is ridiculous.

    Also you Talk a Little to highly on Bradley Beal. He Is Not the next ERIC GORDON. Eric Gordon Was a much better player coming out a much better athlete, got to the free throw line twice as much and was overall just more talented.

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I said perhaps, and in my opinion he can down the line. The kid has all the ability and talent. He just needs to adapt a scorer’s mentality. I like Brad Beal, what can I say. I can only explain myself so many times. The kid is skilled and well-rounded. I think he’s going to be a knockdown shooter. He’s my favorite SG in this class.

  28. Jacob R.

    Will Damian Lillard be a better scourer in the NBA than Kyrie Irving. Wat is Lillard better than Irving at coming out?

    How good Will Lillard end up being?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I don’t think so. Kyrie averaged 18 this year, extremely impressive. As much as I like Damian, not sure he does that. I think Lillard is a solid starter, but never on the verge of being an All-Star like Kyrie was this year.

  29. john

    Better Player in 5 years Andre Drummond or Jonas Valanciunas if they both live up to there full potential?

    What kind of players will they end up being? Will any of them be ALL Stars?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Great question! I’m gonna opt with Jonas because I’ve seen him play well and look like things are clicking. Rarely see that with Andrew. Both could be All-Stars with how watered down the center position is.

  30. Blake

    Austin Rivers is easily a top 10 pick in any draft class he is way too talented not to be and is the most talented 2 guard to come out since Eric Gordon. You guys dont understand that Rivers biggest weaknesses are easily fixable like Shot Selection, Strength, and Defense when a Guy like MKG can take years to be taught ball handling, Shooting and creating his own shot.

    Rivers could score in the NBA ever since he was a high school Junior and will dominate the NBA one day with his NBA ready Quickness, Shooting ability, Deadly Crossover and Killer Mentality.

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      You’re entitled to think that. By the way, there’s no question in there for me.

  31. Sven

    Hi Yannis, how are you ? Seems like Kobe actually got sicker during the game, watching his teammates, than before.
    Guess the honeymoon with Bynum could soon be over if he doesn’t check his ego at the door and gives it his all next game…

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I’m not sure what Drew’s deal is. He’s really coming off as an unmotivated head case in this series after nearly being put in the Hall of Fame after his Game 1 triple double.

  32. Rory

    Hello Yannis,

    What type of off-season moves do you expect from the Raptors? Do you feel they have the most flexibility in regards to pre-draft deals and what type of possible deals do you expect?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I expect them to try and get another veteran in there, but it’s easiest for them to add some more young talent with their high draft pick and Jonas on the way. I think they’ll be noticeably improved by the start of next year.

  33. Mutang

    Here’s “Fantasy” Utah Jazz fan talking:
    ATL lost the series to an aging Celtics team. I’m imaging now, FOR SURE, they’ll feel forced to make moves. JSmith has been talked about forever being moved, even though he had another great series. Al Horford was playing out of position again, as he always has. ATL needs a Center. Utah has an abundace of bigs. I think Al’s making 14m per, with Josh 13m per(?) ANY CHANCE IN THE WORLD they do business????? Millsap/Favors/Josh front line???? Oi vey!

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      They’d have to consider it. Atlanta should be realizing by now that they’ve gotten the most they can out of this core and it’s time to explore new options.

  34. Brian

    Why everyone keep saying the bucks need a SF when they already have a sf (Tobias Harris) who is 6’9″

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Jury is out as to whether or not he’s a three still, but if he can play that it really answers a need for them.

  35. Jasmine

    I like to think that Tobias Harris post game will be as good as Big Dog Glenn Robinson and he will be a 18-20 pts scorer in 2 yrs what do you think

  36. Jazzfan

    Yannis thanks for your time man, if the Jazz dont sign Dragic and dont get a draft pick do you think that they should see what Tornoto would want for Jose Calderon? Maybe Milsap or Big Al (not likely on Big Al but ya never know) and/or a future pick or trade exception? it would open time up for Favors and get them a PG who fits their system and Tornto could either get a veteran center to help develop Jonas or a solid player in Milsap who can play multiple positions and is a strong leader and the pick and trade exception are both pretty self explanitory.

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I think you’re along the same lines of thinking as the Jazz front office. It’s time to unleash Favors, which unfortunately requires letting go of Millsap. Calderon wouldn’t be a bad get for him.

  37. Cricket

    Kevin Garnett is a notoriously dirty player. Talking smack, throwing bows, and overall acting like a complete goof out there (to the point he is hated by fans not from from Boston). Rank your top three current “dirty” or “unsportsmanlike” players in the NBA.

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I think Metta World Peace’s elbow puts him on this list by default even if it’s his only incident in recent memory. I’d put him third, maybe Matt Barnes second and KG first.

  38. John

    How good of a player can jonas valanciunas become? A perennial all star?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I think he can be a double double guy with a block or two, which certainly could earn multiple all-star births.

  39. Charlie

    With 3 seconds left in the Boston / Atlanta game, a foul was committed before the ball was inbounded. The commentator (Mike Fratello) assumed there would be two free throws and was in shock when when the refs determined it was an inbound (despite replays CLEARLY showing whistle blown well before the pass). Question: I for one am very suspicious. The refs “conveniently” dropped the ball on this call so the Boston Celtics advance. This called turned out to be moot, as Horford drew a foul on the next inbound. But doesn’t change the fact a HUGE mistake was made. Conspiracy theory or legitimate claim?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I believe that play was on an inbounds play after a foul was previously committed on a Hawks offensive possession. Because of that, it was just a personal foul. Had the Celtics just scored and atlanta was trying to get it in and the same thing happened, then it would have been free throws. I’m nearly positive the right call was made there.

  40. Steve

    Hey Yannis, Who do you think are the biggest sleepers in the upcoming draft?