NBA Chat With Yannis 5/4/12

1. Ron

   In your opinion do you see any player in this upcoming NBA Draft who could potentially be a number one scoring option?

   • Yannis Koutroupis

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

     Not right away Ron. Down the line, perhaps Davis could become that. Harrison Barnes may be the most likely candidate to do that. I’d also give a slight chance to Brad Beal and Jeremy Lamb. I see a lot of solid number two options, though, more so than top options when I look at those guys.

2. MIKEF

   Hey Yannis, Why is Andrew Nicholson ranked so low in every mock draft. It seems to me that he is very well rounded and experienced. He’ll come in ready and be able to make an impact from the get go. What do you think Yiannis?

   • Yannis Koutroupis

     I like Andrew’s game a lot. He didn’t have a great senior year overall, but by killing it late he’s made that a non issue. I think he’s going to be taken somewhere in the early 20′s. He’ll be moving up a few spots on my next mock.

3. calvinzero

   In the history of NBA Playoffs, who are the other players (besides Rose and Shumpert)suffered an injury (ACL or not) that triggers them to end their season campaign? Please refresh my memories, Yannis. Thanks.

   • Yannis Koutroupis

     Checkout this piece by my boy Joel Brigham: http://www.hoopsworld.com/top-5-most-devastating-playoff-injuries

4. Jazzfan

   Yannis thanks for your time, if the Jazz dont pursue a PG in free agency and can somehow get into the first round of the draft by a trade of some sort, if both Kendall Marshall and Damien Lillard are on the board who would you take?

   • Yannis Koutroupis

     After watching them play against the Spurs, I want Lillard. I think they could use an aggressive scorer like him at that position. It’ll help open things up for everyone else. It’s too bad they went from having two lottery picks again to potentially none. In my opinion, making the playoffs hurt the Jazz long-term more than it helped.

5. jack

   It seems like everyone has suddenly jumped on the Spurs bandwagon. But, you know what they say, a series doesn’t start until a road team wins. Also, they’re playing the Jazz, for crying out loud!!! The Spurs will have a whole lot of trouble with the Grizzlies, Lakers/Thunder, Heat, (if they get that far). Wouldn’t you say?

   • Yannis Koutroupis

     If you look back, I’ve been a firm non-believer from the start of the season. I don’t think they’re a championship caliber team. I’ll probably be picking against them the rest of the way. Utah clearly didn’t have what it takes to compete with them on the outset, so I’m not surprised the series is going like it is. They’re far from unbeatable. Everyone always rushes off their bandwagon at the beginning of the season, only to jump back on it in the playoffs. Not me, I’ve seen this exact story the last few years and I feel like the ending is going to be similar.

6. jack

   Lots of people compare what Lebron has accomplished at age 27 to what Michael Jordan accomplished at age 27 (when comparing the 2). But people forget that MJ went to college for 3 years (I believe). That means MJ was in the league for only 5-6 years at age 27, whereas LBJ has been in the league for 9 years or so already. I believe LBJ (as durable as he is) has maybe 6 years left of this current high-level ability.

   • Yannis Koutroupis

     I’m not sure. LeBron is seemingly indestructible. I could see him being dominant well into his 30′s, even past 33. And forget comparisons. What LeBron has done in his career up to this point is other-worldly. He’s one of the most incredible talents to ever come along. If I’m starting a franchise today and have my pick of whoever I want, he’s my guy.

7. Scott

   Why do I see a lot of Corey Brewer in Michael kidd-Gilchrist?
   is that a fair comparison? can you explained to me why MKG is so highly rated (would you spend the 2nd overall pick on Corey Brewer 2.0)?

   • Yannis Koutroupis

     I hate NBA comparisons more than Steve Kyler hates it when we use out-of-date photos. But, since you asked the question, let me go ahead and address this comparison. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist was the second best player as a freshman on a team that won a national championship. He’s a much better attacker, finisher and defender than Brewer was when he came out as a junior. He’s also got a different kind of mindset than Brewer. Brewer’s no complacent slouch by any stretch of the imagination, but MKG is a purebred winner who knows one way to play the game and that’s by giving it his all. And, Brewer tore his ACL early in his career.

     You see how silly it is to not like an intriguing talent like MKG because he may favor Brewer in some aspects? Even brothers who have similar DNA have completely different careers, so I never buy into using other player’s progress to help predict how someone else is going to do.

8. Deven

   Hi Yannis. I know this may sound a bit crazy, but with the way the Lakers are playing right now, do you think they’ll try to lose some games on purpose against Denver to extend the series and allow Metta World Peace to come back on time?

   • Yannis Koutroupis

     It sounds crazy, but I’ve thought of the exact same thing! I’d much rather go into that OKC series with Artest available from game one, rather than trying to re-integrate him mid-series. That’s always been my concern, is how they work him back into the lineup. It’s an interesting idea, but I don’t think you want to play with fire like that.

9. Deven

   Would you consider the Mavs-OKC series to be an upset for OKC after what Dallas did to them last year in the conference finals? Sweet Revenge perhaps?

   • Yannis Koutroupis

     It’s hard to consider it an upset based on the standings. This isn’t the same Dallas Mavericks team. And, this is a much better OKC team. Plus, I don’t think OKC can take too much pride in it because it’s only a first round victory. Their goals and aspirations are much higher.

10. Mark ryan

    Will Kevin Durrant lead the league in scoring for at least the next 3 years?
    I don’t know anybody who will stop him from doing so.

    Who are some young up and coming players who could challenge Durrant for the scoring title in the next few years?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Think I went over this last week. Durant has a lot of talent around him, so I’m not sure they’re going to need him to lead the league in scoring for the next three years to win. If LeBron and Wade break up, they’ll give him a run. Heck, Kobe would have beat him this year if he wanted to.

11. Mike aldridge

    Will John Wall or Kyrie Irving ever be as good as Derrick Rose or Russel Westbrook why or why not?

    I can honestly see Both Irving and Wall passing Westbrook in a few years.

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      They could be. They’re equally as talented. It’s just all about getting the right pieces around them. Westbrook and Rose are blessed with great teams.

12. Jacob R.

    Which point guard would you rather draft and who has the highest Potential of these 4 and WHY?

    Damian Lillard, Tony Wroten, Kemba Walker or Brandon Knight.

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I’d probably take Kemba Walker as having the highest potential, largely because of his speed and scoring ability. After him, I’d go Lillard, Knight then Wroten. Wroten’s inability to shoot and turnover issues really concern me.

13. Bill Wallace

    Which players from the 2011 NBA Draft last year would be top 10 picks this year and Why?

    i say

    Kyrie Irving, Brandon Knight and Marshon Brooks.

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Jonas Valanciunas would be as well. He’d probably go three in this year’s draft, maybe two.

14. Jake allen

    If your the kings and Either Marcus Thorton, Tyreke Evans or Isiah Thomas HAVE to come off the bench who would it be any WHY?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I feel like I’m getting the exact same questions I did last week. Thornton is my answer, because I feel like he can still be at or near his best off the bench.

15. paprika

    Wassup yannis? Anyways fun question. What if lin signs with the knicks and sess signs with the lakers. Ny calls lake show for a trade lets say both got same salary.who says no? And do the lakers got a pick this year? Lastly eyenga is looking athletic n good. Ariza or shannon brown in the making??? Thanks bro

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Knicks say no. Lin’s popularity makes him hard to trade. Sessions would have to tear it up in the playoffs and help the Lakers win a championship for their fan base not to go bezerk. Even then, I’m not sure the Lakers would want Lin anyway. Don’t think it happens. Lakers may have the 60th pick in the draft, but that’s it. I’m not sure about Eyenga. He could be good, but it may not be with the Lakers.

16. paprika

    Now that the mavs are eliminated’ come on they got no chance anymore! Kidding aside. Do u think dirk has the right to go to cubans face ,look him in the eye and tell him why didnt u give my champ team another run! They could have signed barrea and tys for 2 years. Bringing dwilliams dont make them deep and wont guaranty a championship.bringing jj and ty back would scare the thunder and maybe the heat.time for cuban to say sorry to the fans?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      It’s been said plenty of times, but Cuban may have out-thought himself on this one. It seemed logical at the time, but if they don’t get D-Will this summer it’s going to look really foolish. Chandler’s success doesn’t help matters. I was sold on him just killing it during another contract year, but the DPOY award proves otherwise.

17. paprika

    The celtics pass on kobe during his draft class. And i am thankfull my lakers took him up. Now why would the celtics do it again and pass on marshon brooks. Funny how history will repeat it self soon.

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      While they may regret passing on Brooks, I don’t think it’ll be anywhere near as much as they regret not getting Kobe. Brooks is good, but he’s not Kobe good.

18. jackjoker

    I think there is too much hype on brad beal. They say he is athletic. He doesnt look athletic when ccompared to lets say a rwestbrook. And beal is under size for a sg. Your thoughts?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Yeah, but Westbrook is an elite-level athlete. You can be athletic without being as athletic as him. And Beal has long arms and a solid frame, I think that’ll make up for him being an inch or two shorter than your average SG.

19. Fraser

    Yannis, Love the chats. A Raps question: I think MKG is the perfect fit for them. If the lottery holds what do you think of De Rozan and #8 to the Wiz for Vesely and the #2? Wiz get a bit more experience and can draft a decent PF or C.

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I think that price is a little too high for Toronto myself. They are in a bad position, though, needing a small forward at eight when the top two will be gone by then and no others warranting that high of a selection. I think that’s why I’ve had them going best player available with Perry Jones III.

20. Joe Shafer

    Have you seen Donatas Motiejunas this year in Europe? Can he be the game changing player the rockets need? Better finals series okc or la versus miami?? I vote okc but watching Kobe in that series works be special!!!!

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I’m not sure about game changer, but he can help. I don’t think we lose either way. Those would both be great.

21. RapsFan

    Hey Yannis, Love the chats.

    What do you think the raps are planning in the offseason? Seems BC has some big plans, hopefully he doesnt waste our cap space on a bad contract. Who can you see them targeting in trades, Iguodala? What are you expecting out of them on draftnight? trade the pick for a player? or attempt to move up/down in the draft?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Maybe they try to move up. They’re going to have to if they want Barnes or MKG. This is the year they need to make the push and go all out to become a playoff team. They’re right there on the cusp.

22. CanadienFan

    Hey Yannis wsup!
    I’m thinking about the Celtics-Hawks series more in particular but in general how do you feel officials are handleling making calls in the playoff lots of iffy calls. Dont you think officials should give more loose to let players play in the post season. Also why don’t they call out the flagrant comedy acts? i mean it obvious when a player really gets hacked couldn’t the use replay for that.

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Officials are always going to be scrutinized, but these are the best of the best. Until there’s a valid replacement, there’s no choice but to just live with their mistakes. I’ve always felt like officials let guys play more in the playoffs. I’m not a fan of using replay for every foul. Games would take all day.

23. Anthony

    Why is Drummond being projected in the top 5 when you have a player like DeAndre Jordan who did not get drafted until the 2nd round?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Jordan was a top five prospect most of the year, but he was awful at A&M and didn’t do well in workouts either. Drummond’s stronger than Jordan is even right now, and he’s better at this point than Jordan was when he came out.

24. CanadienFan

    I get that this years draft is deeper but how does this year’s top 10 compare to last years top 10? Would you rather Kyrie or Davis to rebuild your franshise?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I’d go with this year’s top 10, just because most of the guys in it could have gone in the top 10 last year and probably would have gone higher than they are this year. Barnes, Jones III and Sullinger for sure. I’d rather have Davis, but I’m a big man guy. Point guard play is almost as critical. I wouldn’t be upset if I ended up with Kyrie.

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