NBA Chat With Yannis 6/15/12

Senior NCAA and NBA analyst Yannis Koutroupis hosts his weekly chat on Friday June 15 at 1 pm EST. As always basketball questions from all levels are welcomed.

 

  1. Roon

    I would love to see the Bobcats trade out of the #2 pick. What are some deals you could see them making involving the selection? I personally would love to see a trade with the Kings that sends the #5 pick and Tyreke Evans back to Charlotte.

    • Yannis Koutroupis

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

      Given the position they are in, being a ways away from the playoffs, I’m not so sure it makes sense to trade the number two. If you can get Andre Iguodala, that may make it worth it, but even them I’d have my hesitations. I don’t know how much I like Evans+5. I certainly like getting number five more than Evans. Nothing against Tyreke, but he’s not what they need to make a major step forward. They need a dynamic power forward like Thomas Robinson, who will almost undoubtedly be gone at 5.

  2. Grandad 434

    Yannis, thanks for taking my question on with full strength and flying elbows… If Jesus Shuttlesworth wants to come back to Boston but is concerned about being traded mid-season, why not sign a 2 year no-trade clause contract? Same for Jameer in Orlando. He could opt out and resign with Orlando with a no-trade clause. I mean, if Kris Kardashian can get one in Jersey, why not other guys that have actually made the All-Star team?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      No-trade clauses are different in basketball than they are in other sports. You can’t just get one if you ask for it and the team agrees, you have to have been in the league for eight years and been with the team for at least four years total throughout your career. Humphries got one because he was on a one-year deal with his bird rights being available at the end. I doubt that the Magic and Celtics would be interested in giving Nelson and Allen no-trade clauses. Only Dirk and Kobe have them right now, and they aren’t in that kind of territory.

  3. molloy

    How goes it Yannis. Hoops fan from England here.

    Obviously there’s a whole lot of talk at the moment about the supposedly contrasting personalities of Lebron James and Kevin Durant, particularly when it comes to clutch play. Do you think that the personal element is a little overstated in this debate.In my opinion Lebron is a power player, which makes him more able to dominate the game through three quarters but his inconsistent jumpshot will always make him less of a danger than Durant in clutch minutes, regardless of any perceived mental weakness. Your thoughts?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I don’t agree with LeBron having an inconsistent jumper. It’s pretty reliable in my opinion. I’m not sure how Durant developed this reputation for being more clutch than LeBron. LeBron’s done more in postseason play than Durant has across the board. If OKC wins this series, then we can talk. Until then, I’m still taking LeBron first if I’m building a team.

  4. Johnse

    What prospects do like for Milwaukee and the second round and can mbah a moute get milwaukee a mid to late 1st rd pick (16-30)

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      It’s really looking like they’re going to go with a center. Meyers Leonard, if still on the board at that time, should be their guy. I haven’t heard much about who they’re looking at in the second round, but there will be a lot of talent there. Shooting guard may be the deepest position in the second, but there will be some other quality guys at other positions as well.

  5. Derric

    What would be a better draft for Portland. 6.Drummond and 11. Marshall or 6. Lillard and 11. Lenard? I like Lillard and Lenard.

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      If you can get Drummond, you have to take him. Leonard and Lillard would be a nice combo too, though. Much more viable. I’m thinking Drummond may be gone by six now.

  6. Johnse

    What can Meyers Leonard do to help bucks next season

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      He’ll give them a combination of length, strength and athleticism that few teams have at that position. I’m actually really starting to fall in love with Leonard’s potential right now. I’ve got him going 9 to Detroit in my latest mock.

  7. GS Fan

    There has been talk on GS fan sites that trading to get Gilchrist should be done at all costs. Is this feasible? If GS stays at #7, who would you pick? I am not sold on both Jones’s and I am weary of Sullinger. Or would a trade for a veteran SF be better for #7 pick?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      There is a really rough spot. I think that Sullinger would be really good for them, but you kind of want a starter at that spot and Sullinger wouldn’t be able to start with David Lee there making the money he is. But, he could help them in a lot of areas they need help in. So, if they can’t trade up, he should be the pick. I’m all for GS finding a way to get MKG, though, he’s one of the best in the class.

  8. Derric

    A lot of mixed feelings for Lillard here in Portland. Some fans love him and others say Bayless 2.0. What is your take on him? Can he run a team?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I think he can. He’s different in Bayless because he comes from a school where he had to score like he did. He wasn’t surrounded by the kind of talent that Bayless had at Arizona. I think, if he’s there, they should take him at 11.

  9. Kevin

    Andrew Bynum is in a contract year. If he doesn’t sign an extension by the trade deadline what happens. Do Lakers get value then or take a chance and let him hit FA?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      The Lakers are either going to trade Bynum this summer or give him an extension prior. I can’t see him getting to the end of the year without a deal. Remember, it’s just as risky for him as it is the Lakers. His health issues aren’t forgotten in his mind. He’ll want that security and they’ll find a deal.

  10. 2dogs

    Yannis, should the Celtics draft PJ3? He and Rondo would be great together. Do you agree? I’ve read that PJ3′s falling, but could he possibly drop all the way to 21? Who would trade thier earlier pick for the C’s 21 and 22?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I have him dropping, but not that far. Not sure what it is about Rondo and PJ3 that makes you believe in him. I’d like him under Doc Rivers with KG there to fire him up, but I seriously doubt he drops that far.

  11. jack

    When will the Lakers overhaul roster begin… the waiting is killing me.

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Not until draft night at the earliest. I think it’ll drag out longer, though. I think they’re the dark horses in the Deron sweepstakes. Deron for Bynum is a move I think the Lakers should strongly consider, and I think Brooklyn does it if they know Deron is not re-signing.

  12. Kevin

    Ariza and Bynum share the same agent there’s some bad blood between David Lee and Lakers FO. In 08 he came out and said he was frustrated with no negotiations then in summer 09 during Ariza’s contract talks Lakers went and signed MWP. Will David Lee and Lakers front office past history play a part in Bynum’s contract talks?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I think too much is made about agents having bad blood. If the money is right, they’re going to take it. Bynum went to his agent before he signed his last deal when negotiations were getting bleak and told him to get a deal done. If he does the same thing this time, it’ll get done. Jim Buss really believes in Bynum. He’s going to give him a very fair, lucrative deal.

  13. Josh

    Yannis,

    The Rockets need a big guy and the Jazz need a PG of the future. What do you think about a trade consisting of Jefferson or Millsap and Bell for Lowry and the 16th pick? I know it all depends on Dragic coming back but you could also throw in Harris as part of the deal and add in Martin as well.

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Interesting idea. I think there is some potential for them to work together. The Rockets need a center. They have plenty of help at power forward, more than enough. So, Jefferson would be the guy I think they’d have the most interest in. Lowry wants out, maybe there’s a deal to be made there.

  14. Paul

    Siema, Just a rant. Even millionaires are freaking sheep these glasses look ridiculous will every player start wearing them now?

  15. Francesco

    Good Day to you Yannis,

    Do you understand why the refs are allowed to look at a replay to determine who gets the out of bounds ball, but not to see if they got a foul call right or missed it altogether? Both seem equally important to me. Huge missed call on Durant in the last 10 seconds when he was trying to tie the game up last night.

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      It’s been proposed, but the competition committee hasn’t approved it yet. That opens the door for every play to get looked at late and really delay the game. As far as fouls are concerned, I think we’re locked into trusting their judgement for the foreseeable future. They get paid well and are highly trained. I’m not too upset with the no call against Durant. He’s gotta force them to make the call in that situation. He didn’t do that. It was a weak, fading away attempt. If I’m Brooks and KD, I’m not blaming the refs on that one.

  16. Charlie

    Many people in the United States are adamant about not having socialist policies (i.e. healthcare). However, one of the most successful businesses in the country, the NFL, actually uses a socialist agenda where all teams profit share – leading to league parity and a 3 billion dollar business (3 x the NBA). Why do the NBA struggle copying this business model as it would allow all 30 teams compete for a championship and expand the brand as a whole?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      That’s what the whole lockout was about. The revenue sharing is increased and the luxury tax penalties are much stiffer. A small market team in OKC is in the Finals. Two years down the line when the stiffer luxury tax penalties hit we’ll see even more competitiveness across the board. Just be patient.

  17. Anthony

    Beal and Barnes are available at the 4th pick, who does Cleveland take and why? Personally, I like Beal a bit more, but I feel either player would add a lot to that roster.

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      They could go either way, I have Barnes at 5 still but think he’s in play at 2-4.

  18. Steve

    Hey Yannis, Who do you think would be a better pick for the Bucks at 12? Meyers Leonard or Tyler Zellar?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      More upside in Leonard, Zeller more NBA ready. Personally, give me Leonard. I recently made that switch after what I saw at the combine.

  19. Greased Back Pat

    Do u think Ezeli will be a better player than O’Quinn in 5 years?

    What group of players will LeBron rank with after he gets his ring in 5? I say with Robinson and Hakeem

    Rank these players 1-6: Fab Melo, Ezeli, O’quinn, Barton, Jenkins, Doron Lamb

    Thanks, Sir.

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I think so. He’s a little bit more new to the game right now and I think his motor is higher. With a ring LeBron is justifiably a top three small forward of all-time. Until you get into multiple championships, I don’t think you can be in the all-time great category regardless of position. LeBron may end up the best SF ever when it’s all said and done, though.

  20. Kobetheman24

    What moves will the lakers make this offseason? And what do you think their starting 5 will be?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I’m not sure what it looks like, but I expect them to go after the big dogs, Dwight and Deron. Think they have a good chance to get one of them, very, very, very slight chance to get both.

  21. Steve

    Can Celtics sign Deron Willliams and trade him to the Lakers for Pau Gasol? This trade benefits both teams.

  22. JazzFan

    Who moves should Utah make? What do you think is the trade value of Millsap and Jefferson?
    Would anybody want Devin Harris and his contract?
    I think a Jefferson for Lowry and Rockets 14th pick would be intersting, but could Utah get more?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      They’ve gotta get rid of one of their veteran bigs to open up PT for their younger ones. Also, need to solidify PG position. They’re in a good spot.

  23. CM

    After watching the first two games of OKC-Heat, I think that Perk is hurting the OKC. His offense is limited and his ability to recover on defense (especially with a fast Heat offense) is hurting OKC. Do you agree? Why not start Ibaka and Collinson at the 4 and 5 position?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Perk’s impact goes beyond what you see on the stat sheet. I’m not for taking him out the starting lineup for rotation. If you have to take him out at times for match up purposes, so be it – but he wouldn’t see the time he does now if he wasn’t giving Coach Brooks something.

  24. Kellen

    in the upcoming draft can you see MKG goin to the Cavs at 4 and do u see them putting all of there chips in to get possibly another top 10-11 pick to get another core peice to go with Kyrie TT and our #4 pick?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I don’t think they’re going to add another pick. Slight chance MKG falls, if not, there will be a good player available to them still.

  25. John

    I know the Suns will be active, what have you heard on the Nash front about the sign and trade and what realistically can they get for him. Also they need a PG,SG,PF. I believe they will keep Dudley at the SF. What are the rumors on FA coming to Phoenix.

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      No rumors yet. I don’t think the market for Nash is going to be great. You’re not going to get an All-Star in return. Maybe a starter or two at best with a young player.

  26. Jake

    Por 6&11 and Wes Matthews to HOU for Lowry, K-Mart 14&16?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Not a bad idea, although I think Portland would prefer to stay at 6 and 11.

  27. Big E

    Who would be ideal for the Hornets if they don’t trade that #10 pick?

  28. James

    Cousins and # 5 for the #2. Cats pick Barnes with#2?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I wouldn’t do that if I’m Sacramento. Cousins would be the second best prospect in this draft. Cats could pick him at two, not positive they do.

  29. Mike C

    What do you see happening with my rockets as far as the Draft or Trades?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Think they go with a center and guard if they stay put. I know they’re trying to make some moves.

  30. Kenny

    Should the Blazers offer Batum for Tyreke?

  31. Kenny

    Are the Bobcats talking to the Sixers about Iguodala for the 2nd pick? If not is there any talk about Iguodala being traded?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I think he’s available for the right deal. I’m sure those two teams have talked, but just to see where each other and at and what options are there. Nothing serious going on yet.

  32. Steve

    Why do you see Meyere Leonard shooting up draft boards, when he didn’t seem to assert himself at Illinois?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      It was a rough situation at Illinois, evident by Weber’s firing at the end of the season, and Leonard is just now starting to figure out how good he is. He’s come a long way in a short time, his best days are ahead of him. Don’t get too caught up in the past, his future is bright and that’s what matters in the draft.

  33. Clint

    Al Jefferson I can see the appeal but please no more Pau Gasol rumors?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I don’t think he’s completely off their radar, but his value has gone down.

  34. Kevin

    Are teams still willing to give Howard a max after back surgery?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Yeah, it wasn’t a career-threatening surgery. It was his first serious injury. He’s going to be just fine. Teams will still break the bank for him.

      That’s going to do it for me. I’ll be back next week at my regular time.