NBA Chat With Yannis 6/22/12

Join senior NCAA and NBA analyst Yannis Koutroupis for his weekly chat this Friday June 22nd at 11 am EST. As always basketball questions from all levels are welcomed.

  1. Deven

    Hi Yannis. When July 1st comes, which big names will sign first?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Welcome everyone to this week’s chat! We’re jam packed today. I want to say there’s no way I’m going to be able to get to you all, but I’m going to do my best. Let’s get to it.

      I think it’s going to be Eric Gordon staying with the New Orleans Hornets right now.

  2. Deven

    Why do the Celtics want to bring back KG when they’re going to be rebuilding this summer? What do you think will happen?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Because he’s one of the best big men in the league still and if you can get him at half of what you paid him last year it’s a no brainer.

  3. eric

    what are your thoughts on swapping pau and amare? they are both similar in $, years, production. I’m not as wary of amares diminished health. could be a nice switch up for everyone.

  4. Alex

    Can we trade Bynum’s healthy back for Howards healthy knees? How does that work in Trade Machine :) Rumors that the Lakers are trying to get into the 1 round to get PJ3 or the other forward, but my questions who will they give up? Gasol to Houston for Scola and 14th and 16th picks? What are you hearing?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Don’t know how into Gasol the Rockets still are. I also question the validity of that Perry Jones/Quincy Miller rumor. Neither would be major contributors for the Lakers next year, so I can’t really see why they trade for them. They’re in win-now mode.

  5. Mutang

    Alright Yannis, rumors are starting to pop up about my Jazz and their needing the future PG. First, is that if Lilliard is drafted before 8 that would hamper Utah’s idea of moving up to grab him. Any truth to that you think?
    Second, saying that Houston has a deal in place for the 16 pick and Dalembert?? I just feel in my loins thats Utah!!! Kendall Marshall ????

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I don’t think Utah is going to be able to trade for Lillard either way. I think a team there in the top 11 is going to scoop him up with the intentions of keeping him. The second trade you proposed is far more likely.

  6. Saulo

    Did Mike Miller shoot his way out of being amnestied and back into Miami next year?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Depends what the other options are and how his health is. It’s not a lock he returns.

  7. Alec

    This is just sickening..Clevelands golden boy(after promising a ring to them) leaves town to join with buddies and win a championship for another team. I understand this is a business, but damn…where’s the loyalty!!! Anyways, what do you believe is a reasonable contract for KG assuming he stays put? Will PJIII really fall down in the twenties? Most mocks (not HW) have him falling all the way down to the C’s. Also, who the hell is Andrew Nicholson? 7’4 wingspan most writers ever say about him, I YouTubed him and all I see of him is taking jumpshots, no D, no post presence what so ever.

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Come on, it’s time to get over it. LeBron left two years ago. He’s a HEAT and a champion now. If anything, his reasoning to move is more just than it’s ever been now. I’m torn on PJ3. Think he’ll be considered by every team from 7-17. Can’t see him falling past there, but it is possible. Nicholson added a three point shot to his game these last three years, but he’s a low post guy first and foremost. The guy can play, he’ll contribute right away. Think of him as a Kurt Thomas clone.

  8. Deven

    Now that Miami has won the title, do you expect them to repeat next year?

  9. Deven

    For OKC, it’s another lesson learned. I’m I right, Yannis?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Gotta learn to fail before you learn to succeed. The way they went out in the Finals has to really put a bad taste in their mouth. They had a great season, but finished really poorly.

  10. Tasia

    Hey Yannis! Do you think either team would be interested in this trade

    Pau Gasol/Steve Blake
    for #7/#30/#35/Richard Jefferson/Andris Biedrins

    Warriors add a star player and back up pg. They could move Lee to the bench as a 6th man. They would have a lot of money in their front court but they basically waste it on Biedrins or Jefferson anyway. Bogut can’t stay healthy anyway.

    Lakers can possibly get both Q. Miller and Perry Jones III their targets.

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      This Laker rumor has gained far too much steam. I’d be shocked if it happened. I don’t like that trade for the Lakers either. That’s too much money tied up with Jefferson and Artest. And, this deal leaves the Lakers point guard less unless they bring in one at seven, but good luck selling Kobe on that.

  11. Deven

    Who does Miami bring back and add to this now already championship team?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I expect the entire rotation to be brought back with a couple of solid signings, probably at center. They’ll add another rookie or two also.

  12. Devonte

    is there a possibility that the thunder and acquire dwight howard in some type of deal? contracts dont conflict right?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Sure it’s possible. The Thunder have a good relationship with Orlando’s new GM, obviously. But, I don’t know if that happens or not. The Thunder don’t necessarily need to tear things down. That’s not the Thunder way.

  13. brian

    I think teams are really going to kick themselves for letting Royce White slip passed them. Am I wrong?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I’m a fan of Royce as well. Think he’s one of the best in this class. I could see a team surprisingly taking him in the lottery or shortly after.

  14. Louis

    what do you think of the Lakers interest in moving into the 1st round? Possible trades with Atl,Bos and Hou have been mentioned but who among the Lakers players would they want for their 1st rounders?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I don’t think it’s seriously there. I’m sure they’ve explored the possibility, but I’d be shocked to see them do anything. If they do make a deal I could see them going for a big like Royce White, Andrew Nicholson or a ready wing like Jeff Taylor. Taylor would probably be the best pick since he can play the backup two and three.

  15. lindsay

    How grunfeld didn’t manage to get #10 for taking two bad contracts on 2 years if hornets shopped him all the time?Is his time passed orwhat?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I think he tried, but wanted those two pieces he got too badly to risk breaking the deal for it.

  16. martay

    Lebron got his first ring I get that but I think its disrespectful to kobe when now that Lebron got him a ring he as good as Jordan. I think u gotta get to kobe 5 rings before u can get to jordans 6. They use to ask kobe could he win without oneal. I wanna know can Lebron win without a former finals mvp in wade

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I don’t think anyone who matters is saying LBJ is as good as MJ. Who cares who did it with who. Winning a championship is tough.

  17. Ronny

    Are wizards locked in for the playoff with that move and drafting beal?Remember this is weak east.

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      They’re in a lot better position to make it than they were last week. I don’t think they’re a great team by any stretch, though. If they make it it’ll be in the 6-8 seed range. And, I do think they’re locked into taking Beal. He’s been their guy since early on in the process.

  18. jay

    I have been trying to tell you all these Months just how good Austin Rivers is and that hes not undersized. You had him at 18 and now everyone has him in the top 10 if not guaranteed lottery pick. River is NBA Ready and the best scorer in this draft class and will be a star in this League. I WILL PROVE YOU WRONG

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I’ve converted. I have him going like eight in my latest mock. Rivers measured in at 6’5 at the combine, much bigger than I expected. And after talking to him, there’s no way I couldn’t come away impressed. I don’t know how ready he is or if he’ll be a star, but as far as his projection I’ve been convinced enough to bump him into the top 10 as well.

  19. jay

    Better player in 5 years Derrick Favors or Thomas Robinson? Who has more potential and a bigger upside?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Thomas Robinson. He’s just better all around in my opinion and his motor goes a lot faster.

  20. Mikey

    Some Think that Damian Lillard could be a poor mans Rose or westbrook, do you think he could EVER reach that Level? does he have ALL Star talent?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I don’t think he’ll be an All-Star or either one of those guys, but he should be a very solid starting point guard.

  21. rocket

    are we gonna see some star coming to houston?And please told me that morway want be that stupid to rent howard for just one year.

  22. san antonio

    What do you think how would end up finales between miami-sas?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      A Miami sweep. SA would have ran into the same issues that damned them against OKC but at an even higher extent. Miami’s just better than them. They wouldn’t be able to contain the HEAT defensively.

  23. Albert

    Kobe and Wade are getting up there in age so which of these Shooting Guards Will be the best for the next Decade? Rank them on how good they will be 5 years from now.

    Also which players on this list have the best Chance of winning a scoring Title

    Eric Gordon

    James Harden

    Bradley Beal

    Austin Rivers

    Marshon Brooks

    Demar Derozan

    Dion Waiters

    Jeremy Lamb

    Marcus Thornton.

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      EG, Harden, Beal, Rivers, DeRozan, Lamb, Brooks, Thornton, Waiters. EG with the best chance to win the scoring title.

  24. Mike

    Which if any of these PG will reach Rose or Westbrooks Skill level. Rank these Point Guards on who has the Most Potential and who you see being the best 5 years from now.

    Damian Lillard

    Brandon Knight

    Kemba Walker

    Stephen Curry

    Brandon Jennings

    John Wall

    Kyrie Irving

    Ricky Rubio

    Also Who will be the best Scorer from this Group in 5 years?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Irving, Wall, Jennings, Curry, Rubio, Lillard Walker, Knight. Best scorer will be Irving, I think.

  25. Bill Wallace

    If the Wizards take Bradley Beal at number 3, Who starts at Shooting Guard Beal or Jordan Crawford? everyone says Crawford might be better off as a 6th man yeti doubt Randy Wittman is going to give Beal the job from day 1

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      He won’t give him anything, but I expect Beal to earn it with how well rounded he is.

  26. WIZARD

    wizards-hornets deal
    hornets:A+
    wizards:F
    Solve everything for hornes,doesn’t solve anything for wizardsThis is equal trading#5 for miller and foye.

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      It’s not an F deal. It makes them better immediately and it’s not like they gave up someone who was doing a ton for them.

  27. Chris

    Why would the Hornets even consider Rivers with the 10th pick if they plan to re-sign Eric Gordon? If they re-sign Gordon for 4 years and Draft Rivers what would be the point?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      They could play together and form a really dynamic backcourt duo.

  28. Albert

    Better Player in 5 Years Brandon Knight or Bradley Beal? Who has more potential and the bigger upside?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      They both have a lot of potential and upside, around even I would say. Give me Beal, though.

  29. Brian

    What are the latest Iguodala rumors

  30. Ryan

    There has been a lot of talk about the Sixers trading up. Who are they targeting?

  31. Steve

    Who makes your U.S. Olympic team?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Kobe Bryant, Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Deron Williams, Chris Paul, Tyson Chandler, Kevin Love, Russell Westbrook, Blake Griffin and Eric Gordon is my certified shooter.

  32. Sam

    Is there any chance Eric Gordon could end up in Philly?

  33. calvinzero

    Is there any chance that Ramon Sessions will be a Laker again despite technically that he opt out the contract with his team?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Yes, they have his bird rights so they’re the most likely team to sign him actually.

  34. bullet

    This is a horrible trade for the Wiz. It doesnt matter what Lewis’ salary is this season, he had only one year left.A contract like his could be a nice trade asset, but as usual Grunfeld blew it. Why would you trade a guy with only one year left on a bad deal for two guys who will be signed through 2014 and may only marginally help the team at best. This reeks of another bad deal by Grunfeld. Remember when he turned the number 5 overall pick into Mike Miller and Randy Foye? I feel sorry for Wiz fans, but they should know as long as Grunfeld is in charge of this team they are going nowhere fast.

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      They’re a better team than they were last week. That’s what matters the most. I don’t think they were going to get much better back for Lewis’ contract. They know what the market was for him better than anyone.

  35. will

    Wizards have too much 4 and 5.Who do you see is going and will blatche be amnestied?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Blatche may be the guy out. I think the others will sort themselves out. Depth at those positions is not a bad thing to have at all.

  36. joseph

    does john wall must show next season that he is franchise player?He certainly shown potencial but way too little.Now he had good teammates like nene,okafor ariza and all idiots like jvm,nick young are gone.Do you see 2012/13 as his breakout season?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      He was really good last year, I don’t know how you can breakout after a year like that.

  37. piston

    drumond would be ideal fit in pistons alongside monroe.Best young backcourt in nba.Do you see that happening?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      He’d be a great grab for them there, don’t think he’ll be on the board then, though.

  38. piston

    drummond is next kwame.Everything indicates that he will be failure:recent uconn big men,his basketball knowledge,shootinh abilities,no desire to improve and for hard work.

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      You’re making a lot of incredibly unfair assumptions there. I disagree with everything you wrote.

  39. Ozdog1978

    Hey Yannis,
    I can see Portland, GSW and the Raptors all going with guards in this year’s draft. Any chance Drummond falls to the Pistons at 9?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      The Blazers would be foolish to pass on him with the situation they’re in.

  40. Bryant

    Any rumors floating around about Portland? and will Lillard be Jimmer 2.0?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Some talks about packaging up 6 and 11 to move up, I expect them to be active. Lillard is nothing like Jimmer, so no.

  41. Bryant

    apparently Mike Rice of the Blazers really dislikes Drummond, what has him so turned off? He said he wouldn’t even take him at 11.

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I don’t know. Rice makes his money in broadcasting, though. Let’s not make him out to be a scout or talent evaluator. There’s a lot to like about Drummond. I question how well he even knows him and his game.

  42. Bryant

    I know its too early to tell but assuming Lillard goes to the Blazers is a line like this unreasonable? 14ppg/5apg/3rpg on around 45% from the field?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Not easy for a rookie, but wouldn’t surprise me if Lillard did that.

  43. keo

    are the bobcats crazy not to draft robinson..hes the second best player in this draft and his confidence and will to win will catch on to his teammates. if they dont draft robinson and build around him through the draft …MJ will be the biggest bust ever in the cooperate offices. ( not including him as a player)

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Just depends on who they go with instead and how he pans out. I’m thinking they give Barnes and Drummond long, hard looks. Could go that direction. I think they should go with Robinson, but I could see Barnes and Drummond paying of down the line.

  44. keo

    who do you see in this draft that can help the celtics right away? i hope they can get Arnnet Moultrie and hope hes the next Kenneth Faried

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Jeff Taylor, Royce White, Nicholson, Melo, there are a lot of guys who can help them right away who will be on the board when they pick. I like Moultrie too, but he’s not like Kenneth Faried at all.

  45. Myron

    YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE PRO PROSPECTS OF ANDREW NICHOLOSON?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      HE’S GOOD.

      Smart, intelligent man who is a grinder on the court. Can score in a variety of ways. He’s going to be a guy who flirts with a double double regularly with the right playing time. I’m not talking 20 and 10, more like 10 and 10. Won’t be a star, but will be very solid.

  46. martay

    I think Lebron is great player but he gets way to much credit for winning a title with 2 other great players. Him playing with wade and BOSH is like kobe in prime teaming up with tracy mccgrady and Kevin garrnet all in prime. That team would be tough to beat too.

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I’m one of the few writers who isn’t going to try and take away from LeBron at all. He deserves all the praise that comes with winning a championship.

  47. Beau

    If you were an NBA GM, at what spot would you consider Sullinger worth the risk given his back issues?

  48. Ron

    What do you think of an okc magic trade that consists of Howard And E. Clark for Ibaka, Harden, Cook, and Perkins……okc then try to lure Kg to okc to play the 4

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      It’d be nice in a perfect world. Don’t see it happening, though.

  49. Ken

    Hello do you feel that the lakers are still trying to trade Gasol despite the rumors that they will keep him?

  50. Daniel

    Would you have put Dominique on the original dream team in place of Chris Mullin? I just feel like Nique was snubbed.

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I just watched the Dream Team documentary last night. I think that would have made sense, but you can argue for him and Isiah all day. Fact is, they didn’t make it.

  51. jack

    Will the Lakers make a move soon… also is Jim Buss lying about the future plans?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Jim Buss is doing what every owner has to do. He can’t come out and say he’s trading anyone, it’d kill their value.

  52. john

    who do you think tor takes at 8?

  53. Matt

    Yannis!!! With 6 days away from the draft, are the Pacers trying to move up and get a lottery pick? Also who are they targeting in FA?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Not from what I’ve heard, but that doesn’t mean it’s out of the question. I think they’re going to look at Eric Gordon and try to make a pitch at Deron Williams.

  54. jerry

    Would Uzeli or Fab be Miami’s best center on their roster if they were to take one of em at #27?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I think Festus, he’s much more ready to give Miami what they need. Fab’s gonna take some time, I think.

  55. Deven

    What do teams that win the title do the next morning?

  56. sam steinwand

    What free agents do you think the timberwolves could add at a affordable price and what about the 18th pick in the draft

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      They’ll have the full MLE, which will put them in the mix for all of the guys not on the top tier. At 18 I think they go with a two guard, maybe Terrence Ross.

  57. Scappoozer

    Blazer fan: They say Drummond had a good work out but is dropping on draft boards. They like Lillard but I believe he will still be there at #11. We don’t know who will be there but who might you take at #6 for Portland?

  58. Maurice

    are you hearing any trade about the bucks

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Nothing specific, but like all teams if a good deal comes around they’ll do it.

  59. Tasos

    Hi Yannis from Greece,

    Milwaukee:MWP+McRoberts
    Lakers:Udric+Sanders+Ed Davis
    Toronto:Blake

    the salaries are good.
    Also I think Lakers should sign with Nate Robinson and Al Thornton.They are good players and can help to the bench

    thanks!

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Yasou Tasos! Here’s hoping for a victory over Germany today. I don’t like that deal very much for the Lakers, personally.

  60. Yannis Koutroupis

    My sources (the hoopsworld salary page) say Fields is a free agent. I think he can become restricted, but he can’t be traded for a draft pick to my understanding.

  61. David

    The Thunder way? Sigh…getting lucky in the lottery is not a way, it’s luck.

    Presti gave a bad contract to Perkins
    They have messed up the Scott brooks thing
    And they still haven’t had to make a hard choice yet (Harden and Ibaka)
    Darryl Morey was the golden boy once too, and he accomplished nothing.
    Presti gets credit for being lucky? Come on – that’s bad journalism

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      The Thunder don’t get to the Finals without Perkins. They didn’t get lucky with Westbrook or Harden. Those were Presti picks that were questionable at the time and turned out to be huge steals. He’s done a great job of signing quality role players who fit the system as well. Scott Brooks is going to get taken care of, as will Harden and Ibaka. Don’t go around bashing Presti, there’s no basis for it.

  62. Ricky from Puerto Rico

    Hey Yannis, im a huge laker fan.. and i saw the younger teams like okc and mia.. right now they are like chi and utah.. we are going to see that finals over and over again.. do u really think they are going to get d-will or howard? if they not.. there are not chance to pass the 2nd round! thanks :)

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      They’ll make a run at those guys, chances are slim that they get one of them. They’re going to make some changes, though, I think.

  63. This is bull

    deng is an all star with injured wrist.
    Deng/Asik for wright/biedrins #7. Warriors get vets and a a center long term. Bulls get deng replacement in wright and biedrins cause its possible someone may offer him alot of cash.

  64. jayjay

    Perkins was exposed in the finals. Thunder dump him for whatever they can get and sign Garnett…..Does it put them over the top

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      No. It may not have been his best series, but the Thunder need him. Like I said, they don’t get there without him.

  65. Kevin

    How much truth do you think Jim Buss was speaking when he said Kobe, Pau and Bynum would be in Lakers jerseys next year?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I think he has spoke to Kobe, but that everything else was him speaking politically correct as an owner should.

  66. Jim in CyberSpace

    Congrats to the Heat. They were the better team. But officaiating was awful.

    How does a little guy like Westbrook Maul the rim in game four like a pit and only get 3 meaningless freethrow attempts?

    A BIG Strong Linebacker guy like Lebron gets anywhere near the paint with the ball in his hands and it’s foul?????

    Like the flagrant foul call in game five against Fisher. It this point it’s comedy.

    Mike Miller is suddenly Ray Allen from the 3 point line.

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Refs didn’t determine this series. The HEAT did by being the better team.

  67. jordan villavaso

    Will New Orleans form their own Big Three in the nextt couple years? CP3 is free next summer. Who are they gonna target to play with Eric Gordon and Anthony Davis?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I think they should make a run at Deron Williams. They’re as attractive as Brooklyn at the very least.

  68. JPE

    1-Should Minnesota select Fab Melo to have a defensive backup for Pekovic or should they select John Jenkins (if they can´t select Jeremy Lamb)?
    2-Is it possible to have a 3 big man rotation with Love, Pekovic and Illyasova (with just a few minutes given to Tolliver)?
    3-Would you make a big trade like Derrick Williams and the 18# pick for the second pick to select Beal? How would you do it?
    4-Is it possible for Minnesota to get Shabazz Muhammad in the 2013 draft?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      1-Makes sense, not a bad move.
      2-Yes, most teams rotate three big men.
      3-Don’t know if Derrick Williams can get you that high, but if he can – sure. Not sure he ever maximizes his potential with Love there.
      4-If they’re positioned to get Shabazz they either had a really disappointing season or he fell down the boards and still decided to come out.

  69. Jake

    What can the Wolves do to upgrade their starting wing players?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Draft smart and use their offseason money wisely. It’s not gonna be too hard to do.

  70. Phil

    Morning Yannis, I’m I wrong for thinking Deron Williams is overrated? I think it’s silly that some team is going pay $100 million for a player that isn’t a great defender, blames arenas for his bad shooting, & hasn’t led anyone to anything. That’s a lot of coin for a guy that’s arguably not Top 10 at his position anymore.

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Deron’s on my top five, not sure how you can leave him off the top 10. He’s a damn good player. He’s led teams to the second round of the playoffs that shouldn’t have been there. The guy will be worth every penny he gets this summer.

  71. Kyle

    What’s next for the Brooklyn Nets? And do you think they will be successful in Brooklyn?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      A massive rebuilding project that doesn’t include Deron Williams. I think he’s gone. Too many other attractive destinations out there that top Brooklyn.

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