NBA Chat With Yannis 7/6/12

Senior NCAA and NBA analyst Yannis Koutroupis will be hosting his weekly chat this Friday at 11 am EST. As always basketball questions from all levels are welcomed.

  1. KP

    Who is David Wiess?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Welcome everyone to this week’s chat! Lot’s to talk about with all the activity around the league. Let’s get right to the questions.

      Your guess is as good as mine.

  2. vince

    if lakers got rid of Steve blake , and have sessions back up Nash, sign antwan Jamison and/or rashard Lewis maybe bring Jordan hill back.. would they be title favorites along with heat and okc?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      They’re already in the conversation. Ramon Sessions isn’t coming back, he’s going to end up somewhere he can start. Maybe the Lakers do a sign-and-trade, but he’s definitely not going to be with the team.

  3. calvinzero

    What is happening to the Mavs?? Kidd is gone and Terry is gone. Nash is gone also.

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      They’re without a direction or a quality squad right now. Pressure is on Mark Cuban to make something happen, but his options are pretty limited. He swung for the fences and so far hasn’t even show warning track power, this offseason that is.

  4. Jeremy Santiago

    barring any injuries, who do you think will be the top 3 teams in the East at the end of regular season? My bet is Boston, Miami, Indiana

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I think it’s Boston, Miami and Brooklyn at this moment. Depends on what Indy comes back with.

  5. Ludwig (Germany)

    Can Ryan Aderson play SF? DO the Kings have a chance the Magic won’t match? What else is planned with my Kings? Will Jason Thompson resign? Who will be their starting small forward on opening night, make a guess :)

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      He can’t defend the position, so no. I definitely think the Magic match. It’s not a bad thing for the Kings either. They need to keep playing time open at the four for T-Rob. Not sure on Thompson, the market will dictate that. It’s still too early to tell on who will be their starting SF. Plenty of options out there. Maybe Josh Howard or CJ Miles?

  6. akbar

    hey yannis. I appreciate for your basketball insights as always. Just curious, do you think Dirk will be thinking of bailing out and find himself a team to win another title before his days are over? its not like he has a very long career ahead of him to start the rebuilding process with Mavs..

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I think he trusts Mark Cuban and frankly he deserves that trusts. Nobody wants to win more than he does. Things will eventually get better in Dallas.

  7. Joel

    Hey Yannis! Your chats are the best man. Anyway, my Blazers have been making some BOLD moves, but still seem to kinda be flying under the radar. 1. Do you think Indy matches our Hibbert offe? 2. They say we are matching no matter what on Batum, is that good/bad? You hearing anything else, rumblings, other names? It seems like our new GM is making a REAL push to be relevent, think this is going to work or blow up in our faces? Flier on Anthony Randolph?? lol

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Thanks! Stay away from Anthony Randolph, let me start with that. I don’t think the decision has been made on Hibbert yet. Honestly, I think they can afford to pass and add Kaman. The savings will allow them to add more pieces, which I think is more important than keeping Roy. Batum’s price tag is high, but they really believe in him. If that’s your guy, you gotta match.

  8. Keefe

    Hi Yannis,
    do you think the Raptors should have made a more expensive deal in order to try to sign for OJ mayo, to force the grizz to choose between mayo and gay (if they want to keep mayo, then raps can trade for gay) instead of overpaying fields?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      The Grizzlies aren’t interested in keeping Mayo, that’s why they didn’t extend a qualifying offer to make him restricted. But, yes, going after OJ would have been a better move. Seems like Fields is gonna end up being cheaper, though.

  9. Joel

    On a more serious note,”Lazercats” good digital short series, or GREATEST EVER series??? Also will BRoy be playing/Healthy still by next May?

  10. Tiho

    Hello!
    Any free agents news on Cavs?What players they are targeting?Also,Varejao stays or not?
    Thanks!

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      They’ve been pretty quiet so far. They’re not exactly a free agent hotbed. I think Varejao stays this year.

  11. jose

    So what’s next for NYK a SG (who) and a PF/C (who)?

  12. Mark

    Hi Yannis. Im confused by the Broy deal. If his new contract is deducted from his old contract and he gets paid the same overall anyway, why not take a minimum contract from the new team which allows them to save cap space for further signings?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I was befuddled by that myself. With all the money Roy got for not fulfilling that contract, seems like he should be playing for the minimum. I wouldn’t have given him that kind of deal.

  13. kenny

    hello… which team do you seem howard going to doubt the nets will land him do you see a team in the driver seat as of now??

    What do you see the lakes doin with gasol do you see them trading him for value or do you think they will keep him?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I think the Lakers keep Gasol now because he’s going to be really nice with Nash on the floor. I still think the Lakers are in the drivers seat. They’re the most attractive destination for Howard, both financially and competitively.

  14. dzei

    hey,how will the frontcourt pairing of cousins and robinson fare in the league this season?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      They’ll give a lot of teams fits, for sure. They’ll really come together as a duo two years from now. Takes time to understand how to play off each other and be most effective.

  15. sam

    What do you think is going to happen between the blazers and wolves fighting over batum, is there any way batum comes to the wolves. I know he signed the offer sheet.

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      It seems like he would like to, but the trend this summer looks to be matching anyway. I’m guessing he stays in Portland right now, which would really disappoint the T-Wolves who have wanted him for years.

  16. Kahari young

    Hey yannis!do you see grant hill joining his buddy Steve Nash in la?if so do you think Matt barnes would stay or sigh somewhere else?also will Shannon brown remain a phoenix sun or sign with a team like Memphis that needs a good secondary shooting guard?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Definitely looks like Matt Barnes is headed elsewhere. I do think Grant Hill eventually signs with the Lakers. I think there’s a chance Brown stays, but there should be interest elsewhere as well.

  17. Josh P

    Where is Grant Hill going and Marcus Camby?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Hill is going to the Lakers or retiring, I think Camby ends up somewhere in Texas.

  18. LA in LA

    For all these RFA like Batum and Gordon who don’t want to stay with their team, wouldn’t it make more sense to accept their qualifying offer and be a free agent in a year than hope they get offered a big enough contract that their current team won’t match and risk being stuck their for 3 or 4 more years?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Na, regardless of where you end up getting that max contract is what’s important. In a year they may not be worth as much and lose out on millions.

  19. Joe Shafer

    Should the rockets move Martin and scola to let the young guns run? It’s Nerlens Noel or Shabazz Muhammad or bust moving forward!

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Seems like they could be in the running for those two with the way they’re headed right now. I think Martin and Scola could definitely be moved and I don’t think it’d bother them that bad at all.

  20. David Rivas

    With one of the best frontcourts in all the league, what should the Kings do in the free agency? I think that Kirilenko is the best fit for this team, moving Thornton to the Sixth man. TOP-TEAM

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      They’ve got a lot of talent. Waiting to see if they take that next step or not. I doubt they can get Kirilenko, mentioned some more likely targets below.

  21. David Rivas

    Do you think in 2 years Kings could become contenders for the title?

  22. David Rivas

    Beasley is one of the top free agents. Where do you see him next year?

  23. HoBo

    Waz up Yannis, I guess my Cavs are going to sit out free agency. Any news on on where Gerald Green might end up? I would love to see the Cavs give him a chance at SF and I don’t see how the Nets can resign him.

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Intrigued to see where Gerald ends up. Cleveland would be a nice fit.

  24. David Rivas

    Will Tyreke Evans receive a extension from Kings or will he be trade?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I don’t think they’re looking to do either right now. Trying to see what kind of year he has first.

  25. Brian

    Good morning, Yannis!

    $10 million for Brandon Roy? C’mon! That’s the best the Wolves can come up with? Wouldn’t Mayo at $7 mil per year been a better option? Kahn is not bright!

    Thanks!

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I don’t like the dollar amount either. Even if it pays off, I think Roy should have signed on for cheaper.

  26. martay

    Please tell me the lakers aren’t done dealing they always do this get a piece that will help and then keep their same core together. They still have same problems point guard still can’t guard anybody gasol still soft and they still not athletic. Any guys u here that the lakers are looking at

  27. Rory

    Hello Yannis,

    Do you see the Raptors recent deals as a positive? Do you still see them going after a starting SF or will Fields take that spot?

    Thank you,

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I’d assume they’d try Fields or DeRozan there. I love the pick up of Lowry, great move.

  28. David Rivas

    Who do you consider the steal of draft? Sullinger in the first round but in the second? Quincy Miller, Will Barton..?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I like the Barton, Crowder and Jeff Taylor pick ups from a value perspective a lot.

  29. Tasia

    The Hornets and Blazers would be kind of stupid to match Batum and Gordon when they both have publicly said their heart were in other places and Gordon just dissed them more yesterday. Why did they draft Rivers anyway? I knew that was going to start drama with Gordon.
    What does Phoenix or T-Wolves have to give in a sign and trade to make it work?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I don’t think they’re stupid. That’s the whole point of restricted free agency is not letting guys you want to keep get away. N.O. thinks they can convert Rivers into a point. I have my doubts, but I’m willing to see them give it a shot. I don’t think either side is open to a S&T.

  30. Mark

    What have you heard about the Lakers acquiring some guards/wings that can shoot? Do you think the Lakers have a shot at getting Steve Novak or Brandon Rush?

    Also, would it be possible for them to get either Shannon Brown or Jordan Farmar to be Nash’s backup?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      They’re looking at Grant Hill and Rashard Lewis, two guys who can fill it up. Steve Blake is Nash’s back up. They’re not going after either of those two.

  31. RapsFan

    The Raps are looking like they are deep right now, but before free agency kicked off they said they were looking for vets. Think they make any more significant moves?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I’m not sure. If they don’t, this has already been a good offseason for them.

  32. Adel

    If Ray Allen does end up signing with Miami over Boston who do you think a relsitic option would be? Delonte West? maybe Nick young? Let me know your thoughts.

  33. Bassey

    I seems like the Mavs didn’t really have a plan outside of Deron Williams, and have been reaching for straws ever since. Is it wish for the Mavs to just “blow up up” with their history of suspect draft evaluations or go after solid young player such as a OJ Mayo and etc?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I think they’re doomed to overpay for some guys like Mayo and Sessions.

  34. Rahul

    Better fit for the lakers… Rashard Lewis or Antawn Jamison? I saw Lewis because he is a better 3 point shooter. Can the lakers afford either of them?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      They have their tax payer’s mid-level exception, which I think could get either of those guys. I’d take either, but Lewis would be my top choice.

  35. Jay

    Nick Young signs in Philly? Good move for them? What are they trying to do or should I say what do you feel their plan is for next year?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Good signing, fills a need. They’re trying to grow from within, develop their young talent.

  36. Daniel

    I’m anxious to see if Beasley can realize his potential in PHX. In your eyes, what are some of the main differences between Beasley and Melo? They’re both high volume shooters, rather poor defenders and both should be better rebounders. Is it just media perception? The fact that melo was handed the keys to a franchise right away?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Melo has had chances to succeed, but he’s not as gifted offensively or as determined as Melo is. They have different mentalities. Melo is a winner. Beasley’s a phenomenal talent, but he’s yet to realize his potential like Melo. Phoenix is a good spot for him, interested to see how he does.

  37. Sam

    Why the Bulls are not going after OJ Mayo?With another ball-handler,this team could go to another level.He’s not an all star,but he’s capable of scoring and to make plays without Rose.

  38. Daniel

    Do you know if the Nuggets are even talking to anyone other than McGee?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Not from what i’ve heard. They’re pretty set roster wise now that they got Miller back, got a couple good rookies, and seem to have the inside track to gettin’ McGee.

  39. Jon Ruth

    If the Nets fail to secure Dwight Howard, what are the chances we see Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer reunited? The Nets could use some more scoring power and the Bulls could use the cap space.

  40. Carlos

    Hi Yannis. Do you think Minessota is a playoff team with the adittion of B.Roy?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      They’re right there on the cusp, depth will be important for them.

  41. Mislav

    Does Lowry get the Raps into the playoffs next season? Does New York match Fields offer?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I don’t think the Knicks match and Lowry helps the Raps. If they get in it’ll probably be as a lower seed, unless Valanciunas is just a beast then they could be a bit higher. I like Jonas, but think there could be a learning curve.

  42. George

    Is there a realistic chance that the Knicks sign OJ Mayo for the shooting guard spot? Don´t think that we can offer so much money…

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Na, that’s out of the question at this point. Their MLE went to Kidd.

  43. James

    Anything the HEAT can do to get better? as in free agent moves

  44. David Rivas

    Should Kings amnesty Salmons or Garcia?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Not Garcia, maybe Salmons if it’s the difference in getting them someone who really puts them up a notch in the conference.

  45. Sam

    Where is Dwight Howard on opening night?

  46. Nick O-town

    Hi Yannis! So my Magic have a lot of decisions coming up, and with our new GM Rob Hennigan no one really seems to know what direction he wants to take us in. What’s your best guess as to Hennigan’s strategy? I don’t think ownership wants a full re-build, Rich Devos isn’t getting any younger, but it seems like that’s the only viable option for the Magic at this point. Agree, disagree?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Agree, that’s why Bynum is their top target. A young big man who wants to be there and can be built around.

  47. Mislav

    Do the Raps have anymore moves in the pipeline?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      We’ll see, as I said earlier, they’re better now even if they don’t do anything else.

  48. Jason

    After making out like bandits in the lowry trades who can we get for calderon……any chance we do a trade for iggy gay? or just sign ak-47 right out?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Doesn’t seem like either of those guys are available right now. Calderon may be amnestied before traded, they’ve been trying to move him and haven’t had any luck yet. Don’t think AK-47 goes there, personally.

  49. David

    I’m hearing Brand might be amnestied. How do you think he would in Brooklyn? Williams, Johnson, Wallace, Brand, and Lopez would look scary

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      He has been amnestied. He’d be good in Brooklyn, they have to place the highest bid, though, and they lack the resources. I could see Washington, Cleveland, Charlotte, New Orleans and Golden State messing that up for them.

  50. James

    What do you think the Celtics plans are for the 5 spot next season? They seem to be loading up the back court and PF position but I havent heard anything other than a whisper about Camby for the 5, we know Melo isnt ready and with the exception of KG stepping in at the end of last season the pivot has been the Celtics weak link in their starting line up ever since we lost Perk

  51. Jason

    Hi Yannis,
    Now that he’s been amnestied, where do you think Elton Brand ends up?

  52. RickyB

    Will the Bulls match on Asik’s deal with Houston?
    IF so, is a trade of Noah and/or Deng inevitable?

  53. JR

    I don’t feel bad for the Trail Blazers. They have been giving us fits here in Utah with their toxic contracts. You know what they say about Karma. Paul Allen in figuring it out.

  54. BBalls

    what is you most underated move of the post season? And what’s your favorite move?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      I love the Lakers getting Steve Nash. Most underrated is probably Boston getting KG for three more years. They’ll be relevant that entire time thanks to him.

  55. Freddie

    I’m big on Jonas V. Does adding him and Kyle Lowry make the raptors a playoff team?

  56. Mark

    Hey Yannis, love your work on this site. What can you tell us about Mirza Teletovic & is he a good fit for the Nets? The MLE seems like a lot but I hope he’s worth it.

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Thanks Mark! He’s a really good shooter, which fits in to what the Nets are needing at that position. He’s not a great rebounder or athlete, but he’s just got to be serviceable in those areas. What they really brought him in to do is space the floor. I think it’s a solid pick up, especially for the 3-mil MLE, not 5 mil.

  57. jack

    Are the Lakers done making moves?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      No, they’re going to continue to pursue Howard and potentially add Hill and someone else like Rashard Lewis with the MLE. Could also bring back Jordan Hill.

  58. charlie lakers

    Hi Yannis – Can Lakers afford Grant Hill off the bench?

  59. Blake Hillin

    What up Yannis! Why are the mavs not pursuing Eric Gordon… are they really that far down the list of places to play. he would rather go to phoenix??

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      He agreed to an offer sheet already. It’s too late for them to go after him. By the time they missed out on Deron he was in love with Phoenix.

  60. michael

    Nowitzki and Wright for Millsap and jefferson. Who says no?

    • Yannis Koutroupis

      Dallas of course. They’re not trading Dirk, especially for Millsap and Jefferson.

      That’s going to do it for me this week. I’ll be back next week at a different time due to travel restraints.