NBA Chat With Yannis 8/17/12

Jesse

Hey Yannis. I’m one of those fans who usually roots for smaller market teams like Memphis or Milwaukee. I’m sorta disgusted with Howard headed to LAL. I mean i fully expected it but do you think a “top heavy” league is good for the NBA in the long run or do you see fans leaving the game if we have more “Howard like drama” and stars only headed to cities like New York, Miami and LA? Also, for me-what are your thoughts and predictions for the Bucks this year?

Yannis Koutroupis

Welcome everyone to this week’s chat! A lot has gone down since we last talked. Let’s get right into it.

I don’t think we’ll ever see star-studded teams destroy the league’s fan base. While it will undoubtedly upset some, in the end star power is what draws. There’s no way a HEAT-Lakers Finals wouldn’t shatter records and be thrilling just like the Thunder-HEAT Finals this past season was. The owners were adamant about creating a level playing field, fought hard and got a CBA that they agreed to. It’s up to them to compete and find ways to win. The Lakers didn’t just get Howard because they’re willing to spend. They had the asset in Bynum to make the deal get done.

As for your Bucks, I’m not high on them right now. I’m not sure the Jennings-Ellis backcourt can work at a high enough level to make the top eight. I’m also concerned about their interior play.

James

hi, Yannis, Is there any chance of Lakers trading Blake + Artest + Murphy + Goudelock + 2013 2nd round pick + 2014 2nd round pick for Durant?

Nash + Kobe + Durant + Gasol + Howard is a good team, I think

Yannis Koutroupis

Man, I love Laker fans. It goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway, there’s no chance that would ever happen. I don’t even think you could pull that off on NBA 2k13. That’s a dream, but luckily for you the Lakers actual team is pretty dreamy as well.

jesse

Hey Yannis…How u?…Asked this of the other guys and wanted your take…So Pincus disagrees that orl should’ve included Gasol and flipped him to Houston for more assets…says that houston would probably not have been interested…I look at their Salary page and see an absolute mess of expirings and redundant youngsters that was created because they planned to make a big move this summer…Am i wrong in thinking Gasol would’ve made a fine consolation prize for Hou? Gasol vs Howard deal..They wouldn’t have to take those bad contracts and probably wouldn’t have to give up their ‘best’ picks & prospects while Orl gets at least a few more assets moving forward? Whats your take? thanks bud…keep up the good work

Yannis Koutroupis

We’ve got it on good authority that Houston’s interest in Gasol was always overstated. They wanted Gasol prior to last season because it was going to help them get Nene. When Nene re-upped in Denver, their interest in Gasol diminished immensely. His second-straight lackluster postseason didn’t increase it at all either. This offseason Bynum was the guy they really wanted if they couldn’t get Howard. I doubt they would have been willing to take on Gasol because of the size of his contract and the fact that they’re right back where they were with him. He makes them good, maybe playoff good, but not good enough to truly contend. They’re going to try to develop from within with their young guys for now and try to hit a bigger home run. At this point trading for Gasol is more like a solid double.

Shamwow

Instead of amnestying Boozer and payinh him to play for someone else, would it make sense to trade him to Houston for KMartin? Houston doesnt get much considerstion by FA and this might be a chance to get a veteran big man that can learn from Hakeem. Plus Martin wants out of Houston and the Bulls need a SG that will llay well with Rose.

Yannis Koutroupis

The last thing Houston needs in the world right now is another power forward.

shaullenny

http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=8pfapmx
To lal j.smith
to atl p.gasol, o.casspi, a.goudelock, 2 second rd picks from cle
to cle z.pachulia, s.blake
lakers free up some cap space
then re-sign howard and smith

Yannis Koutroupis

Not going to happen. It’s an intriguing idea, but frankly I’d rather have Gasol and Howard over Smith and Howard. Atlanta did all this roster movement so they could free up cap space to make a run at top-flight free agents. You don’t throw that away for Gasol with where he’s at right now.

LA in LA

Apparently all of the Dwight Howard trade questions have been replaced by a bunch of (often inaccurate) moaning about superteams (*cough*Lakers*cough*). I find it highly amusing when people attribute Lakers success strictly to being a big market team (how has that worked out for 76ers?), warm weather (weather in Sacramento is nice ), being near Hollywood (Clippers have been near Hollywood about 14 years), high revenue (Houston was high on revenue for a while this decade but low on playoff wins).
Is it that hard to admit Lakers are just patient, aggressive, and make smart moves (dashed with luck, like all good teams) and not be jealous?

Yannis Koutroupis

No, but I really haven’t seen anyone discredit the notion that the Lakers, in the Buss family, have owners whose dedication to winning is the highest in the league.

Shaullenny

What do you think houstons roster will be like on opening night, what about their starting line-up, do you think they will waive their non-guaranteed contracts (Fortson,Simpson,Smith, Williams, and s.livingston, do you see them trading k.martin, and players like montejunas, t,jones, r,white, j.lamb, p.patterson, g.forbes, t.douglas, m.morris, j.johnson, j.brockman and c.parsons for a guy like josh smith, or bargnani, etc.

Yannis Koutroupis

I expect them to be really young and inexperienced with Lin and Asik carrying a major load. I’m not sure they’re going to have the opportunity to do anything big that really makes it worth giving up what they’d have to give up.

Kevin

The Lakers lineup is pretty much complete, with the addition of Meeks! But if they’re going to make a serious run at the title, they need a solid veteran SG/SF to backup the three spot! Jamieson is too big to play the three on defense against a lot of teams and Ebanks needs more time to develop. I like Pietrus, Webster and Daniels at the min. Even like Barbosa ($1.5 mil) playing with Meeks at the 3! Wanted your opinion on the backup 2 & 3 spot?
Would Indy be interested in doing a sign & trade, Barbosa for young talent, so Lakers can offer him more than min?

Yannis Koutroupis

The Lakers have a little bit left of the mini-mid level but I disagree in saying they need a backup SG/SF. Meeks is their back up SG and Ebanks has two years of experience under his belt. He’s played in the playoffs extensively now, he’s at least experienced enough to depend on as a backup SF. The Lakers’ roster is complete. I can’t imagine them doing anything other than signing one of their second rounders, even that may be a stretch.

TCD

Hey Yannis, just wondered if you know of any young centers with huge potential that will enter the draft in the next few years? Then the Magic could draft them, develop them and when they become the best in the game, lose them to the Lakers. I just want to make sure the Magic (aka the Lakers’ minor leagues) have something in the pipeline.

Yannis Koutroupis

Nerlens Noel and Jahlil Okafor are the two names that comes to mind. The Magic will be in good shape to help the Lakers re-load in the post-Dwight era.

MRTRIPPIPP

Gday Yannis, first off big thanx to all at hoopsworld.Great site and love your chats.Now my question.In the past, has there ever been another roster like OKC this year that have had not only four players in the gold medal game,but also in the same olympics together.Thanks mate.Ps next time a some muppet complains about the auto-play,just tell them if they dont like it,go and find another free NBA site as thoughtful or entertaining as this one.GO BULLS!!!

Yannis Koutroupis

I won’t pretend like I can answer that question off hand. I’m not sure to be honest, I don’t think so, though. This was a record year for NBA players participating and winning medals in the Olympics. Appreciate the compliments, auto play is here to stay!

Deven

You cover the Spurs right Yannis? What are Tim Duncan’s plans after he retires from the game?

Yannis Koutroupis

I do, but he never talks about what he plans to do after retirement. I’d imagine he’ll do whatever he wants to do. He’s got enough money to last several lifetimes.

Deven

Do you think the Spurs should have added a couple of pieces to their roster this summer?

Yannis Koutroupis

I like what they did. Not sure what else there was out there that they could have done to get better. Few teams in the league improve from within like they do. They made big strides last year without much practice time and with Diaw having little time to adjust to their system. I expect them to remain top four in the West.

Peter

If Clips under perform this year and end up being eliminated in the second round again, do you think CP3 can force his way to the Knicks Melo style and refuse to sign an extension with anyone but the Knicks?

There could be a good package the Knicks could offer in a sign and trade. I think a package of Chandler/Iman/Novak/Camby/ and maybe Kidd for Jordan/CP3/Hill. It would work salary wise and be great for both teams. Sterling is no stranger to saving money which would happen as well. This would at least compensate for the loss of CP3 while still keeping them competitive.

Knicks: CP3, Brewer(re-sigh), Melo, Amare, Jordan. Bench of Felton, Hill, JR Smith. There better than this year’s team and super dangerous. They instantly become the 2nd best team in the East.

Clippers: Bledsoe(Lowry type PG), Iman, Butler, Blake, Chandler. With a bench of Crawford/Odom/Kidd/Camby/Novak. They could arguably be better than this upcoming years team who is already pretty good. Defensively for sure. That 1st team defense would shut teams down.

Yannis Koutroupis

Just judging by the status quo, I wouldn’t be surprised if things went there. I don’t know how much luck Paul would have in forcing his way to the Knicks, but they do have some decent assets. I think the Clippers are in a good position, though, honestly. I’d put the odds in their favor to keep him.

Deven

With Manu’s contract expiring next summer, do you see him playing anywhere else next year, regardless of what happens to them in the playoffs? Their title hopes are nearly closing on them.

Yannis Koutroupis

If he is healthy, looks like he has something left, and wants to stay at a reduced rate I’d imagine they’d keep him. I don’t think he wants to play anywhere else at this point in his career.

Deven

Do you really believe the Spurs are not just the “model” franchise of the NBA, but the “model franchise of all sports?

Yannis Koutroupis

Just the NBA, other sports have different CBA’s to work under. There are some things the Spurs do that every team and even business would be smart to follow, but their entire blueprint? That applies to the NBA only.

michael

I am a big time jazz fan and find it hard to beleve why top free agents don’t want to play in utah. It is not like they have to move here. Having said that,with cap room in 2013 and a good young core of players, do you think that they could land a top free agent. If so who could you see them going after? Cp3,rudy gay or james hardin?

Yannis Koutroupis

They clearly need a point guard, but I doubt they can get Chris Paul. In order to get good free agents you have to have money to spend. That’s the first and biggest key. They do appear to have some really nice pieces. I think it’s all about them proving that their front office has stability despite the changeover and Corbin establishing himself as a solid coach. With room to offer a max deal, they have as good of a shot as the other teams who don’t have bird rights.

Bugsy

Hey Yannis, how do you see the backcourt of the T-wolves shaking out? With Roy and Shved joining Ricky, Luke and JJ is there enough minutes for what is a group of starting quality players? After his good showing at the O’s surely Shved is too good to sit on the bench. When Ricky returns, who is the odd man out?

Yannis Koutroupis

I’m thinking Ridnour.

HoBo

Waz up Yannis,I’m still on the Wilson Chandler band wagon. I think he could be a starting wing on a contending team. Should he ask for a trade? Personally I’d like to see him on the Cavs but it appears to me that they are satisfied with addressing that position next year.

Yannis Koutroupis

With Coach Karl, there’s no favorites or set starting line ups. If Chandler earns a starting spot, he’ll start. If not, he’ll still have a major role off of the bench. I think he can really thrive in Denver.

Jazzfan

Thanks for your time. Do you think we’ll ever see a hard cap in the NBA? I think one day the small market team owners should just stand up and say we want a hard cap or we fold up shop, that would leave only like 5 teams standing which would surely force a hard cap to happen right? I know that’s unrealistic but as a fan I hate seeing the league slowly becoming a 4 or 5 team league in terms of championships. The luxury tax isnt that great of a compromise because most of the large market teams make more than enough to cover the tax.

Yannis Koutroupis

The tax is stiff, much stiffer than the ones in the past. I doubt we see teams regularly venture into it, especially the higher tiers. The owners saw last summer that there’s no way players will agree to a hard cap. It’s the surefire way to lose a complete season. So, no – I never see it happening.

Jay R.

What do you think the Warriors can honestly expect from Harrison Barnes this season? Would it be best to throw him in right away, or have him play behind Rush or RJ?

Yannis Koutroupis

He needs to start in my opinion. He’s NBA ready and his upside is too high to sit behind RJ and Rush. I think he can give them 14-16 points a night along with a few boards and solid D.

Sean

Do you see the spurs making any moves involving dejuan Blair anytime soon or maybe anyone else?? And also who would you rather take with the 1st pick based on what you know, Nerlen Noel, shabbazz Muhammad, or Tyler zeller? Thanks

Yannis Koutroupis

I doubt the Spurs trade Blair. They’re gonna see what they can get from him this year and likely let him walk as a free agent at the end of the year. I’m going to assume you meant Cody Zeller. Give me Shabazz right now. He’s who I’m highest on out of the three. Shooting guards are a lot easier to find, but I think Cody is a rotation big man at best and I’m not sold on Nerlens being better than Shabazz five years from now.

DMoney

Knowing Howard may be out to start the season, why not bring in Andray Blatch to play PF while Gasol plays center. This will allow Hill & Jamison to stay on the bench so when Howard comes back their rolls doesn’t change. Blatch, if he’s smart, can use that time to show that he has got his mind right so at the end of the season his phone will ring off the hook for a nice contract.

Yannis Koutroupis

A few reasons. Blatche isn’t a huge risk, but the reward isn’t great enough in the Lakers’ case. Jamison is a pro’s pro. He won’t have any trouble going from starting to being on the bench, nor would Hill. Also, the Lakers are in the tax, so even at the min we’re talking about them paying double for Blatche. And, their roster is full. If they keep anyone it will be one of their second-rounders.

Alan Siegel

though you don’t cover the lakers, i was curious…one of the only directly involved lakers that hasn’t seemed to chime in on the trade of dwight howard to la is steve nash. kind of surprising as he is the gregarious sort…have there been any comments that you’ve heard. (sorry i should have asked eric earlier in the week)

Yannis Koutroupis

It’s all good, I don’t mind talking Lakers at all. Gasol talked about the trade during the Olympics. I can’t quote him, but he said something along the lines of they have a power team and he’s a great player. Metta World Peace was on the radio and he acknowledged that Howard isn’t serious all the time and that he may have to tune that down a bit. Other than that, haven’t heard anything else.

Daniel

do Xavier Henry and Al-Farouq Aminu fit in Nawlins’ long term plans? If so, how?

Yannis Koutroupis

They’re going to have a chance to be. Depends on what they do and show.

dub

Hey Yannis,I’m thinking mid season during the allstar break of a deal for my raps. What do you say to calderon and kleiza for wilson chandler and andre miller. Chandler may be the odd man out with iggy,galinari,brewer, and fourier expected to be a nice player. Gives denver expiring calderon and stretch 4 in kleiza who scored well with them before. Raps get a vet backup pg who i think is under rated and their starting SF. Thoughts?

Yannis Koutroupis

Depends on where both teams are at then, but I honestly can’t see Denver doing that. Not enough in return for them.

Steven

If this a good trade for everyone?

Toronto gets: Rudy Gay
Sacramento gets: Demar DeRozan + Toronto 1st
Memphis gets: Tyreke Evans + Linas Kleiza

Yannis Koutroupis

I don’t like it for Memphis, myself.

dub

call me crazy but i think tmac would be a nice fit on the lakers. They havent really got a drive and dish guy comming off the bench. If mike brown sold him as a leader of the 2nd unit i think he would flourish there. And kobe got that competitive beast inside him that may make tmac push himself that much further. Where do you think tmac fits?

Yannis Koutroupis

I see your logic, but T-Mac is too big of a gamble for this Lakers team. They’re old enough as it is. I don’t think they give him any consideration.

Chris

With Bynum now on board and a glut of centers on the roster, what’re the odds Philly deals Hawes when he becomes eligible? I could see a package starting with Thaddeus Young and Hawes tempting Cleveland to part with Varejao and Walton’s expiring deal.

Yannis Koutroupis

Bynum made it seem like he and Hawes could play together. I found that interesting. I really like the idea of him playing alongside Thaddeus Young. Him and Varejao? Not so much.

Laurent

Why are the Lakers adding Eddie Jordan, Bernie Bickerstaff & Steve Clifford to the coaching staff? Does these hiring mean John Kuester is gone?

Yannis Koutroupis

Well they had two openings with Messina and Snyder leaving. I’m not sure what Kuester’s status is. Maybe he has something brewing elsewhere. The hiring of Jordan, Bickerstaff and Clifford are huge, though. Great additions to Brown’s staff.

Antonis

Kalimera Yannis!

Quick Q: Do you see that DH12 will accept the “No 2″ role until Kobe retires?

Thanks!

Yannis Koutroupis

Yasou! Howard is going to be spoon fed easy dunks all night long. I don’t think he’s going to care what number he is on the totem pole.

Jp co

Hi Yannis, according to the president of the Sixers. the 4 team trade happened last Aug 10 was being discuss 2weeks before it materialized. .if it is true. Why the media did not sense earlier? Thanks

Yannis Koutroupis

Philly and Orlando were talking directly because Philly wanted Howard, but I think both sides sensed there was a deal to be made and didn’t want to let things get public so they did a good job of keeping it internal. We try, but in the end if teams really do a good job of getting talks in house they’re not going to get out.

Makan

a trade for wilson chandler to the raps bumps them into the playoffs? ed davis or amir straight up? back up/capable starting four for the nuggets starting 3 for the raps?

Yannis Koutroupis

Denver wouldn’t do that.

LS07

Whats the latest on Barbosa, T Mac and Kenyon Martin. I still think the Lakers should add some more depth. What you think? Thank you for your time.

Blake
Meeks
Jamison
K Mart
Hill

I know Jamison hasn’t played the 3 but certain games you can use him there, certain games not play K Mart much and use Ebanks or so.

Yannis Koutroupis

The Lakers are done. Mitch is on vacation. Those three are going elsewhere. I’m not sure where, but can’t see them ending up with the Lakers.

Jp Co

Hi Yannis, in your opinion. Is it true that international competition in basketball dominated by USA in the past until present really closed the gap and still closing as time goes? If taht is the case, why power house team like the Spain still relying to their superstar whom they used 3 olimpics ago? While team USA still adding new faces in their roster like Antony Davis,Griifin, Harden, Westbrook. thanks

Yannis Koutroupis

I don’t think other countries will ever be as deep, but the gap has closed a bit. We saw Spain put up a great fight in the gold medal game. I think we’ll continue to see teams push the U.S., but as long as they have their best they should come out on top.

Alex in Burbank

The International Olympic Committe is reportedly interested in adding 3 on 3 basketball to the 2016 games. If this happens will they use NBA players? LeBron, Howard, CP3….no one can beat that! It wouldn’t be fair. Thoughts!

Yannis Koutroupis

I highly doubt NBA players would be eligible for that.

Lakers #1 Fan

Thanks for answering our questions! What is the word on the street about Derek Fisher? Is he talking to anyone? Where do you think he will land?

Yannis Koutroupis

Haven’t heard a word. I’d imagine someone gives him an offer, but if Fisher is solely wanting to play for a contender right now the market may be bare. I think only young teams will be willing to offer him a spot to be a mentor, which he may not be interested in at this point. Retirement could be on the horizon.

Jones1pro

Wassup Yannis, who do you see the Lakers going after in three years after Kobe and Steve is done to pair up with Dwight?

Yannis Koutroupis

Depends on who is there. I imagine several super stars will want to pair up with Dwight and be a Laker. They’ll have plenty of options.

Tony gunz

Hey yannis, I know this trade isn’t probable or in the cards but how do think amare and Howard would perform together? Amare had a pretty bad year last year but he had a chip on his shoulder, and how do you think gasol would perform with the Knicks,

Yannis Koutroupis

Don’t think they’re a great fit, Gasol much more ideal alongside Howard because of his passing skills and shooting ability.

charlie lakers

Hi Yannis! Should Lakers trade Mike Brown to San Antonio for Pop and Mid Mini?

Yannis Koutroupis

Funny. Brown is a product of Popovich. He’s as close at the Lakers will ever get to having Pop.

Jason

So i assume barring anything crazy (like this past summer) the Lker team as constructed is our team for the next two years. After which Kobe and Gasol come off the book leaving them Nash’s 8.something mil contract and (i’ll assume) howards max contract. Can the Lakers at that point have the $ to offer two max contract or just one? (also assuming they dont try to resign Kobe and Gasol (i imagine they will both be “servicable” playrs still at that point).

Yannis Koutroupis

I don’t know the exact numbers, but they will be able to add players of serious notoriety.

Sean

Who do you believe in college basketball is a Spur type of player?

Yannis Koutroupis

I think they’d love to get Tony Mitchell from UNT, but he’s going to be out of their range. Gorgui Dieng may be available where there at, though, and he’d be great for them. I think he’d really thrive in their program and he’s definitely their type of guy with high upside, great character, and tremendous work ethic.

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