NBA Chat With Yannis 9/14/12

LA in LA

I think their is a difference between teams with a “second fiddle” and a “1B”. 2 seasons ago Lebron and Wade were 1A and 1B. That same season Derrick Rose was clearly primary option while Carlos Boozer/Luol Deng were his second fiddles.

Yannis Koutroupis

Welcome everyone to this week’s chat. My question box is already pretty full, so I’m gonna be a little shorter than usual so I can get through them all.

I agree with that. Boozer/Deng are definitely second fiddles. Heck, now Boozer’s more like a third than a second. Where as Wade is definitely a 1B to LeBron’s 1A.

Roger

Don’t know why but I always got to ask you a question. Which team and why would you give the nod. Team 1: PG Gary Payton, SG Joe Dumars, SF Ron Artest, PF Dennis Rodman, C Ben Wallace. Team 2: PG Allen Iverson, SG Kobe Bryant, SF Tracy McGrady, PF Dirk Nowitzki, C Shaquille O’neal. One team plays great defense, the other scores with ease. We have seen each players prime so who would come out on top?

Yannis Koutroupis

Great offense typically beats great offense. Give me the group with Kobe and Iverson.

Adam

Do you see Sam Young making the Pacers final roster? Could be real value in the playoffs guarding potentially Melo, LeBron, Pierce, J Johnson. Also are you surprised DJ White hasn’t got at least a camp invite from his hometown Pacers?

Yannis Koutroupis

He’s got a chance. I wouldn’t be overly surprised. I think White’s probably sitting on training camp invites, but is holding out for some kind of guarantee.

zoe

for what team people got the least league pass?

Yannis Koutroupis

Charlotte Bobcats, I’d imagine.

Luka

is john wall shown that he is franchise guy or is he better suited as a second guy?Is he suited to be something like wade was for lbj last season in order to win a championship?

Yannis Koutroupis

Ask me again at the end of the year. Still too early to tell. Disagree with your premise about Wade, who won a championship on his own before LeBron.

John

why did pistons team with 5 true sf(prince,maggete,singler,middleton,daye) invite one more sf into camp?Predict how will minutes be divided on piston sf next season.

Yannis Koutroupis

Prince and Singler will play the most there, I think we’ll see some of Maggette at the two potentially just to get him on the court.

rocket

Why did rocketss go after lin?Dragić is twice a player lin is and proved himself for four years and lin have one good month and one bad after everyone met him.There is reason he couldn’t find a nba gig so long

Yannis Koutroupis

They really regretted letting Lin go and felt like Dragic wanted too much to stay.

will

How much money will jordan crawford ask for and how much wizards value him?What do you think it would be fair price?

Yannis Koutroupis

Somewhere in the 3-5 range is what I think he’ll end up with. I can’t see the Wizards going any higher, especially since they just drafted Brad Beal.

WIZARD

do you think that wizards can be defensively top 10 team and with that and 18p5r8a john wall get into playoff?

Yannis Koutroupis

I’m not sure about top 10, their backcourt isn’t exactly known for their defense. Those numbers are realistic for Wall, but the Wizards aren’t a playoff team in my eyes.

Ronny

are jazz seriuosly consider keeping milsapp beyond zhis season?They will need to offer favours minutes and money soon.I dont think he will wait forever to get a chance and watch undersized pf taking his spot

Yannis Koutroupis

I don’t think that’s in the cards. Millsap is likely headed elsewhere.

candy

arent players becoming too eager to compete for title.lbj.melo,howard,love,aldrige.Where is loyality gone to the team that gave you a chance and still want you?

Yannis Koutroupis

The reason guys play is to compete for a title. So, no I don’t feel like they’re getting too eager. That’s the ultimate goal.

seth

will detroit offer monroe max deal next summer or would he accept 12 mil ayear gor 5 years?

Yannis Koutroupis

He’s a max player, especially for Detroit.

super underdawg

Yannis have u seen the documentary about those senegal kids using basketball as a tool for education and better their lives? Wow man the touch me and i hope all of them succeed in life. The one who i remember is the guy who looks like an athletic version of dalemberg ,aziz n’diaye? I heard he is doing good in college? Please give me good news he will make the nba soon? Thanks bro! Prayers to all the undwer privilage people all around the world! Peace bro

Yannis Koutroupis

I have not seen it yet. N’Diaye is getting better, he’s still got some eligibility left so perhaps at the end of it he could be good enough to play at the next level.

Roger

Hey, another question for you! Okay who would win a best of seven from these two generation teams? Team #1: PG John Stockton, SG Micheal Jordan, SF Scottie Pippen, PF Charles Barkley, C Hakeem Olajuwan. Team #2: PG Jason Kidd, SG Kobe Bryant, SF Lebron James, PF Tim Duncan, C Shaquille O’neal. Arguably each was the best of their generation at their respected positions. Who would eventually come out on top in you’re mind?

Yannis Koutroupis

Ahh man, really difficult. I’m inclined to go with the old school guys. Feel like they’ll be able to defend well enough to get it done. It’s a wash offensively, but the older guys are better defensively in my mind.

Frank

If you were starting a team from scratch, rank your preference for these trio of players: Team #1 Kyrie Irving, Tristan Thompson, Dion Waiters Team #2 DeMarcus Cousins, Marcus Thorton, Isaiah Thomas, Team #3 – Jonas Valancious, Terrance Ross, and Kyle Lowry

Yannis Koutroupis

DeMarcus Cousins, Marcus Thornton, Isaiah Thomas and that’s all based on Cousins. Give me the dominant big man every time.

Matthew

Some people seem to believe the Philadelphia 76ers are clearly ahead of both the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets. Will have to respectfully disagree. Adding Bynum, JRich, etc is big, but also are the losses of Iguodala, Brand, Lou Williams, and Jodie Meeks. How do you personally rank these teams in terms of number of wins next year: Nets, 76ers, Knicks.

Yannis Koutroupis

Nets, Knicks, 76ers – I won’t bump the 76ers past them till Bynum proves himself and re-signs. 2013-14 at the earliest.

Mark ryan

I had no idea who Nemanja Nedovic was until i saw an article on here on who the top 5 international prospects were.

I saw his highlights and question how he is a 2nd round pick? Looks like a guaranteed first rounder to me with lottery talent.

Great Size, strength and STAND OUT Athleticism should get him looks in the first round alone and and add all the other things he brings to the table and hes easily a top 20 pick.

Yannis Koutroupis

We’ll see. It’ll be a little bit before he’s in the league.

ben

Everybody Sleeps on Austin Rivers True Talent and Skill. I said he was the best shooting Guard to coming out of high school in the Last 5 years and maybe since D-wade.

Standing 6’5 203 pounds with his quickness, Ball handling skills, and stroke and i see him as a perennial All Star in his prime. HE WILL STAND OUT AT THE NBA LEVEL.

Was Kyrie Irving that much talented than he was coming out of college? i don’t think so.

Yannis Koutroupis

Thing is, Rivers won’t be playing much shooting guard. Eric Gordon is going to play the bulk of the minutes there. They’re gonna ask him to play some point, which I think could be problematic. And, Irving was much better at Duke than Rivers was even though he only played 11 games. The footage doesn’t lie, go back and watch.

Mike

How and Why did Marshon Brooks fall all way to the 25th pick in the 2011 Draft? He was the second leading scorer in the country and Dropped a Big East Record 52 Points. Why didn’t Scouts, teams, and analysts see that he could score on ANYBODY.

Watching Highlights of his Rookie Season you can tell he has alot of Kobe in his Game. I think he will one day lead the NBA IN PPG.

Yannis Koutroupis

Pretty sure you asked me this question last week. There were questions about how he’d fit into a team scheme and whether or not his game would translate. He was a steal where he was chosen.

Joe

There has been a lot of Debate on who the better shooter is Kyrie Irving or Damian Lillard? Who is the better pure Shooter and overall shooter who is the better 3 point shooter?

What are some things that Damian Lillard can do better than Kyrie Irving right now? Maybe Defense? Shooting?

People forget that Lillard Shot 40% from 3 this season on 7.2 attempts and 2.9 makes which is RIDCOULOUS and Would be on the best in the NBA Today.

Yannis Koutroupis

Went over this exact question last week too. Lillard also shot from a closer line, don’t forget that. I’m going with Irving because he’s proven at the NBA level, shooting just slightly less than Lillard did at the college level.

john

How Will Anthony Davis make the All Star team in the next 5 years with Kevin Love, Blake Griffin and Lamarcus Aldridge all in the west? and Derrick Favors a sleeper choice.

Yannis Koutroupis

He’ll be 24 in 5 years, even if he doesn’t make it it’s not like he’s a bust. He’ll probably just be hitting his stride then and contend for the next several years.

Aaron

Dion Waiters is starting to get underrated with everyone thinking hes going to be a bust. I think After Anthony Davis he has as much potential as ANYBODY in the draft and could get close D-Wades level one day.

Yannis Koutroupis

It’s not so much that he’s underrated as much as people think the Cavs overrated him. We’ll just have to wait and see. I think he can play. I don’t think he’s D-Wade, but he’s definitely talented and full of potential.

Joe

Is Damian Lillard a better prospect than last years lottery picks Brandon Knight and Kemba Walker? Who has the most Upside and Potential of the 3? Will any of them ever be an All Star?

Who will be the best out of them in 5 years?

Yannis Koutroupis

I’d give Lillard the slight edge because I feel like he’s coming in NBA ready and more well-rounded than those guys. Knight may have a bit more upside, but I’ll take Lillard being the best down the line.

ben

How Good is Brandon Jennings and whats his Potential? He was a borderline All Star last year, will he make it next year? Future? He seems to have all the talent in the world but just cant put it all together.

Yannis Koutroupis

I’m not sure he’s in the right place right now. May need to go somewhere else to reach his best. He’s a top end starter. I can see him making some All-Star teams.

Mark ryan

Could Cody Zeller actually be the number 1 pick next year? He doesn’t seem to have the upside of a usual Number 1 pick probably since Andrew Bogut in 2005.

How good can he be in the NBA? Has to to be a future All Star if he is even getting consideration for the number 1 pick.

Yannis Koutroupis

He’s projected by many as that right now. I agree that his upside isn’t tremendous, but he does look like he can be a solid start, blue-collar type player who gives you 14, 10 and a little bit in every other category.

Jacob R.

Was Jared Sullinger a better prospect coming out than Kevin Love in 2008?

NO ONE ever would of Seen Kevin Love becoming a NBA Super Star so can Jared Sullinger at least be a All Star? He was a better High School and College player than Kevin Love.

Yannis Koutroupis

Sullinger definitely could. I’d say Love was a little higher, but not by much. He just didn’t have the medical red flag bringing him down.

Wil

Hi Yannis, question on Coach Calhoun’s retirement. I was surprised when he mentioned he wanted to retire at the start of the season. Isn’t that a bit unfair to the players he recruited? No disrespect intended (and I realize health had a lot to do with it), but I wanted your thoughts.

Yannis Koutroupis

For the past 26 years at UConn Coach Calhoun has dedicated himself to that school, state, and his players. He’s given them everything he has and more. If he earned anything, it’s the right to retire when he doesn’t think he can do it at the level he’s accustomed to anymore because of his health. His assistants were a bigger part of recruiting than he was, so it’s not like his players are going to be playing for someone they’re unfamiliar with.

Chris

Hi Yannis, As the clippers just signed Matt Barnes for the upcoming season, where do you see them end up in the ranking? I think everthing from 3-5 would be good, downwards i think it wouldn´t be a bust, but somehow disappointing. The veteran aquisitions give them a lot of experience, guys like Blake, DJ and Eric can benefit from. What´s your opinion on that?

Yannis Koutroupis

Don’t disagree at all. 3-5 is their range.

Hallack

Although they’re obviously higher on Jonas, it appears that before this year’s draft the Raptors were pretty high on Melo as well, and could have picked him if they’d managed to trade down a few spots (maybe a trade with the Rockets would have allowed them to get both Ross and Melo…but who knows?). The Cs like Melo’s upside but they need a center who can contribute right away. So, please share your thougts on the following trade:
Raptors: Melo, Bass and 2013 1st rd dp
Celtics: Valenciunas, salary filler (Kleiza?) and 2013 2nd rd dp

Yannis Koutroupis

Raptors wouldn’t do that. They’re trying to win now. Melo will need at least a couple of years.

Jim in CyberSpace

In 4 or 5 years…how will the college BB world look at Jim Calhoun?

It’s a complicated question?

He’s not “clean”. He “chose” the correct time to retire, with his physical ailments…at least he didn’t hang around like JoePa.

Don’t you think it’s an oxymoron that he stayed around this past year so his hand picked replacement didn’t have to deal with NCAA sanctions?

Trying to “cement” his legacy…as most do on their way out the door. It’s probably five years overdue.

Yannis Koutroupis

They’ll look at him as one of the greatest ever.

John

in a 7 game series who do you have winning nuggets or knicks

Yannis Koutroupis

Knicks. Star power matters and the Knicks are better defensively.

Brandon

Good afternoon yannis.. a couple of questions about the Houston rockets. Have you heard about any trades before training camp? Who do you think make the final roster since they have a lot of pf and several pgs? Because I thought would have added more veterans. That’s what Kevin mchale wants ..

Yannis Koutroupis

No, the Rockets tried to make some big splashes but nothing came to fruition. The guys with the guaranteed contracts will end up on the final roster, the others who are cheapest to let go will get cut unless they really stand out.

Charlie

The teams I currently have missing the playoffs in the West this year: 9) Golden State 10) Minnesota 11) Portland 12) Phoenix 13) Sacramento 14) Houston 15) New Orleans. Of the teams listed, which one am I overvaluing the most and which team am I underestimating the most.

Yannis Koutroupis

GS and Minnesota are in in my opinion. Phoenix has a shot.

Benny Da Bull

Why don’t the Bulls facilitate a trade of T. Evans for RIP and a late first rounder? Reke could use a fresh start and at that point there is nothing but upside for the Bulls. Low risk high reward in my eyes.

Yannis Koutroupis

Sacramento would never do that. Evans isn’t living up to their expectations, but that doesn’t mean they’re willing to give him away for basically nothing.

Eric123

Pop has been on record saying that the Spurs would not be anywhere close to good defensively as they were in past (when they were winning championships). do you think that the organization would be geared toward acquiring gritty defenders in the near future?

Yannis Koutroupis

They’re about finding players who fit their program and solid defensive skills is one of the priorities they prioritize.

Nasteedunx

Is there any market out there for Kevin Martin, and is it a foregone conclusion he’ll be swapped before the season starts? He has already expressed his displeasure for coming off the bench for Kevin McHale last season, and it seems the feeling is pretty mutual. I doubt playing reserve behind Jeremy Lamb will sit well with him if that’s how the season starts.

Yannis Koutroupis

As a potent scorer and an expiring contract, he’ll almost undoubtedly be moved by the trade deadline. Houston probably doesn’t want much in return, anyway.

Mac

The Chicago Bulls are one of the toughest teams to predict the number of wins for next year. Some experts cite the Bulls record minus DRose last year (18-9) and believe they will be able to hold until he returns to get a #3-#5 seed. Others believe since this is the first year in Rose 100 million dollar contract, owners may not want him to return if Chicago is not in contention, meaning Derek may not even comeback next year at all- slotting them much lower in the #7-#10 range. Of these possibilities, which side are you on and why.

Yannis Koutroupis

I think they’re in the 6-8 range. And Rose is a competitor who loves to play. He’ll be back on the court next year, bank on it.

Lee the Hoops Guy

Who will have a been rookie season: Bradley Beal or Harrison Barnes?

Yannis Koutroupis

Beal because I don’t think he’ll have the same competition for minutes that Barnes does.

That’s going to do it for this week everyone. Thanks for stopping by!