NBA Rumors Chat With Steve Kyler 12/20/12

HOOPSWORLD Publisher Steve Kyler will hold his weekly chat at 10:30am EST on Thursdays. Drop in your questions regarding NBA trades, the NBA Draft, roster moves or questions about your team.

  1. Randy

    The D-League seems like a good place to develop talent as a “farm team” to a NBA team. However, there may be an inherent problem with the system. Ex. Chris Douglas Roberts is leading the league in scoring at 27+ points / game. But if he were ever recalled, he would play a completely different role at the pro level – defensive stopper, spot shooter, not-focal part of the offense. So you are calling him up based on offensive statistics yet want him to play a defensive role. Do you agree with this argument? If so, have any ideas to correct the system? Ex. encouraging D-League coaches to play players like CDR in a defensive stopper role despite being the most gifted offensively on the team. Sacrifice wins for proper player development so when recalled, he will be playing the same role. Your thoughts.

    • Steve Kyler

      Welcome in everyone… this will be my last chat before Christmas, so an early Merry Christmas to you all… lots to get to, so lets get after it.

      How players are used is immaterial… teams try and find players that fit the gaps and holes they have… to find players that fit their system and players that could add to the equation. The fact the Chris Douglas-Roberts is dominating in the D-League has little bearing to whether a team wants him on their roster.

      I do think CDR will get a 10-day contract next month, but what he’s shown in the NBA against elite talent, is that he is not nearly as good as he looks against D-League talent.

      The biggest issue facing the D-League is money… they pay almost nothing… its a slotted system where the highest level guys get paid $24,000 and it drops from there. That’s not enough money to get players to take the D-League seriously. You’ll see a mass exodus from the D-League to Europe after the D-League showcase in January because teams can’t pay what International leagues can.

      NBA know know exactly what CDR is as a player… he’s not getting shafted by the system. He is there because he’s never made the most of his opportunity at the next level.

      The D-League is its own business… the coaches there want to win and prove they belong at the next level… players want to win so they can prove they belong at the next level… no one wants to handcuff guys for the sake of a call up that may never come.

  2. LA in LA

    What do you think about this tweet:
    “I’ve heard whispers that CP3 isn’t as enamored with the Clippers — or playing with Blake — as advertised, but since it has come from execs on other teams, I’m a little wary about how much credence to give it. They’re still very thin on the front line, particularly when it comes to scoring in half-court sets. If they get to the conference finals, it would be a significant accomplishment.”
    I find that believable, but I also don’t see a better destination (via FA) Paul could go to if it was true.

    • Steve Kyler

      Total BS… Chris is extremely happy with his situation and I would be absolutely floored if he were not with the Clippers next year.

      I think anyone suggesting otherwise is not talking to Chris… will he have a chance to test the marketplace, sure, but Chris loves being in LA.

  3. LA in LA

    Mike Trudell tweeted this: “Since D’Antoni wants to leave MettaWP on the bench so he can play PF, D’Antoni doesn’t mind starting Kobe/Meeks as the wings”.
    Which D’Antoni also said leaves J.Hill out of the rotation. Assuming D’Antoni keeps this rotation,and that Jamison would get any back up forward minutes, doesn’t this mean Jordan Hill’s going to be traded before the deadline?
    I honestly think Hill could net my Lakers a solid wing player (think a SF version of Jodie Meeks, like a Carlos Delfino) or at least a low first or mid 2nd round pick.

    (P.S. I’m NOT saying Rockets would give up Delfino for J.Hill, just using him as an example).

    • Steve Kyler

      Anyone on the end of the bench is always a possibility to be traded, especially if it returns value or solves problems.

      I have been told that any combination of Devin Ebanks, Darius Morris, Darius Johnson-Odom and Jordan Hill could be had a for a decent backup point guard… so short answer, Yes, I think Jordan Hill could get traded… but at the same time the Lakers value Jordan and every team is an injury away from needing that guy that doesn’t play, to play big minutes.

      Jordan Hill is one of the crayons in the box… its up to Mike D’Antonio to use or not use him.

  4. Deven

    Why is Charlotte and Brooklyn struggling?

    • Steve Kyler

      On Brooklyn… Deron Williams is really struggling to shot the ball and he’s the engine that makes them go… also consider they have played significantly better teams over this last stretch… two against the Knicks, a scorching Warriors team, the Thunder… They were right there with Utah and Chicago.

      I’d also say Andray Blatche coming down to earth is a factor too… he was so good early that Brooklyn got a lot of production from him… he’s been average at best lately.

      On Charlotte… man the wheels have come off. I don’t watch them nearly as much as other teams, but the few times I have watched, they are get outmatched talent wise. That is not a very good team yet and teams are blowing through them and its been a lot of the teams that are at the top of their conference… Clippers, Knicks, Golden State, Atlanta.

      They play hard, but they are outmatched.

  5. Jazzaholic

    With Big Al and Paul on the block, do you see any willing trading partners and players who might be involved, which would make a good trade for both teams?

    • Steve Kyler

      They are not on the block. Utah’s stance has been the same… they are not looking at anything with those guys until after the All-Star break.

  6. willie

    hi what are the kings looking to get for evans and minny is looking for a 3pt shooter redick for williams would be great for both teams could that deal happen

    • Steve Kyler

      The Kings say they are not trading Tyreke… not sure why, but they say they are not trading him. I think that changes in in late January.

      As for Redick… JJ wants to stay, the Magic want to keep him… not sure they move him just to move him… that too could change at the deadline.

  7. Roon

    1) If you were starting an NBA franchise tomorrow, who would be your top three choices for a general manager? Personally, I love the Sam Presti philosophy of building through the draft. Of course drafting Durant and Westbrook doesn’t hurt. I also love the tough trades he makes (i.e. James Harden).

    2) What is your opinion of Charlotte Bobcats GM, Rich Cho who is a former Presti disciple?

    • Steve Kyler

      Top 3 GMs… RC Buford… Sam Presti… an unchained Mitch Kupchak.

      I like Rich… I think he’s got solid ideas. I hope MJ gives him the room to deliver on them. That said most teams have a collective of decision makers, and that’s kind of how Charlotte is constructed… no singular power guy other than MJ.

  8. Jazzfan

    Who is the best PG in the game today? My vote goes for CP3 no way the Clippers are a playoff team without him. Period.

    • Steve Kyler

      I have thought Chris Paul was the best point in the league for years, so not changing my vote on that now.

      That said I think Kyrie Irving is better than advertised. I think Russell Westbrook is really coming into his own. Tony Parker is elite and Deron Williams has his moments because of his size. I am eager to see how injury changes Derrick Rose’s game.

  9. Peter

    Hey Steve! Merry Christmas :)
    We’ve heard trade rumors regarding Gasol, Love, Bargnani, Calderon and Varejao. Who do you think will be the first one to get dealt? Also, what are the chances of Stephen Jackson leaving the Spurs?

    • Steve Kyler

      Kevin Love is not going to be dealt… cross it off the list.

      I doubt the Spurs trade jack unless they get real value for him… not sure I am ready to call who gets traded first. I think they all get traded this year but I think it happens in 2013 closer to the deadline more than closer to new years.

  10. Chris

    If the Lakers still haven’t figured it out by the deadline and Howard indicates he isn’t happy with his role, would LA consider moving him given that Gasol would have a much lower return? Could a deal of Howard, Blake, Clark, and Jamison to ATL for Horford, Jenkins, and the expiring deals of Pachulia and Harris, as well as a pick be a consideration?

    Gasol could slide to C, where his age and declining athleticism wouldn’t be as pronounced, Howard teams with buddies Josh Smith and Morrow in his hometown, and the Lakers would significantly reduce luxury tax payments next year.

    • Steve Kyler

      The Lakers know whats going on with Dwight and are OK with the situation… as for Gasol, not sure they are connected. The Lakers have been trying to move of Gasol’s contract for a while, so its not dependent on Dwight.

      There are a couple of things… Players and teams can not make verbal agreements. The Lakers can’t ask, and Dwight can’t commit. Dwight’s camp has been clear that he’ll sign a new deal with LA… that is all they can do. LA either has to trust the commentary or blink.

      There is risk, because Dwight is not under any obligation to stay, but the Lakers have heard enough to know they are the front runner.

      I think the question not being asked, is do the Lakers want to pay Dwight Howard $100 million? Could they become a better team cashing him out because they can’t cash Gasol for much.

      I don’t think losing Dwight is a real fear for the Lakers… Paying him might be.

  11. Chris

    The Pacers and Hornets each have an injury-prone star that have ties to the other team’s respective cities. Would Granger for Gordon work for both teams? Allows Paul George to stay at his natural position of SF, and gives N’Awlins a long-term look at what they have with Rivers/Henry at SG.

    • Steve Kyler

      I have commented about that fit for a while… New Orleans’ stance (right or wrong) is that Eric Gordon is the right guy for them.

      I think time will tell, but keep in mind I have talked with Kevin Pritchard and Dell Demps about both guys and they get good and annoyed at any commentary suggesting the guys they have don’t fit.

      Because New Orleans matched Gordon;s contract, he can veto any trade for the first year of the deal. That makes constructing a trade with him tough. Also, there was a lot of speculation that Eric Gordon may need microfracture if this latest round of rehab doesn’t solve the issues in his knee. Not sure Indiana trades for that kind of risk.

  12. JM

    Hi Steve,
    How does this trade sounds?
    Kings get Lowry and D.Williams.
    Wolves get Evens.
    Raptors get Kings’ 2014 pick, Wolves’s 2014 pic, and GW’s 2013 pick (owned wolves)
    All 3 team get rid of players that fell our of favors (with the exception of Lowry, but Calderon has been on fire lately).
    Kings get young talent at their 2 weakest positions.
    Wolves get the SG potential 2nd scorer they need.
    Raptors can continue to develop their talent while rebuilding and increasing their odds of getting Wiggins in 2014.

    • Steve Kyler

      Sure… lets get on the phone and see which team is really interested.

  13. Michael

    Which teams are serious about trading for Jose Calderon?

    • Steve Kyler

      Not sure there is anyone knocking down the door for Jose… that will change at the deadline when Toronto has paid the bulk of his contract. Equally, its not about a team wanting Jose, its what will they give Toronto for him and he’s been playing really well lately… hot stocks come at a premium.

  14. Wile E Coyote

    Hi Steve. Despite adding some good wings last summer, the Wolves are once again hurting at that position. Roy, Budinger, Howard, and Lee are all out and have been for a while. Is the team actively trying to get a SG like Lee/Redick/etc? Or are they still putting their hopes on Roy and waiting for Bud in March? I feel if they do not add someone soon they will miss the playoffs. Need outside shooting really badly.

    • Steve Kyler

      I talked with Brandon on Monday… he had a clean out of his knee and as he described it “it was a little flap in there”. He is taking it slow but thinks maybe around Christmas he’ll be back. He says the knee is totally fine and that its all about getting back into game shape. So there is that.

      As for trading… it takes too to tango and no one is giving gifts at Christmas in the NBA… its possible if the two guard spot becomes an issue they try and make a deal, but they have Rubio back and can play Luke Ridnour and Alexy Shved at the two if they need to.

  15. Dan A

    The Magic are now 11-6 with JJ Redick and Jameer Nelson in the line-up. Glen Davis injury aside, I figure that should be getting some attention, no?

    • Steve Kyler

      As I covered this morning… the Magic are trying to install a winning culture. They want guys that practice hard, play hard and want to be part of the team… how can you say that to your guys and then start piecemealing off the team?

      I think Orlando will be active in almost everything that goes down… they have their huge Traded Player Exception and some draft picks and ending contracts. I do not get the sense Orlando is in any hurry to do anything, and a lot of it is about where they are in the standings at the deadline.

      If moving a guy can achieving a bigger objective – landing an elite talent, securing an attractive bundle of assets, moving of bad fitting contracts… I think they will look hard at that.

      That said the Magic like the fact that they are way ahead of everyone expectations and they are trying to convince a lot of people that the culture is changing.

      Not sure they will move just because they can.

  16. Colin

    Do you think after the NY game, Jeremy Lin may fully turn the page and begin to blossom in Houston?

    • Steve Kyler

      Jeremy is not nearly as good as people want to make him out to be… he is a decent NBA point guard. He wasn’t holding on to anything about New York, and I’m not sure that game has any real impact on him going forward. He’ll be streaky against suspect guards… against elite teams he’ll struggle because he’s not an elite guy despite his hype.

  17. Jio

    If Baby is out for an extended period would you expect the Magic to begin trading their veterans or would it be a wait and see?

    What is your percentage on Redick being a Magic by the end of the season?

  18. grumpy

    any trade chatter?

  19. Jack

    hey Bill, how about those Rockets?

    My question for you today is, are you as puzzled as I am that people are sleeping on Kyrie this much?

    How good do you think this kid can get? Are you like me in thinking he will be the best point guard in three years, and a (I know it’s early) sure fire hall of fame player. Kyrie has the killer instinct.

    Also whats up with Brooklyn? It has to be bad coaching doesn’t it?

  20. Tom

    Buck’s crowded with big men, Celtics with guards, does a trade between these two teams make sense?

    What about either Udoh or Dalembert for Courtney Lee?

    • Steve Kyler

      Not sure Milwaukee takes on the money… They really like their flexibility this summer and Courtney has not played well enough to justify the trade.

  21. MJB

    Who would you rather have on your team, Paul Milsap or Al Jefferson?

    • Steve Kyler

      Paul Millsap… harder worker, creates bigger mismatch and a great locker room guy. Also significantly cheaper.

  22. OKC

    whould you trade perkins,lamb,perry and tor pick for varejao?because I think its stupid trade for OKC

    • Steve Kyler

      No… why make a trade when your on pace for 68 wins. That depth will matter in the post-season.

  23. mike

    what could bring back a package of rip hapilton and the tpe?wilson chandler?
    we hear that rip is on the trading block.what do you think gar/pax have in mind?

    • Steve Kyler

      I know they’d like to clean up the cap, so don’t think about deals that add dollars. They don’t need Rip and if they can get a rookie deal player or a solid draft pick and drop the dollars, they’d do it.

      He could also be the grease on a bigger package, especially for guys like Nate Robinson with non-guaranteed deals.

  24. Dan from Tampa

    Orlando is 11-6 with Nelson and Redick in the line-up. That’s not just average, that’s pretty damn good. Why do people still think this team is a push over?

    • Steve Kyler

      Because there are no stars on the team and they have a rookie head coach and did not get a lot of material value back for Dwight.

      I told you guys from the jump… Orlando is better than you think they are. They play hard, and if you make mistakes or let up they can beat you. If the elite teams play hard and don’t make mistakes Orlando does not have the talent to win against superior talent teams.

  25. Anthony

    I’m going to ask a question that all Chicago Bulls fans wana know. Will we ever land a superstar to put next to D.Rose in the free agent market of 2014 where Lbj Wade Bosh etc are available?

    • Steve Kyler

      No… they have their core in Noah and Loul Deng. They have to build the next super star, can’t afford to buy one anytime soon.

  26. Fred

    I hear everyone saying that Amare should come off the bench for the Knicks. Isn’t it a little too early to say that? And when Shumpert comes back, what will the rotation look like?

    • Steve Kyler

      8-2… that was Mike Woodson’s record with both Amar’e and Melo on the floor… thats the stat the Knicks use in saying Amar’e and Melo can work together. The reason everyone talks about STAT off the bench is because Carmelo is dominating at the four spot and Tyson Chandler starts at five.

      As for Shump, thats a good question… the Knicks have a good thing going, not sure I mess with it to get either guy meaningful minutes.

  27. Devonte

    Is cj McCollum this years Damian lillard?

    • Steve Kyler

      I don;t think he’s in the ballpark of Lillard… that said he is very good and I think he’s got a chance to be a top 15 pick.

  28. Devonte

    Are the Knicks going to be in the market to trade this year?

    • Steve Kyler

      I doubt it. They don’t have many needs and they have a ton of money owed.

      Guys… I am out of time. Thanks for all the questions. Make sure you are following me on Twitter (@stevekylerNBA). Have a great and safe holiday and I’ll see you all next week.