NBA Rumors Chat With Steve Kyler 5/10/12

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. calvinzero

    In how many weeks from now, the lottery for the 2012 NBA Draft is there rolling. Is it acceptable argument that the Bobcats will get a rough no.1 spot in the lottery? How the other analysts come out with that argument? In your own percentage of chance, where is the Bobcats for the no.1 spot in the draft? Thanks Steve, I LOVE HOOPSWORLD.

    • Steve Kyler

      Welcome in everyone… I hope the week has been good to you. Lots of questions in the queue, so lets get after them

      The Draft Lottery is May 30th, so your talking 20 days, less than three weeks.

      The Bobcats have a 25% chance of landing the top pick, thats something thats set in stone.

      They will get issued 250 lottery numbers, and the ping-pong balls will do their magic.

      Not sure that analysts have anything to do with the odds… those are mathematically set.

  2. Chriz

    Good day steve! Do you think orl can get Oj mayo as their second star? What do you think is the future of the magic? new coach, new gm, new lineup?

    • Steve Kyler

      Do you think orl can get Oj mayo as their second star?
      — No. They don’t have any real money to offer. OJ will be a restricted free agent and a Mid-Level deal likely gets matched by Memphis with a thank you basket of fruit for saving them millions…

      What do you think is the future of the magic?
      — As i covered this morning the NBA AM (http://www.hoopsworld.com/nba-am-can-the-knicks-get-steve-nash-3) — the Magic need a lot of people to do them favors or they have to start dropping pieces to get room to add.

      new coach, new gm, new lineup?
      — Yes on all three. I think we’ll see this get resolved fairly quickly.

  3. Will

    Should Orlando try to trade for Johnson/Jsmoove in a package deal,I know ATL would like to get rid of his contract?

    • Steve Kyler

      They do not have the assets to do it unless they move Dwight Howard…. Atlanta is not going to take what the Magic have to offer. They have the better players now.

  4. Will

    Do you think D12 signs the extension this summer,if not do you think the Magic trade him this summer?

    • Steve Kyler

      It is a very complicated question… as the team sits right now… no chance.

      They have to get a GM/President that can rebuild the fractured trust Howard has with the entire organization… thats not going to be easy.

      You have to get a coach that Howard believes can take him and his team to a championship inside the next two years and you’ll have to bring in or be ready to bring in players that can make a championship possible.

      That is a tough work list… keep in mind Howard did the right thing by Orlando and opted in when everyone in his life urged him not to, then the Magic franchise parked a bus on him.

      There is a huge “I told you so” going on in this that whoever is running the team is going to have to over come…. I am not sure it can be overcome.

  5. John

    how will you remember nash dirk duncan and kobe on and off the court when they retire?

    • Steve Kyler

      Four of the greatest players at their positions.

      My guys Mike Moreau and David Thorpe always talk about the Jordan-Magic-Bird Club… those three hold the unique distinction of being the top guy for their teams, winning multiple titles. League MVPs and Finals MVPs… if you run through your list of the greatest guys ever those three stand alone in their career accomplishments.

      Tim Duncan gets into the club when he retires and there is a strong case for Kobe, especially if both get one more ring.

      Nash is pound for pound the best point guard of the modern era… He is in Stockton country and he may get a ring before he’s finished.

      Dirk got his ring and could be one of the greatest to ever play the four spot… he is certainly one of the best International players ever.

  6. D

    How much of an upgrade of an GM would Adonal be over Otis? I like Adonal but a lot of us are looking for a Kevin Pritchard type…

    • Steve Kyler

      It would be a colossal mistake.

      Adonal is not even close to ready to run an entire team. The only way that makes sense is if you are surrounding him with uber veteran basketball guys.

  7. Jeremy

    Hey! Would washington or cleveland be interested in a Demar Derozan and #8 for #2 (was) or #5 (cle). The raps could then get either Kidd – Gilchrist or Bradley Beal to fill the void and sign a FA like OJ Mayo. MKG/Mayo pretty good!

    • Steve Kyler

      Not sure either club is to the point of trading out of their picks yet… typically teams want to look at guys and see who fits or does not fit.

      I am big DeMar fan, so I am not sure I am trading a guy that knows the NBA, knows the system and is growing into a decent player for a draft pick that may or may not pan out.

  8. Alvin

    Hey,a thought, I think if the Knicks can pick up Nash . He can be the player they need.lin might be a good but not short term.nash can get the ball to player where need it.

    • Steve Kyler

      As i covered this morning… you likely get one of the four guys you want.

      If you opt for the 38-year old Nash, you lose Lin, likely lose Landry Fields and absolutely lose J.R. Smith.

  9. John

    What would happen if Jameer Nelson doesn’t give the Magic a decision in 3 days (when they gave him that time frame). From what I heard he doesn’t have to make a decision until June per his contract. Also, doesnt this mean the Magic want him gone, Im sure if dwight stays, coach and gm change all play into his decision which he wont know.

    • Steve Kyler

      There are conflicting reports on when Jameer has to decide… for my money I’ll go with John Denton as he is being told that by the Magic.

      I think Jameer is going to opt for free agency regardless… he played great in the post-season and I think enough teams respect him as a floor leader that can make big plays, that he’ll get a four year $25 to $30 million deal.

  10. Daniel Toma

    Outside of Dwight Howard/Deron Williams and KG what is the next biggest rumour of a player the Nets are going to go after?

    • Steve Kyler

      Jeremy Lin.

      If Deron Williams walks, I’ll bet dime to dollar that Linsanity opens the Barclay Center.

  11. Alex M.

    If Dwight is traded will be it be during the draft or do the Magic wait til free agents are signed and see who has the package to offer?

    • Steve Kyler

      Highly unlikely Dwight is traded on draft night… a deal might get consummated, but the actual move won’t happen until July 10th, when the new cap year starts and teams can absorb contract differences with cap space.

      If the Brooklyn Nets come out of the draft lottery with a top 2 pick in the 2012 Draft on May 30th, I think Howard gets traded to the Nets.

      I am just not sold that lack of trust can be repaired… I have talked to some executives that would love the magic job who believe they can repair the rift, so we’ll have to see.

      If the Nets do not get a top 2 pick, I think the Magic look at their options a little deeper.

  12. FT3S

    Why didn’t anyone trade for Jamal Crawford before the deadline? I see a lot of teams who could use his scoring punch but didn’t make a move. Was the asking price too high from POR?

    • Steve Kyler

      They tried, but it takes two to tango.

      The Blazers did not want to take on any long-term salary that would have limited them this summer, so finding anyone who;d give anything for Crawford without adding years was a small number of situations.

      Jamal thought he was traded to Minnesota… it just didn’t happen.

  13. Alex M.

    Who ya got? LAL or OKC? I would love Fish to win a ring with my boy KD.

    • Steve Kyler

      I learned a long time ago not to bet against Kobe Bryant in May and June.

      I’d love to see KD in the Finals because he’s my guy… I have a lot of friends on that Thunder team, but the Lakers are built for post-season basketball.

  14. B

    With the arena issues aside, and assuming the Kings stay in sac for the long haul, what should they be looking for in the off-season to better the team? Whether through free-agency or through the draft. Also, who would you consider “available” for trades? Thanks Steve, you guys do a great job here.

    • Steve Kyler

      I can not assume that on the Kings… I think they are gone next year.

      Three things I am doing if I run the Kings…

      Geoff Petrie has to go. I am trying to off-load Tyreke Evans for picks in this draft class. I am looking for smart veterans like Tony Battie or Kurt Thomas or Ben Wallace to come teach my kids how to play in the NBA.

  15. Bernard

    You think Orlando should gamble on Amare to appease Dwight?Turk,Baby,Jrich for Amare,Fields

    • Steve Kyler

      No.

      Its terrible decisions like this one that got Orlando here in the first place.

  16. Deven

    Hi Steve. What’s the latest on CP3 and Blake’s injuries? Are they that bad?

    • Steve Kyler

      Vinny Del Negro said both players were cleared to return to the game in Game 5, but they opted not to let them play.

      Both are expected to play in Game 6… Blake’s injury was a knee, CP3 was a groin.

  17. Deven

    Which team(s) will force a Game 7 tonight in your opinion?

    • Steve Kyler

      Can I vote none?

      I think the Bulls proved they won;t lay down as did the Hawks… so game 7 is possible. I just don’t think likely.

  18. Cryan Bolangelo

    Can the Raptors pry Harden from OKC? Maybe the lottery pick, Ed Davis and a second rounder?

    • Steve Kyler

      No… the Thunder don’t have to deal with Harden for really one more year. They can choose to pay him this summer, but he’ll be a restricted free agent next July in 2013.

  19. Petey

    Is Iggy finally moved out of Philly and how much does he fetch given the perceived notions that he is not a franchise player and is overpaid?

    • Steve Kyler

      Maybe.

      I think there are teams like the Lakers and Orlando that would do a deal for Iggy… not sure they give up much, but if your Philly would you take Hedo Turkoglu and the #19 for Iggy?

      Thats the kind of offers the 76ers likely get.

  20. Evan

    What would you put the % at for Stan, Otis, and Dwight to return for Orlando next year? I am assuming the first two are below 20%, just hoping there is still a chance for Dwight.

    • Steve Kyler

      Percentage on all three being back?… almost zero.

      Dwight is under contract, so the Magic control where he plays.

      I do think there is a great than average chance the Magic open the season without all of them, but there is a lot that has to play out first.

  21. Lucas

    Hey Steve, loved your show yesterday. Who do you see in the Eastern Conf Finales? What do you think of Amar’e's campaign for Nash? I think that Lin is too much of a revenue maker for the franchise to ever let him go. I was in Asia during the Linsanity and it was crazy over there. I think only a suicidal owner would let go of such valuable commodity. But that’s just me, what do you think? Thanks a lot for your time.

    • Steve Kyler

      Thanks… Alex Kennedy is a great side kick :0)

      Who do you see in the Eastern Conf Finales?
      — Today… HEAT and Celtics

      What do you think of Amar’e’s campaign for Nash?
      — I “want” to win Powerball, does not mean it will happen. Nash is going to get a lot of offers and some of them will be major money offers. I do not see him leaving $10 million a year for $5 million in NYC and a roster comprised of minimum guys on the bench.

  22. Damian K

    With the way Dallas went out and age player a major factor, it looks to be a summer of retooling around Dirk for the last time. Starting with the draft, who would be an ideal fit with the 17th pick? I believe Dion Waiters does things the Mavs need at the 2-guard spot.

  23. James

    Amare seems like the scapegoat in this NYC fiscal. But my opinion Melo deserves more of the blame. Before he got there no one talked about Stat being a ball stopper. And what i remember he defended pretty well. Get rid of Melo and that will solve NYC problems, thoughts?

    • Steve Kyler

      Its a pretty flawed team… so not sure you can pin anything on one guy… but busting your hand on a fire extinguisher door made him an easy target.

      The Knicks can not trade Amar’e without getting garbage in return… teams are petrified of that contract.

      If you move Melo, you’ll get dimes on the dollar for him. I think more teams would call, but I am not sold you get even as much as you gave up for him.

  24. Jason

    Am I the only person who thinks the Heat vs Pacers is going to be a good series? If Hibbert controls the paint and D. West plays well the Pacers could give the Heat serious problems, why no respect?

    • Steve Kyler

      Yes… Boys and men.

      Indiana needs to push this to 7 games, if they can do that call this season a success, but they just don’t have the firepower and poise to beat Miami.

  25. James

    melo taking 100 more shots than Stat in the playoffs bothers me. Not to mention 41 shots to Stats 8 in the final game thats laughable. If doubt that look at NYC record before Melo and tell me whats the difference? He seems like he plays 4 numbers not to win.

    • Steve Kyler

      Did you not know thats who Melo was when you traded for him?

      Carmelo plays. Thats what he does. People said the say kind of things about Kobe not so long ago too.

      Melo took the shots he was allowed to take. The Coaching staff gives him the unlimited green light, so they share the blame in the iniquity of shots.

  26. AJ

    gotta say you and lang have the best chats. I have 2 things totally unrelated.

    1. why do u guys (the site) cover the raptors? seriously im tired of reading questions regarding derozan and bargnani and the draft etc. they wont make the playoffs in the next 10 yrs im sorry.

    2. what do u think about the lakers trading pau for younger cheaper talent. landry? milsapp? and can kobe re-do his deal to free up space and get help? kob’ already got his money and pau should re-do his or get traded. i can see drew needing his big payday. lakers have no bench because kobe is getting 30 pau 19 and drew 16. mill/yr not ppg.. long i know but thanks for ur time man…

    • Steve Kyler

      Thanks for the love…

      1. why do u guys (the site) cover the raptors?

      — because we do not view the Raptors or Toronto they way you do. We cover every team.

      2. what do u think about the lakers trading pau for younger cheaper talent. landry? milsapp?

      — Not many teams will take Pau Gasol’s deal… its a huge risk for an aging player. So its about can you get back better than you have? If the Lakers get bounced in the second round, then maybe its something they explore, but I am not sold Pau returns better talent.

      can kobe re-do his deal to free up space and get help?

      — No the CBA does not allow for that. Kobe’s final two years worth $27,849,149 next year and $30,453,805 in 2013-2014 are fully guaranteed. Kobe also has a no-trade clause, so the Lakers couldn’t even trade him unless he agreed to a deal.

      Guys… I am out of time. Thanks for all the questions. Make sure you are following me on Twitter (@stevekylerNBA). See you all next week.