NBA Rumors Chat With Steve Kyler 6/28/12

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. Deven

    Why is KG considering retirement?

    • Steve Kyler

      Welcome in everyone… Its a bright and sunny day in NYC… and the draft is upon us. Lots of Questions already and I will try and get to as many as I can… so lets get after them

      I have a rule that says I always answer the first questions in the system… so here we go:

      KG is a person like you and me, and there gets to a point where the battle it takes to compete everyday is more than you want or need to do.

      As fans we tend to think strictly about the 48 minutes played on the floor, but tend to overlook the thousands of hours it takes to be ready for that. KG has never enjoyed the spotlight of the NBA or the way his life plays out in a fish bowl.

      I am not sold he’ll retire, I think he wants to come back and play for Boston, but only if they are in contention for a title, so I think he wants to understand that… but if he retires its because he accomplished what he wanted to do as a player.

  2. Deven

    In your opinion Steve, who else would you consider to be a franchise-changer, other than Anthony Davis?

    • Steve Kyler

      You are assuming I think AD is a franchise changer… I think Davis has the potential to be, but he’s not LeBron, Dwight Howard or Kevin Durant.

      I like Thomas Robinson a lot, I think Damian Lillard is excellent… I think Kidd-Gilchrist will be very good too.

      Not sure there are many #1 option guys — a lot of great #2 option guys. If you have your #1… Cleveland, Washington New Orleans… this draft is gonna yield the next guy.

  3. Deven

    What’s the latest trade buzz before the draft starts tonight?

  4. Deven

    Which is the biggest need for teams heading into next season: PG, SG, SF, PF or C?

    • Steve Kyler

      I could not do that in a single article, let alone a chat…

  5. Deven

    Does Steve Nash want to compete for a title at all? I read somewhere about Toronto being a possibly. Thoughts?

    • Steve Kyler

      Not his first priority… He’d like to, but is smart enough to understand no one can guarantee a Finals run.

      Its a bigger picture concept for him.

  6. Deven

    Would Dwight Howard commit long-term to Houston?

    • Steve Kyler

      Unlikely.

      I think they would have to complete a lot of other stuff before that’s an option.

      If Dwight is leaving Orlando… and that’s a huge if at this point, it would be for a bigger market.

  7. Deven

    Any predictions on what happens to the Celtics this offseason?

    • Steve Kyler

      They’ll bring back KG… and maybe a couple of the bench guys like Pietrus, but they’ll use their cap space to get better.

  8. The JOkeShow

    Do you think that NOLA would trade #10 for Milsap straight up? The Jazz could use the pick on Marshall, I think the Jazz need a pure point guard then a shooter.

    • Steve Kyler

      No… they couldn’t do something like that until July 10th.

  9. Ron

    What do you think of Pau Gasol to Toronto for barnani and the number….then the lakers draft rivers with pick. Doyou think that’s to much for Toronto to give up for Pau?

    • Steve Kyler

      Not something Toronto is looking at… They are not entertaining anything involving Bargs.

  10. calvinzero

    Do you agree that Dwight Howard is the main target of the Houston Rockets why they traded some picks and their players such as Sam Dalembert and Chase Budinger? I heard they had a huge cap space.

    • Steve Kyler

      Yes… he is their prime target and the name of the game is get as many high level picks as possible to offer.

      Not sure Orlando cares, but that is what Houston is trying to do… amass picks and assets to trade for a major player.

  11. tony

    1)
    How many players do you think deserve a max or near max-deal in the league in total?
    2)
    How many max-players can a team sign and still have enough cap to pay good players to support your max-player(s)?

    • Steve Kyler

      Deserve?… Not sure anyone deserves the kind of money they get… but this is a market based economy… If one teams wants a guy and another team wants a guy, how much will they pay to get him?

      As for how many can a team sign… up to the salary cap… that’s typically three… but the cap is still flexible, so its possible to have more depending on how much tax you want to pay.

  12. Justin

    Ideally the best fit for the Raptors would be Harrison Barnes but it is unlikely that he will drop to the 8th spot. What is your opinion of Rivers going to the Raptors. I hear that coach Casey likes Jeremy Lamb but I really question his motor and drive to truly succeed at the pro level. I know Austin has been labeled over confident and cocky but I think that shows that he is self motivated and wants to be great. I think given time to truly learn the game and more importantly learn his game he will improve his shot selection, shooting percentage and give the Raptors a nice offensive weapon outside of Bargnani. A Rivers and Valanciunas tandem sounds nice to me.

    • Steve Kyler

      I think for Toronto there are really three guys… Damian Lillard (gone at #6), Austin Rivers (will go #6 if Lillard goes #5) and Dion Waiters.

      Now its possible they go Kidd-Gilchrist or Barnes if they are there, but I think if they are there a trade is more likely than a pick… because Chicago, Oklahoma City and Golden State would pony up for the chance to get him at #8.

  13. reily

    this draft looks like a bunch of good role players, maybe a few all stars, but mostly role players agree? I don’t think ADavis is an all star if he has no back up at the center position its gonna be weak what do you think?

    • Steve Kyler

      It depends on how you define role player… I view this draft as deep on ROTATION players. Guys that play in the NBA either as a starter or the first or second guy off the bench.

      I view role players as guys who may or may not play… the bulk of this class can play and most could start on a lot of teams.

      My latest Mock Draft has the Hornets nabbing Andre Drummond at #10

      Keep in mind they also hold the Bird Rights for Chris Kaman and have said they’d like to bring him back. I have also heard they are very high on Tyler Zeller, so we’ll see who is there at #10.

  14. keo

    If all the recent first draft picks were in this draft ..which order do you think they will go…let’s start with 2006 but replace Greg oden with KD lol

    • Steve Kyler

      sorry, not sure I have the capacity or time to think this one through…

  15. Jim in CyberSpace

    It’s all draft/trade questions this week? What team selects the best second round draft choice in 2012. 3 years from now? Or what second round player turns out to be the gem of the this draft?

    • Steve Kyler

      Wow… hard to say because its about opportunity. 2nd rounder rarely get a chance to really play… but I am a huge Darius Johnson-Odom guy… he is your next great perimeter defender. I like Alex Young a lot. Huge Charlie Westbrook guy. Scott Macado. I think John Jenkins lsides into the 2nd, so he’s there. My guy Kyle O’Quinn. Hollis Thompson. Bernard James, really happy for him.

      Those are guys I think will do well.

  16. James

    What are you hearing about the HEAT’S free agency plans? Do you see any players falling in the draft that may be able to help the HEAT?

    • Steve Kyler

      Ray Allen is all but gift wrapped. Greg Oden is likely headed there. We’ll see what guys take minimum deals for a chance at a chip.

  17. kenny

    hello steve.. I was wondering how likely the lakers will trade gasol before the draft and which team do you see him going to?

    • Steve Kyler

      The Lakers are trying to break Gasol;s $19 million into smaller pieces… I think they are trying, but not sure they are going to get a deal that does not have them taking back a big contract.

      They are trying to make moves.

  18. jey

    What teams in the top 10 would/should be interested in K Martin and/or Lowry?

    • Steve Kyler

      Not sure any of them.

      Kings were said to have passed on a Lowry deal as were the Raptors. Not sure a deal is there.

  19. reily

    Brook lopez,RoyHibb,omerAsik and marcusCamb are all free agents this summer, who is a more realistic sign for the Celtics?

    • Steve Kyler

      None of them.

      Three of the four are going to be restricted free agents. I think they are drafting Royce White with one thier picks and I;d consider Fab Melo with the other. I also think they are going to make a run as Lavoy Allen in free agency.

      Philly made an offer that was turned down, Lavoy is looking for a deal in the $3-$4 million per year range for 3 years… that’s something Boston can do and force Philly’s hand.

  20. David

    Who do you think is the best fit @ #10 for the Hornets & who do you think they will pick? If they don’t pick @ #10 what kind of scenarios are possible?

    • Steve Kyler

      Best fit… Austin Rivers… I think he’ll be gone before #10. I know they like Tyler Zeller, so watch for that if they pass on Drummond.

  21. sammy v

    What is the difference between this year Centers like Zeller and others and Cole Aldrich who was top 10? Now, Aldrich gets 3min per game and I dont see other Centers being much more successfull than him.

    • Steve Kyler

      Cole is in a situation were he was drafted as project. He’ll get his chance next year… not sure you can compare a Cole who was drafted to play in 3 years to guys like Zeller who would be drafted to play right away.

      As for the difference… not sure there is a huge difference other than team need. The Thunder didn;t need Cole to play…. the teams that draft Zeller, Drummond and Leonard need them to play

  22. Thomas Pynchon

    If Durant didn’t have such a great cast in OKC, he’d basically be just another one dimensional high volume scorer, a taller Monta Ellis, if you will. Do you agree?

    • Steve Kyler

      Could not disagree more.

      KD is a rare special player, unlike any that we have seen in this generation. I think he makes everyone around him better… the Monta comparison is laughable, because of the person Monta is compared to the person Durant is.

  23. force23

    Do you think Odom is going to be trade tonight?

    • Steve Kyler

      Mavs are trying, but they don;t want anything coming back so its about finding a third team with a traded player exception willing to broker the deal for a future draft pick

  24. Will

    What can Orlando do to get D12 to sign long term?

    • Steve Kyler

      Not sure they can… there is a lot of mistrust, bad blood and doubt from Howard side and I am not sure that is a repairable situation.

      I think to get Howard back on board, they are going to have to convince him that this is a championship organization and they way they have handled things doesn’t illustrate that.

  25. Bernard

    Do you think the Magic make a move tonight not involving D12?

    • Steve Kyler

      No… but I think Houston is going to tempt them greatly.

  26. Carey

    Hey Steve, great work on twitter btw…Any Thunder news besides the Beal rumors?

    • Steve Kyler

      Beal stuff is really overstated. I spent last week with the Thunder in Miami, and the name mentioned most was Harrison Barnes not Beal… but to that end – teams look at moving up. Every team does it, every team tries.

      What most teams do is go through the interview process to start a “file” on guys they like in the event they can trade for them or sign them as a free agents.

      If they could get the #2 or #3 pick for things they do not want… they;d do that in a second, but to believe they’d trade James Harden for the #2… that is a bit too hard to swallow. Not sure thats out of the question, because they did trade Jeff Green… but I just don’t see that happening.

      Could you imagine the Beard with Johnny Wall?… wow.

  27. Devonte

    where in the draft will tyshawn taylor be draft? could he slide in the second round?

  28. Trevor

    In your latest Usa Today Mock you have Houston taking Myers/Moe/PJ3 along with Orlandos pick at 19 where they could take Marshall do you think it would be wise for Henny to take this deal? That sounds like a young exciting group to build with, sending houston Dwight/Jrich for picks Kmart and filler?

    • Steve Kyler

      Only if you know Jameer is coming back… Kendall is not a starting guard in the NBA, especially not as a rookie.

  29. Lior

    If the Rockets can’t get into the top-10 what on earth will they do with three first round picks?

    • Steve Kyler

      Trade them for veterans or stock pile more chips for trades in July.

  30. kRIS

    from what youve seen or heard..what team makes the biggest headline (trades, etc) tonight?

    • Steve Kyler

      Hard to peg that… I think Cleveland and Golden State by virtue of having so many picks… I think Houston for the same reason.

      I think Milwaukee is moving down again… I think Portland has things they are working on too.

      Lakers, Grizzlies and Nets are all trying to make moves too.

  31. MKG

    Any chance I fall to Portlad at #6?

    • Steve Kyler

      Maybe… not sure Sacramento can pass on you at #5.

  32. Lateak

    If the knicks get steve nash hiw far do they go…. I think the ecf r they get lucky championship

    • Steve Kyler

      Nash alone does not make them a contender, but helps the cause… I wouldn’t hold your breath on that not sure the Knicks are very high on Steve’s list of would-be destinations.

  33. STR8 HENNY!!

    IF you could pair one player with Dwight Howard who is a realistic target, who would you PAIR HIM WITH?

  34. Kyle

    A non-D12 question, if the magic are looking to build around dwight, what’s there strategy in this draft? stay at 19 or attempt to trade up? down? trade pick and player for cap space or another player? I know it’s hard to gauge with a new GM…

    • Steve Kyler

      Hard to say… Rob Hennigan is not a traditional thinker and he is not sharing much with anyone.

  35. Dylan

    Is there any truth to the Cavs considering taking Dion Waiters at 4 or trading back to take Terrence Ross? I find it hard to believe they would pass on MKG or Barnes at 4 to take Dion Waiters or to trade back. What do you think the Cavs do in this scenario?

    • Steve Kyler

      Yes… Cavs are considering all options… some of it is to chum the waters on trades, but remember they went left field with Tristan Thompson last year.

  36. kRIS

    If Harden stays with OKC..does he deserve a max based on Finals showing? or close to max?

    • Steve Kyler

      Everyone still seems to be valuing players based on the old NBA economy… the new CBA changes that dramatically…. OKC isn;t handing Harden a blank check… they will most likely let the market set James’ value and go from there.

  37. Lateak

    Should the lakers get d howard r just get a pg for a title rub

    • Steve Kyler

      You are assuming Dwight is “gettable”… the Lakers do not have the pieces to get Orlando to the table. Jim Buss won’t trade Bynum and the Magic would want draft assets and cap flexibility – the Lakers can not provide that.

  38. Brendan

    What do you think the Blazers will do with their two lottery picks tonight?

    • Steve Kyler

      Draft two petty good players… if they get Lillard at #6 and Zeller/Leonard at #11, they have accomplished what they came for.

  39. Eric

    If Barnes does indeed drop to 8 (as some are now predicting), what are the chances we see a Barnes + Calderon for Deng swap?

  40. eduardo

    Hey Steve. Do you think Allen Iverson will get another chance at the NBA? Why shouldn’t he? And do you think he could be good for the Bulls?

    • Steve Kyler

      No. Allen is finished. He is 37 and two years removed from the NBA process… he’s done.

  41. Kevin

    please answer one of my raps questions steve!:(

  42. Drew

    Will the Sixers trade up for Iguodala or up in general to get Ross?

    • Steve Kyler

      I think they get Ross without trading Iggy… but Houston has interest in Iggy for sure.

  43. Beau

    Call your shot; who will emerge from tonight’s proceedings as the big winner?

    • Steve Kyler

      Me… because the draft will be over and I can care about something else other than what Charlotte does with the #2 pick.

      I think New Orleans, Portland and Golden State are in very good shape tomorrow.

  44. Frank

    Any idea who the Magic might be targeting in the draft?

    • Steve Kyler

      Keep hearing they are moving the #19, so don’t fall in love.

  45. Larry

    Will the Pacers match a max deal to keep Hibbert?

    • Steve Kyler

      They can… not sure they will. Also not sold anyone offers Roy a MAX offer… would be a horrible move.

  46. Steve

    Any chance Otis Smith is currently doing the Duhon travel dance to another team as GM, or has the NBA flushed him?

    • Steve Kyler

      I think he’ll work in the league again, but guys who flame out rarely surface again quickly. I think you’ll see Otis on someone’s staff.

  47. jim

    i am hearing these rumors of josh smith for pau gasol…. why would atlanta want pao whena they were the ones who originally drafted and traded him to memphis?

  48. Steve Kyler

    They can start talking at midnight on Sunday… deals can not be signed until July 10th.

    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.