NBA Rumors Chat With Steve Kyler 8/2/12

1. lawson

   what 5 teams do you see mr kyler being the best potential trade partners with a building sacramento kings team an why?(jimmer,brooks,outlaw,salmons,garcia)with theese 5 being only trade assets kings willing to use via trade.

   • Steve Kyler

     Welcome in everyone… hope the off-season is treating you well… for those keeping track at home we have 57 days until teams start opening for training camp so there is a little down time, but the season is right around the corner. Lots of questions to get to and by rule I always answer the first question in the system so here we go…

     Whats with the forced Essay question?…

     I am not sure there are five teams that would want what the Kings are willing to trade. Clearly the Cavs with almost $14 million in space are a good place to star because they can take back dollars, but the truth of it is that the Kings feel like they are an emerging team not rebuilding. I do think at some point they have to cash in some of their duplication, just not sold there is a team out there now willing to do that. Once the season starts and the haves start outweighing the have nots, I think things could change, but I don’t expect a mass change in Sacramento. This is who you have.

2. AJ

   Seems like more international players coming over then ever. Hard question, but off the bat what order would you rank the incoming international rookies (Claver, De Colo, Freeland, Kratsov, Motiejunas, Prigioni, Schved, Shengelia Teletovic, Valanciunas, perhaps others I’m forgetting)? Possible article idea?

   • Steve Kyler

     The cause is simple… not nearly the economy aboard to support sports like we have seen in the past so guys are coming for the money.

     As for ranking them… thats tough. The style of play in International basketball is so different. The role guys play aboard is not what they will they will play in the NBA.

     Take Rubio… he was AWFUL his last year aboard and a stud in the NBA… Rudy Fernandez is an international stud, but can’t get in the game in the NBA.

     if I had to rank them now…

     Valanciunas
     Mirza Teletovic
     Motiejunas
     Alexey Shved
     Victor Claver
     Nando De Colo
     Joel Freeland
     Pablo Prigioni
     Vyacheslav Kravtsov
     Tornike Shengelia

     But I honestly think their true value will be based on what their teams let them do. Prigioni and Shengelia are solid players… they just may not see the floor much. Where Jonas will see mountains of minutes.

3. Kevin Owens

   Why do so many athletes have suspended licenses? That’s just so strange to me.

   • Steve Kyler

     They don’t live in a world where they have to keep track of that. They travel constantly and others manage the mundane details for them. It would be interesting to see how many late fees on bills and credit cards that NBA players amass in a year. Its just not something they have to keep track of.

4. Frank

   If you were guessing…who’d be the starting PG for the KINGS, Isaiah T. or A. Brooks? Thanks.

   • Steve Kyler

     They told Isaiah that he would be when they signed Brooks… but I just can’t see that. I am sure they will say its a “battle it out in training camp” thing, but I am not sold.

5. Alvin Abcede

   From Manny Pacquiao Land

   Miami Heat will be ?

   • Steve Kyler

     If healthy… how can they not be the top team in the east and the favorite to repeat?

6. Shad

   D-Favors is ready for big minutes in the Jazz’s starting lineup?

   • Steve Kyler

     Not sure I am there on that… but OK… thats what we do in the off-season. I think he has to come into camp believing that. He isn’t always the most confident guy in the room.

7. JJ of Blueberry Bay

   The great point guard mix and match of 2012. Who will be the most successful in their new digs between Lowry,Dragic and Lin?

   • Steve Kyler

     Lowry is the better all-around player of the bunch and he has a better supporting cast.

     That said I like Dragic and Lin’s situations… they both will get tons of minutes as the unquestioned starter.

8. Ncola

   1. On a scale 1-10, how likely is it that boozer is amnestied next offseason?

   2. On a scale 1-10, how likely is it that mirotic joins the bulls next offseason?

   3. I always wanted my bulls to get iggy,Tyreke,or ellis. So, say boozer is amnestied next offseason, who is the most likeliest to joun the bulls? Who is the best fit?

   4. Who do u think the bulls will TRY to pick up
   Next offseason?

   I know most of the questions face the bulls future, but try ur hardest. Thanks!

   • Steve Kyler

     1. On a scale 1-10, how likely is it that boozer is amnestied next offseason?
     — Not sure we are there yet… Its an option, but there may be trades to make rather than paying Boozer to play against you.

     2. On a scale 1-10, how likely is it that mirotic joins the bulls next offseason?
     — Not sure its next year because of his super huge buyout… its possible.

     3. I always wanted my bulls to get iggy,Tyreke,or ellis. So, say boozer is amnestied next offseason, who is the most likeliest to joun the bulls? Who is the best fit?
     — too many ifs and buts in that equation… I’d say none of them. Luol and Iggy are awfully similar… Tyerek needs the ball too much and Ellis doesn’t play defense.

     4. Who do u think the bulls will TRY to pick up. Next offseason?
     — I am not at all focused on July 2013… we just got finished with July 2012… I am more focused on training camp.

9. Kart

   Who are the most dominate players at each position in NBA history? Not the best, just the hardest to guard.

   • Steve Kyler

     Haven’t given the concept any thought.

     So when I answer things like this without thinking about it, I get “your crazy for not including this guy” comments… so with about 16 seconds of thought…

     PG – Iverson… Nash… Magic Johnson
     SG – Michael Jordan… Kobe Bryant
     SF – Oscar Robertson… LeBron James
     PF – Karl Malone… Kevin Garnett
     C – Wilt… Hakeem… Shaq

10. beers and beef jerky

    Hi steve, do u feel like even tho theres a cool story out there people are not paying attention or bored cause the buttom line is everyone wants to know where the elephant will play next season right? Its unfair for other stories cause almost everything is taken forgranted. Now forreal i wish orlando stop the nightmare and make a MAN’s decision. They owe this to their fans….. If there’s still any of them left.

    • Steve Kyler

      I have maintained the same position on Dwight from the jump… The Magic have to make a deal thats right for them. Not their fans. Not the media… if they botch this, they set the franchise back a decade.

      I am not moving the best guy at his position until I get everything I want… if that happens tomorrow, we’ll do a deal… but until I get EXACTLY what I want, he’s staying on the roster. That’s how Orlando has to play this.

      If you think you are sick of this story… trust me the Magic are as sick as anyone… but they still have to be smart about the deal they make and it has to be on their terms, because once you trade him he’s gone and you can’t have a bucket of junk to show for it.

11. tamaraw

    Lang said in his chat that gArenas is done. His knee injury is serious. Do u agree? Where do u see barbosa and jermaine o playing? Lastly sir, who would u want as a back up pg, sBlake or duhon? Macri wants duhon, LAng took blake. whats your opinion?

    • Steve Kyler

      I have not heard anything about Gil, but i can say Memphis is often where former stars land before falling out of the league… Gil shots 40% from the field and simply did not matter. Not sure a team is bringing him in for guaranteed money.

      Where do u see barbosa and jermaine o playing? — not sure either have a deal yet. LB wants a real deal, so there are not many teams with cash left. On JO. Not sure he has a market yet. I think he’ll be somewhere, just not sure I see where yet.

      As far as the backup point guard question… in what context?… just as a player?… Blake.

12. pacquiao punch

    Steve please explain to me how eric gordon got max and mayo got ehhh , so mayo is more creative offensively and can handle better than gordon. Gordon’s edge is his percentage. But mayo got better health. I say gordon with his max is fools gold. Should only be a 7 to 9 m guy. Do u think he is the next joe jhonson? And if i could ask one more, would the celtics ,nets,hawks sign kenyon mart??? Thanks bro! Oh yah i saw u on nba tv haha!

    • Steve Kyler

      Gordon got Max because Phoenix offered it to him… this is a market economy. Phoenix wanted him, and offered max… Dallas set the price on OJ and he took their deal.

      Not sure what to make of the haha on the NBATV thing, but thanks if its a compliment.

13. Kevin

    David Lee recently said that the statement Kupchak made of them discussing a contract extension was incorrect! This might mean their getting frustrated w/ the Lakers approach. So, if you’re the Lakers, how long do u deal with the Orlando Circus and focus on your own team and instilling a little confidence in your young (sometimes childish) center by insuring to him that you believe in him and he will be you future centerpiece of the organization! They can’t continue to say to him “We don’t want you, we don’t want you, ….” and then start training camp and tell him “you’re great, you’re the future!”
    Also, yeah I know the Magic are holding out to get a great deal, similar to the Melo deal, but the situation is now different from that one. Melo wanted the Knicks, the Knicks wanted him, they had resources and they sucked! Nets are now out, Houston can’t take the chance on Howard staying (maybe Bynum), and the Lakers have a solid team and will not destroy that to get Howard! So where do the clowns in Orlando think this “great deal” going to come from if Howard’s not going to commit to anything? Who’s going to take a chance on giving up a ton of resources, to rent Howard for a year (or 6 months after rehab)? I can see Hennigan’s hands being tied and I can also see the Magic tying this whole mess up and wrapping it around Hennigan’s neck when it goes bad! Lakers/Cavs/Magic or Lakers/Magic is only thing make sense!

    • Steve Kyler

      On Bynum… The Lakers do business differently than almost everyone else, mainly because they can. Having talked with Mitch Kupchak, he’s not a great communicator, so what Mitch thinks he talked about and what others heard could be different. That said Bynum isn’t signing an extension – no major player will – so why talk about it. They can;t legally start talking about a deal next summer accept to express interest in continuing the relationship.

      I think we’re making too much out of the situation… Bynum won’t extend… the Lakers can talk about a new deal yet… so what are we upset about?

      On Howard… This is going to go how it goes and everyone knows that Rob got a shitty deal. That said he was brought in because I believe he mapped out the best plan for this, a future after Dwight. So now its about finding a deal that does that. If its the Lakers for Bynum, thats not going anywhere. I call that the floor. If they can’t do better than that, its there.

      There is no reason to do anything for 56 days. Camp opens in 57 days. So Orlando has a ton of time to see whats what.. fans don’t like that, but thats where things are.

14. shaqnosis vs rain man

    Do u feel the need for cj miles or meeks for LAL or they should stick with ebanks,dj odom and eyenga??

    • Steve Kyler

      Depends on cost. if you can get one or both on small term deals, sure… they are proven NBA guys, where Ebanks, Eyenga and DJO are not nearly the NBA players… they could be. They have appeal because they are cheap.

15. mavz down by 3

    Why on earth was my 76ers where tbinking on letting lou williams go!???? He is the poor man’s iverson plus he is not over paid! Nick young aint even close to him even on a bad day! Please explain????

    • Steve Kyler

      Didn’t feel like he was worth what they were asking for.

      They told the 76ers they had an offer for $8 million a year… Philly said take it… they called the bluff and Lou lost. He never even considered a Mid-Level deal with the 76ers… he wanted $40 million and they didn’t see the value there.

16. memphis jazz

    I feel like coach hollins is not the coach for the grizz, he doesnt seem like he can get the grizz to win a ring. They even lost a playoff game leading by a million against the clippz. I want mike d antoni to be the grizz coach. The management once read a blog and took arenas. i wish they read hoopsworld and listen to me and sign mike d antoni. U with me steve?

    • Steve Kyler

      The Grizz are more than a coach away… they still don’t have that game changing superstar… they have some good players, but stars win Chips.

17. what the kobe

    Steve have u been a sneaker head ? Whats your favorite basketball kicks??

    • Steve Kyler

      very much so…

      As far as brand… I am an adidas guy… as far as specific shoes. Love all of the Nike Foamposite stuff… the new re-release of the Answer by Reebok looks hot. Big fan of the AdiRose. Jordan Brand in almost everything is solid… I like the look of some of the Under Armour stuff. They are coming up.

      I am not a fan of the low-cut look. Also not a huge fan of the Crazy light stuff… too narrow for my feet.

18. sean

    Hey Steve, do you think orlando will wait for Royce and jeremy to be eligible for a trade at the end of the month before they make a deal to maximize the talent coming back along with the picks?

    • Steve Kyler

      Not sure either are why Orlando waits… the closer we get to camp the more serious everyone will get… the magic get urgency and teams that really want Dwight or the players possibly involved with get serious.

      A lot of poker playing… can you get what you want without giving up much.

19. David Rivas

    What about a trade: Garcia-Salmons-Isaiah and 1st round pick for Iguodala?? With this trade, Kings become a playoff contenders.

    • Steve Kyler

      76ers won’t do it or anything like it unless they fall flat the first month of the season.

20. Will

    Any chance the Magic pull off a trade for Iggy or Gay to entice D12 to stay in Orlando?

    • Steve Kyler

      Dwight Howard will not stay in Orlando… the trust is irreparably broken.

21. Sam

    Hey Steve, I really enjoy your chats. I was wondering why people see the Rocket trade is so much more superior to what the Nets can offer. Lamb, Jones, and White are good, but are not all star talent. And the pick they got from the raptors won’t be great, because the raptors improved. The Nets can offer Lopez, who gets a bad rap for one bad rebounding year, and they’re willing to give up 4 picks and take on almost every bad contract.

    • Steve Kyler

      Can’t speak for anyone but myself…

      A Rockets trade offers lots of young pieces to choose from… but here is the thing… whats been reported and whats really been talked about are two entirely separate things.

      The Rockets view this like a scale… one one side you have a ton of Rockets assets… on the other a ton of Magic contracts… if the Rockets take the contracts, they need the assets to build a team around… if the Magic keep their trash, they can have the assets because Houston can build with capspace.

      The Rockets are not, and have never offered all their future pieces in exchange for Dwight and the Magic luggage… The more trash Houston takes the more of their assets they want to keep… the less trash, the more assets.

      There has not been a deal, because what Orlando wants they can’t get… they want to dump trash and get all that Houston can offer and the Rockets won’t do it.

22. Sam

    yo

    • Steve Kyler

      Sup.

23. gerard

    whats the latest on the lakers? who will they most likely get to add to their bench? thanks idol! your d man!

    • Steve Kyler

      They are basically finished. They will bring young guys to camp… maybe a veteran or two, but by and large unless someone wants a minimum deal the Lakers look like they are done.

      They have 12 contracts on the books, plus a Qualifying Offer out to Devin Ebanks… most agents decline situations where their guys won’t make a roster or crack the rotation.

24. diego

    is orlando gonna trade dwight howard by the end of the week or are they false rumors?

    • Steve Kyler

      There are lots of voices talking… not sure any of them have it all correct.

25. william

    just wondering if you heard any more about indianapacers doing any tradeing, or siging any free agency`s

    • Steve Kyler

      I think they are done as well. You’ll see guys come in for camp, but I think they bulk of their moves are done.

26. Keith

    It would be interesting if Miami ends up signing Darko, and then would have the #1, 2, and 4 pick from 1 draft class on their team. Has that happened before, where that many top choices from 1 class were on 1 team. I know Houston had it when drafted Sampson #1, and McCray #3. But that was only 2 players.

    • Steve Kyler

      No… and they have talked with Darko’s agent… not sure he’ll take a NBA minimum deal.

27. Duane

    Does Orlando have a problem with walking into a new season with Dwight as a lameduck player? Also, does Rob Hennigen have concern for what harm Dwight might do to the Orlando Magic 2013 lottery pick positioning??

    • Steve Kyler

      Not sure thats a first choice.

      But they are open to the idea that the offers they have for Dwight change in February.

28. Rusty

    What teams would be willing/have to give up good assets(draft picks, young talent, etc..) for a 1 yr rental of D12? Is GSW a possible destination?

    • Steve Kyler

      Warriors have said no on Dwight unless he wants to commit to what they are doing beyond this year.

29. Duane

    Does Orlando have any concern that keeping Dwight will ruin the value of their 2013 lottery pick which could be Shabbaz Mohammed???

    • Steve Kyler

      Not sure thats a factor yet… and Nerlens Noel is the guy next year.

30. Ben

    Any idea what the “significant” move the Wolves are considering that Kahn keeps mentioning might be? Not Gasol, not Iggy…what else is there?

    • Steve Kyler

      I don’t know who he’s talking about, but I can say he has always been aggressive in trying to make trades.

      What GM’s view as significant doesn’t always line up with what fans and media believe is significant.

      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.