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Hollinger-Ford Chat 9/28/05
The NBA 2005 Offseason
Welcome to The Show! On Wednesday, we'll round up any NBA expert we can find around here to chat with you about the eventful offseason. Want to know how your favorite team made out? Which free agent made out like a bandit and who got the short end of the stick -- ask the experts on Wednesday.
Send in your questions now. Marc Stein will kick things off at 11 a.m. ET followed by John Hollinger at noon ET and Chad Ford at 12:30 p.m. ET.
Marc Stein: (11:00 AM ET ) Hello again. Welcome back to Chatland. Camp is just a few days away and I'm guessing you're more than ready for the NBA's return. To the questions . . .
Bryan (Chicago, IL): What do you make of the Eddy Curry situation? If Eddy thinks he is okay to play - why not take the test and get your long-term deal? Who else is going to give him a long-term deal at this point? Can the Bulls-Curry relationship ever be fixed?
Marc Stein: (11:04 AM ET ) In a word ... no. If Curry rebounds from all these problems, he'll do everything in his power to leave the Bulls after this season. If he can't fully recover, as the Bulls fear, he'll never get that long-term deal. It's an unprecedented mess for a team that should be building on a return to the playoffs. It's hard to imagine this season going as well as last season as a result.
Roy (da Wonderful NJ): Did my Nets do enough this offseason to take the East?
Marc Stein: (11:07 AM ET ) No. Not even if they would have kept Reef. The best NJ can hope for is reclaiming its top-four status in the East. I can't see them passing Detroit, Indy or Miami as presently constituted.
New Baltimore, MI: hey marc, how do you see the pistons fairing in the Eastern Conference with new additions to teams like Cleveland, Indiana, and Miami?
Marc Stein: (11:08 AM ET ) Still like the Pistons. Still picking them to win the East. I like their core too much. No one knows yet how they'll respond to Flip, but I'm in the camp believing they'll be motivated to prove that they don't need Larry to remain in title contention.
Justin (Denver,CO): Should I be dissapointed in Denver's offseason moves, or lack thereof?
Marc Stein: (11:11 AM ET ) I suppose it's a disappointment that Denver didn't make Finley's top-five list, but the Nuggets weren't going to get him anyway. I'm sure they would have had a great shot at Cat Mobley, but they didn't want to overspend. I don't think Nuggets fans should be as down about the summer as they are. The real key is whether K-Mart comes back healthy. He played in far more pain last season than he let on and it showed in the playoffs.
Sri (VT): I read your article that said Heat will have chemistry issues. If Shaq is controlling things properly, do you still see issues. Not everyone is Kobe.
Marc Stein: (11:14 AM ET ) You're asking a lot to expect Shaq to keep everyone on that roster happy. When the Lakers had the four future Hall of Famers, you'll recall, that was essentially the whole team. There was never any question about who would start and finish games. The Heat have a lot more to deal with having added Toine, GP, J-Will and even Posey. Sorry, but I'm very skeptical. I don't like the mix and I'm not changing my mind 'til the Heaters can prove me wrong.
Brian (la la land): Marc, what's the hold up in the Spre to LA negotiations? Is he coming, or isn't he? and for what?
Marc Stein: (11:17 AM ET ) The holdup is that Spree wants 5 mil a year and has no leverage to get it. His agent keeps talking about sign-and-trades, but the sense I get from the Lakers is that there are no real talks and that the Spree camp is more than reaching. If Spree gets half of the Lakers' 5 mil exception, after last season, I'd say he's fortunate.
Milo (Bay Area, CA): Marc: When I make optimistic predictions of a Warriors playoff run, I get laughed at. Am I deluding myself? "Who can they beat?" is the question I most often get, and, besides Memphis, I'm not sure.
Marc Stein: (11:19 AM ET ) The conference is indeed the problem. The Warriors finally looked like more than a late-season tease after bringing Baron in, but your pals are right. Who besides the Grizz is vulnerable to be bumped from the top eight?
Chris Charlotte, NC : Did you hear Raymond Felton guranteed the playoffs for the Bobcats, what are your thoughts on that?
Marc Stein: (11:20 AM ET ) I did not hear that, but if it's true I applaud his optimism. He's wrong, of course, but anything that gets the Bobcats a little attention is a good thing.
Cleveland: Personally I love what my Cavs have done this offseason,how much do you like what they have done to help out LeBron and Z?
Marc Stein: (11:23 AM ET ) I have some questions about how Hughes and LBJ will mesh but getting Damon Jones should help because they needed a shooter so badly. And I'm a Donyell Marshall fan, so overall I'd say Danny Ferry had a fine maiden off-season on the fly. If the game continues to be called like it was last season, with contact on the perimeter being limited, that should favor the Cavs, because Hughes and LBJ (like Hughes and Arenas) will both be able to get into the paint and create stuff for themselves and for teammates.
Corey Ramsey, Las Vegas NV: Did Philly do enough to stay competitive in the ever improving East?
Marc Stein: (11:25 AM ET ) Depends on what you mean by "stay competitive." Can't see them winning a playoff series but I still expect Philly to make the playoffs. Only way that changes is if Webber and Iverson find a chemistry no one expects. If they suddenly blossom together, I reserve the right to change my mind.
Ranger (Frisco, TX): Did the Rockets pass up the Mavericks in the Western Conference with the signing of Swift?
Marc Stein: (11:27 AM ET ) On my scorecard, yes. I'm not the biggest Swift fan in the world, but he's an athletic four and that's what Yao needs from his sidekick.
Ben (East Lansing, MI): How much should the Pistons pay Tayshaun Prince? He's a valuable player to us, but at what cost?
Marc Stein: (11:29 AM ET ) I wouldn't worry too much. The Pistons, like the Spurs, have a knack for getting guys to sign reasonable contracts because they want to stay where they are. I don't see Detroit losing Tay or Big Ben next summer. I'd be stunned.
James: I think that experts are going to sleep on the Mavs this year. Great off season moves and Avery has the team that he wants. Departure of Finley will not really hurt since he disappears in playoffs.
Marc Stein: (11:32 AM ET ) Consider me dozing, then. The Mavs aren't going to come out and say it, but dare I say this is NOT the team they want. They're going to have to keep retooling around Nowitzki to return to contender status and I'm still expecting some sort of splashy trade in the next year.
Carlos: El Paso Texas: I cant see the suns being a better team than last year. can you?
Marc Stein: (11:35 AM ET ) Better? It would be tough to be better. But I don't expect them to drop too far. They're a lot deeper than they were, and they'll take a committee approach to replacing Joe Johnson. They're still No. 2 in the West for me.
Dan (Trinity, FL): With all the offseason moves, will the Bucks finally be a contender next year and for years to come?
Marc Stein: (11:38 AM ET ) Slow down. Have to get back to the playoffs first. But I think they will. Milwaukee spent a lot of money in the summer, but what was the alternative? What would people have said if the Bucks lost Redd? Simmons and Gadzuric are good (if expensive) complementary parts and all the moves give Milwaukee a good shot at returning to the top eight in the East . . . and take some pressure off Bogut in Year 1.
Fortyfive: (Los Angeles, CA): Besides the Spurs, Suns, Pistons, Heat, and Pacers do you see any other team that has a "realistic" chance of winning the 2006 NBA championship?
Marc Stein: (11:40 AM ET ) On Sept. 28, no. That's a good list of five.
Alfonso, Hermosa Beach: Marc, I'm having lunch at Rosa's today.
Marc Stein: (11:41 AM ET ) You are a lucky, lucky kid. Have the No. 19 for all of us.
Steve Poston: After the Spurs had such a great offseason, I've been hearing a lot of debate about how good this team can be. Assuming Duncan stays healthy, are 70 wins out of the question?
Marc Stein: (11:43 AM ET ) No. Pop would never try to burn out his main guys by chasing 70 wins. And the West has too many quality teams for a team to win 70 like the Bulls did a decade ago. The Spurs will spend the regular season trying to blend the new with the old so they hit peak form in the playoffs. No one in the Spurs' camp will be talking about 70 wins.
R.Keane (Old Southington, CT): Hey Marc, How do you like my Knicks this year?
Marc Stein: (11:51 AM ET ) You're lucky I'm even answering a question from any R. Keane, but I decided we had to talk about the Knicks a bit. I'm still deliberating whether to pick New York as a playoff team. I don't like the Knicks' roster any more than I did before last season, and I think I've made my feelings about Larry Brown's behavior last season pretty clear, but there's no denying how good a coach he is. He, like Phil Jackson, is worth 10 wins a season to a middling team like the Knicks. Ten more wins might be enough to get them back to the postseason.
Marc Stein: (11:52 AM ET ) Thanks for the great questions, everyone. Keep them rolling in because Profs Hollinger and Ford are on their way. We'll do this again soon.
The ShowGirl: (11:55 AM ET ) Thanks Marc! NBA Insider John Hollinger is up next. Keep those questions coming!
John Hollinger: (11:56 AM ET ) Hey folks, next batter's up. Let's get rolling.
Eric: Marc said that the Rockets are going to be better than the Mavs this season. Do you agree?
John Hollinger: (11:57 AM ET ) I think it's very close between those two, much like it was in the series last year. If you held a gun to my head I'd agree with Marc, but it's going to come down to how well Houston's guards hold off Father Time.
Steven (Fred Vegas, VA): With the loss of Hughes, K Brown, Dixon, and Blake do you still see the Wizards be a top 8 team in the Eastern Conference with the new parts they brought in?
John Hollinger: (11:59 AM ET ) Barely ... Basically, I think the new guys mostly offset the loss of Hughes, but they're still short a body in the frontcourt and they need to get something from Hayes and Jeffries.
Paul (Portland, OR): I hate to ask, but what do you see for the Trail Blazers? Other than D.Miles they don't seem to have as many "problem children", but are obviously very young. I read recently that Zach Randolph's knee rehab is going very well. What do you think?
John Hollinger: (12:00 PM ET ) Yes, the site of Z-Bo taking his mountain bike through the Portland suburbs must be a site to behold. I think the Blazers are still too young to contend for a playoff spot, but they're going to be really good in a couple years if they don't screw things up.
Coca, NYC: Is there anyway you guys see the Knicks stepping in at the 11th hour and acquiring Eddy Curry before the deadline for him to accept the qualifying offer?
John Hollinger: (12:01 PM ET ) The problem is, the Bulls have to agree to a sign-and-trade to make that happen, and the Bulls don't want to take back any of the Knicks' pitiful contracts because they're going to be more than $10 mil under the cap next summer. So in a nutshell, I can't see it.
Roy, Denver: Spree? Going to the Lakers? A 3rd and possible 4th team involved in the sign and trade? What teams, what players?? Thanks, John...
John Hollinger: (12:02 PM ET ) It's hard for me to envision Spree in the sign-and-trade scenario, because I can't see what the Lakers have that Minny would want, and the Lakers are under little pressure to give anything up since there's not exactly a bidding war going on for Spre's services right now. It's a ploy by his agent to get more than half the exception, which is all the Lakers can pay, but I don't see it working.
Chris (Sacramento, CA): How much did the Kings improve themselves with Shareef and Bonzi? Aren't they now back among the best 5-6 teams in the league?
John Hollinger: (12:03 PM ET ) To me it all depends on Peja. If the 2003-04 Peja shows up, then I think Sacramento wins the mid-50s. If the Peja of last year is out there, I don't think the Kings can do much better than the 7 seed.
Tre (New York NY): Do the Knicks have a hope of stopping anyone in the middle with James/Frye replacing the steady Kurt Thomas?
John Hollinger: (12:04 PM ET ) Kurt Thomas wasn't exactly defensive player of the year material as a center, so I wouldn't be overly worried about getting worse. However, the Knicks were a very bad defensive team overall and that's something they're hoping Larry Brown can change quickly.
louis (oakland): John, what do you see the lakers looking like this year? Playoff contenders?
John Hollinger: (12:05 PM ET ) I see them more as distant contenders -- they'll be in the race for a while but probably end up around 30-35 wins. If Phil squeezes any more than that out of them he really is a genius.
Tony (Chicago, IL): Do you think the Cavs will make the playoffs this year and what do thing about the off season moves? Thanks,
John Hollinger: (12:06 PM ET ) Cavs are a shoo-in for the playoffs. I think a lot of people are underestimating just how good this team is going to be. With the two shooters, Hughes replacing Newble and LeBron taking another step up, the sky is the limit.
Brody (St. Paul, MN): Hey, if you had to pick sleeper teams for this year like seattle and the suns were last year who are the teams?
John Hollinger: (12:08 PM ET ) One team jumps out at me: Utah. It's hard for me to go into all the reasons in such a small space, but their where I'd put my money right now. Nobody jumps out that way in the East to me, although Cleveland will be even better than folks suspect.
Josh (Waco, TX): Do you think the Spurs made a mistake letting a young promising player in Devin Brown go, while signing two veteran gaurds in Van Exel and Finley?
John Hollinger: (12:09 PM ET ) I don't think so. The difference between Finley and Brown is small, but I'd rather have Finley, and the Spurs time for winning is NOW.
Albert (Dallas, TX): Which player would you pick first overall on your fantasy draft? I know I would pick Dirk.
John Hollinger: (12:09 PM ET ) Depends on your league's rules, but Garnett and LeBron would be 1 and 1A for me in most formats. OK, back to real basketball ....
Jason (lex park ,MD): Who is your prediction for MVP for the up coming season?
John Hollinger: (12:11 PM ET ) Voters tend to like surprises and up and coming teams, so I think LeBron James, Andrei Kirilenko and Tracy McGrady will all do very well. I still think Garnett is the best player, but if the T-wolves go 35-47, which is definitely possible, then nobody will vote for him regardless.
OptionZero (Sacramento, CA): Marc said the Warriors won't make the playoffs because none of the top 8, bar Memphis, looks like they'd drop. What about Seattle (no McMillan) and Sacramento (lots of new parts, Bonzi factor)? Not to mention internal improvements through their draft picks and young players developing quickly...
John Hollinger: (12:12 PM ET ) On paper, the Warriors look like No. 9 or 10. But realistically, chances are at least one of the teams ahead of them will suffer a catastrophic injury and fall out of the chase, which moves GS up a spot or two. So if I had to bet, I'd say they'd get in, even though right now they wouldn't make my top 8.
Nate (SLC, Utah): Which team should be most excited for the upcoming season based upon player performances in the European Championships?
John Hollinger: (12:13 PM ET ) The one player who just shocked me was Boris Diaw, who never showed anywhere near the kind of offensive capability that he displayed in Belgrade last week.
Anthony (Greece): With Greece winning Eurobasket this year, do you expect any non-NBA Europeans to make the leap to the NBA ala Jaskevicius? I saw alot of players in that tournament that looked like they could make a difference.
John Hollinger: (12:16 PM ET ) There are still a ton of players in Europe who could make an NBA roster or be productive bench players, but a lot of them prefer starting in Europe to sitting in the States, and a few also have difficult buyout provisions in their contracts. A few guys not high on NBA radars who stood out to me were Paulius Jankunas of Lithuania, Marko Popovic of Croatia and Theodoros Papaloukas of Greece. Also Juan Carlos Navarro of Spain, whose rights are owned by the Wizards, was outstanding.
Matt (Dallas, Tx): What do you think the biggest challenge for the Mavs will be? Do you think they have a chance to win the West? If not, what do you think they are lacking?
John Hollinger: (12:18 PM ET ) The biggest challenge for Dallas is frontcourt depth. I think Dirk and Terry and the others will score points and Harris should be much better this year, but I worry about a team that lists DeSagana Diop as the backup center and really has no other alternatives.
Chris (Boston, MA): Hey John, How do you see the young Celtics doing this year and which young player do you think will step up?
John Hollinger: (12:19 PM ET ) I think Al Jefferson's numbers will get a major boost now that he's pencilled in as the starting power forward, but unless Banks or West takes a major step forward I think the Celtics will miss Gary Payton more than they realize.
Steve (Rochester, NY): 30-35 wins for the Lakers? They added Phil, frontline help in Kwame and Bynum (who won't be a big factor this year) and managed 34 wins with coaching issues, less talent, and injury problems.
John Hollinger: (12:20 PM ET ) But they also gave up Caron Butler for Kwame, and Butler is a better player right now. Plus, their projected starting point guard is ... Aaron McKie? Having Phil back helps, but this roster has a lot of problems.
Denise (Milwaukee, WI): Why is everyone sleeping on Andrew Bogut? Most don't project him to have a good or even interesting rookie season? But before the draft everyone loved him it seemed.
John Hollinger: (12:22 PM ET ) I think there's a lack of sexiness with Bogut because his upside isn't the same as it was for LeBron and his downside isn't the same as Kwame's or Darko's. He'll be a productive starting NBA center, and that's a very valuable thing, but it's also hard to hype.
Paul (Aug): John how about a Hawks question. what do you think of the Hawks' offseason moves? contender in 2 years or perpetual pretender?
John Hollinger: (12:24 PM ET ) The Hawks still have a lot of roster issues to deal with and will again battle the Bobcats for last place. The good news is that they'll have cap space again next summer and they have a lot of athletic forwards who could become stars. But contender in two years is definitely optimistic, unless you mean "8th seed contender"
Trevin(Houston): Is this the year for Yao to finally turn into the dominant center Houston has been looking for since the "Dream" left?
John Hollinger: (12:25 PM ET ) Yao is what he is -- the league's second-best center. He's not going to turn into Kareem or Shaq this year, because he doesn't move well enough. But appreciate the high percentage shot making and consistent effort, because he'll be an All-Star for several more years.
Brad (Toronto Ontario): John, I know the Raptors aren't going to be much this season as they go with a youth movement, but do you think they're on the right track to be competitive down the road?
John Hollinger: (12:26 PM ET ) Honestly, I don't think they even know where the track is, much less if its the right one or not. But keep an eye on Villanueva, Graham and Calderon. That should tell you how close they are to respectability.
Tracey (Hermosa Beach): Which of last year's playoff teams is going to have the hardest team making it back to the postseason this year? I say Celtics - too young and no point guard.
John Hollinger: (12:27 PM ET ) Although I don't like Boston's chances, I think it may be even a harder for Philadelphia. They have no bench whatsoever and Webber and Iverson are both good for missing about 20 games a season. If that holds up, they're toast.
Darrell (DC): Will the pickup of Maurice Evans allow Detroit to rest Prince and Hamilton more this year?
John Hollinger: (12:29 PM ET ) One would hope so. The Detroit five has put a lot of wear on their tires the past two seasons, so keeping the mintues down in teh regular season this year should be one of Flip's goals, and Detroit finally has a competent enough bench to pull it off.
Lenny(Villanova, PA): John, why are the Knicks being tabbed to finish so poorly. Last year they won 33 games and dealt with a handful of injuries. Assuming the team stays healthy, doesn't the addition of Brown and some of the other new guys easily push them into the playoffs?
John Hollinger: (12:31 PM ET ) You're forgetting a few things -- first, they traded away Mohammed in February, who had been one of their better players to that point. Second, they're actually likely to have MORE injuries this years, as last year the brief absence of Crawford was their only major injury (except Houston, who probably won't be playing this year either). Third, one of their key "new guys," Jerome James, isn't any good. So it's hard for me to see them getting above the mid-30s even with Brown at the helm.
Tim (Vermont): Speaking of the Wolves going 35-47, what is the protection on the first round pick they inexplicably threw away for a soon to be injured Marko Jaric? I heard that if the Wolves make the play-offs the Clips get the pick, otherwise they don't get one at all. Are picks ever this protected?
John Hollinger: (12:33 PM ET ) Tim, lottery-protecting draft picks is standard operating procedure in deals like this. Normally the protection slowly fades away, so that by year four or five there's no protection at all. but yes, I'm a lilttle baffled they had to throw a first-rounder in to trade 50 games of Cassell for 60 games of Jaric.
John Hollinger: (12:33 PM ET ) Folks, that's all the time I have today. Chad Ford is at the scorer's table waiting to check in.
Chad Ford: (12:34 PM ET ) OK everyone ... I'm here. It's 6:30 a.m in Hawaii ... but basketball is always on my mind. Let's roll ...
Jeff (Orlando): Wow. A whole chat transcript and not a single Magic question. So I'll ask! Ok, so ORL got spurned by their draft pick and the only splash they made was signing Dooling to half the MLE. Is making no noice and instead letting what you have grow a good thing in the Magic's case?
Chad Ford: (12:37 PM ET ) The Magic are a mess. Are they "letting things grow" with the one good young player -- Dwight Howard -- on their roster or are they a veteran team that's wasting away the last two or three years that Grant Hill has left. I think they overpaid Dooling, made a major mistake with Vazquez and will have problems with Stevie Francis if they don't let him dominate the ball. In other words, the Magic probably don't deserve much of a mention.
Chad (Fremont, Virginia): Chad, what do you think of Nate Robinson possibly taking over Stephon Marbury's role as starting PG for the Knicks midseason? Do you think all the hype about Robinson is all too much, and that once he faces real, veteran competition, it will become clear that 5'7 (without sneakers) or 5'9 (supposedly) just won't cut it?
Chad Ford: (12:40 PM ET ) I think Knicks fans are clinging onto anything that will give them hope. I'm a big Robinson fan, but see him more as an energy player off the bench like a better version of Earl Boykins. But I think you're marching down the right path. Larry Brown, at some point this season, is going to want to move Marbury to the two or ship him out. That's why he's been pushing so hard for Isiah to acquire Eric Snow from the Cavs. Marbury is not a Larry Brown type of point guard. Either he's got to change or there's going to be conflicts.
Blake (CO): Any chance the Nuggets will make a move before the start of the season with one of their three point guards? If not, how do you think the Nuggets will do with trying to get those guys fair playing time?
Chad Ford: (12:44 PM ET ) They're trying. They have a pretty lucrative package to offer -- Andre Miller and Nene. If George Karl could get a star caliber two guard for them, he'd do it. The problem is that Karl isn't a huge Miller fan and the Nuggets are reluctant to give Nene a big contract when he hits restricted free agency next summer. The Nuggets, I'm told, were rebuffed by the Celtics in an attempt to land Paul Pierce.
Jason, Los Angeles: Hi Chad, Any truth to the rumor of KG coming to Lakers??? Please let there be... and 30-35 wins as your colleagues are saying for lakers is way off base. More like 36-44 wins. Phil and Kobe (Best coach and best player) = playoffs!
Chad Ford: (12:46 PM ET ) Man, folks must be getting desperate in LA. The only way KG comes to the Lakers is via a Kobe trade. Given Kobe's no trade clause and the fact that Minnesota would be crazy to make that trade, I think you're going to have to be content with a 35 to 40 win team.
Chad Ford: (12:46 PM ET ) ... and no KG
Greg (Santa Monica): Is Mike Dunleavy capable of blending the new ( Cat, Sam The Man and KOROLEV) with the old (Elton, Corey, Shaun,and Kamen) taking the Clippers to the Playoffs? Given, Memphis and Seattle will fall off and not get in.
Chad Ford: (12:49 PM ET ) I had high hopes for the Clippers going into the off-season, but was very disappointed with what they did. They, lost Bobby Simmons and Marko Jaric. While I thought both were overpaid by Milwaukee and Minnesota, they weren't overpaid nearly as badly as what the Clippers gave Cuttino Mobley. I like Korolev, but he's a LONG-TERM project. They would've been much better off taking Danny Granger I think ... and I just can't see Sam Cassell being a positive there. I think the Clippers are stuck in the lottery for another year. Sooner or later, they've got to figure out how to land a star via free agency.
Tom (San Francisco, CA): Chad, your colleagues don't seem as impressed with the Warriors as you this year, what seed do you see them and what, if anything would you give up for Curry?
Chad Ford: (12:52 PM ET ) I don't think putting the Warriors in the playoff, on paper, is a stretch. I think Memphis and Seattle are weaker. I think the Warriors have one of the best backcourts in the NBA if they are healthy. I think Ike Digou could be a sleeper contender for Rookie of the Year. And Mike Dunleavy started to find his groove a little bit this year. I think, if they stay healthy, that they'll be somewhere between a 6th and 8th seed.
DJ - Chi: Chad, since the other two guys didnt answer my q, how about you step up to the plate. Who do you think is on the wrong side of the fence in regards to the Bulls/Curry situation? Do you think the Bulls can trade Curry and get something substantial in return?
Chad Ford: (12:56 PM ET ) If you stuck around the chat this long ... you deserve to be heard. I can't blame John Paxson. It's in his best interest to protect the franchise by not overpaying for a player, especially one who can't be insured. I also believe John is a good person. He doesn't want to put Eddy on the floor if there's a chance, any chance, that his heart condition could be life threatening. I think both factors are at work. I also understand where Eddy's coming from. He's had several top doctors tell him he's healthy enough to play. Why won't he take the DNA test? Because they aren't necessarily conclusive and could end his career if the results are bad. This is a $50 to $70 million poker game these two are playing. But the Bulls have all the leverage both this year ... and next summer unless Curry gets on the floor, has an amazing year and proves that his heart, both physically and mentally, is just fine.
Ryan(Richmond): Question about Hornets. With Magloire healthy again, JR Smith with a year under his belt, and Chris Paul on board to help Speedy, is there any chance of 30 wins? I'm just looking for steady improvement.
Chad Ford: (12:59 PM ET ) They are the forgotten team in the West, which is unfortunate because they are building a nice core. I love Paul ... think that Magloire is a solid center and think JR Smith has a lot of upside. They also made some smaller moves this summer which might pay off. There's no way they make the playoffs, but the Hornets will be worth watching this season ... in two or three years, with the right management (a big if for that team) they could be good.
Aka (Indianapolis): I know everyone thinks that the Pacers are a solid team but it seems to me they are being underrated so far. The team is loaded top to bottom and before the brawl they were dominating all comers even with injury problems.
Chad Ford: (1:03 PM ET ) I agree. I know Miami made the biggest moves this summer and the Pistons are the two time defending Eastern Conference champs ... but my money is on the Pacers. They have the motivation. They have a great coahc. They have two all-stars. Jamaal Tinsley emerged as a real threat last season. They have some interesting young players like David Harrison, Danny Granger and, if healthy, Jonathan Bender. And their off-season pick up of Sarunas Jasikevicius was under rated. I think Miami might end the season with more wins. But I expect to see the Pacers battling the Spurs in the Finals this year. I think it would be a great match-up.
Chad Ford: (1:04 PM ET ) I've got to run folks. Let's do this again soon. Training camps start next week. I can't wait. Aloha ....
I also thought the quote that Spreewell wants 5mil a year was pretty hilarious.
The NBA 2005 Offseason
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Welcome to The Show! On Wednesday, we'll round up any NBA expert we can find around here to chat with you about the eventful offseason. Want to know how your favorite team made out? Which free agent made out like a bandit and who got the short end of the stick -- ask the experts on Wednesday.
Send in your questions now. Marc Stein will kick things off at 11 a.m. ET followed by John Hollinger at noon ET and Chad Ford at 12:30 p.m. ET.
Marc Stein: (11:00 AM ET ) Hello again. Welcome back to Chatland. Camp is just a few days away and I'm guessing you're more than ready for the NBA's return. To the questions . . .
Bryan (Chicago, IL): What do you make of the Eddy Curry situation? If Eddy thinks he is okay to play - why not take the test and get your long-term deal? Who else is going to give him a long-term deal at this point? Can the Bulls-Curry relationship ever be fixed?
Marc Stein: (11:04 AM ET ) In a word ... no. If Curry rebounds from all these problems, he'll do everything in his power to leave the Bulls after this season. If he can't fully recover, as the Bulls fear, he'll never get that long-term deal. It's an unprecedented mess for a team that should be building on a return to the playoffs. It's hard to imagine this season going as well as last season as a result.
Roy (da Wonderful NJ): Did my Nets do enough this offseason to take the East?
Marc Stein: (11:07 AM ET ) No. Not even if they would have kept Reef. The best NJ can hope for is reclaiming its top-four status in the East. I can't see them passing Detroit, Indy or Miami as presently constituted.
New Baltimore, MI: hey marc, how do you see the pistons fairing in the Eastern Conference with new additions to teams like Cleveland, Indiana, and Miami?
Marc Stein: (11:08 AM ET ) Still like the Pistons. Still picking them to win the East. I like their core too much. No one knows yet how they'll respond to Flip, but I'm in the camp believing they'll be motivated to prove that they don't need Larry to remain in title contention.
Justin (Denver,CO): Should I be dissapointed in Denver's offseason moves, or lack thereof?
Marc Stein: (11:11 AM ET ) I suppose it's a disappointment that Denver didn't make Finley's top-five list, but the Nuggets weren't going to get him anyway. I'm sure they would have had a great shot at Cat Mobley, but they didn't want to overspend. I don't think Nuggets fans should be as down about the summer as they are. The real key is whether K-Mart comes back healthy. He played in far more pain last season than he let on and it showed in the playoffs.
Sri (VT): I read your article that said Heat will have chemistry issues. If Shaq is controlling things properly, do you still see issues. Not everyone is Kobe.
Marc Stein: (11:14 AM ET ) You're asking a lot to expect Shaq to keep everyone on that roster happy. When the Lakers had the four future Hall of Famers, you'll recall, that was essentially the whole team. There was never any question about who would start and finish games. The Heat have a lot more to deal with having added Toine, GP, J-Will and even Posey. Sorry, but I'm very skeptical. I don't like the mix and I'm not changing my mind 'til the Heaters can prove me wrong.
Brian (la la land): Marc, what's the hold up in the Spre to LA negotiations? Is he coming, or isn't he? and for what?
Marc Stein: (11:17 AM ET ) The holdup is that Spree wants 5 mil a year and has no leverage to get it. His agent keeps talking about sign-and-trades, but the sense I get from the Lakers is that there are no real talks and that the Spree camp is more than reaching. If Spree gets half of the Lakers' 5 mil exception, after last season, I'd say he's fortunate.
Milo (Bay Area, CA): Marc: When I make optimistic predictions of a Warriors playoff run, I get laughed at. Am I deluding myself? "Who can they beat?" is the question I most often get, and, besides Memphis, I'm not sure.
Marc Stein: (11:19 AM ET ) The conference is indeed the problem. The Warriors finally looked like more than a late-season tease after bringing Baron in, but your pals are right. Who besides the Grizz is vulnerable to be bumped from the top eight?
Chris Charlotte, NC : Did you hear Raymond Felton guranteed the playoffs for the Bobcats, what are your thoughts on that?
Marc Stein: (11:20 AM ET ) I did not hear that, but if it's true I applaud his optimism. He's wrong, of course, but anything that gets the Bobcats a little attention is a good thing.
Cleveland: Personally I love what my Cavs have done this offseason,how much do you like what they have done to help out LeBron and Z?
Marc Stein: (11:23 AM ET ) I have some questions about how Hughes and LBJ will mesh but getting Damon Jones should help because they needed a shooter so badly. And I'm a Donyell Marshall fan, so overall I'd say Danny Ferry had a fine maiden off-season on the fly. If the game continues to be called like it was last season, with contact on the perimeter being limited, that should favor the Cavs, because Hughes and LBJ (like Hughes and Arenas) will both be able to get into the paint and create stuff for themselves and for teammates.
Corey Ramsey, Las Vegas NV: Did Philly do enough to stay competitive in the ever improving East?
Marc Stein: (11:25 AM ET ) Depends on what you mean by "stay competitive." Can't see them winning a playoff series but I still expect Philly to make the playoffs. Only way that changes is if Webber and Iverson find a chemistry no one expects. If they suddenly blossom together, I reserve the right to change my mind.
Ranger (Frisco, TX): Did the Rockets pass up the Mavericks in the Western Conference with the signing of Swift?
Marc Stein: (11:27 AM ET ) On my scorecard, yes. I'm not the biggest Swift fan in the world, but he's an athletic four and that's what Yao needs from his sidekick.
Ben (East Lansing, MI): How much should the Pistons pay Tayshaun Prince? He's a valuable player to us, but at what cost?
Marc Stein: (11:29 AM ET ) I wouldn't worry too much. The Pistons, like the Spurs, have a knack for getting guys to sign reasonable contracts because they want to stay where they are. I don't see Detroit losing Tay or Big Ben next summer. I'd be stunned.
James: I think that experts are going to sleep on the Mavs this year. Great off season moves and Avery has the team that he wants. Departure of Finley will not really hurt since he disappears in playoffs.
Marc Stein: (11:32 AM ET ) Consider me dozing, then. The Mavs aren't going to come out and say it, but dare I say this is NOT the team they want. They're going to have to keep retooling around Nowitzki to return to contender status and I'm still expecting some sort of splashy trade in the next year.
Carlos: El Paso Texas: I cant see the suns being a better team than last year. can you?
Marc Stein: (11:35 AM ET ) Better? It would be tough to be better. But I don't expect them to drop too far. They're a lot deeper than they were, and they'll take a committee approach to replacing Joe Johnson. They're still No. 2 in the West for me.
Dan (Trinity, FL): With all the offseason moves, will the Bucks finally be a contender next year and for years to come?
Marc Stein: (11:38 AM ET ) Slow down. Have to get back to the playoffs first. But I think they will. Milwaukee spent a lot of money in the summer, but what was the alternative? What would people have said if the Bucks lost Redd? Simmons and Gadzuric are good (if expensive) complementary parts and all the moves give Milwaukee a good shot at returning to the top eight in the East . . . and take some pressure off Bogut in Year 1.
Fortyfive: (Los Angeles, CA): Besides the Spurs, Suns, Pistons, Heat, and Pacers do you see any other team that has a "realistic" chance of winning the 2006 NBA championship?
Marc Stein: (11:40 AM ET ) On Sept. 28, no. That's a good list of five.
Alfonso, Hermosa Beach: Marc, I'm having lunch at Rosa's today.
Marc Stein: (11:41 AM ET ) You are a lucky, lucky kid. Have the No. 19 for all of us.
Steve Poston: After the Spurs had such a great offseason, I've been hearing a lot of debate about how good this team can be. Assuming Duncan stays healthy, are 70 wins out of the question?
Marc Stein: (11:43 AM ET ) No. Pop would never try to burn out his main guys by chasing 70 wins. And the West has too many quality teams for a team to win 70 like the Bulls did a decade ago. The Spurs will spend the regular season trying to blend the new with the old so they hit peak form in the playoffs. No one in the Spurs' camp will be talking about 70 wins.
R.Keane (Old Southington, CT): Hey Marc, How do you like my Knicks this year?
Marc Stein: (11:51 AM ET ) You're lucky I'm even answering a question from any R. Keane, but I decided we had to talk about the Knicks a bit. I'm still deliberating whether to pick New York as a playoff team. I don't like the Knicks' roster any more than I did before last season, and I think I've made my feelings about Larry Brown's behavior last season pretty clear, but there's no denying how good a coach he is. He, like Phil Jackson, is worth 10 wins a season to a middling team like the Knicks. Ten more wins might be enough to get them back to the postseason.
Marc Stein: (11:52 AM ET ) Thanks for the great questions, everyone. Keep them rolling in because Profs Hollinger and Ford are on their way. We'll do this again soon.
The ShowGirl: (11:55 AM ET ) Thanks Marc! NBA Insider John Hollinger is up next. Keep those questions coming!
John Hollinger: (11:56 AM ET ) Hey folks, next batter's up. Let's get rolling.
Eric: Marc said that the Rockets are going to be better than the Mavs this season. Do you agree?
John Hollinger: (11:57 AM ET ) I think it's very close between those two, much like it was in the series last year. If you held a gun to my head I'd agree with Marc, but it's going to come down to how well Houston's guards hold off Father Time.
Steven (Fred Vegas, VA): With the loss of Hughes, K Brown, Dixon, and Blake do you still see the Wizards be a top 8 team in the Eastern Conference with the new parts they brought in?
John Hollinger: (11:59 AM ET ) Barely ... Basically, I think the new guys mostly offset the loss of Hughes, but they're still short a body in the frontcourt and they need to get something from Hayes and Jeffries.
Paul (Portland, OR): I hate to ask, but what do you see for the Trail Blazers? Other than D.Miles they don't seem to have as many "problem children", but are obviously very young. I read recently that Zach Randolph's knee rehab is going very well. What do you think?
John Hollinger: (12:00 PM ET ) Yes, the site of Z-Bo taking his mountain bike through the Portland suburbs must be a site to behold. I think the Blazers are still too young to contend for a playoff spot, but they're going to be really good in a couple years if they don't screw things up.
Coca, NYC: Is there anyway you guys see the Knicks stepping in at the 11th hour and acquiring Eddy Curry before the deadline for him to accept the qualifying offer?
John Hollinger: (12:01 PM ET ) The problem is, the Bulls have to agree to a sign-and-trade to make that happen, and the Bulls don't want to take back any of the Knicks' pitiful contracts because they're going to be more than $10 mil under the cap next summer. So in a nutshell, I can't see it.
Roy, Denver: Spree? Going to the Lakers? A 3rd and possible 4th team involved in the sign and trade? What teams, what players?? Thanks, John...
John Hollinger: (12:02 PM ET ) It's hard for me to envision Spree in the sign-and-trade scenario, because I can't see what the Lakers have that Minny would want, and the Lakers are under little pressure to give anything up since there's not exactly a bidding war going on for Spre's services right now. It's a ploy by his agent to get more than half the exception, which is all the Lakers can pay, but I don't see it working.
Chris (Sacramento, CA): How much did the Kings improve themselves with Shareef and Bonzi? Aren't they now back among the best 5-6 teams in the league?
John Hollinger: (12:03 PM ET ) To me it all depends on Peja. If the 2003-04 Peja shows up, then I think Sacramento wins the mid-50s. If the Peja of last year is out there, I don't think the Kings can do much better than the 7 seed.
Tre (New York NY): Do the Knicks have a hope of stopping anyone in the middle with James/Frye replacing the steady Kurt Thomas?
John Hollinger: (12:04 PM ET ) Kurt Thomas wasn't exactly defensive player of the year material as a center, so I wouldn't be overly worried about getting worse. However, the Knicks were a very bad defensive team overall and that's something they're hoping Larry Brown can change quickly.
louis (oakland): John, what do you see the lakers looking like this year? Playoff contenders?
John Hollinger: (12:05 PM ET ) I see them more as distant contenders -- they'll be in the race for a while but probably end up around 30-35 wins. If Phil squeezes any more than that out of them he really is a genius.
Tony (Chicago, IL): Do you think the Cavs will make the playoffs this year and what do thing about the off season moves? Thanks,
John Hollinger: (12:06 PM ET ) Cavs are a shoo-in for the playoffs. I think a lot of people are underestimating just how good this team is going to be. With the two shooters, Hughes replacing Newble and LeBron taking another step up, the sky is the limit.
Brody (St. Paul, MN): Hey, if you had to pick sleeper teams for this year like seattle and the suns were last year who are the teams?
John Hollinger: (12:08 PM ET ) One team jumps out at me: Utah. It's hard for me to go into all the reasons in such a small space, but their where I'd put my money right now. Nobody jumps out that way in the East to me, although Cleveland will be even better than folks suspect.
Josh (Waco, TX): Do you think the Spurs made a mistake letting a young promising player in Devin Brown go, while signing two veteran gaurds in Van Exel and Finley?
John Hollinger: (12:09 PM ET ) I don't think so. The difference between Finley and Brown is small, but I'd rather have Finley, and the Spurs time for winning is NOW.
Albert (Dallas, TX): Which player would you pick first overall on your fantasy draft? I know I would pick Dirk.
John Hollinger: (12:09 PM ET ) Depends on your league's rules, but Garnett and LeBron would be 1 and 1A for me in most formats. OK, back to real basketball ....
Jason (lex park ,MD): Who is your prediction for MVP for the up coming season?
John Hollinger: (12:11 PM ET ) Voters tend to like surprises and up and coming teams, so I think LeBron James, Andrei Kirilenko and Tracy McGrady will all do very well. I still think Garnett is the best player, but if the T-wolves go 35-47, which is definitely possible, then nobody will vote for him regardless.
OptionZero (Sacramento, CA): Marc said the Warriors won't make the playoffs because none of the top 8, bar Memphis, looks like they'd drop. What about Seattle (no McMillan) and Sacramento (lots of new parts, Bonzi factor)? Not to mention internal improvements through their draft picks and young players developing quickly...
John Hollinger: (12:12 PM ET ) On paper, the Warriors look like No. 9 or 10. But realistically, chances are at least one of the teams ahead of them will suffer a catastrophic injury and fall out of the chase, which moves GS up a spot or two. So if I had to bet, I'd say they'd get in, even though right now they wouldn't make my top 8.
Nate (SLC, Utah): Which team should be most excited for the upcoming season based upon player performances in the European Championships?
John Hollinger: (12:13 PM ET ) The one player who just shocked me was Boris Diaw, who never showed anywhere near the kind of offensive capability that he displayed in Belgrade last week.
Anthony (Greece): With Greece winning Eurobasket this year, do you expect any non-NBA Europeans to make the leap to the NBA ala Jaskevicius? I saw alot of players in that tournament that looked like they could make a difference.
John Hollinger: (12:16 PM ET ) There are still a ton of players in Europe who could make an NBA roster or be productive bench players, but a lot of them prefer starting in Europe to sitting in the States, and a few also have difficult buyout provisions in their contracts. A few guys not high on NBA radars who stood out to me were Paulius Jankunas of Lithuania, Marko Popovic of Croatia and Theodoros Papaloukas of Greece. Also Juan Carlos Navarro of Spain, whose rights are owned by the Wizards, was outstanding.
Matt (Dallas, Tx): What do you think the biggest challenge for the Mavs will be? Do you think they have a chance to win the West? If not, what do you think they are lacking?
John Hollinger: (12:18 PM ET ) The biggest challenge for Dallas is frontcourt depth. I think Dirk and Terry and the others will score points and Harris should be much better this year, but I worry about a team that lists DeSagana Diop as the backup center and really has no other alternatives.
Chris (Boston, MA): Hey John, How do you see the young Celtics doing this year and which young player do you think will step up?
John Hollinger: (12:19 PM ET ) I think Al Jefferson's numbers will get a major boost now that he's pencilled in as the starting power forward, but unless Banks or West takes a major step forward I think the Celtics will miss Gary Payton more than they realize.
Steve (Rochester, NY): 30-35 wins for the Lakers? They added Phil, frontline help in Kwame and Bynum (who won't be a big factor this year) and managed 34 wins with coaching issues, less talent, and injury problems.
John Hollinger: (12:20 PM ET ) But they also gave up Caron Butler for Kwame, and Butler is a better player right now. Plus, their projected starting point guard is ... Aaron McKie? Having Phil back helps, but this roster has a lot of problems.
Denise (Milwaukee, WI): Why is everyone sleeping on Andrew Bogut? Most don't project him to have a good or even interesting rookie season? But before the draft everyone loved him it seemed.
John Hollinger: (12:22 PM ET ) I think there's a lack of sexiness with Bogut because his upside isn't the same as it was for LeBron and his downside isn't the same as Kwame's or Darko's. He'll be a productive starting NBA center, and that's a very valuable thing, but it's also hard to hype.
Paul (Aug): John how about a Hawks question. what do you think of the Hawks' offseason moves? contender in 2 years or perpetual pretender?
John Hollinger: (12:24 PM ET ) The Hawks still have a lot of roster issues to deal with and will again battle the Bobcats for last place. The good news is that they'll have cap space again next summer and they have a lot of athletic forwards who could become stars. But contender in two years is definitely optimistic, unless you mean "8th seed contender"
Trevin(Houston): Is this the year for Yao to finally turn into the dominant center Houston has been looking for since the "Dream" left?
John Hollinger: (12:25 PM ET ) Yao is what he is -- the league's second-best center. He's not going to turn into Kareem or Shaq this year, because he doesn't move well enough. But appreciate the high percentage shot making and consistent effort, because he'll be an All-Star for several more years.
Brad (Toronto Ontario): John, I know the Raptors aren't going to be much this season as they go with a youth movement, but do you think they're on the right track to be competitive down the road?
John Hollinger: (12:26 PM ET ) Honestly, I don't think they even know where the track is, much less if its the right one or not. But keep an eye on Villanueva, Graham and Calderon. That should tell you how close they are to respectability.
Tracey (Hermosa Beach): Which of last year's playoff teams is going to have the hardest team making it back to the postseason this year? I say Celtics - too young and no point guard.
John Hollinger: (12:27 PM ET ) Although I don't like Boston's chances, I think it may be even a harder for Philadelphia. They have no bench whatsoever and Webber and Iverson are both good for missing about 20 games a season. If that holds up, they're toast.
Darrell (DC): Will the pickup of Maurice Evans allow Detroit to rest Prince and Hamilton more this year?
John Hollinger: (12:29 PM ET ) One would hope so. The Detroit five has put a lot of wear on their tires the past two seasons, so keeping the mintues down in teh regular season this year should be one of Flip's goals, and Detroit finally has a competent enough bench to pull it off.
Lenny(Villanova, PA): John, why are the Knicks being tabbed to finish so poorly. Last year they won 33 games and dealt with a handful of injuries. Assuming the team stays healthy, doesn't the addition of Brown and some of the other new guys easily push them into the playoffs?
John Hollinger: (12:31 PM ET ) You're forgetting a few things -- first, they traded away Mohammed in February, who had been one of their better players to that point. Second, they're actually likely to have MORE injuries this years, as last year the brief absence of Crawford was their only major injury (except Houston, who probably won't be playing this year either). Third, one of their key "new guys," Jerome James, isn't any good. So it's hard for me to see them getting above the mid-30s even with Brown at the helm.
Tim (Vermont): Speaking of the Wolves going 35-47, what is the protection on the first round pick they inexplicably threw away for a soon to be injured Marko Jaric? I heard that if the Wolves make the play-offs the Clips get the pick, otherwise they don't get one at all. Are picks ever this protected?
John Hollinger: (12:33 PM ET ) Tim, lottery-protecting draft picks is standard operating procedure in deals like this. Normally the protection slowly fades away, so that by year four or five there's no protection at all. but yes, I'm a lilttle baffled they had to throw a first-rounder in to trade 50 games of Cassell for 60 games of Jaric.
John Hollinger: (12:33 PM ET ) Folks, that's all the time I have today. Chad Ford is at the scorer's table waiting to check in.
Chad Ford: (12:34 PM ET ) OK everyone ... I'm here. It's 6:30 a.m in Hawaii ... but basketball is always on my mind. Let's roll ...
Jeff (Orlando): Wow. A whole chat transcript and not a single Magic question. So I'll ask! Ok, so ORL got spurned by their draft pick and the only splash they made was signing Dooling to half the MLE. Is making no noice and instead letting what you have grow a good thing in the Magic's case?
Chad Ford: (12:37 PM ET ) The Magic are a mess. Are they "letting things grow" with the one good young player -- Dwight Howard -- on their roster or are they a veteran team that's wasting away the last two or three years that Grant Hill has left. I think they overpaid Dooling, made a major mistake with Vazquez and will have problems with Stevie Francis if they don't let him dominate the ball. In other words, the Magic probably don't deserve much of a mention.
Chad (Fremont, Virginia): Chad, what do you think of Nate Robinson possibly taking over Stephon Marbury's role as starting PG for the Knicks midseason? Do you think all the hype about Robinson is all too much, and that once he faces real, veteran competition, it will become clear that 5'7 (without sneakers) or 5'9 (supposedly) just won't cut it?
Chad Ford: (12:40 PM ET ) I think Knicks fans are clinging onto anything that will give them hope. I'm a big Robinson fan, but see him more as an energy player off the bench like a better version of Earl Boykins. But I think you're marching down the right path. Larry Brown, at some point this season, is going to want to move Marbury to the two or ship him out. That's why he's been pushing so hard for Isiah to acquire Eric Snow from the Cavs. Marbury is not a Larry Brown type of point guard. Either he's got to change or there's going to be conflicts.
Blake (CO): Any chance the Nuggets will make a move before the start of the season with one of their three point guards? If not, how do you think the Nuggets will do with trying to get those guys fair playing time?
Chad Ford: (12:44 PM ET ) They're trying. They have a pretty lucrative package to offer -- Andre Miller and Nene. If George Karl could get a star caliber two guard for them, he'd do it. The problem is that Karl isn't a huge Miller fan and the Nuggets are reluctant to give Nene a big contract when he hits restricted free agency next summer. The Nuggets, I'm told, were rebuffed by the Celtics in an attempt to land Paul Pierce.
Jason, Los Angeles: Hi Chad, Any truth to the rumor of KG coming to Lakers??? Please let there be... and 30-35 wins as your colleagues are saying for lakers is way off base. More like 36-44 wins. Phil and Kobe (Best coach and best player) = playoffs!
Chad Ford: (12:46 PM ET ) Man, folks must be getting desperate in LA. The only way KG comes to the Lakers is via a Kobe trade. Given Kobe's no trade clause and the fact that Minnesota would be crazy to make that trade, I think you're going to have to be content with a 35 to 40 win team.
Chad Ford: (12:46 PM ET ) ... and no KG
Greg (Santa Monica): Is Mike Dunleavy capable of blending the new ( Cat, Sam The Man and KOROLEV) with the old (Elton, Corey, Shaun,and Kamen) taking the Clippers to the Playoffs? Given, Memphis and Seattle will fall off and not get in.
Chad Ford: (12:49 PM ET ) I had high hopes for the Clippers going into the off-season, but was very disappointed with what they did. They, lost Bobby Simmons and Marko Jaric. While I thought both were overpaid by Milwaukee and Minnesota, they weren't overpaid nearly as badly as what the Clippers gave Cuttino Mobley. I like Korolev, but he's a LONG-TERM project. They would've been much better off taking Danny Granger I think ... and I just can't see Sam Cassell being a positive there. I think the Clippers are stuck in the lottery for another year. Sooner or later, they've got to figure out how to land a star via free agency.
Tom (San Francisco, CA): Chad, your colleagues don't seem as impressed with the Warriors as you this year, what seed do you see them and what, if anything would you give up for Curry?
Chad Ford: (12:52 PM ET ) I don't think putting the Warriors in the playoff, on paper, is a stretch. I think Memphis and Seattle are weaker. I think the Warriors have one of the best backcourts in the NBA if they are healthy. I think Ike Digou could be a sleeper contender for Rookie of the Year. And Mike Dunleavy started to find his groove a little bit this year. I think, if they stay healthy, that they'll be somewhere between a 6th and 8th seed.
DJ - Chi: Chad, since the other two guys didnt answer my q, how about you step up to the plate. Who do you think is on the wrong side of the fence in regards to the Bulls/Curry situation? Do you think the Bulls can trade Curry and get something substantial in return?
Chad Ford: (12:56 PM ET ) If you stuck around the chat this long ... you deserve to be heard. I can't blame John Paxson. It's in his best interest to protect the franchise by not overpaying for a player, especially one who can't be insured. I also believe John is a good person. He doesn't want to put Eddy on the floor if there's a chance, any chance, that his heart condition could be life threatening. I think both factors are at work. I also understand where Eddy's coming from. He's had several top doctors tell him he's healthy enough to play. Why won't he take the DNA test? Because they aren't necessarily conclusive and could end his career if the results are bad. This is a $50 to $70 million poker game these two are playing. But the Bulls have all the leverage both this year ... and next summer unless Curry gets on the floor, has an amazing year and proves that his heart, both physically and mentally, is just fine.
Ryan(Richmond): Question about Hornets. With Magloire healthy again, JR Smith with a year under his belt, and Chris Paul on board to help Speedy, is there any chance of 30 wins? I'm just looking for steady improvement.
Chad Ford: (12:59 PM ET ) They are the forgotten team in the West, which is unfortunate because they are building a nice core. I love Paul ... think that Magloire is a solid center and think JR Smith has a lot of upside. They also made some smaller moves this summer which might pay off. There's no way they make the playoffs, but the Hornets will be worth watching this season ... in two or three years, with the right management (a big if for that team) they could be good.
Aka (Indianapolis): I know everyone thinks that the Pacers are a solid team but it seems to me they are being underrated so far. The team is loaded top to bottom and before the brawl they were dominating all comers even with injury problems.
Chad Ford: (1:03 PM ET ) I agree. I know Miami made the biggest moves this summer and the Pistons are the two time defending Eastern Conference champs ... but my money is on the Pacers. They have the motivation. They have a great coahc. They have two all-stars. Jamaal Tinsley emerged as a real threat last season. They have some interesting young players like David Harrison, Danny Granger and, if healthy, Jonathan Bender. And their off-season pick up of Sarunas Jasikevicius was under rated. I think Miami might end the season with more wins. But I expect to see the Pacers battling the Spurs in the Finals this year. I think it would be a great match-up.
Chad Ford: (1:04 PM ET ) I've got to run folks. Let's do this again soon. Training camps start next week. I can't wait. Aloha ....
I also thought the quote that Spreewell wants 5mil a year was pretty hilarious.
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