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Hoops Rumors Live Chat 2/17/2022
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Dana Gauruder
11:01
Hi all. I'll try to get to as many questions as I can.
Die Hard White Sox Fan
11:01
Thoughts on the Bulls signing Tristan Thompson
Dana Gauruder
11:03
Doesn't really move the needle much. It buys them some more minutes to rest Nikola but Tristan is one of the those traditional centers whose value has plummeted in recent years. He'll grab some rebounds and provide another interior presence but if he's playing more than 10-15 minutes a game, the Bulls are in trouble.
Gary
11:03
Should the Sixers be worried given their performance against the Celtics?... it seems like they really missed what guys like Curry and Drummond could bring in a game like that (long-range shooting, defense/rebounding. With The Beard not playing until after the All-Star Break, and the Bucks up next, thinking they will be hard-pressed to stay in the top five playoff spots.
Dana Gauruder
11:06
I wouldn't read too much into one game. They'll miss Curry's shooting but the lineup of Embiid-Harris-Thybulle-Harden-Maxey should be plenty good enough to hold a top 5 spot. Of course, it's predicated on Embiid staying healthy and Harden's hamstring holding up. I do wonder about their depth.
Connor⚾️
11:06
Hornets will get into playoffs?
Dana Gauruder
11:08
I live in the Detroit area. If they played the Pistons more often, they'd set NBA records. I think they've beaten the Pistons about 15 times in a row. The Hornets have enough offensive weapons to make the play-in tournament as long as Ball doesn't get hurt. Really, all they have to do is hold off the Beal-less Wizards and the once again dysfunctional Knicks to make the top 10. I don't see them falling behind either of those teams.
Jonathan Kuminga
11:09
A couple weeks ago I asked if I'd shown enough growth to be part of the post-season rotation and the answer was a form probably not. Given my play the last couples weeks has your answer changed? BTW...I'm gonna be pretty good.
Dana Gauruder
11:11
Yes, I'd say Mr. Kuminga will have a solid role on this championship contender, especially with Draymond's return/effectiveness in question. Kerr still prefers to go with his vets in crunch time but I like the way the lottery pick is fitting in with the current group.
Thaddeus Young
11:11
How big of an impact can I have on the Raptors over the rest of the season?
Dana Gauruder
11:14
A substantial one if Mr. Young can regain last year's form. 12.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 4.3 assists in 24-plus minutes for Chicago last season -- I'd say that's solid production from a vet. Young's legs should be fresh after not playing much for the Spurs this season. Once he settled in, I believe Young will be a solid rotation piece on a playoff team.
Leo
11:14
Do you think the Raptors have what it takes to be a top 6 seed in the East?
Dana Gauruder
11:16
The Young addition helps the cause and Siakam has been playing lights out the last couple months. With Siakam-VanVleet-Barnes-Trent core group playing at high level, I'd say they have a better than 50-50 chance of moving up a rung and avoiding the play-in tournament.
Mateo
11:19
The Raptors have an open roster spot. Do you think they'll just fill it with Champagnie, or go after a buyout candidate like Schroder at a position where they need depth?
Dana Gauruder
11:20
I think if they can add another proven shooter, they'd make a run. Toronto is in the middle of the pack in 3-point shooting. But my gut feeling they won't dip into the buyout market.
Ben Simmons 3pt Champion
11:22
Any chance the Sixers fill their roster with Freedom or Dragic?  Morey spoke out against China, so that shouldn't be an issue with Freedom.
Dana Gauruder
11:24
There will be tons of competition for Dragic. A lot of contenders want to add him to their backcourt. It's more feasible to bring in Enes -- they could use another big man after dealing Drummond and there will certainly be less competition for his services.
Guest
11:25
Which team(s) do you expect to have the strongest second half?
Dana Gauruder
11:30
I've got to believe the Nets will make a move up the standings once they get Durant back in the fold. The Hawks have underachieved and they should be better in the second half. In the West, I see the Jazz finished strong -- they could pass the Grizzlies in the standings. Even moreso, I see the Pelicans cruising into the play in tournament. The addition of McCollum has given them a boost and the three teams ahead of them in the standings (Clippers, Lakers, Blazers) have injury issues.
Michael
11:32
Do you believe the Raptors will try to extend either Fred VanVleet or Gary Trent Jr this offseason?
Dana Gauruder
11:36
I could definitely see the Raptors pursuing an extension with VanVleet this offseason and Trent has pumped his value in recent weeks. They're locked up through next season with player options for 2023/24, so Toronto isn't compelled to do anything. But I would anticipate they'll get an extension done with VanVleet. In terms of Trent, it would be a matter of how much he's seeking. Siakam and VanVleet are going to eat up a chunk of the cap, and long term they'll want to lock up Barnes, too.
Jojo
11:37
What are your thoughts on the all star weekend activities? Should there be an in-season tournament?
Dana Gauruder
11:42
It's a bigger deal to everyone who's chosen rather than the actual activities. The dunk contest has lost its luster. The 3-point contest can be somewhat entertaining and there's a real competitiveness to the participants. The skills competition? That's just kind of a goofy thing. The games themselves (Rookie, All-Star) are a joke and I don't think mixing up the Western and Eastern Conference players via a draft made it more interesting or watchable.
Jason
11:42
Obviously the Grizzlies have a good thing going right now, but do you think they'll try and consolidate some of their depth into a star to complement Morant, Jackson, and Bane after this season?
Dana Gauruder
11:44
I do see that. If they can get one more big impact player this offseason, they'll go for it. And hey, they've got great chemistry with the current group. Wouldn't surprise me at all if they won a couple of playoff series. Morant has already shown he's fearless in the clutch and Bane's improvement/Jackson's improved health has really allowed them to take off and make a big move up the standings.
green and gold
11:46
The way AD gets hurt all the time LA should not be considered a long run to the playoffs.  Is it time for them to consider trading AD in the off season?
Dana Gauruder
11:49
I don't see any other way to make a significant move, considering the current state of the roster. Of course, this would have to be met with the approval of LeBron. And I don't know if they could actually get a package that would improve their chances of winning the championship next year. Trading AD would be the kind of thing a team would do in a teardown/rebuild. LeBron isn't going to sign off on that. So yes, they should consider it but I don't see it happening.
Trent
11:50
Who do you think are some buyout candidates who could slot into a playoff rotation?
Dana Gauruder
11:53
Dragic would certainly be one. Derrick Favors could provide depth to someone's frontcourt. Dennis Schroder, since I don't see any reason for the Rockets to keep him. And perhaps John Wall, though with all the money owed to him that would an awfully tricky buyout.
Adam
11:54
Your thoughts on the Cavs adding LaVert? Do you see the Cavs being active in the buyout market?
Dana Gauruder
11:57
I thought it was a terrific move after losing Rubio and Sexton to season-ending injuries. It also gave a mental boost to the team, to know the front office endorses their drive to make the playoffs and maximize their improvement. I don't know if the Cavs are a more attractive team for a buyout candidate than some of the more serious contenders, so I doubt they'll get anyone via that path.
J
11:57
Can anyone realistically take down Golden State in a playoff series? Any team from the east if the Warriors make the finals?
Dana Gauruder
12:00
I don't see Golden State as unbeatable, especially with Green's health in question. The Suns are awfully good and the Jazz fell short last season when injuries struck at the worst time. If Utah is healthy this postseason, they're dangerous. Over in the East, I love the way the Heat maximize their roster. Obviously, a healthy KD-Kyrie combo could lead to a deep Nets run and don't underestimate the defending champions, either. Yes, there are plenty of times that could take down the Warriors in the postseason.
Hmm
12:02
Are these chats scheduled same time each week. Love these on the MLB site and looking forward to more. Thx!
Dana Gauruder
12:02
Yes, we have a live chat every Tuesday at noon Central time and these Thursday chats at 11 a.m. That's all the time we have for today, hope I can get to more of your questions next week!
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