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Hoops Rumors Live Chat: 3/18/25
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ARTHUR HILL
11:01
Welcome to this week's chat. We'll get started with a question on Lonzo Ball and the Bulls.
Unclemike 1526
11:01
I personally think re signing Lonzo Ball and not trading him for at least a 2nd round pick was the dumbest move in the NBA this year. Especially when you see how good Tre Jones has looked. The money doesn't matter with ll the point guards the Bulls have access to it's still a waste. What do you think? Thanks. Sorry I missed and hit enter on the last one.
ARTHUR HILL
11:10
There's only one contender for the worst move of the year. Trading away Luka Doncic has taken an immeasurable toll on the Mavericks financially and competitively while destroying the team's relationship with its fans. Bonus points to Nico Harrison for also giving up on Quentin Grimes, who may be developing into a star in Philadelphia. Even so, it's hard to see how the Bulls benefit from committing to two more years with Ball. It's more of a feel-good story with Ball taking a team-friendly deal to stay with the franchise that helped him get back on the court after years of knee injuries. The Bulls have plenty of guards on their roster, and their focus should be on developing the younger ones who don't have a long injury history. Tre Jones has been a great pickup, and Josh Giddey will likely be re-signed. Add in Cody White and Ayo Dosunmu, and it's hard to see a role for Ball. He may be back on the trade market by next year's deadline.
Guest
11:10
If my only interest in college basketball is the players who will make it to the NBA, who should I be watching in March Madness this week?
ARTHUR HILL
11:17
Cooper Flagg is the obvious choice because he's a virtual lock to be the No. 1 pick, but there are plenty of others. The most fun watch might be Oklahoma guard Jeremiah Fears, who will take on defending champion Connecticut Friday night. He's an explosive guard who can beat defenders to almost any spot on the court. Texas' Tre Johnson is another big-time scorer, and you won't have to wait long to see him as he'll be featured in the First Four on Wednesday against Xavier. This is the best year for top prospects in college basketball in a long time, and it's unfortunate that Rutgers didn't make the tournament so we could get another look at Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey.
Guest
11:17
It seems like the Mavs might be getting some injured players back soon. Given how bad the teams behind them in the standings have been, could they still make the play-in? If so, do they have any chance to actually make noise in the playoffs?
ARTHUR HILL
11:23
The Mavericks' announcement yesterday that Anthony Davis was going to start practicing with their G League affiliate is major news in the race for the 10th spot. Dallas has been non-competitive lately, and there was recent talk of potential forfeits as their two-way players run low on eligibility. With Jaden Hardy and Kai Jones possibly returning from injury this week, the Mavs are starting to get reinforcements. But they'll need Davis to be active to have a realistic shot at holding onto 10th place, and it's not definite that he'll return yet. He's still an exceptional talent, and he would give Dallas at least a fighting chance of winning the 9-10 matchup.
JD
11:24
Is it my imagination or have the 76ers kind of been fun to watch with half their team (and all their stars) injured? Have they stumbled onto anything with some of these random lineups or is it just a case of late season randomness?
ARTHUR HILL
11:33
Odd things can happen during the course of an NBA season, but it looks like the Sixers have discovered something with their makeshift lineup. It's easy to dismiss the 130 points they scored Sunday in Dallas because the Mavericks only had eight active players, but they followed that up with 137 on Monday at Houston against a good defensive team. They were 24-of-49 from three-point range against the Rockets and held a big lead for most of the game. Quentin Grimes looks comfortable in a lead scoring role as he torched Houston for 46 points. Injuries have forced Philadelphia to play small lineups with a lot of shooters, which is a look that opponents don't often see. The Sixers have no incentive to win for the rest of the season and defenses will probably figure out a counter eventually, but it's fun to watch for now.
Devin Booker
11:33
Would the Suns be making a mistake if they really don't consider trading me this summer?
ARTHUR HILL
11:41
Owner Mat Ishbia dismissed speculation about a possible Booker trade this summer, calling the idea "silly." He points out that Booker is an elite player who's only 28 years old and who provides a cornerstone for Phoenix to rebuild around. While that's true, Ishbia will need to show uncharacteristic patience if that's his plan. Assuming the Suns trade Kevin Durant, it's probably not going to be a deal that makes the team better next season. More likely, it will be heavy on draft assets with a few short-term contracts thrown in. Ishbia will be stuck with Bradley Beal for at least one more season, and probably two, as no one is going to want to take on his no-trade clause. Booker has said that he wants to spend his entire career with the Suns, and it's understandable to reward that type of loyalty, but he's their best trade asset by far.
Ian
11:41
Which team would benefit most from winning the lottery this year? Part of me says it's a team like Utah or Washington that's made a bunch of high picks without getting a franchise player, but I also wonder if getting the top pick might put a team like the 76ers in way better position to pivot off their expensive stars if they want to
ARTHUR HILL
11:50
Getting Cooper Flagg would immediately speed up the rebuilding process for the Jazz or Wizards, who both have some good young talent in place. The Sixers would be the most fascinating destination, as teaming Flagg with a young backcourt of Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain would give them further incentive to start moving on from their broken-down veterans. I think Flagg's greatest impact could be in New Orleans, which is only a bottom-level team this season because of injuries. His skills would be a nice complement to Zion Williamson, and it sets up an intriguing collection of talent with Trey Murphy, CJ McCollum, Herb Jones and the eventual return of Dejounte Murray. Flagg will make any roster look better, but he could be in the playoffs next season with the Pelicans.
Unclemike 1526
11:51
OK so the Bulls are going to reach their goal of making a Play in spot and getting wiped out in 10 seconds. Bravo. Now the real questions start. Who is worth keeping? I say Buzelis, Collins, Huerter, Tre Jones, Giddey, and Phillips. Then the questions start. Keep or deal Coby? Deal Vujevic. If they draft a C do they keep Collins or Smith? I'd keep Collins. If they keep current management nothing good will happen. What would you do? Thanks.
ARTHUR HILL
12:01
It's hard to have faith in the current administration, but hopefully the Bulls' path forward will become clearer this summer. They're determined to trade Nikola Vucevic, who will be entering the final year of his contract. There are several promising big men who are projected to be on the board when they draft, so they should be able to find his eventual replacement. Collins would be fine as the interim center while they develop their pick. They'll probably re-sign Josh Giddey, so they should explore the trade market for White, but I wouldn't part with him cheaply. Tre Jones looks like a good addition at the trade deadline, but they have a lot of guards and wings to sort through. They were fortunate that Buzelis fell to them with the 11th pick last year. He looks like a keeper. It's time to fully commit to the future and start building the team that way instead of mixing in win-now moves that always lead to the play-in tournament.
Thanks for another week of great questions. We'll talk again next Tuesday.
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