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Hoops Rumors Live Chat 3/3/2022
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Dana Gauruder
11:01
Our live chat has begun.
Guest
11:01
What are your thoughts on John walls situation and if he will be traded or not?
Dana Gauruder
11:05
I can't imagine John Wall wants to sit out another year and that the Rockets want this odd situation to continue. To be sure, Wall will opt in -- he's not going to leave $47 million on the table. But he'll be in the last year of his contract. Perhaps the Westbrook-Wall swap will finally happen. If not, the Rockets will either buy him out, swallow the cap hit and have plenty more cap room the following season with his contract off the books. But I definitely don't see the purpose of Wall sitting in street clothes for 2 consecutive seasons.
Wild Wild West
11:06
Your darkhorse team to pull off a Suns like run in playoffs? Health obviously plays a factor, but do you see Denver or Utah beating Suns or Warriors?
Dana Gauruder
11:10
If you're talking about the West, I think it's wide open. Yes, I could see Utah making a run if their main guys are healthy, unlike last postseason. Denver is more unlikely -- the Nuggets would probably need Murray or Porter to come back strong and give them a boost --- that is unlikely to happen. Don't sleep on the Grizzlies -- they're young and athletic and Morant has been lights out. In the East, it's pretty wide open. Heat, Bucks, Sixers and yes, even Nets, could make a run depending upon who's healthy.
bucks
11:11
what can the bucks do about a center we need a bigger one
Dana Gauruder
11:13
There isn't much via the buyout market, so their options are limited. They're basically hoping Brook Lopez comes back and can give them some minutes come playoff time.
Sean
11:16
Possible landing spots/returns for Tobias Harris in offseason?
Dana Gauruder
11:21
Harris is a solid player but his contract is onerous. There's still 2 years left on it, plus I believe there's a trade kicker as well. That said, Morey has found ways to make it work. Likely will have to attach a first-rounder to any potential deal. The Hawks and Kings are possibilities -- Harris would provide a steadying force for Atlanta depending upon what it wants to do with John Collins; As for the Kings, they make all kinds of strange moves.
DONT SLEEP ON KUZ
11:22
What is Kuzmas trade value this offseason?  If you look at the numbers, he’s been better than Jerami grant this year, is a year younger, and is $6million cheaper.  Plus the wizards need playing time for rui, kispert, and deni.  Portland looks like a good fit and could have two top 10 picks in this draft.  What could the wiz get for big Kuz?
Dana Gauruder
11:28
Kuzma's contract numbers are quite reasonable -- $13 mill for each of the next two seasons. He's shown more versatility in his game this season -- his assist totals have gone up, especially with Beal out. What hurts his market is that his perimeter shooting isn't anything special (35 percent on 3s, 72 percent FTs). Portland is thin at forward after dealing Powell/Covington, so he could definitely fit into that lineup.
HandsomeRalph
11:28
Who gets the blame in Philly if they don't make the finals/win this year? Doc, Embiid, Harden, Morey, or other? With all the drama it feels less about the basketball and more about the narrative. Does Doc lose his job? Does Morey?
Dana Gauruder
11:32
I would think the window of opportunity would extend into next season. There might be changes to the supporting cast but I doubt Doc or Morey will lose their jobs after this season. Perhaps if completely flame out in the first round, there may be some pressure to make a coaching change. Otherwise, the Sixers would still remain one of the favorites to come out of East next season with the Embiid-Harden duo. If they come up short this season and next, then you'd see some big changes.
HoopLA
11:33
Why isn’t Tyronn Lue getting more love for Coach of the Year? And do the Lakers miss the playoffs entirely?
Dana Gauruder
11:38
Lue certainly deserves consideration for keeping that team in the playoff picture with Kawhi out all season and George missing a good chunk. Usually, the award is often given to a coach with a team that has a surprise season. Bickerstaff looks like the favorite and Taylor Jenkins has to be in the picture the way the Grizz are playing. Monty Williams, even though his team was in Finals last year, could also be in the running if the Suns keep winning without Chris Paul.
11:39
As for the Lakers, they are very vulnerable with the Pelicans now breathing down their necks. I think their season ends when the regular season ends.
green and gold
11:40
Should the Lakers go into a rebuild this offseason?  AD and Lebron could bring back youth and draft picks for a quick rebuild.  Westbrook could be bought out.
Dana Gauruder
11:45
That would entail a huge shift in philosophy for that franchise. I just don't see the Lakers ownership/front office/fans buying into the notion of blowing everything up and going through a few years of pain while waiting for a young core to develop. Remember, too, the Lakers don't benefit from going into the tank the next couple of years. All they'd be doing is helping the Pelicans some sweet lottery picks due to the AD deal.
igeekz
11:46
Any thoughts on the upcoming draftclass? who are the most oustanding players potentialy eligible this summer?
Dana Gauruder
11:50
The steady buzz over the last few months is that 3 bigs -- Jabari Smith, Paulo Banchero and Chet Holmgren -- are the top guys. Right now, it's pretty safe to say one of them will be the top pick. Holmgren in particular can impact games in lots of ways. Jaden Ivey of Purdue has gotten more buzz lately as the top PG in the draft. But the top tier of this draft will be dominated by bigs.
Tom Emanski
11:52
Could you see the Bulls trading Vuc in the offseason?  He'll be entering the last year of his deal, and giving him another deal at his age might not make sense.  Assuming the Bulls extend Lavine, they'll be operating as an over the cap team for the foreseeable future as well, so if they were to let him walk when his contract expires they won't really have the financial flexibility to replace him, hence why trading him with 1 year left on the deal could make sense.
Dana Gauruder
11:57
It's an interesting concept. Obviously, they traded for Vucevic before they knew Ball and DeRozan would be on the roster. LaVine's knee issue is concerning, so not sure if that impacts the Bulls' interest in re-signing him. Let's assume Chicago does re-sign, wouldn't Chicago be better off keeping Vucevic and seeing if it can win a title next season? His salary numbers actually decline (22 million) and the Bulls would probably weaken themselves in the middle by trading him. And that cap room would open up in 2023 if they come up short in next year's playoffs. Of course, the Bulls could make some noise this postseason, too, once Ball/Caruso get back in action.
Trog
11:57
Dinwiddie has proven to be a good fit on the Mavs so far. Thoughts on the Porzingis trade?
Dana Gauruder
12:01
Can't really make any conclusions at this point. Porzingis hasn't played yet for the Wizards and it's not certain he will this season. I felt at the time of the trade the Mavs did themselves a favor by moving his contract. His knee issues are a major concern. The fact that Dinwiddie has played well off the bench is a bonus. In the Wizards' case, I don't know what they're going to do with that roster. A lot of it depends on Beal and whether he finally asks for a trade.
Charlie’s Mom
12:01
Mitchell Robinson seems like he’d make sense in Toronto. Mid-level with player option enough to get him in FA?
Dana Gauruder
12:03
I think there will be a market for Robinson as a UFA this offseason. I think a full mid-level is quite possible and you are correct, Toronto would appear to be a good landing spot for him.
12:04
That is all the time we have today. Please join Luke Adams in his weekly chat on Tuesday.
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