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Hoops Rumors Live Chat 4/14/2022
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aol Ted
11:01
Should the play in only be limited to teams that are within 4 games of each other, like the NBA bubble? I liked it when it was implemented there, and a 46 win team shouldn't be bounced for losing two games
Dana Gauruder
11:03
I know Adam Silver said there might be some tweaks in future seasons, such as requiring teams to have a certain number of wins to qualify. The problem with that, naturally, is that it might eliminate a game or two -- not a good scenario for ESPN/TNT. My take is that they'll be little to no change in the format if the TV ratings are solid.
Number man
11:03
Westbrook is not wanted by any team with that huge contract. He has a bad attitude so why would any team want him unless they get a big advantage in the trade?
Dana Gauruder
11:08
It would have to be a situation that makes sense for both parties? A Westbrook-Wall swap has long been rumored because they have similar contracts. Another scenario is that with Westbrook now entering his final year (he'll definitely opt in), that $47 million comes off someone's books for next season. So you could trade some solid rotation players for him in a package if you're going into full rebuild mode. Westbrook would probably be waived in that scenario and the acquiring team can have gobs of cap space the following summer. Or they could spread that 47 million over a few seasons vs. their cap. Then, Westbrook could sign with someone as a free agent on a minimum deal or something close to it (he'll still get his 47 mill, of course). I think the latter scenario is what the Lakers will explore -- they just have to find a team in that mode.
me
11:08
Assuming Chicago resigns Zach, who do you see Chicago going after?  Trades?
Dana Gauruder
11:11
I think they've got a pretty good roster, especially if LaVine returns. It's really hard to judge this group due to Ball's injury and the fact Williams missed most of the season. If you run it back with Ball-LaVine-DeRozan-Williams-Vucevic, that's a pretty formidable starting 5. They may make some changes with their bench but I doubt they'll do anything drastic unless LaVine goes elsewhere -- then you might see a big sign-and-trade deal.
me
11:12
Bulls fan here, why is Donovan not getting any love for coach of the year.  All the reports that i've seen not one has mention him?  I know he is not a favorite, but a little appreciation here.
Dana Gauruder
11:17
The way they finished the season has taken him off the radar. Obviously, not his fault they had so many injury issues. Sliding from the top spot early in the season to sixth takes him out of the minds of voters. Plus there are two very obvious candidates in the West -- Monty Williams and Taylor Jenkins. Phoenix had another marvelous season and Grizzlies went from four games over .500 to 30. Donovan is making $6 mill annually -- I don't think he's fretting over the Coach of the Year award. In fact, can be a kiss of death for some coaches. Dwane Casey got fired by Toronto two days after winning it.
Guest
11:17
What do you make of the continuing Ben Simmons saga? If you're the coach, do you want him playing in the 1st round or does that potentially ruin defensive alignments, offensive sets, chemistry, etc.?
Dana Gauruder
11:21
I would definitely be concerned about him having to scrape off rust and trying to build chemistry on the fly with Durant/Irving. I think as long as you've got Durant and Irving out there, you can go a long way. Brown and Claxton have made a nice impact in recent games and Dragic has generally been effective since signing with the Nets. Maybe you throw Simmons in there with the second unit for some spot minutes or use him a defensive specialist with his length. That's really the biggest issue with Nets now -- they've got 2 superstars to carry the offense but can they get enough stops? That takes effort, discipline and versatility -- Nets have been spotty at that end most of the season.
Guest
11:23
What's the likeliest upset you see happening in the 1st round?
Dana Gauruder
11:30
A lot of these first-round matchups really don't have strong favorites, other than top seeds Phoenix and Miami (whoever they draw), Memphis and Milwaukee. Especially in the East, the teams were bunched up and the records weren't all different from one another. Obviously, Celtics are vulnerable as a No. 2 seed drawing the Nets and probably not having Williams in the series. Nuggets with the Joker could give Warriors fits, especially if Curry has any setbacks. I respect with Grizzlies did this season but it's a young team that will feel a different kind of pressure as a No. 2 seed. The Timberwolves have a good young unit and zero pressure on them. That could turn out to be a much closer series than many people may expect.
Mark
11:31
What to you think the Kings could get in a trade for let’s say the seventh pick in the upcoming draft?
Dana Gauruder
11:36
First off, we're not exactly sure until next month's lottery where any of the teams involved will be drafting. They could get lucky and move up or they could slide down a notch or two. Assuming they stay at No. 7, I don't think they'd get anything more than a solid rotation player. The consensus is that there's 3 difference-making bigs (Holmgren, Smith, Banchero). Ivey (PG) and K. Murray currently round out the top 5. After that, there's no real feel for how the rest of the lottery plays out. If one of those players were to slide down a couple of notches, then maybe they'd get a nice offer for that pick.
Joel John
11:37
Probable kings coach?
Dana Gauruder
11:40
My guess is they'll look for an experienced head coach. Kenny Atkinson and Terry Stotts would be most logical candidates. Atkinson kind of got a raw deal in Brooklyn; Stotts consistently got his teams to the playoffs in Portland. If they choose a young assistant coach, Darvin Ham (Bucks) would make a lot of sense.
James Wiseman
11:41
Any update on Wiseman's knee swelling?  I'm wondering if Looney or Draymond get injured, would the team ask Wiseman to play a few Mintues, provided his Knee swelling has gone away.
Dana Gauruder
11:41
He's done for the season. Hopefully, he'll be able to get back on the court on a regular basis next season.
NBA Draft Order
11:43
Can you publish a latest Draft Order article?   Curious which teams now get another Team's draft pick .....
Dana Gauruder
11:44
Search NBA draft 2022 on our website. Luke Adams published a comprehensive post regarding the draft order and traded picks on April 11.
Bob Myers
11:44
If Curry is healthy can you see the Warriors winning the whole thing this year? If they don't win,  what do you see their plan is for the offseason?
Dana Gauruder
11:48
I could see the Warriors making a run to the conference finals. I could also see them flaming out vs. the Nuggets. They gambled on Wiseman's health and lost (as noted in an earlier question). They're thin in interior options and now have to face a dominant center and reigning MVP in Jokic. The Warriors had a great start but the injuries to Draymond and then Curry led to some ugly losses in the second half of the season. They have the shooting and veteran leadership to pull it together and make a nice playoff run but I'd very surprised if they represented the West in the Finals.
Nba fan
11:48
Who is your pick for MVP this year? I have to go with Embiid
Dana Gauruder
11:52
It's a very tight race and I agree with you, I give Embiid a slight edge. I have no issue if Jokic or Giannis win the award, they have strong cases, too. But the way the Sixers season played out, with the Simmons situation lingering to the trade deadline, it would have been easy for things to fall apart. Embiid was so dominant in the 68  games he played that the Sixers wound up tied for second in the East standings. I believe they were 6-8 when he didn't play.
Lobo
11:53
Dana: Good Afternoon. Would Duncan Robinson plus perhaps a future second fetch a first rounder for the Heat?
Dana Gauruder
11:58
Perhaps, but not a high first-rounder. Probably, a lottery-protected pick. It was one thing for Robinson to have an off-year with a smaller contract. If you trade for him, you are taking on 3 guaranteed years (plus an early termination option in the final year)  to acquire a 3-point shooter who otherwise doesn't make a major impact. That's a substantial commitment.. We saw this happen with Bertans, too, and he wound up getting thrown into the Porzingis deal.
Stimpyi
11:58
Thoughts on the nick nurse to lakers rumour?  Why would anyone want to go to that dumpster fire?  The lakers mystique is gone.
Dana Gauruder
12:00
I think that talk is just wishful thinking on the part of Lakers fans/media. He's making around $8 mill coaching a very solid team with a good future (Barnes, Siakam, etc). He doesn't need that headache, no matter how much the Lakers might be willing to offer him.
That's all the time we have for today. Please join Luke Adams Tuesday for our next chat.
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