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Hoops Rumors Live Chat 8/29/2023
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CANT STOP WONT STOP
2:00
Kobe once made a trade request and came back, so why not Lillard?
Dana Gauruder
2:03
Well, certainly not out of the question but I can't recall a recent example where a star player wanted out and didn't eventually get dealt. I like seeing star players stay in one organization for their careers but it's very rare. Lillard finally reached the stage where the desire for a ring overrode his loyalty to the organization. It will be hard to convince him that Portland has a title run in the near future with the current mix of players.
Guest
2:03
Surprised former 9th pick in the draft Kevin Knox remains unsigned
Dana Gauruder
2:06
Not really. He's already passed through four organizations and none of those front offices or coaching staff felt compelled to bring him back. It's always surprising when a lottery pick flops and I think Knox is an NBA player. But he doesn't really move the needle enough with a particular skill. I hope he can hook on and get another chance but he may have to start exploring overseas possibilities.
Fernando
2:06
Do you think Hassan Whiteside will be back in the NBA at some point? I know he doesn't shoot the 3 but he was a top defender and rebounder
Dana Gauruder
2:08
Doubt it. His skill set as a big man isn't as valued as it was 5 or 10 years ago. And once you are out of the league for a year or more, it's increasingly difficult to get another shot. Last I heard, he had drawn some interest from an Israeli team but not sure where that stands now.
Edward w
2:09
Who do you think will be the surprise team in the nba this upcoming season.
Dana Gauruder
2:12
Depends on what you define as a surprise team. Got to believe Houston and Detroit will make significant strides this season but still may not be enough to get into the playoffs. I just think the Thunder are ready to make that next step and become a true contender. So much good young talent, a big-time scorer in SGA and they'll get the No. 2 pick of the 2022 draft in action. Intrigued to see what that team can do.
Stan
2:12
Barring a trade for a star that becomes available ie Embiid, are the Knicks done making moves? I’m still leery about the power forward depth
Dana Gauruder
2:16
I don't think they're done making moves, just because of their current roster situation. They've only got 12 players on guarantee deals and one of them is Fournier, whom they'd like to move. They've got some guys on non-guaranteed deals -- frontcourt players -- who could earn a spot. But if you're expecting a big move, I doubt that will happen.
Miami Fan
2:16
Any chance the Heat can get Dame without losing Herro?
Dana Gauruder
2:20
Conceivable but unlikely. Of the players they'd be willing to move who have big salaries, he's the one that a third team might want (doesn't seem Portland wants him that badly).
Kim
2:20
Good afternoon there seems to be a lot of great teams with a lot of great potential. Haven’t seen that in a few years including teams like Orlando and the Thunder who may take big steps. That being said, for those who don’t meet expectations what coach or coaches, do you see, on the proverbial hot right from the gate in the early season. Charlotte??? Thanks.
Dana Gauruder
2:24
With Michael Jordan selling his majority stake, it's unknown how the controlling ownership views Clifford. Given that the Bulls didn't go into rebuild mode, there's got to be pressure on Donovan. Kidd isn't exactly the most popular man in Dallas these days. Finch could be on thin ice if Wolves get off to a slow start. Those are some that come to mind.
KJ
2:24
In your opinion why did it take so long for Charlotte finally signed PJ Washington I mean I know with restricted free agents is more of your been against yourself but not sure why it took so long
Dana Gauruder
2:28
I believe the Hornets wanted to settle the Bridges situation first. He ended up doing it for them by signing the QO. I think Washington was hoping some team would come along with a sign-and-trade possibility (after teams ate up their cap room) but that didn't materialize. Washington ultimately choose to sign for a number that the Hornets felt comfortable with. At $16 million a year, Washington has a reasonable contract. He could have bet on himself and signed the QO but decided not to "bet on himself." Probably a good idea, given that the Hornets are a little crowded in the frontcourt.
KJ
2:29
Is it just me or am I getting the vibe that Chris Paul is going to come off the bench this year and Steve Kerr is trying to stall that decision as much as possible although he already knows the answer
Dana Gauruder
2:32
We ran a Community Shootaround on that very question yesterday. Can Paul adjust to being a sixth man? I think that's the ultimate question. Can't see Green or Splash Brothers coming off the bench. Wiggins has always been a starter, too and he's in his prime. Most likely candidate to lose his starting job is Looney, but that makes the Warriors awfully small and vulnerable on the boards. Most coaches and players will tell you it's not so much who starts, it's who finishes. I have to believe Paul will be on the court during crunch time in most situations.
KJ
2:32
I know it's only two games but right now who would you Christen as the MVP of the USA team
Dana Gauruder
2:35
Edwards was getting a lot of love but right now, Reaves is the hot name there after his performances. Who would have thunk a year ago Austin Reaves would be considered the breakout star of Team USA? Most pundits would have thought he'd have trouble holding onto a rotation spot with the Lakers.
KJ
2:35
This is more of a hypothetical question with Paul George and Kawhi Leonard both having the ability to opt out their contracts next summer let's say the scenario comes up and you're the owner of the Clippers and you can only keep one who would it be and why
Dana Gauruder
2:38
Depends on their health and medicals. Leonard has been the star of title teams for two organizations. He'd be an easy choice in my book for that reason alone. Neither has appeared in more than 60 regular season games in recent years. This is really a pivotal season for the Clippers. If that duo doesn't get them deep in the playoffs, may be time for a painful rebuild.
Morey eel
2:39
Barrett Robinson and Fournier, 3 unprotected picks and 3 swaps.  For embiid. Yes or no if you’re DM aka “the eel.”
Dana Gauruder
2:41
He can get a whole lot more for Embiid -- a package of young players and more picks than that.
Terry R
2:42
Orlando Magic has a crowded backcourt, what player is likely to be traded? My money is Jalen Suggs
Dana Gauruder
2:44
That's a good bet. He's going to need a strong training camp just to get a rotation spot. Amazing -- he was such a great college player and still only 22. There have to be some GMs out there who valued him highly entering the draft who'd be willing to give him a fresh start.
Rick Carlisle
2:45
The Pacers return 10 of their top 12 players in minutes played last season, with only Brissett and Duarte not returning.  With the additions of Bruce Brown, Jarace Walker, and Obi Toppin, and with only needing to replace the 1,980 combined total minutes played by Brissett and Duarte last season, what would your decisions regarding playing time and roles for Nembhard, Nesmith, Nwora, Jalen Smith, Isaiah Jackson, but especially Bruce Brown be?
Dana Gauruder
2:50
I'm not ready to probe the mind of Rick Carlisle but I'm sure Brown's going to play a lot. Nembhard, Nesmith and Nwora will probably be fighting for one rotation spot, if that; same goes for Smith and Jackson. Does Walker jump right into the lineup or will Toppin be the starter at PF? Another question to sort out. Haliburton, Hield, Mathurin and Brown will eat up the bulk of minutes at PG and wing spots and TJ figures into the mix, as well. Rick's got a lot of options, so there will be some spirited competition.
lenny
2:51
Prediction as to which big man the Lakers sign-Wood? Biyombo? Thompson? Gabriel young and high-energy-does he merit serious consideration? Thanks
Dana Gauruder
2:55
Wood and Biyombo were on the Lakers' radar during the busier part of free agency. Surprised both are still out there. Wood obviously would boost the second unit offense but they've got AD, LeBron, Hachimura, Vanderbilt, Prince and Hayes. Do they really need another frontcourt rotation player at the moment? I think Biyombo would be a better bet - more of a shotblocking presence who'd be willing to accept a lesser role than Wood.
Danny
2:57
Omer Yurtseven signing with the Utah Jazz was an excellent decision and good opportunity for him seeing as Walker Kessler was healthy all last season and is bound to be nicked up once or twice this season.  What under the radar signing and/or trade this offseason do you believe has the potential to be an upon reflection very wise move by the player and/or team?
Dana Gauruder
2:58
That's a tough one. I'm intrigued by Jevon Carter going to the Bulls with the possibility of an expanded role. I didn't see that one coming, especially since they ended up resigning White and Dosunmu as well.
Dejounte Murray
2:59
Were you surprised Dejounte Murray signed the extension he did instead of waiting and becoming a FA after this season (when he could have potentially gotten more money)? Think he just likes ATL?
Dana Gauruder
3:01
That one did surprise me, considering how the Hawks' season played out. I thought they'd keep their options open in that regard. But $120 million is a pretty nice payday and he's still only 26. He could get another big money deal later in his career if all goes well.
That's all the time we have for today. Luke Adams will field your questions on Thursday.
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