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Hoops Rumors Live Chat 9/3/2022
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Velociraptor
12:00
What are your predictions for the Eastern Conference standings this season after the Mitchell trade?
Dana Gauruder
12:05
Well, the Cavs certainly move up. Considering the teams were really bunched up at the end of last regular season, I don't see anyone winning more than 60 or so games. I'll go with Boston, Miami, Brooklyn, Milwaukee, Cleveland, Toronto, Chicago, Atlanta, Philly and Washington. Sorry, I still don't believe in the Knicks.
OrlandoSpurs
12:06
If the Raptors sign someone to a two way contract, what happens to Jalen Harris and David Johnson qualifying offers?
Dana Gauruder
12:09
  1. The Raptors already have 2 players signed to two-way deals. They would have to shed either of those 2 players, Harper or Dowtin, or give them a standard contract in order to free up a two-way slot.
jadenhardyformvp
12:09
Do you see a chance that Christian Wood could win most improved player? He averaged 18 and 10 last year but with Luka’s elite playmaking he could easily average 25 and 10. Do you think he could win MIP or at least an all star appearance
Dana Gauruder
12:12
Considering that Wood has already posted some nice counting stats in the last few seasons -- he averaged appr. 18 points and 10 rebounds last season -- I can't see him winning a MIP unless he challenges for the scoring title. I don't see that happening. Typically, that award goes to 2nd or 3rd year players who make a significant leap in their development. Julius Randle was kind of an aberration a couple years back because he went from borderline starter to borderline All-Star as a No. 1 option.
Kim
12:13
Are the Hawks done making any moves before training camp?
Dana Gauruder
12:16
Not sure if they'll make any significant transactions but they've got a couple of open spots to fill to have 20 by training camp. There will be some training camp battles for the last couple spots on the roster, as only 13 players have fully guaranteed deals.
Alan
12:17
Bogdanovich, Beasley and Clarkson for Westbrook and an unprotected 2029 first.Can it happen?
Dana Gauruder
12:20
I think the Lakers are hoping they can shed Westbrook's contract on the Jazz, since they're in fire sale mode. However, Utah might just as easily make separate deals for the players or get picks earlier in the calendar (before the 2027 and '29 picks that the Lakers can trade). I believe the Pacers might be more willing to take on Westbrook for the cap space they'll get next summer.
Sign Carmelo Anthony
12:20
Melo is not signed. I think he's the best veteran option remaining at free agency. The Knicks have a 14th roster spot available. But there are a lot of young players that I think can get a roster spot on any NBA team, and the Knicks are not title contenders. Will Carmelo Anthony be an NBA player in 2022-2023?
Dana Gauruder
12:22
Given that Carmelo was reasonably productive the last couple of years, I think he'll get another shot somewhere. Perhaps another contender such as Denver, or he and his reps could just wait for an inevitable injury early in the season that would create a need for his services.
Guest
12:23
The Lakers made a good move in getting Patrick Beverly, do you see another move coming before training camp starts?
Dana Gauruder
12:26
Considering the Beverley and Russ are not exactly big fans of each other, I think the Lakers are hoping to get something else done. I do think Beverley's pesky style gives them something that was lacking on the defensive end last season.
Guest
12:27
Do you think the knicks will be able to trade Randall?
Dana Gauruder
12:29
Not for awhile, if that's their desire. His extension kicks in this season, which means any team that took him in would have to view him as a major piece to their championship puzzle. For better or worse, I think the Knicks and Randle are stuck with each other, at least for the next couple of seasons.
springfielscelt
12:30
What do you think of the performance of Leon Rose as a Knick executive ? Is he considered an above average executive or is he considered to be struggling in New York?
Dana Gauruder
12:34
He did some impressive maneuvering to clear space for Brunson but remains to be seen how that contract works out in the long run. I didn't think Mitchell would have put the Knicks "over the top," so I think they'll be better off having held onto those assets and retaining young players like Barrett and Grimes. Overall, I'd give him a 'C' so far -- the Knicks are better but a marginal playoff contender at best. They still don't have "That guy" -- a player you'd build your franchise around.
Ghost of Bud Selig
12:35
Dana I gotta correct you. Most all voters refuse to vote for a second year player for MIP because they are supposed to get better in year 2. Its why Bane was an afterthought for the award. Voters tend to go for a year 3+ player and avoid someone like Klay that just "improved" by not being injured.
Dana Gauruder
12:38
That's a valid point. I believe Siakam also won it in his third season, as did Morant. I should have rephrased that it tends to go to a younger player still on his rookie deal, rather than a guy who's been in the league awhile.
Joel John
12:38
Are the kings depth deep enough for a play off hunt?
Dana Gauruder
12:42
I think so. Fox, Huerter, Barnes, Murray, Sabonis as projected starters with Mitchell, Monk, Holmes and Lyles as the first four subs. Really, if that group stays reasonably healthy, there's no excuse for the Kings to be out of the playoff chase.
Joel Embiid
12:43
Philly as a 9 seed? Did I die?
Dana Gauruder
12:45
Not quite. But I am skeptical whether this veteran group -- Harden, Tobias, PJ and yourself -- can get through the season without some injury issues and I'm not overly impressed with the reserve unit.
Jojo
12:46
Best starting 5 in the NBA?
Dana Gauruder
12:50
Well, the Warriors just won the championship, so I'd say theirs is pretty solid! Boston's starting unit and the Pelicans with the return of Zion are quite formidable. I guess you'd have to throw in the Nets now, at least on paper, if they can actually get all their key players on the court at the same time.
Taylor
12:50
Favorite offseason move?
Dana Gauruder
12:55
I like the Hawks' acquisition of Murray. Didn't know the Spurs were willing to deal a young talent and theoretically, Young and Murray could be the top backcourt in the East. Not sure if the Hawks' frontcourt has enough quality to push past some of the other contenders but that's a real nice backcourt to have for the next few seasons. And the move by the Cavs this week was quite an eye opener. I didn't think they'd go "all in" after one much improved season but I see the potential rewards. Mitchell, Garland, Mobley and Allen -- that's a nice core group.
Matt
12:56
Who gets a NBA or WNBA first KC or St. Louis or Tampa Bay?
Dana Gauruder
12:58
I have no idea whether the WNBA is looking to expand to markets outside of NBA cities. As has speculated for a number of years, it's more likely that Seattle and Las Vegas would get an NBA franchise before any of those other cities.
Dennis
12:59
What move would the Suns need to make to make them title contenders?
Dana Gauruder
1:00
Probably another dynamic offensive threat to take pressure off of Booker. Doesn't necessarily have to be a starter but an instant offense guy who can get buckets when the offense starts to stagnate.
That's all the time we have for today. Please just Luke Adams on Tuesday for our next live chat.
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