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Hoops Rumors Live Chat: 10/22/24
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ARTHUR HILL
12:01
Welcome to this week's chat. We'll start with a Joel Embiid question.
Andre
12:01
Embiid?  Already going to miss time?
ARTHUR HILL
12:04
Sixers fans shouldn't panic over this morning's news that Joel Embiid won't play in the team's first two games. He's been up front about saying that he's focused on being healthy for the playoffs rather than reaching a certain number of regular season games. The team is being cautious with his left knee, and it sounds like he'll be back soon.
Guest
12:04
Do you see any realistic scenario in which the Sixers could end up as the #1 seed in the East?
ARTHUR HILL
12:07
A fully healthy team might have a chance, but the injury histories of Embiid and Paul George make it unlikely. There are going to be too many nights when at least one of them won't be available, and it's in the Sixers' best interest to not overtax them during the regular season. I think a four or five seed might be more realistic, but they'll be dangerous in the playoffs if Embiid and George are both available.
Edwill
12:07
Besides the Sixers and knicks. Do you think any other team in the east have any chance to dethrone the Celtics or alease give them a tough challenge. Maybe the bucks but they might take a small step back. Maybe the magic who I think they are slept on but I think they one year away from really being a serious legit contender.
ARTHUR HILL
12:11
I expect either Orlando, Cleveland or Indiana to move up another level this season. I like the Magic's addition of KCP to a talented lineup that already has a strong defensive identity. I think they'll have a better chance of challenging the Celtics than the Bucks do.
Thunder KAT
12:12
Can KAT finish top 5 for MVP?
ARTHUR HILL
12:15
It's hard to picture that with so much talent around him in New York. Even if the Knicks are one of the top teams in the league, most of the MVP votes will probably go to Jalen Brunson. Towns' MVP odds might have been better if he had stayed in Minnesota, but even there he was playing second fiddle to Anthony Edwards.
Kevin in Houston
12:15
With the extensions of Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun, the do you expect the Rockets to try to extend Steven Adams and Fred VanVleet (first have to decline his option)?
ARTHUR HILL
12:19
I think they would like to get new deals done with both players. VanVleet delivered exactly what the Rockets expected when they signed him last summer, serving as an-court leader who can take care of the ball and maximize all the young talent around him. He's said he loves being in Houston and will probably want to finish his career there. As long as Adams is fully recovered from his knee injury, he's a perfect backup for Alperen Sengun. Ime Udoka is going to love having him coming off the bench; the only question is whether they can afford to pay him with so many draft picks about to become extension eligible.
Ron
12:19
What will be the decision on Walker IV? Join Maine or put his talents overseas by playing Powerhouse Real Madrid who currently struggling at 2-2
ARTHUR HILL
12:21
It sounds like the Celtics really wanted to keep Walker, but they couldn't justify the cost under the luxury tax. He seems close to getting another NBA opportunity, so I think he'll stay in the G League rather than committing himself to an overseas contract.
Derek
12:21
Are the Lakers the favorites to eventually trade for Lavine?
ARTHUR HILL
12:25
Calling them the favorites could mean they're the only team willing to take on his contract and assume the injury risk. It really depends on how the season plays out. If LaVine continues to score like he did in the preseason and the Lakers get off to a slow start, I could see it happening to put another offensive threat around LeBron and AD. But that doesn't mean it's a wise move for L.A.
Tao~of~Hoop
12:25
We need some insider info please, what's Markelle Fultz been up to?  There has not literally been a peep of real news on his status, or training camp prospects - Is he rehabbing an injury?  On a meditation retreat?  Last we saw him he was the Magic backup point guard, nothing special but solid.  Yes, his broken umpshot has been probably one of the most discussed mysteries / sagas, but he had become a quality two-way player and a leader.  Sure he should be on a roster.  Even though they could probably use a big defensive wing like McDaniels, or Okeke, Bucks make sense since Delon Wright can play up a postion, off the ball and can shoot a little bit.  I could see Fultz running a nice pick and roll with Lopez or Portis, that's a viable offense.  Please fill us in.
ARTHUR HILL
12:29
As you point out, there was surprisingly little news about Fultz during the preseason. His numbers dipped last season, but he was pretty good with Orlando in 2022/23. It seems like there are limited options for veteran guards who don't shoot well. I don't have any inside information to offer, but an experienced team like Milwaukee would be a good fit.
Justin
12:29
Will Brunson’s numbers be affected from all the moves or will he still get his, asking for my fantasy bball team.
ARTHUR HILL
12:31
Brunson should be fine. He's still the focus on the Knicks' offense, and the addition of a big man who can shoot from the outside should provide more room for him to drive to the basket. He'll get some MVP consideration if the Knicks have the season they're expected to.
Kevin in Houston
12:32
Who is more likely to change teams next off season - Kuminga or Giddey?
ARTHUR HILL
12:36
I wouldn't expect either player to be on the move, even though they didn't get rookie scale extensions before the deadline. The Bulls are committed to having Giddey run their offense and they believe he can improve his shooting, so it would take a really down season for them to change course. Kuminga seems like part of the future in Golden State. They're both very likely to re-sign with their current teams next summer.
BI BI UH OH
12:36
Where will Brandon Ingram be playing after the trade deadline?
ARTHUR HILL
12:39
I don't think the trade offers for Ingram are going to get much better than they were during the offseason. It's going to be expensive to re-sign him, and he's got an injury history that makes him a risky investment. Unless the Pelicans send him somewhere in a trade for a center, I expect him to be in New Orleans all season.
Stifle Tower
12:39
Will Rudy extend at a lower salary soon? Wolves could use the cap relief.
ARTHUR HILL
12:43
Gobert is 32, so it's a move that makes sense as he enters the latter part of his career. He's not going to find a better fit than being the anchor of a really good defensive team in Minnesota that has a chance to compete for a championship as Anthony Edwards enters his prime seasons. A new contract at a lower salary would give the Wolves financial flexibility to stay in the title race.
Guest
12:43
Can the lakers or Kings make the playoffs without playing any defense? Neither team has much defense to be a playoff team.
ARTHUR HILL
12:46
I like the Kings' chances a little better than the Lakers' because they have so much offensive talent. Adding DeMar DeRozan and re-signing Malik Monk makes them really tough to defend and qualifies them as a must watch on League Pass.
Benny the Bull
12:46
Is Passive Pat (Williams) ever going to figure it out?  What level does he need to play at to have trade value in future?
ARTHUR HILL
12:52
I wonder what Williams' career would look like without the injuries. He's basically lost two of his first four seasons to physical problems, which has limited his development. Also, he's been part of an organization that hasn't had a clear plan for its future and hasn't really maximized his talents. He may never reach his full potential in Chicago, but it's hard to see him having much trade value without a couple of healthy, productive seasons.
Guest
12:52
Sarr got most of the press, but Carrington, the Wizards second 1st round pick, seems to be getting some attention. Could he really be "the steal of the draft" as some GMs have said in a recent survey?
ARTHUR HILL
12:55
Carrington is in a good spot to show off his talents. The Wizards don't really have a set backcourt, so he'll get plenty of playing time in his first season. The Rookie of the Year race is wide open, and he'll have a chance if he can put up impressive numbers.
Craven
12:55
The eastern conference seems very bottom heavy with eight teams basically in some form of rebuild. Which three of those bottom tier teams do you see getting the 8th, 9th and 10th play-off seeds in the east?
ARTHUR HILL
12:59
Start with the Heat, who are closer to the top seven than the bottom seven if they can avoid the constant injuries that plagued them last season. I like the Hawks to get one of those spots, but they'll need production from young players like Dyson Daniels and Zaccharie Risacher. The other spot is wide open, especially with so many teams focused on the draft, but I'll pick the Hornets. They have a lot of young talent in place and would benefit from being in a postseason atmosphere.
Bam on the Bayou
12:59
Bam win DPOY this season?
ARTHUR HILL
1:00
He's one of the top defensive big men in the league, and he'll be in the running if the Heat are better than expected. If he's going to win DPOY, it will have to happen soon before Victor Wembanyama gets it every season.
1:01
Thanks for another week of great questions. Enjoy the start of the season.
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