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Hoops Rumors Live Chat 11/14/2023
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Elwood
12:00
In your opinion, what prevents the Sixers from being in the top tier of Contenders in the East such as the Celtics or Bucks? How could they reach that tier? Thank you!
Dana Gauruder
12:02
Well, the Sixers look like a solid contender in an addition by subtraction scenario. Trading Harden has freed up Maxey to show his All-Star level skills. Obviously, if Maxey or Embiid is injured come playoff time, they're done. They could use a 3 and D wing in his prime. Anunoby makes a lot of sense, given his skills and contract status. Bench could use more scoring punch, an Alec Burks type. So far, so good for the Sixers but it's real early.
Guest
12:03
Although the current rockets run is slightly overstated. Considering the 6win run is during a 7 game homestand & AD
Dana Gauruder
12:05
Good point about having an extended homestand but last year's Rockets would have been incapable of taking advantage of it. And they've been some playoff level teams -- Sacramento, Lakers and now Denver. Solid lineup and some answers off the bench. Still don't see them as a playoff team but at least hope for a play-in spot. Sengun has really blossomed -- I think they're happy they didn't overspend for B. Lopez.
Guest
12:05
With the very odd treatment of Jaden Ivey in Detroit do you think he’s a “getable” player for other teams looking for a change? It’s crazy a 2nd year all rookie extremely high ceiling player is getting such little playing time on a bad team.
Dana Gauruder
12:07
It's real early in the Williams regime and we'll see how it plays out. Perhaps Williams views ivey as a second-unit sparkplug rather than a dynamic starting point. New coach sending a message to Ivey that he needs to improve defensively. The current lineup doesn't have enough scoring punch, so don't know how Williams can keep running it out there. Obviously, would help if Bogie was healthy, they desperately need his shooting.
Guest
12:08
If Clippers can’t get it together, what sort of return would you expect for the likes of Kawahi and PG? Could they get some exciting young talent in return if they finally accept it’s not working? I appreciate the pressure with the new arena but it’s still an option to reset and try and get some good looking players to keep the fan interest up.
Dana Gauruder
12:11
All depends on where they stand as the trade deadline approaches. Their owner isn't the type who'd be thrilled with a full rebuild. It's tough to predict the package they'd get for Kawhi or George because they both have player options for next season. I'm sure they'd get more for Kawhi because of his proven playoff mettle. But the team acquiring him probably would need some assurances he'd opt in or re-sign. They'd get a decent haul -- some future firster and some young talent -- but not the kind of package the Suns gave up for KD, who's on a long term deal.
Adam Bronze
12:13
In a press release on November 8th, the Utah Jazz stated that Walker Kessler sustained an ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) sprain in his left elbow during Utah’s season-opening game versus Sacramento on Oct. 25 (in the first quarter with 10:33 left). The Utah Jazz failed to report this information concerning this player’s injury prior to their next seven games, which they were required to do. Based upon prior penalties of violations of the league's injury reporting rules, the Utah Jazz should have been fined $25,000 for each violation, for a total of $175,000. What are your thoughts?
Dana Gauruder
12:15
Interesting point but I can't see the league doing anything. Kessler continued to play until he was sidelined and the medical staff felt he was healthy enough to play. Lots of guys play through undisclosed injuries. If the team felt he would miss any of those games prior to Nov. 8 and didn't report it, that would be a violation. Otherwise, don't see how they could punish Utah.
Kitchalitch
12:15
Eventho it’s still mega early of the pile of names currently available do you see the Warriors grabbing for that 15th spot (down the line)? Is it a big? If so do they look at the G League at like dmytro skapintsev, Tony Bradley, James Huff, Derrick favors?
Dana Gauruder
12:17
Long way off and I don't know if they're inclined to ever fill that 15th spot. They filled the 14th spot with Santos, whom they could release in January before his contract fully guarantees. That move saved them about $8 million in taxes. Likely they'll go with 13 players for a couple of weeks, then fill the 14th spot at the deadline with a vet. Just a matter then of what they'll need (perhaps a backup big?). If they add a 15th player, probably won't happen until right before end of the regular season.
Bud Mikedenholzer
12:18
There are currently 8 head coaches in the NBA who have won an NBA championship as a head coach and 2 other coaches recently reached the NBA finals (Ime Udoka and Monty Williams).  With greater parity in the league, opportunities  for first time head coaches will be reduced since front offices will be reluctant to hire less experienced candidates who don't have a track record.  In addition, front offices, such as the Indiana Pacers, will not be reluctant to fire a first time head coach (Nate Bjorkgren) after one season with a record of 34-38 but will not only be patient but provide his replacement with a multi-year extension after two seasons with a combined record of 60-104.  What is your opinion?
Dana Gauruder
12:20
Not necessarily the case. Budenholzer was fired a couple years after winning a championship. I think he'll resurface somewhere. But look at Milwaukee and Toronto -- they hired first-time head coaches. The Lakers did the same the previous year with Ham. So, just a matter of what the front office is looking for.
Walleye Wade
12:21
Should I start saving my $$$$ for Western Conference finals tickets for the Timberwolves???  You know , seats right next to James Harden in the nosebleed seats???
Dana Gauruder
12:23
Timberwolves are off to quite a start. Maybe KAT and Gobert can play together after all. Not completely farfetched they'll make a deep playoff run. The Rangers won the World Series, right?
EonADS
12:24
I'm not hitting the panic button, but the "mildly alarmed" button is warranted given we're 12.5% of the way through the season; how soon and how effectively do the Cavs upgrade their bench? Our defense falls to pieces as soon as the starters are off the floor, and LeVert is the only one scoring.
Dana Gauruder
12:26
There are rarely any trades at this stage of this season. Things may perk up a little bit in mid-December, when some of the free agents signed this summer become trade eligible. But from what I've seen the last couple of seasons, teams don't really make trades until we get closer to Feb. deadline. There a fewer sellers in the first half of the season because of the play-in tourney. Very few teams give up on their season until the deadline nears.
Easiest fixes?
12:27
Of the teams that are struggling more than expected, whose problems are easiest to fix? E.g. Can LAC right the ship by signing a veteran PF/C? Will Mem be fine when Ja returns? Will Det be pretty decent when vets get healthy? etc.
Dana Gauruder
12:29
I've got to believe the Clippers will figure things out, at least for the regular season. Memphis is in trouble because it's going to be hard to make up that much ground when Morant finally comes back. They're really hurting in the interior. Biyombo is starting games after they rescued him from the scrap heap, which tells you something right there.
Guest
12:30
Is Terrence Ross retiring?
Dana Gauruder
12:32
Haven't heard anything about Ross since the summer, when he drew some interest from a couple of Serbian teams. I think he's one of many veteran free agents who is staying in shape and hoping he can hook up with another NBA team once injuries pile up. Might have to go the 10-day route in January and earn his way back into the league.
Sam
12:33
Do you envision Markelle Fultz signing an extension with the Orlando Magic?
Dana Gauruder
12:35
I don't. The way they've been piling up guards via the draft makes me think they'd rather go in a different direction for the longterm. They have to invest heavily in Banchero/Wagner down the road, so I doubt an extension is coming unless the club gets good value.
Avi Jacob
12:36
I see an alarming lack of big man depth on the Celtics as their achilles heel right now. Kornet doesn't "Kut" it. Could you suggest some bigs on non-contending teams that would be good acquisitions?
Dana Gauruder
12:39
Do you want James Wiseman? He wasn't even in Pistons rotation until Duren got hurt. They've got Bagley, too, who's been fairly productive. You could probably pry Gafford from the Wizards for the right price.
Mitch K
12:39
What is a realistic return for Hayward? Matching expiring salaries plus a second rounder? Free up more time for MIller to develop + pickup an asset?
Dana Gauruder
12:42
Matching up the salaries, he's making 31.5 mill is the biggest obstacle. Plus, he'll be a free agent, so he'd basically be a rental. Doubt they could a future first-rounder as part of the deal, unless it was heavily protected. Your proposal is realistic -- maybe they could get a decent young player in need of playing time as part of the package. But the return wouldn't be great.
JazzFan
12:42
What's up with the Jazz? Why such a slow start this year? Good team on paper but just not meshing?
Dana Gauruder
12:46
Horrible defense. Allowing opponents to shoot nearly 50 percent is a recipe for disaster. An earlier question noted that Kessler was dealing with elbow injury even before he was sidelined. Kessler is the defensive anchor. They don't have enough defensive stoppers at the other spots. Plus, they've been trying to figure out their point situation, though George looks like the real deal.
Mk
12:46
Will the new lineup in LA work to the benefit of Austin Reaves or is it an evolving issue going foward?
Dana Gauruder
12:49
I don't think you have to worry about Reaves. He proved himself last season and he'll adjust his game to whomever  is on the court. Reaves was struggling from deep but he's looked better the last couple of games.
Delete
12:49
Surprised by the number of impactful injuries so early in the season
Dana Gauruder
12:52
No. It's been an ongoing issue in the league and some other sports (notably, MLB). I still haven't seen a convincing argument why current players are so susceptible to injuries. Granted, the game is played at a faster pace than it used to be. But it's also less physical and the players have sophicated training methods, workouts, dietiticians, etc. It shouldn't happen at this rate.
Kim
12:53
The Hawks are stagnant. While Trae Young is visibly trying to move off the ball this is going to be a process to change his overall game. In the meantime it’s not translating to winning. They are in the same spot as last year. As a fan I’m discouraged. What is needed for us to be in contention finally, for a championship?? Thanks.
Dana Gauruder
12:56
Atlanta seems to be pinning its hopes on Snyder's track record in Utah -- that he'll maximize their talent and turn them into a cohesive defensive effort. Really, other than trading Collins, how different is the roster than the one he inherited? That being said, I think you have to give it 40-50 games this season to see whether the roster as currently constructed can contend. I think they're at least a notch below Bucks, Sixers, Celtics, etc.
Justin
12:56
Raptors related question, are there any shooters that could be available to augment their bench. They could use another one on top of O.G., Dick, Trent, and Otto. I am waiting for coach Darko to have those 4 play with either Siakam and Barnes for stretches.
Dana Gauruder
12:58
I'll reiterate what I said earlier regarding the trade market. There's usually very little movement until the deadline gets closer. Now, if the team completely implodes and goes on a long slide, that would change the equation. But teams at this point aren't inclined to do anything. They're not going to wave the white flag that quickly.
rider
12:58
nets have shown they can play high level basketball, but need to get healthy? top 6 seed?
Dana Gauruder
1:00
Getting Claxton back is a big help. It's possible they could grab the fifth or sixth seed if everything goes right.
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