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Hoops Rumors Live Chat 11/21/2023
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Dana Gauruder
11:02
We're going to try something different today. I will try to get to your questions but I'm going to give you a topic in a few minutes. I want to hear your opinion on that topic, then I'll provide my two cents on it. Let's start.
Delete
11:02
Tobias still a negative trade asset considering his outstanding play so far under nick nurse?
Dana Gauruder
11:04
Not as much as say, 2 years ago, when he was in the earlier stages of that contract. He's now got a $39MM expiring deal -- that could be tempting to a team looking to offload salary after the season. The caveat is that Morey has repeatedly stated he wants to protect his cap space for the summer. So, only way Harris goes is for a big-time, All-Star talent that could put them over the top this year. Thus, I doubt Tobias is going anywhere.
Troy Weaver
11:04
How many games do you believe Bojan Bogdanović has to play in before the trade deadline on February 8th, 2024 for a team to consider parting with any assets in order to acquire him?
Dana Gauruder
11:07
Glad you brought that up, as this is related to the topic I will write about in a few minutes. I think you'd have to see him on the court for close to a month before you can judge if that calf injury is sufficiently healed and not a problem going forward. I don't think you can trust he'll be healthy the rest of the way if he's plays say, 4 or 5 games. If he can get through at least a dozen, maybe 15, then you can feel comfort dealing for him.
Charlie’s Moms
11:07
Seems like a year where there are more than the usual number of teams with unbalanced rosters. Normally you only get a few, smaller trades before January (when the last of the previous year’s signings are trade-eligible), but do you think this year may be an outlier? Looking around at a lot of cluttered rosters (and the usual surprising starts and injuries)…
Dana Gauruder
11:09
There might be imbalances but I doubt there will be much activity, if any, before mid-December when most of the free agents who signed this past summer are eligible to be dealt. Plus, as I've stated in past weeks, the play-in tournament has impacted teams' approaches.. It's delayed  decisions on whether to be a buyer or seller.
Guest
11:09
Regarding the impending Chicago Bull transformation where do you think LaVine & DeRozen end up ? Lastly in my opinion the no resting plan by the NBA has been an epic failure. Do you agree ?
Dana Gauruder
11:11
I've seen some speculation about LaVine and the Heat but I would think DeRozan would be more of their style of player. Would the Knicks roll the dice on LaVine? Would the Lakers take a shot on him? I just think one of those big-market teams is the more logical landing spot for him.
Kyle
11:11
Do you see the Jazz making a trade soon to try and get the team back on track defensively, as well as to get better at the point guard position?  They should be better than they are.
Dana Gauruder
11:14
I think they'd like the rookie to seize that role. Of course, George is going to have some ups and downs but they love his talent. Jazz's defense has been greatly impacted by Kessler's absence. He got hurt in the opener, tried to play through the injury and then they shut him down for awhile. They made a big trade for Collins this summer -- I think they've got to give it to time to see if a Lauri-Collins-Kessler frontcourt can develop chemistry.
Trog
11:14
Can the Mavs make their defensive scheme work with two lousy defenders (Irving, Doncic) complemented by three plus defenders on the floor at the same time (Williams, Lively, Jones)? Is there a particular player you could see the Mavs targeting in a trade as the season progresses?
Dana Gauruder
11:16
They're committed to that backcourt, so they have to be solid in the middle and on the wings. Might seem odd but would reacquiring Finney-Smith or a similar player be the answer? They gave up good role players to get Irving, maybe try to get at least one of them back.
RudeboyDefender
11:17
Aloha from Maui!  Do the Bucks need to make a personnel change to fix their bad defense?  If so, who is a  gettable fifth starter able to guard the high scorers lighting them up.  I’ve heard Caruso mentioned, but don’t think they should invest too much given injury history and meh offense.
Dana Gauruder
11:19
Lucky you being in Maui. Bucks had to move a lot of assets to get Lillard. I just don't know what they could give it to bring in another impact player with four core players eating up $25 mill or more of their cap.
11:22
OK, here's the topic that I hinted at in the Bogdanovic question. Why do you think so many players have missed so many games due to injuries? It wasn't uncommon for players to get through all 82 games in past eras. Most players rarely missed chunks of the season nursing an injury. We're not a roto site but we have several posts a day regarding injuries. Why is it so difficult for the current players to stay on the court? Give you insights and we'll get back to this later.
Guest
11:22
With an 8-5 I beleive the Orlando Magic will win at least 45 games (barring major injuries) and finish within the top 5-6 spots in the east. What say you?
Dana Gauruder
11:24
Top 5 or 6 seems a little optimistic, given the power structure in the East. But not out of the question as long as Banchero and Wagner can stay healthy. They've gotten off to a good start despite Carter getting hurt again.
Troell
11:24
Do you think anyone becomes an early seller? Lot of chatter, Dec 15th is around the corner and the majority of the leagues recently signed or traded players can be moved.  Do the Bulls, Pistons, Grizz, Wiz, Horners, or Spurs or  pull the trigger on moving some veterans around?
Dana Gauruder
11:26
Out of that, I'd say Bulls are most likely, simply because of the LaVine situation. For this to get a little antsy and become public so early in the season shows a disconnect between Zach and the coaching staff/front office. Once it's known that one of our top players isn't thrilled with wearing your uniform, it's inevitable that a trade will happen.
Cory Joseph
11:27
Do you believe it is guaranteed that Tyus Jones and his expiring $14 million contract is dealt by the trade deadline?  What teams do you believe should and/or could be interested?  Do you believe there is any logical reason why the Washington Wizards would hold onto him besides a sign and trade in the offseason?
Dana Gauruder
11:28
Jones could help a contender and the Wizards are in the business of accumulating assets, so surely they'll listen to offers for him or anyone else on that roster. Don't think any of their players would be classified as untouchable.
Doc7
11:28
Keyonte George has stabilized the Jazz since he was inserted into the starting lineup. He allows Jordan Clarkson to focus on scoring rather than playmaking. I do not think the Jazz are ready to abandon hope of getting into the play in, but when we get closer to the deadline do you see the Jazz moving on from Talen Horton Tucker and/or Collin Sexton? If so, what could they get for them? Both had impressive games on Sunday, but at some point, you have to make room for the Youngbloods.
Dana Gauruder
11:31
What complicates things regarding Sexton is that he's signed through 2025/26. His salary isn't staggering but the acquiring team would have to believe he could regain his old form. THT is much more moveable, thanks to his expiring contract. I doubt they could get a first-rounder for him but he's the type of player who could be tossed into a wider-ranging deal.
Wizards
11:31
Should we look to move Jordan Poole? What can we do to try and get him on track?
Dana Gauruder
11:33
He's already worn out his welcome in Washington? That was quick. Poole is due $29.6 mill next season, $31.8 the next season and $34 mill in 2026/27. Is there another team out there who wants him that bad? Doubt it.
Ed
11:33
How come media always has mock trades for the Knicks and KAT/Lavine. I assure you no Knicks fan wants this. Those contracts weigh down franchises. They hold neutral to negative trade value...would you agree?
Dana Gauruder
11:35
I do agree that the Knicks would be wise to steer clear of LaVine, given his defensive limitations and potential knee issues. I think KAT is better than Randle or any of their other frontcourt players but his health issues in recent years give you pause about making an offer. Don't think the TWolves are going to trade him anyway, unless things go sour quickly.
dumarangao
11:35
Who do you think is more probable to be trade? Anunoby or Siakam? In my opinion its inevitble that at least one of them Will be traded, i bet Siakam to kings
Dana Gauruder
11:37
Would be an interesting move there and supposedly the Kings might do something big by the trade deadline after standing relatively pat this offseason. But I still believe Anunoby would be a more moveable player, simply because he's at least perceived to be a difference maker on both ends of the floor. If you're a contender and you need a defensive stopper to help slow down one of the other team's stars, you'd probably look to get Anunoby instead of Siakam.
Anthony Edwards Hype Machine
11:38
Is it possible that the three best teams in the West are in the Northwest division(MIN/DEN/OKC)?  Who do you see coming out of the NW and thoughts on the Wolves through the first 1/6th or so of the season?
Dana Gauruder
11:41
Denver is still the best team in the division, and maybe the league, as long as the Joker is in one piece. I really like OKC and all that young talent -- I think they'll finish second, ahead of Minnesota. But don't despair -- the Timberwolves are solid and experienced -- that Conley acquisition was so critical last season. But the big question there, of course, is health. Can Conley and KAT get through the season without a significant injury?
Guest
11:41
The Memphis Grizzlies are 3-13 and they have 12 more games before Ja Morant returns from suspension.  What do you think their record will be when Morant returns from suspension?
Dana Gauruder
11:43
Kennard and Tillman are now out for a few weeks as well. Just taking a quick glance at their next 12 opponents, I'd say 7-21. Big hole to climb out of.
Guest
11:43
Could you see a trade of 2021 #1 for #2 with Jalen for Cade as they’re both looking a little lost on their teams RN, Pistons clearly need an outright scorer(Green is deffo more offensive than Cade)and Cade might fit the Rockets better and Green and Ivey could be special with a pass first guard playing with them. Jalen and a pick for Cade isn’t out of the question ignoring the over hype on Cade slowly urning out. It could give either that change that could springboard their trajectory.
Dana Gauruder
11:46
I would be shocked if that happen. The Pistons love Cade and they finally have a face to their franchise. He basically missed last season, so it's not shocking he's had some struggles with turnovers. The biggest problem with them is their lack of continuity due to injuries. The Pistons record, I suspect, would be close to .500 if Duren hadn't turned his ankle and Bogie hadn't suffered a severe calf strain in camp. Those are 2 starters -- Cade's been asked to do too much offensively without them.
Chad Buchanan
11:47
With Aaron Nesmith signing a rookie scale contract extension last month, Bennedict Mathurin starting all 12 games, Bruce Brown scoring 1 less point (135-136) on 16 fewer FGA (110-126), Buddy Hield, in addition to not reaching a contract extension this past offseason, appears to be expendable. Do you believe the Pacers will possibly just accept two future second round picks as well as some matching salaries in order to not lose him for nothing at the end of the season?
Dana Gauruder
11:48
I could definitely see that, as his value to the team is shrinking. Boy, he's had some awful outings lately, probably due to his reduced role. But there will definitely a major contender who'd love to have his outside shooting come playoff time.
Joey Jojo Jr. Shabadoo
11:49
Initial reactions on the Rockets roller coaster first 12 games?
Dana Gauruder
11:51
I received numerous questions about the Rockets last week during their winning streak and I was thinking, yes, they're better but let's pump the brakes here. No surprise that they lost 3 road games but they were all close. Bottom line: they're a much more competitive group than last season but anything more than maybe the last play-in spot or two is unrealistic at this point.
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