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Hoops Rumors Live Chat 2/28/2023
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Sean
2:00
Are they any Euroleague players like Gabriel Deck or Elijah Bryant 2 years ago that are on team’s radar to fill out roster spots for playoff teams?
Dana Gauruder
2:03
Buyout players won't be eligible for the postseason if they're not waived by today. So, the Euroleague would be a prime place to pick up a playoff-eligible player if needed. I know the Kings have been lobbying Vezenkov to come over. Not sure if he'd want to after the Euro season but that's the type of player who could make the jump.
Guest
2:03
Are the Kings showing interest in Noel’s
Dana Gauruder
2:05
Not sure on that. I know it was reported that numerous teams were interested in Noel if he hit the buyout market. Noel didn't play much this season -- he was content to play a mentoring role with the Pistons. His legs are fresh but like most buyout players, I think he more of a depth guy than an impact player.
Bucks
2:06
John Wall why haven't I signed yet
Dana Gauruder
2:08
Doubt that he's gotten an offer. One of the potential landing spots was the Bulls and they chose Beverley. Wall's situation was a little different -- he wasn't playing for a non-contender or get traded to one. He was playing for a contender and they soured on him. Remains to be seen whether he'll get another opportunity this season.
Chicago Mediocres
2:08
What happens in Lonzos situation? Unlikely to be ready next year(guess goin off how this whole episode has been), is there any way we can get cap relief that doesn’t include throwing a young man out of the building who is tryin to heal
Dana Gauruder
2:12
He's signed for two more years, so remains to be seen how he'll heal with the extra time off. For now, the Bulls are obligated to pay him unless he's traded or decides to retire (can't imagine he'll do that at his age). If medical professionals deemed his condition would make it impossible to continue playing, that's another story. Then you're getting into insurance policies and things of that nature. But I think we're a long way off from that. Best case scenario is that he's finally able to play again by training camp.
Chicago Mediocres
2:12
Bulls win by 44 and bulls stretch a 2 pt halftime lead to a 20 point win in Pat Bevs games, I’m not a believer but what’s goin on? Those 2 games haven’t been played all year by the Bulls, is his leadership that inspiring?
Dana Gauruder
2:14
I wouldn't go that far but the Bulls have played much better D the past two games. Let's see how they do going forward. -- they have a key game vs. another play-in contender (Toronto) tonight and then get the Pistons, whom  they've beaten 13 straight times.
Tony W
2:15
It seems the “playing for the record”  Lebron was playing for mindset has finally caught up and now his injury might derail the Lakers playoff hopes. Was it the wrong call?
Dana Gauruder
2:18
It's not in LeBron's mindset to play limited minutes or receive a lot of "load management." He might have made the foot injury worse by trying to play through it the other day but that's how great competitors think. He set a goal of playing all the remaining games.  The bigger issue is that he's 38 and has been playing for 2 decades. He seemed indestructible most of his career but it's harder to avoid injuries as you get older.
KJ
2:19
Out of the buyout players who have yet to be signed who has the biggest chance to be playing in April I would say Noel because I could see him going to either the Cavs or Boston as big man insurance
Dana Gauruder
2:20
Barton and Ibaka are out there as well -- in the right situation, they could help someone. Noel as a backup center can give you some solid minutes, so he could fit the bill for either of the teams you mentioned.
Lebron James
2:20
Realistically with 20 or so games left how many games can I miss before the Lakers can say let's pack it up see you next season
Dana Gauruder
2:23
It will be really difficult for the Lakers to make the play-in without him. With LeBron healthy, I think they could have gotten a playoff spot and been a dangerous team. But there's no incentive to "tank" given their draft situation.
KJ
2:24
With the buyout deadline for playoff eligibility tomorrow do you see any last minute buyouts or we pretty much done
Dana Gauruder
2:27
It's been a crazy buyout market already -- moreso than any other year I can remember. But a buyout also means that player has a good feeling some contender wants to sign him. As mentioned above, there are some players out there like Barton and Wall who haven't found a landing spot. Maybe there will one more buyout before the deadline but think we're pretty much done in that area.
KJ
2:28
I know you keep hearing about how Victor is the next generational Talent and rightfully so and he can probably fit with any team but what would be the worst team that he could end up with for any reason coaching roster GM Etc and why
Dana Gauruder
2:31
That's a tough one. If I had to pick one, I'd say the Hornets. I really don't know what the plan is there. They've got a mish-mosh of young players, veterans they tried to trade and didn't and a couple free agents. Plus, the Bridges issue still hasn't been resolved. I think he could pretty much transform any of the other surefire lottery teams into a playoff contender, if he lives up to the hype.
KJ
2:31
With lamelo ball getting hurt again with another ankle injury and his eligibility for his rookie extension is this going to be a cause for concern meaning is he going to automatically get the max or are they going to do something similar to Steph Curry's first extension contract
Dana Gauruder
2:35
It's certainly troubling that he's struggled to stay healthy all season and has had some health issues in the past. The injury he had last night was kind of freaky -- non-contact while dribbling the ball. Has LaMelo established himself as a surefire max player? I think he can get something close to the max but it would probably reflect Zion's contract -- there will be some protections built into it if his health issues persist.
EonADS
2:35
Has Lillard passed the threshold between loyalty and blindness? The Blazers went out and tried to upgrade between last year's TD and the offseason, and it's been a gongshow. Does he have an upper limit on what he'll tolerate?
Dana Gauruder
2:39
Lillard was all in on the Blazers offseason plans last summer. I imagine he'll be in the same spot this summer. He seems to be the rare star player who is determined to make things work right where is, rather than looking for a better opportunity elsewhere.
Warriors fan
2:40
Should the Warriors convert Lamb, Waive J.Green(or someone else) and convert Jerome?
Dana Gauruder
2:43
I don't have the exact count but I believe both are near their 50-day window, so the Warriors will have some tough decisions to make.
Garth
2:43
Is quinn snyder that good to light a spark under the Hawks?
Dana Gauruder
2:47
The team in general seems excited by bringing him in at this stage of the season. They've been stuck in mud all season, unable to really put together a good run. They've got some big games coming up against Division opponents (Washington, Miami). They've also got some soft spots next month (Spurs, Pistons). I think it was clear that there was some disconnect between Trae and Nate. This move is designed partly to light a fire under Trae and to see if the Young/Murray can work long-term.
Frank the Tank
2:48
Did Frank Kaminsky just get Waived by the Rockets ?
Dana Gauruder
2:50
Last I saw, he was still with the Rockets, though his situation was still "fluid." He and the front office have to make a decision soon if he wants to get waived and remain playoff eligible.
Lenny
2:50
What’s the vibe now on Russell/Clips?
Dana Gauruder
2:53
They're not going anywhere if they play defense (or lack thereof like they did the past 2 games. The Clippers vet seem happy to have Westbrook. Obviously, he played with PG previously. Let's give it some time to see how this plays out. It'll also be interesting to see how Ty doles out minutes with Westbrook, Bones and Mann at his disposal.
EonADS
2:53
What sort of extension should Jarred Vanderbilt rate in the offseason?
Dana Gauruder
2:57
It's safe to say he'll have his $4,640,000 salary for next season guaranteed by the team. He's made a nice impact. Will the Lakers be so quick to go the extension route with a roster in flux? Perhaps. If Mitchell Robinson can get four year and $60 I could see Vanderbilt command that kind of salary if he keeps producing like he has the past few games.
SacFan
2:58
Why is Damontas Sabonis not in the MVP conversation? From no playoff appearance in twenty years to Number 3 in the west? Jokic, Embid, Giannis, Luca, Tatum all made the playoffs last year. All in about the same spot as last year. Why not Damontas?
Dana Gauruder
2:59
Domantas has been terrific this season but he doesn't have those giant scoring numbers, plus the Kings have another star in Fox. Doubt the MVP voters will look seriously at a guy averaging under 20 points per game. But I'm sure he'd rather have a long playoff run that individual accolades.
Chip
2:59
How about an advance email to subscribers and allow questions to be asked in advance like MLB Trade Rumors ?
Dana Gauruder
3:00
Good idea Chip. I will bring that up with the bosses.
That's all the time we have for today. Join Luke Adams on Thursday for our next chat.
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