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Hoops Rumors Live Chat: 4/23/24
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ARTHUR HILL
12:02
Welcome to this week's chat. We'll get started with a question on the playoffs.
JP
12:02
Very disappointed in Mavs efforts in game 1. If other guys like Hardaway, Gafford, Washington etc don't step up to help Doncic and Irving then the series is over. Thanks
ARTHUR HILL
12:04
Luka and Kyrie are uniquely talented, but they can't shoulder the entire scoring load against a team like the Clippers. The Game 1 performance was a huge disappointment, especially with Kawhi Leonard unavailable. Dallas needs to win as many of the early games as possible, assuming he returns sometime during the series.
KJ
12:05
So how much is LeBron and Joel getting fined today or tomorrow
ARTHUR HILL
12:08
They'll both probably hear from the league, and maybe Nick Nurse as well. The NBA is very sensitive about players and coaches questioning its officials in the media. But the players won't care about the fines. The idea, much like with the Sixers' grievance, is to call attention to the problem in hopes that it will turn around later in the series.
Super fan
12:08
Of the three teams that are currently 0 and 2 which one has to best chance to come back and actually win
ARTHUR HILL
12:10
The Magic haven't looked good in the first two games at Cleveland. I would say the Lakers if they were playing anyone else, but Denver is too talented and it's a bad matchup for L.A. That leaves the Sixers, who have been competitive in the first two games and probably should have won last night. As long as Embiid's knee holds up, they have a chance.
Kj
12:11
Which coach(s) are in jeopardy of being fired if they lose in the 1st round?  I would say Ham for sure, Kidd would be lukewarm, and the Cavs coach warmer than Kidd but less than Ham
ARTHUR HILL
12:15
I don't think the Lakers are certain to get rid of Ham if they lose to Denver. Management will take the matchup into account, and he'll probably return next season with an improved roster and a lot of pressure to win right away. Bickerstaff would definitely be out if the Cavs blow their 2-0 lead, but getting to the second round might save his job. Kidd and Tyronn Lue are both worth watching. The team that loses that series may opt for a coaching change.
HeatBaby!!!
12:15
I keep hearing star hunting this offseason for the Heat.  Any opinions are whose at the top of the list?
ARTHUR HILL
12:19
It depends who winds up on the trade market, which depends on how the playoffs turn out. Pat Riley will chase whatever stars become available. Donovan Mitchell is an obvious name to watch if he doesn't agree to an extension in Cleveland. Probably Paul George as well if he doesn't extend with the Clippers. The Heat can't expect to be successful with their current roster, so they'll make a strong play for whomever they can get.
Unclemike
12:19
Exactly what do you think I can reasonably expect the Bulls to look like next year?
ARTHUR HILL
12:22
Probably a lot like they look now. I expect DeMar DeRozan to re-sign and probably Patrick Williams as well. They'll try to trade Zach LaVine, but the offers aren't going to be much different than they were last fall. Coby White looks like a budding star, and there's still hope of Lonzo returning, but the Bulls appear headed for play-in territory again next season.
Anthony Edwards Hype Machine
12:23
Ant getting a lot of national buzz for his Game 1 performance. Even heard Stephen A called up Jordan and got a "he's special" out of the G.O.A.T. Are things coming too quick for the Prodigal Son or do you think he can shoulder the pressure and bring some glory to a long suffering fanbase?
ARTHUR HILL
12:28
It might be best to hold off the Jordan comparisons until he wins a playoff series or two, but Edwards is clearly becoming one of the league's elite stars. He seems to have the psychological makeup to handle the spotlight that comes with being the best player on a really good team, and he should make the Wolves a perennial contender. He'll also have the Olympics this summer, so even casual fans will know who he is by the start of next season.
Guest
12:29
If Cleveland resigns Mitchell, will they keep or shop Garland?
ARTHUR HILL
12:33
Although Mitchell and Garland are similar types of players, there hasn't been any evidence that they can't be successful together. Garland is under contract through the 2027/28 season, so there's no urgency to rush into a move with him. If the Cavs re-sign Mitchell, I expect they'll hold onto Allen and Mobley as well and keep the core of the team together for at least one more season. They may look at moving Allen if they feel they have to trade Mitchell, but either way, Garland is staying.
Lou
12:33
What teams would you expect to call Brooklyn about Ben Simmons’ expiring contract? Utah could use Collins 2yr/52M and the Nets could save $14M and get TPE, not sure what else would be on the table.
ARTHUR HILL
12:36
I'm skeptical that Utah or anyone else will want the distractions that come with having Simmons on the roster. Collins isn't that expensive by NBA standards, and the Jazz can find other options if they want to unload his contract. I think the Nets would be lucky to get any calls about Simmons unless he stays healthy for a while and shows he can still play. Then someone might make an offer at the deadline.
Arcman
12:37
What type of contract will Chris Paul get maybe around $10 million a year? Which team does he sign with? 76ers, Pelicans, Pacers, or Heat?
ARTHUR HILL
12:42
A non-taxpayer MLE is probably the ceiling for Paul, who's about to turn 39 in a couple of weeks. He can still be an effective lead guard with the right team, so he'll have options to sort through. The Sixers are probably committed to Kyle Lowry, and Paul would have limited playing time in Indiana behind Tyrese Haliburton. The Pelicans and Heat are both good suggestions. As Marc Stein and others have suggested, watch for the Spurs. Paul may love the idea of being the veteran guard who can maximize Victor Wembanyama's talents.
Hornets Fan
12:43
Why is JJ getting consideration for our opening? I understand the whole no experience worked with Kerr but lightning doesn't always strike twice
ARTHUR HILL
12:46
Toronto also interviewed Redick last spring, so he's been in the mix for other jobs. He's a respected name in NBA circles, and he's been around the league a long time, even if he doesn't have any coaching experience. The Hornets are just casting a wide net for coaching candidates, and it can't hurt to talk to as many qualified people as possible.
Kj
12:46
With Demar 35 and still a good player I think the 2 year offered by the bulls is more than fair.  What is he looking for
ARTHUR HILL
12:50
A story over the weekend suggested that the Bulls might be willing to give DeRozan $40MM a year for the next two seasons, which is a very fair offer. He reportedly wants a longer contract, which is understandable at his age, but he might be able to get another attractive deal two years from now. There might be a player option, but I think both parties work things out and he stays in Chicago.
Kj
12:51
If you are the Spurs GM and you get the 1st pick again do you A. Use it. B. Trade down couple spots C. Trade it for immediate help.    If it was me since historically the Spurs have the best scouts on the planet,  I'd trade down to 10 or 11 for a vet and get immediate help and draft there.  Especially if that kid from Colorado falls in that range.
ARTHUR HILL
12:53
The draft is about two months away, and there's still very little consensus anywhere in the lottery. The Spurs need to move into a win-now phase now that they've seen what a monstrous talent they have in Victor Wembanyama. If they can get veteran talent from a team that really likes one of the top prospects, that's the move they should make.
Dan’l
12:53
How can the Thunder realistically address their rebounding weakness this off-season?
ARTHUR HILL
12:57
Sam Presti has a massive store of future draft picks that he's been building up over the years. I was surprised that he didn't acquire another big man at the deadline instead of Gordon Hayward, but I have to think there's a big move coming this summer. Maybe Jarrett Allen if the Cavs decide to blow things up. Maybe Wendell Carter from Orlando. It's still too early to say who might become available, but OKC is a serious title contender if they can fix that weakness.
Ant
12:57
How far can we go if we get by PHX?
ARTHUR HILL
12:58
Denver seems like a roadblock for everybody, and the Wolves probably won't get past them in the second round. If they were on the other side of the bracket, I'd give them a good chance to reach the conference finals.
Insert Witty Name Here
12:59
Completely random question, how fun would a starting 5 of Wemby, Chet, Embiid, Gobert and Jokic be?
ARTHUR HILL
1:01
Wemby makes everything more fun. He's the future of the league, while Jokic is the best player right now. Hopefully, we'll get to see them in a playoff series soon.
Thanks for another week of great questions. We'll do it again next Tuesday.
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