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Hoops Rumors Live Chat: 5/21/24
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ARTHUR HILL
12:01
Welcome to this week's chat. We'll start with a Knicks question.
Guest
12:01
Do you think this Knicks' playoff run was overhyped? There have been dozens of exciting teams that have won a playoff series and then lost in Round 2.
ARTHUR HILL
12:03
I don't think the Knicks are overhyped. With a healthy roster, I see them as one of the NBA's top teams. It's unfortunate that we didn't get to see them take on the Celtics with everyone available. They just ran out of players against Indiana.
Trog
12:04
What has personally surprised you about the final four teams left standing in the playoffs?
ARTHUR HILL
12:06
I'm surprised the Nuggets aren't there. Considering the level that Nikola Jokic was playing at, I expected them to be back in the NBA Finals with a chance to defend their title. Minnesota deserves a lot of credit for persevering in that series and winning a tough Game 7 in Denver.
GrizzMan
12:06
Will Marcus Smart be on the opening night roster for the Grizz?
ARTHUR HILL
12:08
Because of injuries, the Grizzlies never really got to see what Smart can do for them. Even after missing nearly a full season, he's still a high-level defensive guard who fits in well with the rest of the roster. I don't think they'll be looking to trade him this summer.
Guest
12:08
What main position do you see Brandon Miller sticking with the Hornets?
ARTHUR HILL
12:10
It's not that important in the modern NBA to lock players into a certain position. Miller is a tremendous shooter who should be able to expand his all-around game as he gets older. Whether he spends more time at shooting guard or small forward depends on what else the Hornets add to their roster.
Chris Finch
12:10
We don't want to overlook Dallas but should we start making plans for the Finals?
ARTHUR HILL
12:13
I wouldn't overlook Dallas at all. Luka and Kyrie are extremely tough matchups, the Mavs' big men are playing well and the complementary players are knocking down open three-pointers. I expect the Wolves to win, but it won't be an easy series.
Guest
12:14
What do you think are LeBron James' biggest priorities as he chooses his next team? I think, in some order, are (1) winning a title, (2) playing with his son and (3) carrying less of a load on a day-to-day basis. I know he also wants to play for a coach he respects and with at least 2 other big-time players. I believe all of this is leading to him signing with the Sixers. Thoughts?
ARTHUR HILL
12:17
I think he likes being in L.A., and I expect him to re-sign unless the Lakers are unwilling to meet his demands as far as money and length of contract. If he does leave, the Sixers make sense as a spot that offers him a chance to win another ring, but I'm not sure that's his top priority as he nears age 40.
Jeremys7484
12:17
Do you expect the thunder to try to add some size this off season? What moves can the make to shore up the roster? To me, size seems to be an issue.
ARTHUR HILL
12:21
Being undersized probably prevented OKC from reaching the conference finals. The Thunder have a lottery pick this year and a lot of future draft capital to offer, and I expect them to go shopping for a center. Jarrett Allen may be a possibility if the Cavaliers decide move him. Maybe Nic Claxton in a sign and trade. Maybe a smaller move like Clint Capela if Atlanta drafts a big man. There should be plenty of options.
braywyatt313
12:21
do you believe the Pistons will still wait to interview Tim Connelly?
ARTHUR HILL
12:24
I would if I were running the team. Connelly's success in Denver and Minnesota should make him the number one choice for Detroit, and owner Tom Gores proved with Monty Williams last year that money isn't an option when he really wants to hire someone. It complicates matters that the Wolves are still in the playoffs because the Pistons want to get something done with the draft only five weeks away, but I think they should take a shot at Connelly before hiring someone else.
Josh
12:24
Who is the ideal sixers target in your opinion?
ARTHUR HILL
12:28
Paul George is the ideal target if he doesn't reach an extension with the Clippers, and there still haven't been any reports of progress toward an agreement. He's a proven scorer to add to Maxey and Embiid, and he probably has a better chance of winning a title if he joins the Sixers. I would be less enthusiastic about a reunion with Jimmy Butler, but trading for him might be an option if George isn't available.
Cavs Fan
12:29
How do you think the Cavs are going to rebuild around Donovan Mitchell (assuming he signs a contract extension) and Evan Mobley?
ARTHUR HILL
12:34
Start with the assets they'll get in return for Jarrett Allen and Darius Garland, assuming they're both going to be traded. We don't know what those might be, but they'll need to find a big man with more shooting range to pair with Mobley and a defensive guard with size to play alongside Mitchell. Copying the Utah blueprint of the teams they had with Mitchell and Rudy Gobert would be a good start for Cleveland.
Captain Kirk
12:34
Do you see Bulls making any meaningful trades this offseason or are we forever stuck in limbo?
ARTHUR HILL
12:37
It's hard to see a meaningful trade that makes the Bulls any better. Zach LaVine is at his lowest value, and teams aren't going to give up real assets to take on the rest of his contract. I don't see a strong demand for Nikola Vucevic either. Alex Caruso will always be sought after because of his defensive prowess, but trading him away isn't going to help them improve.
Bob
12:37
Do you believe if Adrian Griffin wants another head coaching job, he would be best served by accepting an assistant coaching position such as with Portland, in order to allow front offices to get familiar with him and get feedback from the players?
ARTHUR HILL
12:39
Yes, his best move is to become an assistant coach again and rebuild his reputation. And if there's an offer from Portland, he should jump at the chance. All indications are that Chauncey Billups is on the way out soon.
Justin
12:39
Do the Pacers have a chance to win it all?
ARTHUR HILL
12:43
Any team that reaches this stage has a chance. We don't know how many games Kristaps Porzingis will miss, and the matchups look a lot better for Indiana when he doesn't play. The Pacers are committed to the style that they play, and they won't be an easy out if they continue to shoot well.
gmkeenoles
12:43
Can the Knicks realistically win it all next year by running it back? If they do try to acquire a star via free agency or trade, who do you think best fits? GO NY, GO NY, GO!
ARTHUR HILL
12:47
Their success rate with OG Anunoby since the trade is elite when he's able to play, and I think they would have been a final four team without the injuries. I would lean toward keeping the current roster together and seeing what they can do next season, but we never know who might hit the trade market, especially as teams start to experience the second apron provisions.
GrizzMan
12:48
Would you rather trade for an established big like Claxton, or trade up for Clingnan?
ARTHUR HILL
12:51
Claxton is about to get very expensive this summer, so unless you're talking about a team that can win right away, my choice would be Clingan. He displayed a game-changing defensive presence during the NCAA tournament, and he already has the size and bulk to compete with NBA big men. Plus he'll be on a rookie contract for the next four seasons.
Guest
12:51
Raptors strong starting five (Quickley, Barnes, Barrett, Poetl & Dick) seems competitive. Add on a free agent or two to compliment bench and playoffs could be realistic. What do you think?
ARTHUR HILL
12:53
That starting five didn't get much time together because of injuries, but I do see potential. There aren't a lot of quality teams in the East right now, so building up the bench this summer could put Toronto in contention for a play-in spot.
Capital Tankers
12:54
Kuz and 26th pick to the Cavs for DG?
ARTHUR HILL
12:55
It's a good move for the Wizards if Cleveland will consider it. Garland could turn into a star if doesn't have to share the ball with Donovan Mitchell. I think the Cavs' asking price will be much higher though.
NYC Ambulance
12:56
What do you think of all the recent talk about Thibs and the long-time trend of his players having more injuries because they are overworked/under-rested? Is it a Thibs problem or a "he had too many bad players" problem? Or both? Or neither?
ARTHUR HILL
12:59
It's a charge that has followed Thibodeau throughout his coaching career, and it will only get louder after the Knicks' roster broke down in the playoffs. His players seem to love playing for him, though, and you never hear them complain publicly about too many minutes.
John
12:59
If the Celtics don’t win the finals, what changes do they make to the roster and to the coaching staff?  Extra Credit - they’re going to win, right?
ARTHUR HILL
1:01
They look like a clear favorite with the Nuggets no longer around. I wouldn't expect major changes if something goes wrong. They made their big moves last summer by adding Porzingis and Holiday. I think they're committed to the current roster for at least another year.
Thanks for the great questions. I'll see you again next Tuesday.
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