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Hoops Rumors Live Chat 5/9/2023
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EonADS
2:00
I've heard some takes that the Cavs have to trade Mitchell or Garland to have a shot at competing for a title. I disagree strongly. What's your take?
Dana Gauruder
2:03
There's always been concern since the Mitchell trade that the backcourt is undersized and could be vulnerable defensively. However, I don't have a problem with two highly talented guards sharing the backcourt. Look at the Heat -- they're getting by in the backcourt with an aging Kyle Lowry, Max Strus and Gabe Vincent. It's just a matter of maximizing your personnel. Mitchell didn't produce like you would expect in first round but he's fully capable of having big games in the playoffs. I think the Cavs bigger issue was their wings and their bigs getting pounded on the boards.
EonADS
2:04
Any chance whatsoever that the Warriors fire Kerr if this series ends in five? I personally doubt it.
Dana Gauruder
2:05
That would be nothing short of crazy. Anyone in the league but Pops have a coaching resume like Kerr? I think the only way he's not coaching the Warriors is if he decides to take a break from coaching. Otherwise, he'll be the Warriors' version of Pops.
Connor🏀
2:06
Hornets sign a top FA? Or aren’t really active
Dana Gauruder
2:09
I hope you saw the Hornets' offseason preview that Rory Maher did. He dove into all those topics. If Kupchak lives up to his word, they're not going to be actively shopping for a high-level free agent. They've gone that route, particularly in Hayward's case, and it hasn't really moved the needle. The biggest thing they need is a healthy Ball.
EonADS
2:09
Should the Bulls stick to a more defense-oriented PG like Pat Bev, or is there merit to pursuing a guy like Tyus Jones instead?
Dana Gauruder
2:11
Depends on how much the Bulls want to retool, right? If they go the blockbuster route, then you're probably looking at breaking up the LaVine-DeRozan duo and perhaps acquiring a vet point guard in the deal. If they don't take that approach, I think they'd be better off pursuing a younger option at the point than Beverley. I wouldn't mind having him as a second-unit guy but I wouldn't lean on him as a starter at this stage of his career.
Dylan
2:12
Which teams have been/were the most disappointing? The Pierce/Garnett Nets, Lob City, Durant/Kylie Nets, or Leonard/PG Clippers?
Dana Gauruder
2:15
People with shorter memories would probably lean toward the Durant and Kyrie partnership, considering the Nets thought they'd be a powerhouse -- perhaps the dominant team in the league -- for several seasons. I'd go with the Pierce-Garnett Nets. That set the franchise back for years and left them without any means to rebuild in a meaningful way. At least with Kyrie and Durant, they were able to cash their chips and get talent (esp. Bridges) and multiple picks.
Bono
2:15
What do Sixers do if Harden signs elsewhere? Do they have any options to try and bring in a talent upgrade over the summer??
Dana Gauruder
2:20
It would be challenging but I don't think their situation would be dire. They'd have Tobias' expiring contract to dangle and I would think there would be plenty of guards/wings who'd like to pair up with Embiid. The issue would be lack of draft picks in a trade because they already owe numerous first rounders. Nobody thought the Lakers could make meaningful moves with their cap situation and they pulled it off.
EonADS
2:20
The Magic played decently with Fultz this year. Think they stick with him at point and try to upgrade at shooting guard? Or do they bring in a veteran PG?
Dana Gauruder
2:23
Part of the equation is how the lottery shakes out. If they wind up picking 2 or 3 and they really like Henderson, that could change the equation. Orlando has invested a lot of picks in recent years on guards and still seem to be searching. Have we seen the best of Suggs yet or is he a bust? That also factors in. No matter what, they've got the forward spots settled. If they're intent on making the playoffs next season, it would be prudent to make at least one significant backcourt change.
Josef
2:23
Thoughts now on the outcome of the suns/nuggets series that it is tied 2-2; it would seem like Phoenix wins a close one tonight then closes it out in 6 in Phoenix Thursday but would respect your insight into how this series may unfold
Dana Gauruder
2:26
When Paul went down, I figured they'd just unleash Booker more and that's what has happened. But I'm not running away from my prediction of the Nuggets reaching the Finals. The Suns haven't stopped Jokic at all. If the Nuggets can get more out of their bench, I still think they'll win the series.
Swish
2:26
Do you feel the Sixers are now the favorite to win the series against Boston?
Dana Gauruder
2:29
That's what has been great about these playoffs -- actual drama, no dominant team and lots of swings back and forth. The Western Conference semis have been great and so has the Sixers-Celtics showdown. I still don't consider Philly the favorite there. Philly still has to win at least one more game on the road (as do the Suns in their series). Can Harden produce 2 more games like he had in Games 1 and 4? That may be the deciding factor.
Doug
2:30
Next Raptors coach??
Dana Gauruder
2:33
They've been interviewing some top assistants, though I'm wondering if they'll take a long look at Atkinson. I know he backed out on the Hornets but he's got head coaching experience, which is a plus, and the Raptors would probably be a better situation for him if they're intent on chasing titles rather than rebuiilding.
Kenny G
2:34
Would Charles Lee be a frontrunner for the Bucks job or is there some candiates that I am missing?
Dana Gauruder
2:36
Lee is one of the finalists for the Pistons' job, so we'll have to see how that shakes out. I would think he'd like to stay put if offered the Bucks job, given his ties to the organization. What if Nurse is interested? He's got a championship on his resume. I think he'd be the frontrunner if he wants to jump right back into the coaching ranks.
KJ
2:37
We know playoffs are all about adjustments but is there any reason why Steve Kerr has decided to go smaller the last couple of games when one of the weaknesses of the Warriors is lack of size?
Dana Gauruder
2:40
The mystery is what's the deal with Looney? Supposedly, he's been limited the last couple of games because of an illness. He's the best option they've got up front alongside Draymond. And it's apparent that Kerr doesn't trust Kuminga. That being said, the smaller look almost worked until Walker erupted in the fourth quarter.
KJ
2:40
Would a trade of Julius Randle and pics for call Anthony towns make any sense for either or both teams or neither?
Dana Gauruder
2:43
I think it would be fascinating to pair up Towns with Brunson & Co. It would also be a boon to the NY media, considering Towns and Thibs had their issues in Minnesota. Not sure if it really helps the T-Wolves to plug in Randle in Towns' place.
KJ
2:43
There's a lot of rumors that Harden is considering going back to Houston as of today what would be your percentage guess that he goes to Houston? For me I would say 25% because the Comfort level is there but I just can't see hardened not competing for Championship the last few years of his career
Dana Gauruder
2:46
If the Sixers can get past the Celtics and perhaps make it to the Finals, that may make it more likely that Harden stays. But there's been so much smoke blown regarding a Harden-Houston reunion that I'd say it's more like 50-60 percent. Not that I quite understand why he'd want to rejoin the Rockets but trying to read his mind is probably a futile exercise.
Guest
2:46
Are Miami sleepers in the east. The consensus is Boston make it out, unless 76ers pull an upset(which is still likely). Butler is Mr playoffs and along with Bam stepping up, plus the depth they have. How realistic is it that they’re not good enough to make it out? I am not confident to say Miami can’t beat either over a series. If Miami are there I wouldn’t be shocked.
Dana Gauruder
2:49
When the Heat kind of bumbled through the regular season and then lost the play-in to the Hawks, no one would have anticipated they'd be on the verge of making the EC Finals at this juncture. I wince when I hear words like "culture" but they've really found ways to outlive expectations. Yes, if Butler can continue to push through his health issues, the Heat have more than a puncher's chance of knocking out the Celtics or Sixers if/when they finish off the Knicks.
Shane
2:49
What do you think the Mavs could get for Doncic?  Im soooo sick and tired of watching him complain to the refs after each play.  He's now more of a liability than helpful.
Dana Gauruder
2:51
You saw how much teams gave up for Gobert, Mitchell and Durant? Add in even more assets in Doncic's case. Pretty much every team in the league would be thrilled to put up with his whining to get a player with his talent.
How can the thunder finally break through?
2:51
Thunder have built up a nice young core of SGA, Giddey, Williams, Dort....do the Thunder pursue someone like Vucevic or Turner and deal from their draft picks to speed up the process? Who should they target and why either in free agency or trades?
Dana Gauruder
2:55
The Thunder made it to the play-in, so expectations have to ramp up. They're an unusual case because they have a lottery pick who didn't play last year. I don't know if they'll target the center spot until they see how Holmgren fits. I do think they'll add another quality vet either in free agency -- perhaps a Grant Williams or Jerami Grant type of player.
Goyo
2:56
Are you looking forward to the nba draft lottery next week? Who do you see the Blazers drafting if they stay at 5th?
Dana Gauruder
2:58
A lot of people are looking forward to the lottery, just to see who wins the VW sweepstakes. If the Blazers luck out, that would certainly alter their offseason plans. Haven't seen enough the Thompsons to know if they'd be a good fit but I could see Jarace Walker sliding into the frontcourt or Anthony Black taking over one of the wing spots.
Bob Myers
2:59
I've got to get rid of Poole, no?
Dana Gauruder
3:00
Considering that Poole is locked into a four-year, $128 million extension that kicks in next season, I think that would be a hard sell on the trade market.
That's all the time we have for today. Luke Adams will take your questions on Thursday in our next chat.
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