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Hoops Rumors Live Chat 9/12/2023
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Mr.Hornet
1:01
Do you see any trades to improve our team? Feel we lack good depth that other teams have.
Dana Gauruder
1:04
Depends upon what position you're talking about. They seem to have a real solid forward rotation with PJ, Miller, Hayward and Bridges. There are question marks after Ball and Rozier in backcourt. Young center combo in Williams and Richards. I think the Hornets could be active in the trade market but moreso in season toward the February deadline rather than before opening night. Of course, if they could get a good deal now for Hayward's expiring contract, I'm sure they'd pounce.
Edward w
1:04
we know SGA is the star on the thunder. But who do you think will step up and be the number 2 scorer on the thunder this season to take the load off SGA.
Dana Gauruder
1:07
It will be interesting to see how they utilized Holmgren. However, if I were to make a bet on who the second leading scorer will be, I'd put my money on Williams. He really came on strong in the second half. I believe he averaged around 20 points in March and you'd think he'll be even better going from his rookie campaign to second year. Giddey certainly would also be in the running.
Presti
1:08
When do I start getting rid of players  now that I'm facing a roster crunch?
Dana Gauruder
1:10
Got to get down to 21 when camps open in the first week of October, so he's got about 3 weeks to reach that figure. In fairness to whomever he doesn't plan to keep, it would be better to do that sooner rather than later so they might hook on with another team.
HeatBaby33
1:11
In your opinion, are the Heat getting Dame/and Kelly Oubre.  I read that Oubre is on the Heats radar, but only if they get Dame first?
Dana Gauruder
1:14
That was a report from Marc Stein -- the thinking is if the Heat trade for Lillard, they're going to have to eat into their wing depth. Oubre could fill one of those roster spots. So, makes sense under those circumstances. Miami has a full camp roster and luxury tax concerns, so doubt the Heat would do it before a potential Lillard trade.
EonADS
1:14
Can Scottie Barnes really be the main guy on a contender? I've heard some people claim he can become that guy, and I have my doubts. He's got a great physique and length, but he's inefficient and I don't see him developing the athleticism or shooting touch of Kawahi (which is where most people see him heading from a development standpoint). Pascal Siakam, ironically, looks like a better comp at the moment.
Dana Gauruder
1:19
Barnes obviously had a great first year -- obviously, won Rookie of the Year. He was basically considered untouchable. The Raptors wouldn't give him up in a potential KD deal last summer. His sophomore campaign didn't go anywhere near as well. Bouts of inconsistency and there was some whispers about his work ethic. However, I don't sense the Raptors view him that much differently than they did last offseason. Perhaps a new coaching staff will draw more out of him and he'll have more offensive responsibility with FVV out of the picture.
Sean
1:20
What are your thoughts on arturs zagars does an nba team sign him this year? He looked better than a lot of PG’s that have been signed to two-way contracts this year and some of the college points guards that were in the draft this years draft
Dana Gauruder
1:22
He reportedly has drawn some interest from NBA teams but last I saw, he was close to signing with Fenerbahce of Turkey. He certainly helped his NBA stock with his World Cup showing, so we might see him in the league sometime in the future.
Wannes
1:22
Spurs could have kept Payne for a bit longer to combine his salary with Bullock, Birch,... in a three-team trade (Harden or Lillard?) Since they still had an open roster spot, why didn't they wait? Could they be preparing for a trade where they take on three players and send out Bullock? (Or similar deals where they add two players)
Dana Gauruder
1:25
That one caught me offguard, though San Antonio (like OKC) has a major roster crunch. Even without Payne, they still have to get rid of a couple of more players. My best guess is that perhaps his reps were pushing the front office to let him go, if he wasn't in their plans, so he could review offers and sign with another team before training camp.
Not Nostradamus
1:26
On 09/05/23, you stated, "Those contract guarantees for [Kevin Porter Jr.] give him plenty of incentive to play hard and be at his best behavior."  That was only 7 days ago.  You also stated, "It's an unusually structured deal, for sure."  The Rockets can't even use the excuse to wait until the legal process is played out because he is guaranteed another $3 million on 10/25/23 and guaranteed an additional $6 million on approximately 02/28/24.  Would you like to make any of your own guarantees or predictions?
Dana Gauruder
1:30
Horrible situation and reportedly the girlfriend has a serious injury. The allegations are just as serious. At the very least, he'll be suspended by the league until the league process plays out and the Rockets will cut him loose. I doubt we'll see Porter in the league again.
Ludwiggy
1:30
Is there any single available player the Hawks could snag that would make them a more serious playoff threat?
Dana Gauruder
1:34
I think they'd jump at the chance to acquire a top-level wing or power forward to complement their guard duo. That's why they've been tied to Pascal Siakam for months.  Zion and Towns, too, if they were available but both have injury issues and huge contract and matching assets would be quite difficult.
LeBrow
1:35
Does LeBron make the Lakers load manage AD to prep for Paris 2024?
Dana Gauruder
1:38
Kind of amusing that so many stars didn't want to sacrifice a month to play in the World Cup. Now there's a big push to round up the superstars for the Olympics. Team USA better upgrade the middle if it wants to win a gold medal, whether it's Embiid or AD. Can't run it back with a bunch of wings playing out of position.
Gary Payton II
1:40
Over the last 2 seasons, Anfernee Simons, Trendon Watford, Jusuf Nurkic, and Drew Eubanks have played in the most games for Portland.  Simons has played in a total of 119 games, Watford 110, Nurkic 108, and Eubanks 100 games out of a possible 164.  Why did the Portland Trail Blazers retain their medical staff?
Dana Gauruder
1:45
Can't speak of the inner workings of the Blazers front office and how long their training staff has been in place. I can say that players missing games is a league-wide problem. Baffling to me with all the advanced training methods and improved schedule (fewer back to backs, no more 4 games in 5 days) that players have trouble staying on the court. Looking at GP, Sharpe and Eubanks played nearly a full schedule and Hart played regularly until he was traded. But yes, the Blazers have been dealing with quite a few injuries in recent seasons.
Common Anomaly
1:46
The 23rd pick, Usman Garuba, in the 2021 NBA Draft and the 23rd pick, Leandro Bolmaro, in the 2020 NBA Draft are currently not on an NBA roster or even invited to any NBA training camp.  While other first round picks retain their "young and has potential" descriptions (Happy Birthday Leandro - he turned 23 yesterday), these two may have lost their "potential"?  Do you believe these two individuals have below average agents?  Who do you believe has a better chance to play in the NBA again, Garuba, Bolmaro, or Josh Primo?
Dana Gauruder
1:53
Last I saw, Garuba was close to signing with Real Madrid, though it's not official. He got plenty of chances last couple of years -- he appeared in 75 games for the Rockets last season and didn't really move the needle. There is a good reason why Bolmaro isn't on a camp roster -- he signed with Bayern Munich back in July. Got a two-year deal -- he played for Wolves and Jazz the last couple of years and didn't show enough to get steady NBA work. Primo had some legal issues last year -- not sure what the latest is with him. If I had to make an educated guess, I think Garuba could eventually work his way back into the NBA.
1:57
Regarding signings, trades and teams paring their rosters, things will start to heat up in a couple of weeks. I think Lillard will get dealt within the next month or so. Just in the best interests of the Blazers to get that done. As for the Harden situation in Philly, that could drag out. I don't think the Clippers want him that badly and they can afford to let the Sixers get desperate.
2:00
That will do it for today's live chat. Please join Luke Adams for our next live chat on Thursday.
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