Thomas (Florida): How many games do you see the Lakers, Pacers, Spurs and Heat win this season?

Will Perdue: the team that's the wildcard in the big picture is the lakers.We all know ego is a big thing in the NBA(no pun ),but are Phil and Kobe really able to put the past behind them.I still donot see the Lakers making the playoffs.How about playing .500 ball.The teams to beat in each conference are the Spurs and Heat.I'm just not sold on the additions of the heat.Plus Van Gundy has the pressure of now tking this team to the Finals.When was the last time Shaq played a whole season.Duncan and the Spurs are still the team to beat.Pop does not have anybody looking over his shoulder.


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Tom (Chicago): Who will provide the offense down low for the Bulls this year?

Will Perdue: That's probably the big question for the Bulls.Tyson is still not very comfortable with his back to the basket.Maybe Sweetney can help,but at this time they do not have a player that they can just throw the ball to in the post and tell them to go to work.I still see them making the playoffs,but in the 7th or 8th spot.


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Jeff (Washington, DC): I can't believe you would rank the Wizards 12th in the conference. The Wiz are far better than the Knicks. Are you crazy?

Will Perdue: some might say I am.I like the players they have on an individual basis,but how long before they come together as a team?Who do they look to in the middle?Will Jefferies provide the spark the Wiz are looking for?Can Etan Thomas play like he did in the playoffs and stay out of foul trouble?All these questions and not enough answers.


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Aaron (PA): How can you have the Cavs finishing 9th in the East and out of the playoffs?!?! They just missed it last year. So this year they add Larry Hughes, Donyell Marshall, and D Jones and you still don't think they'll finish any better??? What do you think it'll take to put the Cavs in the playoffs?

Will Perdue: Even with all those players they still need an inside game.That"s why all the pressure is on the Big Z to produce every night so teams will have to pick their poison.I thought they would make it last year.Right now this team always seams to have something go wrong that prevents it from the playoffs.


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Shannon, AZ: Hey Will, even without Stoudemire for much of the season, I still see the Suns winning the Pacific division over the highly overrated Kings. What is your take?

Admin: Sorry, folks, we're have lots of technical difficulties with Will's chat. Bear with us and we'll try to get it going again.

Will Perdue: OK, trying again here.


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Eric (Detroit, MI): Once again, the defending Eastern Conference champs are getting no love. The Pistons have their core intact, and added a solid post player in Davis. Why is everybody sleeping on them again?

Will Perdue:

Will Perdue: Did they really get any love when they won the title 2 years ago?All I heard was why the Lakers lost.I think flip will have this team playing better on offense,but will he still be able to keep this team focused on defense.I think they still realize the post season is about defense.Just ask Phoenix and Sacramento about that.Detriot is one team that will have to continue to do it time after time to even get a mention.Those that really know basketball still like the Pistons to give the Heat,Pacers,etc. a run for their money.What it all comes down to is what team can stay healthy in the reagular season and still have enough energy to make it through the playoffs and into the finals


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tamir (springfield,MA): hey will, what was it like to play with MJ and are the comparisons of lebron and kobe to him legit? thanks

Will Perdue: Did you ever have a fight with a buzz saw?It was not easy.You had to learn to play with him.We he went and tried his hand at baseball is when he realized it's not just about him.He became a much better team player when he returned.He took the time to learn about his teams strengths and weaknesses and what could he do to make them better,not just I'm doing my part these guys better pick it up.There will never be another MJ.Plenty of comparisons,but there is only one Jordan.These other guys have the skills and ability,but I watched many times as Michael would take over a game and just when you thought it was a game of onr on one he would hit a Kerr,Paxson,etc..for a big bucket.


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Rob (Austin, TX): Brent Barry was highly hyped last year as a free agent and played below expectations, but looked good in preseason. Will he get motivated and shine this year or will it be tough with Finley there?

Will Perdue: I feel that's part of the reason they brought Finley in.With a year under his belt of Pop's system I look for great things from Brent.But if he falters just a little look for him to spend more time on the bench then on the floor.But at some point POP will go back to him for production.


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m (Chicago): Do you think it was a good move the bulls moved overall on eddy Curry decision?

Will Perdue: Yes,after everything that happened Eddie and the Bulls had to part ways.I think the Bulls got some value for Curry.It will take a while to see just how much.I want to see what Tim Thomas does under Skiles


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Edwin (Maracaibo, Venezuela): WILL..what do you think about the latin players like manu ginobili and andres nocioni in the NBA ..?

Will Perdue: There is no question these guys can play.What we need to do here in the states is get back to teaching the fundamentals of basketball first,then teach the flair.To many players in the league still do not know how to plat the game.


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mike (springfield, ma): Did Pippen ever show any jealousy towards Michael, who obviously got all of the spotlight.

Will Perdue: yes he did.scottie could not wait to get out from MJ's shadow.everyboby wants to be the man sometime.but we forget what it takes.it's not just about playing the game.it also requires you to answer to the media for the team,being on your game every night,etc.It was great to see PIP grow as a player and a person when he went to houston and portland even though he never won another championship.

Will Perdue: thanks for your questions.until next time.....