|
djsunyc
Posts: 44929
Alba Posts: 42
Joined: 1/16/2004
Member: #536
|
Chris Sheridan: Greetings again from New York, where there was a Kevin Willis sighting on Sunday night at Allan Houston's retirement party. Kev is 43 now, but he still looks years younger than Knicks center Jackie Butler, who is 20 but could pass for 50. Allan stiffed me on an invite,but I heard the hors d'ouevers looked very, very, very expensive, and there was an open bar _ although I'm told the drinks were weaker than Allan's knee. Lots of feedback from the KG trade rumor story yesterday, and I'll try to follow up with those of you who have questions about it. Bring it on.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jamie, Minneapolis: C'mon Chris, unless he comes out and tells the world he wants to be traded, do you think the Wolves would actually consider dealing KG? He is the only reason people in Minnesota come to games and is the team's only hope for a good season this year or any years in the near future. Besides, could any team come up with a package sweet enought to compensate Minnesota for the loss of one the best ever to play the game? I doesn't make sense to me.
Chris Sheridan: Do you really expect KG to say such a thing publicly? His rail against McHale was one of the few times in his career he's ever gone negative in a public forum, and I don't see it happening twice in one season. A more likely scenario would be for Kevin and his people to pod the Wolves privately for a trade.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anthony (Levittown, NY): As a Knicks fan, your blog yesterday obviously got me excited. But it can't be that easy to get KG can it? A Penny/Davis trade seems like getting KG for free, even if we have to take Wally as well.
Chris Sheridan: The only way I see this happening is if KG pushes for NY and the Wolves believe opening $25 million in cap room is their best option for the long-term health of the franchise. The Knicks offer wouldn't be limited to Davis and Penny, but there wouldn't be much more in it. They might toss in Nate robinson or David Lee, but not both, and they love Frye. In their minds, the flexibility they'd be giving the Wolves is value enough.,
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jon (Indianapolis, IN): Why would the Cavs trade Snow to the Knicks for Rose? That would leave them with only one PG. They already have enough big men with Z, Gooden, Marshall, and don't forget about Varejao.
Chris Sheridan: They could make do with Damon as the starter and Luke Jackson as the backup. The ball is in LeBron's hands so much there, it's not a traditional point guard role.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Drew (FL): Chris, loved the articles on KG. Here's my question as a Bulls fan, hoping KG returns home. Wouldnt a Bulls offer of Deng, Chandler, Tim Thomas (expiring contract) and one of their #1 picks this yr (knicks or their own, most likely lottery) be a decent deal for Minnesota because it gives them some young guys to build around, some cap flexibility and another lottery pick???? Am I crazy or wouldnt this be a great deal for them, and then the Bulls could look towards signing Stojakovic and having Garnett, Sweetney, Stojakovic, Hinrich, Duhon as the starting 5 with Gordon, Nocioni off the bench.
Chris Sheridan: That's a lot of lumber, Drew, but I'm sure the Bulls are thinking similar thoughts to yours. This on certainly makes much more sense for the Wolves.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Karl (Denver): I am not going to ask you Chris, I am going to tell you: Marcus Camby is the best center in the Western Conference.
Chris Sheridan: Why stop with the West?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Andrew (Texas): Chris, will the Spurs look to trade Rasho? He might be the worst 7 footer this league has seen. What are your thoughts? Will they get a true center before the deadline?
Chris Sheridan: You must be a Dampier fan. It seems to me that Rasho is still bein showcased, but he's due to make $23.5 million over the next three years, which is scaring just about everybody off.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
mark, los angeles: Is it just me, or do the Spurs seem to once again be the model of consistancy? Frankly, I still don't see anyone beating them, especially if young Parker continues to improve and the Finley/VanExcel experiment gels into the team approach.
Chris Sheridan: Only nine more days until they measure themselves against the Mavericks again
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Henry (NY): Is Kobe really playing more team ball this year? He's still jacking up 30 shots a game and Odom hasn't come into his own yet.
Chris Sheridan: They've looked pitiful over the last 5-6 games, but let me ask you this? Who else would you rather have taking the shots? I can see where Odom needs a few more touches, but beyond him what else is there aside from a bunch of guys who look lost in the triangle?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
mark seattle wa: Rasho the worst 7-footer the league has seen? It seems that the legacy of Greg Ostertag has been lost on some.
Chris Sheridan: Worst 7-footer the league has seen is a veery,, very broad category, Mark. My vote goes to Alan Ogg, but if you're talking about current players, it's Peter John Ramos.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portland, OR: Any rumors about my beloved Blazers? Personally, I would love to see either Randolph, Miles, and definately Patterson to be traded. Any??
Chris Sheridan: The only players they;ve been looking to deal over the first three weeks has been Patterson, but thery're eventually going to have to reevaluate whether committing so much long-term money to Darius and Zach was a wise move. They were horrible Sunday afternoon at the Garden (with the exception of Telfair and Monia), and Nate sounded afterward like he was ready to trade anyone.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brandon, Detroit: I heard that there was a chance KG could be coming to the pistons for Darko and Sheed. Do you think the pistons would mess with success and go for it?
Chris Sheridan: If they could get him for Darko and Sheed, they'd do it in a second. I'm a big Sheed fan, but he's not going to be worth what he's making three years from now ($14.3).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ryan (Outside the Chi): I'm no an ESPN Insider but I keep seeing these teasers for artices relating to the rumor the Bulls are after Peja. Is that true?
Chris Sheridan: Scott Skiles has been a huge Peja fan since they were both working in Greece in the mid-'90s, and a couple sources around the league tell me there's nothing that will keep Stojakovic from going to Chicago when he's a free agent next summer. I'm not sure the Bulls will be willing to give Peja everythin his agent will ask for, but there's probably a middle ground that can easily be reached by both sides. If the Kings are convinced they're going to lose Peja, it makes sense for them to trade him bfore the deadline rather than get nothing in return a few months later.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JJ< Puerto Rico: No way Ramos is worst to Jake Tsakalidis and what about Seattle, Stiff.. sorry Swift.. but damn Ramos is our future national center.. will be a lot of crying times in the Island.. :(
Chris Sheridan: I believe Jose Ortiz will hold onto the starting center spot on the PR national team for another five years. Saw he just signed another two-year deal down there. What is he, 42 now?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Frank (Indiana): How does Kandi for Boozer make any sense? If you're talking about big guys who cant play, Kandi is up there.
Chris Sheridan: Kando is in the last year of his deal, while Boozer has been too injured to get a good reading on whether the Jazz were justified ion giving him $70 million. If Larry Miller believes it was a bad investment, he'll try to cut his losses. Speaking of Miller, what's with those commercials he runs for himself during Jazz games? He's not selling anything, he's just advertising himself. Strange.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mike (North Adams, MA): And let's not forget Isiah's prize, Jerome James. If Veal Chop Scalabrine was 7 ft tall he'd have even more competition. And Podkolzine in Dallas. How about Ha? Stiffs galore!!! I wish I was 7 ft tall then I'd have a million dollars!!
Chris Sheridan: Mike, some day we'll devote an entire chat to all-time 7-foot stiffs. We'll get Tom Copa to moderate.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mike (North Adams, MA): Chris, I have this hunch that growing up in New York you absolutely hated (and still clandestinely hate) the Boston Celtics. As far as your favorite people in the world go, rank Bill Simmons. Begin!
Chris Sheridan: I hated the Celtics in the early and mid-70s, but only because I was a Bucks fan. I've long since gotten over it. Simmons makes my top 1000.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Steve (Freehold, NJ): As a nets fan who was very excited before this season, they have been dissapointing. What can they do at the trade deadline to improve?
Chris Sheridan: I think they'll make a move sooner rather than later, and I think Planinic is the bait. A lot of teams are taking a close look at the tall Croatian point guard, but is available in a deal for a big.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anthony (Cincinnati): Chris. Dwyane is the NBA's best player, right? If Odom was on his team, he'd get 19 a game from him.
Chris Sheridan: Wrong. The best player right now is LeBron James.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brent, Phoenix, AZ: What should we expect from Dalembert when he comes back and when is he coming back?
Chris Sheridan: The Sizers have handled things pretty well without Sammy anchoring the middle, which has surprised me. He should be back within two weeks.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
John (H-town, TX): The Rocket is very painful to watch this season. What are your solution?
Chris Sheridan: Fewer injuries for them, remedial English courses for you.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
T (Columbus): The nets need an enforcer. They are so soft. RJ for Artest?
Chris Sheridan: RJ can't be traded this year because of his base-year compensation status, but I don't think the Nets would make such a risky move character-wise _ even though from a basketball srtandpoint it might make a lot of sense.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tilman (Hamburg, Germany): Hey Chris, I have a collective bargaining question. Could the Wolves use Sprewell in a sign and trade although the season is under way? Or did they renounce their Bird-rights already? Or the other option: Is a sign and trade only a possibility in the offseason?
Chris Sheridan: They haven't renounced him, so they could still do a sign-and-trade. Those deals must be for a minimum of three years, however, and I don't see anyone lining up for a three year commitment.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weiss (arlington, VA): Who you say is a bigger bust at this point Olowakandi or Kwame Brown? I say they Kandi man can, your thoughts......
Chris Sheridan: A tie.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chris (Anaheim, CA): Donald Sterling called and said he is looking for a personal Nostradamus, and he found that person in you. He also said that Elgin Baylor's position is yours for the taking. It is nice to know that your prediction can change the course of the Clippers' future. ClipperLand welcomes you with open arms. I got a few questions. Remember, your answers dictate the Clips future, so be mindful please. 1.) How far do you see the Clips go in the playoffs? 2.) Do you see E.B. on the All-Stars roster or maybe NBA MVP? 3.) Is Clips a better team with Q. Ross starting and C-Mag coming off the bench? 4.) Hypothetical question: Would the Clips be a better team with Cat or B. Simmons?
Chris Sheridan: 1) Second round of playoffs is definitely a possibility, but please try to remember the season is 10 games old. If the Clips' depth is tested, the bandwagon will lose a few members. 2) All-star team for sure, MVP candidate is they win 55-60. 3) One of those situations where it seemed to work for them when they were using it, but Corey needs to get starter's minutes. 4) Check this year's record vs. last year's, and you'll see the answer is Cat.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jim Phoenix, AZ : Hey Chris, whats the latest scoop on the Olympic team, Colangelo mentioned that he already has 2 people who he is definitely inviting, any idea?? - And what players are waiting to jum in
Chris Sheridan: I've heard Kobe is in, and Colangelo is trying to lock up a commitment from KG. They're also going after role players this time, guys like Tayshaun and Michael Redd. I believe Jerry Colangelo wants to announce his first few players before the end of the year. We at ESPN.com will be doing a poll to find out which players Americans believe should be on the team. Look for it next month.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JT (NY): Everyone is going crazy in NY about the KG rumors. Would he play with Stephon again? Would he only "demand" to be traded to NY if Isiah dealt Starbury? I'd also hate to see one of our three rookies go! Especially Frye!
Chris Sheridan: The Knicks' intention would be to acquire KG without giving up Marbury or Frye. No one would be more happy than Steph, who hasn't sniffed success since he exited Minneapolis.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tom (Chicago): If AI isn't on that team, I'm cheering for Argentina. Also, is it possible for a Kobe/Shaq reunion?
Chris Sheridan: If Bruce Bowen ain't on that team, who exactly is goijng to defend Manu in the next big Argentina-US tilt? I could see Iverson rejoining the national team, despite what happened in Athens. He took it a lot more seriously than a couple of his teammates on the '04 US team.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Justin (Leominster, MA): As a 13-year old in 1995 with no favorite team or player, I immediately fell in love with the idea of a HS kid playing in the NBA. KG has been my favorite player since then and I'm still amazed by how amazing his all-around game is, plus, how strong his work ethic, heart, and maturity in a league where those values aren't found too often. I find myself torn, hoping he's not traded to the Knicks for the fact that would be a step down from Minneapolis, but also happy because a deal to the Pistons would give him an instant chance to win the ring I feel he deserves. Please tell me the Wolves would not entertain the idea of taking expiring contracts when they could land Rasheed and Darko, 2 big men for a small Minnesota team.
Chris Sheridan: Trading him for expiring contracts would be an almost impossible thing for the Wolves to sell to their fans. They could do better than Rasheed and Darko, but they probably won't find anyone else willing to give them two bigs.
Chris Sheridan: That's all the time I have today, folks. Everyone enjoy the turkey on Thursday and the Cavs-Pacers game afterward.
|
