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Hoops Rumors Live Chat: 10/23/25
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ARTHUR HILL
11:01
Welcome to this week's chat. We'll start with a question on today's biggest story.
JD
11:01
What will the impact of today's arrests be on the NBA? Will they rethink their partnerships with sports books? It's impossible to watch a game these days without being encouraged to bet on it
ARTHUR HILL
11:14
Allegations of hypocrisy are going to be louder than ever now that several prominent NBA figures have been arrested on gambling charges. Terry Rozier, Chauncey Billups and Damon Jones have already been taken into custody, and more arrests could be coming as the FBI continues its gambling probe. Leagues in general have become intertwined with online sports books without fully considering the consequences. It's an easy source of money for the leagues, and it's a way for FanDuel, DraftKings and others to reach their target audiences. However, it doesn't excuse the current scandal. The NBA clearly outlines to its personnel what forms of gambling are and aren't acceptable. They can frequent casinos and engage in other types of legal wagering, but they can't intentionally tank prop bets on their game performance or get involved in mafia-related poker games. Considering the amount of money that players and coaches make, participating in these activities for a few extra bucks is just foolish.
Cale
11:14
Victor Wembanyama for MVP? Based on how he looked last night, it kinda seems like a real possibility if he stays healthy?
ARTHUR HILL
11:24
The version of Victor Wembanyama that we've been warned about since he was drafted may have finally arrived. He thoroughly dominated a good Dallas team on both ends of the court on opening night, and he's visibly bigger, stronger and more skilled than the last time we saw him in February. The 40 points, 15 rebounds and three blocks speak for themselves, but the way he got to those numbers was even more impressive. He covers a tremendous amount of ground on every stride and claims significant airspace as well. He made plays that no one else could and looked like an easy MVP candidate. He could wind up being the league's most dominant force on both offense and defense.
Guest
11:24
Do you see the Rockets making a trade for a point guard? I like their roster but the absence of Van Vleet is glaring
ARTHUR HILL
11:36
Houston is going to be patient while hoping that Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard can handle the position, but a move will have to be considered if they don't show real progress in the next couple of months. The Rockets are a legitimate title contender after adding Kevin Durant, but he's already 37, and there's always a danger that age and injuries will catch up to him. Houston's options are limited because of its proximity to the hard cap, but veteran point guards figure to be on the market this winter. Thompson and Sheppard might both be more effective playing off the ball, and I don't think the Rockets will be comfortable heading into the playoffs with them running the offense.
Jonathan Kuminga
11:36
Will I actually be traded this season or will I turn out to be too valuable to the Warriors?
ARTHUR HILL
11:44
There seemed to be an assumption when Kuminga signed his new two-year deal that the Warriors would try to move him to a team that would give him a better shot at guaranteed playing time. However, his season debut suggests that he might be too valuable to trade. He posted 17 points, nine rebounds and six assists in Tuesday's win over the Lakers while providing a jolt of youth and athleticism for a veteran team that badly needs it. The Warriors are going to act in their best interests, not Kuminga's, and he already looks much more valuable than any of the reported sign-and-trade offers they received this summer. I think there's a good chance he'll still be with the team past the trade deadline.
Scott S.
11:44
Odds the Kings get broken up by the trade deadline? I don't like the roster but there are a lot of individual pieces that could help contenders.
ARTHUR HILL
11:52
The Kings almost certainly won't be playoff contenders, but their roster is filled with veterans who might be in demand at the deadline. Dennis Schroder made a huge difference when the Pistons acquired him last season, and a better franchise probably should have signed him in free agency. DeMar DeRozan is one of the best clutch scorers in the league, Zach LaVine would be ideal for any team that needs scoring help and even Russell Westbrook would be a strong bench addition for a contender. Sacramento's front office assembled an expensive team that doesn't fit together well, but there should be a chance to reset things on the trade market by February.
DJ Clutch
11:52
With full acknowledgment that this is a weird question - why are your response times slower on average than all the other chats?  You give thoughtful responses and I'm here eating them up so I hope that doesn't come across poorly.
ARTHUR HILL
11:58
I'm glad you're enjoying the chat, and I don't mind answering the question. Because it's limited to Trade Rumors Front Office subscribers, the number of questions I get is often much lower than on regular chats, which are open to the public. That gives me time to do quick research and provide more detailed answers, but it also slows down the process for anyone who's reading the chat in real time. I'm hoping the volume picks up now that the season has started, and I would prefer a rapid-fire chat where we cover a lot of topics. For anyone who's reading, please feel free to submit questions at 11 am (noon Central) every Thursday. I'd love to talk about whatever is on your minds.
11:59
Thanks for the great questions. We'll talk again next Thursday.
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