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Hoops Rumors Live Chat 11/17/2022
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stanley
11:00
should rockets fire stephen silas? Is he even the problem in Houston?
Dana Gauruder
11:04
Not unless there were realistic expectations that the Rockets would make a serious turnaround, or that the turnaround would occur right from the start of the season. Jabari is off to a slow start in his rookie campaign and Tate's been out pretty much the whole time. And really, other than Gordon, it's a really young group. But do the Rockets really want to win a lot of games this season? They're primed for another shot at the top pick, otherwise known as the VW sweepstakes.
Knicktricks
11:04
Fournier for Crowder who says no?
Dana Gauruder
11:07
There are reports of a three-team deal in the works involving Crowder, though the details haven't been disclosed. I would doubt the Suns would want to take on Fournier, given his contract and lack of production this season. I'd withhold judgment until more details are leaked, or a trade actually happens. Seems like Crowder will be dealt sooner rather than later. I thought the Suns might wait until Dec. 15, when some of the free agents signed this summer are eligible to be traded but maybe they want to get rid of the awkward situation earlier than that.
Randy
11:08
Hi,Do you think the Hawks will try to shore up their bench anytime soon
Dana Gauruder
11:11
Not sure if they'll do something right away but they certainly need more production from that unit. I don't see an obvious sixth man in that group that they can rely on for production. The problem will be alleviated somewhat when Bogdan returns but from what the Hawks did this summer, bringing in Murray, they're intent on going deep in playoffs. So I have to believe they'll look for an upgrade if there's a deal out there they like. Might have to wait closer to deadline when there's more sellers.
Some Guy
11:11
Is Ben Simmons best bet to contribute anything to become a Center full-time? I realize his passing is one of his positives, but he can't shoot. At all. And at least closer to the rim, he won't get blown by on the perimeter like he has for most of his career.
Dana Gauruder
11:16
Putting aside all the drama from last season, Simmons is one of the more unique guys in the league. As you said, great passer and he can guard pretty much any position. He was All-Defensive First Team two seasons ago. But it's not easy having a guy like that playing heavy minutes if defenses don't respect him. Most NBA experts believe he's best suited to the PF or C position, so yes that is a viable option.
Guest
11:16
Is Lonzo Ball ever going to play again? Any encouraging news?
Dana Gauruder
11:19
I don't think he's going to retire, if that is what you're suggesting. As for this season, it's really up in the air. He had the latest procedure on his knee in September and there's still no timetable for his return. What is fair to wonder is whether Lonzo will ever return to his old form. I think there's a legit concern that he'll never fulfill his promise due to his knee issues.
Elizabeth Peng
11:20
How big of a haul could Kuzma fetch if the wizards were to go in that direction?
Dana Gauruder
11:24
Major haul? Probably not but I could see him possibly fetching a future first rounder as part of a package. He's got a very tradeable contract ($13 mill) and he's productive. Trouble is for potential suitor is that he can opt out (and probably will) after the season. So, he'd be more of a rental than a rotation player you could add to your lineup for next 2-3 seasons.
Wendy Chau
11:24
How long of a leash does Jamahl Mosley have in Orlando?
Dana Gauruder
11:29
On the surface, a fairly long one. Similar to the Rockets' situation, is there any pressure on a young coach to produce victories on a rebuilding team? Their backcourt has been banged up and Banchero has missed a few games. This season is all about development of the young core. And they're also prime contenders in the VW and Scoot Henderson sweepstakes. Drop one of them into the Banchero-Wagner duo and now you've really got a bright future.
Kawhi Leonard
11:30
Will I return to playing a starers workload at any point this season? How many games do you see me playing?
Dana Gauruder
11:32
His situation has been somewhat mysterious and he's not playing tonight (though they won't need him vs. the Cade-less Pistons). But looks as though he'll return soon. I'd venture to guess Kawhi winds up playing in the 45-50 game range. I don't see him playing any back to backs. Really, the primary goal is to have him healthy for the playoffs (granted, it's not a given they'll finish in the top 6 but I have to believe they'd at least make the play in).
Guest
11:34
Is SGA a top 3 point guard right now?  I think he is only behind Trae Young, and Chris Paul but CP3 is getting old.  Tell me where you would rank the top 5 PGs in the league.  And, is Luka a Point guard or what?  I think he is the best example of Point Guard in a Forward body.
Dana Gauruder
11:39
Have there ever been this many top level point guards in the league? Putting a top 5 list together is pretty tough -- Luka would definitely be on it. How can Ja and Steph not be on it? Trae would be on my list as well. And then you've got Paul, Holiday, Garland, Lillard, Maxey, on and on. SGA is more of a combo guard, as many of the guards now are with ballhandling/playmaking responsibilities being shared. SGA has been fantastic this year and it will be hard to keep him off the All-Star team if this type of output continues. But top 3? I don't know if I can rank him that high until he does it over a longer period of time, a la Steph and Luka.
Roster building
11:40
Do the raps go all in with "length and strength" next year and let VanVleet walk next year? Go with a point guard by committee approach?
Dana Gauruder
11:44
First off, I am very impressed by what the Raptors have done the last couple of games vs. Pistons and Heat with several starters sidelined. It speaks well of the coaching staff, the culture and the development of their players. Banton was terrific vs. Detroit and OG was fabulous vs. Heat. As for VanVleet, he's such a tough, gritty guy who's productive in the clutch. I don't think they'd let him go unless they had another logical choice to run the offense. Would you put Scottie in that role? If you think Barnes could thrive as the offensive initiator, then it's a viable option for the Raptors to deal VanVleet down the road.
Benny the Bull
11:44
If the Bulls are out of a playoff/in position by the trade deadline, they have to seriously consider blowing it up right?  Doubling down on Vuc and Demar (ie giving them another contract to be running mates with Lavine) as they enter their mid 30s doesn't seem like a good idea
Dana Gauruder
11:49
Certainly, Ball's health situation and Patrick Williams' struggles have altered the picture. It wasn't the intent of the front office to go into a rebuild but if things don't improve as the trade deadline approaches, that has to be a serious consideration. They'd have to scour the market and see what they could get for DeMar, Vucevic and some of those bench guys. And if they do go into tank mode, then it makes sense in the long run to see what LaVine would fetch. He surely didn't re-sign in order to play meaningless games.
Allan Grant
11:49
Does it really make sense to continue to being Mathurin off the bench?
Dana Gauruder
11:51
He seems to be thriving in that role but I doubt he'll be a reserve much longer. But the old adage rings true -- doesn't matter who starts, it matters who finishes. He's already playing 28 minutes a game. Indiana has a nice long-term backcourt combo with Haliburton and Mathurin.
Brandon
11:52
Do you warriors improve there bench via trade soon, or do they continue to wait & see if their youth starts performing?
Dana Gauruder
11:55
I believe I said last week the Warriors might send Wiseman to the G League to get his confidence up and that's what they did. He missed an entire season - not easy for a young player to get back in the groove after an extended layoff. It is alarming they can't seem to get steady production of their bench. On paper, they have some pretty good pieces. Even Poole had a bad night vs. Suns yesterday. But I don't think they're ready to push the panic button just yet. It's only mid-November -- Kerr and his staff are too savvy to have this being a season-long issue.
Nick
11:55
the jazz coming back to earth now?
Dana Gauruder
11:58
Sure seems like it. Markkanen got off to a terrific start but he's cooled down the last few games. I don't think anyone around the league looked at their roster and thought 'This is a serious playoff contender.' I still anticipate by the trade deadline they'll be in sell mode with some of these vets.
GrizzFan
11:58
Whose injury is weighing the most on his team. At the start of the season I would have guessed Middleton but they are rolling along without him? Am I too biased if I say Bane? Is it Leonard? Lonzo?
Dana Gauruder
12:00
Pinpointing one injury as the downfall of any team right now is difficult because a majority of the teams around the league have one or more key pieces out. It's mind-boggling that with modern training methods that so many players are currently sidelined, or struggling to come back from injuries. The practice of resting players hasn't seemed to alter that equation.
That's all we have for today. Luke Adams will field your questions in our next chat on Tuesday at noon CT. Thanks.
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