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Hoops Rumors Live Chat: 2/25/25
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barron_hudson
11:02
When will the national media start paying attention to the Detroit Pistons? Cade Cunningham went from having the worst record last year to competing for the 5th playoff spot, and this needs to be discussed.
ARTHUR HILL
11:08
The turnaround in Detroit has been one of the best stories of this NBA season. After being historically bad a year ago, the Pistons are now a legitimate playoff team with a chance to make some noise in the East. They're currently on track to meet the Knicks in the first round, which would be a tough matchup, but they're only a game out of fourth place and would have a better chance against the Bucks or Pacers, particularly if they land home court. Cade Cunningham has become a star in his fourth NBA season, and the front office did a great job of using its cap space last summer to build a contending team around him. I'm not sure why they aren't getting more national media exposure -- maybe it's because there are so many bad teams in the East -- but that should change come playoff time.
PJ Tucker
11:08
Am I still getting bought out before March 1? Could I actually help a playoff team this season?
ARTHUR HILL
11:16
We've been hearing P.J. Tucker buyout rumors since he was traded to the Raptors at the deadline, but there may not be a lot of interest in a 39-year-old forward who hasn't played all season. The Suns were mentioned as a possible destination, but that move seems less plausible as Phoenix keeps losing. Tucker built a long NBA career as a tough defender, a fiery leader and a reliable three-point shooter, but he may be at the end of the line. Even if he does find a team willing to give him a chance, I wouldn't expect him to play many minutes or be very impactful.
Grizzlies
11:16
It seems pretty likely that Jaren Jackson will either win DPOY or make All-NBA (or both), making him super-max eligible. I know the Grizzlies don't have to give him the full 35% max, but even a 30% max would be worth almost $60 million per year. Is JJJ really worth that much?
ARTHUR HILL
11:24
Considering Ja Morant's decreased productivity and lack of availability over the past two years, there's a pretty strong argument that Jackson is now the Grizzlies' most valuable player. He's an annual DPOY candidate who's in the midst of his best offensive season at 22.8 PPG. He impacts the game on both ends of the court and provides an interior anchor for Memphis to build a strong defense around. As the salary cap keeps rising, $60MM won't seem like an extreme salary in a few years. I think the Grizzlies' best move is to keep Jackson happy, no matter how much it takes to sign him.
DJ
11:24
Who is the perfect piece to add to Houston to make them a contender in 26-28?
ARTHUR HILL
11:34
The perfect piece would be an efficient scorer who can hit three-point shots and serve as a closer in late-game situations. He'd also have to be willing to work hard on defense to keep coach Ime Udoka happy, and hopefully he'll be young enough to fit the timeline with the rest of the roster. The Rockets have been a little bit ahead of schedule as a Western Conference contender this season, but they're still low on outside shooting and they don't have someone to take over the offense at the end of games. Devin Booker is still probably the dream candidate, but it doesn't seem like the Suns will trade him unless he demands it. There's no obvious second choice right now, but that can change quickly in the NBA as players become unhappy. I expect the Rockets to hang onto their draft assets until that happens.
braywyatt313
11:35
Regardless of how the season ends for the Pistons, is this the offseason when they trade for or sign a player to complement Cade Cunningham? If so, what player would be a great fit for him? FOLLOW THE BUZZARDS!!! let me in..
ARTHUR HILL
11:42
The Pistons will have some flexibility this summer when Tim Hardaway Jr. and Dennis Schroder come off their cap, so it's reasonable to expect another addition or two. I don't think it will be a big move, though. Detroit still has a lot of room to improve by developing its young talent, plus Jaden Ivey will be back next season, so there's no need to rush the process. The Pistons are almost guaranteed to be annual playoff team now, but they'll wait to go star hunting until the roster is a little older and ready to challenge the Cavaliers, Celtics and Knicks.
Guest
11:42
The Hawks don't have control of their own first-round picks for the next three years. Risacher is looking better lately but they probably don't have enough to become a legit contender anytime soon right? Will Trae end up seeking a trade? Would Atlanta be best off trading him?
ARTHUR HILL
11:50
The Trae Young trade rumors were strong this time last year before they opted to part with Dejounte Murray in what turned out to be a great deal with New Orleans. I don't think the Hawks want to move Young now. They still view him as part of the foundation for the future, along with Risacher, Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels and Onyeka Okongwu. That group should be an annual playoff contender in a conference that doesn't have many good teams right now. Young also seems to enjoy playing in Atlanta, although he hasn't experienced much playoff success there. There may be an argument that the Hawks could benefit by trading Young and restocking their draft assets, but I don't believe that's in their plans.
Coach of the Year
11:51
Atkinson, Daigneault, Udoka and Bickerstaff all look like pretty good candidates. Maybe Jenkins too. Who would be on your ballot?
ARTHUR HILL
11:57
Atkinson and Daigneault have both gotten the best from very talented rosters in Cleveland and Oklahoma City. Udoka and Bickerstaff have sped up the rebuilding process in Houston and Detroit and have their teams looming as tough playoff matchups. Jenkins has a terrific job of turning Memphis into a contender again after a season where virtually everything went wrong. It's a tough choice because it's hard to compare their respective situations. Atkinson will probably win because he's been considered the favorite since early in the season, but I might vote for Bickerstaff. He has brought stability to a franchise that was in chaos, and he's helped Cade Cunningham develop into an All-Star.
jamara_hudson
11:57
If you look at Cade Cunningham's stats right now, he is a better player than Luka Dončić and a better defender. Tell me I'm wrong or don't havee a case to be made.
ARTHUR HILL
12:03
Doncic was sidelined for nearly two months with a calf issue and he's dealt with a few other injuries since training camp, so Cunningham is having the better season so far. And he's always going to be the better defender because that end of the court isn't Luka's strong point. However, it's hard to overlook Doncic's first six seasons, which include five straight first-team All-NBA appearances. Cunningham will likely be All-NBA this season and may get a few first-team votes. He's got a bright a bright future, but the Lakers wouldn't trade Doncic for him (or anyone else, unlike the Mavericks).
Go Cavs!!!!!
12:03
Any chance Kevin Love gets bought by Miami and signs with Cleveland?
ARTHUR HILL
12:08
A return to Cleveland would be a nice way for Love to end his career. He has only played in 19 games this season for Miami, and only three since the calendar flipped over to 2025. However, Love is under contract for $4.15MM next season and he won't want to give up that guaranteed money. Any buyout may have to wait until next February.
Thanks for all the great questions. We'll talk again next week.
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