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Hoops Rumors Live Chat: 4/16/26
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ARTHUR HILL
11:01
Welcome to this week's chat. We'll start with a question on the Knicks-Hawks series.
Tarunafish
11:01
If you're the Hawks, do  you have Nickell Alexander Walker guard Jalen Brunson?
ARTHUR HILL
11:07
The Hawks have several defenders capable of making life difficult for Brunson, which is why they're a tougher matchup for the Knicks than the Raptors would have been. I expect Alexander-Walker and Dyson Daniels to both see plenty of time guarding Brunson, and Jalen Johnson may be assigned to him as well. Whoever does the best at limiting Brunson's scoring efficiency will handle the bulk of that role, but Atlanta has a lot of different looks to throw at Brunson. The Knicks may have to find other sources of offense to advance past the first round.
Doc Rivers
11:07
Will I coach an NBA team again? If so, when?
ARTHUR HILL
11:15
Rivers' comments late in the season made it sound like he needs a long break from coaching at the very least, and may be ready to retire from that field. His time in Milwaukee turned out to be very difficult, and he was clearly worn down from a disappointing season and the frequent controversies and trade rumors surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo. Rivers is only 64, so he's not too old to get another coaching job. He'll likely work in the media next season while he rests and considers his options. Things didn't go well for him with the Bucks, but he's still a big-name coach with a championship on his resume, and it wouldn't be surprising if his name emerges in rumors for coaching openings next summer.
Unclemike1526
11:15
Now that the Bulls know they have 2 1st round picks picking a guy to run the organization quickly should be the most pressing thing to be done. That and giving that person the leeway to pick his own staff and Coach. So as far as Donovan goes do we know if Donovan was just playing the system with the players he was given? Or did he have input into what was drafted? Was and is Donovan the right man for the job? I say no. What do you say? And who might be interested if he's stuck with Donovan? Thanks
Side note. Did Donovan actually SIGN that extension? I know it was offered but I don't remember it being announced but that was never AK's strong suit anyway, Communication. I don't even know why this is even being discussed. Thanks. Appreciate the chats!
ARTHUR HILL
11:25
Donovan probably had input into the draft process, but it seems clear that Karnisovas and Eversley trusted their own judgment more than the views of their scouts or coaching staff. Donovan was probably as frustrated with some of the roster decisions as the average Bulls fan, but wasn't in a position to speak about it publicly. I can understand the desire for the new executive to bring in his own people, but Donovan is a high-level coach who has been making the best of a bad situation. Give him a competitive roster and he'll eventually lead the Bulls back to the playoffs. The bigger question is whether he'll want to oversee a rebuilding project when he'll likely have better opportunities to pursue. The team announced his extension last summer, but didn't reveal the length or financial terms. Management is reportedly very fond of him and would probably be willing to add even more financial incentives to get him to stay.
Cale
11:25
If the Cavs lose in the first or second round, should we expect them to overhaul their roster? Any chance Donovan Mitchell or Evan Mobley are traded?
ARTHUR HILL
11:34
Darius Garland is already gone from the original core, and another playoff flameout will almost certainly mean big changes in Cleveland. The team probably won't part with Mobley, who's only 24 and signed to a long-term deal. However, Mitchell might be considering his options if he doesn't believe he can ever compete for a title in Cleveland. He's only under contract for one more season before holding a $53.8MM player option for 2027/28. He'll become extension eligible this summer and will be in position to force Cleveland's hand if he decides he wants out. He's a New York native and has always wanted to play in his hometown, so that possibility could open up if the Cavaliers and Knicks are both sent home early.
Mardy
11:35
Kawhi Leonard to the Warriors for Jimmy Butler and draft picks makes sense. What do you think are the chances of it happening?
ARTHUR HILL
11:42
If Butler weren't injured, I could definitely see both teams considering it, but I don't know how willing the Clippers would be to give up their top star for a player with a torn ACL who might not be able to return until January. There would have to be a lot of draft compensation or other assets included to make them consider it. That said, last night's play-in loss does increase the chances that Leonard will be moved this summer. He's coming off a healthy and productive season, and at age 34 his trade value will never be higher. The Aspiration ruling may factor into the Clippers' decision if the penalties are severe, but I think management is ready to explore all its options.
theBigLip
11:42
Pistons getting no respect by the bookies. Don’t they have the D to take out the Celtics?
ARTHUR HILL
11:47
The Pistons' commitment to defense, along with their size and physicality, will make them a tough matchup for any playoff opponent. Cade Cunningham may be the best player in any series, even against Boston, and the emergence of Daniss Jenkins has provided the additional playmaker that they needed. The Pistons' No. 1 seed was no fluke. They have a well-constructed roster and didn't wilt when Cunningham had his medical issues late in the season. Bookies are just trying to appeal to bettors and shouldn't be trusted for analysis. It wouldn't surprise me at all to see Detroit in the NBA Finals.
Ludwig’s Pump Fake
11:48
The Hawks are nowhere close to being the most talented team in the playoffs, but is there another team that currently has that X-factor grit that the Hawks have displayed since moving on from T Young? How far do they go?
ARTHUR HILL
11:55
Atlanta is loaded with tall, athletic defenders who are tough to play against. The surge after the All-Star break is probably more indicative of the team's talent level than its struggles early in the season. Moving on from Trae Young was definitely an important step. For all his talent, he monopolized the ball too much and prevented Jalen Johnson and others from reaching their full potential on offense. I would have felt better about their playoff chances if they had kept the No. 5 seed and faced Cleveland in the first round. The Knicks are a tougher matchup, and the Hawks may not have enough scoring to win that series. However, the future is bright, especially after they cash in on the lottery pick they got from New Orleans.
theBigLip
11:55
What teams are most likely to get broken up w a poor playoff performance? I’m putting the Cavs at the top of my list. A similar question - what players do you expect to be available for a trade due to their team’s poor playoff performance?
ARTHUR HILL
12:04
The Cavaliers are coming off two straight playoff disappointments, so almost anything could happen with another early exit. There could be a coaching change, James Harden may not be back, Donovan Mitchell could ask out -- something big will definitely happen. The Knicks are probably second on that list if they lose in the first or second round. Karl-Anthony Towns has never quite adjusted to Mike Brown's coaching style and would probably be included in a multi-team offer for Giannis Antetokounmpo. For players likely to be moved, I think you can look to Orlando, which still isn't guaranteed a playoff spot. Paolo Banchero isn't living up to the massive extension he got, and I think the Magic will listen to offers from teams that are willing to take him off their hands.
Jimmy Butler
12:04
Where id you hear I'm coming back by January?  Doctors are saying it's end of February, one year from surgery.  Did the Warriors announce something different?
ARTHUR HILL
12:08
No, that was just an estimate based on the timing of his injury, which happened in mid-January. It usually takes a year to recover from ACL tears, and a formal update from the team isn't expected until early next season. January would admittedly be a best-case scenario for Butler. I was just listing that as a reason why the Clippers or anybody else would be reluctant to trade for him.
theBigLip
12:08
With the likely flattening of future draft lottery odds, are the multi pick Bane deals be a thing of the past?
ARTHUR HILL
12:13
Teams are becoming more hesitant in general to give up massive amounts of draft assets. The Mikal Bridges and Desmond Bane deals still happen, but it seems like they're becoming outliers as teams realize the dangers of parting with so many of their future picks. Whatever changes are made to the lottery system will only accentuate that process, and I think we'll see fewer trades in the future involving multiple first-rounders unless it involves getting a top star in return.
theBigLip
12:13
Which lower seed is most likely to win a first round series?
ARTHUR HILL
12:18
The obvious answer is Houston, a No. 5 seed that has the good fortune of facing the No. 4 Lakers without two of their top stars. It still sounds like a remote possibility that Luka Doncic or Austin Reaves can return in the first round, so it's going to be tough for L.A. to grind out four wins against a quality opponent. Keep an eye on the Timberwolves as well. They knocked the Nuggets out of the playoffs two years ago and have plenty of experience with trying to slow down Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. Minnesota is a dangerous team with Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels healthy and will be a tough out in the first round.
12:19
Thanks for all the great questions. We'll talk again next week.
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