Hoops Rumors Live Chat: 4/23/26
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ARTHUR HILL
11:00
Welcome to this week's chat. We'll start with a question on the Rockets.
Hakeem
11:01
If the Rockets are going to come back and win the Lakers series, their half-court defense needs to improve. Who needs to step up for Ime Udoka to give Houston a chance to win the series?
ARTHUR HILL
11:08
The Rockets haven't looked good on either end of the court in the first two games against the Lakers. The offense has been stagnant and hard to watch, while the defense isn't playing with the force that we saw last season. Offensively, Alperen Sengun is an obvious choice to step up, as he's shooting just 38.5% in the series and has admitted that he's missing too many easy opportunities. In general, Houston needs to hit more open threes and make the Lakers less comfortable with doubling Kevin Durant. Defense is more of a team effort, but more intensity is required throughout the lineup on that end of the court. It's not too late to salvage the series, but the Rockets' effort will have to be much better than it was in the first two games.
JD
11:08
What's the best NBA coaching job that's currently open?
ARTHUR HILL
11:17
Giannis seems like a good bet to be traded this summer, so we can cross the Bucks off the list. They and the Bulls will both be rebuilding, so they're better off with young coaches who'll be more tolerant of not winning right away. The Pelicans have plenty of high-level talent on their roster and could be ready to move into the play-in picture next season. James Borrego has done an admirable job in an interim role, but the organization might be looking for a bigger name. New Orleans is the best opportunity right now, but that could change soon, depending on what happens with the Warriors, Magic and Trail Blazers.
Mardy
11:17
Do you think that Kawhi Leonard to the Warriors or Heat will happen this offseason?
ARTHUR HILL
11:27
The Warriors attempted to work out a deal for Leonard before the deadline, and they're expected to try again this summer, but I don't think they have enough trade assets to land him. It would be more realistic if Jimmy Butler were healthy, but he'll miss at least half the season while he recovers from an ACL tear. The Heat need to make a splashy move and may pivot toward Leonard if they get outbid for Giannis. However, L.A. probably won't have much interest in Tyler Herro or Andrew Wiggins, so it's hard to make the salaries work. Leonard is entering the final year of his contract and will likely be on the trade market if he and the Clippers can't work out an extension, but I don't expect him to wind up with either of those teams.
Guest
11:28
Who are some realistic targets for the Warriors coaching job if Kerr decides not to come back?
ARTHUR HILL
11:39
Mike Brown would be ideal if the Knicks get bounced early in the playoffs and James Dolan decides to make a coaching move. Brown's history with much of the roster would allow him to step right into the job. Jerry Stackhouse and Terry Stotts are already on the Warriors' staff and both would be strong candidates for a promotion if Kerr leaves. Bay Area writer Tim Kawakami mentioned several candidates this week, with the most interesting one being Andre Iguodala. He doesn't have any coaching experience, but he played an important role on Golden State's championship teams and is a beloved figure with fans. He has a strong knowledge of the game and the organization, and given the right staff, he could be successful.
Unclemike1526
11:39
Who is the most logical choice for the Bulls POBO job? I think with what the Bulls have to work with it could be a good opportunity. Thanks
ARTHUR HILL
11:50
Shams Charania mentioned six names earlier this week as the Bulls begin the interview process. Of that group, my favorite is Timberwolves GM Matt Lloyd because he's made good moves in Minnesota, including the deal for Ayo Dosunmu, and he has experience working with the Bulls and the Reinsdorfs. He also has a strong reputation for identifying talent in the draft, and the Bulls are going to need to draft well to eventually become a contender again. The draft and free agency aren't far away, but hopefully the Bulls will conduct an extensive search before making their final decision. Bad management has been a problem for more than a decade, and the organization needs to get this hire right.
Tom Dundon
11:50
How worried should Blazers fans be about my cost cutting?
ARTHUR HILL
11:58
Dundon's cheapness since taking over as owner of the Trail Blazers last month has become a punch line around the league. Making staffers check out of their hotel rooms early and not bringing two-way players to road playoff games are embarrassing, but they don't directly affect the product on the court. The first real sign will be how much he's willing to pay his head coach, whether it's Tiago Splitter or someone else. Dundon's surrogates have insisted that reports that he wants to cap the salary at $1.5MM are untrue. The last thing any organization wants is a reputation for cheapness with agents and players. It will become impossible to sign free agents or keep talent when they expect to get low-balled on future offers. Dundon already has a reputation that's working against him, so he'll have to prove fairly soon that he's willing to spend like an NBA owner.
theBigLip
11:58
Now that the Pistons have woken up, Magic are likely out in the first round. They have to be seriously disappointed after swapping all those FRPs for Bane in an all-in move. What should they do in the offseason?
ARTHUR HILL
12:07
Trading for Bane was an all-in move that won't be easy for the Magic to get out of. Bane, Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs are already signed to expensive long-term contracts, and Paolo Banchero's extension will kick in next season. It's a pricey core, plus Wendell Carter Jr. is signed for the next three years and Anthony Black will be eligible for an extension this summer. It's not easy to unload salary in the NBA with everyone concerned about the aprons, so even if they lose in the first round, the Magic will likely keep the team together for another season and hope for better results. If they can't advance in the playoffs next year, a big move will have to happen and I'd imagine that Wagner or Bane would be most likely to go.
Thanks for all the great questions. We'll talk again next week.
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