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Hoops Rumors Live Chat: 5/17/2022
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Luke Adams
12:01
Thanks to everyone who submitted questions ahead of time! Keep 'em coming, and I'll get to as many as I can over the next hour.
Dame to Ayton
12:01
Where do you see Ayton signing? Blazers, Thunder?
Luke Adams
12:03
I still think a return to the Suns is the most likely outcome, but the way his (and Phoenix's) season ended will certainly make for a more interesting summer. I wouldn't rule out the Pistons. It sounds like they'll be in the market for a center and they'll have the cap flexibility to make a play for someone like Ayton -- especially if they're willing to negotiate a sign-and-trade.
So...what now?
12:03
Where honestly can the Sixers go from here? They can't really sign Harden to an extension after what they saw can they? And bringing Doc back on top of it? Is Embiid the next sneaky I want out guy?
Luke Adams
12:05
I don't think we'll see a five-year deal for Harden this offseason, but I'd be shocked if he just opts in and comes back without any sort of extension. The Sixers will probably have to bite the bullet, hope they can work something out that's less than the max (and fewer than five years), and bank on Harden's struggles this season being a result of lingering hamstring issues.
12:06
For what it's worth, a few years ago it seemed like Chris Paul was entering the twilight of his career, and he has bounced back with a handful of strong seasons in a row. Harden will have to commit to offseason work and conditioning more than he has in the past, but I'd be wary of burying him just yet.
Bob Myers
12:07
What do you think the odds are of the Warriors being able to re-sign both Gary Payton and Kevon Looney this offseason?
Luke Adams
12:08
It'll all come down to how much ownership is willing to spend -- there's no cap-related reason why the Warriors shouldn't be able to outbid other suitors for Payton and Looney, and I have to imagine they'll want to be back (especially if Golden State wins a title!).
Eric from LA
12:09
Regardless what happens this year, will the Celtics be champ favorites next year?
Luke Adams
12:11
Regardless of what happens in the next month? No. If the Celtics win the title, they'll have a much better shot at entering next season as the favorites than they would if they're knocked out by the Heat in five games this round.
Joel John
12:11
Who do you see the kings pick if they land top 4?
Luke Adams
12:13
I've said this in a previous chat, but I hope they take the best available player and don't worry about fit. If they have Chet Holmgren atop their board but they're not sure about the fit with Sabonis, take him anyway! Same deal with Jaden Ivey and De'Aaron Fox. They can't afford another repeat of the 2018 draft.
Dd
12:13
How surprised are you that the Celtics have made it so far. Most people thought the Celtics would get knocked out by the nets?
Luke Adams
12:14
Based on the way the Celtics were playing in the second half and the way the Nets' season played out, the first-round result didn't really shock me, but I have to admit I had the Bucks in round two. It's too bad Middleton wasn't healthy for that series (or Robert Williams, for that matter). It would've been great to see those two teams battle it out at full strength.
Wild Trader
12:15
Who says no? John Collins and Okongwu for Ayton.
Luke Adams
12:16
Probably Atlanta -- I think they're pretty high on Okongwu's potential, so the talent gap between Ayton and Collins would have to be bigger for them to sign off.
Steve
12:16
How far away are the Clippers
Luke Adams
12:17
If they're fully healthy entering next season, they're a title contender. If they get one more decent play-maker, they might be the favorites.
Sharkey
12:17
Assuming the Bucks bring back Portis and Connaughton, what should be the #1 priority position this off-season? They need help in a few spots - a big wing, backup PG, and a defensive-minded C.
Luke Adams
12:19
I imagine they'd focus on seeing if they could do anything with Brook Lopez's expiring contract and maybe bring in a more versatile center who could better handle switches and five-out lineups. But if they can't find a taker for Lopez or a solid alternative at center, I'd make backup PG the top priority -- don't think they can afford to bring back George Hill in that role again.
A couple of dummies
12:20
Biggest loser in the Simmons Harden trade? One team got a reality TV star who doesn't actually play basketball and the other one got a socialite who can't be bothered to work out.
Luke Adams
12:21
I know the deal looks horrible for both teams at the moment, but I'm reserving judgment until I see how both guys look next season. If they're fully healthy, this trade is still salvageable from both sides. (For now though, I'd be more nervous about the Sixers' side. At least the Nets got a nice role player and a couple first-round picks out of the deal.)
Lakers Fan
12:22
Is there even a 1% chance Phil comes out of retirement and takes the Lakers coaching job?
Luke Adams
12:23
I think you'd have to generously round up to get to 1%. Jackson turns 77 this year -- I just can't see him jumping back into the fray like that at this stage of his life.
Dd
12:23
Who do you will win the eastern conference Celtics or The Heat?
Luke Adams
12:25
My head says the Celtics, who have looked like the NBA's best team since February. My heart says the Heat -- it feels like they're still being underrated a little. But Lowry's injury is a tough one. If he's not available or he's playing at less than 100%, it puts a lot of pressure on guys like Oladipo and Vincent to step up. I'll take the Heat in 7, fully prepared for the possibility that I'll be wrong.
Derrick
12:26
What type of players do the Lakers need in order to get back into playoff contention at least?
Luke Adams
12:28
I mean, every team needs this sort of player, but the Lakers especially need guys who can shoot and who can defend. Westbrook and AD aren't three-point threats and operate best when they're getting into the lane, so spacing the floor around them is crucial. And the defense took a real hit this past season with guys like KCP and Caruso no longer around.
With the 1st Overall Pick
12:28
What would be your prediction today for which team earns the #1 overall and based on need who gets drafted #1 overall?
Luke Adams
12:29
Predicting the lottery winner is a total crapshoot, but I'd sorta love to see the Thunder or Pelicans get the No. 1 pick with the Clippers or Lakers first-rounder -- always fun (as a neutral observer) when an unprotected traded pick ends up at the top of the draft.
12:30
I see Chet Holmgren or Jabari Smith coming off the board first -- either one would be a really fun fit with Shai and Giddey in OKC.
Unleash Kuminga
12:30
If there is a Series that Jonathan Kuminga should be used by the Warriors, it's this upcoming Series against the Mavericks.  That kid can get to the Rim, and the Mavericks don't really have a traditional Center.  The question is, will head coach Steve Kerr put him in the game?  He doesn't usually trust playing Rookies in the Playoffs.
Luke Adams
12:32
Kuminga is a bit of a luxury for the Warriors at this point. They're 8-3 so far in the playoffs, so my assumption is that they'll stick with what's been working and give Kuminga an extended look only if they're struggling vs. the Mavs and need to change things up.
Connor
12:32
Hornets will sign who in off season
Luke Adams
12:34
It's probably a pipe dream, but I wonder if they could be a dark-horse sign-and-trade spot for Deandre Ayton. He'd be a great fit in the middle there, and they have some assets that could pique the Suns' interest, starting with PJ Washington. Getting Phoenix to take Gordon Hayward's contract would probably be a non-starter though. If Charlotte is shopping with the mid-level, Mitchell Robinson would be an interesting target.
Depressed Knicks fan
12:34
Where do you see the Knicks going from here? Should they trade the vets and rebuild around RJ, or going all out for a superstar?
Luke Adams
12:38
I don't think trading all the veterans and going into a full rebuild is necessary, but the 2021/22 season was certainly a reality check about how close they are to being a serious contender. Building around RJ makes sense, but they shouldn't be in a rush to get rid of guys like Randle, Noel, etc. when their value has dipped.
Rookie scale extensions
12:38
Ja, garland, RJ, Zion? Who else is getting an extension this offseason?
Luke Adams
12:40
Those are four good candidates. Jordan Poole and Tyler Herro are two more. There are a bunch of other non-max guys who will be extension candidates if they and their respective teams can compromise on a price, including Brandon Clarke, De'Andre Hunter, Cam Johnson, Keldon Johnson, Nassir Little, Kevin Porter, Matisse Thybulle, PJ Washington, and Grant Williams.
Pelicans fanatic
12:41
If New Orleans somehow manages to Win the First pick in the Lottery tonight, do you see them picking Zion's eventual replacement?  Someone like Duke's Paolo Banchero ?
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