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Hoops Rumors Live Chat: 8/12/25
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ARTHUR HILL
11:00
Welcome to this week's chat. We'll start with a question on the Knicks.
Thigmus
11:01
Simmons or Shamet for the Knicks?I think Simmons is a better fit for the Knicks.  Shamet had his moments but seems undersized defensively.  Also, if they sign Simmons they can still sign McCullar too, right? TY.
ARTHUR HILL
11:10
While injuries are always a concern with Simmons and you may not be able to count on him for more than half a season, he's a better fit than Shamet, considering what the Knicks need with their final roster spot. The addition of Jordan Clarkson lessens the need to bring back Shamet. Simmons is still a high-level defender who can handle a variety of matchups and run the offense when needed. He's coming off his most productive season in four years and even seemed to solve his free throw issues, especially  once he joined the Clippers. Kevin McCullar Jr. only appeared in four games last season, but that's enough to make him ineligible for a rookie minimum contract, which is all the Knicks will have room to offer if they sign a veteran free agent. He could be signed to a two-way deal, though.
Xmas
11:11
Would you make any changes to the Christmas Day schedule? Hard to believe even with 8 West teams there wasn't room for the Clippers
ARTHUR HILL
11:21
The Clippers are probably the best team that didn't make the cut for the Christmas Day showcase. They'll likely be in the race for one of the top four spots in the West, and they have enough star power and depth to make a long playoff run. However, picking the holiday participants is more about getting ratings than rewarding the 10 most talented teams. I expect the Clippers to finish ahead of the Mavericks, but I understand why ABC/ESPN wants to feature Cooper Flagg on a day when lots of people will be watching. There's an argument to be made for James Harden, Kawhi Leonard and the drawing power of the L.A. market, but the Clippers may need to get past the first round of the playoffs to earn any Christmas Day respect.
JD
11:21
What are the odds of the Thunder making a run at 73-74 regular season wins? They're really deep and weren't even all that healthy last year
ARTHUR HILL
11:30
After winning 68 games last season, the Thunder seem like a legitimate threat to the record of 73 set by the Warriors in 2015/16. Along with internal improvement from its young roster, Oklahoma City should be able to count on more production from Chet Holmgren, who was limited to 32 games last season due to injuries. OKC will be more confident and battle-tested this year after going through the experience of winning a title. Also, injury setbacks have affected a few contenders, so the Thunder may have an easier time getting through their 82-game schedule. OKC will face hard financial decisions next summer that might break up the current roster, so I think they'll embrace the opportunity to do something historic this season.
Scott S.
11:30
Any chance for a reunion between Westbrook and the Nuggets? They still don't really have a backup PG and Westbrook was a pretty good value on the vet min last year
ARTHUR HILL
11:40
Recent reports have the Kings as the favorites to sign Westbrook, but they already have a crowded backcourt, so that may not happen unless there's a trade. Westbrook belongs with a contender at this stage of his career, so Sacramento doesn't seem like a good choice unless it's his only option. Westbrook played well for the Nuggets last season, getting a few votes in the Sixth Man of the Year race, and he was a difference maker in the first round of the playoffs. There's not a proven point guard behind Jamal Murray on Denver's roster, so it's a move that should be considered. Nikola Jokic enjoyed having Westbrook as a teammate and he was popular with the fans, so there's almost no risk in giving him a veteran's minimum deal.
Jayson Tatum
11:40
If I'm able to make it back for the playoffs, can my Celtics be a dark-horse title contender next spring?
ARTHUR HILL
11:50
There have been a couple of stories in the past two weeks indicating that Tatum is recovering quickly and is moving around well for someone who had Achilles surgery three months ago. Of course, that doesn't mean he'll be back to normal by playoff time or that he'll play at all this season, but it's a reason for Boston fans to be hopeful. Imagining a best-case scenario where Tatum returns in mid-March and gradually works his way back into condition, it's possible to see the Celtics as a team that no one wants to face in the first round. Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford and Luke Kornet are all gone, but much of the core of the 2024 championship roster remains intact. The Celtics are still in cost-cutting mode, but they could pivot at the deadline and make a deal for help in the middle if they continue to get good news on Tatum.
Trae Young
11:50
Are the Hawks making a mistake not extending me now? I'll get more expensive if I make All NBA, and even if I don't, there will probably be another team ready to pay me the max right?
ARTHUR HILL
12:00
The Trae Young question seems like one that the Hawks should address now instead of waiting until next summer. He has a $49MM player option for 2026/27, and he can hit the open market if he and the team don't work out a new deal before the start of free agency. The All-NBA consideration is important because it would push the potential value of Young's next contract into the $335MM range over five years. He'll have plenty of competition for all-league honors, but a couple of injuries to other stars and a strong season for the Hawks could make him a contender. Young's price for an extension will likely never be lower than it is now. If Atlanta's front office is committed to him as part of the future, then extension talks should start right away.
12:01
Thanks for all the great questions. We'll talk again next week.
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