Hoops Rumors Live Chat: 8/31/2026
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Sam
3:52
Which players, coaches and GMs do you think are under the most pressure this season? Who do you see getting traded/fired if they/their teams don't meet expectations?
Luke Adams
3:56
I won't be able to put together a comprehensive list of names in two minutes here, but let's list one for each category...

GM: Rob Pelinka. He let LeBron walk, essentially remade the roster, and will be under new team ownership. If his offseason moves aren't home runs, he may not be long for that job, especially if Jeanie is no longer the governor.

Coach: Brian Keefe. I know the Wizards didn't really want to win over the last few years, but Keefe's lifetime record of 43-160 (.212) is still remarkably bad. Now that there are increased expectations in D.C., he's gotta show he can be more than a tank commander.

Player: Paolo Banchero. By changing head coaches and basically not touching the roster, the Magic front office essentially said they think this roster's good enough to win if it stays healthy. So if Orlando doesn't win a playoff series in 2027, I feel like something's gotta give.
Knicks
3:56
Does Julian Reese make sense for the third center spot?
Luke Adams
3:57
There are definitely worse options for a two-way spot, but I wouldn't feel great about entering the season with Reese as the No. 3 center on the depth chart.
Rich
3:57
LAClippers have 17 players under contract and only 1 non-guaranteed- who gets cut?
Luke Adams
3:59
Johni Broome and Cam Christie look like the odd men out to me if the Kawhi trade gets done and the Clippers don't make another preseason deal.
Keith
3:59
For the title this year, would you take OKC and San Antonio, or the field for winning the title?
Luke Adams
4:01
That's a good question. I think I'd take the field. Injuries make the playoffs too unpredictable (an SGA ankle turn or a Wemby calf tweak in the second round of the playoffs could derail those teams), and at least if I'm taking the field, I know I'm guaranteed to have a shot in the NBA Finals with the Eastern Conference team.
Thanks to everyone who joined the chat and submitted questions today.

One more time for those who missed it at the top: This chat will move to Wednesday afternoons at 1 pm CT beginning next week. I'll talk to you then!
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