J.A. Adande

  (3:01 PM)

What's up everybody? Let's get going. Man, there are a lot of Orlando Magic questions in the queue...Orlando stand up! I'll try to get to a few of those and various other topics going on...surprised more people aren't piping up about that Phoenix-Portland game last night. One of the better games I've watched in a while. Maybe the East Coasters are still sleeping in, since it went so late.

J.A. Adande

  (3:01 PM)

What's up everybody? Let's get going. Man, there are a lot of Orlando Magic questions in the queue...Orlando stand up! I'll try to get to a few of those and various other topics going on...surprised more people aren't piping up about that Phoenix-Portland game last night. One of the better games I've watched in a while. Maybe the East Coasters are still sleeping in, since it went so late.

Ryan, Springville

Did Boozer just make one of the most asinine decisions of his life by anouncing his free agency and the chance to get a pay raise during such difficult economic times? What a joke....

J.A. Adande

  (3:04 PM)

The only thing worse than saying it is him having a conference call with the Jazz beat writers to try to back off it. He said it. Chris Sheridan recorded it. He shouldn't have to apologize. Of course he was going to opt out. And if I'm the Jazz, I might just let him go. The thing about trading him just to trade him is 95% of the time the NBA team trading a star loses in the deal. So maybe you're just better off with losing the contract than taking on players just to say you got something

Oliver: (Orlando, FL)

J.A., Big fan thanks for taking my question. Do you think that the Magic have a shot of winning the East or even the Title this year? Everyone seems to be overlooking them since the Celtics, Cavs, and Lakers are having such great seasons.

J.A. Adande

  (3:06 PM)

I still can't see Orlando getting past Cleveland or Boston. Especially if Howard gets in foul trouble in a game or two. I saw them out here against the Clippers recently and was disappointed at how they let the Clippers hang around and have a shot at winning a game they really shouldn't have been in at all. And I still don't trust all of those three-pointers to fall consistently during the playoffs. Plus I don't like Hedo's regression this year.

J.A. Adande

  (3:06 PM)

But Dwight Howard...man!

pimp juice mcgee (916)

when will the kings become competetive again?

J.A. Adande

  (3:07 PM)

Like so many other teams, they'll have cap space in 2010, to go with a nice young nucleus. But will they be able to lure top free agents to Sacramento? They're going to have to sell the Vegas angle hard. Remember, when they got good it was through trades for guys like Webber and Bibby. I think that's the way they'll have to build the team up again.

Mark(Alexandria, VA)

I am worried about my spurs. What can they do to go to the NBA finals this yr?? Kaman, a shooter like Miller/Redd or what??

J.A. Adande

  (3:08 PM)

I'd like a guy like Kaman because it would give them another low-post option. I don't think San Antonio's going away quietly, but games like last night make me wonder if they'll have enough energy come springtime.

James (Sunrise)

Is it me or has Kevin Garnett's integrity taken a dip? I mean getting in Calderon's face, slapping Bogut during the follow up motion of a play, crawling to Bayless, cursing like a sailor's crew...a bit annoying now?

J.A. Adande

  (3:11 PM)

We could spend all day talking about KG. I hate when the thing we love about someone becomes the point of criticism. He brings intensity every night. I want a guy who's barking in December. And to me, there wasn't much difference between him getting on all fours and those Duke guards slapping the floor in Cameron Indoor Stadium. When the Dukies do stuff like that the announcers go nuts about how much they want to win. So does KG. Until the day he starts giving half-hearted efforts out there, I'm not going to give KG grief for the way he plays. Especially when his effort is holding all of the Celtics accountable and preventing a post-championship letdown.

bradley: (Dominica)

Do you think that the detroit pistons with iverson are going to be legit in the playoffs ??

J.A. Adande

  (3:12 PM)

I see them getting better, but not good enough to come out of the East. The definition of this team is changing, and that's hard to do on the fly. For those who didn't see it before, it's obvious who important Billups was.

Bryan (Bellingham, Wa)

Two questions: Is it wrong that I'm loving watching the Thunder fail and hoping that they finish 2-80? Second, do you think the 76rs will play better without Elton Brand?

J.A. Adande

  (3:13 PM)

Sonics fans could get Clay Bennett voodoo dolls or send him hate mail for Christmas and it wouldn't be wrong.

J.A. Adande

  (3:14 PM)

As for the Sixers sans EB, they might pick up briefly, but I don't see a Ewing Effect kicking in while he's out.

JJ (SSF, CA)

terry porter has horrible in game decision, he left shaq in the game, but don't give him the ball, then on defense, both nash and shaq got killed, once again amare is non factor down the stretch as he just tried to force issue going right, and going right only.

J.A. Adande

  (3:16 PM)

I was hoping the game would be tight down the stretch to test a theory, and it was proven right. With Portland you knew what they were going to do: give it to Roy and trust him to make the right decision (which last night was shoot the rock). Was Phoenix going to let Nash create? Go to Shaq? Run Pick and Roll for Amare? You never knew. And I don't think they did either. Plus, you couldn't count on them to make a stop. I don't think it was Porter's decisions as much as the way this team is set up that cost them the game.

Alex (Orlando, FL)

The backcourt doesn't seem like an issue anymore for the Magic. Jameer Nelson is playing like a borderline all-star (I know, Rondo Rondo Rondo), Pietrus was playing like he was worth the MLE before injury, Bogans is Bogans, and Courtney Lee is looking like the steal of the draft. Is this team a legit contender now, or are we forever not going to be good enough to be talked about as one?

J.A. Adande

  (3:18 PM)

I love how Courtney Lee is playing. But would you take the Magic's backcourt over Boston's? Or Atlanta's? Or Cleveland's (and I'm counting LeBron since he handles the ball so much)? No. I agree that Orlando should be talked about more, but I don't think they should be considered one of the top things.

Jameer Nelson (Orlando, FL)

Hey, if the All-Star game were tomorrow, would anybody besides Devon Harris be ahead of me? Would Rondo really be that good w/o the three future Hall of Famers on his team?

J.A. Adande

  (3:20 PM)

I'm still going with Rondo. to me it's impressive that he's so vital to this team even with the three stars. He's playing with so much confidence, forcing teams to pay attention to him that he actually makes those guys even more valuable. (not to mention the extra possessions he gets them with rebounds and steals)

Brad (Gadsden,Alabama)

J.A.,How about some hawks talk?

J.A. Adande

  (3:21 PM)

I wish they could play the Celtics every week. What a great matchup, and I'd love to see them in another seven-game series. But if Boston's defense has figured out Joe Johnson to the extent it did last game, then Atlanta's done. The Celtics kept Kobe from beating them, and Joe Johnson ain't Kobe.

Flavio(brazil)

People talk about boozer at free agency but how about P.Millsap? He's a free agent next year too

J.A. Adande

  (3:22 PM)

Yes, and he'll get a huge raise. The question is how much? He's making less than a million now. Would you give him 10 mil a year? I think they have to be wary of getting carried away and overpaying him the way they overpaid Kirilenko

Michael Oakland, ca

True or False: Trevor Ariza is the Lakers most important player off the bench?

J.A. Adande

  (3:24 PM)

True...over Lamar on a buzzer-beater.Odom is such a tough matchup for other teams' second units, but Ariza has been more consistent and he adds a bit of that gritty angle that the Lakers need.

Chuck (San Jose)

Will you ever answer a Warrior question? Do they make the AR or BW for Felton trade, and if they do, is it ok for long suffering fans to jump ship?

J.A. Adande

  (3:25 PM)

You must not come around here much. We've never shied away from talking about the W's in here over the past year. But no, I don't think they make the trade for Felton. And i you guys haven't jumped off during all the lean years up there, why do it now? The Oracle is one of the few arenas I would go to even watch a bad team, because the atmosphere and game operations are so fun.

Washginton, DC

Any new developments on Starbury? I think there are many teams that could use his services.

J.A. Adande

  (3:27 PM)

When he had his weird halftime chat with reporters during the Lakers-Knicks game Tuesday he didn't indicate anything was going to happen. At this poitn I think he'll have to initiate something with the Knicks. In the meantime...

Stephon Marbury (Los Angeles)

What crazy thing will I do next??? Seriously, dream up something crazy for me to do! I'll do it!

D-Train (Alaska)

i have to disagree with your assesment on KG. sure its great that hes so intense and all. But if Dikembe Mutumbo gets T'd up for wagging his finger (taunting) then KG should too for getting on all fours and barking and players. what happened to all the players were equal? oh wait..i forgot superstars dont get things like that called on them.

Jonathan (NC)

I am a lifelong Laker fan. Love the forum blue and gold. Hate the Celtics (when they are good, otherwise it is no fun). But watching us the last few weeks is sad. We can't stop ANYBODY. No fire on D. And why does Bynum get tired after two trips up the court? How did he not bank a 20-20 against the Knicks. Needless to say, I think we are in trouble against the Cavs or the Celtics.

J.A. Adande

  (3:31 PM)

I think that was a flaw on the Lakers' part, too, by not forcing the ball inside to him. With Gasol out that would have been a chance for him show how far he's come. But you're right, with his conditioning and sometimes lack of fluidity, all it does is make me realize how great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was.

Chad (Iowa)

Wouldn't teams move for Tinsley before Marbury?

J.A. Adande

  (3:32 PM)

In this case, Tinsley's contract (through 2011) trumps Stephon's attitude.

Chris (Chicago)

Thing is, Garnett picks and chooses who he does all the dumb stuff to. He doesn't do it to any star players. Any of the real tough players. And he only does that stuff when things are going well for him and/or his team. He isn't someone like a Barkley or Oakley or Mahorn that did stuff at any and all times to anyone on the court. He's a fake and you never heard a peep out of the guy until the trade last year. Same with Perkins and everyone else on the Celtics that run their mouths like crazy.

J.A. Adande

  (3:33 PM)

It's true that he only talks to the scrubs. Maybe it's because he gets to know the great players personally through all-star and Olympic teams. I know this: other great players have always held KG in high regard, especially older players. So I think it's a matter of him returning the respect to them.

Kyle (Portland)

Is it time to give Brandon Roy the status of "top 10 player in the association"? The Roy wonder was delirious last night. 36.5 ppg over his last 5 to boot.

J.A. Adande

  (3:36 PM)

Top 10 isn't a stretch, but he needs to put together a great playoff run before he can enter the class of LeBron, Kobe and Dwade. But this romp he's in right now has me re-thinking. I thought he was a star before, but didn't realize he could completely take over games the way he has lately. Not often a breakout like this happens right before your eyes.

Ancel(Lake Elsinore)

How many PG's can they carry in the All Stars Team? Rose 2nd best PG in the East,does he have a chance?

J.A. Adande

  (3:37 PM)

Remember, they don't break it down by specific positions, just general. So it's guards and forwards, not point guards, shooting guards, power forwards and small forwards.

Charles (San Jose)

How is it the Jazz are surprised with Boozer's behavior? Did they have their head in the sand about how he handled himself when he initially signed with them?

J.A. Adande

  (3:38 PM)

Exactly...It's like the Cowboys being surprised about Terrell Owens' behavior.

Matthew (NYC)

Oden gets a lot of flack for everything from his demeanor to not being a scoring machine. But having watched several Blazers games, its seems like if he can just cut down his fouls 25% or so and just be on the floor for 35 minutes perceptions would change dramatically. When he's in, he can look fantastic.

J.A. Adande

  (3:40 PM)

It's just strange to see a No. 1 pick have no part in the offense. Down the stretch last night it seemed like he didn't touch the ball except for offensive rebounds. Big, big, offensive rebounds. But he didn't look like he wanted the ball in the halfcourt offense, and it didn't look like Roy or Blake were even considering that as an option.

Randy (Utah)

J.A. I cannot believe fans are complaining about a Superstar showing passion in the regular season. The NBA gets criticism because of the lack of effort during the regular season. I love to see KG's passion. I am a Jazz fan, but applaud when I see an opponent hustle during the regular seaosn.

Romo

You talkin' about my boy TO (laughing)

J.A. Adande

  (3:41 PM)

That's my quarterback!

Byron Oja MI

Why dont the Detroit Lions trade their first pick in the second round for Matt Cassel instead of going for Stafford in the first round? Cassel is proven and we all know how first round quarterbacks usually turn out, such as Russel or Young. Not only would we have a better quarterback, but we would then have the first pick to get someone that would make the team better

J.A. Adande

  (3:42 PM)

speaking of football.....if I'm the Lions, I'm not going for Cassell now. He's a guy who was used to a system and came in and did a good job in a good environment. He's not going to come to Detroit and turn things around. He's not a franchise quarterback that you build around. The Lions would be better off keeping their draft picks and building back up. Just don't take a receiver in the first round this time.

J.A. Adande

  (3:42 PM)

Back to basketball...

Phil (Hong Kong)

J.A., a Clips question. Currently they're almost playing their starters major minutes, with a thin bench that doesn't contribute much...can they survive this coming week?

J.A. Adande

  (3:46 PM)

A Clipper question from Hong Kong? Wow. They'll be okay for the next week...only because they have three games in nine days...including five days off! Did you see Granger's numbers the last game? You know the Clippers could have had him, right? I feel compelled to bring that up again and again, just to remind you that the man who made that decision somehow is still in charge, with more power than ever.

Jeremy (Edmonton)

On the coaching issue... with all of the turnover in coaches this year, why is it that so many rookie head coaches are getting a shot when there is someone like Jeff Van Gundy out there? Is it because his style of play doesn't fit the league anymore?

J.A. Adande

  (3:47 PM)

I think it's more financial. Most of these firings were just for appearance's sake...there's no real commitment to get better. So the teams will go with cheaper interim coaches rather than pay the price that someone like a Van Gundy would command. I heard something interesting this week, that a lot of these interim coaches aren't getting the usual $500,000 or so salary bump that comes when an assistant slides over to the head seat.

tony crowe utica , ny

whos better nas or 50cent

J.A. Adande

  (3:49 PM)

Come on, man. That's like Magic vs. Haywoode Workman. It's Nas and not even close. 50 wouldn't be anything without Dr. Dre laying down the best track ever for In Da Club.

Mike (Portland, OR)

Are you hearing any names circulating around the trade winds regarding the blazers? seems like we're a piece away from being a 1st round playoff team and a scary playoff team.

J.A. Adande

  (3:50 PM)

I think they like their team a lot and aren't eager to make moves. The thing that's most likely to happen is Raef LaFrentz's expiring contract getting dealt.

Henry (NY)

In regards to Oden, it just looks like they don't run plays for him consistently when he's out there. I guess its a matter of him showing the ability in practice before they give it to him in a game?

J.A. Adande

  (3:50 PM)

I'm posting this just in case it's Henry Abbott....

J.A. Adande

  (3:51 PM)

But I wouldn't run a play for Oden either. What go-to moves has he developed yet?

Flavio(Brazil)

Hey J.A why everyone is couting out detroit?? Stuckey is playing great, dice is back and iverson starting to get confortable! They beat lakers, cavs and spurs already!

J.A. Adande

  (3:52 PM)

But can they beat the Celtics in a 7-game series? Is anyone out there willing to take that one?

NCJ (KCMO)

Anyone that says they didn't hear anything from KG before the trade didn't watch him. The man has always been a maniac on the court. He has always talked to himself after big plays and barked loudly. That is just the way he is. It is so funny to see people making a big deal about it now. Why don't you just sit with a towel on your head like Big Baby Davis and cry about on your couch?

J.A. Adande

  (3:53 PM)

Good point, it's more of an issue now because we see these Celtics a lot more than we saw the TWolves. Trust me, he dropped just as many F's and MF's when he was in Minny

CP3(New Orleans 106)

J.A., how about that performance by the Hornets on Wednesday. I was at that game and it was exciting to see CP break the steals/game record. How about DWest going 2-2 in the forth for threes. What do you think the chances of this team going to the finals. They are capabale of beating any team in the West. Also, remember when they played the Lakers, they were down 30 and came back and they would of won if it wasnt for Kobe being Kobe with that shot.

J.A. Adande

  (3:54 PM)

Great that they pulled that one out, but I just don't think they have enough ammo...even when Peja comes back. They let San Antonio come in and dictate that game for much of the night. I hope they can get it going (and I picked them to come out of the West before the season) but I don't see it happening.

Billy (Cleveland)

Granger to Clippers? How about B-roy and KG teaming up in Minny? Or Lamarcus Alridge in bulls uniform? Those two moves changed the fate of three franchises immediatley and the entire league in terms of the long run.(drafts, playoffs, championships)

J.A. Adande

  (3:56 PM)

Good point. I was amazed then at the night Kevin Pritchard had, coming up with the 2 players I thought were the best in that draft, but I haven't stopped to think about the negative effect it had on the other two franchises. Could turn out to be a 5-year setback for them.

Geoff (OKC)

What do you think of Nenad Kristic coming back to the NBA? Smart move by OKC? Do you see any other players making a smiliar move and coming back to were the stable money is at?

J.A. Adande

  (3:58 PM)

If you didn't see the Hawks-Celtics game, Ric Bucher reported that the Hawks believe Josh Childress will come back to the NBA after this season. If he and Kristic return that would be a short-lived "trend" of players heading overseas and would be welcome news to owners. You would think the union would try to encourage players to stay and keep Europe as a viable option just to have a little negotiating pressure on the owners for the collective bargaining talks in 2011. You can never plan too far ahead, because the expectations are that Stern and the owners will be going for the internal organs.

David (St Paul, MN)

C'mon, JA. How about a comment from Minnesota on KG? Take it from someone who lived through (and watched) the KG years in Minnesota. He was always barking etc., but to nobody. He was/is amped. That's not the issue. It's become vindictive? Maybe that's the change folks perceive, but there has been a change. Like I said before, he's turning into a .

Chris (FL)

Obviously the Hornets don't have much in the way of pieces to work with, but what do you think they would need to get up to the level of the Cavs/Lakers/Celts? I think a slasher could be beneficial.

J.A. Adande

  (4:01 PM)

I agree, but can't think of one who would be readily available. Maybe Ben Gordon? Different type of player, not a slasher, but he could give them a little more scoring punch.

Ed (DC)

Speaking of money, how stable are NBA franchises? I heard a report earlier in the season that attendance in Memphis was so bad that they might close up shop before the end of the season.

J.A. Adande

  (4:04 PM)

The main thing that's keeping the big 3 leagues going (hockey is another category) is the TV money. In the NBA's case, that's 40% of the revenues, and that money is locked in. So even a Memphis has some protection built in. That said, there has been some pitiful attendance around the league. Memphis has been shopped around, but it's too hard to get credit to buy a team these days. Look at how long it's taking the Tribune to unload the Cubs, and that team's profitable. Would anyone be opposed to a little contraction in the NBA? I wouldn't. It would make the league even better.

D - Houston

Are the Rockets ever going to get healthy?

J.A. Adande

  (4:04 PM)

Come on, if you live in Houston, you know the answer to that. Yao and Tracy just aren't 82-game guys.

Matthew (NYC)

Maybe struggling small market teams should consider a move to a larger and more financially robust city without an NBA team. I don't know, maybe like America's 4th richest city, Seattle.

J.A. Adande

  (4:06 PM)

Or maybe the NBA shouldn't let teams leave a place like Seattle to go to the 44th TV market, especially when TV ratings/rights fees are such an important part of the league's finances. Whoops.

Aaron (Beverly Hills)

Why are writers afraid to talk about the Lakers only real weekness? The fact that Derek Fisher is probably the 40th best PG in the NBA. Is it because Derek is such a nice guy?

J.A. Adande

  (4:07 PM)

I wouldn't call it their only weakness, but the inability to keep point guards out of the paint is a big reason why their defense is subpar. And yes, D Fish has probably earned enough points with the media to keep the hard questions off his back. I thought it was telling that for a while in the second quarter against the Knicks neither Fisher nor Jordan Farmar was on the court.

Paulius(Lithuania)

Top five crowds in the NBA? Will the Lakers 3-peat crowd comeback this year?

J.A. Adande

  (4:11 PM)

You know what's sad? The Kings used to be a lock for this and now they don't qualify anymore because there's nobody in the arena. But I'll say Knicks, Warriors, Celtics in my top 3. More as they pop in my head.

john (dallas)

why does dirk nowitzki get no love? He's in MVP form this season again.

J.A. Adande

  (4:11 PM)

Um, maybe because Jason Terry's been so important to their resurgence?

Jonny, Queens

If Lebron doesnt become the best ever will his career have been disappointing? Was/Is there a player with more potential and ability? And I dont mean just physically where he has every tool in the shed and they're all sharper than everyone else's but the fact he has the one intangible that cant be taught, passing. He's the one player in history with no ceiling. Is than an accurate description of what you see?

J.A. Adande

  (4:16 PM)

Surprised we haven't had more LeBron/Melo talk with their meeting tonight. Sometimes I think we ask too much. If Tiger doesn't win 18 Grand Slams would that make him a disappoinment? It shouldn't. And if LeBron keeps progressing at this rate I wouldn't call him a disappointment even if he doesn't win multiple championships. Was Charles Barkley a disappointment? I think he's disappoinTED he didn't get a ring, but you can't call his career a disappointment. For a 6-5 guy to play the way he did, become one of the unstoppable forces on the boards, on the break and in the paint, he pretty much maxed out. I think we've seen about all we can out of LeBron to this point. If he doesn't wind up equal or above MJ, Magic and that level, it's not a disappointment.

Brandon (UT)

Jazz crowd as top five?

J.A. Adande

  (4:17 PM)

Like I always say, they're great Jazz fans but they're not great basketball fans. They don't show enough appreciation for the game or the other players. Certainly among the loudest, though.

KG, Krakow, Poland

No other "great player" resorted to the level KG does. That's a fact and it'll stop him from getting regarded in the same way as the real greats... that and the fact he cant make an important shot in the last half of q4. It's great what Boston has done, but on the flip side, it really has gone to prove how weak KG was on his own, hence the doubts these days.

J.A. Adande

  (4:18 PM)

So Larry Bird, consummate trash-talker, to the point he even got Dr. J to swing on him, reduces our opinion of him? don't think so.

Rob (Calgary)

I agree that Lebron is great and has a shot at being best ever, but we won't be able to pass final judgment until he enters the declining years of his career? Will he be able to make adjustments to his game as his physical gifts start to deteriorate like Jordan did? It's not so easy and not many players that have relied on athleticism early in their careers have been able to make the adjustment.

Charles (Miami)

Please rank (as of today, not all-time): Wade, Lebron, Kobe, CP3

J.A. Adande

  (4:19 PM)

Kobe, LeBron, Wade, CP3. Although LeBron would get my MVP vote right now. Different thing.

Dusty (Fort Worth, TX)

In light of the terrible coaching decision in Auburn, do you think the NBA is an example of a fair model with its coaching hiring, etc?

J.A. Adande

  (4:23 PM)

The NBA is close, and light years ahead of college football (my man Vince Thomas had a good take on this on Slam). One thing about the NBA though is that African Americans don't always get the best jobs. It says something that even a league as progressive as the NBA went 24 years between black championship coaches (both happened to be on the Celtics by the way). The only black coach the Lakers have had was Magic's temporary stint. But the best compliment you can give the league for it's progress is that you don't hear much about the coaches' colors these days. That's a good thing.

PJ Charlotte, OH

Can we skip the regular season and just go to a round robin of Cavs V Celts V Lakers for 11 games and top 2 of that get to play a 7 game series for the champ?

J.A. Adande

  (4:24 PM)

No, because I want to see Celtics-Hawks. And I want to see what Portland can do in the playoffs. I wouldn't mind Phoenix vs. Lakers, one last square-off between Kobe and Shaq. All kinds of good storylines in the playoffs.

John (Louisville, Ky)

JA let me answer Dusty....NO! Most of the firings have been black coaches, at least 2 of them made the playoffs last year and Eddie Jordan's team is a mess with injuries and the eastern teams are just getting better. Jim O'brien from the Pacers would have been fired by now with that team losing like 6 in a row as of last week, had he been a black coach.

Brian (SF, CA)

If Lebron were to just stop right now, he would have by far the best first 6 seasons ever for a player in the NBA. In that regard, I think you have to say he has the most potential of any player ever. I agree with you that if he doesn't somehow top Jordan - which sounds crazy just typing - he won't be a disappointment. Well, maybe a litte...

Garron, Hong Kong

Why is Kevin Garnett's attitude so much worse than say Gary Payton's trash talking?

J.A. Adande

  (4:25 PM)

Especially when Payton is getting praised for it now in NBA TV

Kevin (Charlotte)

So should the lakers fire a 9 time champion just so they can hire a black coach?

J.A. Adande

  (4:29 PM)

Who ever suggested that? This is where paranoia and misinformation kicks in. Here's what diversity is about: all else being equal, why not try something different that will be a sign of equality. If I had a good team there isn't a coach I'd hire ahead of Phil Jackson. I'd take Jeff Van Gundy over a lot of guys. Joe Dumars went from Rick Carlisle to Larry Brown to Flip Suanders...and Dumars is black, so it would be hard to call that racism. But would you really be worse off hiring a Larry Drew over a Vinny del Negro? That's all I'm saying.

Jason (Indiana)

J.A., Do you see the Bulls making a trade for a inside scoring presence this year?

J.A. Adande

  (4:30 PM)

There's a first time for everything.

Joe (Virginia)

Championships aside, let's look at some of the most successful coaches in the game the past two years: Eddie Jordan, Nate McMillan, Mike Brown, Avery Johnson, and Doc Rivers. Shouldn't we gauge the league more by the potential for championships in the near future than what has been done in the past? Can anyone reasonably say that this group of 5 coaches is any less likely to produce a championship over the next 10 years than any group of 5 other coaches that doesn't include Phil Jackson?

J.A. Adande

  (4:36 PM)

Again, that's because they've been given good jobs. And that's a credit to Cleveland, hiring Paul Silas and Mike Brown, or Dallas giving Avery Johnson the job when those teams were either on the brink of winning or were very appealing because of one guy (LeBron). And also credit to Boston or not ditching Doc. Now, would the Celtics have hired Rivers if they had KG and Ray Allen when the job came open? Their franchise history indicates they would. But think about how often a job that appealing has been given to a black coach. there's an even greater disparity in college basketball, which is why Tubby Smith getting the Kentucky job was one of the most remarkable stories in my lifetime.

Jake (SF)

I asked you a couple of weeks ago about race and teh OJ case and you said why did it matter. Well, reading this chat tells you why, b/c it is still on people's minds.

J.A. Adande

  (4:38 PM)

I said race didn't matter in THIS OJ Simpson case because both black people and white people (mostly black people) have moved on from OJ, and because we had a much more serious and relevant racial litmus test (a little thing called the presidential election) to grab our attention. That doesn't mean the issue of race has disappeared. As a matter of fact, I think it will become more relevant again with our crumbling economy and increased competition for every last job.

JW - Bellevegas

Do you see Brad Miller being dealt anytime soon? Hawes and Thompson seem to be taking a lot of his PT. And what about Barbosa? Whats a disappointment he has been.

J.A. Adande

  (4:41 PM)

Barbosa wasn't disappointing in the first half last night. and I think you have to give him some slack for his mother's poor health and then death that lingered over his season. As for Miller, he might be a little more tempting to a team next year, when his contract will be coming off the books.

dc

Hey JA is arenas the next penny hardway flashes of greatness that is ruined by a bum left knee

J.A. Adande

  (4:42 PM)

We have to wait to see what Gilbert has left before we make that call. Man, I came across a Penny tribute on Youtube recently and was saddened to think how much he dropped off. But I think it was mental as much as physical. He never seemed the same after the Bulls swept the Magic in 96 and then Shaq left.

Joey (SLC, UT)

"don't show enough appreciation for the game" What is that supposed to mean? Are you saying that the MSG crowd gives golf claps to LeBron when he dunks on their players or something? I need examples of crowds that "show appreciation for the game of basketball" and what that entails.

J.A. Adande

  (4:47 PM)

Go beyond your state and attend a game at Madison Square Garden and you'll see what I'm talking about. Knicks fans manage to cheer their team and acknowledge greatness by a guy in a road jersey at the same time. Those things aren't mutually exclusive. And Jazz fans don't understand that just because a player taps somebody in the backcourt without stealing the ball and the ref doesn't blow the whistle it isn't cheating.

Avery Johnson (Dallas?)

[In a weird, high pitch, yet raspy, bleating sound] I was successful?!?

J.A. Adande

  (4:48 PM)

There are only 10 active coaches who have coached their team to the finals, so Avery has something over 2/3 of the coaches in the league. Yes, that makes him successful. Put it this way: he's coached more teams to the finals than Don Nelson ever has.

max(la)

i know hes on the clippers, but come on ja, you gotta admit Z-BO is an all-star this year, and dunleavy STOLE on that trade.(not to mention saved catino mobleys life!)

J.A. Adande

  (4:51 PM)

Can you call something a steal when a guy leaves his front door open and irolls out the red carpet to invite someone in. Come on, you know the Knicks are more concerned with salary than stats now. That said, Zach Randolph has turned into a great fit for this Clipper team. And when you add up the potential life-saving effect on Cuttino from the heart exam, I don't think I've ever seen a trade that worked on so many fronts.

Tim- CA

Talking about great crowds, I think the Blazers crowds have to be ranked in the top 5 in the league. With being there in the Rose Garden on numerous occasions I know first hand not only how loud it gets but also about how smart the crowd is. Probably due to being the only pro sport in town.

J.A. Adande

  (4:53 PM)

If I didn't put the Rose Garden shoutout up earlier, it's here now. Haven't been there yet this season...but I can tell you it was rocking in the PRESEASON this year.

JEFF:(CHARLESTON,WV

WITH THE NETS SURPRISING START, DO YOU FORESEE THE NETS SHOPPING VINCE CARTER TO A CONTENDER SUCH AS CAVS OR ORLANDO?

J.A. Adande

  (4:55 PM)

Lots of things factoring in: I think the surprising start has cooled down some of the Vince trade talk. I also think the continued delays with the Brooklyn arena project have changed the way the Nets think. They need to put some type of marketable product on the court without the buildup to the new arena (and the lure of getting season tickets now to secure the best spots after the move). Plus Vince's contract doesn't make him easy to move. But if I were Cleveland I would take a shot at trying to bring him in for a run with LeBron

Josh (DC)

In terms of the crowds, as someone who grew up in Sactown, I can say that those were by far the best and most loyal in the NBA. Its really sad what has happened after a string of success. Watching a Kings game now is like going to a tennis match. No sounds while play is going.

J.A. Adande

  (4:56 PM)

Sacramento was the only arena that gave me a headache and made my ears ring. That's a good thing.

Jimbo (MPLS)

I don't really like you much, but I gotta give you some props over the length of your chats - definitely keeps me entertained!

J.A. Adande

  (4:57 PM)

Thanks. I think.

Mike (Seattle)

J.A., when you worked at the LA Times, and covered the Lakers, who was your favorite celebrity to talk to at the game? Jack Nicholson , perhaps?

J.A. Adande

  (5:00 PM)

I'll get out of here and let you guys start your weekend on a light note. I've enjoyed the chance to meet and chat with people from Glen Frey to George Lopez (who is funny without even trying), but my favorite celeb to talk to at the Laker games has been Denzel Washington. He used to come over to the press table and engage the writers in conversation. He asked good questions, and he knows what he's talking about. Plus, he's a first team member of the Men Who Men Think Are Cool Squad.

J.A. Adande

  (5:01 PM)

Okay, time to run. 2-hour chat today so hopefully that will tide you over while we take a break over the next couple of weeks. Enjoy the holidays, have a happy new year and in these tough times take a moment to be grateful for what you have and to help out those who don't have as much. See you in 2009!