Chad Ford

  (1:02 PM)

Aloha everyone. Thanks for coming to the chat today. As we get closer to the trade deadline, obviously things are really beginning to heat up on the trade chatter. Also lots of good draft info to sort through. Lets roll.

Joey (Kent, OH)

There has been talk of Wally and 1st rounder for Camby. Is this true? I know the Cavs would do it, but would the Clips? That move puts the Cavs as the favorites to win the title, no doubt.

Chad Ford

  (1:03 PM)

It would be a great, short term move for the Cavs if they could pull it off .. though Varejao and Wallace have held their own. Question is, will the Clipps begin to cut costs and start rebuilding. If the answer is yes, then the Wally deal is potentially a decent one, though that first round pick is going to be like No. 29 or No. 30.

Rich ( OC, CA )

Any truth to the Hinrich for Odom rumors? Jackson gets the big guard who can defend and the bulls get a solid big man. Your thoughts?

Chad Ford

  (1:05 PM)

Makes some sense for the Lakers and obviously makes a huge amount of sense for the Bulls. They need a big like Odom and if he doesn't pan out, he comes off the books this summer. While I'm not convinced that the Lakers really need to make any changes to win the West, the Bulls really need to reconsider their entire roster. Only Derrick Rose should be untouchable right now. I like John Paxson a lot, but what he's put together just isn't working and its tough to see how a minor shake-up is going to fix anything.

James(Berlin)

Hi Chad- How can the Bulls address the 4? If I was playing GM I'd try to get A. Boozer for Gooden, Noah, Sefolosha and two 1st rounders. B. Stoudemire for Deng, Gordon, Thomas and two first rounders. C. Camby for Gooden and Noah. Could you see any of these scenarios working?

Chad Ford

  (1:07 PM)

With the way Paul Milsap is playing, making a Boozer deal could be a good idea for Utah. Problem is Boozer is just coming off surgery and the Bulls would have to be sure he's going to come back 100 percent. Stoudemire is great, but the Suns aren't trading him for anything short of a superstar. Camby for Gooden and Noah would make a lot of sense too ... except they need more salaries in that deal from the Chicago side to make it work.

Gray (Chicago)

At what point do the Bulls blame John Paxson?

Chad Ford

  (1:08 PM)

He put this team together so ... it is on him now though I think Reinsdorf has contributed to Paxson's hands being tied from doing some deals.

David (Vegas)

Chad, not sure I understand the Conley for Sessions/Alexander deal from the Bucks' side. Is Alexander a big bust? Is Conley's upside that high? What's his true ceiling (especially if the Grizz think it's below Lowry's)?

Chad Ford

  (1:11 PM)

I really like Conley, he's just not in the right situation in Memphis. However, right now, Sessions is the better player. I think it's a very good trade for Memphis, though long term, it might swing in the Bucks favor. As for Alexander ... I'm skeptical. He's a great athlete and a talented kid, but I don't think he has any real feel for the game. There's a reason Mbah a Moute (also a rookie) has gobbled all of his minutes. Either way, Ridnour should be a reserve, not the starter, in Milwaukee. I don't understand what Scott Skiles is doing there.

Jeremy (Memphis)

Chad, what reasons do you think Conley is not in the right situation here? Thanks.

Chad Ford

  (1:13 PM)

OJ really needs the ball in his hands all the time. That leaves Conley standing around a lot. Because he's not a shooter, that hurts. He'd be a better fit in Milwaukee setting up Michael Redd. I eventually think OJ will be the point guard in Memphis.

Brad (SLC)

What about Boozer to the Knicks for David Lee and Malik Rose's expiring deal?

Chad Ford

  (1:14 PM)

While I'm sure David Lee would be a Jerry Sloan favorite, not sure why the Knicks would do that. Boozer would eat up a bunch of their cap space on a new deal and remember, he's the guy who screwed the Cavs and LeBron to bolt to Utah. Not sure how LeBron feels about that.

andy (vegas)

I feel like in 10 years we will look back and laugh that we ever thought softish, jump shooting, injury prone Boozer was more valuable then tough as nails, scrappy, and savvy Milsap. Thoughts?

Chad Ford

  (1:15 PM)

That's a little harsh, though I agree that Milsap looks like the answer to the Boozer conundrum. If he can get healthy, I think the Jazz will look to move Boozer for something before the trade deadline.

Matt (Cleveland, OH)

Is it fair to say that the Pistons deal for Iverson will cause the demise of one of the great runs of the last 20 years? Not only that it has hamstrung the growth of Rodney Stuckey.

Chad Ford

  (1:17 PM)

Huh? It facilitated the growth of Stuckey. Have you watched him play lately. He's quickly becoming the MAN in Detroit. That would've never happened with Chauncey Billups there. Give credit to Joe D. He saw Stuckey's potential and knew he had to move one his favorite players, Billups, to tap it. While I don't think we'll see Iverson in a Pistons uniform next year, I do think the Pistons will use their cap space to add another young big and have this team rebuilt for the next 5 year run at a NBA title. How many other GMs can pull that off?

George (NY)

Hi Chad! Can you please explain the Darius Miles situation to me? Since he was picked up by the Grizzlies, why are the Blazers obligated to pay him? I would think that if another team picks up his contract, then shouldn't that team be obligated to pay the remainder of his contract? I thought that is how it works when a player is waived...is it different when a player "retires"?

Chad Ford

  (1:19 PM)

No, Blazers are on the hook for his contract. Grizzlies picked him up because they could pay him the minimum salary.

Jake (Israel)

Lovin the chats Chad. How seriously does the Darius Miles situation affect the Blazers? assuming he plays two more games.

Chad Ford

  (1:22 PM)

Seriously, which is why the Blazers ended up making that desperate, pathetic threat over the weekend. The plan was to be a major player in the free agent market this summer. While the Blazers will still have room this summer, their better bet, now, is to use Raef LaFrentz's expiring contract (which is really a sweet deal since insurance picks up 80 percent of his salary) and some of his young talent to try to get another big piece or two. Ideally they'd to get a franchise point guard and they need a small forward. There's been interest in Mike Conley and I know they love Luol Deng. All in all, expect the Blazers to be very proactive at the trade deadline. It's the best chance of landing another impact player.

Boon (Eastlake)

What moves do the Magic need to make at the deadline to compete with the Cavs and the Celts come playoff time? Do they have the resources to pry Brad Miller out of Sacramento?

Chad Ford

  (1:26 PM)

You're moving down the right path. They need depth on their front line in the worst way. The problem is they don't really have any great assets to land a player like that. J.J. Redick isn't going to do it. Turkoglu might be able to, especially with his expiring contract, but I doubt it. With that said, I need to eat my words on the Magic. They are better than I thought they were. Not in the league of the Cavs or Celtics. But after that, the best in the East.

Younger (Ronda, NC)

Any help on the horizon for my Bobcats? Please temm me some good news!!!

Chad Ford

  (1:28 PM)

Larry Brown, as I'm sure you've read, is trying. By the end of this upcoming summer, I won't be surprised if the entire team, sans Emeka Okafor, has changed. Felton is on the block. So is Gerald Wallace. They'd love to move Adam Morrison and Sean May. You get the picture. I think the Bobcats will get something done for Felton by the deadline. If they do the deal that lands the Diop and Watson, I also think it's likely that they then turn around and move Wallace. Diaw can swing to the three making him more expendable. Lots of deals to be had in Charlotte, though I struggle to see how any of these deals makes the Bobcats a legit contender.

Alan (Dallas, TX)

why is their no traction with the Raps-Mavs trade? Bargnani and Dirk would be devastating together (2 7 footers than can shoot) and Howard fits a big need for the Raptors in the athleticism dept. I know they tried it with Lafrentz, but Bargnani has much more upside.

Chad Ford

  (1:31 PM)

I actually don't see Dirk and Bargnani playing together. Defensively Bargnani is a huge downgrade from Howard, which is why the Raptors would be willing to do that deal. Bargnani is playing much better of late, but he and Dirk are essentially the same player. By the way, I don't like the Felton move for the Mavs either. Not sure how he puts them over the top and they'll have to give him a big contract this summer.

Jake (SF)

Chad, howzit? Any Warrior news to report? What I'm wishing for is for you to say they are for sell or that Rowell was just canned....

Chad Ford

  (1:32 PM)

I've got a lot of well off friends in the Bay Area. I've been begging them to buy the Warriors for a while. I'll keep working on that. Right now I think it's the only way out for Warriors fans. Cohen and Rowell have to go.

Dylan ( Alaska)

Hey Chad, do you think Danny Granger has a chance to make the all star team? thanks

Chad Ford

  (1:34 PM)

He's playing like an All-Star. He's been AWESOME of late. The Pacers poor record might hurt his chances. Speaking of which, exactly how many games are the Pacers going to lose on last second shots? It's amazing. They are better than their record, but their defense is just terrible ...

Justin (DC)

What exactly was Ernie Grunfeld thinking keeping the same injury-prone, average team together in DC? Even when healthy they are not that good, and they are never healthy. Any hope of them unloading players and getting b.Griffin number 1?

Chad Ford

  (1:35 PM)

Depends on if Arenas comes back. IF he does, their record will improve, dramatically hurting their chances of landing the No. 1 pick. If he doesn't, they'll have a great shot at him. I don't understand the plan in D.C. either. Seems like mediocrity is the goal.

valrulez (Shoreline, WA)

Hey Chad, Do you see the Rockets trying to unload TMac because of last nights announcement?

Chad Ford

  (1:37 PM)

They've been working on that for a while. They too had a shot with the Pistons this summer, but it fell through. I don't see how they can get any type of equal return for him given his constant injury issues. Best bet is to pray he's healthy when the playoffs roll around.

Malik (Phila, Pa)

What can the Sixers do about Dalembert and Miller? I know Miller is playing out of his mind now which means his trade value can not be any higher. Is there any way we can do a deal like M. Redd & Villeneuva for Dalembert & Miller? It works in the trade checker and it seems to make sense for both teams. Since Miller has yet to re-sign.

Chad Ford

  (1:39 PM)

I don't think the playoffs are out of reach for Philly. Dalembert is being shopped hard, but so far, no takers (though Dallas, I believe, has some interest). Miller will have many suitors because he can play and he's a free agent this summer, but again, teams aren't going to give up a great young player to rent Miller for half a season. My guess is that they don't make a major move and try this again once Brand gets healthy.

Scott S, CT

Jay Bilas keeps bashing draft pundits for ranking guys so early in the season. Says its impossible to know what NBA folks really think this early in the season. As a guy who ranks these guys and talks to NBA people, do you agree?

Chad Ford

  (1:44 PM)

I agree and disagree. I don't think it's impossible to gauge draft stock now or even in July. Last year we had Michael Beasley, Derrick Rose and O.J. Mayo as our top 3 players in July before they ever played a college game. Ditto for Greg Oden and Kevin Durant the year before. I could go on and on. Scouts know who the top players are and they're more often right than wrong. There are always surprises (like Russell Westbrook last year) and a few disappointments (like Austin Daye this year) but getting the Top 100 close isnt' that hard. What is impossible at this point, is nailing which teams will select who. That often doesn't get nailed down until the day before the draft. And as far as talking to NBA scouts and GMs, I speak to them weekly. Some lie and some are just bad talent evaluators. But I've weeded out most of them over time and talk to guys who are honest and have keen eyes. So ... I guess what I'm saying is that I'm pretty confident, that when you read the Top 100, that is a current snapshot of what the majority of scouts and executives think about the draft prospects.

Gabe (New York)

What NBA teams do you think would be the best fit for James Harden?

Chad Ford

  (1:47 PM)

Thunder, Wizards and Bobcats would be the three best fits. All need help at the position and would love a player like Harden who is ready to come in and play from day one. I doubt he slips out of the Top 5 on draft night if he declares.

Clark (Durham, NC)

What are your thoughts on Jeff Teague for Wake Forest? Will he be an NBA guard?

Chad Ford

  (1:49 PM)

I think so. He's a combo guard, but he's really torched some teams lately including Ty Lawson and UNC. He's a great athlete, can shoot the rock and create his own shot. He needs to get better as a distributor, but his stock is seriously on the rise. It's tough to get a perfect estimate right now because a lot of NBA executives are really seeing him for the first time (obviously scouts have seen him a lot more) but I'd say he's somewhere in the 14 to 24 range if the draft were held today. If he keeps up this high level of play through ACC conference play and into the tournament, he has an even higher ceiling.

JKL (Boston, MA)

Where do you see Sherron Collins going? 1st round? 2nd round? Back to Kansas?

Chad Ford

  (1:51 PM)

Given his lack of size and streakiness, probably back to KU. When he's good, he's great, but he probably needs another year running the point at KU to prove to scouts he's disciplined enough to be a standout NBA player.

MC Welk (SLC)

I think people are sleeping on Eric Maynor. He reminds me of Gary Payton.

Chad Ford

  (1:52 PM)

That's a little much. Payton was a Hall of Famer, and Maynor is still a first round bubble guy. However, I do believe that scouts are sleeping on him a bit. He's got a lot of talent, but stuck in a conference no one pays attention to.

Phil (Kentucky)

Aloha Chad- I forgot to ask another question, what do you think of Patrick Patterson and do you think he could be a good starting PF in the NBA?

Chad Ford

  (1:54 PM)

I need to know how tall he is. Some scouts claim he's closer to 6-6 or 6-7. He does have a long wingspan, NBA body and is a good athlete. He also has huge hands. That all mitigates the height issue. But until we know how tall he is, its tough to say exactly how high he can go.

Charlotte, NC

Chad, why is everyone talking about kids that have potenial and not playing in the NBA YET. This is only Jan not March or June.

Chad Ford

  (1:55 PM)

Because a huge amount of the resources every NBA team is expending right now is trying to figure out who is in the draft and who can help their team. It factors into everything from trades, to cap management, etc. It affects your team, right now, in more ways than you can see. Plus, it's just fun.

July

Hey! wait for me to talk about the draft!

Chad Ford

  (1:56 PM)

Hey July ... the draft is in June.

Brad (Knoxville)

I'm sure there are a few each year, but what player can think of that made the absolute worst decision to leave college early? The kind of guy who declares the draft whom you had never heard of before.

Chad Ford

  (1:58 PM)

There are a handful every year. DeAndre Jordan is a good name from last year. Given the lack of legit center prospects in this years draft, he could've been a Top 5 pick with improvement at Texas A&M. Instead he declares for the draft and slips into the second round. He was so raw, it's tough to see how he gets the type of instruction he needs to get better. My fear is that B.J. Mullens may fall into the same trap this year.

Doug (NY)

With his improved play of late, is Gerald Henderson a 1st rounder now?

Chad Ford

  (1:59 PM)

I don't see it. Neither do most of the scouts I speak with. Not yet, anyway.

Ricky Rubio (Spain)

What team would I fill the best need for next season?

Chad Ford

  (2:00 PM)

Kings, Warriors and Wolves all come to mind. Obviously the Knicks too.

Chad Ford

  (2:00 PM)

Gotta run everyone. Great chatting with you. See you again next week.