Buzzmaster

  (3:31 PM)

J.A. will be by at 4 p.m. ET to take your questions!

J.A. Adande

  (4:07 PM)

Hi folks...just got in. Sorry for the delay...but considering I was in a hotel room back in Bristol at 5 am this morning I'd say I did ok. Let's go

Spencer, Montana

Why didn't the Blazers do more?

J.A. Adande

  (4:08 PM)

That's the biggest mystery of the trade deadline. They have the most assets: desirable young players on cheap contracts, the expiring contract of Raef LaFrentz...and yet nothing of consequence. Big disappointment.

Jimmy (Orlando, FL)

J.A. - Do you think that the Magic adding Rafer Alston right before the deadline is enough to bring us back into the discussion as a "title contender?" Do you at least think that we once again have a shot at challenging Boston and Cleveland for the East, or are we still out of the picture in your mind without Jameer?

J.A. Adande

  (4:10 PM)

I don't think Rafer is enough. Nelson wasn't just a great three-point shooter he got to the basket a lot this season as well. Rafer doesn't do either thing as well...although he does have a kind of savvy about him that will hlep.

bklynbully

What do u think about the Knicks trades?

J.A. Adande

  (4:11 PM)

I like what NY did. They got players -- especially Hughes and Wilcox -- who can help right now, and they didn't sacrifice their 2010 agenda. Remember, it's not like they're offering discounts on their season tix until 2010 rolls around, so they have to give something to the paying customers.

Ali (Calgary, Alberta)

I like the fact Portland didn't do more. With Vince where would they be? 2nd round I'm guessing, not worth the money considering they'll be there next year.

J.A. Adande

  (4:12 PM)

I didn't think they HAD to get Vince. But Richard Jefferson or anyone who has done some postseason winning could have sped up this team's learning curve.

Ryan, Chicago

Are you as high on the Bulls "trade success" as everybody else?

J.A. Adande

  (4:13 PM)

Definitely. A week ago there were stories that Paxson was out. Now he's wheeled and dealed his way into a couple of nice players for the short-term (Salmons and Miller) and lots of salary cap flexibility for the future.

corey (maine)

What are the CELTS gonna do to strengthen they're depth in the front court?? Especially with Garnett out, will they be making any moves off the waiver?

J.A. Adande

  (4:15 PM)

The only good news for them the past couple of days was the cancellation of the Chandler trade with OKC. That leaves Joe Smith with the Thunder, and there's a chance he could get bought out. Maybe Boston could pick him up. NOt that Smith is The Answer for what they need, but he could help.

LG (New Orleans, La.)

I heard analysts describe the Hornets as "losers" in the Tyson trade when it looked like it was going to go through. And then many of these same analysts classified the Hornets as trade deadline "losers" when the trade got nixed and TC returned. What gives?

J.A. Adande

  (4:18 PM)

As I said in my Dime column this week, you can't grade in the same manner you used to. With Chandler gone, the Hornets lost from a talent perspective. But they also won because they lowered the payroll for next season...which was their goal. When the trade was nixed the Hornets were dealt a setback. Their money problems didn't magiclly go away. They still need to find a way to move Chandler...or maybe Peja

Jeremy (Cleveland)

I believe Danny Ferry played his cards right. He didn't mortgage the future and didn't give into any high demands. With that being said I still believe we will be bringing in a veteran big.

J.A. Adande

  (4:19 PM)

Trading Szczerbiak would not have been mortgaging the future. He'll be a free agent this summer, me might not be a part of Cleveland's future. But this could have been a nice opp. to bring in another piece to help LeBron get that ring.

JD (phx)

depressing day for suns fans to cap off a CRAZY week. i had a question about playoff seeding: are the division winners still guaranteed one of the top 3 playoff seeds? or are they just guaranteed a playoff spot?

J.A. Adande

  (4:21 PM)

Division winners are guaranteed 3 of the top 4 spots. This was designed to save better matchups for later in the playoffs if the top 2 teams happened to play in the same division.

bobby, Vegas

the difference between cleveland and LA is when LA makes a trade they get pau gasol, when the cavs make a trade they get ben wallace

J.A. Adande

  (4:22 PM)

the weather's better in LA, too. Cleveland does have the Rock N'Roll Hall of Fame though. Hm, but now LA has the Grammy museum. Have to check that out...

J.A. Adande

  (4:23 PM)

Seriously, though, Cleveland did have a chance to make a big splash, because this was a market very short on buyers. If they would have been more willing and flexible to take on a big contract, I think Vince or Shaq were there for the taking.

Leland (Canada)

The suns played without Amare a couple seasons back and did really well. Is there any chance in your mind that the suns can continue to improve their record under the new coach even without Stoudemire?

J.A. Adande

  (4:24 PM)

That was almost an entirely different team. Shawn Marion, Raja Bell, Boris Diaw...plus Nash was at his peak. I dont think it will be the same this time.

Ray (San Antonio)

Shouldn't they change it so winning your division gets you a playoff spot only and not a specific seed?

J.A. Adande

  (4:25 PM)

They want to maintain some reward for winning divisions. I think I they should just do away with the divisions. I rarely look at division races when I check the standings. It's all about 1-8 in the conference standings.

Orrie Fenn (Miami)

What do you think about the Miami Heat Trade for Jermaine O'Neal. Also do you think Dwayne Wade can ever play with a true point guard being that he needs the ball in his hands at all times to be effective? Thanks!

J.A. Adande

  (4:27 PM)

I think the Heat addressed a need --- big man-- in landing JO. Let's give it a little while longer before we claim it's a failure. And if it doesn't work out then they'll have money to go after a FA in 2010. As for Wade with a great PG, we were having this argument off the set in Bristol this week: if the Bulls maintain enough cap room in 2010 they could make a good run at bringing Wade back to his hometown. Could he play with Derrick Rose? Some people think their games are too similar. I think Wade would benefit from not having to do so much on offense.

James (Florida)

Do the Trail Blazers need to make a coaching change and find a way to get that small forward that they've been talking about for two years now? The whole "Future Dynasty" and potential card is getting old, don't you agree?

J.A. Adande

  (4:29 PM)

So much for patience. Oden's played about 30 games in the NBA, Fernandez is a rookie...this team is right where it should be. The players like the chemistry...so does the front office. Relax. NOt everyone can bring in a KG and Ray Allen and win right away.

Andy (Denver)

If they just did "away with the divisions" as you suggest, wouldn't that mean a more balanced schedule and quite a bit more travel for a number of teams?

J.A. Adande

  (4:31 PM)

That's also the argument against seeding the entire playoffs regardless of conference. I think travel isn't as ig an issue in these charter jet days. And it's not like the NCAA tournament, where they have to think about fans traveling from city to city. Most NBA fans aren't going to follow their team on the road. I'd rather see a more competitive playoffs...so just do pure seeding by conference.

Jeff (Chicago)

What did you think about the H-O-R-S-E event? I was really excited to see it but it was kind of a dud. How can they make it better next year?

J.A. Adande

  (4:33 PM)

I was working and didn't get a chance to go over to watch it, but I'd like to hear the opinions of you folks..plus takes on the dunk contest, and other A-S events...including the game itself. My fav parts: Shaq's dancing, Dwight's dunk off the side of the backboard, little Nate soaring over Dwight.

Gregg (Cleveland, OH)

JA, a point of umbrage: Vince would have been a terrible fit here (no defense, needs a lot of shots, and would've sent the team's X-factor (delonte) back to the bench which he's historically played poorly coming off of) and there is no guarantee Shaq would have fit in. Further, without subtracting Wallace from the equation, the payroll shoots north of $90 million next year, meaning a LUXURY TAX check alone of $60 million. AND both trades would've cost valuable role players on a 41-11 team. Let's slow down on the willing/flexible to take on a contract talk...

J.A. Adande

  (4:36 PM)

Umbrage! (Can't you just hear Bill Raftery shouting that?) I think Vince would be happy as a secondary guy, since he doesn't have the makeup to be No. 1. Don't see where you get a $60 million tax hit for a $90 million payroll. $20 million would be more like it. Remember, the traditional formula is you need 2 Hall of Famers to win a championship. Vince is closer to an H-O-F guy than anyone on the Cavs roster.

Casey (SLC UT)

With boozer practicing today and and saying he wants to practice twice then play Mon. What do you think the impacts on the jazz with be? And Just how good can the jazz be with booz?

J.A. Adande

  (4:39 PM)

I'm skeptical. Obviously he'd help, but Millsap has done well, and I keep remembering how invisible Boozer was for much of the conference semis vs. the Lakers last season.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

As a Knicks fan, shouldn't I hope the Celtics win the title? If the Cavs win it might mean LeBron stays in Cleveland.

J.A. Adande

  (4:40 PM)

Knicks fans shouldn't be rooting for the Celtics under any circumstances. Doesn't feel right.

Dave (Bend,or)

does trading chris mihm signal bynum should be ready before the playoffs??

J.A. Adande

  (4:41 PM)

It was more of a signal that the Lakers are trying to save a little money.

John (NC)

HORSE was bad. Everyone wanted some creativity, and there were a few good shots like shooting from the stands and sitting down but for the most part, Durant especially, it was just a jump shooting contest. They(TNT i guess) picked a bad group of guys, all very good players but all boring personalities which contributed to the lack of creativity and energy. How about for next year a Gilbert, Kobe, VC field? That would be something to see.

Ethan (Winnipeg, Canada)

With all that is made about Kobe being the youngest to reach 23,000 points, and other previous scoring benchmarks, would it not be more accurate and fair to use the length of player's career in years or games played instead? I ask this being a big Kobe fan and realize that it would knock him from that pedestal.

J.A. Adande

  (4:44 PM)

Yes it would be better to use games and seasons. I don't put a lot into these "youngest" stats, since players came into the league at an earlier age in the 90s than they did back in the day (especially before the Spencer Haywood case). Also, everytime LeBron supplants Kobe for some "youngest" milestone you have to keep in mind that Kobe didn't start his first 2 seasons and lost 32 games to the lockout his third season.

Andrew (Boston, MA)

The 3 point shoot out was horrible. If you do not have most of the top 3pt shooters in the contest (ex. Ray Allen, Dirk), what does the title actually mean?

J.A. Adande

  (4:45 PM)

The only suspense to the 3-point shootout was seeing if Cook could clinch it by the second rack. I'd never seen that before.

Iztok (Ljubljana, Slovenia)

How come that major US sports have such different playoff systems. NCAA, NFL where its about one and done and surprises happen and NBA where only the best team can winn four best of seven series?

J.A. Adande

  (4:49 PM)

That's a good question. We kind of take the playoff structures for granted in the US, but apparently there's plenty of time for abstract thought in Slovenia. I'm guessing that the NBA (and NHL) originally went with series because they needed the revenue from more games. I know the reason the NBA expanded the first round to 7 games 6 years ago was TV- and revenue-related (unless you believe the theory that it was to help the Lakers, who didn't have homecourt advantage in the first round that year)

J.J. Miami Florida

What do you think about detroit not making a trade at the trade deadline.

J.A. Adande

  (4:50 PM)

I'm sure they couldn't find anything that would not have messed with their cap strategy, so they stayed as-is.

John (NC)

The dunk contest was mediocre. Dwight's off the side backboard dunk and Nate's dunk over Dwight were great, and both of Rudy's dunks were good, but overall nothing spectacular that no one has ever done. Rudy's behind the backboard could have been, but it took him so long that it took away the initial shock and wow factor.

Nick (Sacramento, CA)

What do you think of the Kings trades?

J.A. Adande

  (4:51 PM)

Signs of a franchise in distress. They shredded what little they had there, all because of finances.

Ryan (Wilmington, DE)

My opinion on the AS weekend...snoooozefest 09' Someone has to agree that the "dunk contest" has gotten way out of hand. What happened to stars just going out there and jamming it down. It should just be players and basketballs. I mean if I wanted to see grown men get dressed up, and do silly things with props, I'd go to the circus. Am I right, or am I right?

J.A. Adande

  (4:52 PM)

I like the costumes, props, pageantry, etc. There's only so many ways you can put the ball between your legs or bounce it off the floor. Bring on the showmanship.

Martin Cerny Ashland, NE

Can the Cavs win a championship with the team they have right now?

J.A. Adande

  (4:54 PM)

They can. If they had added the right piece I would have moved it up to say they will.

Alex, LA

You think NBA GMs taking some revenge on Pritchard prevented a deal?

J.A. Adande

  (4:56 PM)

Either that or the Blazers got a little arrogant and asked for too much. for example, asking for the Bucks to throw Ramon Sessions into a deal with RJ, as one report suggested. That's too much.

JMoney(Pasadena, CA)

For the dunk contest I have to agree with Lebron, go back to the old rules with Jordan and dominique

J.A. Adande

  (4:58 PM)

Have I ever talked about how that "legendary" 1988 dunk contest showdown between Nique and MJ was overrated. All they were doing were their same old dunks. MF from the FT line, Nique the two-hand, bring between the knees or windmill. We'd seen those in previous dunk contests. I'm actually more in favor of the idea we bring in outsiders (D-League, Europe) because I bet they would have fresher ideas than LeBron or Kobe.

Chris Wilcox

Don't get me wrong, I am happy to be traded to NY, where I can contribute, but I feel "slighted" that Malik Rose was EQUAL value for me? What gives...?

J.A. Adande

  (5:00 PM)

Well, one suggestion I heard from a GM was because Rose is a better locker room presence than Wilcox. Thunder wasn't going anywhere with Wilcox...might as well bring in someone who has championship rings to see if he can teach the kids a thing or two.

Geoff (DC)

JA why do you keep adhering to these ridiculous maxims like "you need two HOF guys to win a championship." Usually those things are for the TV guys while the writers who actually follow the game closely have more useful analysis to offer. (sorry for the negativity I'm a big fan of most of your stuff especially your reporting!)

J.A. Adande

  (5:03 PM)

Have you been following the NBA the past 30 years? Do I need to break it down? 80s Lakers: Magic, Kareem, Worthy. 80s Celts: Bird, Parish McHale, DJ (should be in). Bad Boys Pistons: Isiah, Dumars. 90s Bulls: Jordan, Pippen. 2K Lakers: Shaq and Kobe. Spurs: Duncan and Robinson, Duncan and Parker/Ginobili (I think Ginobili's a HOFer if you look at his international comp. play, and if you combine him with Parker that would give you a HOF player).

John (NC)

The AS Game was boring as well. The highlight was Shaq in the intros. Not many spectacular plays and not very competitive.

Bowei(Mountain View, CA)

When Suns were back in their old forms, I realized that I haven't been this excited about basketball in almost a year and half... then having this all taken away from me via a Friday morning text message from my basketball buddy Jon, I fell right back into my basketball depression. Life is hard, do you see any silver lining for the Suns with this situation Adande?

J.A. Adande

  (5:05 PM)

The only good thing is that this should force them to run and jack 3s even more, if that's possible.

Ben (Lansing)

Wade, Shaq, Mourning, except for the fact Shaq and Mourning were over the hill and weren't playing HOF ball at that point. Wait...I forgot about 'Toine, he is definitely hall-worthy.

Paul, NY

I realize its impossible to know at this point, but if anything, I would think the Cavs winning a title makes it easier for LeBron to leave...Obviously Cleveland wants him to stay, but how can they really complain if he delivers a championship on the way out...

J.A. Adande

  (5:08 PM)

I remember Kentucky Wildcat fans facing the same quandary a few years ago, afraid that Pitino winning a championship would make it easier for him to leave. I thin it will come down to what the rosters look like in 2010, and whether LeBron thinks Cleveland or NY presents him the best surrounding cast to go for the ring

Phil (LA)

Adande, I always knew Brandon Roy was a beast, but after watching him in the All-Star game, I was honestly shocked with his athletism...That dude got some hops! He also has a high basketball IQ...Agree?

J.A. Adande

  (5:10 PM)

His athleticism has always been there, it's usually in hiding. The A-S game gave him a chance to show it off. He shows his bball IQ almost every time down the floor. Seriously, try to count the number of times he makes a bad decision in a game. Almost never.

love36498 (htown and china)

it's been an hour.. c'mon JAAAAAA SHOW US ROCKETS SOME LOVE !!!JA u r 100 times better than everybody on around the horn including Tony Reali :) just tell us what are your thoughts regarding tmac at this moment. the skip trade? can we pass 1st round without tmac? clutchfans in da house!!!

J.A. Adande

  (5:12 PM)

I don't know how raining on the Rockets parade is showing them some love. But I never had them going past the second round even with all of the guys; now I don't think they get past the first round. Trading skip officially hands the reins over to aaron brooks...and shows that they're already thinking about the future, not this season.

Hakeem the Dream

I didn't need anyone in 1993 !

J.A. Adande

  (5:13 PM)

That was an exception and so were the 04 Pistons...who might not have any Hall of Famers.

Pasadena, CA

Do you think the Hornets will be able to get a QUALITY free agent in the summer?

J.A. Adande

  (5:15 PM)

No, if anything I think they'll try to trade Chandler again. They really need to shed expenses.

Robert Horry

Don't think for a second that I am not a HOFer.

J.A. Adande

  (5:15 PM)

You'd get my vote!

Sean (Nablus, Palestine)

If you count Dumars as a Hof F'er to say that a team needs two H of F'ers is to basically say they need two fairly consistent all stars . Billups, for example is a Hof Fer if he wins two titles like Dumars did. He is already an equivalent player

J.A. Adande

  (5:17 PM)

That's another way to define it. Rasheed at his best played like a Hall of Famer...you just never knew when you were going to get that.

Gerry (Philippines)

Whatzzup with the Suns now? Amare stays but got injured and might be out the rest of the season.

J.A. Adande

  (5:19 PM)

This is the second time they've made a commitment to Amare and then lost him. Remember he had the microfracture surgery right after he signed the big contract extension. This time they dont trade him...then lose him anyway for nothing.

A Rod , NYC

Why is every body being so harsh to me for using steroids?? it was my cousins fault

J.A. Adande

  (5:24 PM)

I wasn't on Around the Horn all week, so I'll use this space for my forum....We know 103 other players tested positive for steroids in 2003. So why didn't 103 other players hit .298 with 47 home runs and 117 RBIs. A-Rod, like Bonds, was going to be in the Hall of Fame with or without steroids. They were the best of their time. Their time just happened to be the steroid era. Well, others had the segregated era, or the dead ball era, or the juiced ball era, or the bigger multipurpose stadium era, or the smaller baseball stadium era...No two time periods are the same, so we can only judge how people did against their peers. These guys were much better than their roided-up peers. They should be in the Hall of Fame. Clemens, too.

Matt Cleveland

When might we see the results of KG's MRI? I'm a Cleveland fan and I want to see the Cavs beat the Celtics at full strength!

J.A. Adande

  (5:25 PM)

For those wondering about KG I"m told he isn't even back in Boston yet, so no word.

J.A. Adande

  (5:26 PM)

OK, I've been going since 4:30 a.m. Eastern time...gotta rest up for Hornets-Lakers tonight. Thanks for your questions. See you next week!