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Chad Ford

  (1:00 PM)

Aloha everyone. Thanks for coming to the chat today. The playoffs are in full swing and as exciting as ever and this is the last week for underclassmen to declare for the 2009 NBA Draft. Lots to talk about. We'll start with playoffs and then move to the draft. Let's roll

Jared (Myrtle Beach, SC)

Would you take Rose or Rondo to be your PG of the future?

Chad Ford

  (1:02 PM)

I'd have to say Rose. He reminds me of a 6-foot-3 LeBron James. A lethal combination of power and speed. However, Rondo's been AMAZING. I'm still trying to figure out how he slipped so far in the draft. The Hawks, who were in desperate need of point guard, took Sheldon Williams, ahead of him. Both will be All-Stars in for years.

Jordan:(Montana) [via mobile]

Do the Bulls have any chance of pulling this thing out or did last night get the Celtics over the hump?

Chad Ford

  (1:04 PM)

I think the Bulls have the advantage. They are confident. They are attacking the Celtics. And they are healthy. I think Bulls win this in six. Celtics just are struggling upfront.

Paul (Oak Park, IL)

Hi Chad. Scale of 1-10 on the chances of the Blazers bouncing back with a win tonight, with 1 being absolutely not, and 10 being a for-sure win.

Chad Ford

  (1:06 PM)

I was shocked to see them blown out the way they were in Game One. They've been so great at home. I think they're only at about a 5 tonight. They are so young and there is enormous pressure on them now. I usually don't want to read too much into a game one loss, but based on the Blazers road record and what Houston did to them at home, I like Houston in 6 in this series now.

flavinc elizabeth NJ [via mobile]

what's up chad! I think im one of a few that feels its not over for the spurs. they exemplify what a tough team is and tony parker is the best player on the floor in this series. they won't win it all but dam they are good!

Chad Ford

  (1:08 PM)

I think it's clear that if Tony Parker can get it going like he did last night, the Mavs are in trouble. Since they traded away Devin Harris, they've lacked the guy who can really lock him down. I felt like Dallas had the advantage in this series because Manu was gone and Duncan was hobbling. And I still think the Mavs have more weapons right now. But this series looks like a toss-up. I'm sticking with my prediction of Mavs in 6

Alex (augusta Georgia) [via mobile]

How impressed with the hawks are you after that win? I mean they beat the Cavs and lakers at home this season and the team chemistry of the starters is better than ever? Why isn't anyone giving them at least a small chance against the cavs?

Chad Ford

  (1:10 PM)

Hawks were great in the opening game. They have so much athleticism behind them. But the Heat are not the Cavs. And I still think Miami is going to make this series interesting. I picked the Heat in 6 and I still think that's a possibility. Another blowout for the Hawks on Wednesday, however, and I may have to change my opinion.

Eric (Colorado) [via mobile]

Do you see Denver rolling NOH the whole series or do you think the Hornets have a chance to pull it out? and how far do you see the Nuggets going?

Chad Ford

  (1:13 PM)

I've been really impressed with Denver the last few times I've watched them. They have so many weapons and their home court advantage in the thin air of Denver is big. Problem for NO right now is they have nothing in the front court. That forces Chris Paul to do everything and Chauncey Billups is a formidable defender. I think this one could be a sweep. If not, Nuggets in 5. As far as next rounds, sure, I think they could make it all the way to the Western Conference Finals. But I don't see them beating the Lakers.

shawn philly pa [via mobile]

i think the sixers can win this series against the magic what are your thoughts

Chad Ford

  (1:15 PM)

I actually picked the Magic in four ... and I've been one of their biggest skeptics all year. If you would've told me that Dwight Howard was going to have the huge game he did and they wouldn't win, I would've laughed at you. I just don't think Philly has enough talent to win 4 games in this series. But I do think it shows that the Magic are vulnerable at the guard positions in a big way.

furdaddy (Lufkin,Tx) [via mobile]

how many games will the lakers lose on the way to a ring? I say six. 4-1 utah 4-2 portland 4-1 denver 4-2 cleveland

Chad Ford

  (1:17 PM)

That's probably about right, though your assumption that they're playing the Blazers in Round 2 seems like a stretch. But yeah, I really think the Lakers bring home the ring this year.

mike(akron)

Mike Brown COY. Do you agree?

Chad Ford

  (1:18 PM)

Yep. He's who I voted for. He's always been a great defensive coach, but I really like the progress he's making on the offensive end. Nate McMillan was my second choice.

mike [via mobile]

how much do the cavs win by tonight

Chad Ford

  (1:19 PM)

20. The Pistons have really lost their mojo. I watched them in that opening game and I didn't recognize them. I think Joe D is going to have to do a SERIOUS overhaul of this team. Losing Sheed and AI won't be enough. I think Rip Hamilton or Tayshaun may have to go as well. I'm not impressed.

Blake (Austin, TX)

How are the Spurs going to get younger in the next few seasons? They must have a plan. I mean they are the Spurs. I still can't believe they gave away Scola to a division rival.

Chad Ford

  (1:22 PM)

They keep saying every year it's going to happen, but it's tough when you're capped out and you pick low in the draft. After a few great late draft picks like Tony Parker and Manu, they haven't struck gold in a while. Tiago Splitter could be a player if they can get him to go. I'm not a fan of Mahinmi and I think they should've opted for Mario Chalmers over George Hill. At some point, they are going to start to slide. If Duncan starts really slowing down, it could be next year.

Chris ny [via mobile]

I know that it is playoff time but in the off season is there anyway the bulls will sign ben gordon.if he keeps performing like last night i think a lot of teams will look to sign him

Chad Ford

  (1:24 PM)

I think John Paxson has to be getting happier about the future of his team. If Ben Gordon is getting 40 million he's great. But the 60 to 70 million he was asking for was ridiculous. I think the market will be reduced to the point that Gordon will have no choice but to settle for a little less. No one, in this economy, is breaking the bank for him. That plays to the Bulls advantage.

Eric, Hawaii

Are we entering into one of the great point guard eras of all time. Lots of special young point guards out there right now.

Chad Ford

  (1:28 PM)

I think we are. Look at all the young PGs, 26 or under in the league right now:Chris PaulDeron WilliamsTony ParkerRajon RondoDerrick RoseDevin HarrisRodney StuckeyRussell WestbrookMo Williams and we will have Ricky Rubio coming this year and John Wall heading to the NBA soon. Wow.

Coop (Orlando)

Jameer Nelson was an All-Star PG this year too!

Chad Ford

  (1:30 PM)

He's good, but I limited it to PGs that were 26 or under. Nelson is 27.

Raz(New York) [via mobile]

Hey Chad!! What are the knicks gonna do with Lee and Nate this off-season??? And if they get the #1 pick would they take Griffen or Rubio??

Chad Ford

  (1:32 PM)

If LeBron decides to re-sign in Cleveland, then I think they have to start thinking seriously about at least signing Lee. As for the No. 1 pick, that could make a differenced too. If they get No. 1 (which is really unlikely) Griffin is better than Lee. If they get No. 2, here comes Rubio ... though I don't think he has the shooting skills that Mike D'Antoni loves.

Russell (Lenoir, NC)

Don't forget about Raymond Felton as well. Depending on what happens in the off-season, he could be poised for a break-out year. Especially if he works on his outside shot.

Chad Ford

  (1:33 PM)

Is this Raymond Felton's agent? Felton one of the great young PGs in the league? I don't think so....

Richard (Hoboken)

If Wall and Rubio were both in this draft, who would go #2?

Chad Ford

  (1:35 PM)

Rubio ... though I think Wall would go No. 3. Rubio is more ready to play in the NBA right now. Wall has more upside because he is a freakish athlete. He's got E.T. athleticism. But Rubio has a sixth sense with the basketball. Very different players, both would go super high.

Chad Ford

  (1:36 PM)

And by the way, I know Wall has publicly said that he won't be declaring for the draft. But l still wouldn't be shocked to see his name in the draft. They've been looking into it and the kid has yet to pass his SATs.

Mo( Alaska$ [via mobile]

Chad who the sleeper in this draft?

Chad Ford

  (1:36 PM)

Iowa State's Craig Brackins ... if he declares. Kid is a legit 6-foot-10, rebounds and can really score. Reminds some folks of Shareef Abdur Rahim.

Ben (Spokane)

What are your thoughts on Austin Daye? He clearly won't be NBA ready next year but is there a chance that he could still go high in the draft based solely on potential or can we expect to see him back in Spokane for another season?

Chad Ford

  (1:38 PM)

There's a chance. He's so skilled for a big guy. But he's so physically weak right now and couldn't even dominate in college. You'd have to wait on him. He'd be MUCH better off going back to school, But with that said, I could see someone in the late lottery or mid first round reaching based on upside. Ditto for B.J. Mullens.

Pat, Valencia, CA [via mobile]

If the Kings get the number one pick, the obvious pick is Griffin. If the Kings get the number two pick, Rubio has to be the way to go, right?

Chad Ford

  (1:39 PM)

There have been some rumblings out of Sacramento that the Kings may actually prefer Rubio to Griffin. Rubio fits a bigger need and Geoff Petrie has always liked the international guys and they seem to really like Jason Thompson at the four. However, I think at the end of the day, they go with Griffin if they land the No. 1 pick.

Brian (Littleton, CO)

You want a sleeper? Lee Cummard- kid could be a great 6th man in the NBA in the long term

Chad Ford

  (1:40 PM)

I like him too, but as more of a rotation player.

yu (nyc)

Jennings' stock seems to be falling. why?

Chad Ford

  (1:41 PM)

He's not producing in Europe. He's going to have to have great workouts and show his stuff at the Reebok Eurocamp. He's got great raw talent, but for the most part, (blame it on the system, the culture shock, whatever) it didn't really show in Italy this year. Still think he's a lottery pick.

Doug (NY)

Any chance Gerald Henderson returns to Duke?

Chad Ford

  (1:41 PM)

Doesn't sound like it. From what we're hearing he's declaring ... SOON. He'll likely go somewhere between 10 and 20 on draft night.

Smith (Dallas)

What team should draft Demar Derozan? Best case, who would you compare him to?

Chad Ford

  (1:43 PM)

He'll go top 10, maybe Top 5. Maybe Corey Maggette ...

Matt (St. Paul, MN)

Any inside scoop on who runs the Timberwolves next?

Chad Ford

  (1:44 PM)

I think we've all assumed it would be Fred Hoiberg. But maybe Glen Taylor is realizing that the whole franchise is infected. If he does, I've heard they've been talking to Spurs assistant GM Dennis Lindsey. He'd be a great pick. Great pedigree with two different winning clubs ... the Rockets and Spurs. Wolves may need a culture transplant.

Nick (NYC)

If Hasheem Thabeet struggled vs. Blair, Monroe, Harngody, Suton, how is he ready to play in the NBA?

Chad Ford

  (1:45 PM)

He's not. But he does block shots and change a lot of shots in the middle. However, if it was me, I'd stay away. However, most of the NBA executives I speak with have him ranked as a Top 5 pick. They choose the players, not me, so that's why he's ranked so high.

Eric (Plymouth, IN)

What do you think about Luke Harangody? He was a great player as a freshman but this last year was a huge flop for the Notre Dame basketball team. He still put up decent numbers though.

Chad Ford

  (1:46 PM)

Classic case of a guy without a position in the pros. Not big enough to defend the four and lacks the athleticism or lateral quickness to guard threes.

tom (San Diego)

Any word on Steph Curry declaring?

Chad Ford

  (1:48 PM)

I think ultimately he declares. It's a great opportunity for him this year. Weak draft and the Knicks love him. That's a perfect fit for him. If he goes back to college and doesn't dominate against better competition, he could slide. However, I really respect that he loves school and basketball isn't his life. But that doesn't help his draft stock either.

Mario (Bell Gardens, CA)

Chad, what do the PACERS need to do before draft day? Trade? You have a solid player in Granger, he just needs help. Thoughts?

Chad Ford

  (1:50 PM)

I think they'll be looking at everything. Draft ... Trade. They need athleticism and shot blocking in the front court desperately ... that's why they flirted with trading for Tyson Chandler. Unfortunately, where they draft, I'm not sure they'll find a player like that.

Rich (Pittsburgh)

Odds of both Blair and Young from Pitt going in the first round?

Chad Ford

  (1:50 PM)

Pretty high. 80 percent.

Noah (Los Angeles, CA)

Can the Suns draft anymore? They've traded away the rights to Rajon Rondo, Rudy Fernandez, Luol Deng and Marcin Gortat, but kept Alando Tucker, Robin Lopez and Goran Dragic. Does that make any sense to you?

Chad Ford

  (1:53 PM)

No ... and that's why they are in the lottery, paying the luxury tax, and about ready to blow up the whole team. They ignored the draft for years to their own detriment. Now it's haunting them in a big, big way.

Chad Ford

  (1:53 PM)

Oh, and they also drafted Nate Robinson and traded him to the Knicks.

Rusty (Delaware, MD)

My pet peeve is players who refuse competitive workouts before the draft. Any chance the next CBA has a clause to stop that?

Chad Ford

  (1:55 PM)

How can they? Players will have that option. I think it's a mistake. Some teams won't draft guys who refuse to workout ... it really hurts players on the fence.

Brian Colorado Springs

What position do you think Tyreke Evans will play in the NBA. He was a extremly scorer in high school and he transition to point a memphis. I think he could be the next Penny Hardaway without the injury bug

Chad Ford

  (1:55 PM)

I think he's a classic two guard. Think Jerry Stackhouse.

ben

you look kind of small on tv, whats your weight and height

Chad Ford

  (1:56 PM)

OK ... that's weird. 6-foot-1, 190 with a ridiculous wing span and an excellent motor.

DGS (H-town)

except Stackhouse could shoot. tyreke can't.

Chad Ford

  (1:58 PM)

Stackhouse could shoot? The career 30 percent three point shooter? Really?

Joe Glendale,AZ

Whats your thoughts on Jordan Hill out of Arizona?

Chad Ford

  (1:59 PM)

Solid. But in a normal draft, he's not a Top 5 pick. In this draft, with the dearth of big men in it, I fear he is.

Chad Ford

  (1:59 PM)

Gotta run everyone. Thanks for coming to the chat. We'll do it again next week.