Ric Bucher

  (1:01 PM)

Good morning/afternoon, all. Offshore winds but small surf this morning, so you have my undivided attention. (As always.) Let's get going...

Jamie (New Orleans)

We aren't going to meet the attendance req to keep the Hornets locked into their lease - does this combined with nba ownership assure the team is gone?

Ric Bucher

  (1:03 PM)

The team is gone because New Orleans doesn't have the demographic to support an NBA franchise. Buyers are lined up, but they will only buy if they can move the franchise. The moneyed people in NO won't buy it, because they know it's not a sustainable business model. That, at least, is what I'm told.

Pete (Indianpolis)

Any chance Bulls sign Rasheed Wallace or trade for Stephen Jackson or Courtney Lee to fill the only holes the Bulls need to compete for a championship.

Ned (Chicago)

Ric, who are the potential suitors for Gerald Wallace or Captain Jack?

Ric Bucher

  (1:05 PM)

I'd love to see Captain Jack on the Bulls. As scary as they are now, they'd be as dangerous as any team in the league with him. Would fit perfectly with Thibodeau's defensive mindset, is a big-game player and shotmaker and has championship experience. But I don't think a package of Brewer, CJ Watson and a 1st get it done, so it's a pipe dream.

Josh (Sad Clipper Season-Ticket Holder)

Are the league going to do anything to protect Blake Griffin from people trying to injure him on the court? Or is he going to have to retaliate in a way that gets him suspended? He's been fouled harder this year at least a dozen times than LeBron ever has.

Ric Bucher

  (1:07 PM)

His brother Taylor told me last week that Blake actually took more punishment and opponents used dirtier tactics against him in college -- all of which went largely uncalled, too. Blake can make people look really, really bad, and players get desperate to avoid that embarrassment. He has learned not to react, which is impressive. I can't say enough good things about him.

Ned (Chicago)

Could Thibs control J.R. Smith? Seems like a good fit...

Ma (DC)

JR Smith to the Bulls...What do you think about that? P.S. Dartmouth girls hotter than I anticipated...go figure

Ric Bucher

  (1:10 PM)

It's a desperation move and I'd never do it. One of the Bulls' greatest strengths is their chemistry and how every guy knows his role. JR's biggest problem in Denver has been not always being happy with his role and body language and behavior that is just morale-killing when it comes to the rest of the team. Everyone wants to Chicago, it seems, to make some dramatic move to get a 2 because they've been so good. This is a team that will be one of the best on the other side of the lockout no matter what happens. I wouldn't do something now, in a year they're not likely to win a title no matter what, that messes that up. Patience, grasshoppers. P.S. re: Dartmouth, a lot has changed in Hanover since I went there.

Mike (Cleveland)

Ric, glad you finally got a landline. Enjoyed the podcast.

Ric Bucher

  (1:11 PM)

Thanks. Now if we can get Simmons to get rid of the truck-backing-up beep on his end, we'll be in great shape.

nofrak (DC)

So, how 'bout that Manu Ginobili?

David (Texas)

Shhhh. The Spurs have the best record in the NBA and nobody talks about them. Why isn't Manu on the radar as an MVP candidate? People keep talking about his ankles when they should be talking about his play.

Ric Bucher

  (1:14 PM)

Broussard and I are debating who the MVP is at the 1/3 point next week. We started this week but he had issues. In it, I list Manu as one of my candidates. (He's not my No. 1, though.) I know there are a lot of people outside the league who have Tony Parker as their MVP, but if you talk to players in the league it's not even close: unsolicited, they see Manu as the difference maker. I'm with them. His ability to make game-changing plays has been fantastic his entire career. When healthy.

Mike (Cleveland)

Ric, any chance the Kings would trade Jason Thompson for Mo Williams. The Kings need a point guard, the Cavs should begin to rebuild with young players, and the salaries don't have to match because of the King's cap space.

Ric Bucher

  (1:16 PM)

Doubt that would happen. Mo is one of the few players the Cavs have that gives them a chance to win. I will say this, though: the bloom clearly appears to be off on JJ Hickson in Cleveland. Lots of talk about how soft he is defensively and how the ball sticks in his hands offensively. So don't be surprised if Cleveland moves in a different direction when it comes to the PF spot.

Dad (Hat)

How much Bynum is necessary for a Lakers' championship? 10 minutes? More than 20?

Ric Bucher

  (1:17 PM)

During the postseason he has to play a minimum of 25 effective minutes. That means he has to be in shape to play 25 effective minutes, and I can't remember the last time we saw that. But when he gives them that, it changes everything. Without him, they are vulnerable -- at least, say, to a Boston team.

Chris (Fort Worth)

I'm hearing rumors about a Brendan Haywood for Kevin Martin trade. Who doesn't do that trade?

Ric Bucher

  (1:20 PM)

Houston. That would be a huge admission that the Kings deal was a mistake and I'm not sure they're willing to do that this early. Also, as much as I like Haywood and I believe Kevin is not a eight-figure player, that's not anywhere close to an even swap, talent-wise.

Ned (Chicago)

The Nuggets seem deep enough (w/ Melo) to make a serious playoff run......

Ric Bucher

  (1:21 PM)

That's what everybody thought last year.

Eric (Minneapolis)

Can you blame the Wolves losing late games because of youth, injury's, or coaching? And do the learn to win those games as the season goes on and end strong?

Ric Bucher

  (1:23 PM)

Who is their go-to scorer? Beasley? You need a consistent, effective, efficient guy to close games for you. Beasley has the raw talent, but man, does he make some bad decisions at the worst times. Makes it hard for the rest of your team to believe, hey, if we keep it close, we can pull this out. It works the other way, actually. The mindset becomes, "If we're not leading by seven with a minute left, we have no chance." And that only gets worse as the season progresses.

Bo (Philadephia)

Hey Ric... I am a huge NBA fan who happens to live in Philadelphia.... and while I recognize right now that we are on the bottom tier teams/franchises right now I must admit I have been impressed with the way the team has played lately. What would you do if you are in charge of the sixers? Move Iggy/keep Turner... Keep Iggy Move Turner?

Ric Bucher

  (1:25 PM)

Iguodala doesn't want to be there. If you can move him for some cap relief and picks, you do it. I'm not sure what Turner is yet, but he's on a rookie contract and you'd be trading an unknown asset. Too early for that. And you're in no hurry. Philly needs to look at prepping their team to compete on the other side of the lockout.

Ric Bucher

  (1:25 PM)

We're going to go rapid-fire here for the next 10 minutes. Two sentences, max, on each answer. Here we go...

Michael (Minneapolis)

Now that the Summer of 2010 has passed and with it the great importance of stockpiling expiring contracts, how important do you see them being in the future? Will we see more team trying to rebuild on the fly instead of zeroing out and trying to hit it big in free agency?

Ric Bucher

  (1:26 PM)

All depends on what the new CBA looks like and how successful the experiment in Miami is. If they get knocked out in the first or second round, I have to think it will make teams think twice.

Paul (Albany, OR)

So do the Knicks fall to another hot team or are they able to solve they terrific trio and pull out a home victory? Thanks.

Ric Bucher

  (1:28 PM)

Great, exciting game tonight. I like the Knicks' chances, even though they are best playing up-tempo, which is Miami's strength. NY has more energy players right now and playing at home, I'll give them the nod.

ilya (portland)

Do Blazers have any shot in recovering from this Roy fiasco? Or are we Rockets 2.0? Lots of similarities between Oden/Yao and Roy/TMac.

Ric Bucher

  (1:28 PM)

Not sure what you mean by "recover"? They have to move Roy; that ship has sailed.

Jason (Orlando)

What would it take to get Iggy in a Magic uni?? VC and Gortat?

Ric Bucher

  (1:29 PM)

I heard Orlando explored that and offered Redick and Gortat. Vince and Gortat, I suspect, would get it done. Even though coaching Vince might cause Doug Collins to faint a half-dozen more times this season.

Kevin (Mile High)

Hey Buchs, Good job getting a land line for the pod with Simmons. Why haven't the Nugs shipped Melo to the Nets for Harris, Favors and picks? Is Melo holding it up? What are the odds this deal happens?

Ric Bucher

  (1:31 PM)

Odds that a deal gets done with NJ still high from what I hear. Bret Bearup, no longer in power, did the original deal. Then a new top dog (Josh Kroenke) and GM (UJiri) came in and started from scratch. I think they've come back around to the idea they have to deal Melo and to do it for rebuilding pieces. No one can offer them a better deal in that dept than the Nets.

Ric Bucher

  (1:31 PM)

And, yes, I realize I totally ignored my rapid-fire mandate. Re-starting now...

Dave (Dallas, TX)

Who are your top 5 clutch shooters in the NBA?

Ric Bucher

  (1:32 PM)

In no particular order and right off the top of my head: Kobe, Wade, Manu, Rose, Pierce. I'm sure I'm forgetting someone.

randy (miami)

The more i think about it the more i like the Heat starting big Z he will make Amare guard him after him they have no defenders in the paint, i dont see how knicks will be able to keep up w/ the Heat.

Ric Bucher

  (1:33 PM)

General belief is that Dampier has been a difference-maker. They've lost once since signing him even though he plays limited minutes.

Joel (NYC)

Hey Ric,Is it really worth giving up 2 of the Gallo/Chandler/Fields combo for Melo? I want him, but I don't want to blow up what we have.

Ric Bucher

  (1:34 PM)

Yes, it is. Those are all complementary players. Superstars are few and far between.

Kap (Miami)

How much of a difference do you think Mike Miller will make for the Heat?

Ric Bucher

  (1:35 PM)

He'll help, I'm just trying to figure out who he'll guard and what position he plays. Because one reason the Heat have been so good since Cleveland is that they've moved LeBron off the point and back to a traditional 3.

Travis (Texas)

Marc Stein said that the Rockets are a sleeper in the Melo race. What do you think? What would the Rockets give up?

Ric Bucher

  (1:35 PM)

Anything. Especially now that it looks like they're in search of another franchise player. But I don't see it happening.

Derek (Philadelphia)

Do the Sixers have a chance at landing Melo? We got the young talent, a seasoned wing player (Iggy), and the type of team that can compete.

Ric Bucher

  (1:36 PM)

That was explored at one time. Melo isn't re-signing there, so it won't happen.

Carey (Indianapolis by way of the BX)

Has the Knicks game against the Celtics this past Wednesday made it official that the Knicks are no longer a league-wide joke and potential threat in the playoffs

Ric Bucher

  (1:37 PM)

Hate to go off one game. But I like that there's energy in the Garden again and while the Knicks are not much more than slightly-above-.500 team, hard to see them not making the playoffs.

Grey (Cali)

Does the rest of the league, outside of New York, believe Anthony Randolph can be special?

Ric Bucher

  (1:38 PM)

League was about 70-30 on that when he was at Golden State. His inability to get on the floor with the Knicks is raising more questions.

Ryan (Florida)

Is Sheridan accurate or is it just a matter of which source you speak to?

Ric Bucher

  (1:41 PM)

Sources and various factions are always willing to lie to get spin working for them, but last summer took it to an entirely new level. Frankly, I find myself triple-checking information more than ever before. I believe Sheridan was told by a very good source that Melo only wants to re-sign with the Knicks. I have my doubts, based on those I talk to, that that is what's going to happen.

Josh (L.A.)

Doesn't Donald Sterling heckling Baron Davis basically assure that Blake Griffin and Eric Gordon will leave as soon as they get the opportunity?

Ric Bucher

  (1:41 PM)

It certainly doesn't work in the Clippers' favor.

Peter (Chicago)

I'm a bulls fan who believes the bulls should wait it out. They shouldn't trade too much for a sg. Gibson is untouchable unless were getting an elite sg.

Ric Bucher

  (1:43 PM)

A voice of sanity arises from the back of the room.

Ric Bucher

  (1:43 PM)

Rapid-fire over, but I'm still trying to squeeze in as many as I can.

Pat Riley (Miami)

What are your thoughts on the Heats progress thus far? Are they on the correct path and time line to be on the Celtics and Lakers level come playoff time?

Ric Bucher

  (1:47 PM)

They've made some great adjustments. Taking LeBron off the ball, Wade asserting himself on the boards and in the offense, no more trying to keep the complementary players happy and a focus on defense that was there at the start and then disappeared. Letting Wade and LeBron take turns as the focal point has been effective, too. I just question how this prepares them for the postseason. No one wins in transition in the playoffs -- opponents are too good. And with the usual shorter playoff rotation, LBJ and Wade can't take turns because they'll be on the floor all the time. They're a dangerous team and I felt that from the start. But the offensive style with which they're winning is not the traditional championship style. Maybe they'll break the mold. But that's what they would be doing if they won it all.

goyo. keizer, oregon [via mobile]

Can the Blazers trade for Andre igaduala "Iggy" trade away miller and pryzbilla & a first rounder? Or who can Portland get to improve?

Ric Bucher

  (1:48 PM)

Heard they offered Batum and Przybilla for Iguodala and Philly didn't bite. My sense is they'll move Roy before they move Miller.

Troy (Portland)

Blazers have to move Roy, but how? What could they get in return?

Ric Bucher

  (1:49 PM)

Don't know what they could get. But I can tell you 7 or 8 teams already have called to find out.

Neil (NYC)

How long until the phrase "Yao Ming's expiring contract" proliferates throughout the Internet?

Ric Bucher

  (1:52 PM)

It won't. His contract expires this year. Haven't talked to anyone with the Rockets, but I just don't see them moving his contract to get assets. It's not about business, it's about what Yao has meant to that franchise. if he's done, he should officially retire as a Rocket.

Sean (Orlando)

Earlier you suggested VC and Gortat for Iggy. Does that really make the Magic a whole lot better?

Ric Bucher

  (1:53 PM)

Fair question. Let's say it gives them a chance to be better. Defensively, they're struggling big time on the perimeter. Iguodala would help immensely. And, as is, they're just not good enough.

Alex (Littleton, CO)

Can Nene get a little love? He is sixth in all star voting among west centers even though his PER is more than 3 points higher than the next closest above him in voting?

Marco (Anywhere)

Is fan voting unfair? How can Yao Ming be an All-Star and Deron Williams fall to #5 in the West after the first returns?

Ric Bucher

  (1:57 PM)

Keep in mind with voting -- teams turn in their ballots at different times. Some send them to the league office every week, some send them in one big batch at the end. Don't read too much into the early releases of voting. Keep this in mind, too: the All-Star honor is given way too much weight. The starters are essentially a popularity contest. Politics, from what I've been told, among coaches plays a part in the selection of the reserves. I understand people wanting to see the players they want to see in the game, but I don't equate "all-star" necessarily with best players in the league. I suggest you do the same.

Kap (Miami)

Think Cleveland regrets turning down the deal for Amar'e last year because of Hickson's "upside potential"?

Ric Bucher

  (2:00 PM)

That was an interesting deal. I believe the Cavs pretended to have interest in Amare because that's who LeBron wanted them to get. I don't believe they were ever serious about getting him because he doesn't play D or rebound, and for all of NY's early success, he still is a bit lax in those areas. Don't forget, Cleveland was thinking "championship" and that's a lot different than the mindset in NY, which is, "Let's find a way to stop our fans from hating us." Mission accomplished on the latter, I'd say. Just not sure Hickson played into the decision all that much.

Justin (Los Angeles)

Sometimes you just got to shake what yo momma gave you!

Ric Bucher

  (2:01 PM)

Co-sign.

Ric Bucher

  (2:01 PM)

Two-minute warning. Let's go rapid fire again. Ready? Here we go...

James (P.A)

Do you think with all the west stars coming to play on the east side, will make a difference come playoff time making it alot easier for the Lakers to make it to the finals without any problems?

Ric Bucher

  (2:01 PM)

No.

Bill Simmons ((Man Cave))

[beeeep]... [beeeep]... [beeeep]...

Ric Bucher

  (2:02 PM)

Exactly.

Noah (Los Angeles, CA)

Anybody want Josh Childress or Hedo Turkoglu?

Ric Bucher

  (2:02 PM)

The players, maybe. The contracts? No.

JS (NY)

I get the feeling you have no love for the NYK. WHY?

Ric Bucher

  (2:03 PM)

Nothing to do with love. For anybody. I'm a realist. Period.

Pat Riley (Miami)

Your analysis was spot on but couldnt one argue that with the 2 best fast break players in the league, they could create a weakness against the Celtics. When was the last time any team had the 2 best transition players, if the Celtics go big the Heat can use their speed to their advantage. They should also improve their half-court offense as the season goes on. They have already improved in that area from the beginning of the season.

Ric Bucher

  (2:04 PM)

Game is played below the rim in postseason at a halfcourt pace. Suns had several great transition players and couldn't get out of the conference.

Damon (Santa Cruz, CA)

Any chance the Jazz could land Iggy? He'd be a great 3 with Sloan.

Ric Bucher

  (2:04 PM)

No. Utah is saving money, not spending it.

jovan (compton)

Deng, Watson, Gibson,to the blazers for. Roy, and one of there bigs?

Ric Bucher

  (2:05 PM)

That's too much to give up, but I like the way you're thinking.

Charles (San Jose)

Amare's a much better rebounder than either Warrick or Hedo.

Ric Bucher

  (2:06 PM)

Fair enough. I didn't Phoenix made great moves after they dealt Amare. But he's not nearly what he should be, based on his talent.

Martin (Amarillo, TX)

Dirk for MVP?

Ric Bucher

  (2:08 PM)

He's on my list, too. But you'll have to wait for the debate to know who's No. 1. My time is up. You've all been great. Appreciate the absence of 400 of the same question posted by the same chatter and the general civility. Hope you're enjoying this as much as I am. Not sure if we're on again for Christmas Eve. If so, see you then. If not, hope you get everything on your wish list.