Chad Ford

  (1:04 PM)

Aloha everyone. Thanks for coming to the chat today. We'll talk NBA Finals, some off-season stuff and lots of NBA Draft today. Let's roll ...

Andrew (Miami)

IT'S OVER! Right? and more importantly, why doesn't the NBA realize that its 2-3-2 format for the finals makes no sense competitively speaking compared to the normal 2-2-1-1-1? (and yes, I know the Heat only won in 06 because of the 2-3-2...and some magic by D-Wade)

Chad Ford

  (1:06 PM)

It's not over. Not even close. But if Dwyane Wade and LeBron are going to hit crazy shots and defend like that every game ... then yeah, it's probably over.

Joe (NYC)

At what point will ANY team this postseason go big against Miami? Miami doesn't have the personnel to match up against a big lineup, especially not one the Mavs could trot out with Dirk-Haywood-Chandler. Any chance we see Dallas go big this series?

Chad Ford

  (1:07 PM)

Could happen, but mismatches on one end create mismatches on the other end as well. Miami has had a lot of success with that small line-up ...

Adam (Cleveland)

Winner of game 1 wins the series 76% of the time... which means the loser of game 1 wins the series 24% of the time... so it's not over... why do people overreact? Dallas missed a bunch of open shots, and forced LeBron and Wade to take jumpshots... except they made them... still seems like the formula to beat the Heat, or at least have an opportunity to, right?

Chad Ford

  (1:08 PM)

I think Mavs aren't going to stray from the forumula just yet. I think they had a good game plan. If Wade and LeBron are going to shoot like that, there is no game plan.

Josh (Vancouver)

Dirk should have won in 2006 but LeBron needs to win more this year, he has too many critics to silence. Right?

Chad Ford

  (1:12 PM)

For the most part the critics have shut up ... haven't they? I love how the new narrative is that we knew all along that the Heat were going to win multiple championships ... that's not what I remember reading around the country. I think in retrospect we all understand that LeBron handled things the wrong way in free agency and we all overreacted (I'm excluding Cavs fans ... they have a right to overreact). LeBron is the best player in the world and with a good team around him ... he's going to compete for a championship every year he's healthy.

juan (ny,ny)

Two parts, one - what stock do you put in the report Howard is going to sign an extension? and if so, does this hurt the Nets chances of retaining DWill? Thanks - your chats are great.

Chad Ford

  (1:14 PM)

He may be concerned about what the new CBA would do to his earning power ... which would explain a two year extension. I don't think the Nets were favorites to land Dwight anyway ... so no ... don't think it dramatically affects the decision from DWill. I think the question will be ... can the Magic figure out a way to add more talent around him? They've boxed themselves into a bit of a corner with the Arenas deal.

Jay (Bloomington, IN)

What is the likelihood that Golden State trades Ellis and where do you think he could end up?

Chad Ford

  (1:16 PM)

They have to do something with that backcourt and I don't think they're parting ways with Stephen Curry. Both Ellis and Curry are talented, but they aren't great fits together. I think they'll be interest in Ellis around the league. He can get his own shot and there are plenty of teams out there who will have interest in that. The question is ... how much do the Warriors want in return. No one will break the bank for him either.

Marcus (Orlando)

Are the Magic basically praying for an amnesty clause in the new CBA at this point, or are there other, smaller deals that they can do?

Chad Ford

  (1:19 PM)

They are. The Lakers are. The Wizards are. I could go on. The problem is that there have been a lot of small market teams that have been incredibly frugal. Why would they agree to let the big market teams off for making irresponsible gambles. The most underreported story out of the whole CBA negotiations is the major split between big market and small market owners on everything from amnesty to more important issues like revenue sharing. It's tough to have labor peace with the union when NBA owners can't get their own house in order.

Justin (Cleveland)

What is the likelihood of the Cleveland-Detroit-Minnesota trade we are hearing rumors of?

Chad Ford

  (1:20 PM)

Cleveland would love to get the NO. 2 pick. Minnesota is open to moving it. No way Detroit gives up the No. 8 pick to dump Rip Hamilton in his last year. If Cavs-Wolves do a deal, it will either be straight up or under a different configuration.

Joe (NYC)

What is more likely for the Bulls this offseason: minor tweaks or major changes? Are they just going to look to add a 2 guard in free agency or could we see a big trade this summer? (Carlos Boozer for Ben Gordon? Boozer and change for Elton Brand and Andre Iguodala? Anything?)

Chad Ford

  (1:26 PM)

I think everyone agrees the Bulls need another scoring option at the two. Problem is how to get it. Their picks are probably too late in the draft to get an impact player in Year One. Not much cap flexibility. They want to keep their core together of Rose-Noah-Boozer. Luol Deng is the trade bait. Just not sure he's goign to get you a lot back in return. Lots of speculation they could be after Ellis, but I think they're looking for a shooter. Wouldn't be surprised if they moved up in the draft. They really like Klay Thompson.

mike (cleveland)

If the Cavs are able to unload the #4 overall pick and the trade exception, would they be more likely to land Rudy Gay, Monta Ellis or Andre Iguodala?

Chad Ford

  (1:28 PM)

Gay has the most interest right now. The Grizzlies still have to lock up Marc Gasol to a long-term deal and after their run this year, I think they believe Rudy isn't a necessity. Cavs would love him. But they're not the only team. He's a bit overpaid, but he's just 24 years old. Clippers would love to get their hands on him. Just not sure they have the players to get it done.

hoosier109 (indianapolis)

Pacers have interest in Jimmer.. Is larry sold.. Take me off the edge..

Chad Ford

  (1:30 PM)

Bird is a fan. Jimmer nailed his interview with the Pacers in Chicago and he fits a need -- a scorer off the bench who can play both backcourt positions. I heard he looked very good in his workout yesterday. I'm not sure Jimmer lasts that long in the draft. The Jazz and Suns draft ahead of Indy and they both have interest. And a darkhorse for Jimmer is the Sacramento Kings. He's coming in to workout there and I hear there's a lot of interest if Brandon Knight and Kemba Walker are off the board.

Wally (Florida)

Enes Kanter closer to Darko or Bynum?

Chad Ford

  (1:31 PM)

Like both of those guys, he's a major gamble. He has the physical tools and the talent. But you're rolling the dice. I will say that I think he might have a better shot than Darko just because he's got a much better attitude and work ethic. But anyone who tells you they know he's going to be a star or a bust is full of it. We just don't have enough game film to know for sure. But the talent is there.

Drew (Boston)

There are reports out that Reggie Jackson from BC had surgery over the last month or so. How will that affect him come draft day?

Chad Ford

  (1:32 PM)

He had a minor procedure done on his knee on May 17th. He's supposed to begin workouts in the second week of June. All of the talk about the Celtics or Nets making him a promise are bogus. He's hurt, but I'm told it's not serious.

Kevin (SLC)

Any reason the Jazz would package their picks to move up?

Chad Ford

  (1:35 PM)

Yes and no. Jazz like Derrick Williams and Kyrie Irving. They'd probably package to get them. Then again, if Minnesota doesn't move their pick, Williams could slide to three. I think the Jazz like where they are at. But Kevin O'Connor isn't afraid to move up.

Brad (OR)

Can you make the case that Knight could be a better pro than Irving?

Chad Ford

  (1:36 PM)

Yes. He's bigger. A better athlete. He progressed a lot during his freshman year. All of the mistakes he makes are fixable. Irving is further along in his development, but Knight has the physical tools to overtake him if it all comes together for him.

spanky (NH)

does landry fields plus #17 move the knicks high enough to secure fredette? i can see fields in a utah uni...or are there other alternatives for the knicks to move up?

Chad Ford

  (1:37 PM)

Probably. They like him and there's almost no chance he's there at 17. But they like other players like Klay Thompson, Josh Selby, Marshon Brooks, and Kenneth Faried too. One of those guys should be there.

Samuel (Toronto)

Do you think it is a lock that Brandon Knight will go to the Jazz? And do you see any way Toronto trades up?

Chad Ford

  (1:38 PM)

No. Far from a lock. Jazz will do workouts, interviews. They're in Chicago on Thursday and Friday to see Enes Kanter ... still a lot of homework to do.

John (Spokane)

Main concern, more than his defense, is JIMMER'S court vision? Disagree or Agree?

Chad Ford

  (1:40 PM)

No. Most GMs think he'll be a good PG. Just needs to adjust to a different role. Defense is the bigger concern by far.

Jay (Bloomington, IN)

Best case scenario: How many future all-stars come out of this draft? 2?

Chad Ford

  (1:41 PM)

No. Best case is 3 or 4. Likely? No all-stars, but lots of solid players.

Guani (Boston)

The suns have no workout scheduled, are they trading the pick AGAIN? Have you heard anything other than they are going with defense? Thanks Chad

Chad Ford

  (1:44 PM)

Bit strange, but it's early. They could get it going closer to the draft. If they don't do any workouts, then I'd be concerned. The team is in a very weird position. They are good enough to compete for an eighth seed, but probably need to blow up and rebuild. They would, but they think the backlash from trading Nash would be enormous and ... it's not at all clear that Nash will get them something of major value in return. Not sure which direction Lon Babby takes it ... he inherited a very tough situation.

spanky (NH)

any buzz on parsons? dude is 6-10 and has every skill, including the coveted range

Chad Ford

  (1:46 PM)

He's been really impressive in workouts. Teams just wonder about the toughness ... He could be a sleeper.

Marcos (Puerto Rico)

How is Tobias Harris not considered top 10? In a draft like this don't you think a guy who was top 10 high school recruited and play pretty well in his freshmen year deserve a good look in the top 10?

Chad Ford

  (1:47 PM)

He might be. But he measured short (his 8-7 standing reach is five inches shorter than Derrick Williams) and he's still an emerging shooter. I think he's a Shane Battier type player, but he'd be very lucky to have Battier's career. His range is probably 11-22.

Daniel (Venice, Italy)

Is Kenneth Farried too small to play pf?

Chad Ford

  (1:50 PM)

No. NBA teams look at standing reach, not height. He has a 9 foot standing reach. That's good size for a power forward in the NBA. Three inches taller than Blake Griffin for example.

Mike (VA)

Where are the most likely landing spots for the two Duke players, Smith and Singler?

Chad Ford

  (1:50 PM)

First round bubble for both. But right now I'm projecting both in the early second round.

Flin (SA, TX)

Will the Spurs pick another under the radar prospect and stash him away for a few years or try to get someone who can play now to add to their bench depth? They need some young talent.

Chad Ford

  (1:51 PM)

They like USC's Nikola Vucevic a lot ... and he's a NOW player. But I don't think he'll be there at 29. Vucevic is really rising on draft boards. I have them taking Jeremy Tyler right now in my mock. Great value and the Spurs know how to develop talent.

Adam (Cleveland)

Norris Cole of CSU...predictions?

Chad Ford

  (1:52 PM)

Like him a lot. NOt sure he sneaks into the first round because not many teams in the 20s need PGs ... but he's a first round talent to me.

Guy (MT)

How does Nikola Vuevic fit on the Sixers? Seems like Center would be a need with Hawes being the starter.

Chad Ford

  (1:55 PM)

Sixers are saying they're taking best talent available. .... but they need a big man. Vucevic is the tallest player in the draft and he's a talent. Markieff Morris is another possibility ... though he's more of a stretch four.

Mike (Christiansburg)

Are Valanciunas and Motiejunas and Vesely lottery picks? And more news of the rise of Bismack Biyombo?

Chad Ford

  (1:56 PM)

Vesely for sure. Valanciunas for sure if he gets buyout situation worked out. Even if he doesn't, he still probably goes in Top 14. Biyombo is a likely yes too, though teams are trying to get more info. Motiejunas is on the bubble. Some teams like him, some teams don't.

Adam (Cleveland)

Do you see Derrick Williams as a 3 or a 4? For a team like the Cavs, can he play 3 because the Cavs have Hickson and Varejao at the 4 and 5.

Chad Ford

  (1:57 PM)

I think he's a four. He think he's a three. Most NBA teams agree with me.

G-Money (Miami)

This draft seems to be weak at the top, but has decent depth towards the end of the first round. Do you see any second round PGs flourishing in the league (i.e. Nolan Smith, Darius Morris)?

Chad Ford

  (1:59 PM)

For sure. I think people misunderstand the criticism of the draft. The top two picks are really good ... but they aren't superstar caliber. The next 10 players in the draft are typcially the sorts of players you get in the late lottery to mid first round. But after that, the draft is really loaded into the mid to late 30s. If I'm drafting anywhere between 15-35, I'm happy with the draft.

Lee (Indy)

The Wolves need a backcourt shot creator. Will they get one this year? (I think I asked this same question last year)

Chad Ford

  (2:00 PM)

Monta Ellis for the No. 2 pick? Would give the Warriors money and value. Wolves will have the room this summer to absorb the hit. Would make some sense for both teams.

Chad Ford

  (2:01 PM)

Gotta run everyone. Thanks for coming to the chat today. See you next week.