Chad Ford

  (1:00 PM)

Aloha everyone, thanks for coming to the chat today. Will take a few Finals questions, but the focus of the chat will be the NBA Draft and off-season moves. Let's roll ...

Clay Defayette (New York)

Will all this talk comparing LeBron to Jordan, isn't it time that we throw Wade in the same boat as MJ? If the Heat win, won't Dwyane earn MVP honors?

Chad Ford

  (1:04 PM)

Yes, Wade's been better in this series, but it was LeBron who dominated in Chicago. I think both players are great, they're just exploiting best match-ups. Though I have to say I'm a bit stumped at what was going on with LeBron last night. Shades of the Cavs LeBron there.

Billy OKC [via mobile]

You think the Heat should be really worried yet? The supporting cast finally helped Dirk who shot poorly and if they put it all together and hit uncontested layups (Barrea) and open 3's and such, it could get outta hand quickly for the Heat...

Chad Ford

  (1:06 PM)

I think the Heat have the most talent. But it feels like the Mavs want this more. Wade has been able to show consistent passion ... but the rest of the Heat haven't. Can heart trump pure talent. Right now it's even at 2-2 and if I'm a Heat fan, I'm worried. There is no lead that Dallas can't come back from and they just beat the Heat with a sick Nowitzki. I picked the Heat to win the series, but the truth is, it's a tossup right now.

Larry (Dallas )

I know Dirk gets all the headlines, but I think the 2nd most important player on the Mavs is Chandler. Agree?

Chad Ford

  (1:09 PM)

Agreed. This is the Tyson Chandler we all thought he could be when he entered the draft in 2001. It's taken a while for him to totally live up to the talent, but he's a big, big factor for Dallas.

Clay Defayette (New York)

Is Dirk a great player or just a great scorer?

Chad Ford

  (1:09 PM)

Great player.

Steve (DC)

Chad - Is it me, or is Bosh looking like the weakest third wheel option possible, given his supposed stature as an all-star? What gives?

Chad Ford

  (1:10 PM)

Confidence is a major issue for him. So are nerves. Did you see him bobble the ball over and over again down the stretch last night? If he's playing in a regular season game against the TWolves, he catches all three passes and finishes.

Patrick (South Bend)

Before the lockout, Monta Ellis gets traded for _______.

Chad Ford

  (1:12 PM)

If the Warriors can swing an Ellis for Iguodala deal, I think they'd be crazy not to do it. Iguodala is a much better fit next to Stephen Curry and would allow the team to become better defensively. I'm just not sure Ellis is a great fit in Philly. The Sixers do have a big lead guard in Jrue Holiday who defends ... so that helps. Just not sure it's the right fit.

Marcus (Mpls)

Do you think the TWolves will keep the 2nd pick or trade it?

Chad Ford

  (1:13 PM)

I think they trade. But they won't give the pick away. I think they're another possible destination for Monta Ellis. I think they're also intrigued if they could swap No. 2 for JaVale McGee.

Tom (Cleveland)

Does it look more and more like the Cavs are going to take Irving and Kanter at 1 and 4, Chad?

Chad Ford

  (1:16 PM)

Nothing has really changed. Irving in the lead for the No. 1 pick. No. 4 pick is pretty open. I still have them taking Kanter in my mock, but Jan Vesely, Jonas Valanciunas and Kawhi Leonard are all possibilities. So is the idea of trading the No. 4 pick. I've had several teams tell me that the Cavs have told them they'd consider moving No. 4 if they got a youngish veteran in return. Just not sure the No. 4 pick has enormous value in this draft.

Kirk (Cebu, Philippines)

What are the Jazz's plan at 3 and 12? Are they going to trade either pick?

Chad Ford

  (1:20 PM)

Still too early to tell. Brandon Knight in the lead, but Jazz now in Europe trying to figure out the final pieces of the puzzle on the Euros. I expect they'll get Enes Kanter back in for a more competitive workout as well. I think Kanter & Vesely are in the mix at No. 3. Ditto for Kemba. At 12 it depends on what they do at 3. If they go PG at 3, then I expect someone like Chris Singleton, Marcus Morris or Tobias Harris at 12. If they go big, Jimmer is a big possibility at 12.

Rhett (Toronto)

Chad, it's beginning to look like the top 4 in the draft are settled: Irving, Williams, Knight, Kanter. Does the uncertainty begin with the Raptors at 5?

Chad Ford

  (1:22 PM)

Not sure they are set. But most likely four? Yes. Kanter is the biggest wildcard of that group. Raptors group is Knight if he's there, Kemba Walker, Jan Vesely, Valanciunas and Kanter if he's there. Kawhi Leonard also a darkhorse. If Knight is off the board, I think they are leaning toward Vesely. He's been their favorite for most of the year and would be a good fit in Toronto.

Adam (San Diego)

Chad, was wondering whether you heard anything regarding Kawhi Leonard's workout yesterday with the Wizards?

Chad Ford

  (1:24 PM)

He got great feedback from the Wizards. He's a very strong possibility at No. 6. So is Vesely if he's on the board. Valanciunas, Kanter also in the mix. I do think there's a chance of the Wizards moving up. The reports that they have been super active about it are bogus, but there are some in Washington that want to totally remake the roster around Wall. If they're are willing to move McGee (a big if) ... they could get into the Top 2.

Nicky J (SLC)

Should the Jazz be worried that Jimmer won't be there at 12?

Chad Ford

  (1:26 PM)

I think they have to be a bit worried about the Kings at No. 7. As I reported last week, the Kings worked very hard to get Jimmer in. I know Brandon Knight is ahead of him on their board. Kemba may be too. Kawhi Leonard is also a guy they like. But Jimmer will get a serious look there. He fits a need and would be a very popular pick for a franchise trying to reinvigorate the fan base.

Charles (San Jose)

How would the Pistons' fanbase react on the odd chance of Isiah being their next coach? Is that the last place he's still held in high regard?

Chad Ford

  (1:27 PM)

Consider it a professional courtesy. They aren't hiring Isiah.

Courtney (Auburn Hills, MI)

Chad, I have a 2 part question. 1. Who is the Pistons front runner for head coach, and 2. Do you think Joe D would select another Euro? (or Biyambo)?

Chad Ford

  (1:31 PM)

Not sure there's a front runner though I think there is a relationship with Mike Woodson that makes some sense. As for the draft I think there's five guys on the radar Jonas Valanciunas, Kemba Walker, Jan Vesely, Bismack Biyombo and Tristan Thompson.

Alex (Charlotte)

Chad, what are the Bobcats plans? What players are at the top of their board? Any chance of a trade? Thanks

Chad Ford

  (1:37 PM)

Marcus Morris is a possibility. So is Klay Thompson. This is Kemba Walker's floor. I think they are going with a college vet and a proven commodity. Bobcats can't afford to keep messing up the draft.

Ryan (Madison, WI)

Do the Bucks have a good chance at picking up Alec Burks at 10?

Chad Ford

  (1:38 PM)

I think so. He's not the only guy they're looking at. Klay Thompson is in the mix there. Bismack Biyombo. Jordan Hamilton. Tristan Thompson. Good group.

Kish (San Jose, CA)

Klay Thompson to the Warriors at 11? West seems to really like him.

Chad Ford

  (1:39 PM)

I feel pretty good about this one. Chance Thompson isn't there at 11. But seems like the Warriors really like him. If they move Monta Ellis, he makes a lot of sense.

Cole Taylor (Spokane, WA)

What are the chances the Suns move Steve Nash in the next year?

Chad Ford

  (1:41 PM)

Tough call. He's their best asset, but he's sooooo valuable to the Suns that whatever they trade him for isn't going to fairly compensate the team. That's the dilemma. Lon Babby has a really tough call. He can keep trying to piece together a contender around Nash or he can blow it up. Neither option is particularly palatable.

Noah (Los Angeles, CA)

Let's say your mock draft went according to plan up until the Suns pick. If YOU were running the team, who would you pick?

Chad Ford

  (1:41 PM)

Jimmer probably. I think it would be great for him and the Suns to have Nash mentor him for the next year. I also like Tristan Thompson a lot here. Gives them some toughness on the offensive boards.

Mike (Houston)

What are the Rockets plans? Is Morey trying to move up in the draft?

Chad Ford

  (1:44 PM)

Morey is always trying to move. He's one of the most active GMs in the league and I think, right now, virtually everything and everyone is on the table. As far as predicting their draft ... 14 is where things really start to break down ... lots of options ... Biyombo, Hamilton, Tobias Harris, Marcus Morris, Nikola Vucevic.

Bryon (Indy)

If Jimmer is gone at 15, who do the Pacers take? I know Larry is looking for veterans, any trade rumors?

Chad Ford

  (1:46 PM)

Another big question mark. I expect the Pacers to be very active ... but their biggest asset (cap room) isn't available to them until after the lockout is over. I wonder whether they or the Grizzlies will reconsider an OJ Mayo deal for 15. I also think they like Klay Thompson, Marshon Brooks as guards and Tristan Thompson, Kenneth Faried and the Morris twins as bigs.

Chuck (Queens)

Does it hurt the Knicks, that every year, they let everyone know a month early who they're targeting? It cost them Steph Curry, Russell Westbrook.

Chad Ford

  (1:49 PM)

Not really. I don't think teams are drafting guys because the Knicks like them. Doesn't work that way.

Sam (NYC)

Will Selby be there for the Knicks at 17?

Chad Ford

  (1:51 PM)

Think so. Knicks hoping Klay Thompson or Jimmer Fredette would be there, but if not, Selby, Marshon Brooks and Kenneth Faried look like the guys.

Jonathan (NY)

Why do you spend so much time reporting on workouts. Aren't they bogus? I mean, after spending all that time scouting, why would guys be rising and falling in the draft this time of the year ... doesn't make sense.

Chad Ford

  (1:54 PM)

Yes and no. Workouts are probably overrated. I think a team makes a big mistake if they dramatically change their opinion on a prospect they've scouted well based on one workout. However, it happens and it's happening. Look at players like Marshon Brooks and Klay Thompson and Nikola Vucevic. They all played at least 3 years of college ball. All were well scouted. All were considered late first round/second round picks by teams in April. Now they're up 20 spots. How else do you explain it? They didn't play more games. Didn't change as players. Draft is pretty fluid and workouts matter.

Airete (Minnesota)

So is this going to be remembered as the year of the Euro/big? It seems like we have half a dozen center prospects and or near 7' Euros likely to go in the first.

Chad Ford

  (1:59 PM)

Could be. A number of teams are in Europe right now trying to figure things out. Some are watching Jan Vesely play in the Serbia finals. Others are in Spain watching Bismack Biyombo. A ton of teams will be at the Adidas Eurocamp this weekend. Still doing the last bit of scouting.

aaron (seattle)

When is your next mock draft coming out?

Chad Ford

  (1:59 PM)

It's here ... Mock Draft 4.0. Enjoy http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/draft2011/insider/columns/story?columnist=ford_chad&page=MockDraft-110608

Chad Ford

  (1:59 PM)

It's here ... Mock Draft 4.0. Enjoy http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/draft2011/insider/columns/story?columnist=ford_chad&page=MockDraft-110608

Chad Ford

  (2:00 PM)

Gotta run everyone. I'm heading over to Europe for the Eurocamp. Will talk to you next week. Aloha.