Chad Ford

  (1:02 PM)

Aloha everyone. Thanks for coming to the chat today. After a 2 week hiatus overseas, I'm back and ready to roll. Since I last chatted some dude named Jeremy Lin has started getting a few minutes I hear ...

harry (nz)

Do you think Jeremy Lin would have ever broken through if not for this chance with the knicks?

Chad Ford

  (1:05 PM)

Maybe. The teams that had him, liked him. But there's no question the Knicks were the perfect fit for him. Mike D'Antoni gave Lin the green light and players like Lin need coaches who trust them and let them play by instinct out on the floor. It was an ideal situation for Lin and an ideal situation for the Knicks. I say ever draft year that with the exception of a small handful of players -- what team a player lands on and who his coach is may be the biggest factor in their success. If for example, Jimmer had landed in NY instead of Sacramento -- would he be lighting it up instead of getting DNP's?

JKI (Work)

Where should Jeremy Lin have been drafted coming out of college?

Chad Ford

  (1:09 PM)

A bit of a confession here. I like Lin at Harvard but then saw him in a two day workout in Vegas before the draft and thought he was overmatched and not ready for the NBA. I predicted he wouldn't be drafted and frankly, thought he shouldn't be drafted. Lin wasn't happy with the column and posted a picture of me in his locker to motivate him. Clearly that worked out for him. I was sort of right (he wasn't drafted and based on his rookie D-League performance wasn't ready) and totally wrong. Lin is a really good basketball player and I completely whiffed on him. I didn't see this coming. I'm happy for him. Proves that hard work pays off if you don't give up on your dream.

Steven (Cleveland)

Someone remind the nation that Kyrie Irving is outplaying Jeremy Lin.

Chad Ford

  (1:10 PM)

Not sure that's totally fair -- Irving's been great, but so has Lin. They've both been awesome. But Irving was the No. 1 pick in the draft. Lin went undrafted. That's why you're seeing Lin get all of the love.

Younger (Torrance, CA)

Any trade chatter? Seems quiet, when do you expect teams to make a move big or small?

Chad Ford

  (1:12 PM)

I expect you'll see things heat up starting this weekend at the All-Star game. The trade deadline isn't until March 15th this year. GMs are still trying to figure out their teams. Even the best teams are hitting swoons because of their schedule ... it's very unpredictable. I think you'll see GMs wait as long as possible so they can get a better handle on their teams.

Rob (St Louis)

The raw numbers for Gasol are still pretty good, and I bet on most teams he would be a 20-10 guy again. Why aren't the star-less teams (Denver, Indiana, Philly) going after him harder? Seems like he could be had.

Chad Ford

  (1:14 PM)

Age. Price Tag. Motivation. Why would teams give up younger players who make less money for a 31 year old PF who appears to be in decline and who would be VERY unhappy if he was moved from LA to Denver, Indy or Philly. Gasol would help those teams in the short run ... no question. But long-term I think they're better off staying the course with what they have.

Grant (OKC)

The Lakers have to make some moves, mainly upgrading at PG and SF, not to mention their bench. What are the most likely moves that would take place??

Chad Ford

  (1:17 PM)

It's clear they are using Gasol as a chip to get back a star. The Lakers think big and they can. I still think the Magic have to consider a deal of Gasol and Bynum for Dwight Howard and fill in the blanks. That's a lot for the Lakers to give up ... but their best chance of landing a potential superstar to replace Kobe someday. For the Magic -- getting a potentially dominant young center is as good as it's going to get. Dwight Howard is likely going to leave. The Magic should get something now before it's too late. Waiting until the summer to make a deal would be a major mistake for them.

Billy (Newark)

Does Deron Williams leave NJ this summer?

Chad Ford

  (1:22 PM)

Probably. The only scenario where he doesn't is if the Nets swing a deal for Dwight Howard at the trade deadline. At that point, I think Williams hangs around. If that doesn't happen, I think Williams will join Dwight Howard (assuming he's not traded to the Lakers in March) in Dallas next summer. Lots of signals pointing to this being the preferred outcome for both players.

Kevin (San Diego)

Let's think out of the box for one second. I really like Gasol, and I am a HUGE fan of team ball. So... Gasol for Anthony? I could care less if Anthony and Kobe would be fighting for the ball. But, could Gasol play the five in the Knicks' offense?

Chad Ford

  (1:24 PM)

Where does Tyson Chandler play ... who, by the way, has been the Knicks most important player not named Lin this season? If it was Amare for Gasol? I'd do that in a second if I'm the Knicks. But I just don't see the Lakers pulling the trigger on that one. Unless the Knicks had another deal up their sleeve for Amare or Chandler, doesn't make a lot of sense to me.

Todd (MPLS)

Are you surprised with the recent play of the T-Wolves' Nikola Pekovic?

Chad Ford

  (1:25 PM)

A little bit. But toughness goes a long way in the NBA.

Nathan (Portland)

Do you see Greg Oden ever playing again? His career in Portland is over, but is he done with the NBA completely?

Chad Ford

  (1:27 PM)

I'm just so sad for Oden. He's a great human being who was so, so gifted. I remember watching him at a private workout in Indiana before the draft and just being blown away by the things he could do when he's healthy and being even more impressed with what kind of person he was. I don't see a road back from this ... but I bet Oden will try. Devastating for both him and the Blazers. Say what you will about the injury concerns that docs had before the draft. No one would've predicted this.

Dexter (pdx)

How bad does Raymond Felton (and his agent) miss D'Antoni?

Chad Ford

  (1:27 PM)

LOTS of players miss Mike D'Antoni.

Stephan (Palo Alto, CA)

The Warriors have to trade for a big, right? I'm a big Monta fan but if he had to go, I see only a few real solid options to get back in return. What about Granger? Pacers could slide Monta to the 2, George to the 3 then the Warriors could run Rush/Thompson/Granger/Wright at the 2 and 3 positions. I'd love to see them get Hibbert but that won't happen. Do you have any idea who they're targeting as the trade deadline approaches?

Chad Ford

  (1:29 PM)

Possible. The Pacers want a go to scorer. The Warriors could replace Monta with Klay Thompson. George could slide to the three. Makes more sense for Warriors than Pacers however for two reasons. One is that Monta is a terrible defender and the Pacers backcourt would be really undersized. Two, Monta's lack of a consistent three point shot is a problem.

vincent (md)

Is maturity the only thing between Javale McGee and superstardom?

Chad Ford

  (1:31 PM)

Yes. But its a BIG problem right now.

Mike (NJ)

Souldn't Minnesota and Philadelphia swap Evan Turner and Derrick Williams? This eliminates duplication and fills holes on both times. Plus, they were both number two picks in the draft, which is highly entertaining.

Chad Ford

  (1:34 PM)

Not a terrible idea ... but Turner isn't a shooter and I think the Wolves really need a guy who can stroke it at the 2.

JR (Chicago)

If Eric Gordon was healthy (and amendable to an extension), would a Gordon-Derrick Williams trade make sense for the Wolves and Hornets?

Chad Ford

  (1:34 PM)

That's better ...

Imraan (Washington, DC)

Why hasn't John Wall had a larger impact on the Wizards? I heard great things about him out of college but now he just hasn't hit the stardom predicted from him. Is it the Wizards or is it him?

Chad Ford

  (1:36 PM)

I think it's the Wizards. Bad culture. Immature teammates. But I'm still surprised he hasn't impacted the team more. He's been a mild disappointment for me. So much talent there. The Wizards need to blow up this entire team (sans Trevor Booker) and get some adults in there.

Peter (Seattle)

Stephen Jackson. Total mistake by the Bucks, and he must be giving coach a heart attack. Heard any rumors?

Chad Ford

  (1:37 PM)

Bucks. Bobcats. Warriors. Pacers ... when are GMs going to get a clue on Jackson. He's a great scorer ... but isn't worth the headache.

Mike (CT)

Can Charlotte get better short term? It looks scary

Chad Ford

  (1:38 PM)

Sure. Getting the No. 1 pick and taking Anthony Davis. Short of that ... it's going to be a while. Awful. Awful. Awful.

Blake (Chicago)

the Chicago media has Bulls fans salivating at the thought of a Pau Gasol trade... any chance this gets done?

Chad Ford

  (1:40 PM)

Bulls have wanted Gasol for a long time. Just not sure why the Lakers would do that deal ... at least not right now.

David (Chicago)

I watched Irving v. Knight last night. Just wow. Any reason why these two won't be one of the league's better rivalries in a couple of seasons? Hellofan influx of great young PG's when you add Rubio and Lin, eh?

Chad Ford

  (1:44 PM)

We are in the golden era of point guards right now. Deepest position of any in the league. Paul, Rose, Westbrook, Williams, Parker, Nash, Lowry, Rondo, Irving, Rubio, Curry, Wall as potentially Holiday, Jennings, Knight, Walker ... Lin. It's amazing. Good thing too because this year's draft doesn't have much in the way of PG prospects.

john (Toronto)

As a raps fan I'm really hoping they get Kidd-Gilchrist. I notice you have them taking him on your mock draft. Do you think he'll be available at 5 if the raps pick there? Any word on their level of interest, would they take him if they picked 2nd, for instance?

Chad Ford

  (1:45 PM)

His range right now looks like 2-6. Other than Anthony Davis, he may be my personal favorite player in the draft. He plays so hard and can do so many things. I thought he put on a clinic last night in that Mississippi State game. If he was a more consistent three point threat he'd be the No. 2 pick in the draft for sure.

Mike Hunt (Temecula)

Is River's a top 10 pick?

Chad Ford

  (1:46 PM)

Not this year. He's helped himself a little lately and that huge game winner against UNC in front of a ton of scouts was great. But I really think he needs another year in school. He'd probably be a Top 20 pick if he declared, but could go a lot higher with another year in school.

Adam (Utah)

Any chance the Jazz draft Damian Lillard?

Chad Ford

  (1:48 PM)

Yes. Right now it looks like they'll have 2 picks in the late lottery. They really need a point guard. Lillard and Tony Wroten Jr are the two top PGs on the board. Wroten may have more upside, but Lillard is a much safer bet. Currently we have him going No. 9 to the Jazz in our latest Lottery Mock Draft Machine. http://espn.go.com/nba/lottery2012/mockdraft

James F. (Palestine, Texas)

Chad draft question - Who do you think has the most potential and will have the bigger impact in the NBA out of the two top SGs Beal and Lamb?

Chad Ford

  (1:50 PM)

Tough one. They are neck and neck on our Big Board. I'm a Beal fan personally. Think he's playing in a tough system for him right now. In high school, thought he was a combo of Ray Allen and Eric Gordon. Still believe he could be a major impact player at the two in the NBA. I like Lamb a lot too ... just feel Beal may have a more complete game. I wouldn't hesitate taking Beal in the Top 5 ... GMs are a little cooler on him.

Christian (Syracuse)

Dion Waiters and Fab Melo may leave SU after this season. Where abouts in the draft could they land?

Chad Ford

  (1:52 PM)

Both somewhere between 15 and 30. It would be really great if both players stayed in school another year. Waiters needs to work on that jumper and Melo just needs another year of seasoning. I'm not sure either is totally ready for the next level. I think Waiters would go ahead of Melo however.

John (Sacramento)

Did you watch Kentucky-Miss. St. last night? Arnett Moultrie looked pretty good against Davis. What's his draft range?

Chad Ford

  (1:53 PM)

He's a great athlete and has size. Somewhere between 10-20.

Todd (Tn)

If Nerlens Noel and Shabaaz Muhammed were allowed in this draft what does the top 5 look like?

Chad Ford

  (1:54 PM)

They're both in it. After Davis ... a bit of a let down with Harrison Barnes, Andre Drummond and Perry Jones. Kidd-Gilchrist is probably a lock in that 5. But Noel and Muhammed would probably push out Barnes and Drummond. Jones has already slid out of the Top 5 into the mid lottery.

David (St. Louis)

Perry Jones seems to be dropping in your top 100. Just because he's passive? Can that be fixed?

Chad Ford

  (1:55 PM)

Actually. Motor, heart ... whatever you want to call it is one of the hardest things to fix.

Lee (Ca)

How far could Perry Jones drop?

Chad Ford

  (1:55 PM)

He's down to 10 on our Big Board. Could slide again if he doesn't pick it up soon.

Chad Ford

  (1:57 PM)

Gotta run everyone. Thanks for coming to the chat today. No more overseas trips for a while ... so we'll be doing this again next week. Have a great All-Star Weekend!