Hoops Rumors Featured Feedback

We value your input on the news we cover here at Hoops Rumors. That’s why we’re passing along some of the best insight from our comments and the Hoops Rumors Facebook page. Share your reaction to and insight on the news and rumors around the league, and you’ll have a chance to see your name here. Check out what readers had to say in previous editions of Hoops Rumors Featured Feedback.

It’s easy to sign up and start commenting on Hoops Rumors. First, read our Commenting Policy. Then, scroll to the bottom of any post, and you’ll see the word “Login” on the right side atop the comments section. Click the word and choose whether you want to comment using a Disqus account or your existing Facebook, Twitter or Google account. If you don’t have a Disqus account and you want to create one, just choose that option and click “Need an account?” at the bottom right of the box that pops up.

This week, we’ll start with input from reader Z…., who looked ahead at what Rick Adelman‘s retirement means for the Wolves.

Hopefully, this doesnt cost them Kevin Love if he wasn’t already all but gone. He has said a multitude of times in interviews that one of the things he wants is for Adelman to remain the coach. Obviously, there are extenuating circumstances here, but it still could be something to think about. That team has had so much bad luck over the past three years. Their peripherals always suggest they should be much better. Their injuries have really hurt them, including this year. They really just need one more wing player that can provide some defense or maybe someone that can guard the point guard spot, and they could be a playoff team in the West…I would also like to see Kevin Love’s defense improve a little heading into next season.

There was also a coaching change in New York, where the Knicks fired Mike Woodson. Brian Paolercio thinks the fate of whomever Phil Jackson picks to be the team’s next coach could hinge on one of the league’s most mercurial players.

• I will always be thankful for the good times, but when the bad times hit it felt like the wheels came off and he couldn’t stop the bleeding. Hopefully the rest of the team buys into this, but if J.R. Smith, Woodson’s pet project of sorts, buys into what Phil is doing, then I suspect a lot of the rest of the team will too.

Aaron Harrison and brother Andrew Harrison have let the suspense build as the April 27th deadline for underclassmen to enter the draft approaches. Carl Glover took to the Hoops Rumors Facebook Page to share his thoughts on whether they’ll enter the draft and just how well they can play in the NBA.

• “If one goes, they both go. I think that is the consensus. I think they go simply because of this. I don’t ever see them becoming top-10 picks, unless they stay all four years which I don’t see happening, either. If [Tyler] Ennis is a lottery pick and Elfrid Payton from ULL is a potential top 25 pick, I can definitely see Andrew Harrison falling between the two of them. My thing is, 6’5″, 215-pound point guards (only 19 years old) just don’t grow on trees. Bring him in as a backup for two or three years where he only has to play 20 MPG and then give him the reins.”

We appreciate everyone who adds to the dialogue at Hoops Rumors, and we look forward to seeing more responses like these from you!

We value your input on the news we cover here at Hoops Rumors. That’s why we’re passing along some of the best insight from our comments and the Hoops Rumors Facebook page. Share your reaction to and insight on the news and rumors around the league, and you’ll have a chance to see your name here. Check out what readers had to say in previous editions of Hoops Rumors Featured Feedback.

It’s easy to sign up and start commenting on Hoops Rumors. First, read our Commenting Policy. Then, scroll to the bottom of any post, and you’ll see the word “Login” on the right side atop the comments section. Click the word and choose whether you want to comment using a Disqus account or your existing Facebook, Twitter or Google account. If you don’t have a Disqus account and you want to create one, just choose that option and click “Need an account?” at the bottom right of the box that pops up.

This week, we’ll start with input about a team that, for all its struggles, still has a shot at a No. 1 seed. There’s reportedly an outside chance that Larry Bird will take over the coaching duties for the Pacers before the playoffs. Commenter Kevin Alberda doesn’t think Frank Vogel is the true source of Indiana’s second-half malaise.

“Maybe Larry Bird should look inward and realize that he made a poor trade. [Evan] Turner is a slight improvement over [Danny] Granger at this point, but was it worth messing wtih chemistry? Nah. Hope Bird does go to the sidelines, the Pistons could use Frank Vogel.”

Marvin Williams appeared on a list of free agents who seem unlikely to return to their teams, but rxbrgr cites an earlier report in his rebuttal.

• Seems like Marvin Williams would be a good bet to return to the Jazz … they hold his Bird rights AND refused a first-rounder for him at the deadline. I think other teams would hesitate to give him mid-level money. I’m also surprised to see Boris Diaw, C.J. Miles, Kris Humphries, and Devin Harris on the list. All seem like good fits for the team who’ve made positive impacts there.

Curtis Smith‘s team has endured a long season, but with the Lakers keeping GM Mitch Kupchak around for the long haul, Curtis is optimistic.

• As a Laker fan i agree with this decision to extend his contract. I have full faith in him to rebuild this team and return us back to a playoff team … now hopefully he doesn’t miss on this lottery pick this year. I expect this to be his last trip to the lottery as the Laker GM.

We appreciate everyone who adds to the dialogue at Hoops Rumors, and we look forward to seeing more responses like these from you!

We value your input on the news we cover here at Hoops Rumors. That’s why we’re passing along some of the best insight from our comments and the Hoops Rumors Facebook page. Share your reaction to and insight on the news and rumors around the league, and you’ll have a chance to see your name here. Check out what readers had to say in previous editionsof Hoops Rumors Featured Feedback.

It’s easy to sign up and start commenting on Hoops Rumors. First, read our Commenting Policy. Then, scroll to the bottom of any post, and you’ll see the word “Login” on the right side atop the comments section. Click the word and choose whether you want to comment using a Disqus account or your existing Facebook, Twitter or Google account. If you don’t have a Disqus account and you want to create one, just choose that option and click “Need an account?” at the bottom right of the box that pops up.

Reader Rodrigues_Islander joins Warriors players in coming to the defense of coach Mark Jackson, who’s been at the center of controversy of late, perhaps thanks in part to the team’s expectation that it should be contending for the Western Conference title.

• The Warriors have NOT underachieved this year. Of the teams that are ahead of them, with the possible exception of Portland, who are they better than? None. San Antonio, OKC, the Clippers, or the Rockets? Nope. It’s very likely the first-round opponent will be Houston or the Clippers: a probable first-round exit. Mark Jackson has done well. Why we’re in a hurry to dump him is beyond me.

We ask readers a nightly question on the Hoops Rumors Facebook page, and Zachary Padulsky offered his thoughts on the idea that Julius Randle has played himself into consideration to become one of the top two picks.

• No, however, I still see him as being more NBA-ready than a lot of the prospects. He does need to work on finishing with his right hand, but he is also still a physical beast. I’m a big fan of his game, and that has not wavered since the first night of the college season.

Chris Kaman once more vented his frustration with the Lakers, and Austin thinks the soon-to-be free agent center should look in the mirror.

• So … Kaman does not get a long with [Rick] Carlisle in Dallas … and does not get along with [Mike] D’Antoni in L.A … Ever think you might be the problem, Chris?

We appreciate everyone who adds to the dialogue at Hoops Rumors, and we look forward to seeing more responses like these from you!

We value your input on the news we cover here at Hoops Rumors. That’s why we’re passing along some of the best insight from our comments and the Hoops Rumors Facebook page. Share your reaction to and insight on the news and rumors around the league, and you’ll have a chance to see your name here. Check out what readers had to say in previous editions of Hoops Rumors Featured Feedback.

It’s easy to sign up and start commenting on Hoops Rumors. First, read our Commenting Policy. Then, scroll to the bottom of any post, and you’ll see the word “Login” on the right side atop the comments section. Click the word and choose whether you want to comment using a Disqus account or your existing Facebook, Twitter or Google account. If you don’t have a Disqus account and you want to create one, just choose that option and click “Need an account?” at the bottom right of the box that pops up.

We’ll turn to the Hoops Rumors Facebook page first this time around, where we asked who should coach the Knicks next season. Reader Rashard Green threw his support behind the embattled incumbent.

• “I’m going to go with [Mike] Woodson. I don’t think all the blame should be put on him. There were various issues the Knicks faced this year that affected the season. In all seven years as the Hawks coach the team improved, so I think he can do the same in New York. I think there may be a few assistant coaching changes and some roster moves. Amar’e [Stoudemire]‘s huge contract has to go. [Raymond] Felton is going to have to go, too, for starters. J.R. Smith better tighten up or he’s going to be gone, too, which is a shame because he could be such a asset when he’s focused.”

The Bobcats traded Ramon Sessions at the deadline, but apparently he harbors no ill will toward the team, and the veteran guard would love to head back to Charlotte in free agency this summer. Such a move would have a ripple effect, ozzie says.

• Sessions did play well while a Bobcat but if he did come back, who would need to sit or go? Sessions and [Gary] Neal seem to play alike. I would think [Luke] Ridnour would be the odd man out depending on the draft.

The notion that the Lakers should trade their lottery pick this year in a deal for Kevin Love is a popular one in some circles, but not with jeremy, who urges patience.

• I would love to see Love as a Laker, but they’re better off signing him as a free agent and using the pick to help build the team. This is a team game, not a one-man show.

We appreciate everyone who adds to the dialogue at Hoops Rumors, and we look forward to seeing more responses like these from you!

We value your input on the news we cover here at Hoops Rumors. That’s why we’re passing along some of the best insight from our comments and the Hoops Rumors Facebook page. Share your reaction to and insight on the news and rumors around the league, and you’ll have a chance to see your name here. Check out what readers had to say in previous editions of Hoops Rumors Featured Feedback.

It’s easy to sign up and start commenting on Hoops Rumors. First, read our Commenting Policy. Then, scroll to the bottom of any post, and you’ll see the word “Login” on the right side atop the comments section. Click the word and choose whether you want to comment using a Disqus account or your existing Facebook, Twitter or Google account. If you don’t have a Disqus account and you want to create one, just choose that option and click “Need an account?” at the bottom right of the box that pops up.

This week, we’ll start with a team that has it’s eyes squarely on the future. The Sixers have lost 18 in a row and are closing in on the pole position for the draft lottery. Reader Zak Arn disagrees with the assertion that the Sixers will be just as woeful next season. Zak’s optimistic take was lengthy, so we’ll share a portion of it here:

• I don’t see the Sixers’ struggles this year translating to struggles next year. They’re almost guaranteed to get one of Jabari Parker/Andrew Wiggins with their first pick and they’ll get one of Marcus Smart/Rodney Hood/Doug McDermott/James Young. What they need to focus on in free agency is a legit four. Chris Bosh isn’t opting out. Pau Gasol/Al Harrington are too old. Zach Randolph will want too much money. I think they should go add a guy like Glen Davis on a one-year deal to place hold for 2015’s free agent class of LaMarcus Aldridge/Kevin Love. 

Speaking of Love, Chris Herring of the Wall Street Journal recently argued that the Timberwolves star and rumored Knicks target would be a poor fit next to Carmelo Anthony. Commenter alphakira doesn’t see it that way.

• *sigh* They say ‘Melo can’t play with Rajon Rondo because he can’t hit a jump shot and now they say ‘Melo can’t play with Love because he only can hit jump shots. Which is it? Many people (myself included) thought LeBron James and Dwyane Wade couldn’t co-exist because there’s only one ball … that worked out pretty well for them.

Charles Barkley is in favor of changing the lottery so every non-playoff team would have an equal chance at the No. 1 pick.  ManBearPig618 weighs the pros and cons of Barkley’s idea and Celtics assistant GM Mike Zarren‘s “wheel” proposal.

• I’ve always felt the “Barkley plan” would be a better option than the “wheel” rotation proposal. It doesn’t even need to be one ball per lottery team. I think the NBA only needs to make the odds close enough so that teams wouldn’t have major incentive to flat-out tank. However, I guess this could end up pushing the “tank” status to fringe playoff teams. As a .500-ish team vying for the eighth spot, would you rather make the playoffs or have a fairly decent shot at a top-five pick?

We appreciate everyone who adds to the dialogue at Hoops Rumors, and we look forward to seeing more responses like these from you!

Readers are the lifeblood of Hoops Rumors. We know that you’re passionate about the NBA, and that’s why we’ve started a new regular feature in which we’ll highlight the best comments from Hoops Rumors and the Hoops Rumors Facebook page. Share your reaction to and insight on the news and rumors around the league, and you’ll have a chance to see your name here. We featured three comments last week in the debut of Hoops Rumors Featured Feedback.

It’s easy to sign up and start commenting on Hoops Rumors. First, read our Commenting Policy. Then, scroll to the bottom of any post, and you’ll see the word “Login” on the right side atop the comments section. Click the word and choose whether you want to comment using a Disqus account or your existing Facebook, Twitter or Google account. If you don’t have a Disqus account and you want to create one, just choose that option and click “Need an account?” at the bottom right of the box that pops up.

With the trade deadline behind us, this summer’s free agency is coming into sharper focus. Carmelo Anthony has made it plain that he’ll opt out of his contract this year, but commenter rxbrgr sees reason for him to reconsider as his next destination continues to be a hot topic.

• Would it make sense at all for Carmelo NOT to opt out this season? He’d still get a higher salary, and potentially set himself up for a higher max contract, plus he would be a free agent with the rest of the 2015 free agent class (that’s considered much better than this summer’s) and he could embark then on a Big Three quest with those free agents, finding a team with cap space for potentially three of them?

LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh apparently aren’t willing to give Miami hometown discounts this summer, but merchie89 doesn’t think the Heat need to worry.

• The Heat need to let Bosh and Wade leave, as long as LeBron will stay without them. People fail to realize that the Heat have one player under contract next year if these guys all opt out. LeBron+cap space=still favorites for championship.

The Wizards picked up Drew Gooden on a 10-day contract last week, and while the deal was still in the works, Raul advised Washington not to let the big man off the hook for spurning the team in 2010.

• Funny how times change. One day you get traded to a team and refuse to go there and force another trade to somewhere else. The next day you are out of the league and couldn’t be happier going back to said place. I say leave him in the unemployment line.

We appreciate everyone who adds to the dialogue at Hoops Rumors, and we look forward to seeing more responses like these from you!

Readers are the lifeblood of Hoops Rumors. We know that you’re passionate about the NBA, and that’s why we’re starting a new regular feature in which we’ll highlight the best comments from Hoops Rumors and the Hoops Rumors Facebook page. Share your reaction to and insight on the news and rumors around the league, and you’ll have a chance to see your name here.

It’s easy to sign up and start commenting on Hoops Rumors. First, read our Commenting Policy. Then, scroll to the bottom of any post, and you’ll see the word “Login” on the right side atop the comments section. Click the word and choose whether you want to comment using a Disqus account or your existing Facebook, Twitter or Google account. If you don’t have a Disqus account and you want to create one, just choose that option and click “Need an account?” at the bottom right of the box that pops up.

To get us rolling, reader Z…. tells us why he thinks the Pacers scored big with their trade for Evan Turner:

• This is an amazing deal for the Pacers. They get scoring off the bench that they really needed, but more importantly, they added a young, athletic wing with length who should flourish in their defensive system, and should really contribute against the Heat, who desperately need an athletic wing themselves. It also gives them insurance for Lance Stephenson when they may not be able to keep him in the offseason.

Pau Gasol always seems to find himself in trade chatter, but the Lakers have yet to pull the trigger. In reaction to another batch of rumors about the four-time All-Star, dc21892 gives an explanation for why L.A. has been so hesitant to pull the trigger:

• Gasol wouldn’t be as scrutinized if he wasn’t being paid so much. He can still be a key contributor on a shorter deal, with less money in the offseason. L.A. is going to be looking at adding more star power to that roster, having a healthy Kobe on somewhat of a discount next year (compared to this year at least) and if they can retain Gasol for cheap, they’re in good shape. They also have a top draft pick.

The Cavs entertained trades for Luol Deng before the deadline, and Jon Zimmer, via Facebook, encouraged the Suns to get involved:

• The Suns should take a long look at this. Luol could be the upgrade they are looking for, and the Cavs would likely be willing to take back Emeka Okafor‘s expiring and one of their late picks to make it happen. Luol has a lot more left in him than Gasol, and the Cavs would be much less stubborn at the negotiating table than the Lakers.

We appreciate everyone who adds to the dialogue at Hoops Rumors, and we look forward to seeing more responses like these from you!