Would someone please post the Hollinger chat from today?

John Hollinger: Greetings all. Just back from a fantastic All-Star Weekend in New Orleans. It was like the Anti-Vegas -- great dunk contest, great game, few crowds, lots of cops, and no major threats to personal safety. Too bad so many people got scared off by New Orleans -- it was flawless.




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan (los angeles) : What are the chances of a Hassell buyout from NJ?

John Hollinger: I don't think it makes sense at this point. NJ can include him as an expiring in deals next year if they want to; also, they're trying to make the playoffs. I think the more likely timing for a buyout would be this summer; the only reason they talked buyout with Stackhouse was it was part of the deal with Dallas (wink, wink)


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan (Lincoln, NE): If New Orleans wins the west, will Chris Paul get MVP?

John Hollinger: Here's the thing everyone forgets: MVP voting closes at the end of the regular season. So winning the West won't do a hoot for him. If NO has the West's best record, however, it's going to be hard to ignore him in the voting. Sadly, the key may be how well he plays in the tiny scraps of national TV time the Hornets get between now and year-end.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ryan: Austin, TX: How bad of a signing was the Vince Carter extension this past summer?

John Hollinger: I'm not sure it's as terrible as you make it sound. People are blaming him for NJ's struggles, but it's not like he's Larry Hughes. Nets probably would have better off signing-and-trading him, yes, but they'll be able to move him ... though perhaps not this week.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gary (Boston): Do you think the snubs of Jack and Baron in this year's all star game will be motivating to push the W's to the playoffs again this year?

John Hollinger: Jack wasn't "snubbed" -- he's important to what GS does, yes, but he also has a PER that's barely above the league average and one of the worst rebound rates of any 3 in captivity. If I was making a list of the 25 best players in the West this year, he wouldn't be on it. As for the larger question, one hopes the Warriors don't rely on external polling for their motivations; in fact, if anything we've seen the opposite -- GS has had several unimpressive efforts since the All-Star teams were announced.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bob, Carlinville, Illinois: Will Chicago trade either of its Bens (Gordon and Wallace) in the next 2 days?

John Hollinger: I'm really puzzled by what's going on over there. For the past two years all we've heard about is how Chicago had these assets stacked up to make a big deal. And then all these dominoes start falling -- Garnett, Gasol, Marion, Shaq, Kidd, Bibby -- and where are the Bulls? Paxson really needs to reconfigure the mix there, but I'm not seeing much urgency.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mike: Philadelphia, PA: Do you see Andre Miller getting traded by the deadline?

John Hollinger: I still think it's the best long-term move from the 76ers perspective. But given how well both Miller and the team have played of late, I'm thinking he'll probably stay put.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
David (Greenville, SC): Why aren't the Bulls making a move for J'ONeal now?

John Hollinger: I wouldn't do that if I were the Bulls either, unless it cost very little in return. The problem is they blew their chance to strike with Gasol last year, and now nearly all their assets have lost value.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jeff (Ohio): Any chance the Cavs can pry Miller and Lowry away from Memphis? Only way it could happen would be to take Cardinal's huge contract. Would that be enough to entice the Grizz?

John Hollinger: It's a dim possibility. The contracts Cleveland would trade only expire one year earlier than Cardinal's. If they had young players they could add to the mix that would be one thing, but they don't.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mike (Utah): Do you think the Jazz will make another trade or are they good enough now to be contenders? The danger I see is their lack of interior defense

John Hollinger: That danger is very real, but the question becomes how do you convert C.J. Miles and/or Jarron Collins into a quality interior defender? Not happening in this league. Jazz will have to live with outscoring people.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kevin (ATL): Shelden Williams? Merely an expiring contract for the Kings or are they seriously taking a look at him for a rotation spot in the future?

John Hollinger: A little of both. He expires next year, so it's a low-risk proposition if he flames out. Shelden's skills are limited, but he's strong and rebounds, so the hope is that he can do some of the dirty work and prevent Miller and Mikki from being overpowered down low.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Noah (Washington, DC): Bringing Kidd on will give the Mavs heart, but losing Devin Harris hurts them in the long-term, and doesn't losing Diop hurt them against bigger Western teams come go-time?

John Hollinger: Right on. Additionally, the Mavs used Harris to guard guys like Tony Parker and Chris Paul -- Kidd gets blown away by those guys. So Terry will have to slide over and defend them.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Janet (atlanta): So at what point does Al Horford's lack of offense become a big concern when considering his long term potential? Right now he is just a defense/rebounding undersized center who doesn't block any shots when it comes down to it.

John Hollinger: He'll pick it up, but I agree that scoring is the one thing that limits him as far as star potential goes. He's a good passer and ballhandler but a very mechanical post player.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
James (east L.): John, since joining the Pistons rotation ten games ago here are Amir Johnson's numbers per 40 minutes: 15 pts., 15.5 rebounds (6.5 offensive), 6 blocks and 59% shooting. Now he is turnover prone and needs to add some muscle, but the guy is only 20, he's 6 ft. 11 now, is extremely quick and can jump out of the gym, and Joe Dumars was quoted as saying he has a great work ethic. How good can this kid be down the road?

John Hollinger: Every time I see Johnson he comes on the court, makes about three jaw-dropping athletic plays in two minutes, then goes back to the bench. I agree -- his upside seems huge. Hopefully the Pistons will cement their playoff spot early so we can see a little more of him.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kobe, LA : Hey John, didn't you see me light people up prior to the break? I mean I was killin' it? What makes you think I have to have the surgery? At least watch the game tonight before making your judgment.

John Hollinger: The nature of basketball is that fingers get hit. He might go one game, he might go fie games, but eventually somebody is going to come down on that thumb and it will be back to square one. That's my non-expert medical opinion.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anthony (NY): Who's going to play reserve center at dallas now with only dampier at that spot?

John Hollinger: Brandon Bass and Malik Allen. Bass will probably see the bulk of the time. Also, Avery may go small with Dirk at 5 and George at 4 periodically.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Joey (Mahwah,NJ): Who is the biggest name left, that is most likely to be traded?

John Hollinger: Mahwah! Gotta take questions from the home town ... As far as big names, the two that stand out are Vince Carter and Ron Artest. Carter seems like an obvious goner now that Kidd's been traded and the Nets have committed to rebuilding; ditto for Artest in Sacto now that Bibby has been dealt.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adam (SLC): JH, don't you mean pinkie?

John Hollinger: Thanks. Although the pinkie is technically a finger.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kyle (minneapolis): Do you see the Twolves getting involved in any trades, or will they just keep their expiring contracts (Ratliff)?

John Hollinger: The one guy I could see moving is Gerald Green, since they don't appear to value him, but I can't imagine who would offer enough to make it worth Minny's while to move him.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tyler (Denver): John. Can Denver land Mike Miller or Kyle Lowry?

John Hollinger: I think Lowry is very doable; odds on Miller seem more remote given Denver's relative paucity of young assets.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adam (SLC): But you said thumb, not finger. Sorry, slow day, might as well spend my time correcting you.

John Hollinger: Right ... I'm off my game today. Too many Po'Boys in Nawlins I guess.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kyle (Denver): Hello John, any word on the Magic making any moves?

John Hollinger: They have $10 millon or so in expiring contracts, so the capability is certainly there. Haven't heard much noise coming out of there, but here's one intriguing thought: Would they look at hometown boy Vince Carter?


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Charles (San Jose): John, what did Mike Bibby do karmically do deserve being stuck in outposts like Vancouver and Atlanta?

John Hollinger: Clearly you've never been to Vancouver. Might have been an outpost basketball-wise, but that's an unbelievable city. In fact, I think you've got his career completely backwards -- the outpost was Sacramento.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Matt (Boston): What are the chances at this point that the Clippers and Cassell agree to a buy out? Are there any other point guards that would make sense for Boston as insurance for Rondo -- Lue or Anthony Johnson, a trade for someone like Dooling, etc.?

John Hollinger: Does anyone else think it's a bit risky for Boston to wait on a Cassell buyout? What if the Clips trade him right before the deadline, for instance? C's could be left high and dry. As far as Lue or Johnson goes, I'm not sure they're much of an upgrade on House -- certainly not enough to part with a No. 2 and pay more tax.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reed (Sac-town, CA): That's a low blow on Sac... watch it Hollinger!!!

John Hollinger: Ask any beat writer which road trip they like least ... I'm just the messenger.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pete (Laurel MD): Don't you think one of the more overlooked additions to a contending team is Gilbert Arenas' return from injury? The team has played well (when butler was healthy) and adding Gilbert is like adding a superstar level player in a trade without giving up anything. I think they will catch the magic...you?

John Hollinger: They have too much ground to make up to catch Orlando, but you're right that Gil's return is an underrated story for the second half. Despite all the talk about sharing the ball better and what not, Washington was a better offensive team a year ago -- the difference this year is that their D is vastly improved. If they can keep playing solid D and Gil makes them a top-five offense again, then they're legitimately dangerous.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
will (Brooklyn, NY): hey john what will isiah do with the knicks when the phone starts ringing?

John Hollinger: For your sake, hopefully he hits the "send calls" button. Virtually everyone on the Knicks has been linked to a trade in the past couple weeks, and nobody would be surprised to see him trade Curry or Randolph especially. Who knows what he's targetting to get back .. not many bad contracts out there that he hasn't already acquired. I suppose Jermaine O'Neal would be the strongest possibility.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Czaz (Phila): Is Thaddeus Young the real deal, or is he just scoring because no one else on the sixers can?

John Hollinger: He is absolutely the real deal, and he's way under the radar. He's the second-youngest player in the league, he's already putting up solid numbers, and people with the Sixers practically foam at the mouth when they talk about what a good kid he is.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Joran (Atlanta): What are the implications of the Bibby trade with respect to re-signing the Joshes?

John Hollinger: Shouldn't impact keeping Josh Smith at all -- only a moron wouldn't match an offer for him. Might impact keeping Childress, but not in the way you think -- if you buy this trade as a signal that the Hawks are willing to spend, fewer teams might come after Childress, and Hawks would be more likely to match those that did.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Darnell (Otown): DO you see Joe D moving any of the 5 expiring contracts to upgrade the Pistons??

John Hollinger: It's a possibility, but only if he sees a bargain out there which really upgrades the roster -- which is tough when you're already two deep at every spot. An upgrade behind Prince at the 3 is probably the biggest "need", but it's not like Hayes has been horrible.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tod (Houston): Superman dunk - a dunk or not?

John Hollinger: I say no, that it was a total fluke that he managed to throw it in like that. Others disagree.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alex (New York): Do you see J-Rich's Trade Exemption going anywhere? How do those things work anyways?

John Hollinger: I had been under the impression that Golden State would wait til before draft day to use it to avoid paying tax this year, but at All-Star Weekend I heard the opposite -- that they'd be willing to use it now and pay the tax if the right deal came along. Obviously, that would put several potential trades in play for them.

John Hollinger: The way it works is that GST would trade a draft pick and the exception to another team for a single player -- it can't be combined with other contracts.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Da Boss: Seriously, bro, was Bill Simmons and/or JA Adande drunk-faced this weekend? We need more New Orleans dirt.

John Hollinger: Not that I saw. I was with J.A. at Cafe du Monde when we saw Mt. Mutombo and Dale Brown chatting it up on the corner while a bunch of tourists stood around gawking ... kind of surreal. But after dark I was mostly at the Arena and the hotel.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chris (Orlando): Hey John - What about Garrity, Arroyo, and a future draft pick for Kurt Thomas? Thomas is 35 and will be a free agent. There's no way anybody will give up a young player for him.

John Hollinger: I like how you think; certainly Thomas will be in play this week. But would you give up a future No. 1 for him? That's probably what the Sonics are hoping to get; otherwise they can just buy him out and pocket any savings.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daniyal (Cleveland): Kirk Snider or Gerald Green as an addition to the Cavs?

John Hollinger: I like Snyder because I think he's more able to help a good team right now; Green needs to go to a bad team, play 25 minutes a game and get rid of all his bad habits. I though that would happen for him in Minny, but they pretty much hated him from the get-go.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mike (Carbondale, IL): Any chance the Bulls could grab the exception and a 1st for Ben Wallace? Would GS even want him?

John Hollinger: I'm not sure the exception is big enough anyway, and I'm darn sure the W's aren't assuming a $20 million obligation (including taxes) unless it's for somebody a whole lot better than Wallace.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan (Detroit): You were at the Hawks-Pistons game a little bit back, so I was hoping I could get your impressions of Rodney Stuckey? He struggled initially coming back from his broken hand, but he's played really well over the last 8 games. His per 40 minute numbers are 21 pts., 7 assists, 4 rebounds on 52% shooting, plus he's a pretty good defender already.

John Hollinger: Stuckey looked real good in that game, although a couple of the shots he made were probably by accident -- like the left-handed running banker he hit from 15 at the end of the shot clock, for instance. Keep in mind that rookie point guards almost always struggle; he looks like he has the tools to be very good.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blazers (Portland, OR): What does the trade deadline have in store for us? How do you see us doing in finishing out the season?

John Hollinger: The Blazer whose name you hear come up the most is Jarrett Jack; Portland clearly wants a good young point guard, thus their interest in Devin Harris, but it will take more than Jack to make it work.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eli (Atlanta, GA): Hawks got their PG, but their frontcourt is still so thin. Josh Smith is more of a SF and Horford a PF. Any way you can see them picking up a C?

John Hollinger: One thing they could do is sign Justin Williams, whom the Kings cut to complete the trade. He was originally supposed to be in the deal, for Salim Stoudamire, but he had the rights to "Devean George" it so they held him out.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
David Silver (L.A.): Will Ferry even trade Carbs for Protein before the deadline?

John Hollinger: It's not his fault ... you can't play in the big pots if you don't have any cards.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan (Minnesota): Portland already has a good young point guard in Sergio Rodriguez. He is slept on way too much. You agree?

John Hollinger: Apparently I like Sergio more than the Blazers do. Certainly he needs to cut down on turnovers and shoot it better from deep, but he's an outstanding playmaker.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JP (Baton Rouge, LA): Glad you liked the Big Easy so much. Was it your first time here? Do you see the Hornets making any moves or should they stand pat till next year?

John Hollinger: Actually, I've been there a ton -- my wife is from there and my wedding was in the French Quarter. First time back since just after Katrina, though, and it was nice to see the place functioning like a real city again. i don't mean to minimize the problems -- there's still a tent city under I-10 and Monday's paper said crime is still on the rise -- but at least it felt like New Orleans again.

John Hollinger: As for the Hornets, I could easily see them making a deal to get more help at the 2. Rasual Butler, Bobby Jackson and Julian Wright would combine to offset a pretty good-sized contract.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ATM (NJ): maybe i'm mistaken in that i think this should get more press, but shouldn't kobe have sat out the all star game like caron butler and given someone like baron davis a spot instead of just playing 2 minutes?

John Hollinger: He wanted to, and Deron Williams was the sub-in-waiting, but Kobe would have been suspended for L.A.'s first game after the break if he did that -- the league has a rule against this so healthy players don't weasel out of the game with fake injuries.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adam (Dublin, Ireland): Hear the spurs are working hard to dump Elson's contract to get themselves under the tax. Any takers?

John Hollinger: Not impossible, just from the perspective of making numbers match -- for instance, Juan Dixon would work. In order to avoid the tax, they need to trade him for somebody who makes $64K less, and probably have to throw in cash to pay the difference in pay and a second-rounder.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Henry (NY): Best moment of the All Star weekend? For me it was either Dwight Howard's third dunk off the backboard (absolutely insane) or Lebron's monstor dunk in traffic over the whole West squad.

John Hollinger: The lefty-tap righty-slam by Howard was completely insane in terms of the skill level and leaping ability it required. Some guys couldn't do that if you left them hit the floor between touches. But the nice thing was that we had so many highlights -- the cupcake dunk, Superman, LeBron's jam, Wade's three-point play, Howard's first-half alleyoop to LeBron (after he picked CP3 in the backcourt!), Kapono shooting the lights out, Deron Williams in the skills competition .. the list goes on. Just a great weekend for the league, and a sorely needed one after last year's traveshamockery.

John Hollinger: Folks, that's all the time we have, but thanks again for all the great questions. I'll be back here next week at the same time for more