Welcome to The Basketball Chat. Every week, Mike Slane, co-founder of ElevationMag.com and myself will chat about the latest news in the NBA. We'll take a look at players and teams, as well as any trades, suspensions, and other NBA happenings.
Dennis: Welcome back to another edition of {i]The Basketball Chat where we bring nothing but basketball goodness from your screen to your eyes. Let's get started!
[Well, he's baaaaack. Carmelo Anthony returned from his 15 game suspension and picked up where he left off. No, not backpedalling, but hanging lots of points on opposing defenses. How did it affect "new" teammate, Allen Iverson? Well, the Answer scored less points than he's probably used to, but still in the 20's. Mike, how do you see this relationship working and who do you think will be the alpha dog in Denver?
Mike: I see this relationship working out perfectly, especially with a player like Steve Blake running the point. As expected, Iverson is putting up big assist numbers and I see those numbers increasing even more as Melo continues to get back into the swing of things. Trading Earl Boykins was great for the Nuggets because there are more shots available for the duo and J.R. Smith. And Blake can knock down the trey when needed. Things are looking good in Denver.
But Melo needs to change his style on the court. With the sleeve, headband and braids, he's looking a little too much like an oversized Iverson clone.
Dennis: Hahaha. Actually, ESPN The Magazine recently did a feature on them and they did bring up the fact that they look very similar physically in a lot of ways. If you didn't read it yet, please do so because it's amusing to see how much AI makes Melo feel uncomfortable and, well, like a dummy. After reading it, I was concerned about how things would work out on the court, but things do seem to be working out and egos are out the door. One thing mentioned in the article that may give some insight as to why AI at the very least will comply and not complain - Iverson isn't getting any younger.
In any case, I am of the personal belief that when you have a post player like Melo, you need to work from the inside-out, so I'd expect him to remain the top scorer for the Nuggs. Naturally, Iverson will still get his, don't get it twisted. And, I agree, trading Boykins for Blake was an excellent move for all involved. To wrap this up, there is a definite Dynamic Duo in Denver.
Mike, you're into rumors, what's the latest out there?
Mike:Well, I'm sure everyone has already heard by now that Pau Gasol of the Memphis Grizzlies is available. But the Grizz won't deal him for nothing. There's a rumor out today that the Bulls have offered Ben Gordon. Not sure how true the rumor is, but this trade would be great for the Bulls. A frontcourt of Gasol and Big Ben Wallace would be one of the best in the league. Plus, the Bulls would likely get rid of P.J. Brown in any deal.
As for the Grizzlies, I suggest they include some first rounders back in any deal.
Dennis: Well, considering that Gasol wants out because of the rebuilding/youth movement going on in Memphis, I'm sure they'd love more draft picks to continue the building. Hey, the Bulls have the Knicks first-rounder this year[ as well as their own I believe, so maybe that deal can get done. Knowing Jerry West and how shrewd John Paxson has been, maybe something eventually happens. It'll be interesting to say the least considering that the Bulls are already strong contenders in the East. Adding Gasol would be a strong play in bringing back a championship.
Mike, what's the latest with Corey Maggette? Reading about rumors, it seems like he's as good as gone and it's only a matter of finding a fit now... but it hasn't happened. Maybe he just stays in the Clip Joint for the whole season?
Mike: I don't know what's going on with Maggette and the Clippers. I thought he would've been long gone by this point in the season. I'm not sure what they're looking for in return, but it appears that they're not interested in trading for Mike Dunleavy and that a possible deal for Kyle Korver could be in the works. A reported deal from the Orange County Register suggests that the Clippers would send Maggette to the Heat, Miami would send Posey to the Sixers, while the Clips receive Korver.
Dennis: Putting Korver on the perimeter for the Clips would be a nice complement for Brand's post game and Cassell's ability to penetrate and pass. Korver could defiitely help the Clips get back to the playoffs, but if Chris Kaman can ever claim his game again, that would help a lot. Maybe he should grow his hair again.
Okay, it's the midway point of the season, so why don't we do what everyone else is doing - hand out some midseason awards! First, Most Valuable Player... who do you have?
Mike: Steve Nash. I'll keep it simple. He's putting up the best numbers of his career and the Suns are unstoppable this season.
Dennis: No way to argue with that, even if I like Gil Zero a lot, Nash is the man. Three-peat, eh?
Mike: No doubt about it.
Dennis: As far as Rookie of the Year goes, in a class that has been less than impressive, I'll have to go up north with the Raptors' Andrea Bargnani who is showing some real talent and putting up pretty good numbers when he's getting burn. I mean, even Dirk Nowitzki gave him props recently. However, with another half-season to go, I fully expect the Blazers' Brandon Roy to take home the hardware.
Mike: I agree with you 100 percent. I'm really impressed by Bargnani because I thought he'd do close to nothing this season, but if Brandon Roy stays healthy he's taking it home.
Should we even discuss the Sixth Man of the Year? Seriously, who provides more for his team off the bench than Ben Gordon?
