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June 22, 1:00 PM ET
Chat with Chad Ford

Chad Ford
  (1:01 PM)

Aloha everyone. Thanks for coming to the chat today. We're a little more than 24 hours away from the NBA draft. Very little is settled. Lots of trade talk. Gonna be a wild ride I think ... let's roll ...

Alexander (Cleveland)

Chad am I the only one who thinks the CAVS should take Williams at #1? If we maipulate this draft correctly we can end up w/ Williams and Knight w/ an outside shot of landing both Williams and Irving. Hear me out you take Williams at #1 and we all know that Minn cant take Irving at #2 w/ Rubio coming in. Everyone thinks we are taking Irving but if we surprsie everyone on draft night the Wolvs would not have enough time to move out of 2 which guarantees Knight is available at #4 and maybee you could make a trade to get Irving. Thoughts?

Chad Ford
  (1:03 PM)

You're not alone. I don't think it will happen. The chances of them getting Irving are incredibly slim if they pass on him at No. 1. Brandon Knight's a 50-50 proposition to be there at No. 4. If both guys are gone ... the Cavs are screwed. I don't think they'll take such a risky approach.

Barry (Jacksonville)

I have heard the Cavs like Valanciunas more than Kanter. Is this true? Or are the Cavs wanting to take the lesser talented player so they can assure themselves a nice lottery pick for the loaded 2012 draft? Because I feel Kanter will come into the NBA and be a dominating force offensively that most centers wont be able to defend.

Chad Ford
  (1:05 PM)

I think Valanciunas is ahead of Kanter on their board. But his buyout situation is so fuzzy at the moment that they could make the safe pick with Kanter. Cavs also talking trades with a number of teams for that 4th pick. I think that's why they haven't come out and directly committed to Irving. A lot still in flux.

Moe (Taiwan)

What have you heard about Kyrie Irving's foot? Any long-term concern?

Chad Ford
  (1:06 PM)

Not any serious concerns from what I can gather. I don't think it's a factor

Mark (Cleveland)

Chad, if you had to gauge Irving's ceiling in terms of where he could ultimately rank among today's top point guards, where would you put him? I don't think he surpasses Paul, DWill, Rose, and Westbrook in their primes. Maybe top 5 - 10?

Chad Ford
  (1:08 PM)

That's about right. He's going to be very good. He's a very safe pick yet still has upside. I don't think he's any of those players you mentioned. Probably not John Wall either. But he's going to be very good. I think he should be the No. 1 pick.

Luke (Salt Lake City)

Chad, what would the Jazz have to do to get that #2 pick? Do they even have anything the T'Wolves would want? Is Millsap enough to get #2?

Chad Ford
  (1:09 PM)

Jazz are being patient and it could pay off. Wolves started to seriously look at Kanter at No. 2 last night. If they ultimately take him, Derrick Williams falls right into their laps and it costs them nothing. If he doesn't, they seem fairly content with either Brandon Knight, Kanter or Jan Vesely.

Steve (Minneapolis)

If the Wolves draft and keep Derrick Williams, do you think there are enough minutes to go around with D-Will, Beasley, and Love?

Chad Ford
  (1:10 PM)

They'll figure it out. They can always trade one or two of them down the road. I do think you can out think yourself in the draft. Williams is a really good player. Wolves are collecting assets. If they can't get a good deal for the No. 2 pick, I think they should just take Williams and figure things out this summer.

Ben (OKC)

Wolves more likely to land McGee, Ellis, or Bynum?

Chad Ford
  (1:12 PM)

Sound like None of the Above. They'd seriously consider McGee, Bynum, Gasol for the No. 2 pick. But they're not getting offered any of them right now.


Is David Kahn just calling other GMs (PHX, PHI) offering ridiculous trades for their stars (Nash, Iggy), getting rejected and then calling the media to leak that he's in trade discussions for those stars? That's what it seems like. Why are other GMs even picking up the phone when he calls?

Chad Ford
  (1:13 PM)

There's a lot of gamemanship that goes on this time of year. There's probably some of it going on. The Wolves are pretty open at times about their wish list. But some of it, like Nash, was real. They ultimately declined, but the Wolves were offered him for the No. 2 pick.

Mike (SLC)

If Derrick Williams slides to 3, should the Jazz take him or trade the pick? What should they do at 12?

Chad Ford
  (1:14 PM)

Jazz take Williams if he's there.

Jaden (SLC, UT)

Chad, the Jazz are one of the most tight lipped teams in the league. Do you know how high they reall are on Knight or Kanter?

Chad Ford
  (1:16 PM)

They like them both. The question is ... which one do they like better. I don't know. I've heard it both ways. I don't think the Jazz will tip their hand. Jan Vesley also a wildcard at No. 3 as well and Kemba Walker still in the conversation too. But if Irving and Williams are off the board, best bets are Kanter and Knight. I've had Knight on my mock for weeks at No. 3 ... but I'll be the first to acknowledge that I don't KNOW what Kevin O'Connor will do.

gary (Toronto)

Chances the raptors acquire a 2nd pick in the draft? Every year Bryan Colangelo says this but it never happens.

Chad Ford
  (1:16 PM)

hard to do, but they're trying.

John (San Antonio)

Any legs to the Tony Parker rumors? Sounds like the Raptors or Kings blowing smoke to drive up the price of their picks to me.

Chad Ford
  (1:18 PM)

Spurs are looking to move into the lottery. Talking to teams about it. Don't think they're shopping Tony Parker per se, but his name and George Hill obviously come up a lot. Whether it's the Kings or Raptors, I think that part is still mostly speculation.

RaptorLand (Chicago)

Do you think the Toronto Raptors will jump on Bismack Biyombo with a defensive minded coach or opt for a sorely needed point guard?

Chad Ford
  (1:19 PM)

Sounds like they're leaning strongly to going with defense. That could change if Brandon Knight is there at 5. But if he's off the board I think the conversation is now down to Kawhi Leonard and Bismack Biyombo. I know there have been a lot of Kemba Walker rumors, but I don't think they've ever been that high on him.

dc (dc)

Should the Wizards trade Javale McGee to move up for Williams? Should they trade #18 to move up for Kanter?

Chad Ford
  (1:21 PM)

If they could do it straight up ... McGee for No. 2? Yes, I'd probably do it. They could grab Williams at 2 and then get a big ... Kanter, Valanciunas, Biyombo at 6. If it costs them the No. 6 as well, I think the cost is too high.

Mike (DC)

Is there any realistic chance of Kanter falling to the Wizards at 6?

Chad Ford
  (1:22 PM)

50-50. Kanter in conversation at 2, 3, 4. They'd all have to pass and it likely would mean the Cavs went ahead and rolled the dice on Jonas Valanciunas.

Greg (Md)

Do you think the wizards will go for a high risk/reward player in the draft like biyombo or valanciunas? Or will they play it safe and take a solid player in leonard or trade up to get williams? Thanks!

Chad Ford
  (1:23 PM)

If they stay at 6 ... Kanter, Jan Vesley, Kawhi Leonard and Tristan Thompson appear to be in the mix.

Skyler (Sacramento)

What's the situation with the Maloofs intervening with the Kings' pick? Do you have them picking Kemba, Jimmer, or Leonard?

Chad Ford
  (1:24 PM)

Maloofs like Jimmer. Sounds like the basketball staff thinks 7 is too high. Team is also exploring trades for point guards like Raymond Felton and (reportedly) Tony Parker. I have them taking Kemba if he's there ... but I think they should draft Jimmer. I think he's a great fit for them in the long run.

Sean (Lansing)

Is Kawhi Leonard a good enough defender that the Pistons should go after him before bigs like Thompson and Biyombo as they try to shore up defense/toughness?

Chad Ford
  (1:27 PM)

I think if Kawhi is there, they have to take him based on talent. He's a bit undersized, but he can play some 4 in the NBA. Great motor, tough, things Pistons used to value. If he's not there, likely either Biyombo or Tristan Thompson.

Ted (NC)

Any chance Kemba falls to the Bobcats at 9 or is his floor the Pistons?

Chad Ford
  (1:28 PM)

I think Pistons are likely to pass on Kemba. They're likely to go big. If he's there at 9, I could see the Bobcats grabbing him. Not their biggest need, but a big time talent to pass on.

toriano (charlotte)

What are you hearing about what the Bobcats are doing?? who are they targeting??

Chad Ford
  (1:29 PM)

Besides Kemba ... Chris Singleton, Marcus Morris, Alec Burks. They had Bismack Biyombo in for a late workout today. He'd be a good fit, but maybe too risky for the Bobcats.

Chad Ford
  (1:30 PM)

A call coming from a GM ... give me a second, I need to get this.

Chad Ford
  (1:35 PM)

Sorry for the delay ... let's keep going

Jeff (Milwaukee)

What do you think the Bucks will do? Is Bogut on the move and if so who are they trying to move up to pick?

Chad Ford
  (1:36 PM)

Don't think they're trading Bogut or Jennings. Might move back a few spots in the draft to pick up an asset. A deal for 14 & 23 with Houston and a deal for 15

Brian (San Jose, CA)

Should we expect to see the Warriors pick a Klay Thompson or Chris Singleton with the 11th? Also heard they're interested in purchasing a pick in the 20s. Who are they looking at there?

Chad Ford
  (1:37 PM)

Those two are on the board. So is Bismack Biyombo and Valanciunas if he falls. If they're all gone (and they could be) I could see the Warriors trading back as well.

Jake (Utah)

Any chance that Burks is around for the Jazz at 12? Or are they not interested with Hayward progressing so well?

Chad Ford
  (1:38 PM)

I think they believe Hayward is a two which is why going with a guy like Chris Singleton is the preferred route. Marcus Morris another possibility. Burks is in the mix obviously.

Chad Ford
  (1:39 PM)

Hold on again ... another call. Sorry.

Duane (Phoenix)

Iman Shumpert - is he a legit 13th pick for the Suns?

Chad Ford
  (1:45 PM)

I think it's pretty high. Athletically I get it. But production wise ... not so much. He's a high risk/high reward guard.

Dan (NY)

Anyway Kemba Walker falls to the Suns at #13 and if he does would they take him ?

Chad Ford
  (1:45 PM)

Possible. I think they'd take him, but it's unclear. They didn't work him out. No one past No. 9 has.

Nathan (Houston)

Do you think the Rockets will look for Yao's replacement in the draft ?

Chad Ford
  (1:46 PM)

No replacement for Yao, but it sounds like they'd like a big. They are talking to both Charlotte and Bucks about packaging 14 & 23 to move up to 9 or 10. Valanciunas is the target I think. At 14 they could go with Nikola Vucevic or Markieff Morris.

Spencer (Indianapolis)

Would Marshon Brooks be a good fit for the Pacers at #15? What about Kenneth Faried?

Chad Ford
  (1:48 PM)

Brooks had a great workout there, but I think he's a long shot at 15. Always has been. Jimmer if he's there is the favorite. Tristan Thompson, Markieff Morris two other options at 15. Pacers would also like to move up a few spots.

Pete (Philly)

What's up with Iguodala? You have the Sixers grabbing Jordan Hamilton, which only makes sense if Dre is traded... but that front has been real quiet and it doesn't seem like the Monta or Kaman deal was enough to get the Sixers to bite (thank goodness). Thoughts on the Sixers game plan?

Chad Ford
  (1:49 PM)

I agree Hamilton makes much more sense if they trade Iggy. Not sure they'll make a deal by the draft (they are pessimistic about it) but they're likely to make one this summer. Markieff Morris and Nikola Vucevic also in the mix.

Jon (NYC)

The Knicks are seemingly connected to everything. What's real?

Chad Ford
  (1:51 PM)

They're coming up empty. Probably down to something fairly boring (but needed) -- Markieff Morris, Nikola Vucevic, Iman Shumpert and Maurice Brooks. But I think Brooks is in 4th place on that list.

Dustin (Portland)

Are the Blazers moving Andre Miller by tomorrow? What are you hearing on the Portland front?

Chad Ford
  (1:52 PM)

They've talked to people. Have tried to use him and his cap friendly contract to move up in the draft. They are high on Kemba Walker.

Mongo (Denver)

Is felton for #7 worth it to the Nuggets? Should they hold on to him and hope for a better trade during the season?

Chad Ford
  (1:53 PM)

For sure. They'd do that deal in a heart beat. The question is whether Felton is worth the No. 7 pick to the Kings.

Jessica (Denver)

Have you heard anything about the Nuggets moving Nene to PF?

Chad Ford
  (1:54 PM)

They've got to get him re-signed first. It's going slowly. Nene asking for a lot of money. Contracts will be much more friendly to Nuggets under the new CBA. Not sure the momentum is there on either side to get a deal. If Nene hits free agency, he'll be popular.

Andrew (Ocilla GA)

Do you see the Thunder making a draft day splash or will they stand pat with the 24 and take someone like Singler?

Chad Ford
  (1:56 PM)

Sounds like Singler and Jimmy Butler are the two main guys they're looking at. Makes sense, they want tough role players who will fit in. I think they're favoring Singler, but I'd actually take a chance on Butler here.

anthony (RI)

Who might the Celtics take at 25

Chad Ford
  (1:56 PM)

Hearing Jeremy Tyler, JaJuan Johnson and Tyler Honeycutt ... no surprise that the Celtics would like to move up.

Greg (Gainesville)

Nikola Mirotic seems like a no-brainer for the Mavs if he's available at 26. What do you think?

Chad Ford
  (1:57 PM)

Agree. Him or Davis Bertans. Both under valued, though you'll have to be very patient with Mirotic. He isn't coming for a few years.

Ben (Brooklyn)

So will the Nets makes any moves tomorrow?

Chad Ford
  (1:58 PM)

Been trying to package 27 & 36 to move up a few spots. They'd love to get their hands on Reggie Jackson, but are afraid he won't be there at 27.

Dan (Chicago)

Who do the Bulls draft at #28 and #30?

Chad Ford
  (1:59 PM)

They've been trying to package them together to move up a few spots in the draft. They really, really would like to add a shooter and don't seem in love with who's there at 28. Justin Harper, Nolan Smith, Charles Jenkins, Tyler Honeycutt all in the mix there.

Michael (Philly)

Who do the Spurs like enough to want to move up into the Lottery?

Chad Ford
  (2:00 PM)

Valanciunas is a draw as a legit center. They're also high on Klay Thompson I believe. I'm not sure they need to trade Parker to move way up in the draft. George Hill could probably get them somewhere in the late lottery.

Eric (Auburn)

Assuming Reggie Jackson is not available who do you think the Heat will target at 31?

Chad Ford
  (2:01 PM)

They take him if he's there. If he's not it's betwen Nolan Smith, Shelvin Mack, Malcolm Lee and JaJuan Johnson I'm told. Personally, I think I'd error on the side of Johnson.

Daniel (San Diego)

With the Lakers having 4 2nd round picks do you see them trying to move into the second round or trading one of those picks for cash, seems pointless to draft 4 second rounders

Chad Ford
  (2:02 PM)

Yeah, that's too many second round picks. They'll sell some, trade for some future second rounders. No way they walk away with all 4.

Bryan (Denver)

Any insight on the Lakers possible selections and trades?

Chad Ford
  (2:02 PM)

Should be a solid guard prospect left between Norris Cole, Nolan Smith, Malcolm Lee, Shelvin Mack and Charles Jenkins. I bet one of their picks comes from that pool.

Mike (Gainesville)

Hey Chad have you heard any trade rumors involving the Magic?

Chad Ford
  (2:03 PM)

They would love to get their hands on Josh Smith. The question is ... do they have ANYTHING the Hawks really want?

Chad Ford
  (2:04 PM)

Gotta run everyone. Enjoy the draft. Tomorrow we'll be doing a live video chat via Facebook. Also check out my latest Draft Blog for a bunch of new stuff ... just was published while I was on the chat. Enjoy