NBA Basketball

Washington Post staff writers Ivan Carter and Michael Lee were online Wednesday, June 20, at 2 p.m. ET to field your questions and comments about the Wizards, the playoffs and all the latest NBA news.

The transcript follows.

From The Post:

Wizards Coverage

Discussion Archive

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Michael Lee: Okay, we are almost a week removed from one of the weakest, wackest NBA Finals in history and a week away from one of the deepest, dopest NBA Drafts in recent memory. This draft is a little more intriguing given all the possible trades. And, if nothing happens on draft night, this summer should be really interesting as well. But let me stop with the intro, I'm sure you have questions. Ivan has the answers for most of your Wizards draft questions, I'll try to fill in the holes. So, let's go...

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Bulls need a star ... hmmm: Okay fellas, two questions here. Kobe to Chicago -- if you are the Bulls, would you do it, even though it might mean that you might have to tear up the team to make it happen? Also -- Scott Skiles and Kobe: I don't see it. Gentleman, what's the word on Skiles and stars? The last time he had one was Jason Kidd, and I think he still blames Skiles for getting dealt outta Phoenix. Your thoughts? And thank you.

Michael Lee: If I'm the Bulls, I don't pull the trigger on a Kobe deal when you can easily just sign him when he becomes a free agent in 2009. I wouldn't take my chances in gutting my team for a player who might want to bail in two years. Look how quickly he wants to bail on the Lakers three years after Shaq - when he was partly responsible for the situation. Just think about a deal where the Bulls send, say, Luol Deng, Kirk Hinrich, Tyrus Thomas and the No. 9 pick to the Lakers (at trust me, the Lakers will need half a team in exchange for Bryant). That leaves a team with Ben Wallace, Kobe Bryant, Ben Gordon, maybe Andres Nocioni and what else? Kobe will be in a similar situation, with a similar team to the Lakers. Of course, he'll be in the East and it doesn't take much to compete. But that being said, the Bulls succeed now because they don't rely on one star. Bringing in Kobe means they will have to bow down to him. He'd have the whole Bulls franchise in his hands the same way he does the Lakers. I don't know if I want the headache.

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Washington: Lots of draft questions: Anyone scheduled for a second visit yet? Did Ernie go to Eurocamp last week? Are the Wizards bringing in any of the projected lottery guys who might slip (Thorton, Yi, etc.)? Where is Rudy Fernandez -- any workout scheduled with him? Do the Wizards have a head scout, and if so, who is he and where is he now?

Ivan Carter: Tons of draft and summer questions. Let's get rolling. The Wiz haven't had any players in for second visits and neither have other teams. The schedule is simply too packed since the league changed the rule about not being able to workout before the pre-draft camp. The Wiz haven't brought in any lottery picks and aren't scheduled to do so. They also are not working out Rudy Fernandez, a guard from Spain who has been projected in some places to go in the first round. The Wiz have several scouts including one based full time in Europe. Asst Pres of Bball ops Tommy Sheppard, VP of player pers. Milt Newton and Asst. Dir of Play Pers. Tim Connelly have done extensive scouting here and internationally. Also, Ernie has made several trips overseas to see prospects.

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Alexandria, Va.: What do you make of this new Kobe video? Have you seen it, and what implications could the things he supposedly said about the Lakers and Andrew Bynum have on his future with the organization and his teammates if ends up staying through next season?

Michael Lee: I have not seen the Kobe video, outside of the brief preview that has since been pulled from YouTube. But based on what I've read, I don't think this video is any more damaging than anything else Bryant has said the past three weeks. He's obviously upset that the Lakers didn't get Jason Kidd at the trade deadline, but I still don't think a team with Kidd and Bryant defeats the Phoenix Suns in the first round, or elevates the Lakers past the San Antonio Spurs. I don't think Kobe cares about how his teammates feel about him right now. He wants out and when he comes back for training camp, they'll just know without a doubt what they probably already thought about him as a teammate.

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Kensington, Md.: I keep hearing rumors of Zach Randolph and Antawn Jamison swapping places; scenarios have differed from three-way trades involving teams like Atlanta as well as straight up deals. any insight?

Ivan Carter: Not going to happen. Randolph is on the hook for way too much money, plays no defense and is constantly getting into bad situations (ie. being in a strip club the night the Wiz played at Portland because he was supposed to be on bereavement leave). Again: it's not going to happen.

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Silver Spring, Md.: Posting early ... so, how about a Kobe-for-Gil trade?

Ivan Carter: Also not going to happen.

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Warrenton, Va.: Any trades cookin' as we get closer to the draft (i.e. Etan, Brendan)?

Ivan Carter: Everything I'm hearing suggests that the Wiz have reached the point where they feel they must move Brendan, no matter what. His relationship with Eddie is beyond repair. You can bet that Ernie is listening to offers for Brendan and/or Etan so if there's going to be a move or two, those names will likely involved.

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France: The NBA goes global: a German season MVP, a French finals MVP (obviously, I'm thrilled). I wonder how San Antonio came to be labeled "boring" with such spectacular players as Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili?

Michael Lee: It starts with Tim Duncan. He is perhaps the least engaging superstar in history and he wouldn't have it any other way. Duncan doesn't try to let you into his world, he doesn't open up, rarely says anything funny or controversial, and his game is textbook. Put it together, you get boring.
The other problem for the Spurs is that their other players don't the charisma to excite the general public. Parker and Ginobili are exciting to watch, but the fans want to be entertained in every way possible. Right now, all you get is Eva Longoria and Tony Parker screaming, "More meat" at Jared, the Subway dude. That won't cut it.

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Bonifay, Fla.: Can Andray and Pesh actually thrive as fives? There seems to be a tremendous log jam at four, Caron seems set at three, so it would be great if one of these could become the starter at five. Also, is it possible to package either (or both) Brendan or Etan with a sweetener, even Gil, to get rid of one of these clowns? I'd trade either five and our draft choices for a yellow dog, then find the dog a good home.

Ivan Carter: Pesh added about 10 pounds and is now around 240-245 so yes, I could see him playing some center as soon as this upcoming season though not against the really big centers like Shaq, Eddy Curry, Ilgauskas etc. I see Blatche as being a 3/4 as his career goes on.

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Crowned as King: Reggie Theus as an NBA head coach. Fellas, do you think he has a leg up on the Tim Floyds, John Caliparis and Mike Montgomerys of the world -- who failed coming from college -- because Theus played in the league?

Michael Lee: You answered your own question. Exactly. Not only did he have a pretty nice career - but he also played for the Kings. When I was really little, my favorite player was Magic Johnson and the other was Reggie Theus. I remember going to Kemper Arena in Kansas City and watching Theus play before the Kings broke my heart and left me for Sacramento. I'm really bitter about that. To this day, I hate covering Kings games in SacTown. Arrggh. Next question!

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Washington: What are your thoughts on the Jamison for Marion rumors? I think it would be a great trade for the Wiz but not sure if the Suns would bite. Alternatively, how about Jamison for Kirilenko? The Wiz gotta be improving that D!

Ivan Carter: As I wrote today, sources from both teams say that no such discussions have taken place. That said, the Wiz would have to consider making such a deal while the Suns would be crazy to do so. Why would you break up that team after it rolled like it did this season? I like Antawn but Marion is a perfect fit for what they do and he's under contract for two more seasons (he has a player option for the 2008-2009 season). No way Phoenix makes that trade. I've heard nothing to indicate that the Wiz would bite on any deal involving AK-47 and Jazz coach Jerry Sloan recently said that he's not going anywhere.

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Richmond, Va.: IC -- last week I asked you about the Wiz's interest in Glen "Big Baby" Davis and you indicated that the Wiz did not plan to work him out. It's obvious now that you've got credibility within the organization, because they read your correspondence! Who knows ... maybe you can be the one to Dr. Phil "Todd" and Eddie.

Seriously, I heard Davis did not complete the workout because of a hip flexor. Do you know the Wiz's impression of him, and is he now on their radar? He'd be an asset to the low post. Thanks!

Ivan Carter: I was there for his workout and he seemed to be moving around pretty well. My concern is that he appears to be closer to 6-8 than 6-9 and I don't see how a guy that size can help the Wiz, particularly when he's not an especially skilled passer and isn't a pick-and-roll type either. I don't see him in a Wizards uniform but I guess we'll have to wait and see.

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Leesburg, Va.: Hey guys. I'm a big fan of Antawn Jamison and have no desire to see him traded. I'm curious however, given that his contract expires after this upcoming season, how he fits into the team's long-term plans. Is this Jamison's last year as a Wizard without taking a huge pay cut?

Ivan Carter: Antawn is on the hook for just over $16 million next season and then he can become a free agent. Now, Antawn will surely be looking to get what he can the following year but it's safe to say that he won't be expecting anything like his current deal. Given Abe Pollin's affection for AJ and AJ's professional approach to the job, I could see him and the Wiz putting together a deal to keep him in Washington.

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Kobe: Hey Ivan and Michael. Has anybody's reputation taken a plunge more than Kobe in the past several years? (Though his jersey is still the top seller.) My friends and I used to enjoy watching him, but now with his attention-grabbing scenes and wanting to get traded, he has become a real "eyesore" for the NBA.

Michael Lee: I have to agree with you, Kobe?!? I think he's done a lot of damage to his rep with this latest flip-flop-flip trade demand. I love Kobe as a basketball player - he's the best individual talent in the game - and I think I have a decent working relationship with him, but he is not handling this situation the way you would expect from an 11-year veteran. This looks like a childish tantrum. It's sloppy, clumsy and makes him look terrible, to me. I don't think anyone other than a die-hard Kobe fan is siding with him on this one. It's just funny how back in December, everybody wrote about how Kobe had changed. He was sharing the ball and making his teammates better, then he goes out and trashes them and the Lakers front office a few months later. Not good.

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Phoenix: Regarding Tim Duncan's approach to the game, both on and off the court: Isn't it refreshing to see an NBA superstar that just does his job, puts in a hard day's work and keeps his mouth shut?

Michael Lee: I guess. I don't mind an NBA superstar doing his job, putting in a hard day's work and saying something - if he has something to say. I think a lot of guys open their mouths and look ridiculous, but I don't really want these guys to keep their mouth shut, because it makes our job tougher. Magic had no trouble bringing the whole package to the table - game and personality - that's why I'm a huge fan forever.

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Chris Mihm of Hollywood: The Lakers are going to let me go. Don't want me in Tinseltown. Can I get a job in Washington?

Michael Lee: Chris, are you in Hollywood? I just read today that Mitch Kupchak wants to keep you. What are you talking about. Just focus on getting healthy, dude.

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Ivan Carter: Hey folks, breaking news just came up (Susan O'Malley is stepping down from her post with Wash Sports and Entertainment). I'll keep you posted.

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Playoffs: The NBA playoffs lasted nearly two months, and people are wondering why the ratings are down? It's just way too long. That said, what'll we see first: fewer teams in the post-season, less time between games w/in series, or the status quo followed by more head-scratching? I'll hang up now, and listen for the answer.

Michael Lee: The ratings aren't down because the playoffs are too long. They are down because the best teams don't meet in the finals. The past two years, we've had the best series played in the second round, with Spurs-Mavs last year and Spurs-Suns this year. If you best teams are gone before June, what's the point of trying to fool the public that this is the legit championship.
I'm all in favor of reseeding, so that the best teams stick around until the end. Once you got to the conference finals with Cleveland-Detroit and San Antonio-Utah, the fans were finished. How else to do explain Game 1 of the Finals losing to a rerun of "CSI" (a good show, but please) and "So You Think You Can Dance (are you kidding me?!)?"

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Charlotte, N.C.: Antawn Jamison and Andray Blatche to the Pacers for J.O.?

Michael Lee: That is ridiculous. That's giving up way too much for a marginal return. O'Neal makes a ton of money and you're basically hoping that he can get you the NBA Finals. I don't think so. I also don't think O'Neal could work in the Princeton offense or with in an uptempo team.

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Phil Jackson: Kobe just gave the ammo for a new book

Michael Lee: I hope the next one is juicier, Phil.

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Washington: Kobe appears to be another in a long line of arrogant, selfish, sense of entitlement pro-sports stars (see, Vick, Michael; Owens, Terrell; countless others) that has soured the fan base. It seems to be getting worse through the years as contracts and egos grow larger -- any end to this ridiculous behavior in sight? Thank goodness for good citizens like LeBron James and Tim Duncan, who balance out these jokers. Let's hope our youngsters emulate these professionals.

Michael Lee: Just wanted you to get your say, Washington.

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Los Angeles: How do you think Andrew Bynum feels being mixed up in this whole situation? The Lakers brass seems to be putting a lot of pressure on him for holding tight and realizing the potential they think he has -- and Kobe just wants him gone for a seasoned pro.

Michael Lee: Bynum's got to be upset. I remember writing a story about him his rookie year and I quoted Kobe saying that Bynum wasn't nearly as aggressive as he was his rookie year. I heard from some other people that Bynum got mad about the comment and wanted to prove to Kobe that he was wrong. At the very least, this could be what fires up Bynum and makes his raise his game next season. The Lakers think he's the next great big man for the franchise. I haven't seen enough to support them, but now that the match has been lit, he might really explode. If the Lakers eventually choose him over Kobe, they'd better hope so.

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Brooklyn, N.Y.: How about this: Kobe to the Nets for J-Kidd and Jefferson?

Michael Lee: If the Lakers didn't want to give up Bynum for Kidd, you think they'd give up Kobe for Kidd? C'mon, Brooklyn.

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Washington: Any chance the Wiz pursue Varejao? I believe he's a free agent...

Michael Lee: I don't think so. Varejao is represented by Dan Fegan and I heard through the grapevine that he is looking for big bucks in free agency - somewhere starting at $7 or $8 million. That might be too much for the Cavaliers to keep him. It's definitely too much - to me, at least - for a mop-haired flop artist. I mean, the guy led the league in charges taken, not rebounds or blocks. I know he's a good energy guy, just what the Wiz kids need, but the Wizards couldn't offer more than the mid-level for Varejao, and if that's all it takes, you can bet he stays in Cleveland.

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Chicago: So what should the Bulls do, gentlemen? Trade now, draft then, or draft and then trade? Who is our perfect big man, who do we have to give up for him, and who should we really be targeting?

Michael Lee: The Bulls should do whatever it takes to keep Luol Deng and still bring Kevin Garnett, Pau Gasol or Jermaine O'Neal to Chicago. They aren't that far away from taking the East by storm. John Paxson and Scott Skiles have set up a solid situation there and they don't need to do much tinkering to the model. I thought they were better than Cleveland this year, and with so many young pieces and some more depth, they can keep building.

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Riverdale, Md.: Give me three rule changes you would make to put more offense in the NBA.

Michael Lee: Reduce the shot clock to 20 seconds.
Expand the width of the floor by about 10 feet to eliminate the clogged up paint.
Ban Rick Carlisle, Jeff Van Gundy or any other Pat Riley disciple who refuses to play anything but ball-control offense. And, put Mike Brown on alert that he needs to open it up, hire somebody to teach the triangle offense to the Cavs or risk punishment, as well.

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Southeast Washington, D.C.: Any potential drops to the second round that might be a steal? And, how does the deal work that allowed the Knicks get the guy from Kentucky?

Michael Lee: I think DJ Strawberry might be alright if he slips into the second round. And, although I haven't seen him play, I've heard about Marc Gasol, Pau's younger brother, and he might be okay, too. But that's just off the top of my head.

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Michael Lee: Hey, it's been good, people. I hate to leave but I've got to run right now. I will talk to you later. Peace.

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