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Chat with Jim O'Brien

Welcome to The Show! On Wednesday, NBA Insider Jim O'Brien will log on to chat with you about the NBA playoff push and anything else NBA-related that's on your mind.

O'Brien compiled a .535 winning percentage in five seasons as a head coach with Boston and Philadelphia. He led the Celtics to the conference finals in 2002.

Send in your questions to Jim now, and join him right here on Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET for all his answers.

O'Brien Archive: Chats

SportsNation Jim O'Brien: (4:00 PM ET ) Hi everyone, let's get started.

spencer (cleveland, ohio): with some younger teams rising, and the imminent decline of aging teams like the spurs, heat, and pistons (who are getting older but will probably get hit by salary cap and free agency first) over the next couple years, which teams do you think are poised to take things to the next level and become perrenial championship contenders?

SportsNation Jim O'Brien: (4:04 PM ET ) There are few teams that have very promising futures. The Raptors for one are positioned to make a big jump forward. Bringing in Colangelo will help. The Magic are positoning themselves well with young talent and money. Clearly the Cavs are in a great spot with James being so young and Ferry seemingly making all the right moves. Yao Ming is only a kid still and prior to going down with the broken foot was playing great. Not a bad got to start with. If the Celtics young guys are as good as Ainge thinks they are they might make some noise. The Suns are still young also.

LP (Knoxville): Jim, the Grizzlies have collapsed at the end of the year the last two seasons...why not this year? Do they really want to pass the Clippers? Playing Dallas will result in a sweep, maybe win one at home. They could beat Denver! Tank the last four, Czar! Why, Jim, why?

SportsNation Jim O'Brien: (4:07 PM ET ) Do not underestimate the fact that this is Fraetello's first full year. Defense gives you the best chance in the playoffs and they are 7th best in fg goal defense. Obvioustly they would have a much better chance if they played Denver.

jay (jersey): Who will win it all first Knicks or Celtics?

SportsNation Jim O'Brien: (4:10 PM ET ) Tough question. Clearly, Ainge seems to have a more coherent plan that what is going on this year in ny. However there is no way the Knicks should be as bad as they are. They have a lot of talent. Maybe it is not perfectly suited but they have talent. It will be a very, very long time before either team contends for another title.

Derreck (Veneta, OR): C'mon Jim, I know it's a touchy subject, but do you feel any vindication seeing how the Sixers have performed this year with basically the same roster as you had last season?

SportsNation Jim O'Brien: (4:16 PM ET ) I really don
't think I needed to feel vidicated. We took a team that won 33 games the year before and won 43 and got them into the playoffs. What is interesting is that Billy King is starting to realize his young players are not as good as he thought they were. When we took over in Philly and he told me of his opinion of all his young players I did not agree that they were nearly as good as he thought they were.
Defense is hurting them badly. We were 11th infg goal defense last year and now they are 22nd. It is also interesting to see that the fans have turned their backs on what is happening.

houston: Jim, Love your work...was pulling for your C's in 02. I want to cut to the chase: Who is your pick in the West finals and East finals and who do you pick to win it all? -Jefe Houston

SportsNation Jim O'Brien: (4:18 PM ET ) As they say in horseracing I am taking the chalk. The Spurs and Pistons are my picks to play in the finals. I believe the pistons will win the championship because of the edge of home court advantage.

Roy (Encino, CA): Senor O'Brien, Whose your top 5 for MVP and your ultimate pick? Thanks. OH! and Don't show east coast bias, since you're an east coast guy. Be fair. Thanks!

SportsNation Jim O'Brien: (4:20 PM ET ) Nash, Nowitzski,Wade, Kobe and James.
My pick to win the MVP is Nash by a nose.

Eric (Newark, NJ): What plausible trades do you see for the Knicks to clean-up the mess?

SportsNation Jim O'Brien: (4:23 PM ET ) That is the problem that they have had for a long time. Unless someone is willing to give them something for a player like Marbury or Francis that fits into their plans they are a little stuck. The salaries that these guys have are enormous and their track records will not have teams standing in line with All Stars or Draft Picks.

Eric (Franklin PA): Who do you give the most credit to for the Clippers finally making the playoffs?

SportsNation Jim O'Brien: (4:25 PM ET ) I think Baylor and Dunleavy share the credit. Baylor bringing in Mobley and Cassell and Dunleavy's ability to get them to defend has been great..As in all success stories in the NBA the players get it done on the floor and they have done a nice job of bringing every night.

Tom (DC): Jim, would you include the Wizards in the group of up and coming teams? I don't think people realize how good Arenas really is, and Grunfeld is assembling a nice supporting cast in Butler, Daniels, Jamison. What does their future look like?

SportsNation Jim O'Brien: (4:27 PM ET ) Yeah. You are probably right. Jordan has done a great job over the last two years. Arenas is a great, great scorer. Teams must have a tough inside presence to take themselves to the next level. That is Grunfields next challenge.

Doug (Cleveland): Has Mike James matured into being a high quality guard or is he just an average player on a bad team? Will he stay in Toronto either way?

SportsNation Jim O'Brien: (4:31 PM ET ) I take great pride in watching Mike's success because we gave him his real start in Boston. He is a wonderful young man. He loves the game and wants to be in the gym all day. I love what he is doing from a scoring standpoint. His defeciencies are he is a score first pass second point guard, and his defense is not strong. He will get the mid level. If he wants more I don't see the Raptors keeping him.

Minh (SF, CA): How can smailler teams like Phoenix and Washington win the playoffs or can they? Has there ever been a front court inhibited team that has won a championship?

SportsNation Jim O'Brien: (4:33 PM ET ) I do not think a team that has little inside presence can win the championship. They can win a series (Wizards) or two (Suns) but they can't win four series.

Mansa (L.A.): Hey jim. What do you think the lakers chances of beating phoenix are if they play. And do you think this game on sunday is considered a statenent game for them. Thanks.

SportsNation Jim O'Brien: (4:34 PM ET ) I agree with Kobe that Phil has done an outstanding job with what he has but I do not think he has enough to beat the Suns in a best of seven.

Bill (Beantown): Jim - way to screw over Ohio State!

SportsNation Jim O'Brien: (4:35 PM ET ) Wrong guy.

Rich, New York, NY: Hey Jim - what are your thoughts about the NYPost article about Jay Williams getting a look by the Knicks?

SportsNation Jim O'Brien: (4:37 PM ET ) I hope Jay Williams will be healthy enough to play for anyone in the league. He is a fine young man. The Knicks need a pure point guard and he would fill the bill if he can go.

Jason (Chicago): Do you think Scott Skiles should be in the running for Coach of the Year? I think he getting over-looked because of the Clips. I think he's doing a great job, considering he doesn't have one "star" player on his team.

SportsNation Jim O'Brien: (4:39 PM ET ) Scott Skiles has done a wonderful job this year but coaches like Avery Johnson, Mike DAntoni etc have done the type of job that gets you the honors. Lawrence Frank has done a great job also.

Aaron (West Laf, IN): What qualifies Dirk, LeBron, and Wade for getting MVP nods over Chauncey, the leader of the leagues best squad? Thanks.

SportsNation Jim O'Brien: (4:40 PM ET ) You are right that was an oversight. Billups has been brillant at running the best team in the league.

bob (san jose): Jim, what do you make of the train wreck that is the warriors?

Joe (NYC): Jim what can the Knigs do in playoffs? I think they can beat Phoenix and take SA to 7 games

SportsNation Jim O'Brien: (4:44 PM ET ) The Kings are a dangerous team. But they are not in the Spurs category. As the playoffs roll around a lot of us want a dark horse to step up and pull a George Mason. It doesn't happen much at the college level and even less at the pro level.

Amon (Dallas, TX): Have you heard anything about Shawn Kemp lately?

SportsNation Jim O'Brien: (4:46 PM ET ) Just what I read. He is working out and trying to get his life back in order. I hope tit works out for him whether he plays another game in the league or not.

Gabe Bearsville NY: I cant see the Nets losing a series (unless its a healthy spurs group), whats your take on them?

SportsNation Jim O'Brien: (4:48 PM ET ) I think the Pistons could and will beat them in the playoffs if they match up in a series. The Nets have a perimeter that is tough to defend but the Pistons of all the teams in the East can match up with them.
The Pistons also have a big advantage inside. The Pistons in six.

Steve (Dallas): Jim, with the Mavs recent win over the Spurs, when they meet in the second round, will the Mavs have the mental edge knowing they won the last meeting?

SportsNation Jim O'Brien: (4:52 PM ET ) I really don't think there is any advantage if you beat your oppositon the last time you play them before the playoffs. It doesn't hurt but it does not give you much of an advantage. If Duncan is healthy the Spurs will be tough to knock out. His health is a big question mark.

Joe (Oil City PA): Would you rather have the top guard, forward, or big man on a team that you were coaching?

SportsNation Jim O'Brien: (4:53 PM ET ) I'd rather have the best center and the second best point guard. History shows that you need a dominating big man to win it all.

James (Los Angeles): What do you think Allen Iverson needs to do to get a title? Change his game or his team?

SportsNation Jim O'Brien: (4:56 PM ET ) Iverson is a scorer and you can't change that and neither can he. If he is to win a title he must have the help of a tough inside presence on offense and defense and complimentary players that can hit the deep shot to spread the court when he drives.. These other players all must be willing to play team defense and accept a role.

Guilherme, Brazil: Jim, what do you think about the Magic´s latest winning streak? Are they for real?

SportsNation Jim O'Brien: (4:58 PM ET ) I thought the Magic would be a playoff contender this year with a healthy Grant Hill. They have to get through the Hill era. I believe they will be for real for years to come because they have a very good point guard in Nelson and Howard flat out gets it done, at a young age,inside.

SportsNation Jim O'Brien: (4:59 PM ET ) Thanks for the questions. See you next time.
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Chat with Chad Ford


Welcome to The Show! On Thursday, ESPN NBA Insider Chad Ford will drop by to take your questions on the season.

SportsNation Chad Ford: Hey everyone, thanks for coming. We'll spend a few minutes on the NBA and spend the bulk of the time on the draft. Let's start with a few NBA questions.

stefan, austria: hey chad!Who is going to be in the playoffs in the east from the 5th seed down? my estimation is something like: 5:indy,6:chicago,7:Washington,8.Milwaukee, with philly missing out on the POs.do you agree?

SportsNation Chad Ford: I think it's going to look like this in the EAst:

1. Pistons
2. Heat
3. Nets
4. Cavs
5. Indiana
6. Washington
7. Milwaukee
8. Chicago

It's a tough call between Philly and Chicago, but I just think the Bulls have a little easier schedule the rest of the way and have been playing better of late.

Phil, LA: What about in the West? Who's in and who's out of the playoffs?

SportsNation Chad Ford: Here it goes.

1. Spurs
2. suns
3. Nuggets
4. Mavs
5. Grizzlies
6. Clippers
7. Lakers
8. Kings

I think the interesting first round match-up is the Clippers-Nuggets. I actually think the Clippers will take them in a 7 game series.

Garrett, Minn: Kobe throws the Lakers on his back and they upset Phoenix in 6 games. I really like Nash and Phoenix is fun to watch (regular season), but I see an explosion from Kobe and the Lakers defense, improved play of Lamar and Kwame, and front line size advantage in the playoffs to much to overcome. How do you feel?

SportsNation Chad Ford: I don't see it. Lakers have overachieved this year thanks to a spectacular season by Kobe and Phil Jackson ... but I think Phoenix is better than you give them credit for. They have too many weapons in a seven game series.

Evan (Ridgewood): Would you be inclined to say that the team with the brightest future is the Orlando Magic? Have they distanced themselves from the other youthful teams?

SportsNation Chad Ford: They look very good, though this recent winning streak has actually hurt them. A few weeks ago they had an 8.8 percent chance of winning the lottery and a likely No. 5 pick in the draft. I think they would've grabbed Brandon Roy or Adam Morrison -- a great fit for that team. Now they have a 0.8 percent chance of winning the lottery and the pickings are much slimmer at the No. 10 pick. Still, they'll add another lottery pick to the mix this summer and then have a lot of cap room in the summer of 2007. The future is bright.

Lance (omaha): Is there a miracle in the world that has the bulls beating the pistons in the 1st round

SportsNation Chad Ford: No, but thanks for asking Lance.

Jim (LA): Do the Nets have a chance at beating the Heat? What about their chances against the Pistons?

SportsNation Chad Ford: I actually like the Nets over the Heat in a 7 game series and think the Nets could push the Pistons to 7 games. But I think the Pistons are going to win it all.

TC Bass (DC): Give me a prediction for the 2006-07 Indiana Pacers roster...Bird said there would be massive changes, and I wonder if that means either Peja or Jermaine O'Neal will be gone next year.

SportsNation Chad Ford: Could be both. The key is whether they can get any value for O'Neal. He's talented and still young enough, but his injury history and lack of leadership have hurt his value. I think the Bulls could be a possibility for both guys if the Pacers just decide to blow it up and go young. Would the Bulls give up their draft picks and a young player like Luol Deng for it? Would the Pacers take it? I don't know, but I do expect big changes there ... the mix just hasn't worked. Stephen Jacksona and Jamaal Tinsley could also be sent packing.

Jesse (Atlanta, GA):: Chad, Josh Smith and Andrei Kirilenko have put up almost identical numbers since the all-star break. With Smith's inspired play, could he be the small forward of the future in Atlanta? Would the Hawks consider trading Marvin this summer to fill holes at other positions?

SportsNation Chad Ford: Smith and Williams have a bright future and I think they can play together at the three and the four. I'd let Al Harrington walk (or do a sign and trade) and I'd see what I could get for Josh Childress and a top draft pick. What they Hawks really need is an athletic up-tempo type of point guard who can help this team gel. An athletic option at center is another need. Joakim Noah would be a good fit if he declares.

wes, boston: DRAFT, DRAFT, DRAFT DRAFT, DRAFT, DRAFT DRAFT, DRAFT, DRAFT DRAFT, DRAFT, DRAFT DRAFT, DRAFT, DRAFT DRAFT, DRAFT, DRAFT DRAFT, DRAFT, DRAFT DRAFT, DRAFT, DRAFT DRAFT, DRAFT, DRAFT

Coop (Halifax, NS): Why do you always wanna talk so much about the draft? Especially this year, when everyone sucks. But for real, its just 100% guess work...we don't even know who's got what pick. Let alone who they might take in 4 months.

SportsNation Chad Ford: Glad everyone can agree ... We should get talking about the draft. It doesn't suck. I'm not sure how many superstars there are, but lots of these guys will make NBA rosters and contribute. I think it's interesting this year because there's so much parity. I just wrote a column today about how five different guys could go No. 1. We haven't had that since 2001.

Michael (Tustin, CA): "Potential" is the most dangerous word come draft time. Most kids are nowhere close to being ready for the NBA. It seems that many GMs are praying for a miracle when they make a draft pick. Your take?

SportsNation Chad Ford: It's a gamble sure ... but when I look at some of the "potential" payoffs -- Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant, Tracy McGrady, Jermaine O'Neal, LeBron James -- what's the gripe. Sure, GMs reach and make mistakes. But in the high lottery, teams are looking for home runs. You don't hit ones if you skip the "P" word. That's why guys like Tyrus Thomas and Andrea Bargnani are ranked ahead of Adam Morrison and J.J. Redick.

Leslie (Springfield, IL): Is there anyone in the draft that can really help the Bulls or do they get to the next level via free agency?

SportsNation Chad Ford: They need a four who can score in the paint and a big, defensive minded two guard. Brandon Roy makes some sense. So does LaMarcus Aldridge. However, I think they're better off getting out of this draft. They have enough young players to build around. They need some veteran help to take the next step.

Dan ( Iowa City, IA): What 3 players are most ready to contribute to a NBA team?

SportsNation Chad Ford: Joakim Noah, Brandon Roy, Randy Foye

SportsNation Chad Ford: The draft of 2000 is the worst in recent memory. Michael Redd, a second round pick, was the best player in the draft. No. 2 was probably Kenyon Martin. After that pick your poison ... Jamaal Magloire? Mike Miller? Darius Miles? Ugh.

kelvin (nyc): quincy douby? 1st rounder?

SportsNation Chad Ford: Possibly. He's a great scorer who also has a sweet shooting touch. I just wonder where he fits. He's undersized and doesn't do much besides score. He doesn't make his teammates better and isn't a great defender. I think he'd be a great sixth man somewhere ... but he plays with the mentality of the No. 1 option. Can he adjust? I'm not convinced.

Bob (Tucson): Do you see either AZ Wildcat going in the 1st round (Adams or Shakur)?

SportsNation Chad Ford: No. Adams has a shot but I think he's a second rounder. Shakur probably goes undrafted.

Derek (NC): Name a player that no one is talking about but could make some noise in the NBA.

SportsNation Chad Ford: Last year my guy was Danny Granger and I think he's acquitted himself well in Indiana. Had he been drafted by a bad team, he'd have been a Top 3 rookie this year I believe. I think Maurice Ager could be better than scouts are giving him credit for. I also think people are underrating Leon Powe because of the injury history. If his knees check out at the pre-draft camp, he could rocket up the boards.

Brian (Memphis, TN): Chad, I was at the Hoop Summit and saw scouts drooling over Saer Sene. Is he a legit late 1st rounder?

SportsNation Chad Ford: I think that's a little premature. Scouts loved him there ... but he's still very raw. Any athletic 7 footer with a 7-8 wingspan should be blocking 9 shots in a high school all-star game. He's a freak athletically, but he's only been playing ball for three years. Usually guys like that take a LONG time to develop. If a team has three or four years to wait ... I say go for it. His upside is awesome. But you have to be realistic with kids like that ... and he's going to have to get some playing experience. That's why I'm a fan of the new D league. I think he's an early second rounder right now ... but it's possible for him to move into the first round. You don't see guys like that come along very often.

james (tallahassee fl): Why isn't Justin Williams getting more consideration? He is exactly like Theo Ratliff and teams have always clamored for him. Your thoughts.

SportsNation Chad Ford: I'm not sure about that. Scouts weren't enamored with him in Porstmouth. He measured a little short, needs to add weight, and needs a better feel. I think Theo was a better prospect. Still, Williams will go somewhere in the second round.

Ryan (Boston, MA): Chad, Gerald Green looks like he'll be able to be a viable scoring option off the bench for the C's next year. With that in theory taken care of, do you think Boston will go for a player like Marcus Williams or Rajon Rondo with their pick to back up Delonte West and replace Orien Greene?

SportsNation Chad Ford: Green has looked very good. The stint in the D league seems to have helped his confidence. I think a point guard is a big need ... just not sure if that's too high for Williams and Rondo. I like both, but I think they're both in the mid first round. Wouldn't be surprised to see them add Brandon Roy. Big guard who can play some point and defense. He's more ready than most of the prospects and can play in the backcourt with West.

Kevin (Phoenix, AZ): Sorry to bring up the race thing, but is "potential" directly related to race? I NEVER hear about white players with upside potential unless they are extremely young and undeveloped. Why do we assume JJ and Morrison can raise their games just as Tyrus Thomas?

SportsNation Chad Ford: I don't think it's about race, I think it's about age. Few young white players declare early. But ... we're hearing potential galore about Josh McRoberts of Duke and heard the same thing about Robert Swift and Darko Milicic. There's just a smaller sample size.

Josh (Nebraska): Where will Redick be drafted?

SportsNation Chad Ford: My guess is still Utah at No. 14. But if they trade the pick or pass on him, he'll go somewhere between 15 and 22.

jordan (weehawken): Who are the top 3 point guards in the draft ?

SportsNation Chad Ford: 1. Marcus Williams, UConn
2. Mardy Collins, Temple
3. Rajon Rondo, Kentucky.

If you consider Randy Foye a point guard then he tops all of them on the list.

Erik (Iowa city, Iowa): Any chance the Knicks are this bad again next year, we sure could use Oden in Chicago?

SportsNation Chad Ford: Yeah, I think there's a great chance of that. It might get worse before it gets better in New York.

Andy(Eugene,OR): I have never really been a Portland fan ever since Clyde the Glide left Oregon, but that doesn't stop me from wondering what they can do to turn the franchise around. They have so much young talent but in the past couple years, the one's they have rid of have become stars (ie, Jermaine). Do they stick with Zach Randolph and build around that. They have obvious talend, but no real leaders or superstars. Maybe go for a dominant guard and solid center?

SportsNation Chad Ford: I think they've got to dump Randolph and Miles. Take the best player in the draft (right now they have the best shot at the No. 1 pick) and then bring in a veteran or two. Too many young players, too much attitude, no real winners on the floor. They have a ton of talent, but talent isn't enough. I think John Nash have done a really shaky job rebuilding this team. No wonder Paul Allen wants to sell.

Jake (Cedar Rapids, IA): Who are a few players in the draft with really high basketball IQ?

SportsNation Chad Ford: Brandon Roy, Al Horford, Adam Morrison all get props in that department. I also here similar things about LaMarcus Aldridge.

SportsNation Chad Ford: I've got to run everyone. It's been fun. We'll do it again next week.