Chat with Chris Broussard


Welcome to The Show! On Tuesday, ESPN.com NBA Insider Chris Broussard will be joining us to chat about the NBA playoffs.

Chris Broussard grew up in the Midwest dreaming of being the next great tailback at USC. Instead, he became the next underachieving point guard ("I should have averaged 20'') at Oberlin College.

In 1990, he launched his sportswriting career at the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Four years later, he started covering the NBA for the Akron Beacon Journal. He spent 2½ seasons as the Cleveland Cavaliers beat writer before going to the New York Times to cover the Nets (two years), the Knicks (three) and then the NBA (one). He joined ESPN The Magazine in September 2004.

Send in your questions now and then join Chris at 2 p.m. ET Tuesday!

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SportsNation Chris Broussard: (1:59 PM ET ) o everyone. I'm looking forward to today's chat. I'll be around until 3 p.m. EST, so let's get it poppin'.

Bryan, Huntsville, AL: What is in store for Shaq next season? Will he retire at the end of the season? Will he remain on the Suns or be traded again to another contender? Could he return to the Lakers for one more shot at the le?

SportsNation Chris Broussard: (2:02 PM ET ) Bryan,

Shaq will play in Phoenix for the next two years. He won't retire before his contract expires because he'd be surrendering whatever money was left on his deal - $40 million over the next two years. The chances of him being traded are slimmer than Nicole Ritchie because his production is down and his salary is monstrous. LA?! Are you kidding me? Have you already forgotten about Andrew Bynum?

Matt (Miami, FL): If the cir stances permit, would a Marion + Beasley for Mayo + Al Jefferson + Filler trade be worthwhile for the parties involved?

SportsNation Chris Broussard: (2:09 PM ET ) Honestly, that's not a bad trade for the Heat. Miami would have Al Jeff, Mayo and D-Wade. I'm not sure if Minny would do it. They really like Jefferson. Jefferson has proven he can get 20 and 10 nightly, while Beasley hasn't. And I think Marion's at his best with a good point guard. He's always played with either Jason Kidd, Stephon Marbury or Steve Nash. He's not great at creating his own stuff, so he needs a good playmaker with him. Who fits that description in Minny? No one. This deal's not totally out of left field, though. Not saying it has a chance of happening, but it's fairly reasonable.

Danny Ferry (Cleveland): Who should I trade for? Baron? Brand? Redd? Carmelo?

SportsNation Chris Broussard: (2:14 PM ET ) Some interesting names. As great as Baron is, I wouldn't consider him. A lot of the great things LeBron does are with the ball in his hands, so I personally wouldn't want a PG who's going to have the rock all the time playing next to him. Brand? Not sure about his health, since he's coming off an injury. I'd want to be completely certain before paying that kind of money. Redd? Now there's a great idea. I thought Redd should've gone to Cleveland a few years ago when he was a free agent. He could've been the Pippen to LeBron's Jordan. With his shooting ability, he'd be the perfect sidekick for LeBron. Carmelo? A good fit too. We all know he and LeBron are close. This would mean moving LeBron to SG, but heck, he basically plays PG anyway. Melo's ability to catch and shoot, plus his post game, would make him a nice fit next to LeBron. With the expiring contracts of Szczerbiak, Damon Jones and Eric Snow coming off after this season, a Cavs blockbuster is more likely around the Feb. trade deadline rather than this summer because team's probably won't want those contracts on their books for the whole season. Cavs will try to make moves this summer, though.

SportsNation Chris Broussard: (2:14 PM ET )

Paxson(chi): Do you think I can get Brand for Hinrich and Gooden?

SportsNation Chris Broussard: (2:16 PM ET ) I wouldn't give you Elton for that. Gooden's solid but Brand's great. And I can find a Hinrich somewhere. He's just slightly above average.

SportsNation Chris Broussard: (2:16 PM ET )

Vincent (Chicago): I don't mean to sound like a Doc-hater because I don't want to be one, but no Leon Powe or Eddie House (except as a DEFENSIVE sub with 4 seconds left in Q2) last night when Boston lacked energy from the opening tap? What gives?

SportsNation Chris Broussard: (2:18 PM ET ) I feel you on Leon Powe. He's a strong, energy player who may have helped. I think Doc just goes with who's playing well that night between Powe and Big Baby. It's hard to get both of them significant minutes. My guess is that House didn't play because Detroit was really pressuring the ball and he would've had trouble getting the rock up the floor. He's not a PG. He can only bring it up the floor against teams that don't pressure, but Lindsey Hunter would've ate him for lunch last night.

SportsNation Chris Broussard: (2:18 PM ET )

Dustin (Logan, UT): Does Boozer to Miami for Beasley and Blount make sense for both teams, especially with Carlos having an ETO after next season???

SportsNation Chris Broussard: (2:20 PM ET ) It makes sense for Miami, especially since they don't seem to be too high on Beasley (that's just my perception based on things I'm hearing around the league). But Carlos' struggles in April and the playoffs have me a bit worried. I don't know that it makes sense for Utah because I don't know if Beasley's a "Utah-kind-of-guy.''

Denzel, LA: Lakers or Spurs Tonight?

SportsNation Chris Broussard: (2:22 PM ET ) Spurs. I said LA in 7 before the series began and I'm sticking with that (though LA in 6 wouldn't shock me). I'm stunned that some folks seemed to think SA would die after those first two Ls in LA.

Travis(Portland, OR): Kobe has 2 free throws in the last 2 games. Biggest joke ever, or Bowen plays perfect defense? I'm leaning toward refs are being ridiculous.

SportsNation Chris Broussard: (2:23 PM ET ) SA is great at not fouling. The finished the regular season tied with New Orleans for fewest fouls committed, and they were second to New Orleans in fewest FTAs by opponents. Bowen doesn't leave his feet much on head and pump fakes, so he's not going to foul much on jump shots. And Kobe's only taken 15 shots in the paint this series, so he's settling a bit for Js. There are probably a few missed calls here and there, but I think those are your explanations.

zach(Toronto): Chris, if you're the Raptors, do you deal TJ Ford, sign and trade Jose Calderon or keep both guys? Who do you target in any trade ?

SportsNation Chris Broussard: (2:25 PM ET ) I trade TJ. They're definitely going to keep Calderon, and they're trying to trade TJ. The Clips need a PG, but they're not giving up Brand or Maggette for TJ. Miami wants a PG, assuming they don't get Rose, but they wouldn't give up Marion for TJ.

Michael (San Antonio): Do you really think Kobe can keep carrying LA? I mean he is amazing but Gasol and Odom need to step up. Don't ever count out the Champs and our apperantly new motion offense!

SportsNation Chris Broussard: (2:26 PM ET ) Yeah, you're right. Kobe can't do it by himself. He needs Pau and Odom to step up big time. Odom should own his matchup with Oberto/Horry.

Dave - Phoenix: Your thoughts on a Stoudemire for Nowitzki trade? Doubt it'd ever happen, but I think it would benefit both teams.

SportsNation Chris Broussard: (2:30 PM ET ) I think it would be better for Dallas than for Phoenix. Phoenix wouldn't really gain much. They'd still be great offensively, but Dirk's weaknesses are the same as Amare's - neither is a great rebounder and neither defends. At least Amare can become better in those areas. With him, it's about desire while Dirk's just limited. Dallas would be a completely different type of team, but Kidd and Amare would be a nice tandem. I don't think either team wins a championship with that trade, though.

Eric (Cleveland): Cavs send expiring contracts: Wally S., Damon Jones, Joe Smith, A. Varejao + draft picks for Carmelo and Kenyon's terrible contract?

SportsNation Chris Broussard: (2:32 PM ET ) Off the top of my head, I'm not sure if that works financially, but I'd do it in a heartbeat if I were Cleveland. Kenyon is still a top flight defender. Denver would obviously just do it for the financial relief. But why not? They're not going anywhere. And with A.I. coming off the books after next season, they could start anew. As a Cavs fan, I'd love to see that.

Ken (Tarzana, Ca): Chris before everyone gets all excited over Derick Rose. Can you name one All-Star, winning, point guard who came out before his sop re season?

SportsNation Chris Broussard: (2:35 PM ET ) Well, I'm going off the top of the dome, but let's see...Marbury's never been a winner...Telfair's been a bust...Shaun Livingston was disappointing before his injury...But in fairness, how many PG's have come out that early? Telfair and Livingston are the only PGs to go out of HS, and most stay for more than a year in college. The verdict's still out on Mike Conley. Good question, but I don't think the sample size is good enough to make a definitive statement. Rose is great, with good size and tremendous explosion. He probably won't be a great pro right away - and hopefully people will give him time to develop - but I think he'll eventually be all-star caliber.

Vince (Los Angeles): J.A. has an article on Robert Horry. He asks, Is he the guy who hits all the clutch shots? Is he a cheap-shot artist? Does he belong in the Hall of Fame? He answered yes, no, yes. What are your thoughts?

SportsNation Chris Broussard: (2:38 PM ET ) yes, he hits the clutch shots. No, he's not a cheap shot artist. No, he's not a Hall of Famer. I'm sorry, he's just not a Hall of Famer. He's never averaged more than 12 points a game, and he's only averaged in double figures three times in 16 years. It's not the playoff Hall of Fame (not that he would even make that), it's the BASKETBALL (reg. season, etc...) Hall of Fame. Plus, while I love Horry, I think he could've been a much better player during the regular season. To his credit, you'd rather be better in the playoffs than the regular season, but why not be your best in both?

mike (new hampshire): Magic Johnson

SportsNation Chris Broussard: (2:39 PM ET ) Magic came out after his sop re year.

Jason (Brooklyn): Why isn't Kobe defending Manu? Ginobilli got hot in the last game, and the Lakers have nobody else who can guard him. Are they that concerned with keeping Kobe out of foul trouble?

SportsNation Chris Broussard: (2:40 PM ET ) Well, remember Sasha was doing a good job on him in the first two games. I think foul trouble and preserving energy are probably the main reasons. You may see more of Kobe on Manu tonight.

JT (SC): What do you think of the Celtics after last night? They were given every chance to win by the pistons and refs, but never actually threatened.

SportsNation Chris Broussard: (2:42 PM ET ) Well, I actually think the Celtics did threaten. They never led, but they did threaten. I still like them to win in 7 games. They had a golden opportunity to "steal a game'' in which they didn't play well, but they couldn't do it. They're fine, though.

Jordan (Toronto): So Chris, who would Toronto get for Ford? Varejao and expiring contract? Doesn't a Calderon trade put the Raptors in contention for a Top Flight Draft day swap with a Miami or Clippers Team?

SportsNation Chris Broussard: (2:43 PM ET ) Rapts love Calderon, so I don't see him being moved. I guess it's possible, though. I don't do that deal if I'm Cleveland.

Ramez (Chem Class, Orange, CA): Who wins the championship this year?

SportsNation Chris Broussard: (2:44 PM ET ) I'm hoping for a Lakers-Boston Final, and I'll wait until it happens to make my official pick. But right now, I'd lean toward LA in 7. That's not official, though, that's just how I'm leaning right now. It could change.

Vahe (Glendale): Should the Lakers try and trade Bynum for a top 2 pick? How about Rose alongside Kobe?

SportsNation Chris Broussard: (2:45 PM ET ) The Lakers shouldn't do a darn thing, except wait for Big Bynum to heal up. Why would you want to mess with what they've got right now? They could win a le this year, and then with Bynum, they'll be much, much better. They'll be both a finesse team AND a power team! They're going to be unstoppable.

Mike (DC) : It's a huge mistake to trade a top-5 draft pick for a proven player. How many of the 10 best players in the league have played on more than one team?

SportsNation Chris Broussard: (2:48 PM ET ) Without doing an official top 10 list, here are a few of that ilk who've played for more than one team: Nash, Kidd, KG, TMac, Boozer, AI, Baron Davis. Granted, most of these guys aren't top 10, but most of the top 10 are younger guys who could move later.

mike, north haven CT: How would the Lakers win Game 7 in Boston? Boston will not lose a game 7 in the Finals.

SportsNation Chris Broussard: (2:49 PM ET ) I'd take Kobe in a Game 7 over any of the Celtics' Big Three. I'm not saying the Celtics can't win it all; i'm just saying Kobe is more proven than any of those guys. Celtics barely held off Cleveland in Game 7. My guess is that Pierce would have a big game vs. LA in Game 7, though.

Mo (Houston, TX): Why are the media so hyped on Lakers-Boston Finals? Trying to bring the glory back? NEWSFLASH!!!!! Bird and Magic aren't going to suit up guys.

SportsNation Chris Broussard: (2:50 PM ET ) Yeah, but Kobe and KG will

Ron (Fut.HOF) Artest: gimmie the skinny, would it be in my best interest to stay in Sacramento or bounce?

SportsNation Chris Broussard: (2:51 PM ET ) Well, you're not getting a fat contract elsewhere until you prove yourself level-headed in Sac-town. So stay put, at least for one year.

Kate (Kansas): I like your articles Chris, but your idea of trade values seems way off. Why would Minnesota even consider trading Jefferson and Mayo for a guy who may not be as good as Jefferson and a 30 year old who is all athleticism. TJ Ford is also much better then you give him credit for - he has a reasonable contract that is insured in case of a spinal injury. He just put up the 6th best PER among PGs (20.37) and now has one of the best midrange Js in the entire league.

SportsNation Chris Broussard: (2:53 PM ET ) First of all, I said I didn't think Minny would do that trade, so I don't understand your point. I agree with you. Secondly, I like TJ, but I think you're overestimating his midrange J a bit.

Tochiquit (Toronto): What's your take on Jemele Hill's article that Kobe is a much more better player than Jordan?

SportsNation Chris Broussard: (2:53 PM ET ) I think she's out of her mind! Jordan is the best player ever. Period.

Matt (Miami, FL): Chris, if you were Pat Riley, drafting second beyond the Rose Bulls, what would you do?

SportsNation Chris Broussard: (2:54 PM ET ) Without having done background checks, etc..., I would explore trade opportunities for Beasley at No. 2. Or I would take Beasley. I like Beasley, and i think he'd be a good fit in Miami. A lot of folks disagree, though.

Jonathan (Dallas, TX): Tony Parker didn't even go to school and was drafted and played as a 19 year old. He's a slice of alright.

SportsNation Chris Broussard: (2:56 PM ET ) Parker would be an answer to the previous question about winning PGs who came out before their sop re years. But he played professionally in Europe for a few years, so he's a different case altogether. It also took him a few years before he could be counted on come playoff time. He struggled in his first two Finals.

Haden (memphis): My friend said he would rate Stockton and Isiah above Magic as the best pg of all time. I think he is insane. Magic contributed in all categories, including blocks and rebounds, while playing pg at the very highest level. What's your take?

SportsNation Chris Broussard: (2:59 PM ET ) Your friend is nuts! Magic is hands-down the best PG of all-time. Oscar is second, if you consider him a PG. Isiah's third. Stockton is a Hall of Famer and all-time great, but he wasn't in Magic's class and he wasn't as good as Isiah. I argue with Hollinger about that all the time. He says Stockton was better than Isiah. I say he's off his rocker.

Kyle (minneapolis): If memory serves me, Baron Davis only played one year at UCLA.

SportsNation Chris Broussard: (2:59 PM ET ) Baron played two years at UCLA

Jc (Denver): Why would Denver need to start anew, not going anywhere, when they are a better team than the Cavs? It's the Cavs who will be starting anew when LBJ goes to NY.

SportsNation Chris Broussard: (3:01 PM ET ) Denver's not going anywhere unless they get moved to the East.

Elton (Abilene Texas): Chris, besides the reseme and marketing ability, what makes Jordan better than Kobe?

SportsNation Chris Broussard: (3:07 PM ET ) Jordan was far more efficient than Kobe. He was a career 49.7% shooter and would've been over 50% if not for those two years in Washington. Kobe's never shot 47% despite playing with Shaq for all those years. He won six les without a dominant post player. He was a better defender than Kobe. Mike dished more assists than Kobe (again, Kobe should be better in this area since he had Shaq for so long). Mike never had a performance anywhere near Kobe's Game 7 disappearance against Phoenix a few years ago. Kobe's got to win several rings without Shaq before it can be argued that he's MJ's equal.

JP (Baton Rouge): Chris, should the Hornets make a move for Rashad McCants?

SportsNation Chris Broussard: (3:07 PM ET ) No. what' s he going to do? He ain't the answer.

SportsNation Chris Broussard: (3:10 PM ET ) I enjoyed it. You guys had some great questions, and I got to as many as I could. Sorry if I didn't answer your question. Chat with you soon.




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Pretty decent responses and some good facts covering.