Hoops Rumors Weekly Mailbag 2/14/16-2/21/16

In addition to our weekly chat, which Chuck Myron facilitates every Wednesday, we have a second opportunity for you to hit us up with your questions in this, our weekly mailbag feature. Have a question regarding player movement, the salary cap, or the NBA draft? Drop us a line at HoopsRumorsMailbag@Gmail.com. Here are this week’s inquiries:

What are the legitimate odds Joe Johnson gets a buyout and signs with the Cavs? — Jett
HR: Great question. I’d go no higher than 50/50. I say that because it seems like the Cavs would land Johnson if he were to reach a buyout with the Nets, but I’m doubting the likelihood of the latter. Johnson said he wouldn’t dismiss the idea of re-signing with the Nets when his contract expires this summer, which leads me to think he is in no rush to discuss a buyout. It’s important to note the Cavs would face some competition for Johnson from the Heat, but I just don’t see much of an incentive for Johnson, who is making $24.895MM this season, to take anything less than what he is currently owed.
Since it’s in Charlotte next season and Stephen Curry seems unlikely to participate in the actual event, how about a “Curry Challenge” with Steph, Seth and Dell? The idea of a dunk-off was great, but it is likely to end in a disappointment as you’re basically waiting for someone to fail.  Instead, involve the fans. Why not have the fans serve as the tie-breaker voting for their winner in the event of a tie? — Jonathan

HR: I like both ideas, though, I don’t know how practical either of them are. The idea of a Curry Challenge would appeal to the mainstream audience enough, even it is solely about one player, just because of how popular Stephen Curry is. I hate the dunk contest voting system and the way the competition is won. It is silly on all levels and detracts me as a viewer. I’m in favor of something different and involving fans might be a good bet. I could see fans being able to vote on Twitter and online from home in addition to fans having the ability to do it live at the venue.

I know I’m in the minority, but I don’t feel that Byron Scott has done that bad of a job. He was put in an impossible position to actually contend with this team. We, as fans, rant about developing talent and that’s exactly what he’s done. — Miles

HR: I have to disagree, Miles. Scott openly has said he does not prefer the use of advanced statistics and his coaching of D’Angelo Russell is baffling to me. I wouldn’t attribute the development of players to Scott because he seems like a coach who is interested in results more than the process. For example, Scott benched Russell for “cockiness” in December, which struck me as bizarre. Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak doesn’t want to discuss Scott’s future anymore and indicated that the coach’s status with the organization hasn’t changed, so only time will tell if he will remain. My guess, which is purely my speculation, is he doesn’t last beyond this season.

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