NBA Analyst David Aldridge Talks to OPP and the Rest of the NBA Blogosphere

When it comes to NBA writers, David Aldridge is among the best. He makes regular and welcome contributions to NBA.com and TNT, and isn't shy about embracing new media.

Recently, Aldridge reached out to some parts of the basketblogosphere and volunteered to answer some questions from some of its figures. We at OPP were fortunate to be among those he contacted. You can read his responses to the questions that were submitted here. We asked him about the possibility of Orlando Magic general manager Otis Smith making a trade before this Thursday's deadline, and about how they match up with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Here's a taste of his answer to the trading question:

Well I think Otis keeps saying he's not going to do much to strengthen this group up. And I think they do want to see this group in the playoffs, so my guess is that they are not going to be as active this trade deadline as they have in the past. If you remember last year, they made that trade for Rafer Alston because Jameer Nelson was hurt and they didn't really have an athlete who could certainly play backup point guard. Well they got Jason Williams in the offseason and he's played very well for them and Jameer is healthy now, so I think they feel very good about where they are. Everybody keeps asking about Brandon Bass but it certainly feels like Bass, if his agent is being honest, is not going to make a stink until the offseason. So even if he's not playing, he's not going to complain about it. I think if they do anything, I would be surprised if they do anything other than a very minor deal.

Again, there's plenty more to read about at this link. Many thanks to David for taking the time out to answer our questions.