With the NBA playoffs already in full gear, Zach Libby was joined by Bleacher Report and The Hoop Doctors columnist Dan Favale. We break down the biggest question marks for the New York Knicks heading into this summer, Frank Vogel’s job security, the NBA draft and more.

If the Indiana Pacers manage to lose the series against the Atlanta Hawks, will Larry Bird fire head coach Frank Vogel? Why or why not?

I would say no. They’ll probably lose, but if and when that happens, look for changes to be made on the court. Both Evan Turner and Lance Stephenson are free agents. One or both of them could leave. Roy Hibbert has been a mess, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see him hit the chopping block. George Hill could also be moved. They really need a true point guard, so expect that to be a focus. Vogel has failed to make some adjustments, but this hellhole isn’t on him.

Is it safe to say that the Washington Wizards have one of the best backcourts in the league with Wall and Beal? Why or why not?

Absolutely safe. Beal can do everything—shoot, drive, defer. Wall’s jumper remains a work in progress, but he’s deadly off the dribble and in transition, and he’s a much better distributor than people give him credit for. These two together are just magnificent.

Who will become the next head coach for the New York Knicks in your opinion? Is Dolan actually giving Jackson full autonomy during the search?

General consensus is Steve Kerr. He’s familiar with Jackson’s triangle system and is the kind of charismatic, blank slate Jackson is looking for. And despite reports, Dolan is most definitely giving Jackson autonomy. Kerr wouldn’t be an option if Jackson didn’t have complete control. Dolan is known to chase big names with high price tags, which is something Kerr, a newbie to the coaching game, is not.

Will the marriage between Jackson and Dolan end on not-so-good terms or will they overcome their differences in the near future?

Tough to say at his point. As long as Dolan continues to do what he’s doing—mostly stay out of the way—they’ll be fine.

Is Carmelo Anthony going to stay in Madison Square Garden? Or will he sign with another team this summer? If so, which team has the best chance to bring in Anthony?

Don’t see him leaving. Jackson expects him to take a pay cut, which will be interesting, possibly damaging. But he appears to be exceptionally loyal to the Knicks, almost to a fault. With him and Jackson in the fold, I think he’ll see potential to make a splash in 2015 free agency. Also, winning in New York would be a boon for his legacy. Ending that four-decade championship drought would be something. Biggest threat to pry him away seems to be the Bulls, but I find that option overrated. Chicago would have to gut a good portion of its team to make it happen. That, plus Derrick Rose’s fickle health bill, makes for a dangerous situation.

Any possibility that Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo becomes the next head coach for the Minnesota Timberwolves? Who is the front runner for the job?

Good question. I’d go with Fred Hoiberg at the moment. Izzo seems comfortable in Michigan. I’ve only ever thought he would leave for a team like the Lakers or Celtics, or the Pistons, provided they weren’t awful

After winning the 2013-14 NBA Coach of the Year award, is Greg Popovich the greatest head coach of all time? Why or why not?

Now you’re bringing some heat. I would say yes. Others may challenge him—Jackson, for instance—but what he’s done with the Spurs year in and year out is remarkable. He never once jumped ship, and they’re not your conventional superstar-laden team. They’re system basketball run to perfection. If he’s not the absolute best, he’s definitely top three.

Did Goran Dragic deserve to win the 2013-2014 NBA Most Improved Player of the Year award? Were there any other players that had a legit possibility in winning that award?

Anyone of the many candidates deserved it this year. That field was loaded with talent. Two other good options would have been Anthony Davis or Markieff Morris. But you also have Gerald Green (lots of Suns, I know).

If you were John Hammond and the Milwaukee Bucks had the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft, who would you select as your franchise player?

Andrew Wiggins, hands down. He’s still the guy for me. Pairing him next to John Henson and Giannis Antetokounmpo would be great for that team long term. Also, getting rid of Larry Sanders is key.

Your predictions for the Western and Eastern conference finals? Who will represent their respected conferences in the finals?

East Conference Finals: Wizards vs. Heat; Western Conference Finals: Grizzlies vs. Spurs; Finals: Spurs vs. Heat (I know, boring).

Thank you to Dan Favale for taking the time to chat with us. If you want to read more of Favale’s work on Bleacher Report or The Hoop Doctors, his links are provided below. Follow him on Twitter @danfavale.

http://bleacherreport.com/users/429923-dan-favale

http://thehoopdoctors.com/online2/category/doctors/dan-favale/