ESPN

David Thorpe

  (12:00 PM)

Nothing like a slow summer day here in NBA land. Too bad there is nothing to talk about. Let's see what we can drum up."Right here!! Right here!!"Who can name that line?

Clipper Darrell (LA)

What on earth do my Clippers do now, coach???

David Thorpe

  (12:00 PM)

Punt.

Dontell (Chicago)

Why are people so obsessed with Summer League? I watch it, but it doesn't predict a player's NBA career.

David Thorpe

  (12:01 PM)

No, it does not. But it can provide valuable insight.

Corn (field)

Thorpedo!! Give my your 2008-09 summer camp invitee who will surprise people with a contract and PT this upcoming year and what did teams not recognize in his game?

David Thorpe

  (12:01 PM)

Earl Calloway has been dynamite so far.

Austin NYC

Does Brook Lopez start at Center for Nets on day 1 and do CDR and Anderson get regular minutes?

David Thorpe

  (12:02 PM)

No, no, and no.

Dave

Two questions dave (1) what do you think of russell westbrook so far at summer league (2) what do you think the name of the ok. city squad should be

David Thorpe

  (12:03 PM)

1. Me likey a lot.2. Let's hear what you all have to suggest.

Abe (Minneapolis)

Could Rose be a bust, based on the summer league so far?

David Thorpe

  (12:03 PM)

No chance.

chris (cincy oh)

does josh Duncan have a chance to make the heat or a different NBA roster?

David Thorpe

  (12:03 PM)

I like him. But the odds are long.

Kwame (DC)

What are your thoughts on C. Lee and his performance against Durant? Do you think he will start over Pietrius?

David Thorpe

  (12:04 PM)

He really fought yesterday and found his offensive game in the process. But there is no way he should start game one-he's just a rookie on a team hoping to win 50+ games.

John (Dallas)

David, honestly, how do you think Ben Howland is as a coach? Farmar, Affalo and now Westbrook and Love.

David Thorpe

  (12:05 PM)

He's the real deal.

loaf (san diego)

bad chicken...mess you up!!!! can you see ny moving zach randolph? i think a few teams, namely the clips and cavs, could be reasonable dance partners. your thoughts?

David Thorpe

  (12:05 PM)

Gosh I love that line. I'm not convinced anyone will take him this year.

adrian, bridgewater, ns

are the sixers the second best team in the east now?

David Thorpe

  (12:06 PM)

We need to wait until all of the free agent stuff finishes up. But they will be in the running.

Pete (Orlando)

What do you think about the Magic signing Pietrus? How do you think they will address their PG and PF needs?

David Thorpe

  (12:07 PM)

I like it. Acquire assets and then make moves later.

Crawford (Dallas, TX)

Thorpedo! Is there a difference from a player being slow to devleop because of youth (Bynum), and slow to develop because of maturity (Gerald Green, Kwame)? Is the latter worth a gamble or should they be written off?

David Thorpe

  (12:08 PM)

Development is like a choreagraphed dance between partners. Each must do their job, and there is lots of planning and practice along the way.

Bob (Philly)

Is Reggie Evans tradable now? If so, what is his value?

David Thorpe

  (12:09 PM)

Great question. Not sure yet. But I don't think it is high.

Jason (Brooklyn)

Is there any chance D'Antoni can resurrect Marbury's career, game, interest, etc. this year?

David Thorpe

  (12:09 PM)

No.

Troy:(Richmond, Va):

Do you think CDR will play a major role in NEW Jersey?

David Thorpe

  (12:10 PM)

Not this year.

Dan (Chicago, IL)

Why does everybody keep bringing up the Point guard position in Orlando? Jameer Nelson ranked #13 overall for all point guards last year, with 23.52 Efficiency/48 and 15.51 PER ranking. I could see them needing a backup point guard with Arroyo and Dooling being F/A.

David Thorpe

  (12:10 PM)

That's what most people are saying.

Marc (IN)

Do Tyrus Thomas or Joakim Noah take a step towards fulfilling their potential this year?

David Thorpe

  (12:11 PM)

I think both will.

Jason (Miami, FL)

Thorpedo,What effect will James Jones have on the Heat?

David Thorpe

  (12:11 PM)

Big time shooter, and a great guy. Part of the solution.

Tom (SC)

Will JR Giddens or Bill Walker make any impact with the celtics this year?

David Thorpe

  (12:12 PM)

I strongly doubt it.

Louie (Miami)

What do you think about Chalmers?

David Thorpe

  (12:12 PM)

He's nice. Should be a rotation guy.

Doug (NY, NY)

Do you like the Duhon signing?

David Thorpe

  (12:13 PM)

I do, if they can rekindle his spirit.

Zack (Lebanon, MO)

Is there a chance of Greg Oden averaging a double double?

David Thorpe

  (12:13 PM)

Yes, of course.

Austin, NY, NY

Does anyone at ESPN like the Nets at all?

David Thorpe

  (12:14 PM)

I do. Love their coach.

Jared (New Rochelle, NY)

Does going to Europe hurt Bayless?

David Thorpe

  (12:14 PM)

Who?

Sean, (pekin, IL

Isn't Brand just a little overrated? Will he really help the 76ers that much?

David Thorpe

  (12:14 PM)

OOh, he's not overrated.

David Thorpe

My favorite NBA team is...

David Thorpe

  (12:15 PM)

Whichever team my son is rooting for when we are together. Otherwise it's a 30 team tie.

Joe (Philly, PA)

couldn't the 76ers have used that money to sign Josh Smith and Childress? rather then getting brand

David Thorpe

  (12:16 PM)

Only if Josh would have come.

Matt (MN)

Big Dave, does Rodney Carney have any value to the Wolves? Half of the roster is shooting gaurds.

David Thorpe

  (12:16 PM)

Not really, no. Has not gotten any better in years.

Dave (SLC, UT)

Will Jaycee Carroll (the kid from Utah State) make the Nets team this year? He was dynamite in their first game, awful in the second.

David Thorpe

  (12:16 PM)

He's pretty good. Not sure if he can make a squad.

Dan (Carol Stream,IL)

Elton Brand has ranked in the top 10 in Efficiency/48 and PER the entire time he's been healthy and in the NBA. He might be one of the most underated players.

David Thorpe

  (12:17 PM)

Yep.

Steve (Eugene,OR)

Will Luke Ridnour even be in the NBA 3 years from now?

David Thorpe

  (12:18 PM)

It's a fair question. I am not sure.

Greg (Hernando,MS)

Hey, do you see Houston going after Artest?

David Thorpe

  (12:18 PM)

Yes.

Dave (Orlando)

Is Redick done in Orlando?

David Thorpe

  (12:18 PM)

Yes.

Danny (San Francisco, CA)

Can Maggette and S. Jackson play together?

David Thorpe

  (12:18 PM)

Yes.

Sunil (NYC)

Is Oklahoma City Twisters offensive ?

David Thorpe

  (12:19 PM)

I don't love it, but hwat's offensive?

David Thorpe

  (12:19 PM)

"No".

Mikey (Philly)

It is nice to have the Lakers, Celtics and Sixers are relevant at the same time again. It's been too long!

David Thorpe

  (12:20 PM)

Indeed.

geevis, ATL

Are you a jerk?

David Thorpe

  (12:21 PM)

Only when pressed.

LadyDi

How hard will it be for the C's to win another championship w/o Posey?

David Thorpe

  (12:21 PM)

Very.

Greg(Philadelphia,PA)

I think Jared from New York was trying to say Does going to Europe hurt Branden Jennings?

David Thorpe

  (12:22 PM)

Yes, if he plays poorly.

Ryan (NY, NY)

Hey David! Is Rudy Fernandez good enough to grab the starting spot away from Webster and Outlaw in year 1? Would it be better for the Blazers if he was a Ginobbli like spark plug off the bench?

David Thorpe

  (12:22 PM)

Probably not on day one, but eventually, yes.

Max (Rushmore)

Do you see anybody other than the Bulls making a run at either Deng or Gordon?

David Thorpe

  (12:23 PM)

Yesterday I would have said yes, now I'm not so sure.

Brian (SLC, UT)

Who should the Jazz bring off the bench at the Center spot...Fes or Kosta?

David Thorpe

  (12:24 PM)

That remains to be seen. Let's see who plays better next week.

JP, London

Is Joakim Noah working hard enough on his shooting motion, in your view?

David Thorpe

  (12:24 PM)

I've seen no difference, yet.

Disphalo (Juur, Mao)

Mademoiselle Thorpe, vous êtes très stupide.

David Thorpe

  (12:25 PM)

Did this guy just call me stupid, and a woman?

Tim (NJ)

What happened to my boy Douby from Rutgers. Is he NBA material, he had a great shot in college.

David Thorpe

  (12:25 PM)

Struggling to find it in the NBA.

Eric (New York, NY)

Thorpology! Why don't more players follow Hibachi's lead and take less money to allow their teams more cap flexibility? What's the point of a max deal if your team can't sign more good teammates?

David Thorpe

  (12:26 PM)

Less money? Isn't Gil still taking in over 100 mil?

Jonathan, Seattle

I'm a confused Sonics' fan, not really sure if I should keep following the team or not. How has Jeff Green looked in the first summer league games? I'm depressed. . .

David Thorpe

  (12:27 PM)

I feel for you. I think Green has looked very good.

Joe (Philly, PA)

he called you VERY stupid and a woman.

David Thorpe

  (12:27 PM)

Wow.

Dan (DC)

Does Blatche take the leap next year?

David Thorpe

  (12:27 PM)

I hope so, but I doubt it now.

Tye (Houston TX)

Do you think Jerryd Bayless will have a pretty big impact with Portland this year?

David Thorpe

  (12:28 PM)

No.

Drew: Boston, MAssachusetts

Hey David,What do you think about the Celtics picking Giddens in the first round? He sounds like another Gerald Green, who isn't doing much of anything at the moment. Do you see this working out any better?

David Thorpe

  (12:28 PM)

I was not impressed in the pre-draft camp.

Bobby(NY)

You don't sounds happy today, is something wrong?

David Thorpe

  (12:29 PM)

I've been swimming with my kids for 2 hours at a great Disney property. Heading to the summer league games after this. Life is great.

Reids-Chi

Rank your top 3 cities to visit:

David Thorpe

  (12:30 PM)

3. Salt Lake City2. NY, NY1. Istanbul, TY

Randy Foye(MN)

Am I going to ever be starting PG material?

David Thorpe

  (12:31 PM)

I'm leaning to yes.

Keith (Hamilton, NJ)

Hey Thorpedo! How has my fellow Rider alum Jason Thompson looked so far in the summer league, and do you see him being in the rotation in Sac-town?

David Thorpe

  (12:31 PM)

I'll see him next week in Vegas.

Ken (Ann Arbor)

Sounds like C Lee's been solid in summer league, especially going against Durant yesterday. Dished out 4 assists yesterday. Does he have the ability to play some back-up point for Orl or is he a pure 2?

David Thorpe

  (12:32 PM)

He can play some pg in a pinch, but he's a 2.

Rob (Calgary)

If you were approached by an NBA team to help improve their development of young players what would be the first thing you would do?

David Thorpe

  (12:33 PM)

Turn them down. Again.

David Thorpe

  (12:33 PM)

But if asked what I would recommend, I'd say film study first, coupled with some stats analysis. Then begin planning for the future.

Derek (Minneapolis)

Am I crazy or are McHale and Co. actually make some good offseason moves?

David Thorpe

  (12:34 PM)

You are not crazy.

Alan (College Park, MD)

What are the chances that my boy DJ Strawberry gets playing time with the Suns this year?

David Thorpe

  (12:34 PM)

Not great.

Jerry (Texas)

What if the NBA team offered you 1.5 million per year?

David Thorpe

  (12:34 PM)

They'd have to move the team to Clearwater, too.

Jeremy (Atlanta, GA)

Your never gonna answer my questions are ya?big D! How do you think my boy Eric Gordon will end up doing in the League? Whats going to happen to Josh Smith??

David Thorpe

  (12:35 PM)

I like EG, but we won't know how he'll do in the short term until we see how their roster fills out.

Dwight Howard (Orlando)

David - Some moron actually asked you if Philly was now the second best team in the east?? If any of you think Philly is better than Orlando you need to put down the crack pipe. Philly has a nice team, but give me a break. Brand and Dalembert combined can't handle me.

David Thorpe

  (12:36 PM)

Sorry D, but Philly is going to be very, very good.

Thomas (Seattle)

Who do I root for now?

David Thorpe

  (12:36 PM)

Email me and I'll tell you who my son is cheering for.

Paul (Trenton, NJ)

Do you like Speights' chances better of fulfilling his talent now that he has time to learn under a great mentor like Brand?

David Thorpe

  (12:37 PM)

Not at all. Nothing spurs development like playing and learning. Now they have yet another guy in front of him.

Ryan (LA,CA)

David what the HELL is going on with my Bulls, word on the street is Gordon and Deng are again unhappy with management! What in the world is John Paxson doing??

David Thorpe

  (12:38 PM)

It's early. relax.

marcus (uconn)

will hilton armstrong gain confidence to help the hornets this year?

David Thorpe

  (12:38 PM)

I doubt it.

John (Santa Barbara, CA)

Shorter Version - Can Speights develop into a starting Center next to brand?

David Thorpe

  (12:38 PM)

Really doubt it.

Nate (Claremont, CA)

I assume you've been an avid viewer of the Orlando Summer League. Has Rose really been as mediocre as the media reports have made him out to be?

David Thorpe

  (12:39 PM)

Yes. But he'll end up being great. I think his knee was bothering him.

Willie (Portland, OR)

Thorped, which summer league team/player are you most interested to see?

David Thorpe

  (12:40 PM)

Honestly, I like them all.

Ben (Rhode Island)

How ticked off do you think Baron davis is right now?

David Thorpe

  (12:40 PM)

We've all been asking that same question.

Brian (Sac, CA)

I was talking to my friend Bob Sacamano at 3am last night and he told me that OJ Mayo is going to be the next ROY, is that true?

David Thorpe

  (12:41 PM)

Could be...

Mike (Toronto)

Can my raps win a playoff series this year?

David Thorpe

  (12:41 PM)

Probably not as currently constructed.

Blaine (Harrisburg)

who's your pick for ROY?

David Thorpe

  (12:42 PM)

Beasley today.

Ryan (Troy, IL)

Do you see Jason Thompson being the starting power forward for the kings on opening day?

David Thorpe

  (12:42 PM)

Highly doubtful. Mikki Moore is good.

Abe (MN)

How can you say that when Jermaine and Bosh are together?

David Thorpe

  (12:43 PM)

Great point. But I want to see JO first.

Baron Davis (LA)

Ah man, I've been hung over all week...what's going on LA!!! Wait...WHAT HAPPENED?!?!?

David Thorpe

  (12:43 PM)

Ouch babe.

Rashard (Maryland)

Brandon Roy is quite something. But the Blazers REALLY faded last year. From 18 straight wins, to a 41-41 record. What happened?

David Thorpe

  (12:44 PM)

Spirit is required for excellent play, and it's hard to be spirited when the playoffs seem like such a distant dream.

Bobby

David,Will Obiora Nnaji ever make it? ;-)

David Thorpe

  (12:44 PM)

Hey Bobby. Likely not.

roger (Memphis)

why does nobody talk about Drew Gooden? he's about to turn 27, he's going into a contract year, could be greatly benefited by playing in a more uptempo system and has shown the ability to improve defensively. how do you seeing him performing next season and do you think Rose can be the PG to help Gooden along with some great set ups?

David Thorpe

  (12:45 PM)

You are right. He is good. Not sure he's in their long term plans.

Clearwater, FL

CONGRATS! Always knew you would make it far in life. Your the best and we are happy/grateful that our paths crossed. Voices from your past. The Edwalls

David Thorpe

  (12:47 PM)

Not sure how "far" I've made it, but with players like super smooth Mike Edwall, how could I go wrong?

John (Dallas)

David, will Greg Oden be playing in the summer league?

David Thorpe

  (12:47 PM)

I heard no.

Daniel (chicago)

Who will be in the starting backcourt on opening night for the Bulls?

David Thorpe

  (12:47 PM)

Rose and Kirk.

Alon (Brooklyn)

How do you see Ganillari fitting into Dantonio's system?

David Thorpe

  (12:48 PM)

Beautifully. He's no Bargnani.

Mikael (NH)

Will my boy Kevin Love make an allstar team in his career?

David Thorpe

  (12:48 PM)

I think he has a real chance.

Younger (Los Angeles, CA)

Who is an undrafted rookie that is most likely to be signed to a team?

David Thorpe

  (12:49 PM)

2 A-10 guys, Josh Duncan or Pat Calathes.

ben plattsburgh

is it really time to call bargnani a bust?

David Thorpe

  (12:49 PM)

Not until March.

Elgin, LA

"Punt?" All you can say is, "punt?"

David Thorpe

  (12:51 PM)

Would you prefer "quick kick"? Seriously, they have few options. They could go after Smith or Deng, but those teams will match.

Steve (Ottawa, ON)

Hi Mr. Thorpe, always love the chats. I wanted to know if there are any chances of Baron Davis backing away from the Clippers now that Brand has jumped ship? He only made a verbal agreement with them, right? Keep up the good work.

David Thorpe

  (12:52 PM)

I'm wondering that too. I'll ask around today.

Nick (FL)

The Magic solidified their shooting guard hole with two solid additions of Pietrus and Lee, will this put them over the top?

David Thorpe

  (12:52 PM)

No, but moving in that direction.

Brad (Albuquerque, NM)

What are the chances the Spurs go after JR Smith? If not him, who do you see the Spurs going after? They need to get some young legs in there.

David Thorpe

  (12:53 PM)

Agreed, but I don't like JR there. TD will kill him.

Bobby (San Antonio)

What are you feelings on Luis Scola and Carl Landry?

David Thorpe

  (12:53 PM)

Is love too strong a word?

Glenn, MoTown

The Spurs are so DONE.

David Thorpe

  (12:54 PM)

Not yet. Had Manu been healthy, I still think they could have won the title.

OSICK

Thorpe-Based on your vast knowledge of the game...What do the Cavaliers really need to put next to Lebron to take that next step? Athletic 2 Guard? Scoring point Guard? Post up dominate Big? Talk to me!!!! Love the chats

David Thorpe

  (12:54 PM)

Dynamite pg is how I see it.

Tenacious Golden State,CA

David why would the Warriors go out and sign Maggette to that deal when hes been healthy 4 out of 9 seasons hes been in the league???!!! We should have just extended BARON!!!!

David Thorpe

  (12:55 PM)

There will be lots of similar questions from that fan base.

Ira (NY)

David, If you were the GM of the Lakers and the Blazers called you and offered Greg Oden for Andrew Bynum straight up would you take it?

David Thorpe

  (12:55 PM)

No chance.

Daniel (San Francisco, CA)

Don't the Magic need a PF who is actually a big man to be legit contenders?

David Thorpe

  (12:56 PM)

They are acquiring enough assets to make that happen. Don't need a star, just a solid boardman and defender.

David Fairborn, OH

Do you like Jason Maxiell? Check Yes or No.

David Thorpe

  (12:56 PM)

Yes.

Mark (SLC Utah)

Hi David,Fess has been training with you for more then two weeks now. What specific things have you seen him improve on?

David Thorpe

  (12:57 PM)

Unfortunately he's benn hobbled, so we've never had him on the court 2 straight days. The jury is still out on him, though his talent level is that of an all-star.

Couper (Portland)

Bynum over Oden? We know he hasn't played a game yet, but please elaborate.

David Thorpe

  (12:58 PM)

I'm simply saying that LA should not make that hypothetical trade. In a year from now, perhaps I'd see things differently.

Russell (Cary, NC)

David...with Brand's exit, what are the chances of the Clippers pursuing Okafor as a replacement?

David Thorpe

  (12:59 PM)

Good idea. Not sure what they are thinking now.

mark chicago

Derrick Rose obviously needs to improve his jumper. Will he need to change his form to do so? It does not seem as though the bulls coaching staff did anything to fix noah's disgusting shot...

David Thorpe

  (1:00 PM)

This staff is brand new, and were very engaged yesterday. Things may be looking up for Chi-town.

David Thorpe

  (1:01 PM)

Gotta run back to the games. That line was from "Mr. Mom" (words from the bossman). See everyone next week-and thanks for 3000 questions!!