David Thorpe

  (12:00 PM)

The final 4 is set, and it looks like it's going to be great. Let's talk hoops. "fat guy in a little coat" (sing it slowly for even more enjoyment).

Sharad (NY, NY)

How good would Penny and Grant Hill have been if they continued their progression and didn't have all those injuries, compare them to Kobe, Wade, Lebron... I honestly think they would have been as good if not better than the last three, Penny and Hill were AMAZING their first 4 years

David Thorpe

  (12:01 PM)

Really, really special. I agree with you.

ben (rhode island)

who's got the best chance to land gordon?

David Thorpe

  (12:03 PM)

I'm really not sure. Sorry. But it does not look good for the Bulls.

Doug (Portland)

What's the most exciting part about teaching the world's best players?

David Thorpe

  (12:04 PM)

Probably my favorite moment for any student is when I see them beast it (if they previously were not beasts). That was true 21 years ago when I started, and it's still true.

Oleksey Pecherov

Why hath you forsaken me?!

David Thorpe

  (12:04 PM)

There is always a place in my heart for you!

Bryan (Xenia, OH)

Dave, Love the smark alec Q&A. Now that Kerr and Sarver have bet the farm on Goran Dragic and given him a huge contract for a 2nd round pick, what did your scouting contacts tell you that makes you think Sarver and Kerr are more like Harry and Lloyd?

David Thorpe

  (12:05 PM)

I've not had a single scout tell me that he can play. Not one.

Rene (Los Angeles, CA)

Hey David, Assuming you saw it, I was wondering about your thoughts on the last play in the Greece-Argentina match-up and the decision to go for the win instead of the tie.

David Thorpe

  (12:06 PM)

I saw it. My rule is the first good shot is the goal. He got a great look.

Saurabh (Boston, MA)

Given that Argentina barely beat Greece, and that the US demolished Greece can we as fans breathe a little easier about the Argentinean competition? And how good is Chris Bosh? i mean the guy can do everything, shoot, play post, defense, free throws, everything.

David Thorpe

  (12:06 PM)

No time to breathe easy. And I've writtten for 2 years that Bosh is MVP of the league good.

Jim (Boise)

My Swedish wife has developed a love of basketball and wants to learn how to play. What should I focus on teaching her first? Also, am I the luckiest man in the world? (She also loves football.)

David Thorpe

  (12:07 PM)

The rules would be a good start. Are you in love? If so, the rest is all cream cheese.

Nick (NJ)

I make car parts for the American working man, because that's what I am, and that's who I care about. Are the Nets seriously considering trading Sean Williams? Will nobody take Swift?

David Thorpe

  (12:08 PM)

I've not heard that about the Nets, but anything is possible.

Eli, Orlando FL

Can Courtney Lee be an NBA level back up PG? Jameer/AJ is obviously very thin.

David Thorpe

  (12:08 PM)

I don't think so.

JC, South Bend, IN

Seeing the dominance of the Redeem Team against far superior competition, are they now better than the Dream Team?

David Thorpe

  (12:09 PM)

Heading for a ban, JC.

Bryan (Xenia, OH)

If a company offered you a job in Europe to teach players, how much money would it take?

David Thorpe

  (12:09 PM)

More than they would ever offer.

Ron (South Florida)

Dave, was that you i saw here at the Westin on the beach? And with 2 fine ladies too. What gives? Plus, I see your in pretty good shape for an older dude. Must practice what you preach.

David Thorpe

  (12:11 PM)

That was me, eagle eye. With my wife (for our 18th anniversary) and my best friend from college and her husband and children. In shape is a relative term, but I'm just trying to steal as many days on this earth as possible.

Eric, Houston

Melo or Butler? Who would you take?

David Thorpe

  (12:12 PM)

Lean to Butler.

Matt,MPLS

Richard, whats happening to me.....who is your surprise team this year?

David Thorpe

  (12:12 PM)

Took me a second to recognize that line. Good stuff. The HEAT may be a shocker.

kris (Simi Valley, CA)

"Cream Cheese?" Apparently you like a little "Teen Wolf" with your serving of "Tommy Boy."

David Thorpe

  (12:13 PM)

You are wise.

Matt (Dover, MA)

Brain Scalabrenie vs Matt Bonner. Who you taking thorpe?

David Thorpe

  (12:13 PM)

I may not bleed orange and blue anymore, but I'll take the Red Rocket any day of the week.

PG (ATL)

Ricky Rubio or Rudy Fernandez?

David Thorpe

  (12:13 PM)

Rudy today, maybe Ricky tomorrow.

Stan, Colorado

Do the Bulls have a shot of the playoffs without Ben Gordon?

David Thorpe

  (12:14 PM)

Yes.

Joe (Portsmouth)

Hey, David -- what are your thoughts on all of the player defections to Europe this year? I think people keep failing to mention one critical factor that makes Europe appealing -- the $/Euro exchange rate. Historically, that has favored the US much moreso than it has recently, and an increase in public confidence in US leadership could swing the pendelum of the exchange rate back in our favor in the very near future given this is an election year. I think the financial aspects of the issue are much more complicated and subject to change over time than most media reports portray. Your thoughts?

David Thorpe

  (12:15 PM)

I think we'll see this more and more. The difference between their leagues and ours are not as vast as the NBA thinks. The gate will continue to be open in both directions.

Cosmo (Anytown, USA)

True or False: Thad Young is a future All-Star.

David Thorpe

  (12:15 PM)

Probably false, but possibly true.

DAVID!!!!

I had no idea you were doing chats after the NBA season; Just wanted to say I missed ya! As always, you are a class act all the way. -ImNOTYou

David Thorpe

  (12:16 PM)

Um, well, yea.

John Rocker (Atlanta, GA)

Why would anyone want to play in Europe? USA! USA! I watch Iron Eagle Movies!!!

David Thorpe

  (12:17 PM)

Oh, I don't know. Good pay, free house and car, amazing sights, new experiences, and more of a role on the team.

Jake (Denver)

Larry Legend said in an interview this morning the Barkley was the guy he'd want to take the last second shot for the Dream Team and 90% of the team would agree. Are you surprised?

David Thorpe

  (12:17 PM)

He led that team in scoring.

Keith cleveland ohio

Is Lebron the best in the nba?

David Thorpe

  (12:18 PM)

Probably. I was telling Mike Moreau today that Bron truly is spectacular.

Pierce, Baltimore

Thorpedo... why hasn't my homie Melo been as solid this year as he has in the past in FIBA? Is it the return of Dwade, LBJ's unarguable claim to being the best big wing in the olympics, the overall talent of the team, or some specific fault of Melo's?

David Thorpe

  (12:19 PM)

I thought he looked heavy last month. He looks better now.

Brian (McLean, VA)

do you ever get to work with clifford ray and robert parish? is parish a nice guy?

David Thorpe

  (12:20 PM)

Cliff is here at IMG now. I met Robert last year. Both are absolutely nice men.

john, hoboken nj

you'd take bulter over melo?

David Thorpe

  (12:21 PM)

Yep. Better on d by a long shot.

Clement (Phils.)

Dave, please let me know who's the best talent in the Olympics outside the NBA? Is Ricky Rubio the real deal?

David Thorpe

  (12:22 PM)

I'm not sure about Ricky. And I definitely don't get the Pistol references. Pete averaged over 40ppg in college. Can Ricky score like that at all?

Amit Aggarwal (Holmdel, NJ)

HOW CAN YOU EVEN SAY LEBRON IS THE BEST IN THE NBA??? HE HAS NOT EVEN WON A RING! SURE HE GOT TO THE FINALS ONCE BECAUSE THE PISTION'S HANDED IT TO THEM! IF KOBE WAS IN THE EAST, EVEN THOUGH HE CURRENTLY HAS A BETTER SUPPORTING CAST, COULD MAKE IT INTO THE FINALS EVERY YEAR WITH LEBRON'S TEAM! WHEN LEBRON WENT TO THE FINALS HIS TEAM GOT SWEPT! NOT EVEN 1 WIN. THE LAKER'S LOST BECAUSE THEY DIDN'T HAVE THEIR 2ND BEST PLAYER (BYNUM) AND THE REST OF THE TEAM WAS TOO SOFT.

David Thorpe

  (12:24 PM)

It's a team game. Marino, Tarkenton, Stockton, Malone, Barkely. You want to tell me that their less great because their team didn't win a title?

Jon (Salt Lake)

Did you know Usain Bolt won the 200? He is swift.

David Thorpe

  (12:24 PM)

Fastest dude I ever saw. Incredible.

Leigh (Charlottesville)

Does the Artest trade kill Sean Singletary's chance at playing time this year? He seemed as if he'd get minutes with the Kings, but the Rockets have a much deeper bench. Obviously the Kings were not sold on him, have you heard anything negative/positive on SS since the summer league? Thanks from a concerned VA Cavalier!

David Thorpe

  (12:25 PM)

I think he's a long shot to make the team.

Richard Hayden (Sandusky, OH)

Tommy Likey! Tommy want wing-ey! Who would you want taking the last shot for this Olympic team?

David Thorpe

  (12:25 PM)

Dwight Howard on a dunk attempt seems like a sure thing.

Ryan, Chicago

Is an undersized 2 guard like Ben Gordon ever worth max money in the NBA?

David Thorpe

  (12:26 PM)

Hypothetically, perhaps. But not in this instance.

Francis (Sacramento, CA)

What do you think of Beno Udrih? Can he be one of the breakout players this season?

David Thorpe

  (12:26 PM)

Will he play over 75 games?

Justin (Capitol Hill)

If I want to come to IMG for some adult training, what do I have to do Dave?!

David Thorpe

  (12:27 PM)

Go to their website.

Josue. Boston, MA

Do you think the Celtics big three have enough stamina and passion to win another championship in '09?

David Thorpe

  (12:27 PM)

No more doubts coming from me.

Patrick (Canada)

Hi Dave, I must say I like reading your insights on players and abilities and traits they display. I have a question about Shawn Kemp who was recently signed to play in Europe. Why didn't he make it back into the NBA in recent years? He always seemed motivated and the reports said he was in excellent shape. Do you know what the real status on Kemp is, and how do you think he will fare in Europe? He must have something left in the tank.

David Thorpe

  (12:28 PM)

I do not expect much from him. Nor should you.

Jon (Cleveland Ohio)

Thorpedo, how do you think Mo Williams will perform in Cleveland playing next to LeBron? Also, who do you think has been our best Olympic player?

David Thorpe

  (12:29 PM)

I think he's be part of the solution. LeBron and Wade and Bosh have been the best, to my eyes.

dan (fla)

Thorpedo, What team, if any, can turn JR Smith from an uber-talented knucklehead into a solid starting 2 guard?

David Thorpe

  (12:30 PM)

Perhaps a team in the Ukraine. Might wake him up.

Erick Ocasio ( Germany)

I can see where people can say lebron is better than kobe, in the sense that his upside barring injury is truly endless. I personally think that with what kobe has accomplished already, and his lock down D edge him lebron out of contention. Now, the Melo question above... I agree with David... He does look a bit chunky, and i believe that this team is alot more built on pure athleticism and great Defense... Two things melo doesn't have.

David Thorpe

  (12:31 PM)

Salient points all.

Mike Hacks (Chicago, IL )

Can you give some better and interesting answers?

David Thorpe

  (12:31 PM)

Yes.

david, tallahassee

Coach, I get the Magic, Bird, MJ best ever club... but if Oscar and Wilt aren't charter members you maybe haven't watched enough film. I know the numbers perhaps are skewed somewhat, but they're still pretty impressive numbers, and the arguement can be made that both guys would be successful in today's game. Careful, someone will hit you up for age discrimination.

David Thorpe

  (12:33 PM)

Sure, they are amazing players. But there is no chance they are in the running for the top 3.

Steven (Toronto)

Defensively, how good can JO and Bosh be together this season?

David Thorpe

  (12:33 PM)

Scary good.

Broad Street Brian Philly

david, tallahassee:, has a point. The club should be expanded past players you saw in your youth, no?

David Thorpe

  (12:34 PM)

No.

Amit Aggarwal (Holmdel, NJ)

Do you think Kobe is in the top 5 players to ever play the game? If not, what is he, top 10, 15, 25???

David Thorpe

  (12:34 PM)

I'd suggest top 25 at best.

Mike (SF, CA)

Thorpedo, can we get some insight on just how good Australia's Patty Mills could be in the NBA?

David Thorpe

  (12:35 PM)

I'm not sure he's even draftable. I need to see him more.

Kip (KC)

Is it just me, or is Jason Kidd REALLY OVERRATED?

David Thorpe

  (12:35 PM)

Really overrated.

Sam (Carlsbad, CA)

David, true or false - the AAU and shoe companies have made it so young American basketball players never learn the concept of a TEAM offense and halfcourt execution.

David Thorpe

  (12:36 PM)

Correct, generally speaking. Only because of poor teaching. There are some excellent teachers at that level, we just need more of them.

Tracey (L.A.)

Manu Ginobili looks healthy and Carlos Delfino stepped up for Argentina today when Nocioni got injured. Do you give the reigning gold medalists a legitimate shot at beating the U.S.? If so, what do they need to focus on to pull off the upset?

David Thorpe

  (12:37 PM)

Sure. Limiting tirnovers and finishing shots at the rim.

Merv (So Cal)

Through the first 6 years of every NBA players career, where would you rank DWade all-time?

David Thorpe

  (12:37 PM)

Not in the top 50. Yet.

wilfredo ( san juan, puerto rico)

who do you like so far to win the nba title this next season?

David Thorpe

  (12:37 PM)

Boston.

Phil (DC)

Starting at center, for the Eastern Conference all-star team ... Kwame BROWN!! Mark it down.

David Thorpe

  (12:38 PM)

That's almost funnier than fat guy in a little coat.

Barry(Miami)

Hi David, just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your weekly tv interviews on espn news. You often say stuff that no one else ever touches on. Are you going to be doing more tv and less .com stuff?

David Thorpe

  (12:39 PM)

I hope not. I love analyzing and writing.

benjamin, Plattsburgh

Would Nick Collison be a good fit starting next to Dwight Howard..... prob only cost the magic reddick and cook

David Thorpe

  (12:40 PM)

Maybe. But I'd suggest they can find better.

Matt (SLC)

You seem slow today, David. Have you stopped conditioning during the offseason?

David Thorpe

  (12:40 PM)

I'm at IMG, so either it's our server or ESPN's.

Jonathan Hochbaum (Brooklyn)

Do you think the NBA should adopt the international rule of allowing balls on the rim to be knocked off?

David Thorpe

  (12:40 PM)

No.

Greg (toronto)

With all things being equal, who would you rather have Igoudala, Josh Smith, or Deng?

David Thorpe

  (12:41 PM)

Deng Iggy Smith

Jon (Mad-town)

D-Wade was the best player in the NBA until he got hurt, (Hollinger's PER and his Ring support my claim) After seeing a healthy D-Wade this Olympics will he be the best player in the NBA again in 2008-09 season?

David Thorpe

  (12:41 PM)

He'll be right there, but not likely to get another ring in the near term.

Chris (Phoenix)

Thorpe- even though you havent answered a single one of my questions, I just wanted to say I enjoy your articles and chats, your my favorite chatter not named Bill Simmons!

David Thorpe

  (12:42 PM)

We all suck Simmon's dust, don't we?! Thanks.

Mario (San Antonio TX)

I think the Spurs still have one more Championship, before they start rebuilting. what do you think?

David Thorpe

  (12:43 PM)

I worry about their lack of energy off the bench.

david, miami

coach, true or false... Thornton leads the Clippers in scoring this season?

David Thorpe

  (12:43 PM)

False.

Nick (Quakertown, PA)

Is Tim Duncan in the top 3? Top 5?

David Thorpe

  (12:43 PM)

Top 10.

Vince (Sac, CA)

Hey Dave, do you think Kevin Martin can take over the leader role for the Kings, cuz they need somebody too..? and i think he can average around 27 points next year, do you?

David Thorpe

  (12:45 PM)

I'm worried less about his ppg than his leadership. He wants to be a better leader, but we'll see how that develops.

sk (Arlington, VA)

I hope I'm not being an ugly american, but don't you think if the NBA is the best league in the world, the international tournaments should be geared towards NBA rules, not the other way around?

David Thorpe

  (12:45 PM)

You are being an ugly American.

benjamin, Plattsburgh

Tim Duncan is the greatest PF to ever play the game.... how can he not be top 6?

David Thorpe

  (12:47 PM)

Listen, there's not true way to list this stuff. We all do it to our own beat. I have West and MJ ahead of him, though they both play the 2. Get it?

Will J (Portland, OR)

David, who developed the rules of the International game? I mean we did make the game, why did they change our rules?

David Thorpe

  (12:48 PM)

The Scots invented golf, but we created the rules that the PGA goes by.

Apollo (Philadelphia)

David, are you sure you don't favor your clients in these "chats"? Deng better than Iguodala?

David Thorpe

  (12:49 PM)

A year ago it would be a no brainer. Luol had some serious injury issues last year. We'll see how things go this year.

Eric (Dublin, OH)

True or False...If LeBron plays like he has in the Olympics with this kind of aggression and attitude next season, and Mo Williams comes in and averages 20 ppg, the Cavs will win the Eastern Conference?

David Thorpe

  (12:50 PM)

Still gotta get through Boston, but Cleveland will be tough to beat, I'm sure.

Joey (Graham)

Hey do you have a spot for me at IMG?

David Thorpe

  (12:51 PM)

Lord knows you need someone to help you learn to play. Body by LeBron, but game by Bo Outlaw.

Jack (New York, NY)

Is the Journalism School that awarded you a degree an accredited one?

David Thorpe

  (12:52 PM)

I have a psych degree from Florida.

Matt,MPLS

On the Iggy, Smith and Deng comment, woudl it change if Smith wasn't a headcase? Or would he still be third.

David Thorpe

  (12:53 PM)

That, and his desire to be a jumpshooter when he can't shoot.

llo (Philadelphia)

Who was your first "real" NBA client?

David Thorpe

  (12:53 PM)

Haslem.

Sam (Carlsbad, CA)

David, does IMG only do individual skill development? Or do you guys also teach team concepts?

David Thorpe

  (12:54 PM)

Both-individual stuff must be taught within a team context.

Nick(Tampa)

Wasn't Pat Calethes supposed to play for Greece?

David Thorpe

  (12:54 PM)

No. he just got his Greek passport last month.

John (Dallas)

What's up with all of Josh Howard's off-court troubles? You think he'll make any improvement in his game this coming season? He needs to settle for less J's.

David Thorpe

  (12:55 PM)

I think he's just lost his identity some. And his focus.

Dan (Columbus)

With Joe Smith gone, JJ Hickson should get some playing time for the Cavs at the 4. Any chance we see a "Carl Landry" type year from him?

David Thorpe

  (12:56 PM)

Doubtful, he's years younger. But a great upside.

Clement (Phils.)

Dave, Paul Pierce is more overrated than J-Kidd. If not for KG, Pierce will be eaten alive by Lebron. Can the new-look Cavs take revenge at the Celts next season?

David Thorpe

  (12:56 PM)

Pierce is a monster beast. Period.

Shaq (O'neal)

Am I done?

David Thorpe

  (12:56 PM)

And then some.

Chris, Chicago

Your pick for rookie of the year?

David Thorpe

  (12:57 PM)

Beasley.

Bobby (Texas)

How good can Clippers second round pick DeAndre Jordan be? A young Marcus Camby maybe?

David Thorpe

  (12:58 PM)

Doubtful. Very doubtful.

Eric (Tokyo)

How is Luol feeling this year? Ready to get back to the level of his breakout year 2 years ago? Thanks David!

David Thorpe

  (12:59 PM)

He said he's healthier than he's been in 2 years.

Howard (Brooklyn, NY)

If Delfino plays like he did today...how close of a game do you predict?

David Thorpe

  (12:59 PM)

I think Argentina can win.

Ned (Indianapolis)

Does Spencer Hawes begin to establish himself as a legit NBA center this season?

David Thorpe

  (1:00 PM)

I hope so, but the summer league was not encouraging.

David Thorpe

  (1:00 PM)

Time to run. Se everyone next week. Thanks!!