David Thorpe

  (11:59 AM)

Hey Sportsnation! You caught me in a particularly good mood-still buzzing over that 9th inning win last night at the Trop. Let's go Rays! Our music selection is from an "acte de ballet" called "La Guirlande", music by Rameau. Very nice. "Don't sell yourself short, judge. You're a tremendous slouch".

Jesse (Atlanta, GA):

Can Marvin Williams finally have a breakout year? How good do you think he can become if everything goes right (and how good do you think he actually will become)? Thanks.

David Thorpe

  (12:00 PM)

Lord knows they need him too. I'm not convinced that it will happen. But I have not seen or heard anything from his this summer-so we'll find out soon.

Nick (NYC)

Hey David, Any word on how Brandon Jennings is doing overseas?? I hear his team is already playing exhibition games.

David Thorpe

  (12:01 PM)

None. Can anyone find out and let us know by 1pm?

Joey (Kent, OH)

Where did you vote for where LBJ will end up in 2010? Maybe it's just wishful thinking, but I really think LBJ will stay true to NE Ohio, as long as Ferry keeps trying to put players around him.

David Thorpe

  (12:01 PM)

N-E-T-S.

Ted (Knoxville, TN)

Is Mike D'Antoni's staff whipping the Knicks into Phoenix-level game shape? That will be so nice to see..

David Thorpe

  (12:02 PM)

I'm sure he will try. But it won't happen in a fortnight.

Starbury (ny??)

I will be an All-Star this season with Mike D'Antoni as our Coach!

David Thorpe

  (12:02 PM)

I agree. On Halloweeen.

Steven (Denver, CO)

Hey man, why were you hating on the Nugs?

David Thorpe

  (12:03 PM)

I was asked to pick a team that "could" buckle this year. And I had to support that pick. By no means is it a sure thing. But indications are not promising.

S.Lee (Auburn, Alabama)

With the offseason moves the Cavaliers have made, what are realistic expectations for them this year?

David Thorpe

  (12:04 PM)

NBA Finals 2 seasons ago. Lost in 7 to the Champs this year. To suggest anything less than East Champs would be negligent. They are legit contenders.

Brandon (Sacramento)

Does Josh Howard have any chance to salvage his reputation, especially after this YouTube video?

David Thorpe

  (12:04 PM)

Not for awhile.

Jimbo (Boston)

Alando Tucker put on 15 pounds of muscle?

David Thorpe

  (12:05 PM)

Not that I could see in July, but it's certainly possible. Not sure that's where most of his focus needed to be.

Apbi (Toronto)

Will the bosh and o'neal combo be successful duo for Toronto.

David Thorpe

  (12:05 PM)

Yes!!

Ted (Saint Louis)

David, you recently mentioned a book you liked called "What is the what". Did you finish it, and what were your thoughts? Also, what are you reading now if that's done?

David Thorpe

  (12:07 PM)

Stunning and amazing. Deeply painful and a must read. And speaking as an American, it's sad that we sat back and did nothing in the 90's to help. Now I'm reading an excellent non-fiction book called "The Israeli's", and one of the Dog Whisperer's books too.

camron chicago

What do you predict of the bulls this year? What moves do you see them making? is D rose the next dwill/cp3

David Thorpe

  (12:08 PM)

I think they will be a surprise team, mostly thanks to the return of Kirk. He and Rose will be a nice backcourt.

Matt,MPLS

Big hitter the Llama

David Thorpe

  (12:08 PM)

"...So I've got that going for me. Which is nice".

Brian (Orlando, FL)

What do you see Trevor Ariza contributing to the Lakers this season? Do you see the Lakers resigning Lamar Odom after this season?

David Thorpe

  (12:09 PM)

Trevor should be a nice guy off the bench. Fits in well there. I don't see LO there long term.

Rodney

Hey Wang - nice hat. If the Suns stay healthy, Shaq & STAT play defense, and they play 3-ball above 30% - do they have a shot at the title?

David Thorpe

  (12:10 PM)

Love that Wang line. I'd suggest Suns fans hope for a playoff spot and forget title talk.

Will J (Portland, OR)

Thorpedo, will Darius Miles really play 10-games with Boston? The guy hasn't played in almost 2 years, and he obviously isn't completely healthy.

David Thorpe

  (12:10 PM)

I would not expect him to.

Ray (Minneapolis)

Rumor has it that Big AL is having an MRI today, do you know anything about this? Is there any truth to this? If so what is the injury?

David Thorpe

  (12:11 PM)

"I know nothing!" (said with a German accent).

Jerry (TX)

What did u eat today, your answers are longer than usual?

David Thorpe

  (12:11 PM)

I grew an extra finger.

Khazte (Tucson, AZ)

Is Jerryd Bayless the missing piece for Potland to reach the playoffs? or Oden?

David Thorpe

  (12:11 PM)

How about both?

Andy (Boston, Ma)

Whta kind of numbers do you see Michael Beasley putting up this year?

David Thorpe

  (12:12 PM)

17 and 8.

Brian (Orlando, FL)

"A flute without holes, is not a flute. A donut without a hole, is a Danish."

David Thorpe

  (12:12 PM)

Mmmm, danish.

Will J (Portland, OR)

Which 2 or 3 teams are you really excited to see this season, at least initially?

David Thorpe

  (12:13 PM)

The Blazers and Bulls for sure. Sixers and Cavs too.

Dwight Howard

If you were my coach, would you be pleased with my development or frustrated at times? What would you focus on most at this stage? I think I need to keep my composure but play a little angry!!!

David Thorpe

  (12:14 PM)

I'd be very pleased. Now it's time to develop your touch game. Your below 40% between 5-15 feet, and below 30% from the left side.

Mark Lippert (Santa Cruz, CA)

Detroit Pistons > Orlando Magic. True or False?

David Thorpe

  (12:14 PM)

False. But it's close.

kyle (largo,md)

how in the world is kirk and d. rose gonna play together neither one can shoot!!! without b. gordon we must depend on deng for points? no playoffs again for my bulls! what u think?

David Thorpe

  (12:15 PM)

I think you could be right, but I doubt it.

Josh Howard: flag football field

What is wrong with what I said? I thought we lived in a free country that allowed people to express their views, even if unpopular. The fact that the major sports in this country have turned into a Nationalistic Parade annoys the crap out of me.

David Thorpe

  (12:16 PM)

When you are making over $ 8 million a year, you might show some gratitude. Try making that somewhere else.

Jens (San Diego, CA)

Hi Dave! How do you see Dirk, his standing and his future in the league?

David Thorpe

  (12:17 PM)

I think he'll go down as the best 7 foot shooter in league history. And if they make some moves for the team, he'll be right there for all-NBA discussion.

Jai (Nashville, TN)

If Boston again meets Cleveland this year in the playoffs, do you think the result would be reversed? Let me out the question in a different way too - what is the effect of Posey's absence and Mo's presence?

David Thorpe

  (12:18 PM)

Excellent question. Posey is a great chemistry, and can only be evaluated at the proper time. Come season's end, we'll see.

Tab, Toronto

Hi David, I'm guessing Greg Oden for ROY. He'll have the biggest impact on the most improved team over a full season. I'm also thinking Beasley will have a bigger year than K. Durant had. Do you agree?

David Thorpe

  (12:19 PM)

Yes to GO, for now. No to MB. Not with a healthy Wade.

Clark (Durham, NC)

We live in a country where free speech is granted, but luckily we are not free of the consequences of what we say.

David Thorpe

  (12:19 PM)

To quote Mr. Burns..."excellent".

Ted, The SLC

If you could (realistically) add 1 guy to the current Jazz team that would put them as title favorites, who would that be?

David Thorpe

  (12:20 PM)

Barbosa.

Derrick (Toronto)

Do you really see the Celtics making it to the finals again this year? I mean, they're another year older, not as motivated, and showed some weakness in the early rounds of the playoffs.

David Thorpe

  (12:21 PM)

They got better as the playoffs evolved. Until I see differently, I'm not picking against them.

Jesse (MI)

How do you figure that the Magic are better than the Pitons considering that both teams didn't do much over the off season, and Pistons just beat the Magic without 1/2 a Billups? You sound like a homer to me.

David Thorpe

  (12:21 PM)

The Magic upgraded their 2 position.

Christopher, Germany

Hi David, love your chats. After they ended their carreers, who ranks higher on the all-time list: Shaq or Kobe?

David Thorpe

  (12:22 PM)

Shaq.

Gold Coast, Queensland

Any chance my boy Renaldo Balkman makes an impact for the Nuggets on D?

David Thorpe

  (12:22 PM)

Unlikely.

Jumpin' Atlanta Ga

"Is anyone here a Marine Biologist?" Who's the smartest basketball i.q. person you ever trained and who is the smartest all around guy you've ever worked with?

David Thorpe

  (12:23 PM)

Doctor Mike McFarland and smart businessman Greg Cristell are brilliant guys who could really play. Dametri Hill and Udonis Haslem were the two smartest on the court.

John (Los Angeles, CA)

David, Oden has struggled alot throughout his playing career with foul trouble. In SPL he was absolutely unable to NOT foul. Should I be concerned that his impact will be limited becuase he can't stay on the court?

David Thorpe

  (12:24 PM)

All big men have to learn this, he will too.

Jesse (San Antonio)

Dirk or Ginobili for most impactful foreign player in the league?

David Thorpe

  (12:25 PM)

Manu, simply because there are far more "littles" than "bigs".

Zarr (California, LA)

Who did you vote for in the MVP forecast for next year? Where you the one who voted for Wade? If not who do you think did? My guess is its Hollinger or Abbott. :D

David Thorpe

  (12:25 PM)

I think it was me. I'll give it far more consideration as the season gets close.

John (Dallas)

David, I know this is based on Bynum being healthy, but I see the Lakers winning mid to high 60 games this year because of the twin tower effect, Kobe and LO. The only question mark is can Fisher go the full season or can Farmar step up. Agree?

David Thorpe

  (12:26 PM)

No. That's too many wins for such a tough division.

Nate (New Haven)

David, no way shaq ends up higher. Kobe's got 3 rings, 5 finals appearences, same number of all nba teams and 8 more defensive team appearences. What planet are you living on?

David Thorpe

  (12:27 PM)

Shaq is top 3 all time in terms of pure dominance. His stats are unreal. Here on earth, we consider such things.

Dean: Maseru, Lesotho

If Nene is healthy, what kind of stats do you think he can put up?

David Thorpe

  (12:27 PM)

15 and 8.

Gerardo (Tempe, AZ)

Only ONE voted for Wade? That's crazy. He's the most obvious choice right now, not only because of the way he's playing, but because the Heat stunk last year, and any success this upcoming year will earn him a lot of votes.

David Thorpe

  (12:28 PM)

Um, no. MVP's go to guys from good to great teams.

US from EVERYWHERE

David lives on the planet of, "I've always been a Shaq guy, which is why I'm always putting Kobe down".

David Thorpe

  (12:29 PM)

Right. Which is why I labeled Kobe the best offensive player on the planet 2 years ago and picked the Lake Show to beat Boston. I heard the bell sound, get back to middle school and bring those tissues with you.

Gerardo (Tempe, AZ)

LOL! "Here on earth". Hilarious.

David Thorpe

  (12:30 PM)

Not from those reading this on Planet Kobe.

Greg (toronto)

David, when a player (for example Bargnani) seems very mechanical is that something innate and can only be improved somewhat or can a player develop considerably more grace (for lack of a better word).

David Thorpe

  (12:31 PM)

Fluidity can be developed, to some extent. But being mechanical ain't all bad, in and of itself.

Joseph (Idaho)

Hey Dave, Barbosa? Why? Please elaborate!

David Thorpe

  (12:31 PM)

I just thing their backup pg and 2's lack "juice".

Christopher, Germany

who are the other two all-time-best in pure dominance?

David Thorpe

  (12:32 PM)

I'd suggest Wilt and Kareem, in totally different ways.

US from EVERYWHERE

You picked Kobe as the best offensive player in the league 2 years ago, but he was having multiple MONTHS of scoring 40 or more points per game. You would have looked like a moron NOT to say that. Aside from that, you're the first guy to immediately downplay him the moment another guy plays well and he backs off because his team is now so good. That's the truth, even if you deny it.

David Thorpe

  (12:33 PM)

Actually, I called him that when he was coming off knee surgery and had not done much of anything yet that season. He scored 56 the night my report published. That's the truth.

Jason (Boston)

What's up David? For a typical NBA player, how much of their FG% would you say can be attributed to shot selection, as opposed to shooting ability? Is someone like Steve Nash (for example) really that much of a better shooter than most other players, or does he mostly just take the best shots possible?

David Thorpe

  (12:34 PM)

Great question. Maybe 25% or so. It's very, very important.

corey (lawton, ok)

Question to David Thorpe at 12:05. Have you seen Blake Griffin play and do you think he has the talent to be the #1 pick?

David Thorpe

  (12:34 PM)

I haven't, yet. Will focus on him come February.

Eugene (Las Vegas)

yo thorpedo... u think leon powe can be a 20/10 player in 3 years?

David Thorpe

  (12:34 PM)

No.

bjamin (London, UK)

Is Beasley set to be the next Glen "Big Dog" Robinson, or should we expect more ?

David Thorpe

  (12:35 PM)

Listen, on the court he's an MVP candidate in 3-5 years. But until he gets his head right, anything can happen.

Shuhan Madison Wisconsin

Currently reading: the mismeasure of man by stephan gould. Have you read it, and any thoughts?

David Thorpe

  (12:36 PM)

No, is it good? I l always love book suggestions.

Paul

We have a pool and a pond ... the pond would probably be better for you ...

David Thorpe

  (12:36 PM)

That's ok. I have a pool.

Bill (Vegas)

Thorpedo, is Henry right to be afraid of training with you?

David Thorpe

  (12:37 PM)

Of course not. It is not our intent to drive guys to exhaustion. I hope he and the others will improve their games while leaning a lot about what goes on inside the lines.

Andrew (DC):

Da Meat Hook!! Haven't heard about that guy in years, where's he at?

David Thorpe

  (12:37 PM)

Back in Europe, still playing. Looks much slimmer too!

Paul (Charlotte, NC)

Hey David, With Elton Brand and a couple other free agent aquisitions, are the Sixers a 50-win team and Eastern Conference Champion contenders? Thanks

David Thorpe

  (12:38 PM)

Yes, and yes. Though I'd call them longshots to get there.

Derrick (Toronto)

If a shooter gets hit and misses the shot, does it count against his FG%?

David Thorpe

  (12:38 PM)

Only if a foul is not called.

Cosmo (Anytown, USA)

Andre Miller - a Sixer in '09? Do you think Lou Williams will have the chops to run the team?

David Thorpe

  (12:39 PM)

We don't know yet. I've liked what I've seen though.

Jai (Nashville, TN)

With all the talent Portland GM is adding to his team, do you think there will be a time, when all of those young stars start demanding big money - ala Bogut? Or, does the GM see something that we dont see - they are all genuine character guys who just want to win?

David Thorpe

  (12:40 PM)

Both. It's a good problem to have when your players play well enough to deserve big money.

Eric (New York, NY)

Thorpistemology! Can you think of another NBA player who has inspired such extremes of love and hate as the Dobermamba has? I mean, there's no gooey middle of indifference, only the crunchy extremes of love and hate.

David Thorpe

  (12:41 PM)

It's weird. Everyone who loves him assumes those of us who don't love him must hate him. Which is not the case at all, in most cases. He's too talented to hate.

Shuhan Madison Wi

It is an excellent read, we lost a gem when gould passed. requires lots of focused thinking though. I think you would also be interested in K. Anders Ericsson's work. (He wrote: The role of deliberate practice in the acquisition of expert performance...very relevant to your job!)

David Thorpe

  (12:42 PM)

Thanks. Though my job and the words "expert performance" are rarely combined.

Mark (Stillwater, OK)

Oklahoma is very excited about the Thunder, How do you think things will pan out this upcoming season?

David Thorpe

  (12:43 PM)

I sense good things are in store there. Not 45 wins, but lots of "feel good" moments to build on.

G

LOL "Only if a foul is not called" you're on a roll today!

David Thorpe

  (12:43 PM)

Mmm, rolls.

Jordan (Toronto)

D-Thor, can the Raps seriously get by with Anthony Parker and Hassan Adams at SG? Seriously at this point BC has to go over the threshhold and get solid wing in here right???!!!

David Thorpe

  (12:44 PM)

That's a fair concern. AP is fine. Adams is not.

Al Czervik (Heaven)

Hey! You scratched my anchor!

David Thorpe

  (12:45 PM)

If there's a more quotable movie than "Caddy", I've not seen it.

Jay (LA, CA)

Hey Thorpedo, I got a pretty bad break in my hand and needed a plate and screws to correct it. It has been 12 weeks since surgery whats the best way to get back into the flow of the game?

David Thorpe

  (12:46 PM)

Conditioning first and foremost. Stretching too.

John (Dallas)

Homer.....er..... I mean David, how do you think Russle Westbrook and Kevin Love will do their rookie seasons?

David Thorpe

  (12:46 PM)

Very well. Love them both.

Anish Shah Hamilton, NJ

Can Sun Wue make an impact with the Lakers? Tough to get minutes with Ariza and Walton already coming off the bench.

David Thorpe

  (12:46 PM)

Highly doubtful.

House (Manila, Philippines)

Kobe looked very unexplosive in the olympics, I think his time might be up by next year or the year after. If he doesnt win next year, Im afraid the window is closing fast with the young guns approaching fast behind him.

David Thorpe

  (12:47 PM)

I disagree.

quentin (wilmington, nc)

i just logged on so i dont know if it was asked already...how are the bobcats going to do this year? (Awful name by the way)

David Thorpe

  (12:48 PM)

Honestly, you are the first person to ask about them in months. I forgot about them. I'll give you a good answer next week.

Mark (NY)

Beasley practicing as early as 7:30. Good Sign?

David Thorpe

  (12:48 PM)

Not if he's rolling in from the clubs to the gym! Kidding-yes it could be a good sign but we lots of things to evaluate.

john(philly)

Dont u think Lebron has gone too far by proclaiming himself the leader of team usa?

David Thorpe

  (12:49 PM)

I'm not a fan of leaders announcing their status.

Derrick (Toronto)

Do the Raptors have a shot at the East crown?

David Thorpe

  (12:49 PM)

Not really.

Gleer County, Georgia

Hi Gleer-Thorpe How about those Clippers they should make the playoffs with Baron right?

David Thorpe

  (12:50 PM)

Not right.

Michael (Brooklyn, NY)

Who is your favorite player in the NBA?

David Thorpe

  (12:51 PM)

If i removed all my friends, I might have to go with Battier. I've grown very fond of Mike Miller and Matt Harpring too.

Julius (Springfield,MA)

the celts only comp is still the pistons , do you agree?

David Thorpe

  (12:51 PM)

No.

Jesse (San Antonio)

(re: Bobcats)Liar...Just kidding. I did ask if you had seen or heard anything on Ammo (you know, since you did those massive scouting reports his rookie year). Before he got hurt he was looking like a productive bench scorer last preseason.

David Thorpe

  (12:52 PM)

I've heard nothing about Ammo. Anybody?

Martin LA, CA

Is it just me or is there some major character flaws with LeBron. It just seems like he never got a chance to grow up. He talks about himself in the third person, saying things that dont need to be said, stirring up things that dont need to be stirred etc... What do you think?

David Thorpe

  (12:53 PM)

Excellent point. Living in a fishbowl starting at 15 is strange, to be sure. He's doing great, but the " I'm a great leader, ask my teammates" is not kosher.

Mike - Madison

The Princess Bride is up there - tons of great lines in that movie.

David Thorpe

  (12:54 PM)

The first comedy and 2nd movie Christine Chester saw with her future husband. I was the Dread Pirate Roberts to her Princess Buttercup!

MC Welk (SLC)

http://www.nbarumors.info/2008/09/adam-morrison-progress-report

David Thorpe

  (12:55 PM)

Thanks.

Brian (Orlando)

Do you think Dwight Howard's play in the medal rounds of the olympics exposed weakness that may hurt him this coming season?

David Thorpe

  (12:55 PM)

No-nothing we didn't already know about.

KC (Big D)

Any reports on the summer progress of Noah and Thomas for the Bulls? The Bulls need consistency from these two to be a playoff contender.

David Thorpe

  (12:56 PM)

I'm heading up there to catch some practices soon. I'll let you know then.

Martin LA, CA

"Just when I thought you couldn't get any dumber, you go and do something like this... and totally redeem yourself! " The most quotable comedy...

David Thorpe

  (12:57 PM)

Not. But when he whacks the other guy with his cane in those funky tux's, I lose it every time.

josh (ky)

Will former Kentucky Wildcat Joe Crawford see any time with the Lakers?

David Thorpe

  (12:57 PM)

No.

Will (Utah)

Instead of just assists, I think they should keep stats on Points-Assisted. That way, it would distinguish if a 3pter was made OR if the player under the hoop got hacked. The Foul shots would then count. Too many great assists are "taken away" because of an intentional foul. What do you think?

David Thorpe

  (12:58 PM)

I've written that. "Points created" is what I'd call it.

Shuhan Madison WI

Will you be talking to Vinny Del Negro? How do you think he will incorporate Larry Hughes?

David Thorpe

  (12:59 PM)

I hope so, and I have no idea what they are going to do. Good question because Rose needs to play, although I expect him to struggle a lot early. Too much of a whirlwind for a #1 pick in the summer.

Paul (Portland, OR)

Did you ever read Thomas Friedman's "The World is Flat"? I'm looking forward to his new one.

David Thorpe

  (12:59 PM)

I've read every word he has written, in books and newspapers.

Eric, Houston

Love said he saw Miller hit 56/57 threes on the move in practice. How is that for a shooter?

David Thorpe

  (1:00 PM)

Wow.

David Thorpe

  (1:00 PM)

Time to run. Thanks to all and see you next week.