ESPN

David Thorpe

  (11:59 AM)

I'm back from a clinic in Edmonton and a visit to Chicago to see the Bulls workout. Ready to chat it up-the last one before practices begin for real. We're starting with a nice operetta from Strauss II, "Der Zigeunerbaron" (The Gypsy baron). "When the going gets tough.........the tough get going!!"

Gerardo (Tempe, AZ)

Uh oh, my two favorite chatters at the same time! (you and Dan Rafael). This is going to be the most unproductive morning since the olympics were on!

David Thorpe

  (12:00 PM)

Not a Ryder Cup fan? I was in Canada with my wife, but really wanted to just sit and watch. Boo S A!!

Brad (Gadsden,Alabama)

David, Will the hawks have another playoff season? if they do will they have a better seed than 8?

David Thorpe

  (12:01 PM)

I think they are on the bubble.

Andy G: (Minneapolis, MN)

David,Wolves' fans are buzzing about Shaun Livingston. A) Why haven't we signed him, yet? B) Will he be any good by 2009-10?

David Thorpe

  (12:01 PM)

Let's not discuss him again, at least until he does anything worthwhile.

Brian (McLean, VA)

how do you think my fellow georgetown alum jeff green will pan out in the future? can he be an all-star a few years down the road?

David Thorpe

  (12:02 PM)

I think he has all-star potential. We should see him as a much more efficient player this year.

Eric (San Diego, CA)

Dave, is Brandon Jennings really that good or will he be somewhat forgotten come next off-season? Also, what are the chances that other prep stars follow his lead?

David Thorpe

  (12:03 PM)

I honestly do not know. Have not seen him. I would be shocked if more players do not follow his lead. Even more shocked if some guys with high school eligibility do not jump overseas.

Spencer (Dallas, TX)

Do you see Rick Carlisle as being a nice change of pace for the Mavs from the "Dictator Avery"?

David Thorpe

  (12:03 PM)

Not as much as you'd like to believe.

Tab, Toronto

Hi David, I love America but there are three things the Atheletes need to understand that you absolutely cannot do in America.1. Lie to the American people. You have big hearts down there and will forgive almost anything, save and except lying.2. Creulty to animals. Sad but true,had O.J. killed a German Sheppard he would have never gotten away with it.3. Appear unpatriotic. Patriotism is the real religion for the USA, to disrespect that is virtual suiside.Do NBA atheletes need more support and training in makig good decisions?

David Thorpe

  (12:04 PM)

Probably true of most nations. But you'd have a hard time finding 10 people globally who disrespected their nation when they are making $40+ million before they turn 32.

Ryon (Kenosha, WI)

How do you see the Milwaukee Bucks this year as a team? Contender or Pretender?

David Thorpe

  (12:04 PM)

Contender, for the first pick of the draft.

Mike (portland, OR)

Hey Thorpe! Does 13ppg 12rpg 2ast 2block 5 fouls a game sound about right for Oden this year?

David Thorpe

  (12:05 PM)

Sure.

Tige (Mankato, MN)

David, who is Milwaukee's best player: Michael Redd or Richard Jefferson?

David Thorpe

  (12:05 PM)

Redd slightly better on offense, RJ much better on d. Edge to RJ.

Daniel, NJ

What impresses you most at Ricky Rubio?You think he's going to impact the NBA, if he makes it?

David Thorpe

  (12:06 PM)

His quick hands and his moxie. He should be an excellent player in the league.

Jason (Brooklyn)

"I'm a zit! Get it?"Coach, I've been watching old games on youtube instead of sleeping lately, and I've gotta say, Jordan was a nightmare defensively. Is he the best defensive guard you've seen? (If you wanted to give best defenders by position list, that would be cool to see).

David Thorpe

  (12:07 PM)

Ah, Bluto. Well done. I like thinking of the line I used with the classical piece they played in the background. MJ was an assassin on both ends. Period. Maybe we'll create that list this year. Good idea.

Enrique (Chicago, IL)

Have gotten a chance to see Deng, Rose or Ty thomas play recently ? As a bulls fan should be expecting a playoff run or another lottery season.

David Thorpe

  (12:09 PM)

I saw Rose and TT this week in Chicago play pickup. And I watched Luol play in Europe. I think the Bulls can be a surprise team this year. but will have to survive a tough start. New coach, BG issues, tough comp early on.

Herman (Virginia Beach)

Oh where oh where will Marbury be?

David Thorpe

  (12:09 PM)

Helping someone lose and self destruct, most likely.

Dan (NY)

Was it worth it for the Rockets to match for Landry, which puts them in the luxury tax zone, when they are apparently going to be starting Artest at 4 and have Scola there too? No doubt Landry can be great but how many minutes will he even get?

David Thorpe

  (12:10 PM)

Have to keep an asset like Carl.

Adam (Oakland, CA)

Do you think Golden State would have been better off spending money on Carl Landry than Ronnie Turriaf? I know the Rockets just matched, but I don't think they would have matched at $4mil/yr. Thanks

David Thorpe

  (12:10 PM)

Good thought. Yes, I like Landry better.

evan (philly)

Isn't your quote a Billy Ocean song? I thought you were more of an opera man. Either way, just signed up to play in a charity BBall tourney. I'm mostly a rebound hustle type big man that doesn't do much scoring (think Reggie Evans type). Any advice on getting points in the paint around some bigger guys?

David Thorpe

  (12:11 PM)

Good call on the Billy Ocean tune. He butchered that song. As for points inside, master the "Boozer bump" and get 4-8 points off the glass.

milkncookie

sup thorpe. welcome to my friday world. scale of 1-10...how excited are you for nba season to start?!?!? get excittteedddddd!!!! i'm pumped. so curious on how some things work out (i.e. raptors with JO?!?!). woohooo

David Thorpe

  (12:12 PM)

Every day is a 10 for me. Just glad to be breathing, my man. I heard JO is killing it in Toronto.

miami, Fl

Mr. Thorpe. If the heat make it to the second round or actually the playoffs. i still think that will be a disspointment for the heat. Am i over estimating them.

David Thorpe

  (12:12 PM)

Yes.

Jaron (Phoenix)

How does Rose look? Is he vocal in practice or does he take a back seat to the vets?

David Thorpe

  (12:12 PM)

He's a very quiet person. Strong inside on drives and cuts and getting better as a shooter.

Ryon (Kenosha, WI)

Nevermind my last question. With Ramon Sessions who looked like a Top 5 point guard at the end of last season for Milwaukee, and Andrew Bogut emerging.. Can Milwaukee get back into playoff form not this season, but next? I see promise there. What do you think?

David Thorpe

  (12:13 PM)

Next year, yes, the Bucks can start seeing some progress. Sessions and Alexander must make real strides.

Josh Boston, Ma

Beside mental toughness what do Lakers need to work on to win the title this year?

David Thorpe

  (12:14 PM)

Some physical toughness would not hurt.

Mike (Chicago)

Hey Thorpe, after being in Chicago, who's currently the Bulls best player and who do you think will be the best of the bulls?

David Thorpe

  (12:15 PM)

Some of the vets were not there. Deng might have been the best player in Europe this summer, he looks totally healthy and has added a strong 3 point shot to his game. Gooden and Hughes will like playing for Vinny too.

Gabriel (Bristol)

Will Aaron Brooks ever become the PG the Rockets need him to be?

David Thorpe

  (12:16 PM)

Probably not, but maybe he could fill the Bobby Jackson role.

Schiff,Thomas (Gotham)

Jeff Green all-star potential??He averaged 10 and 4 on a very low fg% for a horrible team. Lee Nailon could have done just as well, if not better.lol I don't see him possessing enough ballhandling skills and athleticism as a swingman to be overly successful. He also isnt a very good shooter. I can see him being a much smarter, slightly more skilled Eric Williams, with a little more size.

David Thorpe

  (12:16 PM)

You might be right. But probably not.

Nick (Syracuse, NY)

"Mr. Marbles!?...is that you?"DAVE!!! I know every one is talking about King James in 2010 but Honestly I would rather see Chris Bosh in NY! Imagine him under Mikey D! Running the floor and playing D...any chance he could end up in NY? Id love to see him and Crawford and Q-Rich on the same team, slashing, shooting 3s and complete inside dominance!!! what are your thoughts?

David Thorpe

  (12:17 PM)

What do you have against CB? Matching him up with those 2 wings is not nice.

Glenn (Memphis, TN)

What should the Grizz do about the point position. Any decent trade value there?

David Thorpe

  (12:17 PM)

Not yet, so developing some is a smart plan.

Marc (Malden, MA)

Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor, hell no. Germans? Forget it, he's rollin.

David Thorpe

  (12:18 PM)

Man that is a funny movie.

Eric, Houston

Foye for MIP?

David Thorpe

  (12:18 PM)

Excellent call.

Bryan (Xenia OH)

Love the insider info man! Dumbest front office in the NBA: Hawks, Grizzlies, Bobcats, T-wolves, Knicks, or Suns?

David Thorpe

  (12:19 PM)

I'm not pointing fingers, but how many of those teams lost a #5 draft pick to a team in Greece?

Kool (Bronx, NY)

What should Ben Gordon do now?

David Thorpe

  (12:19 PM)

Sign the QO.

Jason (Brooklyn)

Coach, are the Knicks hanging onto Steph simply because he won't negotiate a buyout, or is there some chance he'll actually play. He may actually be their best option to run D'Antoni's offense (writing that made me gag a little).

David Thorpe

  (12:20 PM)

Building some trade value seems to be the direction they will go.

Chad, Minnesota

Will the Wolves have anyone at all star weekend this season? I can't count Gerald Green from last year, ugh

David Thorpe

  (12:20 PM)

AJ. Love in the rookie game.

Claude (Miami)

Where were you last week? You ruined my Wednesday!

David Thorpe

  (12:21 PM)

Sorry. I was at the Berto Center and didn't want to bother Paxson with finding a table and a computer. They were very kind to let me come in and watch.

Brett (Texas)

Salim Stoudemire just signed with the Spurs, will he be seeing any rotational playing time with Manu being out and all?

David Thorpe

  (12:22 PM)

It was a smart move. Little risk. He could end up being a nice shotmaker off the bench.

Richard (Sacramento, CA)

Ricky Rubio + Kevin Martin = ?

David Thorpe

  (12:22 PM)

Lots of losses this year to allow the Kings to draft that high. But even more smiles going forward.

Danny (San Rafael, CA)

Has any team ever benefited more from a Summer League player inflating his value than the Rockets this summer? Greene went from being a late 1st round pick to an important part of the Artest trade based on beating up on some non-NBA guys- incredible

David Thorpe

  (12:23 PM)

Not exactly.

Dan, Edmonton

Not sure if you meant Edmonton Alberta Canada or Edmonton Kentucky but anyhow, the raptors and nuggets are having a preseason game here next month. Do you think Iverson can keep up his pace now that he's into his 30s?

David Thorpe

  (12:24 PM)

I was north of the border, yes. And predicting when AI will finally slow down is like trying to find a bottom to the housing market. It must happen, but it could take years.

ken (houston)

how well did the rockets fair this offseason in your eyes? Any chance they are big contenders?

David Thorpe

  (12:25 PM)

We'll know more when we see Ron Ron and how he handles himself in 2009.

Jeff (LLE Davie)

Shawn Marion: Overrated or underrated in your opinion?

David Thorpe

  (12:25 PM)

Under in Phoenix, over in Miami.

VB

I'm in the 4th round of a 12 team fantasy game. It's a H2H Fatanasy Points for each game played .. I'm debating if I should pick Danny Granger or Rudy Gay .. what do you think?

David Thorpe

  (12:26 PM)

I'm no expert, but in fantasy world, I'm a "Gay" guy. Yes, I just wrote that.

David Thorpe

  (12:27 PM)

Honestly, I don't know how fantasy leagues score stats. Granger is going to put up good numbers, to be sure, but Rudy might explode this year on a bad team.

Jeff (Miami)

Which has a better chance of happening: Heat win the Southeastern Division or DWade wins the MVP?

David Thorpe

  (12:28 PM)

Actually they are tied together. IF Miami wins that division THEN Wade is a likely MVP winner.

ryan (cleveland)

Thorpeman...with the Hickson and Williams additions and the Celtics and Pistons being a year older (and a year more prone to injury) don't the Cavs shape up to be top 2 in the East?

David Thorpe

  (12:28 PM)

They are right there. I like their chances if Boston falters just a little.

Adam (Sacramento, CA)

Could J. Thompson start this year for the Kings and what do you think of the Garcia extension?

David Thorpe

  (12:29 PM)

Doubt he'd start. Love the Garcia extension. He's definitely part of the solution there.

Richard(Toronto)

Rockets with Artest=Eagles with Owens. Injury prone stars and a locker-room head case. I see the same ending in Houston.

David Thorpe

  (12:30 PM)

It's a fair fear.

Joe (Portsmouth)

Almost $6/year for Garcia??? Petrie is a great talent evaluator, but the Kings really know how to overpay for slightly better than average players!

David Thorpe

  (12:31 PM)

Average players are worth just under 6 a year. So I think it was smart-not many guys can be a 40% 3 point shooter and be excellent on defense.

JD (Nashville)

Childress was taken 6th overall, my man. Still embarrassing, of course.

David Thorpe

  (12:32 PM)

Oops. Sorry-and thanks.

dan (fla)

Will you be writing an article on your time spent at the Berto, or was the trip just personal?

David Thorpe

  (12:32 PM)

No article. But I'll reference whatever I learned there whenever appropriate.

Dan (NY)

Who do you think is the most underrated player currently and of all time?

David Thorpe

  (12:34 PM)

I always think of Linas Kleiza when asked that question. I think he could be a big time starter for most teams. All time is a tougher question. The Big O is a top 10 player all-time that probably doesn't get that kind of cred from youngsters today.

kevin (hawaii)

what do you think is al thorntons potential for this year and the future?

David Thorpe

  (12:34 PM)

He can be a borderline all-star in a year or two. Or just a decent starter.

Shawn (Thunder Bay)

Hey Thorpedo! Just wondering about Devin Harris, from a development point of view, where is he currently? Where is his upside compared to top PGs in the league?

David Thorpe

  (12:36 PM)

He's another solid and underrated player. Could be a starter for a championship team one day.

Ronny (Indianapolis)

Aren't the Pacers flying under the radar as a potential 6-8 seed?

David Thorpe

  (12:36 PM)

No. Not to my eyes.

Bill (Northbrook, IL)

Thorpasaurus, what's the latest on my team? Will the Bulls be running this year?

David Thorpe

  (12:36 PM)

They will try to, I think. Must rebound first.

Tre (Oakland)

You must be stupid man. And a player hater. How could you say that the Euro ball is more physical than my boys in the NBA? Seriously, do you even watch these games?

David Thorpe

  (12:38 PM)

Honestly Tre, do you really think I don't watch games? The refs allow so much more pushing and shoving over there. It's not about the players, but what the refs allow.

Meredith (L.A.)

Was Hinrich at the Berto for the pickup games you watched. If so, how did he look? And did you get to talk to him about what he thinks his role with be with Derrick Rose now looked at as the future PG?

David Thorpe

  (12:38 PM)

I thought Kirk looked terrific. Stronger and with his swagger back. I see him playing with Rose a lot.

JP, Lausanne

Could you watch Noah? How did he look at practice?

David Thorpe

  (12:39 PM)

Noah added 8 pounds and looks stronger. Made some j's but still flicks his left hand too much. Gray lost 30 pounds!!

Jason ( Mia Fl )

Orlando Magics in the Eastern Conference Finals?????

David Thorpe

  (12:39 PM)

It's entirely possible.

Mike (CT)

Think Pippen was most underrated - he was probably top 5 of his generation, but playing along MJ minimized his worth to those championships...

David Thorpe

  (12:40 PM)

Um, no.

Charles (Orlando)

Will the Magic find a backup or PF complement for Dwight Howard? Seems like Ryan Anderson could've worked

David Thorpe

  (12:41 PM)

He was drafted one spot ahead of the Magic pick.

Jason ( Chicago)

After seeing a healthier Rose recently has your opinions of him changed any?

David Thorpe

  (12:42 PM)

My opinion? I suggested he might go #1 long before anyone else. His problems can all be addressed with hard work, which I predict will happen.

Cosmo (Anytown, USA)

Would you rather be twice your weight or half your height?

David Thorpe

  (12:42 PM)

How about half my age?

J (T-Dot)

You destroyed the only thing I've ever love? now this is happening.Can you elaborate on "JO is killing it in Toronto". As a raptor fan I'm salivating at the prospect of having an interior D for the first time since Oak and Davis.

David Thorpe

  (12:43 PM)

I heard he's blocking shots all over the place with both hands.

jake (san diego)

and the first pick of the 2009 draft goes to?!

David Thorpe

  (12:43 PM)

Coin flip between Memphis and Indiana. Ask me again tomorrow and I'll have a different answer.

Fergusobk, brooklyn

hey Dave, I'm gona unfortunately miss the upcoming media training camp down at IMG, is it as awesome as it sounds? I am planning on coming to the next one, see if I still have pro-ball material (eastern europe perhaps?). Hey, 6-3 200lbs and bankshots all day can still do it right?

David Thorpe

  (12:44 PM)

Great. We'll miss you. It starts on Monday and should be lots of fun. Henry has been talking smack though.

Ariel (Albany, NY)

Can Patrick Ewing Jr play in the league?

David Thorpe

  (12:45 PM)

Which league? I don't see him as a productive player in the NBA.

Dan (NY)

Who do you think ends up as the better player Beasely or Durant?

David Thorpe

  (12:46 PM)

KD, thanks to off court issues with MB.

Jason (Brooklyn)

Coach - Can the Celtics maintain the intensity they had last year?

David Thorpe

  (12:46 PM)

That is the correct question.

Michael (NY, NY)

David,What kind of numbers do you expect from Michael Beasley this year, assuming his off-the-court antics are under control? Do you think he will be an all-star/super-star in near future or struggle to excel as a tweener. I am worried he turns into Antoine Walker - skilled player who is too slow to play on perimeter and not big/strong enough to play on interior and ultimately becomes an inefficient player.

David Thorpe

  (12:47 PM)

We can never assume he'll get those issues under control. Until he does.

otis Thorpe (h-town)

Can scola become a solid PF to support Yao or will he have a sophmore slide? (he's no O.T. that's for sure)

David Thorpe

  (12:47 PM)

No slide expected. He's a grizzled vet.

Bill (Chicago)

Hi Dave, love your work, never miss a chat. As a die hard Bulls fan I'm interested if you've seen Tyrus. I believe he is an all-world talent and just needs to become a player. Keep up the great work!

David Thorpe

  (12:49 PM)

TT has been working extra heard up there for some time. Looks much stronger and is truly handling his off-court time like a pro. Still has some maturing to do on the court, but his new coaches could be a great change for him. I'd expect marked improvement for him this year, mostly due to consistent pt.

Babs (Lagos, Nigeria)

Who is likely to emerge as the Raptor's starting SF?

David Thorpe

  (12:49 PM)

Moon.

stan (ny)

why does marbury get all the blame for the knicks, and he hardly played last year?

David Thorpe

  (12:50 PM)

He doesn't. He gets blamed for his own problems.

Todd Nizzle, SF

Marcus Williams = Starting PG = Trouble for Warriors?

David Thorpe

  (12:51 PM)

Indeed.

Pete (LA)

Tyrus might be an all world athletic talent but does he have much in the way of basketball skills?

David Thorpe

  (12:51 PM)

It's not a skills questions, but a "game" question. Does he know how to utilize the skills and athleticism he possesses?

Paul (Portland, OR)

Do you cry at operas David? We've got La Traviata opening tonight in Portland. Gets me every time.

David Thorpe

  (12:53 PM)

No. But I do at plays (Les Mis) and some movies (Private Ryan gets me every time when he says "tell me I'm a good man").

Steve (Boston)

Probability that Darius Miles can use his length and KG's motivation to play some defense? I put it at 57%.

David Thorpe

  (12:53 PM)

I'd put it at 5.7%.

Adam (Detroit, MI)

With Monta out and Don Nelsons style of play, could you see a Harrington to the Bulls for Gordon? I could see Donnie trying to make this happen.

David Thorpe

  (12:54 PM)

No chance. Why would the Bulls want Al?

Gordon, LA

is eric gordon going to be a solid player or a bust?

David Thorpe

  (12:54 PM)

Solid player, if he learns how to play.

Jay Memphis, TN

Hi David, The Grizz have talented players on the wings and backcourt, particularly Rudy Gay... He's an outstanding athlete but sometimes it seems his ballhandling skills haven't caught up to his athleticism... Is this something that he can improve upon over an offseason or will it take longer to see?

David Thorpe

  (12:55 PM)

That can be improved, literally, on a daily basis all season long. Takes work, then confidence in the actual games.

JIM, Birmingham

Magic>Hawks>Heat>Bobcats?True or False?

David Thorpe

  (12:55 PM)

Maybe. Could be HEAT over Hawks.

Ray (Chicago)

David, Steve Kerr (who I respect) said one of the major motivations for the Shaq trade was that his trainers could turn macjk the hands of time and have him playing as if he were in his 20's. How is that going? He still looked 36 at the end of last season.

David Thorpe

  (12:56 PM)

Looked 40+ to me many nights.

Tom (Seattle)

Do you think Durant will be an AllStar before he leaves OK in free agency?

David Thorpe

  (12:56 PM)

Yes.

Eric (Bermuda)

Talk to me about Jr Giddens and Bill Walker. Terrific athletes, jumpers, dunkers, etc. or can I look forward to something else down the road. Right now I have them pinned as fun characters in a video game and thats about it...

David Thorpe

  (12:57 PM)

Me too.

Dean Wormer

0.0

David Thorpe

  (12:57 PM)

Nice.

KC Moreno Valley, CA

Is Lamar Odom, Vlade Radmanovic, or Luke Walton the starting small forward for Lakers?

David Thorpe

  (12:57 PM)

LO I'd guess.

Bryan (Hawaii)

biggest lottery bust potential?

David Thorpe

  (12:58 PM)

From which draft? Eric Gordon went awfully high for a one and done short shooting guard. But he's very talented. Joe Alexander would be my pick.

Tim (Toledo)

Ian Mahinmi's ankle keep him out of camp?

David Thorpe

  (1:00 PM)

Sorry folks, but when I'm stuck with posting questions like this, it's a signal that time's up. I'll hit you next week from our media camp, and might even have a guest chatter or two join us!! Be safe and have a great weekend.