ESPN

David Thorpe

  (12:02 PM)

Sorry!! Finishing up our media training this morning. ready to go."...your so white you glow".

Larry (LA)

Should the Bulls make a trade to sort out their back court?

David Thorpe

  (12:03 PM)

Yes, but only after BG is taken care of.

eric. Manchester, Ohio

are the cavaliers any better this year with mo williams at the point?

David Thorpe

  (12:03 PM)

As I see it, without doubt.

Tyler (St. Louis, MO)

David, after seeing Courtney Lee at IMG, you seem very high on him. What do you think of Stan Van Gundy playing him some at PG? Could he be a Brandon Roy or Dwyane Wade type combo guard?

David Thorpe

  (12:04 PM)

Honestly, I don't think so. But he is a very solid ball handler and an elite athlete, so anything is possible. On that team, natural pg talents are not required.

Spencer, Edmonton

I hope you liked Edmonton!If you could work with one player who you haven't had the chance to as of yet, who would it be and why?

David Thorpe

  (12:05 PM)

Loved it. Thanks. I don't really think about stuff like that. No one player appeals to me more than another. All have their own strengths and weaknesses. But, Manu would be a blast to train.

Tyler (St. Louis, MO)

Hey Dorkpedo, your overrated Gators choked!! Go Big 12!!!

David Thorpe

  (12:06 PM)

Easy Ty.

Warren (ft. lauderdale,fl)

I saw Marc Stein put the Heat 24th on his power rankings... i think Hollinger had them around 18th... where would you rank the Heat? PS i was watching the NBA network and they had Magic's pro debut.... early World B Free was showin up, but late in the second quarter Magic started to look like Magic takin the game over WOW

David Thorpe

  (12:07 PM)

I'd say 20 or so, as of today.

dunhem

back in a chat in 2006, when asked about who the stars of 2010 will be, you said:"David Thorpe: Many of the same guys you see now. The big 3 will be in their prime, some new faces like Darko and Greg Oden, Yao will still be a huge force too. I'm more interested in who will be the gys who come out of nowhere to be impact players."still think darko will be a star by 2010??

David Thorpe

  (12:08 PM)

No. But i do think that if we rewound his career and placed him on a team devoted to develop him early on, he'd have ended up special.

Tyler (St. Louis, MO)

Seeing as I'm originally from Orlando and am a Gators fan, I believe there is an imposter in the building. Call security.

David Thorpe

  (12:08 PM)

Indeed.

Rush Sanders (Beverly Hills, CA)

Boston or Detroit, who takes the East?

David Thorpe

  (12:09 PM)

Hard to pick against Boston, but you'll never see me talking about eastern champs and not mention the cavs.

Reagan, Edmonton

Is nick calathes a guy who could find a place in the league one day? who would you liken his game to?

David Thorpe

  (12:09 PM)

He's an NBA lock. Has a lot of Nash in him. Deeply talented.

Phil (DC)

Who crashes hardest this year: Suns, Mavericks, or Spurs?

David Thorpe

  (12:10 PM)

Suns in a runaway.

Xavier (Seattle)

How are Henry and the rest of the gang doing? Are you going easy on them compared to the pros?

David Thorpe

  (12:11 PM)

They are doing great. That's all that I say.

Mark (MA)

Do you like the idea of Coach Spo putting the playbook on an itouch that is HEAT property?

David Thorpe

  (12:12 PM)

I'm surprised that is not happening everywhere. We do the same thing with highlight stuff for our guys.

J, Kansas City

Which lottery bust has the best chance of meaningful contributions this year: Darko, Darius Miles, or Kwame Brown.

David Thorpe

  (12:12 PM)

Kwame.

Ted, The SLC

David, what would it take for D-Will to be thought of as con the same level as Chris Paul? More points? Fewer turnovers? More alley-oop dunks to Boozer? Wider smile? What?

David Thorpe

  (12:13 PM)

More wins. Even then it may never happen.

Imran (Texas)

Can Chris Bosh and Jermaine O'Neal finally propel the Raptors past the first round this year?

David Thorpe

  (12:13 PM)

Oh yea.

Jesse (MI)

What leads you to believe that Pietrus is such an improvement over Mo Evans for the Magic? Their stats are very similair, and they are pretty much the same talent-wise. They both seem like bench players to me.

David Thorpe

  (12:15 PM)

I am not in that camp. I like Mo. "Peaches" (as he calls himself now) is solid at best, but has a lot to prove in Orlando. I still think though that he should start opening day.

Lang (NY)

On the itouch note: Beasley is memorizing plays by associating it with songs. So when he sings a song he will remember the play. Smart or Silly?

David Thorpe

  (12:15 PM)

Better than Kramer's version of associating emotions with color.

Joe (The Bay)

Sir Thorpalot, what second year player do you see making a major leap this year? I have Mike Conley, Thaddeus Young and Al Thornton with Brandon Wright as a dark horse. (We already know about Horford and Durant)

David Thorpe

  (12:16 PM)

I like all those guys. Plus Jeff Green. And KD should be far more efficient.

david (chicago)

David, if you had to guess, who will be the Bulls starting back court on opening day in 2009? (a year from now)

David Thorpe

  (12:17 PM)

Rose and tbd.

Ted, The SLC

I believe it was Costanza who dressed based on his mood every morning (remember Morning Mist?).

David Thorpe

  (12:17 PM)

You are wise!

Joe (The Bay)

..pssst... David... Mo Evans plays for Atlanta...

David Thorpe

  (12:18 PM)

psst. He used to play for Orlando.

Ariel (Albany, NY)

Wilson Chandler will take the biggest steps in Year 2 if you ask me. Agree?

David Thorpe

  (12:19 PM)

No. But he certainly will be one to watch.

Jesse (MI)

You WERE in that camp a few weeks ago. You said the upgrade at SG made the Magic better the Pistons... check the archives.

David Thorpe

  (12:20 PM)

Overall, depth wise, they have upgraded there. Bogans started some there last year and now may be 3rd of 4th string by February.

J, Kansas City

MIP prediction?

David Thorpe

  (12:20 PM)

Not ready to make that call yet.

David (Springville, UT)

David--I believe Deron Williams has won more games over his career...and had deeper Playoff runs. Not saying he's better than Paul, but just pointing out a fact...

David Thorpe

  (12:21 PM)

Right. But unless he wins it all, or comes close, he'll never reach CP status.

Brett (Texas)

Even despite the Blazers youth, do you see them making the playoffs this year with the Oden and Bayless additions?

David Thorpe

  (12:21 PM)

I think they will be in the hunt. Should be a great run.

Jason (Brooklyn)

When you research a player or team how do you keep track of his / their play over the course of a season? Watching one game isn't always instructive, and stats don't give the big picture. Do you keep notes or a log or something?

David Thorpe

  (12:22 PM)

All of the above. Game video clips help.

milkncookie

sup thorpe. i couldn't think of a good quality question....so....uhm....any ideas for lunch?

David Thorpe

  (12:23 PM)

Mmm, lunch.Duck quesadillas are nice.

kendrick

who would you say has the oppertunity to becpme the next kobe in terms of having a complete skill set at sg?

Matt (Denver)

Deepest crash of all, though, is Denver, right?

David Thorpe

  (12:24 PM)

Probably tied with Phoenix.

Ron, LA

Bynum has trimmed down and added more muscle. He also can jump higher and has faster times on the treadmill. Can we expect a stronger more dominant Bynum for this year?

David Thorpe

  (12:24 PM)

Yes, by New Years.

milkncookie

wow, sick choice. love me some duck. all the best! i'll chime in again if i think of something valuable, haha.

David Thorpe

  (12:25 PM)

Mmmm, duck.

Xavier (Seattle)

Does Corey Brewer have any chance at taking big steps as a player this year? Or is he destined to be a nice 7th man hustle guy?

David Thorpe

  (12:25 PM)

My (mildly orange and blue) blood hopes so. But this summer was notr encouraging.

Alex (San Antonio, Tx)

Thorpester! If you and all the other espn-nba writers played a game of 21 who'd win? Former pros don't count.

David Thorpe

  (12:26 PM)

Henry is prettty gritty and in good shape. If I had the time to play a few times a week, I'd roll most of them. I heard Broussard is really good though.

Jason (Brooklyn)

How is Henry Abbot progressing at your camp? Guy's one helluva blogger, but can he ball?

David Thorpe

  (12:27 PM)

Not really ball. But he's so energetic and engaged as a listener. I'd have loved to coach him 15 years ago.

Adam ( Boston )

evryone says the celtics cant repeat without Posey... but is it not safe to say that they will still be a great team without him?

David Thorpe

  (12:28 PM)

Listen, I may be dumb but I'm not stupid. Until I see this team struggle, nothing negative will come from me about Boston. They should be great, yes.

Mike (OKC)

ESPN picks OKC to be the worst team in the league. Could that really be possible?

David Thorpe

  (12:29 PM)

I think Memphis may give them a run.

John Moore, Hanalei, HI

Do you think Spencer Hawes can become an elite center in time?

David Thorpe

  (12:29 PM)

Not sure about elite. But effective? Yes.

Shane J, Austin TX

So you agree with everyone and saying the Spurs have no chance?

David Thorpe

  (12:30 PM)

Not at all. They are still legit contenders to me.

Shaq

Hey Thorpe, I'm getting sized for a thumb ring

David Thorpe

  (12:31 PM)

I guess your wife is back in your life. Congrats.

Terrence (Chicago, Il)

Hi David. Last week you mentioned Aaron Gray lost 30 pounds. His biggest issue last season was his lack of speed. Did you see any improvement in that area with the weight loss?

David Thorpe

  (12:31 PM)

Speed and conditioning should be much improved.

DJ

D-Will is right there with Paul. 19 ppg, 11 apg, 40%+ 3's, 50% FG, and 80% FT. I know all the writers at ESPN have man crushes on Paul, but they're both pretty spectacular, right?

David Thorpe

  (12:32 PM)

Top 2 pg's in the world.

Oliver (Boston)

What (or who) has impressed you most during the media training sessions?

David Thorpe

  (12:34 PM)

I'm impressed with how hard these guys are trying. We've discussed internally about holding similar programs for "average" adults who just want to get better and improve their conditioning, but were concerned with how hard they could go. Now, I'm convinced they will love it and embrace the opportunity after watching how hard these guys are trying.

Ariel (Albany, NY)

I know you think Starbury is garbage, but can't he be a Bobby Jackson/Ben Gordon type 6th man off the bench?

David Thorpe

  (12:35 PM)

Not if he refuses to come off the bench!

Nate (Vancouver, WA)

How do you see Rudy Fernandez performing this year?

David Thorpe

  (12:36 PM)

Well. Great energy and a guy who will put together some great shooting nights.

Joe (The Bay)

What is the most amazing basketball play you have ever witnesses?

David Thorpe

  (12:37 PM)

A Vince Carter finger roll 3 feet above the rim at a camp when he was in high school.

Chauncey Billups (Bloomfield Hills)

We're better when the media don't talk about us. Thanks!

David Thorpe

  (12:38 PM)

I'm over the Pistons. Sorry.

Bryan (Xenia, OH)

"Fat, drunk, and stupid is no way to go through life son"Any truth to the rumor that Boris Diaw partied his way into 20 lbs of flab over the summer?

David Thorpe

  (12:38 PM)

I don't know. Anyone know?

Bob (New York)

What sort of numbers do you see from Rudy Fernandez? I like his talent but I'm not clear where the minutes will come from... 14 points, 2 assists, 3 boards?

David Thorpe

  (12:39 PM)

Not this year. He'd be lucky to break 10ppg.

Lance Manion, Baton Rouge

is Peja still the best shooter in the league?

David Thorpe

  (12:39 PM)

No.

Greg Oden (Portland, OR)

I'm winning Rookie of the Year, right?

David Thorpe

  (12:39 PM)

You are #1 for me now.

Dwight Howard (Orlando, FL)

Besides myself, who is the key to our success as a team?

David Thorpe

  (12:40 PM)

Nelson is key, of course.

Scott (Portland, OR)

Do you see Rudy Fernandez as having as much future ability of a Ginobli, or a Kevin Martin?

David Thorpe

  (12:41 PM)

You are talking about 2 of the best 6 or 7 sg's in the world. So, no. But he can be very good.

J, Kansas City

Who is the best shooter in the NBA now?

David Thorpe

  (12:41 PM)

Probably JK.

William (NYC)

Duck quesadillas? Wow, fancy! I like my basketball analysts to eat like men...I'm dissapointed!

David Thorpe

  (12:42 PM)

Should I have said Shepherd's Pie?

Darren, Nashville, TN

Why did jason (white chocolate) williams retire?

David Thorpe

  (12:43 PM)

I think he does not like training camp, or maybe just the Clips.

J, Kansas City

What if you shoot the duck yourself?

David Thorpe

  (12:43 PM)

Um, no. Not my cup of tea.

Brian (McLean, VA)

how good can andray blatche be if he applies himself?

David Thorpe

  (12:44 PM)

All-star.

Will J (Portland, OR)

Will you be attending any camps these next few weeks? If so which ones?

David Thorpe

  (12:44 PM)

No. But I'll be checking in daily with friends.

Jeff (Miami)

Is 18 and 8 realistic for Beasley?

David Thorpe

  (12:45 PM)

Probably.

Vivek Patel, India

Kim Kardashian is hot!!!!!!!!! The EAST not so much.

David Thorpe

  (12:46 PM)

I disagree on both counts. I think the east is on the way up.

Reg (dreamland)

Hypothesize with me a bit...if Marbury had a good head (e.g. Kidd, Nash, D-Will) on his shoulders, how good a PG could he be?

David Thorpe

  (12:46 PM)

Multiple MVP winner.

Dan (fla)

Who the heck is JK?

David Thorpe

  (12:46 PM)

Kapono.

Jeff (Miami)

Is there any way he doesn't win ROY if he puts up 18 and 8 then?

ryan(NJ)

Gut feeling; Beasley gets "it" or he doesnt?

David Thorpe

  (12:49 PM)

Doesn't.

Gary (Sacramento)

Do you see Reggie Theus' young, hungry bunch surprising a lot of so called experts and making a serious run at the playoffs out West?

David Thorpe

  (12:49 PM)

No.

Andy (albany, ny)

My brother is 14 and is 6'3". He loves basketball and wants to go far with it. Do you ever train children this young? If so, do you have any advice for parents and family? Is it too early to hit the weight room? What part of game is more important to work on than others?

David Thorpe

  (12:50 PM)

The center here runs camps every summer for them. I'd go with light weights. Best to focus on overall athletic development and basketball IQ, plus skills at every position.

Freddy (Los Angeles)

Why do you think the Suns are that combustible?

David Thorpe

  (12:51 PM)

Shaq is not Shaq anymore.

Joe (The Bay)

David, I don't have a question. Just wanted to tell you that over the past few years of reading your chats and articles, I have honestly come to admire not just your basketball acumen, but more importantly your sincere and thoughtful approach to life. I think your a good man and a good father and a necessary example of both. Please, keep up the good work.

David Thorpe

  (12:52 PM)

Might be the nicest thing anyone has ever written about me. Thank you!!!

Nick (NJ)

With the quasi-dribble drive offense and the chip of going #40, can CDR be an "out of nowhere" ROY canidate? Not win but certaily be in the talk.

David Thorpe

  (12:52 PM)

Actually, that's a good call.

Scott (Albany NY)

How is Spaulding? Any accidents?

David Thorpe

  (12:53 PM)

Spalding is becoming a great dog. It's an extremely loving breed. He takes turs sleeping in bed with Max and Rachel eavery night.

Franco (Philly)

Stop sucking up Joe. Thorpedo give me a read of my 76ers this year? Beast of the East? Contenders?

David Thorpe

  (12:54 PM)

Contenders, but not prime time yet.

JD Minny

Buenos Dias Thorpe!K-Luv 4 ROY!!!

David Thorpe

  (12:54 PM)

He has a chance. I like him a lot.

nate (New Haven)

will kobe ever win another MVP?

David Thorpe

  (12:55 PM)

I'd guess no, but would not put money on that.

M (McLean, VA)

David, why was Riley so dejected when Bulls picked Rose and the Heat ended up with Beasley?

David Thorpe

  (12:55 PM)

Have you not been paying attention?

Rich (SLC, UT)

Who wins the Northwest division, Jazz or Portland?

David Thorpe

  (12:55 PM)

Jazz.

Brad Miller (Sac)

Will someone please trade me? I can still play!

David Thorpe

  (12:56 PM)

Yes you can.

Ron ( DC )

Do you think Agent Zero will regain his superstar status (before he got injured)?

David Thorpe

  (12:56 PM)

I do.

Bob, Denver

Who in the league is making the most of their position with the least amount of talent (i.e. who is exceeding expectations)?

David Thorpe

  (12:57 PM)

Maybe Nash and Ray Allen achieved all that they could.

Matt(dallas)

In their primes, could Scottie have D'd up MJ better than anyone? Always wondered that.

David Thorpe

  (12:57 PM)

Probably. Excellent point!

David Fairborn, OH

Any new draft trends you're hearing about? First high schoolers, then foreign players...what's next?

David Thorpe

  (12:58 PM)

American high schoolers going to Europe as 15-16 year olds.

Jed (Redding, CA)

How will Powell do as a replacement for Turiaf?

David Thorpe

  (12:58 PM)

Not as good.

Darren (Los Angeles)

Can Lawrence Frank adjust his style to focus on developing the Nets young guys, even if that means making mistakes? And do you think he has a job at this time next year?

David Thorpe

  (12:59 PM)

Great question. I'm a big fan of his talent, but it's sometimes tougfh to do both. I hope they let him figure it all out.

David Thorpe

  (1:00 PM)

Gotta go grab some duck-thanks everyone!