David Thorpe

  (12:01 PM)

Before we start, I want to thank Mickey Mouse and his friends for being terrific hosts last night at Disneyworld. We took our kids to their "Not So Scary Halloween Party" for the 2nd straight year, and it's truly an amazing night. If you have kids from 4-10, it's a must see. Seriously. And no, I've not been asked to write that by the employers here! Speaking of must see, the season has begun!!! "Mazel, mazel...good things".

Eric (Baltimore)

Hey, Coach T, Hollinger has the Jazz possibly beating out LA for the West Conference Title...your thoughts on that and what do you think the chances are that Brewer has developed a jump shot this offseason?

David Thorpe

  (12:02 PM)

I think they will be in the running for "best team" all year, along with a few others. I still need to see their backup pg issues get firmed up.

Kevin (Toronto)

Do you see Bargnani improving at all this year? Will he look like a number 1 pick?

David Thorpe

  (12:02 PM)

Not #1 maybe, but I do expect far better production.

Phil (DC)

Coach - on your advice, I'm going to try rare tuna steak. My girlfriend wants to know if you have any further guidance as to how to buy, prep, and cook it.

David Thorpe

  (12:04 PM)

Smart man. Sear it with after marinating it in low sodium soy sauce mixed with honey. Serve it with brown rice cooked in chicken broth and add edamame or stir-fired broccoli. Mmmm.

Stephen (Philadelphia)

At the end of this season, where do you see the Sixers? (Possibly in the Eastern Conference Finals)? With the work Ed Stefanski's done in the off-season, it's a given they'll make the playoffs.

David Thorpe

  (12:05 PM)

I'd say possibly the conference finals is the right call. It's not a sure thing by any means.

Anthony, Hialeah, Florida

Hello, David Thorpe Do you think the Heat may make the 2009 NBA playoffs as a 7th or 8th place team?

David Thorpe

  (12:05 PM)

I do. But I also expect some deals, which could change the dynamics a great deal.

Marty (Boston)

Thorpedo, can Miles even come close to filling the void of Posey?

David Thorpe

  (12:05 PM)

No.

JO (Chicago, IL)

Hey Thorpedo, I hope that you have seen this already, but Ty Thomas gives you mad props in this Sun Times article. Thanks for getting through to him to help him adjust to the pro game on and off the court. All of Chicago thanks you.

David Thorpe

  (12:07 PM)

I saw. But all of Chicago should be thanking the coaching staff in Chicago, and TT directly. But, to be honest, I won't be impressed until I see progress in the regular season. It's all puppy dogs and ice cream in October.

Will J (Portland, OR)

Thorpedo, Rudy stole the show last night in Portland. Do you think he has an advantage over the others for ROY, because he's played professionally?

David Thorpe

  (12:07 PM)

That, plus he's really darn good.

Qbert

Hey Dave (I'm talking like I know you, lol). Redick looked pretty good for the Magic in the first preseason game. Seems like he's made some improvements that are helping him on defense. Thoughts, and how come he hasn't come to your workout facility for improvement?

David Thorpe

  (12:09 PM)

I saw that game in person the other night. He looks stronger and "tighter" too. There are 4 or 5 places that pro's go to for development, it's clear that wherever JJ spent his time this summer was the right place. I've always been a believer in all things Redick.

David (Irvine, CA)

Thorpedo! Isn't it dangerous for the Bulls to run a frontcourt where neither big has solid range on their shot?

David Thorpe

  (12:09 PM)

It might be. Depends on the actions they are running.

Rick (Hoboken)

How interesting is a Sixers/Celtics match-up on paper? Gotta love Iggy on Pierce, Rondo vs. Miller, and the big men

David Thorpe

  (12:10 PM)

One of the many great matchups we can look forward to.

Dan (Nutley, NJ)

Raindrop! What is the extended outlook for the Nets, if they don't get Lebron in two years? Are they headed in the right direction?

David Thorpe

  (12:12 PM)

Wow, I did not expect anyone to get that movie line. Nice. I went to college with a guy from your city. Know what his nickname was? Nutley! The Nets are treading water right now, if any of the 3 rooks is legit, then they can start the move forwards.

Linda (Rome, GA)

Coach, I read the articles and watched the video of the media camp you ran last week. Those guys seemed to be having so much fun. Honestly, I think my husband would want to spend a week learning from you as a gift from me more than any other trip I could schedule. He and his friends love to play, but have not had anyone "coach" him since high school. Can you make that happen?

David Thorpe

  (12:13 PM)

Coaching and talking to those guys was an absolute blast. I hope they enjoyed it as much as we did. And yes, we'll be offering programs for adults this November.

Darin (Nashville, TN)

Did you get a chance to check out Oden last night? He looked bigger than what I expected or remembered.

David Thorpe

  (12:14 PM)

No, I was at Disney. I'll watch it today. I expect he'll be at a decent performance level by January 1.

Aubrey (Houston, Tx)

Hey Mr. Thorpe. Who would you rather have in their prime, The Dream, or Shaq Diesel? And why, if you don't mind. Thank you.

David Thorpe

  (12:15 PM)

I am a huge dream fan. But the Diesel was the most dominant big the league has ever seen. Period.

Jesse (Atlanta, GA):

What do you think of Acie Law? Can he become a competent back up PG in the NBA? Can he do it this year?

David Thorpe

  (12:16 PM)

I'm still not sure, though he looked good the other night. Making perimeter shots would go a long way to solidifying his spot.

Tyler (St. Louis, MO)

What is it about Courtney Lee that has impressed you so much to put him at 11th on your rookie ratings?

David Thorpe

  (12:17 PM)

Actually, I plan on dropping him some. I thought he'd get a decent run as the backup 2, but MP looks to be an important piece (I wasn't sure this would be the case) and Bogans is solid. JJ may get some early time too.

Jonathan (Raleigh, NC)

Shaq most dominant ever? Over Wilt? Over Kareem? Again, over wilt who averaged 24 pts and 24 boards in '67? Really?

David Thorpe

  (12:17 PM)

Really.

Shaun (Boston, Ma)

Hey David, what kind of a chance do you give the Celtics of repeating this year, and who will be there biggest challenge in doing so.

David Thorpe

  (12:19 PM)

They have a solid chance. Of course. But Cleveland will have a strong say in the east. And a number of teams out west will, too.

Tyler (Saint Louis, Missouri)

Have you ever told a player you can't help him and he should try another coach?

David Thorpe

  (12:19 PM)

Yes.

Mike (MD)

D-Rose / Hinrich / Gordon / Hughes / Sefolosha ... kind of a crowded backcourt in Chicago. I know depth is good, but how can they possibly find minutes for all those guys?

David Thorpe

  (12:19 PM)

No. A trade is very likely.

Portland,OR

Are the Blazers a contendor this year? If not, do you see them making a mid-season aquistion to make them contendors?

David Thorpe

  (12:20 PM)

No. No. Wait until next year to compete for a top 4 billing.

Ariel (Albany, NY)

I had a Sesame-encrusted seared Tuna with Wasabi Risotto. Now that was delicious. Starbury has now said he would be "OK" coming off the bench. Can he be a Bobby jackson/Ben Gordon type player?

David Thorpe

  (12:21 PM)

Yum. And c'mon, why are you listening to anything he says?

Michael Beasley (Miami, Florida)

True or false: I'm going to average 18 points and 8 rebounds as a rookie.

David Thorpe

  (12:22 PM)

I'm not ready to answer that. But if I knew you were playing 30 mins a night, I'd say true.

Isaac (Houston,TX)

Did you see Carl'The Hammer'Landry balling last night? Plus, any love for 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia'. Not sure it's family friendly enough for the Thorpe household, but it's full of tasteless laughs.

David Thorpe

  (12:23 PM)

Love the Hammer! I've seen that show once, and it was hilarious. I grew up memorizing every Richard Pryor line, so no worries there.

Jason (Boston)

More dominant than Wilt? Or are you trying to avoid the generational gap?

David Thorpe

  (12:24 PM)

Apples and oranges. Wilt never faced the size that Shaq had too.

Adam (NY, NY)

So, what's your scouting report on Henry Abbot?

David Thorpe

  (12:24 PM)

He's a very gifted writer.

Ariel (Albany, NY)

Are you as sad as I am that Jeffries was finally finding his place with the Knicks, then he broke his leg? Will he be able to come back and step right in?

David Thorpe

  (12:25 PM)

Very sad. I did not see him this summer, but we texted each other the other day. I love that kid-and these coaches will bring out the best in him.

Brad (Gadsden,Alabama)

Will the hawks be a sleeper team to win the division?

David Thorpe

  (12:25 PM)

I don't think so.

Armen (Winter Park)

If you could guarantee Dwyane Wade's health, how many players in the league would you trade him for (1 for 1). I say the number is no more than 3.

David Thorpe

  (12:26 PM)

LBJ. And that's it.

Cosmo (Anytown, USA)

Does Lou Williams have the tools to be a championship level PG?

David Thorpe

  (12:27 PM)

The skills, yes. But there is more to it. It will be interesting to watch.

Leffeontai (St. Paul, MN)

Is Al Jefferson an All-Star this year?

David Thorpe

  (12:27 PM)

Yes.

Jesse (San Antonio)

"I've always been a believer in all things Redick" Since the two coming into the NBA were practically joined at the hip, any thoughts on Adam Morrision becoming a productive option off the bench? I'm hoping getting back to an offense where the moves and cuts (similar to what he did at Gonzaga) will open things up that the stale offense in his rookie season just couldn't.

David Thorpe

  (12:28 PM)

He has the shotmaking talent to be a good resource off the bench. Needs confidence and an improved body. Has anyone seen him this October?

Armen (Winter Park)

Detroit has become the Braves of the NBA (always a bridesmaid). Why do you think that is? All the coaching changes?

David Thorpe

  (12:29 PM)

I think they needed Brown to get them to grind things out every day and stay super sharp. They've not been consistent in that regard since he left, in the postseason that is.

Justin (Minneapolis)

David, what are your thoughts on Elgin Baylor's departure from the Clippers?

David Thorpe

  (12:30 PM)

Zzzzz.

Jason (Brooklyn)

I'm watching the Knicks game tonight. Anything special I should keep my eye on?

David Thorpe

  (12:31 PM)

See how they do with their ball movement on offense.

Reagan, edmonton

How good is the seinfeld episode when kramer is walking down the stree with elaine and says 'you ever seen him (MJ) do one of those 360 dunks? and then he knocks the garbage can over

David Thorpe

  (12:31 PM)

Pretty darn good. That's the one where George is "O'brien". Sweet.

Adam (Sacramento, CA)

Can the Kings be successful running a triangle offense like they are planning to do and what's your take on K-Mart in that system?

David Thorpe

  (12:32 PM)

I hope they are running just aspects of the triangle, instead of the version LA employs. It will be great for Kevin, who moves so well without the ball. But not sure it will benefit the others.

Greg NY,NY

Which is the better bet...Dallas missing the playoffs or Houston making it to the second round..

David Thorpe

  (12:33 PM)

Dallas missing.

Grant (Chi, IL)

Is VDN and his coaching staff doing a good job for being their first year together

David Thorpe

  (12:33 PM)

We'll soon see. But the players are sure happy.

Aubrey (Houston)

How great is LeBron right now? Could you give me something to compare it to or give me some context? I know he's great, but as a coach you probably see the game a little differently than me.

David Thorpe

  (12:33 PM)

He's been the best of his age in history, from 18 to present day.

Dave, Tustin Ca.

Is Coach Spoelstra ready to lead in Miami?

David Thorpe

  (12:34 PM)

I think he is, the guys really like and respect him. Getting off to a decent start is important, though.

Matt (College Station)

Have you ever seen a more hustle oriented front line than the rockets group of Landry, Scola, Chuck Hayes, Dorsey, and Mike Harris? I love this team...Oh yeah Artest leaves it all on the court as well.

David Thorpe

  (12:35 PM)

Which Artest are you referring to?

dee, alberta

what is the one storyline that intrigues you most about this upcoming season?

David Thorpe

  (12:36 PM)

Who's the best player in the world? LBJ, Kobe, CP3, Wade. Does someone like Bosh, DWill, or Superman crash into the top 3.

Drake (Miami, FL)

Hey THorpedo, Your the man. Hey I got a league game today and it's my first game back since having surgery on my arm, wish me luck man. Quick question, What is your outlook on the Suns? I think people are forgetting how they were clicking towards the end of the year but you're the expert, what do you see from them this year?

David Thorpe

  (12:36 PM)

Sorry, I hate the Drake.

Chris (LA)

So Tyrus Thomas is a new man apparently. Is this due to the drafting of Derrick Rose or the new coaching staff? Maybe just a little maturity?

David Thorpe

  (12:38 PM)

Ok everyone, take a deep breath and just stop this "new man" stuff. Players just can't flip a switch and change that much in a short span. I hope Tyrus devlops as a young man throughout the season. His coaches and their management do too, and will be working with him daily. Having a good attitude in October impresses few in the know.

Corey Woodson New York

Stephon Marbury, 6th man of the year!! I'm telling you Thorpedo, 6th man of the year for the Coney Island legend.

David Thorpe

  (12:39 PM)

Whatever.

Jason (Brooklyn)

What's the best individual performance you've ever seen live at a basketball game (player please. don't care about the halftime show)?

David Thorpe

  (12:40 PM)

I saw Chris Jackson hang 50 as a freshman at LSU in Gainesville.

David Thorpe

  (12:40 PM)

Oh, and I saw D Wade in game 5 against the Mavs. His 2nd half and was unreal.

Matt (Santa Barbara)

Opera-man! How do you feel about Elgin's separation from the Clippers? Seems a little abrupt for such a long time respect basketball name (Elgin). Wasn't there anyway to make it more graceful?

David Thorpe

  (12:41 PM)

Sounds like there is a fight going on.

Dave (y-town, ohio)

Thorpe, Cavs a much better team now with Mo Williams?

David Thorpe

  (12:41 PM)

Better, not much better. Yet...

Matt: (Cottage Grove, MN)

Can you emphasize on your opinion on what kind of player K. Love can become, and how he could work with Al Jefferson here in Minnesota

David Thorpe

  (12:42 PM)

I like that combo on offense. Love cna stretch the floor and is a brilliant passer. He can be a very solid starter for a good team. Maybe even an all-star one day.

Bill (Oakland)

I read yesterday that Nellie told your boy Hollinger that Rob Kurz has been the surprise of camp. And I remember reading that he spent some time down with you at your training center. Did you rub some of your magic lotion on him?

David Thorpe

  (12:43 PM)

Yes, he got the "royal jelly treatment". Hope it helped.

Kevin (Evanston, IL)

"at LSU in Gainesville"? How does that one work, Thorpedo?

David Thorpe

  (12:43 PM)

Meaning he was playing for LSU.

Steve Cole (Tallassee, Alabama)

Will the Boston Celtics repeat as NBA Champions?

David Thorpe

  (12:44 PM)

Probably not, but it's certainly possible.

Terry (Boston)

Thorpe, I got to say that I used to hate you, man. You seemed to smart for us regular folk. But you've grown on me, and I really liked watching you on the videos from your media program. So your alright in my book. Unless you rip the Celts again, cuz then I'd have to rub you out.

David Thorpe

  (12:45 PM)

Good to know.

JIM, Birmingham

Thorpster!!! "Fat, Drunk, and Stupid is no way to go through life!"...Last night, Horford and Law looked really impressive for the Hawks and they beat the Magic last night. I know it's preseason, but will Law and Horford provide a much improved jolt for the Hawks?

Jon (Mad-town)

I feel like a surprise team that no-one is talking about is the Milwaukee Bucks. They added RJ as a legitamate scoring threat alongside Redd, and Scott Skiles has taken far less talented teams to the playoffs (see Chicago Bulls). Do you think the Bucks will make it out of the East this year?

David Thorpe

  (12:47 PM)

I think they may be surprisingly bad.

Charlie (Hamilton, NY)

Darius Miles=the Celtic's new Ricky Davis? I mean that in a good way, by the way.

David Thorpe

  (12:48 PM)

No. Just no.

Jon (Mad-town)

Josh Howard received a lot of criticism for being honest about smoking pot in the off-season. The fact of the matter is, it seems that it's quite common in the NBA, and in the rest of America. The only question about it is, does off-season toking affect in-season play?

David Thorpe

  (12:49 PM)

More people are concerned about the timing of his confessions than his content.

Ross ( Montreal, WI)

Dave, Throw on a puffy shirt and you could be the first Pirate espn analyst/pro player developer!

David Thorpe

  (12:49 PM)

Now that's the best idea I've heard all day.

Jack (Toronto)

For Bosh to get serious MVP consideration this year do the Raps need to pull a Celtics and run away with the East? Or will a top three seed get him in the discussion?

David Thorpe

  (12:50 PM)

Top 3 gets him in. Good point.

Billy (Columbus)

David, do you honestly believe the Cavs can win it all this year? and who could you see them going after at the trade deadline?

David Thorpe

  (12:51 PM)

I do, because of LBJ and the way they defend. It's not likely, though. If Hickson can not become a threat off the bench, then I'm not sure what they can do.

David (Portland)

Hi David, I read everything you write, so thanks for providing lots of stuff for me to read. I'm curious, can people ask you questions other than in your mailbag? I'd like to hear more of what you have to say.

David Thorpe

  (12:52 PM)

Thanks. I recently joined Facebook, so maybe you can reach me that way.

Randy (St. Paul)

I know its only preseason but the Wolves beat the Bucks by 40 the other night, they are bad..

David Thorpe

  (12:52 PM)

B...A...D

JB (TX)

Is this Iranian kid in Memphis any good?

David Thorpe

  (12:52 PM)

No.

Travis (Hammond, Louisiana)

Thorpe, Better chance of happening this year: Chris Paul wins MVP, or Hornets win it all?

David Thorpe

  (12:52 PM)

Hornets win it all.

Bob Sacamano

Are the Magic almost there or are they still missing a few pieces? If so, what else needs to be added?

David Thorpe

  (12:53 PM)

Also a backup pg away. I like Anthony Johnson, but a younger version would be better. If AJ stays healthy all year, then the Magic will be a contender.

Joseph (Idaho)

Hey David, Raptormania has kicked in with those north of the border. Is this a warranted hysteria?

David Thorpe

  (12:54 PM)

To some degree, yes.

Adam (Oakland, CA)

Hey David, what's the best drill to help me still be able to jump high on my shots in the 4th quarter? Thanks.

David Thorpe

  (12:54 PM)

That sounds like a conditioning issue. practice those shots at the end of your workouts, maybe after some extra sprints.

dan (fla)

After reading that DRose is firing on all cylinders early, do you think he'll be a contender for ROY, or do you still think he'll break out in year 2?

David Thorpe

  (12:55 PM)

He's a definite contender.

Dylan Smith (Oviedo, Florida)

Do you think that the backcourt of the Orlando Magic got better or worse?

David Thorpe

  (12:55 PM)

Better, and deeper at the 2.

Kareem (LA)

I'm still the best center ever.

David Thorpe

  (12:55 PM)

Agreed.

David Thorpe

  (12:55 PM)

JIM, Birmingham

Thanks for posting my question, but there was no answer. Will Law and Horford be improved enough to make up for Childress' loss and no big free agent pick-ups for the Hawks?

David Thorpe

  (12:57 PM)

Sorry. I just got a call from someone who saw Oden last night and was very impressed. I like Mo Evans, but Childress will be tough to replace. Still, the other young Hawks guys should improve. But they are no playoff lock.

Mark (Memphis)

My 5 year old starts his first league next month--what daddy-son drills should we be doing in the driveway?

David Thorpe

  (12:58 PM)

1. Anything that will make him smile and want to come back fro more. 2. Passing and catching.

Danny (San Rafael, CA)

Would Ricky Rubio and Randy Foye work together as a backcourt?

David Thorpe

  (12:58 PM)

I'm not sure either can guard 2's well enough.

Tyler (Seattle, WA)

Are you not taking Fess question anymore? I've asked in the last two chats and you never answered. I know you're kind of ticked at him.

David Thorpe

  (12:59 PM)

Not ticked. Patiently waiting for him to grow up. I've heard positive things.

Atlanta

Hey David what do you see Greg Oden doing this year?

David Thorpe

  (1:00 PM)

Improving every month and winning the coveted position of #1 on the ESPN rookie report by season's end!!

Chris (LA)

Facebook link please?

David Thorpe

  (1:01 PM)

Just search, my man. Gotta go, be safe this weekend and root for those Rays!!