David Thorpe

  (12:00 PM)

Hello!! I'm all alone here, as my kids are at school, my dog is at "doggy camp", and my wife is hiking in the mountains. So thanks for stopping in and keeping me company. "The blessing" (say this slowly and point to your mouth with both index fingers).

Dan (Lincoln, NE)

Can't wait for another Rookie Rankings list and not just where the big names fall but names like Robin Lopez, Courtney Lee and Kosta Koufos?

David Thorpe

  (12:01 PM)

I'll be updating it again soon, and then every few days after that.

Mike H. Bloomington IN

What single offensive skill would benefit LeBron the most? A consistant 3pt shot? A refined post game? Better FT%?

David Thorpe

  (12:01 PM)

I'd like to see him place more value on where he catches the ball.

Robert (LA, CA)

Mr. Thorpe, $80 mil tax free plus amenities for 3 years? How stupid is Kobe if he doesn't take it?

David Thorpe

  (12:02 PM)

Let's refrain from the "stupid" talk until an offer is actually made.

Clark (Durham, NC)

David, What was your entry level to what you do now? Where you a coach, or a scout?

David Thorpe

  (12:03 PM)

My first coaching job was the spring of '85, as the youngest head coach of my frat's hoops team. Been coaching ever since.

al (dc)

no opening quote thorpedo?

David Thorpe

  (12:04 PM)

Yes, it's between the quotation marks.

Todd (Lexington, Tn)

Who is your candidate for breakout player of the year?

David Thorpe

  (12:04 PM)

I'll save mine for a week. How about you, Sportsnation, give me some ideas.

Thomas and Philadelphia

Love the chats David. First off, I'd like to wish your Rays luck on finishing of the Sox, it seems like our two teams could end up meeting for a world series show down. Back to preseason, what have you thought about Thaddeus Young this preseason? He's showed surprising range and offensive prowess but I'm kind of concerned that he doesn't get to the line. Is this a product of his weak ball handling and do you think it can improve? I know he's young, no pun intended, but I just feel like that's the only part of his game that could limit him from reaching his potential. Oh, and great call on Speights, he's looked terrific

David Thorpe

  (12:05 PM)

Young still plays at the same tempo too often, which is why he's not at the line more, given his body type. Yes, he can get better in that area. Speights is a monster on his best days.

Richard (Hoboken)

Breakout player: Marvin Williams

David Thorpe

  (12:06 PM)

ok.

Clark Griswold

Will you be coming over for Christmas this year, David?

David Thorpe

  (12:06 PM)

Nicely done.

Kevin (Houston)

What is the ceiling for the Rockets if they are healthy this year?

David Thorpe

  (12:06 PM)

Finalists.

Dan (NY)

Amir or Conely will be breakout player of the year.

David Thorpe

  (12:07 PM)

Not bad.

Paul (cleveland, oh)

Daniel Gibson really seems to be much more aggressive so far this season. I think that was the main area he was lacking in...driving more. Can you see this guy turning into a 15/3/4 guy as early as this year? If so, what is the limit for his potential being only 22 years old?

David Thorpe

  (12:08 PM)

15 seems a bit high. But double figures works for me. He could grow into a solid starter, but I'd guess super 6th man for much of his career.

John (MN)

Rashad McCants for breakout player.

David Thorpe

  (12:08 PM)

Excellent.

Clark (Durham, NC)

Did your wife go to the blue ridge mountains, because they are the best. Who would you rather have: Deron Williams and Karl Malone, or John Stockton and Carlos Boozer?

David Thorpe

  (12:09 PM)

She did-a resort in western NC. Hope she comes back!! I'll take Stockton and Truck Robinson!

Wayne Memphis

Oj Mayo had a really good game the other day, do you think that its a sign of good things to come

David Thorpe

  (12:09 PM)

Yes, he'll have multiple big time shooting games. I was very impressed with that part of his game.

Nick (NJ)

Christmas Vacation is the funniest movie of all time. End of statement.

David Thorpe

  (12:10 PM)

Nick, meet Fletch. Or Caddyshack.

Matt (Anchorage)

David, I know you're a product of the Gainsville campus--I went to the enemy camp in Tallahassee (I hope that doesn't warrant a life time ban). Who is the greatest player in Seminole history: A) Cassell B) Sura C) Thorton D) Burt Reynolds?

David Thorpe

  (12:10 PM)

I root for all Florida teams. Cassell the best overall, but Sura did it there for more years.

Will J (Portland, OR)

I would've said Martell Webster would have a breakout year, but now his injury will keep him from doing so.

David Thorpe

  (12:11 PM)

Salient point.

Will J (Portland, OR)

Cool Runnings is definitely up there in the funny movie contest.

David Thorpe

  (12:11 PM)

Please. It does not even make my top 5 list of movies starting with the letter C.

Nate (Palo Alto, CA)

Ramon Sessions for breakout player...

David Thorpe

  (12:12 PM)

I like it.

Todd (Tn)

Brandan Wright for breakout player of the year.

David Thorpe

  (12:12 PM)

I love that kid-just needs a chance.

Jeremy (Mentor OH)

Hey Thorpe! Do the Cavs finally win their division this year? Also, could JJ Hickson compare to the David West from last year.

David Thorpe

  (12:13 PM)

The Cavs will be in the thick of it-more built for the postseason though. Hickson no West, who dominated college basketball for 3 years before becoming a terrific NBA player.

Doug (NY)

Wilson Chandler as breakout player and Vacation as funniest movie

David Thorpe

  (12:13 PM)

"This is crazy this is crazy".

Clark (Durham, NC)

What do you think of the Jazz starting Korver and bringing AK off the bench?

David Thorpe

  (12:14 PM)

Me likey.

Todd (Tn)

What team is your breakout team of the year?

David Thorpe

  (12:15 PM)

Not sure yet. Maybe the TWolves.

Travis (Nashville)

Has there ever been a team with a bigger talent gap between their bigs and their perimeter guys than my Grizzlies?

David Thorpe

  (12:15 PM)

Great point.

Irwin Fletcher

Can I borrow your towel? My car just hit a water buffalo.

David Thorpe

  (12:16 PM)

Was that before or after you ordered the Steak Sandwich?

Ernie (RVA)

Blazing Saddles is the funniest movie ever. Can I nominate Andre Blatche for breakout player of the year? (So much talent, needs to get that head straight)

David Thorpe

  (12:17 PM)

Both are solid picks. I forgot to mention "Kingpin" as another of the elites. The final bowling scene alone is enough to turn heads.

Matt (Denver)

Ronnie Brewer for breakout.

David Thorpe

  (12:17 PM)

I'm hearing this a lot.

Jason (Brooklyn)

Who has surprised you most in the preseason?

David Thorpe

  (12:17 PM)

The Bucks.

Broad Street Brian (Philly)

Listening to Debussey, Prelude to the afternoon of a Faun, and reading your chat. Thanks for making work fly by.

David Thorpe

  (12:18 PM)

Oh man, drop me from that equation and you have a nice lunch break working.

Rico (omaha, NE)

Marco Belinelli as breakout player? "BANNED" you say.

David Thorpe

  (12:18 PM)

No, I say, "could be".

ray gordon reid casper wyoming 82061

QUESTION TO DAVID THORPE AT 12.25 PM HI DAVID KINDLY ANSWER question DENVER NUGETS THIS YEAR

David Thorpe

  (12:19 PM)

They'll likely struggle.

Rob (Baltimore)

"The little lights are not twinkling" Better College player to come out of Wilkes-Barre-Scranton, PA: Gerry McNamara or Bobby Sura?

David Thorpe

  (12:19 PM)

That's a ban.

Josh (Toronto)

Andrea Bargnani!! Finally puts it together, looks good this preseason.

David Thorpe

  (12:20 PM)

Now there is a terrific candidate.

New Jersey

What's the ceiling for the raptors diz year if jermaine oneal stays healthy?

David Thorpe

  (12:20 PM)

Pretty high. Maybe the Eastern Finals?

Matt, Bay City,MI

Is this year the last shot for the Pistons? They are getting pretty old.

David Thorpe

  (12:21 PM)

Sorry chatters. I found this question from a chat 3 years ago.

Daniel (LA)

Just how nasty is Rockets defense? I mean... first you have to pass through either Shane or Artest's one on one D, than you have to go through the team defense (Houston is known for clogging the lane when someone is driving in), than there is this 7'6" guy who even though doesn't block many shots but intimidate about 99% of opponents shot

David Thorpe

  (12:22 PM)

Their d last postseason blew me away. Not sure they can top that effort.

Chris (philly)

do you think rudy fernandez will play enough this year to put up stats?

David Thorpe

  (12:22 PM)

No, not big ones.

David Thorpe

  (12:23 PM)

Oh-I'm listening to "Faust" right now. Powerful stuff.

Joey (oregon)

will the portland trail blazers make the play offs? they have the talent and will they stay healthy?

David Thorpe

  (12:24 PM)

Joey, I'm not a Tarot card reader. But I do think they have a chance. Not a great one, though.

spence, edmonton

who is the best shooter to set foot at the IMG academy? has to be steve sir, played at northern arizona

David Thorpe

  (12:24 PM)

He was terrific, as was Rob Kurz.

Clark (Durham, NC)

Who is the worst player in the NBA? Scalabrine? One of the Collins twins?

David Thorpe

  (12:25 PM)

Is Jason Hart on a roster?

Daryl(Ashland, NE)

Will Farmar ever get the chance to start in LA. Fisher has to at some point give in doesn't he? I nominate Stripes. "If you leave all the plants will die"

David Thorpe

  (12:26 PM)

Yes, I think he's a future starter. Love Stripes, though I hate movies that make fun of our military.

Jason (Brooklyn)

From a coach's perspective, what NBA coach has impressed you the most over the years?

David Thorpe

  (12:27 PM)

The great ones, of course. Pop and Phil, Sloan and Brown (Larry). I like Eddie Jordan too.

Michael Charlottesville Virginia

Corey Brewer has put up some good numbers in preseason, is his offensive game improving to the point that he can play solid minutes and be used for his defensive abilities?

David Thorpe

  (12:27 PM)

I was very high on him coming into the NBA. Still think he can be special. He plays so hard and is so athletic.

Xavier (RI)

A guy who is going to open some eyes: JaVale McGee

David Thorpe

  (12:28 PM)

Hopefully he starts with his own. Looked sleepy this summer.

Big Dave (Pizza Pockets, USA)

Which NBA Cheerleader/dancers are the easiest on the eyes?

David Thorpe

  (12:29 PM)

I'm sorry to say this, but at my advanced age they all look like teenagers. I prefer the great mascots, like in Phoenix and Sacramento.

Chris (philly)

do you think kenyon martin and nene will play over 70 games this year?

David Thorpe

  (12:29 PM)

No, no I don't.

Smith (ATL, GA)

Does an Airplane nominee work here? Can we be optomistic with Law's play in the preseason?

David Thorpe

  (12:31 PM)

A bit too formulaic for me to rank it top 10, but definitely funny. Law's play is encouraging, and very important to their chances of getting back to the playoffs.

Ross (Montreal, WI)

Hey Dave, Top of the Muffin TO YOU!! Last night, the Bulls announcers kept saying the Bulls players needed to learn to play with Rose, not vice versa. You agree??

David Thorpe

  (12:32 PM)

I do not. They all need to work together to figure things out. Mmmm, muffin tops.

Damon (Socorro, NM)

You want a great piece of music? Beethoven's Tempest Sonata, 3rd movement. Will Deron lead the league in assists/game this year?

David Thorpe

  (12:32 PM)

Indeed. And no, I'd expect Paul to do that.

Matt (San Diego)

Just curious, this has always been a question i've had about your chats. What kind of questions lead to a ban? What does a ban actually do? And what was the genesis of the whole banning thing?

David Thorpe

  (12:33 PM)

Bans stem from absurd questions, like "is Jeff Green the next Scottie Pippen?". They are not official.

David Fairborn, OH

If you want to fall asleep after this chat, listen to Dream Academy's "life in a northern town". The Z's will come immediately.

David Thorpe

  (12:34 PM)

My dog woke me up at 2:30am. I don't need music to put me to sleep. This chat is doing that!!

David Thorpe

  (12:34 PM)

Kidding!

David Thorpe

  (12:35 PM)

Kidding.

Brian (LA)

Just when I think you couldn't possibly be any dumber, you go and do something like thisa?¦and totally redeem yourself

David Thorpe

  (12:35 PM)

A lock for my top 10, but it's banned in the Thorpe household if my wife is home.

Joey (oregon)

people have been compareing greg oden to shaq do you think he will live up to that statement?

David Thorpe

  (12:36 PM)

No. He'll be his own man, but Shaq is one of the greatest ever.

Jordan ((watertown))

Hey david, just wondering, do you think Al jefferson will put up MVP performances this year

David Thorpe

  (12:36 PM)

Thanks for the sample "ban" question. Excellent job.

Charlie (Hamilton, NY)

Any insider info on reasons for White Chocolate's retirement? I know about the knees and all but it still seems kinda outta the blue. Seems like a lot of teams could use a player like him.

David Thorpe

  (12:36 PM)

It's called training camp.

BINU (NYC)

Where do the Knicks finish this season ?

David Thorpe

  (12:37 PM)

Not sure of their win total, but they'll finish with an optimistic view of the future.

matt (dallas)

Thorpe your chats are a reminder on my outlook calendar every week. I havent missed one in two years.... Do you think KG will play a little looser with the game on the line this year now that he has a ring??

David Thorpe

  (12:38 PM)

No-he only has one heartbeat. Rapid.

Kurt (AK)

Best player not in his team's rotation?

David Thorpe

  (12:39 PM)

Great, great question. I'd really have to think about that.

Vinny(NY)

Poor little Pinkus. Does Walsh make the Knicks finals contenders during his stay?

David Thorpe

  (12:40 PM)

Yes, says I.

Chris (formerly Bradenton)

Couple Things: You don't look much like the David Thorpe I thought I was getting myself into with this chat. Also, which beach is/was your favorite to frequent near B-Town? Hope you aren't a Siesta Key sell-out

David Thorpe

  (12:41 PM)

Weird. We prefer Honeymoon Island, 20 minutes away from our house.

Mike (Chicago)

Hey coach, after seeing three preseason games of the Bulls backcourt, who do you see is the best fit and who do you see is the odd man out? Or is it still too early w/o BG in the lineup yet?

David Thorpe

  (12:42 PM)

Hughes would be my guess.

Nate (Raleigh)

Has anyone ever achieved a higher peak than the 4 year run made by the Farrelly brothers from 94-98? (D&D, Kingpin, Something About Mary)

David Thorpe

  (12:42 PM)

Maybe Hitchcock. maybe.

Larry (ATL)

Best player not in his team's rotation...Josh Childress

David Thorpe

  (12:42 PM)

We have a winner. Superb!!

Jack, Toronto

Not to be a jerk, but I have to ask, why do you post and respond to so many questions you don't really have an answer for? Isn't that wasting everyone's, including yourself, time?

David Thorpe

  (12:44 PM)

Sorry. I try to generate interesting thoughts amongst all of us. Why should I have to answer all these questions? Our chatters here are often smart and insightful too!

Levi (Mandan, ND)

As a fan of great mascots, can we have a moment of silence now that Squatch is out of a job?

David Thorpe

  (12:44 PM)

Granted.

David (Orlando)

I know other would be included but wouldn't a Turkoglu/Odom trade be better for both teams???

David Thorpe

  (12:44 PM)

No, Hedo is much better.

Stewart, Phila. PA

David, Marrese Speights has impresses Mo Cheeks with his play during the preseason. What player do you think he may compare to?

David Thorpe

  (12:45 PM)

He's a cross of Amare and Al Jefferson. But only when he competes his butt off.

Ron Burgandy ( San Diego)

"I don't know how to put this but I'm kind of a big deal. I'm very important. I have many leather-bound books and my apartment smells of rich mahogany."

David Thorpe

  (12:46 PM)

That movies has grown on me every time I watch it. And I think I'll dress up as Ron Burgundy for Halloween.

George Karl (Denver, Co)

The Nuggets are killing independent George!

David Thorpe

  (12:46 PM)

Yes, but that was true years ago.

Rob (Baltimore)

Most overrated player in the history of the game: Wilt?

David Thorpe

  (12:47 PM)

Russell, for those who think he was the single best player ever.

Prashant (London, UK)

Why is Stockton never in the conversation about greatest PGs ever? Malone wouldn't have been anywhere near as great without Stockton, who was incredibly efficient for basically his entire career.

David Thorpe

  (12:47 PM)

Relax London, he is.

Ron (San Diego)

San Diego-German for a Whale's vagina.

David Thorpe

  (12:48 PM)

Enough said.

Charlie (Hamilton, NY)

Call me crazy, but even though Mo Williams would improve just about any team he could join, acquiring him doesn't really directly solve any of the Cavs two biggest problems. Those being post scoring and a second solid ball handler and good passer.

David Thorpe

  (12:49 PM)

Actually, I think that's exactly what he helps to solve. So yes, you are crazy.

Kyle (South Bend, IN)

Is lebron the world's best basketball player? he took a bad cavs team to the finals, and almost single-handedly beat the celtics last year. They were 0-7 without him last year, and 0-3 in pre-season thus far with him barely playing. He was leader of the olympic team over kobe bryant. He led the league in scoring and can play any of 4 positions and be tops in the league at each. Who else could compare to any? Not to mention he's 23 and had better numbers all around than kobe bryant had (in the prime of his career too).

David Thorpe

  (12:49 PM)

Yes, he is.

Nick (NJ)

Although it's only been 2 games and against 1 team - do you think the Nets can actually be decent and compete for a playoff spot?

David Thorpe

  (12:50 PM)

I'll never pick against Coach Frank.

Jack, Toronto

So is this a movie quote forum, or can I find some useful basketball information somewhere?

David Thorpe

  (12:50 PM)

You mean like the 8 ways Mike Fratello teaches defending the pick and roll?

Gabriel (Bristol, CT)

Was Rudy T a great coach, or did Olajuwon just peak at the right time to make him look better?

David Thorpe

  (12:51 PM)

Well, it's certainly easier to look better with the Dream on your frontline.

Rich (Bayonne, NJ)

What about Pietrus as break out player of the year and has Sportsnation forgotten the greatness of Young Frankenstein and The Big Lebowski

David Thorpe

  (12:52 PM)

All 3 are high quality picks.

Joe(Los Angeles, CA)

I read Chad Ford's article about the possibility of players getting traded. Will Odom get traded? and to who?

David Thorpe

  (12:52 PM)

Ask Chad.

Nick (NJ)

Jack sends in 2 posts questioning why there are so many non-basketball posts. Isn't is ironic? Don't ya think?

David Thorpe

  (12:53 PM)

I was thinking moronic.

Corey Woodson New York

THe Knicks!! Thorpy. Show us some love. We could lead the league in scoring. Nate Robinson = MIP award. To be the man, you have to beat the man. Ric Flair said that. The Natureboy...

David Thorpe

  (12:53 PM)

I hear he's doing great. Nate, not the Nature Boy.

Enrique (Chicago)

What makes a star player? A) Talent B) Work Ethic C) Brains D) Timing I thought talent trumps all but I started thinking back to Roy Tarpley, D. Coleman, Mark Aguirre, Charles Barkley, Glenn Robinson and now I wonder how Beasley will project. Your time is greatly appreciated.

David Thorpe

  (12:54 PM)

All of the above. Beasley can't help but succeed, but to be a star he needs his franchise to be solid all around him.

James (Huntington)

Are you liking what you see from Mayo, a lot of pros, Leborn and Kobe seem to love his work ethic and game, what say you?

David Thorpe

  (12:55 PM)

He's a great shooter and plays very hard. I question how efficiently he'll score.

Adam (San Diego)

You implied that Jason Williams didn't want to participate in training camp so he retired...so should we not be surprised if he ends up resigning with the Clips sometime after the start of the regular season?

David Thorpe

  (12:56 PM)

Or somewhere.

Spencer (SLC)

Whos your all time starting five and whos your coach?

David Thorpe

  (12:57 PM)

Magic, Jordan, Bird, Duncan, Hakeem. Kareem is the better center, but I'm going for defense and athleticism. I'll go old school and choose Red to coach this group.

Greg (NH)

How will Hibbert do with the Pacers this year?

David Thorpe

  (12:58 PM)

Better with time. I like him and have for 2 years.

Jason (Boston)

Hakim Warrick for breakout player?

Dan (Minneapolis)

Kevin love? your thoughts

David Thorpe

  (12:59 PM)

Should be solid all year. Part of the solution there, in a big way.

David Thorpe

  (1:00 PM)

OOps-I like Warrick, but there are many candidates, which was my point of this exercise.

David Thorpe

  (1:01 PM)

Great session everyone. Flew by. Headed to Bristol next week for a meeting, so I expect to be with you on Friday instead. Be safe and go Rays!!