David Thorpe

  (12:00 PM)

Hmmm, wish there was something to talk about. But the rain delays have sapped the energy...wait a second, the NBA season is here to save the day. Oh goody!! "They were cones" (the word cones was said slowly).

David Thorpe

  (12:01 PM)

Oh, and we have a nice selection of Stravinsky to accompany us.

Michael(Los Angeles, CA)

What do you make of the Harrington situation...will he be traded soon?

David Thorpe

  (12:01 PM)

Does anyone really care?

Lebron

David, can you teach me how to make free throws in the clutch?

David Thorpe

  (12:01 PM)

Yes.

Josh (Portland, OR)

Hello Coach! Happy New Season to you! I got a website issue... I know it is not your area, but I can't see the 2008-2009 projected PERs. Once the season started, it put everyone back to zero, and now I can't scroll through the rankings and fantasize about which high quality PG might become available for the Blazers this year. Can anyone in Sportsnation help?

David Thorpe

  (12:02 PM)

Anyone!!!

Charles (San Jose)

Thorpster, what's with the DNP-CD for Ramon Sessions last night?

David Thorpe

  (12:02 PM)

I was curious too. Anyone know?

Pat (NY)

Bill Simmons is a punk. I wish I could meet him so I could punch him in this adam's apple. How can he punch D Will like that? Talking about how CP3 is so much better than DWill that they dont belong in the same sentence. Take a look at head to head and tell me what those numbers look like chump.

David Thorpe

  (12:04 PM)

First of all, I heard BS was working out a lot, so his Adam's Apple may be quite tough. Plus, CP3 is much better, as of now. Swallow it. D Will is still great, so relax.

Ron, LA

Argueably Adam Sandlers best movie. David, if the lakers continue to play D, with our depth and skilled players there is no limit on how good we can be. Agree or disagree?

David Thorpe

  (12:04 PM)

Definitely one of my faves too. Agreed!!

D.Miz (BreakinDownTheGame)

Sup Thorpe. I don't know if i'm sad, or mad about the Isiah thing. I hope what they say about him throwing his 17 year old daughter under the bus is not true, but its hard to deny....

David Thorpe

  (12:05 PM)

Pure sadness all around. Hope everything ends up ok.

Alex, Minneapolis

David - wouldn't it make sense for the Wolves, with a young combo guard learning the PG spot running the team in Foye, to run a very pick and roll based offense? It seems to me that mastering a basic, yet effective play like the PnR (especially with a big like Love on the team) would be the best way to help Foye turn into a capable floor general.

David Thorpe

  (12:06 PM)

Not really. Running ballcreeens is not a pure pg play action.

Jon (Mad-town)

Two of the guys who trained with you yesterday had great games. Do you expect Deng and Thomas to have breakout seasons?

David Thorpe

  (12:07 PM)

Just for the record, we trained 40+ guys this summer (not including Henry Abbott). Sometimes they will play well, sometimes not. That's how it works. Let's not get all excited over one game. Ok Bulls fans?

Fenix (manila)

hi there i was wondering what are your projections for brandan wright this season? thanks!

David Thorpe

  (12:07 PM)

I like him a lot, but he needs PT!!

Alex, Minneapolis

David, why are people so insistent upon panning Kevin Love? It's like relatively unathletic, highly skilled bigs like Boozer, Brand, even Brad Miller never existed! Maybe his ceiling is limited by how ground-bound he is right now, but do you agree that he's going to surprise with his ability to play?

David Thorpe

  (12:08 PM)

I think he will be solid, at least, for years to come.

LeBron (Cleveland, OH)

Thorpedo, I would just like to state for the record that I played a ppor game last night because I kept slipping on Paul Pierce's tears all night. Man did that guy ever stop crying?

David Thorpe

  (12:09 PM)

I loved that so much. If PP can maintain what he started in the playoffs last year, he will be in the MVP running. I'm quickly growing very fond of him.

Sully: RI

Well, I have a microphone, and you don't, SO YOU WILL LISTEN TO EVERY WORD I HAVE TO SAY!

David Thorpe

  (12:09 PM)

I wonder how many weddings were ruined by so inspired wedding singers after that movie came out?

Erik (Papillion, NE)

Did you see anything last night that will lead you to believe that the Bulls will make the playoffs?

David Thorpe

  (12:10 PM)

No. But I saw plenty to suggest that the Bucks are firmly in the running for Ricky Rubio.

Robert (Sacramento)

Coach Thorpe, you know we love you for what you have done with Kevin Martin, but your boy Bill Simmons made fun of you for "dropping" Kevin's name so much. Does that upset you?

David Thorpe

  (12:12 PM)

Let's see...4 years ago nobody in the NBA would take my call to discuss anyone I trained. They laughed at the mere mention of Kevin. Now, I'm being accused by a brilliant writer at espn of dropping Kevin's name too much. Sounds like a compliment, does it not!!!?

Tom Coughlin (N.Y.)

Your suspended 2 weeks for missing an ESPN-sanctioned chat session last week.

David Thorpe

  (12:13 PM)

Sorry, we had our annual espn NBA meeting. Got to see all these great guys in person for one day and have dinner afterwards. One of the best days of the year, for me.

Thomas Pynchon (somewhere...)

Have you ever read Gravity's Rainbow?

David Thorpe

  (12:13 PM)

No. Tell me more.

Reality

Bill Simmons: Brilliant Writer? I think he writes more of what his initials are then what I would call "brilliant".

David Thorpe

  (12:14 PM)

We can debate certain things about Bill. But his humor and insight are beyond argument.

Noah (Los Angeles, CA)

What exactly is it that you like about Brandan Wright?

David Thorpe

  (12:15 PM)

Athletic. Good feel. Skilled. Long and tall.

Tim (Cleveland)

Thorpe, I reached out to you on Facebook but got not response. What gives?

David Thorpe

  (12:16 PM)

I'm happy to connect with anyone on Facebook. Unless your picture scares me. Were you the one who had a huge gun in his hands?

Joe (NY)

Spurs winning it all? Did you watch the WCF? did you see the soft and Bynumless Lakers man handle then?

David Thorpe

  (12:16 PM)

I did. Manu was below half speed.

jason (nebraska)

whats the difference between long and tall

David Thorpe

  (12:17 PM)

Some tall guys have rather short limbs. Yao, for one.

Don(Bronx)

Will Gerald green finally develop into a NBA player this year?

David Thorpe

  (12:17 PM)

He's my MIP pick!

James (england)

Hi David What did you think of Rudy Fernandez' debut? how far do you think he can go in the NBA? future all-star?

David Thorpe

  (12:18 PM)

Not sure he'll be an all-star. That's a loaded spot. But solid starter and a game changer is in the works.

Xavier (Seattle)

Gravity's Rainbow is an epic postmodern novel written by Thomas Pynchon and first published on February 28, 1973. Frequently digressive, the novel subverts many of the traditional elements of plot and character development, traverses detailed, specialist knowledge drawn from a wide range of disciplines, and has earned a reputation as a "difficult" book. (Wikipedia)

David Thorpe

  (12:19 PM)

You lost me at "Postmodern". I'm just a simple old hoops coach. Me likey comic strips.

Mike (NYC)

what are you impressions of Vinny del Negro? (Other than his hair)

David Thorpe

  (12:20 PM)

He's got a great feel for relating with his players. They really like him and want to win for him. That's huge.

Josh (Portland, OR)

Mike D'Antoni apparently plans not to play Eddy Curry in the opener. Curry claims DA did not tell him he would not play. David, do you think the coach in this situation has a duty to tell every player ahead of time how much playing time to expect? Should DA have told Curry? Should he have deflected media questions on playing time?

David Thorpe

  (12:21 PM)

Coaches rarely worry about that kind of thing, when the player in question is not in their future.

Mike (Ohio)

Who is the best in-game coach at the NBA level that you've ever seen?

David Thorpe

  (12:21 PM)

I thought Riley was the master in the 80's. Pop and Phil are there now.

Tyler (St. Louis, Mo.)

Ever checked out your Wikipedia page?

David Thorpe

  (12:22 PM)

No, but I heard that my dog got mentioned, but my wife did not. Ouch babe.

anthony veon Beaver falls PA

will the boston celtics repeat as world champions? ANYTHINGS POSSIBLE!!!!!!!!!!

David Thorpe

  (12:23 PM)

They certainly appear to have a great chance.

Vince (Sactown)

Thorpedo, The Kings are in full rebuild mode this season and probably next season. My question is, even if they have significant cap space in 2010, do you see any big names really coming to Sac that will turn the team around?

David Thorpe

  (12:23 PM)

Possibly, but more likely to see them develop some of their lottery guys and then make a deal.

David Fairborn, OH

Book: Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime. Wonderfully outstanding book. Just for your info.

David Thorpe

  (12:24 PM)

I read it a few years ago. Loved it.

Scotty P(Long Island)

Hey David, I saw a picture of you and I noticed you wear your watch face on the inside of your wrist. Are you that desperate to look cool? Or is that a coach thing?

David Thorpe

  (12:25 PM)

Dammit, that was cool (couldn't help but channel Apollo Creed there). Seriously, I have worn my watches that way since my Papa died in 1987. He was a dentist and wore his watches that way. Love you Bertram!!

jason (nebraska)

besides basketball whats your favorite sport

David Thorpe

  (12:26 PM)

Little league baseball at Countryside Rec Center. Those 7 and 8 year olds are something else.

Todd (Fargo)

David, Over/Under 35 Wins for the Wolves this year? These puppies look promising, no?

David Thorpe

  (12:27 PM)

They do. Big one tonight.

Josh ( NY )

I think Paul Pierce is a top 10 player in the nba what do you think?

David Thorpe

  (12:27 PM)

Me too. 2nd best sf.

Kosta Koufos (SLC)

I'm more agile than you think.

David Thorpe

  (12:27 PM)

That's not saying much.

Jesse (San Antonio)

Do you read any sports books? And what would you recommend...Just finished the two most recent Pistol Pete books, interesting stuff.

David Thorpe

  (12:28 PM)

Just finished Phil Mickelson's. Good stuff in there.

D.Miz (BreakinDownTheGame)

Last night at the ring ceremony, Tom Thibedeou was introduced as "Associate Head Coach." I don't recall hearing that before. I know he deserves it, without a doubt, he was a key reason for success (their D was one of the best ever). Does anyone else have that title?

David Thorpe

  (12:28 PM)

I think he had it last year. Anyone know?

John (Atlanta)

Hi David, you won't remember me but I used to coach against you every summer in camps back in the 90's. Your chatters should know that you always kicked everyone's ass. I assumed you'd be an NBA coach one day, but it looks like you have a great job anyway. Love your stuff on espn, it's required reading for my team and staff.

David Thorpe

  (12:30 PM)

Thanks. Like I always tell young coaches, the only way to get better at coaching is to practice coaching. So I used to go on the road 10 weeks every summer doing just that, and had some incredibly fun times too.

Yatin (LA)

Hornets have the depth to outlast the rest of the Southwest division?

David Thorpe

  (12:30 PM)

That is the question. Not sure.

Ian (OC)

Do you see Odom suiting up as a Laker the entire season?

David Thorpe

  (12:30 PM)

Probably.

Mike(Charlotte)

Will Kwame Brown finally breakout with the Pistons?

David Thorpe

  (12:30 PM)

No.

Dwight Howard (The Top Of The Mountain)

Everyone keeps talking about Oden and Bynum. When am I gonna get my due? Have you seen my new post moves? My pretty hook shots with either hand? When are people gonna recognize Superman, and show some love to Orlando?

David Thorpe

  (12:31 PM)

Please.

Jesse (San Antonio)

When it's all said and done, one more ring (especially if he can do it this year with what everyone--except you--feels is a depleted Spurs team), Tim Duncan goes down as a top five all-time player and (not Kobe or Lebron) the greatest player of this generation.

David Thorpe

  (12:32 PM)

He might anyway. Stein loves them too.

Dan (DC)

Blatche, MIP?

David Thorpe

  (12:32 PM)

I doubt it, but the talent is there.

KC (Big D)

When does Noah finally start for Chicago? Bulls play a lot better when he is on the floor.

David Thorpe

  (12:33 PM)

They sure did last night. But sitting Gooden seems scary, and Thomas needs minutes.

eric (la)

serious question: is dirk nowitzki the most underappreciated superstar of his era? Some guy on foxsports ranked dwight howard and amare freaking stoudemaire above him--do these guys even watch the NBA???

David Thorpe

  (12:33 PM)

Have you seen Howard and Amare? It's not crazy to suggest that, though I think Dirk is amazing.

Rich ( OC, CA )

Jordan Farmar, future Bibby, or future rotation guy?

David Thorpe

  (12:34 PM)

He's a better defender than Bibby.

Chuck (Chicago, IL)

Thorpedo: Tyrus Thomas is a much-improved player, but his biggest point for development *right now* appears to be finishing on non-dunks around the rim. What type of drills can you do to improve that facet of your game? Thanks!

David Thorpe

  (12:35 PM)

He shoots to many short shots with his palms up, almost finger rolling it, instead of fingers up and palms to the rim. I'm sure he will work on it, but he's never been a great scorer. Remember, he's younger than Al Horford.

Mark(Oakland)

Will the Warriors be able to contend with DeMarcus Nelson at point guard?

David Thorpe

  (12:36 PM)

Extremely doubtful.

Joey (Plano TX)

Did you see Rose lean on Jefferson while driving full court, get fouled and finish? Amazing size, strength and body control for a rook.

David Thorpe

  (12:36 PM)

it was sweet.

Tony (Rochester, MI)

Book to read. "PlanetWalker" by John Francis. The guy was upset because of the oil spills in the San Fran bay, stopped talking for 17 years, and walked around the world. Truly a great read.

David Thorpe

  (12:36 PM)

Sounds great. No, seriously it does.

Chris Hughart (WV)

Do you think Lebron will live up to his hype of being proclaimed "the King" or is he fading out off the NBA Lime Light and beoming just an ordinary player?

David Thorpe

  (12:37 PM)

You are banned, and may get sent to Gitmo.

Eddie (Hoboken, NJ)

Thorpedo, if you don't answer my question, I will tell everyone what you said back there at the bar. Will the Knicks win more games solely on the D'antoni factor? Will they find a taker for Zach?

David Thorpe

  (12:37 PM)

Nicely played. Yes, they should win more games AND move Zach.

Corey Woodson New York

Tonight begins the rebirth of Stephon Marbury to all star player again. He will thrive in the D'Antoni system and once again join the elite of NBA guards. I'm gonna wear my Starbury sneakers when I watch the game in support of the man.

David Thorpe

  (12:38 PM)

is there currently a full eclipse going on?

KC (Big D)

Why does Tyrus need minutes? Do you believe his development is more important than Noah's?

David Thorpe

  (12:38 PM)

Good point. They both need time. I love Noah too.

Nathan (MA)

Thorpe, I remember in a previous chat u said u would take KG PP and KP over any trio of players. I think Perk is a nice player but why are u so high on him?

David Thorpe

  (12:39 PM)

Um, it's the other two I'm high on. Perk is a beast though, which is all they need him to be.

Eric (PA)

Who decided it was a good idea to have Lebron in a slow paced system? The guy would murder in Nellieball or D'Antoni's system

David Thorpe

  (12:39 PM)

He ain't lyin'.

aaron (valley)

has a female EVER posted in one of your chats?? This place is a sausage fest.

David Thorpe

  (12:40 PM)

Sure they have.

VK (DC)

Speaking of in-game coaching. This is something Eddie Jordan has obviously struggled with. Yet, he seems to have a great relationships with his players, and has the Wiz generally in the playoff picture. Can a guy like that, 7+ years in, develop into a better in game coach?

David Thorpe

  (12:41 PM)

Yes he can. It would be nice to have his full selection of players.

Ben (Baltimore)

Is Dwight Howard a legit MVP candidate this year?

David Thorpe

  (12:41 PM)

Yes. But the season hasn't started yet.

Vivek Patel, India

is jordan farmer or lou williams going to break out this year??? who ends up getting more minutes out of those two???

David Thorpe

  (12:41 PM)

Not sure, but both should put up much better numbers.

JIM, B'HAM

Are the Heat really that much improved? Will they finish 2nd in the Southeast Division? "Want to hear the most annoying sound in the world? EHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

David Thorpe

  (12:42 PM)

You dog. You stole one of my future movie lines. That's a ban.

D.Miz (BreakinDownTheGame)

2 weeks back, i didn't attend a post, but i read it afterwards. You put a list of the top coaches in the league and left Byron Scott off. Considering I've seen you praise him in the past, we'll chalk that up as a typo! Future Hall of Fame coach (no?). He'll never have trouble getting another job, he's so good.

David Thorpe

  (12:43 PM)

You are right. He's been terrific.

Will J (Portland, OR)

When do you think we'll get an update on Oden?

David Thorpe

  (12:43 PM)

This afternoon.

Jerry (TX)

Now that we have seen what Rose can do, should the Bulls try to package Heinrich, Gooden and someone else for a legit big man

David Thorpe

  (12:44 PM)

I'd guess BG. Can't lose a great talent like that for nothing.

Jon (Mad-town)

I know you wrote in the rookie 50 earlier this year that you would like to see more of D-Rose. After watching the pre-seaon and his so-so game yesterday what are your thoughts?

David Thorpe

  (12:45 PM)

He really impressed me as the game wore on. All-star caliber for sure in his future.

JB (TX)

Best and worst fringe Seinfeld characters? I'm saying best was Newman and worst was Banya. Agree?

David Thorpe

  (12:45 PM)

Art Vandelay. And Puddy.

KC (Big D)

Guys that look like they have put in the best work this summer and we should expect a big leap from?

David Thorpe

  (12:46 PM)

PP looked awfully good last night.

Bob (NY)

Should Patrick Ewing Jr. have made the Knicks? Is he good enough to be playing in the NBA even as an 11th or 12th man?

David Thorpe

  (12:46 PM)

No.

VK (DC)

Puddy was the worst?! Insanity.

David Thorpe

  (12:47 PM)

Another ban. My third-may be a record.

rob, san francisco ca

roger mason jr.... watch out for that guy. another wiley vetern rc buford pick up...

David Thorpe

  (12:47 PM)

Interesting. He could be the energy/scorer they need off the bench.

John (dallas)

I don't understand the Mavs' fascination with Antoine Wright.. Wouldn't it be better to just give his minutes to Gerald Green?

David Thorpe

  (12:48 PM)

I think so.

Jason (Orlando)

PP = All Star to All World!

David Thorpe

  (12:48 PM)

Could be...

JB (TX)

I submit Carl Landry for breakout player. He was getting there last year before the knee, seems to be 100%

David Thorpe

  (12:49 PM)

May not get enough minutes.

D.Miz (BreakinDownTheGame)

Lopez bros are looking great early on. You see them sticking around? Hollinger said the only thing Robin and Bynum have in common is their last names have 5 letters. That's silly i think. With the right practice/coach, both of them have a chance to be like Bynum.

David Thorpe

  (12:49 PM)

Listen, can they get at least one real game under their belts first?

Nick(Tampa)

I noticed you wrote that despite Rose missing a few catch and shoots last night his shot looked solid. Does the latter statement infer that you think Rose's shot will imporove quickly, on a short term basis?

David Thorpe

  (12:50 PM)

Yes.

Dave (DC)

What's Joakim Noah's ceiling in the NBA?

David Thorpe

  (12:50 PM)

Starting center for a playoff team.

Matt (Boston)

Along with Erving and Worthy, LeBron has to be the greatest finisher on the break, right? Add to the fact that he can actually be the middle man and the finisher and he is scary. You see him fill the lane, catch, elevate, dunk last night. Fastert most powerful thing I ever saw.

David Thorpe

  (12:51 PM)

Nice Matt. I listed Worthy one and LBJ two last week, but expect to reverse that this year.

Ted (Wilmington)

You're the rookie ranker, so I'll ask you....do you see Jason Thompson eventually becoming a solid 15 and 10 guy in the mold of a guy like PJ Brown?

David Thorpe

  (12:51 PM)

Not for a few years, if ever.

Mike (FL)

David Lee ... All Star THIS YEAR! True or False?

David Thorpe

  (12:52 PM)

False.

Peter (chicago)

Hey David, I know it sounds like I'm beating the dead horse, but doesn't Paxson have to try to unload of those guards in the backcourt? Hughes is injured and Sefelosha already had limited minutes.

David Thorpe

  (12:52 PM)

I think you are right.

Will J (Portland, OR)

Do you ever see Bayless becoming a good NBA point guard, or will he just be a small shooting guard?

David Thorpe

  (12:53 PM)

I don't know yet.

KC (Big D)

Does Noah need to get stronger or just in better shape?

David Thorpe

  (12:53 PM)

Both.

Puddy

Come on! I was great in the Car Dealership episode. Not to mention, "We're the DEVILS!!!"

David Thorpe

  (12:54 PM)

My bad-I love Puddy, sorry if I suggested otherwise.

Josh (Toronto)

say something about the raptors...

David Thorpe

  (12:54 PM)

They are probably the most dangerous "dark horse".

Nick(Tampa)

Have your read any of Thomas L. Friedman's books? "The World is Flat" was fascinating =

David Thorpe

  (12:54 PM)

Every word, multiple times.

Alex (Tampa)

Can Luc Richard Mbah a Moute be a rotation guy for the Bucks?

David Thorpe

  (12:55 PM)

Only if they like losing. Maybe he can grow into a player, we'll see.

Jon (Mad-town)

Can we say that Simmons got the 2007 NBA draft right? He was really down on Oden for walking like a 40 year old with bad knees and for his legs being to different sizes. It sure seems like the 7-foot hype has more to do with Oden's value than his play/lack of.

David Thorpe

  (12:56 PM)

I was the first one to argue on behalf of KD, but not just due to GO's injury risk. I still make that argument.

Jon (Mad-town)

Nobody will take Larry Hughes off the Bulls' hands, Isaiah Thomas is no longer a GM.

David Thorpe

  (12:56 PM)

You are probably right.

George (LA)

What impressed you from last nights Laker game?, i honestly thought Jordan & Ariza were the biggest surprise of the game.

David Thorpe

  (12:57 PM)

As I wrote on the prediction pages published yesterday, LA's defense will carry them early.

Hughart (BFE)

What can get the Cavaliers over their hump and get a championship? what adjustments should they make to their roster?

David Thorpe

  (12:58 PM)

I'd love them to speed things up and also play more small ball.

Finn (Seattle, WA)

How about an Alabama Slammer?

David Thorpe

  (12:59 PM)

Mmmm, memories of my freshman year at college. 25 years ago!!

Chad (Minn)

Could the Wolves have multiple all-stars this year? Jefferson seems to be at that point, Mike Miller perhaps, as well? This is a good situation for him.

David Thorpe

  (12:59 PM)

Nope. Just one ping only, please.

Miles (PHL)

Maybe I should suggest this to Stein, but ... Ever read "How Soccer Explains the World"? Excellent book, even though soccer is not that popular here.

David Thorpe

  (1:00 PM)

He would love that.

Glenn in Detroit posing as D.Miz (BreakinDownTheGame) just to ge

You can't be serious about the Spurs. They are old, thin and DONE. What are you smoking?

David Thorpe

  (1:00 PM)

That does not remind me of college. But doubting the Spurs is a mistake.

Linda (Bored at work)

Why do most chats last an hour at the most? Couldn't you stay here and chat all day? They block Yahoo Messenger here at work :(

David Thorpe

  (1:01 PM)

Sorry Linda. Gotta roll. Thanks everyone and I'll be back next week.