ESPN

David Thorpe

  (12:01 PM)

Welcome to my Chicago-based chat. Lovely weather today. Like the city, I'm all business. Let's go."I'm Jose Canseco!!. I'M JOSE CANSECO!!!"

Jumpin' Atlanta Ga

Should the Sixers trade Dalembert? He does not seem to fit in well with Brand (and I know it is early).

David Thorpe

  (12:01 PM)

Yes-they need a big that can shoot.

Zack (Akron, OH)

David, who do you see the Cavs targeting with Wally's expiring contract and who do you THINK they should be targeting?

David Thorpe

  (12:02 PM)

A veteran big with perimeter shooting ability. Those guys are always big come playoff time.

Poops (PDX)

More suprising start? Denver, Portland, Dallas?

David Thorpe

  (12:02 PM)

Portland, as Denver looked this good on paper the minute the trade went down.

Goodie (Tampa)

Ok... Does Marion for Kaman make sense?The Heat are getting KILLED by 7 footers.

David Thorpe

  (12:03 PM)

Clips need more than cap space for Kaman.

Bobby D (Dallas)

Hi David, I love reading your chats and reports because you talk in a language that seems simple but is so much more knowledgeable than the average basketball fan. So in that spirit, what's something that the average fan assumes, but is dead wrong about?

David Thorpe

  (12:05 PM)

That giving up space to an offensive player with the ball puts the defender in a better position to defend a drive. In reality, it gives the offensive player more space to buold momentum, thus making it more difficult to defend him. It DOES invite the player to shoot the ball, but the smart guy knows he can drive.

PK (Portland)

I don't want to toot my own horn but...Wouldn't you say I have had the best drafts out of any GM over the past few years.

David Thorpe

  (12:05 PM)

Toot away.

Dan (lincoln, NE)

I really like your rookie rankings but Batum is way to low (below Koufos).

David Thorpe

  (12:06 PM)

Perhaps. But he's asked to do so little. I'll re-evaluate again this week.

Jeff (Durango, CO)

They color of the pen that I hold in my hand is RRRRRRRRRRRRRRoyal blue! Love the Liar Liar quote. Your thoughts on JJ Barea in Dallas...

David Thorpe

  (12:07 PM)

Nice! Barea is monumentally tough and a brilliant passer. Not sure though that he's the answer, ultimately, as the backup.

Tom (Chicago)

Coach, I saw you at the Bulls game last night, and then Tyrus has his best game of the year. What did you say to him?

David Thorpe

  (12:09 PM)

We had dinner the night before and just discussed being energetic and competitive. Playing with passion is requisite for him to be good. He did last night, and has for 5 straight games. But this is still something that has to be done for a lot longer before the Bulls are ready to hug him and be proud of their drafting decision.

Johnny (L.A , California)

Hey whats up Thorpe? What are your views on Eric Gordon? You think he might be a top 10-15 scorer in the league? Or just another streaky shooter?

David Thorpe

  (12:09 PM)

Very talented scorer and slasher, but I was not impressed with his understanding of how to play.

Tom(Florida)

David, is it conceivable that Al Thornton has had and will have the best NBA career among the Florida guys that came out of the draft last year ? Noah and Brewer have been abysmal so far.

David Thorpe

  (12:10 PM)

Sure. Horford has been good, of course. Brewer out for year now as well.

Bradley: (Indianapolis)

Danny Granger had 32 points last night but he shot 10 for 27 from the field. Does he have enough tools to be more efficient?

David Thorpe

  (12:11 PM)

Of course. It was just one game.

Jason (Chicago)

David, What has happened to Luol Deng? Last year it was the contract and trade rumors this year. Now he has the big deal and is playing with a stud at PG and he's been even worse what gives?

David Thorpe

  (12:12 PM)

The Bulls are still figuring out their offense, and it's light years away from their old style. Deng actually scored the same per minute last year as the previous one-just played fewer minutes. This year, they mostly run lots of ballscreens for Rose and BG and Deng is a watcher.

Paul (Augusta)

Hey Thorpe I enjoy your chats the most - you don't seem to have an agenda like the other guys. Statement followed up by a question: The Hawks are 10-6 having played 10 of those games on the road and 12 of them without future Superstar Josh Smith. This is Billy KNight's team minus Mo Evans. Ultimately will BK be vindicated?

David Thorpe

  (12:14 PM)

The only agenda espn writers and chatters have is to promote intelligent discussions about the NBA. Period. As for the Hawks, I'm not yet a believer.

Will J (Portland, OR)

Is Rudy Fernandez in your top 3 for 6th man of the year?

David Thorpe

  (12:15 PM)

Sorry-server took a timeout. I don't follow that award. Ask Mo Brooks!

Paul (Augusta)

C'mon Thorpe. I've had PER shoved down my throat forever now and you can shoot holes in it every day and twice on Sunday.

David Thorpe

  (12:16 PM)

It's one of a few tools I use to evaluate a player's performance.

Angelina (Mexico)

Thorpedo, time to give you your props. Marreese Speights of Philly is a baller and you were the first to call it. Is he good enough to start over Dalembert right now? Congrats!

David Thorpe

  (12:17 PM)

I actually told Chad Ford 2 years ago, when Speights was a bit player at Florida, that he was a likely lottery pick. Not hard to see-a huge athletic big that gets buckets.

Eric (DEE-Troit)

"The only agenda espn writers and chatters have is to promote intelligent discussions about the NBA. Period"Sorry this is pure BS. A number of the ESPN NBA "experts" are still trying to save face after the Celtics made them eat crow last year. Looks like they are heading down the same trail again - imagine comparing the Laker D to the Celtics, genious! Of course no coach or GM would agree.

David Thorpe

  (12:18 PM)

Eric, time to go back to class. Your 7th grade science class is about to start.

Sam Mitchell, Toronto

David, I've run out of ideas. Please help me out now.

David Thorpe

  (12:18 PM)

You are on your own on this one.

Jason (Chicago)

Just to follow up on your Deng comment. There is a reason the offense hasn't flowed through him more recently his ball handling has been poor and he's not knowcking down those mid range shots that he seemed to have had prefected. what would your suggestions be for gettting him going?

David Thorpe

  (12:20 PM)

I definitely do not think the offense should flow through him. I love Rose!! But Deng is a guy that used to get pin downs, but those are rarely part of the offense now. And he's a great slasher, but Gooden is not one to pass. The Bulls brass are not worried, and neither am I. They will figure it out.

Sharon (L.A)

David thank's for the chat! Quick question, Hibbert the real deal? Shouldn't he be getting more of Rasho's minutes? Give me a best and worst case scenerio comparison please. Thanks!!

David Thorpe

  (12:22 PM)

Real deal? I doubt it. I liked him more than most coming in, though, so yes, I'd like him to play more to so we can evaluate him more. But they are trying to win!

Randy (Utah)

Hey David, I answer questions like you do. It drives my wife crazy :), but I love your chats! I am a Jazz fan and I have a 2 part question. If the Sixers need a shooting big man and the Jazz need a defensive stopper, does Okur for Dalembert trade make sense for both teams? What would the Jazz need to give up to get Kaman?

David Thorpe

  (12:24 PM)

Please send my apologies to your wife. Okur's shooting helps the Jazz run that offense a great deal. Not sure they can afford to move him.

joshua raleigh north carolina

Great players play at different speeds. Do you think D.Rose will develop that change of gears flow we see in CP3?

David Thorpe

  (12:25 PM)

He already has it. What he doen't have is the ability to dominate a game SLOW PLAYING the way CP3 does.

Charles (San Jose)

Thorpester, why does Tyrus Thomas' jumpshot look so awkward? His free throw shooting proves he has touch.

David Thorpe

  (12:25 PM)

It doesn't always. But it does when he cocks his head left.

Samer (Austin, TX)

Why did George Hill only play 6 minutes last night? They could have used his offense.

David Thorpe

  (12:26 PM)

This is the tough spot Pop is in-go with the core or keep playing the rook who's been terrific.

Clark (Durham, NC)

Who do you think wins the Northwest division now? Portland, Utah, or Denver?

David Thorpe

  (12:26 PM)

Leaning to Denver.

Will (Kokomo, Indiana)

Why do you rank Russel Westbrook So low in your rankings? I know his FG% is real low but he seems to be a good defender now and with the new coaching, he looks to be in a more up tempo system that fits his abilities. He has had some good games since the change and his fg% is up. thanks

David Thorpe

  (12:27 PM)

Yes, he'll be moving up soon. I'm watching some tape on him in the next few days.

Will (Ellicott City, MD)

Coach Thorpe - your chats rock! No way Riles stands pat with Magloire...right? Does he go out and trade for a quality big this season to man the post? Also, Chalmers is looking not too shabby.

David Thorpe

  (12:28 PM)

Chalmers has been solid, yes. HEAT don't have many trade options for a big.

Greg Oden (Portland,Or)

I really feel comfortable being a catch and finish guy. However I want to solidify my #1 draft spot. How can Improve my game? Face up series? or keep it Shaqly?

David Thorpe

  (12:28 PM)

Keep it Shaqly (now that's a great name for a sitcom!!).

Howard (Florida)

Hi David! Great to have another one of your chats. I wanted to take advantage of you're knowledge of both rookies and training. What's your take on european players coming into the NBA now with respect to 10 years ago in regards to physical traits. Have they shaved off the "need to have a good shot" stereotype and are able to compete physically as well or is there still a big gap? Thanks a lot!! Good luck in whatever you may need it!!

David Thorpe

  (12:30 PM)

Euro's don't lift weights nearly as much as we do, but they are having little trouble competing physically. Partly because the game over there is officiated much looser.

Jerry (Texas)

Whats with you today, did you drink a red-bull. You are answering questions with more than a few words?

David Thorpe

  (12:30 PM)

Just the opposite. Got very little sleep the last few nights. I'm not myself!

Jason (Brooklyn)

David you wrote in your rookie reviews this week (for Oden I think) that the game tends to slow down for NBA players, and they can look ahead while plays develop. I think that's an underrated aspect of the game - one that guys like Duncan and Bryant have in spades. Can that be worked on or is it up to playing time? I really feel like that is the biggest problem with Durant so far. He seems to be behind plays. Thank you.

David Thorpe

  (12:32 PM)

Experience gives you reference points, and that's what triggers anticipation. Good point on KD. I'll look for that.

Gordon (Cleveland, Ohio)

Now that JJ Hickson has been getting ample playing time he is really starting to show his potential. People forget he was one of the best players in the Summer League. He is quick for his size and can jump out the roof, pair his athleticism with his good low-post game and I think the Cavs may have an answer for their old frontcourt problem, albeit a few years from now. What do you think?

David Thorpe

  (12:33 PM)

I love him. Just wonder if they'll use him and Wally to get some immediate help and see if they can win it all.

Mike (Delaware)

Lost in his great offensive stats is the fact that Marreese Speights is atrocious on defense. If you look at the plus/minus, the Sixers are far worse with him on the court, and should consider giving his minutes to Theo until he makes a commitment to defense.

David Thorpe

  (12:33 PM)

Yes, he's a bad defender.

Kurt (Chicago, IL)

"Oh listen, before you go, would you mind changing my diaper? HAA!"...David, Derrick Rose finishes at the basket like Jordan and Pippen used to. How do you teach that?

David Thorpe

  (12:34 PM)

Squaring shoulders, good extensions with either hand, and lots of practice.

Flavio (Brazil)

Pistons beat almost every good team they play against, can be theyr problem a lack of concentration??

David Thorpe

  (12:34 PM)

It has always been thus.

Tom (Boston)

I read in a chat with your co-worker Mike Moreau that you were a coach at Five Star. Who was your favorite camper that you coached there?

David Thorpe

  (12:35 PM)

Besides the scores of guys I used to bring, I'd say Jerry Stackhouse, Vince Carter, Geoff Billet.

Jake (Tampa,Fl)

Rudy Fernandez is the truth! Do you see him becoming a better pro than Manu Ginobili?

David Thorpe

  (12:36 PM)

No, but I think Manu is a top 5 shooting guard on the planet.

Mike (Boston, MA)

With all the talk about Greg Oden and Rudy Fernandez, is it possible that Nick Batum is the Blazer rookie with the most upside potential? He's 19 and he's already the best defender on the team. And he's got much better offensive skills than Scottie Pippen did early in his career.

David Thorpe

  (12:36 PM)

No, it's not possible that he has the most potential. He's nice though.

Bill (Charlotte, NC)

Do you think Ricky Rubio enters the 2009 draft?

David Thorpe

  (12:37 PM)

I think their might be contract issues.

Gerardo (Tempe, AZ)

DT, I want to let you know that most of us do appreciate the hard work and thoughtful insight that you, Hollinger, Stein, and other put into their work. Most people that criticize Stein and Hollinger is because they at one point they ranked their team "too low". At the end of the day, their predictions are much more informed than any of ours, even those of us who think we are great at evaluating talent and predicting outcomes. Thank you.

David Thorpe

  (12:39 PM)

Let me just say this-I've been intensely and intimately involved in this game for 21 years, and I feel that I need to read everything those 2 guys write. And that's all I want to say about that.

Jai (Nashville, TN)

What is to be blamed for Kings's poor start: Reggie Theus coaching or Kevin Martin's absence? A related question: Who is on the hot seat? Dunleavy or Theus?

David Thorpe

  (12:40 PM)

Martin missed 12 games, and Garcia just came back after missing the first month. They are playing 3 rooks and a 20 year old second year guy.

Clark (Durham, NC)

Have you considered a reality show much like the apprentice where you pick one fan to be your assistant for a year? I would apply.

David Thorpe

  (12:40 PM)

If you like watching tons of hoops and talking with/teaching serious players, then my life is for you.

Tom (Boston)

Do you have a favorite drill to get a team's attention during a poor practice?

David Thorpe

  (12:41 PM)

Yes. Either kick them out of the gym or do a toughness drill that requires diving and pushing and often draws blood and sweat!!

Jp (Detroit, MI)

With all the chatter about the Cavs and the Lakers, didn't the media learn their lesson last year by doubting the Celtics? They have the best record in the league with no one playing more than 36 minutes a night. Seems they should be the talk of the league, especially with the recent emergence of Rondo!

David Thorpe

  (12:42 PM)

Relax. We're all talking Celts too.

Tarz (Philly)

Thorpedo please answer my question before I have to head back to class! What do you think the Sixers main problem is and do you think Mo Cheeks will get fired if they don't turn it around?

David Thorpe

  (12:44 PM)

I thought the last 2 games that I watched with them featured a team that played without passion and purpose. They won last night, thanks to some timely shooting from Iggy and bad ball handling by the Bulls, but I was not impressed.

The Enlightened (Logicville)

A wiser man than myself once said that people find their stance, then formulate an argument to prove it. This is happening with Greg Oden. No matter how many average/below-average performances he gives, and no matter how little evidence exists of his dominance (you say NCAA title game, I say five points at home against Northwestern), he still is given the benefit of the doubt as to becoming the next Russell/Kareem/Shaq/Brando/John Lennon rolled into one. *Could* happen, but sorry -- not enough there to count on it.

David Thorpe

  (12:45 PM)

You just proved their point. When you have dominant games in an NCAA title game, and in state title games and AAU title games, etc., people assume you are going to learn to do it again and again.

Alex (New York)

Do good coaches sometimes just lose their teams, and its better for both sides to part ways? Can the same voice end up losing its luster to the same group of guys after too long?

David Thorpe

  (12:46 PM)

Yes.

Ben (Chicago)

David, what do think about the Bulls going after a big like Brad Miller? I think his passing and outside shot would mesh well with their current offense and help Noah and Tyrus as well.

David Thorpe

  (12:46 PM)

I think Brad can help a lot of teams.

Alex, Houston

Thorpe. I friended you on facebook and you accepted. You still haven't written on my wall. What's the deal with that?

David Thorpe

  (12:48 PM)

Sorry dude. I'm not sure how that thing works. I'm an old guy. "I'm confused, can someone take me home".

David (Fairborn, OH)

Give me a good book to puton my christmas list, David.

David Thorpe

  (12:48 PM)

"What is the What". Or "Art and Physics".

Don (Oregon)

Will Jerryd Bayless ever be successful in Portland?

David Thorpe

  (12:49 PM)

Sure. It's early.

Jason (Bmore)

Nick Young was a scorer @ USC but I never viewed his game as being fit for the NBA. Seems like he's found a decent role off the bench for the Wiz. Like the upside of this kid??

David Thorpe

  (12:49 PM)

Yep. I did last year too.

Jason (Brooklyn)

John Oden - "Imagine there's no Sonics.It isn't hard to do.No northwest rivalry.No dunking Sasquatch too."

David Thorpe

  (12:49 PM)

Very nice. Put it on youtube.

Venkat: (India)

Did the Lakers win last night? Who did they play?

David Thorpe

  (12:50 PM)

Enjoy the moment, my friend.

JJ, NY

NY a playoff team?? which means DAntoni COY??

David Thorpe

  (12:50 PM)

I doubt it.

Matt (Dallas)

Why are the Celts getting so many TECHS? I love the title defense intensity.

David Thorpe

  (12:51 PM)

I don't. It's going to bite them at some point.

Al-Zir (Egypt)

Good to see Brandon Wright showing some anger after being pulled in the fourth quarter for Corey Maggette. Is Nellie totally sabotaging this kids career?

David Thorpe

  (12:51 PM)

Seems so.

Tarz (Philly)

Classic line from Uncle Leo (Seinfield) you put in there Thorpedo!

David Thorpe

  (12:51 PM)

You are wise!!

David (Miami, FL)

Great insight, love reading the rookie rankings. What do you think of Beasley's role off the bench? How long until the defense arrives?

David Thorpe

  (12:52 PM)

It may take a while. Next year perhaps.

Jigga (Pitt)

This may seem like a stupid question, but I'm curious to see if you will answer. The bank shot seems like a lost art. When Timmy D shoots it, it's like a lost art form that no one really uses or appreciates. Is this coaching, or guys merely not exploring the angles of basketball enough?

David Thorpe

  (12:52 PM)

All of the above.

Ed (LA)

As a follow-up to your answer for Clark in Durham, what qualifications are needed for your profession?

David Thorpe

  (12:53 PM)

You have to be able to afford a cable bill with at least one DVR. Some working knowledge of hoops is good too.

Dan (Boston)

What do you think of Rondo's ceiling now that he has figured out how to attack a defender who is playing 5 feet off of him? That offense is LETHAL with him attacking like he has been.

David Thorpe

  (12:54 PM)

OOh, he's going to be really special if he stays on this trackl.

Nick (NJ)

I think JJ (NY) meant: NJ a playoff team? Coach Frank COY?

David Thorpe

  (12:55 PM)

Yes, and yes. I've said in this chat many times that I love that guy. He can really coach.

Brian (DC)

"But they do, and they're the one's writing it off"

David Thorpe

  (12:56 PM)

It sounds better than it reads. Kramer delivers that line slowly and beautifully.

Christo (Bethesda)

What's your take on the players feeling the need to slap hands after a free throw? Builds comraderie, or unnecessary antics that slow down the game?

David Thorpe

  (12:56 PM)

Hate it, and didn't allow it when I coached.

Nasir, Philly

Thorpe, I'm confused on why Tyrus has struggled so much with his jumpshot. Many of them seem to rim out. Thanks.

David Thorpe

  (12:57 PM)

Some rim out. Others miss badly. He shot 2-17 in game 2, and it messed with his confidence. He's starting to get it back as he spends more timne inside thanb outside.

Brandon Phoenix, AZ

Can you go into more detail please on why you hate the slapping of the hands?

David Thorpe

  (12:58 PM)

They do it in games but not in practice, and I like the routines to be the same.

Mark (OC)

So far this year Nellie has thrown a host of his players under the bus through the media including Andris Biedrins, Al Harrington, and Brandon Wright. In your dealings with players do you think this is an effective way of coaching or just blame shifting.

David Thorpe

  (12:58 PM)

I just think there is a strange vibe out there.

Charlie (Hamilton, NY)

So I guess it annoyed you when Bogut did that little ghost high five to no one between free throws? I'm sure you've seen it on youtube.

David Thorpe

  (12:59 PM)

Didn't see it, but guess where I'm going now?!! Thanks.

Sam (Charlotte)

I have a 2 year old that loves to shoot on his tiny tikes rim that is at 5 feet, he also loves to dribble the little orange basketball. I play with him a lot, what else can I do to help him improve or just teach him now?

David Thorpe

  (1:01 PM)

I'd work on putting words together to form a sentence. That, and getting him to use the toilet might be the best thing for you guys to work on. Hoop time will come later.

David Thorpe

  (1:01 PM)

Gotta go, heading to Milwuakee for the big game. Thanks to everyone and see you nexrt week. Be safe!!