David Thorpe

  (12:00 PM)

I'm here and ready. Spalding is asleep next to me on his pillow (my chats bore him). I'm disappointed no one got my "oh yea, oh yea" line last week. It was delivered by Tom Arnold's character in "True Lies". Funny stuff. On to this week. "Get there".

Mark (Philly)

Thorpe there is a lot of overlap between your and Hollinger's rookie rankings. For example, you both surprisingly have the kid from San Antonio in your top 3. But you differ on Speights and Morrow. Explain?

David Thorpe

  (12:02 PM)

John's PER are simply a per minute evaluation tool. Speights is #1, but I can't say he's been better than guys like Mayo and Rose when they average 35+ mins a night and he's at less than 12.

Eric, Winchendon, MA

Thopedo - how is my man John Reik doing?

David Thorpe

  (12:03 PM)

I don't know. I'll ask around at IMG-not sure if he's still there or at Cincy.

Chris (University of Florida)

What's the best way to beat a 3/4 court press?

David Thorpe

  (12:04 PM)

Before it sets up! If not, then ball reversal to your best ball handler and get your best player to the middle.

Stephon Marbury

I have the greatest job in the world.

David Thorpe

  (12:04 PM)

I could argue with you on that.

Worried Blazermaniac

Oden is scaring me right now. Did we mess up by letting Durant slip?

David Thorpe

  (12:05 PM)

Listen, I contended for months that KD was the way to go. However, I'm still not convinced that I'm right. Give the big guy time.

David (Houston, TX)

Sam Mitchell's next coaching job will be.....

David Thorpe

  (12:05 PM)

As someone's assistant.

Shai (Israel)

Hey David! What are your thoughts regarding the new look Suns?

David Thorpe

  (12:06 PM)

Me likey. I noticed them the other night, ripping and running after makes. Love that.

David Charlotte NC

Courtney lee looks like a player. Does he have enough pg skills to take minutes away from AJ in Orlando?

David Thorpe

  (12:07 PM)

I don't think so. He's not a combo, he's a 2.

Dan (Canton)

David: There has been rumors on sending Varajao and Wally Z. to Miami for Marion. I question whether this would improve the Cavs. What do you think?

David Thorpe

  (12:07 PM)

I think you are right.

Danny Ferry (Cleveland)

Would you mess with the chemistry of this team to add an Olympian? Michael Redd can be had for Wally and Big Ben

David Thorpe

  (12:08 PM)

Why would the Bucks do that?

Brad(NM)

Is Rajon Rondo an All-Star?

David Thorpe

  (12:08 PM)

Oh yea. Oh yea.

Ted from Chi -town

Thorper, I've killed you in the past about how you ruined Tyrus and Deng. But they've been our best players in December, so, maybe you do know what you are doing. My apologies. But if they suck again, I'll be right back at ya.

David Thorpe

  (12:09 PM)

I'm not their coach. So get over it. But I did feel that they would figure things out. it seems they are on their way to do that.

Jameer Nelson (Orlando, FL)

Am I an All Star if I played for a bigger market?

David Thorpe

  (12:09 PM)

No.

Brian (Phoenix, AZ)

Thorpido. Love your chats. Did you see Shaq against the Knicks? The Diesel still has some fuel left in the tank. Do you think he can produce 15 and 8 for the entire season? thx

David Thorpe

  (12:10 PM)

MIP!! MIP!!

James (Austin, TX)

I love what Durant is doing right now. The Thunder are still awful, but this is the player we all watched at Texas.

David Thorpe

  (12:10 PM)

He's so fun to watch when he competes super hard.

Michael, (Milwaukee, WI)

Good day Mr. Thorpe, what do the Bucks need? Alexander looks like a bust, is there any hope for the future with Hanmmond and Skiles?

David Thorpe

  (12:11 PM)

He's not a bust!!! He just has not had many chances to do much. Hit me back in February.

Pierre (Sac)

You could pick any coach for the next ten years, Pop, Sloan, or the Zen Master. Who you got?

David Thorpe

  (12:12 PM)

10 years? None of the above. Give me L Frank. Or E. Jordan. Best of all? SVG.

Pete (NC)

Oh wow did Rose get handled by DJ last night or what? I'm liking this kid more and more every game.

David Thorpe

  (12:12 PM)

Rose struggles on d, period. And yes, he got roasted last night. DJ can cook a lot of guys.

Josh (toronto)

What happened to the Raptors? We had so much promise 2 years ago...

David Thorpe

  (12:13 PM)

Soft is as soft does (or doesn't-like rebound).

Ted from Chi -town

Nice to see the Heismann go to the right player and not Teblow.

David Thorpe

  (12:13 PM)

He's the best college football player I've seen other than H. Walker.

Mike (Jersey)

If you had to choose a tandem for the next 5-10 years, would you rather have Roy and Aldridge or Rose and Tyrus?

David Thorpe

  (12:14 PM)

Fantastic question. Lean to the Blazers, but ask me again in 2 months and I may answer differently. Thomas has been a monster is 3 of his last 4 games that he played more than a few minutes.

Phil (DC)

How about Ben Wallace for Rashard Lewis? ORL gets rebounding and defensive help for Howard, CLE gets more offensive fire-power. Salaries match up...

David Thorpe

  (12:15 PM)

Are you out of your mind? Or still in middle school?

Doc Rivers (Boston)

Man, we're pretty good. The Cavs can't beat us in a 7 game series, can they?

David Thorpe

  (12:15 PM)

Indeed they can.

mike(nj)

The same E Jordan that was fired by the Wizards?

David Thorpe

  (12:15 PM)

Yep. Love that guy.

Big Baby (Boston)

Is it acceptable throwing fits in front of the public on the bench? What does this say about control and seriousness of the Celtics?

David Thorpe

  (12:16 PM)

He claims he was upset with himself. I've not seen the video. Is that possible?

George (Chicago)

Following up, Derrick Rose has indeed been awful on defense. What do you see from him on that end of the court? His struggles can't be just because he's a rookie. I've seen rookie PGs play perfectly good defense (ex-Chalmers this season, Rondo a couple of years ago, etc).

David Thorpe

  (12:17 PM)

He's not locked into the idea of staying in front of his man. And his awareness as a helper is very poor. But that is partially because of the great burden placed on him on offense.

Will J (Portland, OR)

Big Baby was just upset after looking at his 401K.

David Thorpe

  (12:17 PM)

He's not alone.

Sam Bradford (OK)

That's why your a basketball teacher and not a QB teacher.

David Thorpe

  (12:18 PM)

I'll be there on January 8 with my brothers and our son's. And it's on.

Charly (Memphis, TN)

Coach, have you ever seen the movie "dawn of the dead"? the original? it's quite possibly the greatest horror movie of all time.

David Thorpe

  (12:18 PM)

I fear zombies.

Mike Brown (Cleveland, OH)

Hey Thorpe I have to find some way to move Wally's contract before the trade deadline, but I'd rather not give up Andy. Any suggestions?

David Thorpe

  (12:19 PM)

You have to add JJ to the mix.

Alex (Orlando,FL)

Courtney Lee is providing to be a steal, Jameer Nelson is a top 10 PG IMO, SVG is a top 5 coach, Rashard Lewis doing it all, and Gortat has come out of nowhere to provide big man help. 4-1 on a west coast road trip, 2 without Dwight. Can this team be any less underrated?

David Thorpe

  (12:20 PM)

They have beaten lots of weak sisters, but they are a legit team. Gortat has always impressed me and I'm glad he's gotten a chance to shine.

Eric (LA)

Do you consider yourself to be a good writer?

David Thorpe

  (12:20 PM)

Better than some, much worse than others. It certainly is not a talent of mine.

Ryan ('Nati)

WATCHED UDONIS LAST NIGHT IN THE 2000 TITLE GAME, HE WAS A BEAST!!

David Thorpe

  (12:21 PM)

It has always been thus.

Marc (NY)

You said MIP for Shaq? How bout Devin Harris? Did the Nets really know what they were going to be getting in that trade?

David Thorpe

  (12:21 PM)

Of course. He's #1 in my eyes.

Jason (NYC)

Did you see Hollinger's Coast-to-coast piece about LeBron having the best single season PER ever going right now? Is this guy destined to knock Jordan off the top?

David Thorpe

  (12:21 PM)

Not destined. But it's possible, which still is amazing.

Dave (Cleveland)

I don't get it. Are you saying Bradford's the greatest since Hershel or Tebow?

David Thorpe

  (12:22 PM)

No. Tebow is the best since HW.

John (NYC)

What other sports do you play/follow besides basketball/NBA?

David Thorpe

  (12:22 PM)

The Bucs with my dad. The Rays with my son. I don't watch a down of football other than Tampa games, or a pitch that isn't in a Rays game.

Mike (MD)

I take it you never saw Barry Sanders play in college?

David Thorpe

  (12:23 PM)

Oh, I saw Sanders play.

Wizards fan (drinking Drano)

Hi David - Have you done any Europe or college scouting yet? I want to know if you think Rubio and Arenas can play together in the backcourt

David Thorpe

  (12:23 PM)

No. I will after the new year.

Marcin Gortat (Orlando, FL)

Hey Dave, am playing quite well recently with Dwight out, am I not? Are you coming to town to see us anytime soon, we are playing SA on Friday, should be good....

David Thorpe

  (12:24 PM)

I'll be there for that game, but I think it's Thursday.

Ted (Minneapolis)

Hey Thorpe, I love your chats and I'm not even a big NBA fan, you make it interesting. How well do you think Stephen Curry will succeed in the NBA? Thanks

David Thorpe

  (12:25 PM)

Thanks. Love that kid-he needs to go to the right system and team, but his shotmaking skills are at a high level.

Bill (kharkov, Ukraine)

Is Matt Bonner the long term answer for helping Duncan down in the post? He looks good, is it a fluke?

David Thorpe

  (12:25 PM)

I have been singing his praises for years.

Brian (OK)

Would a Josh Smith for Chris Kamen trade (Which would allow Horford move to PF) make the Hawks a better team?

David Thorpe

  (12:26 PM)

Probably not. But it's an interesting idea-let's Horford move to pf, his natural position.

Nick (Toronto)

A little over 2 years in, what do you think of Andrea Bargnani?

David Thorpe

  (12:26 PM)

Soft is as soft does.

Mike (MD)

If you saw Barry Sanders in college and you think Tebow is a better player ... then you probably better stick to basketball.

David Thorpe

  (12:26 PM)

Hmm. Possibly 2 national titles and one Heisman.

Dave (Tampa)

Coach Thorpe, I read yesterday that a good friend of yours just got hired as an assistant GM in Sacramento, and he's going to bring you there as the development coach. Please say it isn't so. Please.

David Thorpe

  (12:28 PM)

It isn't so. I would have considered that move 15 years ago, but I do not plan to ever sit on an NBA bench. I have, in my opinion, the best set of jobs any basketball coach has ever had.

Brad (Gadsden,Alabama)

David, Will the hawks upset the celtics at home tonight?

David Thorpe

  (12:29 PM)

??? But it's a great game to watch-who would have thought that before last April?

paul (boston)

devin harris; all star & MIP

David Thorpe

  (12:29 PM)

Yes and yes.

Mr. Madoff (NYC)

Thorpe-- Do you think I should invest in gold or oil?

David Thorpe

  (12:30 PM)

I'd say an attorney.

Jason (NYC)

Who is your favorite NBA announcer?

David Thorpe

  (12:30 PM)

I really like the guys who do the HEAT. "Wade for three...kaboom!".

Kevin (OC)

Thropedo, could you please provide some thoughts on Eric Gordon? He's looked pretty good during the Clips' winning streak. Thank you.

David Thorpe

  (12:30 PM)

Check out the rookie report today.

Ted, The SLC

David, have you seen Paul Millsap play while Carlos Boozer has been out 'hurt'? Should the Jazz just trade Boozer to Miami now?

David Thorpe

  (12:31 PM)

Moving him somewhere makes sense.

Justin (Poplar Bluff, Mo)

Do you think Quin Snyder will get a coaching job soon in the Nba? IF so where and when do you think?

David Thorpe

  (12:31 PM)

No I don't.

Jon (Mad-town)

For all of those down on Rose right now; last night was his first truly bad game as a pro, and it December of his rookie year, relax! That being said with playing nearly 40 minutes a night is the kid starting to get fatigued? It seems like the Bulls are missing Hinrich more than they thought.

David Thorpe

  (12:32 PM)

Great point. I think he's mentally tired.

Ben (Baltimore)

Is Courtney Lee really as good as he's looked the last few games, or is he just on a hot streak?

David Thorpe

  (12:33 PM)

A little of both, probably. He's a pure pro though in every sense.

Jason (Bmore)

Can we give some kudos to D'Antoni for making this Knick team believe and play as a unit instead of a bunch of high paid players that just want to go through the motions?

David Thorpe

  (12:33 PM)

Oh yes we can. I forgot to add him to my "coach for 10 years", though I'm not sure he wants to coach that long.

Bob, Denver

Another hint on the quote please.

David Thorpe

  (12:34 PM)

Think 90's, single guys, California. Classic comedy.

B (London)

Why such a dislike for Josh Smith? The guy is a game changer. Trading him for Kaman would be like trading Dwade for J Rich. Think of last season when he swatted D-wade at the buzzer to save the game. Or this year when he blocked Delnote West on the 3 point shot. How many guys in the league can do what he does? He makes Atlanta so much better. If that team didn't draft Shelden Williams they would be championship contenders for the next 7 years because of JoJo, Smith and insert better than Shelden. Stop posting questions like Kaman for Smith for the sake of all basketball scouts. Oh, and let Tyrus watch video of Smith, those are the stats that he should be putting up and the way he should be effecting the game.

David Thorpe

  (12:35 PM)

B-I think I said it would not help both teams, didn't I? I like Smith, but I do not love him.

Cosmo (Anytown, USA)

Are you quoting Swingers?

David Thorpe

  (12:35 PM)

Of course. The putt on the green.

David Thorpe

  (12:35 PM)

That came up 8 feet short.

B (Baltimore, MD)

David, I'm interested to read what you have to say about Eric Gordon in the report. I'm an IU fan and have watched a bunch of his games. He's doing well and hopefully will become a player, but I think it's evident when watching him that a year with Tom Crean would have done wonders for his game. Thoughts?

David Thorpe

  (12:37 PM)

Going back to school could have been a disastrous choice. Why do college fans think that their schools are the only place for a player to learn to get better? Guys like LBJ and KG and Lewis and Perkins and T Mac and...get the point?

Nate (Madison)

BOOM. I think that was Domick James' draft stock hitting the floor after last year and so far, this year.

David Thorpe

  (12:37 PM)

My point exactly.

Earl (Memphis)

Mayo has to be #1 now right?

David Thorpe

  (12:37 PM)

You are wise!

Hugh, Austin

My daughter is an 8th grade point guard. Her team runs a 1-3-1 offensive set. she generall passes to the wings to start the offense, what should she do after making that pass.

David Thorpe

  (12:38 PM)

Whatever her coach tells her. Hopefully basket cut or screen away.

Steve Battle Creek MI

My son is 9 and plays on a little league team. He takes the games WAY too serious. Thinks he's a pro. Minutes, Shots, Position etc. I tell him just have fun. Any ideas?

David Thorpe

  (12:39 PM)

Talk to him about how his teammates are doing. Focus less on him.

Michael (Miami, FL)

In my opinion, Beasley's lack of explosiveness and athleticism has made it difficult to finish strongly at the rim against taller players and rebound effectively. Do you agree? Does this change your opinion of him and his development?

David Thorpe

  (12:39 PM)

Not at all. He'll develop more of that if he works at it.

Patrick (City of Angels and Smog)

C'mon Thorpe, the reason the Gators are where they are is because of Perce-Dawg. If he wasn't tearing it up, defenses would just game plan for Tebow. #1 is a BEAST!

David Thorpe

  (12:40 PM)

You ain't lying!!

B (Baltimore, MD)

David, I think you misunderstood me. I agree that players should jump to the NBA when they can, and will learn more in practice against NBA comp than in college. But, watching Gordon (just this case) he seems like he could have benefited from a year with an intense coach where he could focus on the details of the game.

David Thorpe

  (12:41 PM)

It wasn't worth risking his top 10 positioning.

Trent

You got these claws and you're staring at these claws and your thinking to yourself, and with these claws you're thinking, "How am I supposed to kill this bunny, how am I supposed to kill this bunny?"

David Thorpe

  (12:41 PM)

It's one of my all-time fave movies. It's so money.

Jason (NYC)

What's the hardest thing to teach in basketball?

David Thorpe

  (12:41 PM)

Beasting it. Every day.

Doug (NY)

Should the Knicks resign David Lee or package him with Curry to get further under the 2010 cap?

David Thorpe

  (12:42 PM)

I think Mike D may prefer a big that can space the floor better.

Charlie (Bored at work)

How do you select which movie quotes to start your chats with?

David Thorpe

  (12:42 PM)

I keep a list of them in one of my blackberries.

Tommy (VA)

Shawn Marion was the first player rumored to be going to Cleveland for WallyS zczerbiak's expiring contract. Who are some other players that will be available or that Cleveland would be most interested in?

David Thorpe

  (12:43 PM)

I've fel that Brad Miller would be a good addition for awhile now. He's tough and a brilliant passer and good shooter. Nice to bring him off the bench.

Jason (NYC)

"SportsNation David Thorpe: (12:41 PM ET ) Beasting it. Every day." So the drive that guys like Russell and Jordan had to never take a night off is the golden ticket?

David Thorpe

  (12:44 PM)

Yes. Second would be concentration.

Edgar

If ray allen and paul pierce can suddenly become good defenders then why shouldn't players suck as carmelo anthony be a good defender too?

David Thorpe

  (12:45 PM)

You mean "such", right? The answer is, they can. 'Melo has that in his future, I hope.

Dave (MN)

What do you think of Pop as a coach? I have always thought of him as a hall of fame worthy coach, but you don't like him for the next ten years. Can you elaborate?

David Thorpe

  (12:46 PM)

He's the King. But he said recently that he's not going to be doing this much longer.

ANGELO NY

I get so excitied to see a chat to hear what experts have to say but then I enter the chat and realize its you again with no real information or expertise. Very disappointing

David Thorpe

  (12:47 PM)

Sorry Angelo. I'm sure we'll have a true expert on here soon.

Chad(Denver)

Melo already has improved this year. Looks like he taking a litlle more pride in his defense. But still takes time off on defense and his rotations are a little slow.

David Thorpe

  (12:47 PM)

I totally agree.

Maury (San Jose)

How does Steve Nash shoot such a high percentage when he rarely shoots going straight up and down; it's always a runner, off of one leg, etc. Is it just squaring your shoulders and the release?

David Thorpe

  (12:48 PM)

That, plus he's super gifted. I wouldn't teach that to most guys.

Tom (Ft. Wayne)

Serious question is George Hill really that good, or is Coach Pop just that good at making Hill that good? You follow?

David Thorpe

  (12:48 PM)

Both. Pops creates a good environment for Hill.

Matt (Anchorage)

David, If you took any NBA coach, and put them with the worst team in a rec league, which one would really be able to help affect winning games--thus showing true coaching ability?

David Thorpe

  (12:49 PM)

All the guys you'd expect.

Jay (Indianapolis)

Hey David do you ever think that we will ever see MJ become a coach he hired Larry Brown so if that doesn't work out what is next? In my opinion I think he would make a great coach.

David Thorpe

  (12:49 PM)

Not in mine.

Cosmo (Anytown, USA)

If you had to point to one person as displaying perfect shooting form, who would it be?

David Thorpe

  (12:49 PM)

JJ maybe.

Jason (bmore)

Do "experts" always chat in bold?

David Thorpe

  (12:50 PM)

It's not me. Must be the system. It's not bold on my computer. Sorry if it for everyone else.

Jay (Canton MA)

what about Joe Johnson....SWEET looking J!!!

David Thorpe

  (12:50 PM)

Of course.

Tom (Ft. Wayne)

So I guess that makes Pop even better for drafting a guy out of IUPUI.

David Thorpe

  (12:51 PM)

Not just Pop-the entire front office.

Gary (Chicago)

We always get Stein's and Hollingers's rankings....who are your top 5 teams in the league right now?

David Thorpe

  (12:52 PM)

Top of my head, 7 game series: Celtics Cavs Lakers Spurs Magic

Brett - Hermosa Beach

Best College Player - Watch some Reggie Bush highlights.

David Thorpe

  (12:52 PM)

Faulk was way better.

Ronnie (philly)

what do i have to say to earn a ban?

David Thorpe

  (12:53 PM)

Something about my momma.

Randy (St. Paul)

Mike Miller has a perfect jumpshot!

David Thorpe

  (12:53 PM)

Absolutely.

I know You

You say he can't get to the line. yet he gets to the line more than Rose, you say he can't set up his teammates, yet assistsare hard to get when you pass to Conley, Q. Ross and Darko instead of Gordon, Deng and Gooden. I know you hate Mayo - so what negative comment are you going to sprinkle in about him today?

David Thorpe

  (12:54 PM)

"Hate" is a bit strong. Especially since he's #1 in the report this week.

Marc (TB, FL)

Can Michael Beasley (or will he ever be able to) play the 3 defensively? Or, do you see him as a 4?

David Thorpe

  (12:54 PM)

Four only.

Matt (Anchorage)

You finally answered one my questions--ironically, by not anwering it. I love the Zen quality of your psychology.

David Thorpe

  (12:56 PM)

That's what an education at a public college will do for you!

Brian (McLean, VA )

why does rajon rondo always shoot lay-ups from the left side with his right hand? isn't this against all fundamentals we are taught early on? ive seen him get blocked or quickly decide to pass rather then shoot the lay up sometimes where he wouldnt have to if the ball were in his left hand.

David Thorpe

  (12:57 PM)

Sometimes it's smart since technically, the right hand can get closer to the rim. So if he's stretching it away from a defender I get it (and we teach that). But of course, oftentimes the left hand on the left side is the better move.

Derrick Rose

I'm not #1 in your rankings, but I still have to be the leader for ROY... right?

David Thorpe

  (12:57 PM)

It's a dead heat with OJ.

Abe (minneapolis)

How would Dirk do in D'Antoni's offense?

David Thorpe

  (12:58 PM)

Incredibly well.

Martin (LA, CA)

Ben Gordon... Most beautiful jump shot. And so high arching, can shoot it over way taller defenders. His ability to square up and elevate on the shot is also top notch.

David Thorpe

  (12:58 PM)

Agreed.

Ethan (Austin, TX)

Gotta say, out of all the analysts you do the best chats. Merry Christmas man!

David Thorpe

  (12:59 PM)

Glad someone likes me. Same to you!!

Eddie Jordan (Philly)

Hey, would this be a good fit for me?

David Thorpe

  (12:59 PM)

Yes, but a team out west would look better!

Josh (NY)

Kleiza or Balkman? and why?

David Thorpe

  (1:00 PM)

LK. Better motor and better shooter.

Jerry (Texas)

Out of all the analysts, your the worst, Merry Christmas!

David Thorpe

  (1:00 PM)

Ah, life is about balance. Thanks and same to you. Gotta go, see everyone next week, probably on Tuesday.