David Thorpe

  (12:00 PM)

Merry Xmas. Happy Hanukkah. Glory be the Celtics. Long live Jameer Nelson. Praise Bron Bron. Am I missing anyone? If so, chime in over the next hour. "Milk was a bad choice". And in observance of the holiday; "he lay there like a slug. It was his only defense".

Imran (Mokena, IL)

Coach, working on Xmas Eve...thats dedication to the job. Hope you get a chance to spend some quality time with the family. What do you think about Derek Rose's recent struggles? Is he hitting the proverbial rookie wall and can we expect the coaches to vote Rose in for the allstar game?

David Thorpe

  (12:02 PM)

Well, I'm jewish, so I've always worked on this day. Secondly, I emailed some people at espn to ask if I could chat on Friday, but they didn't respond, so here I am!! Actually, glad to be here. Not a wall for Rose, just some exhaustion. See my article on this coming online Friday.

Mike (Springfield, MA)

Of these guards, who is an all-star this year? Rondo, Rose, Harris

David Thorpe

  (12:02 PM)

Yes, no, yes.

Chuck(Daytona)

Thorpe Eyed Peas, How deep do you see this draft..and as a Magic fan do you think if we are in the high 20s a guy like Hansbrough would be good?? Thanks..Merry Christmas you filthy animal.

David Thorpe

  (12:03 PM)

I don't watch college until February or so.

John, Hanalei, HI

Do you think Eddie Jordan is an Excellent Coach?

David Thorpe

  (12:03 PM)

Yes.

Baffled (Dazed and Confused)

How can players who look so good in college look like they've never played basketball in the NBA? Is there that much of a difference? Especially players rated and drafted in the first round. Maybe you could do an article breaking down why various 1st round busts busted and how they could potentially turn things around? (I'm thinking specifically Kwame Brown)

David Thorpe

  (12:04 PM)

There are many variables, but here's a big one; coaching. Look at Jameer Nelson's career. It took 4 months for SvG to figure him out, and now look at what he's doing.

Ron Burgandy, San Diego

You stay classy, David Thorpe!

David Thorpe

  (12:04 PM)

I'm sorry, I don't speak spanish.

Derrick (Toronto)

Is missing the All-Star game a possibility for Bosh due to the Raptors recent struggles?

David Thorpe

  (12:04 PM)

Excellent point, but I doubt it.

BJ (Carmel, NY)

Paul Millsap...Crushing it.

David Thorpe

  (12:05 PM)

Indeed.

Chris (Orlando,FL)

David, do you think Courtney Lee should be starting for the all-rookie team at All-Star weekend????

David Thorpe

  (12:06 PM)

Of course not, I don't even project him to make the team. Rose, Mayo, Rudy are all locks. Lee has an outside chance at best.

Dexter (Portland)

If you were drafting today: Oden, Beasley or Mayo?

David Thorpe

  (12:06 PM)

In that order.

luol (chicago)

Coach -Since I'm so undersized and have such bad hands, how many hours at IMG will I need to become a decent NBA player?

David Thorpe

  (12:07 PM)

Undersized? No. I have noticed your hands recently, hope it's just a temporary thing. Grabbing 11 boards last night helped. For you Bulls fans, have no worries, he'll figure it out.

Dan (Canton)

I know LeBron is one of the great players currently playing but I don't think enough is written about his defense. Look who he has shut down the last few weeks: Melo, McGrady, etc. Do you think there is a chance he could win Defensive MVP soon?

David Thorpe

  (12:08 PM)

Actually, lots of people are writing about his defense now. But I don't see a DPY award soon.

Ryan (Lehi, UT)

And Christmas Story! I got both of them (Anchorman for the first, if you missed that post)! I rule! Here's one: Eddie, if I woke up tomorrow morning with my head sewn to the carpet, I wouldn't be more surprised than I am right now.

David Thorpe

  (12:09 PM)

Is that Chevy? I believe it is. Classic flick.

Tim, Grass Valley CA

Your chats are great. Last week you said Eddie Jordan should look to a team out west. I'm guessing Kings. Flip Saunders and Avery Johnson have been mentioned as possible candidates for the job. Why do you like Jordan over them?

David Thorpe

  (12:09 PM)

I think their personnel fits with his offensive philosophy.

Joe (NY)

COach Thorpe a few years ago I was able to dunk a basketball at 5'10 260 lbs. A couple of years of inactivity and I lost the explosivness in the lower body. What can I do to get back to dunking since I have started to workout again?? Just jump??

David Thorpe

  (12:10 PM)

Yes, lots of times and as high as you can. Skipping the cheesburgers and pie would be a good idea too.

Richard (Northbrook, IL)

Hi David, I have to get this off my chest. I used to hate you. You always sound so confident on the radio and podcasts. And so chipper about guys that have spent time with you. I thought Tyrus stunk. I thought Courtney Lee was average. I even thought that a few years ago Kevin Martin couldn't play in the NBA.I was wrong, wrong, and wrong. So now, when you suggest that Luol Deng will figure it out for us, I believe you. Can you help me next? I'm an accountant.

David Thorpe

  (12:11 PM)

Listen, when you spend lots of time with people, it takes a lot of the guesswork out of it. I'm wrong often, for lots of reasons, but betting on a sure thing like Luol Deng is easy money.

C (Charlotte)

Not sure if you've seen much of the Bobcats, but have you noticed how much Boris Diaw has helped the whole team play better? Seems like he's a perfect fit. Okafor has been a beast since Diaw came over.

David Thorpe

  (12:12 PM)

I have written here in this space a few times that passing is the most underrated talent. Okafor now gets it.

Jim(Mystic, Ct)

What do you think Rhondo's chances are at an all star spot?

David Thorpe

  (12:13 PM)

Excellent.

Neil: Singapore

Merry Xmas and Happy New Years to you and your family! what is the ceiling on Stuckey? It amazes me at the ease at which he gets to the rim, i keep on hearing wade comparisons.

David Thorpe

  (12:14 PM)

Wade is the most athletic guy with the ball in his hands (and a defensive guy in front of him) in the world. Stuckey is not even close. But I watched him last night and enjoyed the show. Doing it more than once is the next step.

Ahmed (Boston)

David, you've never taken my question...I just thought I'd point that out. Happy Holidays and GO CELTICS tomorrow!

David Thorpe

  (12:14 PM)

Feel better? Happy holidays to you too!

Chris (Rancho Cucamonga, CA)

Coach, what is the better situation for coach- Someone who has talent and little heart, or someone who has tons of heart, but average talent?

David Thorpe

  (12:15 PM)

I'll take toughness and punch talent right in the mouth.

Steiny (NYC)

Will P.J. Carlesimo ever coach in the NBA again?

David Thorpe

  (12:15 PM)

Not in this decade.

griffin (fort collins)

Who is the best player in the NBA in your opinion?

David Thorpe

  (12:15 PM)

Bron.

M (DC)

Rose, Gordon, Deng, Thomas, Noa are all high lottery picks. Why is their team still below 500?

David Thorpe

  (12:16 PM)

1. They've had 3 coaches in the last year. 2. 3 of those guys are younger than 24.

Pierre (Sacramento)

Hey Dave, Merry X-mas to you and yours. I was watching a Celts Vs Lakers Game on ESPN classic, and it looked like it was in slow motion. Was it? Or is the game today that much faster?

David Thorpe

  (12:17 PM)

Those teams were exquisite passing teams, letting plays develop if the break was not there. They were not slow.

Maury (San Jose)

Happy Holidays, David. Yesterday, Duncan jumps into the passing lane and steals a pass intended for Al Jefferson. He then proceeds to lead the break and "Big" Al isn't even in the frame!!!! How do you deal with this as a coach? If your "star" can't (don't want to) chase down a play that's a decade older then your team is hopeless.

David Thorpe

  (12:17 PM)

That about sums it up.

Danny Ferry (Cleveland)

David: Do I need to trade Wally's expiring or do you think we should leave the roster as is?

David Thorpe

  (12:18 PM)

I have no doubt that they should make a deal. But I highly expect them not to.

Steiny (NYC)

What Grade do you give Donnie Walsh on the job that he has done thus far?

David Thorpe

  (12:18 PM)

Perfect score. Landing Mike did that.

Steiny (NYC)

Do you think Hedo Turkoglu should opt out of his contract after the season to become a free agent?

David Thorpe

  (12:19 PM)

Not remotely. SvG has him playing his best ball, which is worth more than a few more million somewhere else.

John (Orlando)

Courtney Lee=Steal of the draft?

David Thorpe

  (12:20 PM)

Not really, at 22 he was a solid choice. Maybe Chalmers. Mbah Moute. Hill.

Wikipedia

online sources reported that the director of Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, Adam McKay, announced that he and star Will Ferrell are currently developing an Anchorman sequel

David Thorpe

  (12:21 PM)

Nice work everyone!!

Brian (Orlando)

David: Love your work. I'm a Gator, so I was wondering what you think about Nick Calathes's pro potential. (BTW, loved the mention of McFarland and Cristell in the chat a couple months ago. I played intramural ball with both of them at UF.)

David Thorpe

  (12:22 PM)

He's the best passer in the NCAA today. And he has lots of guts. But I'm not realdy to projec thim yet. McFarland and Cristell will always be joys in my life. I'm a better man for having coached them.

Ari Dancekind (New York, NY)

What are the chances of the Nets trading vinsanity? i hope not! he's been playing really well this year and has been a leader too.

David Thorpe

  (12:22 PM)

I doubt he gets moved.

Aaron (LA)

Hey David, I'm starting to think Moby Dick could be the greatest American novel...whats your take?

David Thorpe

  (12:23 PM)

I'm not smart enough to read important works like that, except for "Les Miserables". I'm into Gladwell's "Outliers" now and in love.

Raptor Nation

I'm in a glass case of emotion.

David Thorpe

  (12:24 PM)

"Baxter, is that you? Bark twice if you're in Milwuakee".

Rhonda (Dana Point, CA)

Coach, could you please take a question from a woman for once? Big Baby or Leon Powe, who has the best future?

David Thorpe

  (12:24 PM)

"Powe, Powe, and Powe".

Devon Cleveland

Who would be the best option that the Cavs should pursue with Wally's expiring?

David Thorpe

  (12:25 PM)

I like Brad Miller-he'll hit big shots for them in the playoffs and he can play some Princeton stuff with Lebron.

Sam (Orlando, FL)

Courtney Lee is the best on ball defender and plays more intelligentally than anyone else on our roster...How is he not the steal of the draft? There is no question in my mind that if he had the minutes of Chalmers or Hill he'd have better numbers on a much better team.

David Thorpe

  (12:26 PM)

You might be right, but he does not get those minutes, so that's that.

Mark : (Boston, MA)

What's your opinion of Patrick O'Bryant - seems to have skills but lacks desire/heart. Wouldn't his Warrior experience hve taught hime something ?

David Thorpe

  (12:27 PM)

A wise coach once said that guys like him never figure it out. And this coach has 30+ years of NBA experience.

Ron (Orlando)

What's up Thorpey? I saw you at the magic game against the Warriors. That was a sweet jacket you were rockin', are you auditioning for a bench job?

David Thorpe

  (12:28 PM)

The folks at Burberry thank you. And no, that will never, ever happen, unless my wife leaves me and does not tell me where she is.

Beth (Milwaukee, WI)

Have you gotten a chance to watch the Milwaukee Bucks lately? The team is really starting to take on the persona of Coach Skiles, and Mbah a Moute is looking like the steal of the draft... Comments?

David Thorpe

  (12:28 PM)

Skiles always has this effect on teams. No surprises.

Gordon Thomas (Cleveland, Ohio)

I think Cavs GM Danny Ferry deserves a lot more credit than people give him. He was left with Lebron, Z and a bunch of scrubs thanks to John Paxson's genius tenure He was able to turn those awful contracts around and get the exact team he wanted, defensive minded, strong inside presence and high percentage shooters surrounding Lebron

David Thorpe

  (12:29 PM)

It was Jim Paxson. And yes, Ferry is the man right now.

Richard (Brockton, MA)

Hey Coach Thorpe love your chats and you insight into the game. Rajon Rondo seems to love finishing with his right hand on the left side of the basket alot. It seems like sometimes it forces him to take a shot of greater difficulty sometimes especially when he has to turn around and put alot of english on the ball. Cause for concern?

David Thorpe

  (12:30 PM)

I'll take a closer look. Sometimes it's needed to avoid a defender behind him, but normally I like using the left on the left side.

Daniel (San Fran)

Since you were at the Magic/Warriors game the other night... Do the Warriors have ANY hope?

David Thorpe

  (12:30 PM)

No.

Ian (Philippines)

Hi Thorpedo! What class do you think Greg Oden should attend first to become a more efficient player? Cut-down-your-foul-rate 101 or Develop-post-moves 101 ?

David Thorpe

  (12:31 PM)

Definitely foul rate 101. It's one of the first classes I teach with new NBA players.

Dan, NY

Thorpedo, throw so knowledge at me. I'm concerned that my beloved Spurs just don't have the juice this year. Without a healthy big 3 they have no chance, and even with a healthy big 3 they won't be contenders the next two years. Please tell me that RC Buford is aware that the team must acquire someone dangerous to put them in contention...

David Thorpe

  (12:32 PM)

Actually, with the big 3 healthy, I think they can win the west. So buck up.

Zach (Burlington, IA)

Last of the Mohicans has the best score of any movie. In the summer, I like to play it while camping and skip around the fire filled with glee.

David Thorpe

  (12:32 PM)

That's good to know. Where do you spend your summers? I'm just asking so all of us here on this chat can avoid that location.

WJ (nola)

Mr. Thorpe, whats your explanation to why some players can shoot the 3 ball, yet struggle at the free throw line? kind of backwards to me. Happy Holiday!

David Thorpe

  (12:33 PM)

Typically it's a combination of a lack of concentration and of confidence.

Dr. Kenneth Noisewater (Grand Rapids)

Great Oden's raven! Amir Johnson has been bolted to the bench lately. I heard alot of talk that he was going to breakout and become a good player, it doesn't seem to be happening. What are your thoughts on Amir?

David Thorpe

  (12:34 PM)

Well done sir! I've never thought much of him.

Jorge Melendez, San Juan, Puerto Rico

Do you think that the James Posey to New Orleans departure is a little bit overrated when it comes to looking at the way the Celtics has continued to develop the talents of Rondo, Perkins, Powe and the resurgent Tony Allen?

David Thorpe

  (12:35 PM)

Ask me again in May and June.

JWR (Chicago)

You also celebrate Festivus, right? Who is going to be the better pro-- Josh Smith or Al Horford?

David Thorpe

  (12:35 PM)

Horford.

Greg in Orlando

Can I believe my eyes? Are the Magic actually good enough as presently constructed to contend for a title this year?!?!

David Thorpe

  (12:35 PM)

I think they are a player or two away. But when Jameer plays like this, they can be very, very good.

GshawnJohnson

Andre Blatche playing some decent ball - believer? Hard to imagine it actually takes THIS LONG to develop a player, but he improves every year, one little bit at a time.

David Thorpe

  (12:36 PM)

I've always loved his potential. Glad to see he's been making progress for a few years now.

Jon, Castle Rock, Colorado

What is Kleiza's value around the league right now?

David Thorpe

  (12:37 PM)

Not very high, unfortunately.

Jeff - Chicago

If you were NBA gm and had to choose between Durant, Mayo, or Beasley to build around...Who's it going to be??

David Thorpe

  (12:37 PM)

I'd go with KD, I think.

Ted, The SLC

Jerry Sloan last night on the shape (or lack thereof) of our boy Fes, hwo started and played 4 minutes..."You know, we've got every machine in the world, and there's miles and miles of hard road if you want to use that, to get yourself into shape." Will Fes ever get it?

David Thorpe

  (12:38 PM)

I honestly do not know. It's not looking good.

Pat (Berkley, MA)

Thanks for the chat Thorpe. Sixty percent of the time my questions get answered everytime. Do you see any midseason veteran additions to contenders to put them over the top a la PJ Brown, Cassell

David Thorpe

  (12:39 PM)

I almost used that line. Brilliant. As I wrote earlier, Miller is the guy. Though I'd love Sacto to keep him and continue to mentor Hawes.

Mike Chicago

What's the difference b/t working with college and pro players for you? Also, you got to get on the Scrubs train.

David Thorpe

  (12:40 PM)

The pro's tend to have much better focus and imagination. I like Scrubs, just never spent any time watching it.

David Fairborn, OH

Is Oden's lack of emotion going to hurt him as a player? I'm being serious, not joking about the ESPN commercial. During the Magic-Blazers game a couple weeks ago, the whole place was rocking, even the bench, and yet Oden was sitting at the end, alone, leaning back. I just see his lack of intensity hurting him as a player in the end. Am I off-base?

David Thorpe

  (12:40 PM)

I think it's an excellent point.

Danny Ferry

Would you make this trade? Wally Szczerbiak, JJ Hickson, '09, '10 first round picks for Chis Bosh.

David Thorpe

  (12:41 PM)

You are obviously joking.

Justin- Canton, GA

If Horford makes the better pro, should the hawks try to move smith for a center and shift horford to the 4? Do you think the Hawks will make any moves before the deadline?

David Thorpe

  (12:41 PM)

i think that's exactly what they should do. I have no idea if they will.

Gabe NYC

Is Brook Lopez the best big from the last two drafts? I know Al Horford has such a huge following because he, um, rebounds... and Oden has all this "upside" but Lopez just has all the tools AND he is huge and athletic.

David Thorpe

  (12:42 PM)

I'm not ready to call Lopez as better than Al. But he's a true center with lots of gifts.

Gary (Boston)

How significant is the Celtics start from a historical perspective? Celtics players seem to think it'll only mean something if they win the title. Do you agree?

David Thorpe

  (12:42 PM)

I think the last 3 teams to start like this all won titles.

Jimmy Mac (Chicago)

Hey David, I don't want to seem confrontational, but ... do you think it's time you admit you got it wrong when stating Gay is/would be a better player than Roy? I was stunned the first time you said it, you stuck to your guns time and time again ... how 'bout now? P.S. love the chats!

David Thorpe

  (12:44 PM)

I don't remember writing that he would be better. I do remember writing that he projected higher. Remember, he's a full 2 years younger. i think both guys will be special.

Jimmy (Yonkers, NY)

What do the knicks do with Lee? long term deal? trade? sign and trade? does he bring back a young player who's piece they don't have to extend before 2010? Do they package him with Curry/Jeffries so they can get further under the cap?

David Thorpe

  (12:45 PM)

I think they'll trade him for younger guys or better fits.

Kevin (St. Louis)

Next years Draft who will try the hardest to get Tyler Hansbrough

David Thorpe

  (12:45 PM)

Not usre, but Kevin Love's struggles on offense are not helping.

Jesse (San Antonio)

Can we officially get over the Bynum Was the Missing Piece/Bynum deserves a max contract/Bynum is the next Shaq discussion and pretend it never happened this summer?

David Thorpe

  (12:46 PM)

Yes.

Ben (Maine)

Mr. Thorpe, I sat next to you during the Spurs at Magic game recently. Do you think that Oklahoma City will finish with a better record than Minnesota or Washington?

David Thorpe

  (12:46 PM)

Hi Ben. I think they probably will, if they get Nenad.

Mike (Chicago)

Are you with me on Anchorman? First viewing...ehh....not bad. Actually slightly disappointed. Second viewing....there are some really funny scenes. Third viewing...Loving it!!!

David Thorpe

  (12:47 PM)

You are dead on. I saw it on a road trip by myself and didn't like it a whole lot. Now, I quote it constantly.

David Thorpe

  (12:47 PM)

And sing "Afternoon Delight" with my friends.

Greg (Portland ME)

Actually, no team has ever started like this, and the three that got closest won championships.

David Thorpe

  (12:48 PM)

That's what she said.

Dave (Vancouver, BC)

Hi David. Just jumped in. Glad to see you're doing a Festivus Eve chat. Have I missed the Airing of Grievances?? I've invited Clay Bennett over to the house for dinner tomorrow and plan to beat him silly with the aluminum pole during the Feats of Strength!!

David Thorpe

  (12:48 PM)

You should sell tickets.

Jon (DC)

What is your opinion of Wright and Randolph? I think the Warriors would be crazy to get rid of either of them.

David Thorpe

  (12:49 PM)

I totally agree. Both have big upsides still.

Robbie (San Francisco, CA)

I'm in love with a girl that's a die hard warriors fan, any chance our relationship lasts?

David Thorpe

  (12:50 PM)

it depends. Is she still nice when they lose?

Mark (Malaysia)

Is Nellie in essence ruining the careers of Brandan Wright and Anthony Randolph?

David Thorpe

  (12:51 PM)

Well, he's certainly not inspiring them to greater heights. But perhaps his challenges have worked on AR, who looked good on their Florida trip.

Sam (Orlando, FL)

The Magic don't need Hedo. There I said it, with Pietrus at the 3 and Lee at the 2, we would be a lot better defensively and offensively the ball would move more crisply and we could let Rashard, Jameer, and Dwight get the touches they deserve. Thoughts?

David Thorpe

  (12:51 PM)

I think Hedo is a brilliant "glue guy" with his skills. Great passer, he can handle it, and he can shoot from everywhere.

Jerry (NYC)

Durant has been rebounding much better lately. All-star birth?

David Thorpe

  (12:52 PM)

Doubtful.

Ray

Dude... lay off the movies and other non basketball related topics. This is an ESPN basketball chat... Stop waisting questions onn pointless trivia. You have some die hard fans out here hows questions arent being answered because of this.

David Thorpe

  (12:52 PM)

Merry Xmas.

M (DC)

Can you explain why you would draft Beasley ahead of Mayo? Is this because of his unorthodox personality?

David Thorpe

  (12:53 PM)

I value scoring bigs more than great jumpshooters.

Ben (Baltimore, MD)

How much of the Magic's recent success, as well as the emergence of Nelson and Lee's growth, can be attributed to SVG's coaching?

David Thorpe

  (12:54 PM)

Most of it, to my eyes. he's the real deal. Think about this-where would Sacramento and Orlando be if Billy Donovan had stayed in Orlando and Stan had taken the Kings job?

Mark (OC)

If the Warriors were forced to trade one, Randolph or Wright, which would you keep?

David Thorpe

  (12:54 PM)

Wright, only because he's lower maintenance.

Johnny (New York, NY)

Whenever I watch ball with my dad, he tends to go on these tangents. One of the things that he always rants to me about is how the basketball today just isn't as exciting as it was in the 90's. You're take on this? Is there some merit to this or is it just ramblings from an old(ish) man who can't let go?

David Thorpe

  (12:55 PM)

The 90's? Please. Some teams are more fun to watch than others. It has always been thus.

Gerardo (Tempe, AZ)

Hey D, do you ever watch D-League games? Anyone there now that jumps out as a surefire NBA player? ...even it is after a couple more years...

David Thorpe

  (12:56 PM)

I'll start in January trying to keep tabs on some of them.

Chuck (Casino)

How good do you think Mario Chalmers can be? All-star level or good player for a long time?

David Thorpe

  (12:57 PM)

I need to see more, but he looks like a solid pro.

Martin (LA, CA)

In Football after some plays, the announcers really break down the play and show the execution and exactly everything that happened in detail for the fans to understand whats happening away from the ball. I have noticed this is something lacking in basketball. The announcers are horrible, they just tell you what you see and not anything basketball knowledge related. Is there any way to remedy this?

David Thorpe

  (12:57 PM)

I think tv still tries to please at a low common denominator. i wish it were different.

JimmyZ(PHX, AZ)

Happy Festivas David! My airing of grievances starts with Chris Mullen. What is he doing to that Warriors team?

David Thorpe

  (12:58 PM)

I'm not sure it's him.

Ben (Maine)

David, I'm sure you have been asked this before, but is Stephen Curry the real deal? He's leading the NCAA with 30 PPG and he scored 44 points against Oklahoma and NC State this season. I'm curious to see how he does at Duke...

David Thorpe

  (12:58 PM)

I loved him last year. He looks special.

Tony (Chi-town)

A lot of people think Rondo is only good because of the Big 3 around him. What do you think?

David Thorpe

  (12:59 PM)

A lot of people are wrong.

Brick Tamland

Merry Lamp!

Santa Claus (North Pole)

Ho Ho Ho!!!

Steiny (NYC)

Happy Holidays David to you and your family. Be Well.

David Thorpe

  (1:01 PM)

Happy holidays to all of you!! I'll be at the Magic game tomorrow, should be big fun. My main man is joining me too, for his first ever NBA game. Be safe everyone, and take time to count all of your blessings.