David Thorpe

  (12:01 PM)

Hellllooooo!! Glad you all could make time today. So much to discuss and speculate on. I'm playing the incredible "Turandot" today-one of my few favorite operas. Let's get to it. "It's bigger than I thought...It's about a 2 pounder".

Paul (Denver)

Is getting Hinrich a good move for the Magic?

David Thorpe

  (12:02 PM)

Depends on what they have to give up. Kirk works for Orlando.

Will (Ellicott City MD)

Best hoops chat in the Empire - May the Thorpe be with you! Seems like an attractive destination for one of those 2010 big-name free agents would be Miami (assuming Wade stays). Think we might see Bron, Amare or Bosh change their address to South Beach?

David Thorpe

  (12:03 PM)

I'm surprised we don't hear this more. Amazing city. Amazing weather. Great young head coach. Solid franchise. And the amazing D Wade.

JaJown (NOLA)

Any trade reliable trade rumors lately?

David Thorpe

  (12:04 PM)

Here's the thing-I'm fortunate enough to receive calls from executives asking about this player or that one-so I can tell you that these trade rumors are often based on very basic inquiries. And yes, there are many of them going on each day.

Anthony (Solon, IA)

Jameer Nelson has mentioned the possibility of rehabbing his shoulder and putting off surgery until the offseason. Athletes seem to do this from time to time (D. Wade's shoulder, Kobe's finger, etc.), but doesn't putting off surgery cause potential problems down the road? I'd think they'd be better off fixing it right away.

David Thorpe

  (12:05 PM)

I think each case is unique. I've personally coached guys with torn Labrum's. They had surgery after the season, but were not the same player during it.

ryan (jax beach, fl)

bynum for bosh? who wins that trade and who says no first?

David Thorpe

  (12:06 PM)

He Ryan-Bynum just got hurt. Check out espn.com for the details.

Dave (MN)

What do you think about the Spurs sitting their stars last night? Classic smart Popovich moment or tactical blunder considering they lost the season series to a team one game back in the standings or completely overblown?

David Thorpe

  (12:07 PM)

I have 20 questions on this subject. Allow me to remind everyone that we're talking about Pop here, a Hall of Famer who is still in his prime. So why are you 2nd guessing him?

Dan (Buffalo, NY)

Thorpedo, did Nelson's injury all but guarantee a Celtics/Cavs East Finals?

David Thorpe

  (12:07 PM)

Basically, yes.

Kran (PR)

How well is Big Baby playing? His jumpshot keeps looking better and better. Just a few words about him is all I ask. Thanks, always appreciated.

David Thorpe

  (12:08 PM)

I saw him last week and was really impressed. Maybe KG's session with him worked.

Matthew (NYC)

Chad Ford suggested Blake, Sergio and Channing Frye for Hedo. It sounded good at first for the Blazers, but Turkoglu has a much lower shooting percentages than I would have thought. Do you think he'd be a good fit in Portland?

David Thorpe

  (12:09 PM)

A better question is, who then mans the pg spot out west? Surely he's not suggesting leaving it all up to the rookie?

Corey, Boston

hypothetical question, If Glen Davis dropped 30 LBs, what type of player could he develop into?

David Thorpe

  (12:09 PM)

A thinner, more explosive version of...Glenn Davis.

Matthew (NYC)

I forgot the Magic would throw in Johnson. So, the point would be shared by Bayless, Johnson and Roy.

David Thorpe

  (12:10 PM)

I don't like it for the Blazers.

El Shish, Poland

Mr Thorpe, taking into account the injuries to Bynum and Nelson in the last week, who are would your Finals and Champions picks be today?

David Thorpe

  (12:12 PM)

I'm leaning to a Boston-Spurs finals. Edge to Boston. But as we've all just seen, this game and season is such a fluid deal, so much can change day to day.

Alek (Macedonia,Europe)

Thorpe,man i gotta ask you one thing, what do you think of the Rockets team so far what are their chances from now on with a favorable February schedule and all the way to the playoffs.Im very optimistic, what about You?thanks

David Thorpe

  (12:13 PM)

I think they still lack the absolutely amazing grittiness they developed last year. If they can get it back, then yes, they could be a surprise.

Ryan, Chicago

Deng, Thomas, and Noah are all starting to play well for the first time this season. Did you have some kind of group therapy session with them?

David Thorpe

  (12:13 PM)

No. I think the team has settled down into some better rhythm's.

Pristo, NYC

Which guys in the league are capable of winning both the three point contest and dunk contest?

David Thorpe

  (12:14 PM)

Rudy, Rudy, Rudy.

Matt (sacramento)

We go no food, no jobs... OUR PET'S HEADS ARE FALLING OFF!!! My Kings are depressing! If you were Geoff Pietre what would you be looking to do? I would hold onto Martin, Hawes, and Thompson and maybe Green. Is there any player/free agent we should be targeting? I don't think we will have a shot to attact one of the big names to Sac so who should we realisticly be looking at?

David Thorpe

  (12:15 PM)

Listen, I love Kevin obviously, but a team this bad should have no protected assets. Anyone and everyone should be on the table if it helps rebuilds the franchise.

Rodrigo, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil

What would you do, if you were calling the shots, to turn the Bulls around? Are they playing the apropriate style for their roster abilities?

David Thorpe

  (12:15 PM)

I'd definitely be inquiring into both Amare and Bosh. Bulls have lots of assets to play with.

Dan (Cleveland, OH)

thorpedo, I'm curious why you pick the celtics to beat the cavs in the east finals. LeBron is clearly playing better than ever and the addition of Mo Williams has elevated the entire team plus i think they have the stronger/deeper bench. Thoughts?

David Thorpe

  (12:16 PM)

It's almost a coin flip. Don't read too much into it.

Dave (MN)

Who will go down as the better(best?) power forward, Duncan or Garnett? What aspect separates the winner from the loser?

David Thorpe

  (12:16 PM)

Duncan yesterday. Duncan today. Duncan tomorrow.

Rich (Bayonne, NJ)

Thorpedo... Rondo is paying very well, but his jumper is still suspect. Is there any correlation between constantly practicing your jumper translating into a sucessful jump shooter? I just always thought his form looked a bit odd.

David Thorpe

  (12:17 PM)

It's not just practicing your jumper. It's practicing it right. Otherwise he just grooves in the bad form.

Andy (Chicago)

Some of us Bulls fans fear that when Gooden gets back, those rhythms will go out the window. How would you manage the rotation if you were Vinny "The Hair" Del Negro?

David Thorpe

  (12:17 PM)

Gooden simply has to be traded.

Brad (Chicago, IL)

Miami is a great city, but the stands are always empty. Does that hurt Miami's chances of landing a free agent? Do players care that they'd be playing their home games in front of no one?

David Thorpe

  (12:18 PM)

When that team is rolling, that arena is rocking.

Bryan C.

Hey David...so, I'm in some pickle, huh? How do I get out of the mess I made up here in TO?

David Thorpe

  (12:18 PM)

Bosh has to be moved. You can stick your head in the sand if you want, but he's not coming back.

Brendan (Pittsfield, MA)

Thorpedo, Deng has been great for the bulls since he's been back from injury. There has been alot of talk about him being on the move (and everyone else minus Rose), but the way he is playing they have to keep him, right? (well unless they can get Bosh or Amare, but i'm just dreaming there!)

David Thorpe

  (12:19 PM)

I've heard that he's basically untouchable. His play since 12/1 is tops on the team.

Nick (NJ)

Obviously Lopez gets all of attention on the Nets (and rightfully so) but have you seen much of Ryan Anderson? Seems like he can develop into a decent player and hold his own in the league. Thoughts?

David Thorpe

  (12:20 PM)

Yes-check out my rookie report today. Me likey him a lot.

Pahking The Cah (Boston)

If you had to pick one team to commentate for, which team would you choose and why?

David Thorpe

  (12:21 PM)

I'd choose the Clearwater Bombers softball team, cause I ain't moving.

Rick (Seattle Wa)

This is like a Chad Ford chat with all these trade rumors! Answer my question about D'Antoni's "shoot yourself out / here's 61 points for you on a silver platter, Kobe" style of defense!

David Thorpe

  (12:21 PM)

Not much to say. I wonder what Sam Mitchell thought of it.

Steiny (NYC)

Don't you think the Super Bowl is much more compelling than anything the NBA could remotely offer?

David Thorpe

  (12:23 PM)

I didn't see it. We watched Springsteen at halftime and then decided to watch him in Barcelona, which I had in our DVR. Amazing concert, but we missed the entire 2nd half.

Anthony (Sarasota, FL)

Since it is clear Bosh has to be moved, who can offer the best package?

David Thorpe

  (12:23 PM)

I'd be calling Phoenix and Chicago this morning.

Joe (Portland)

Will Brandon Roy be better than Kobe? He seems to have the tools.

David Thorpe

  (12:23 PM)

No.

Ron (Philippines)

DT!! trade question? would the bulls accept a deal consisting of Kevin love and cap relief for kirk hinrich and ty thomas or joe noah? I noticed a lot of expiring contracts in minny but i dont think they can attract a significant free agent there. the deal makes sense for both team, i think. thanx for answering my question

David Thorpe

  (12:24 PM)

I don't think Minny moves him. Rebounders with skill are just so valuable and rare.

Valentin (France)

Brook Lopez, ROY ? Yes or no

David Thorpe

  (12:24 PM)

Maybe, which is better than no.

Manny Ramirez

You think the Clearwater Bombers have any interest in signing me?

David Thorpe

  (12:25 PM)

Perhaps, but I don't want to deal with your agent.

Chuck (Des Moines, IA)

What are good drills to each "touch" around the basket. My son can get to the hoop at will but he just lays bricks when he gets there. Too much on his shots. (BTW: these are 5th graders here)

David Thorpe

  (12:25 PM)

Try this-do nothing but shoot touch shots for an hour a day for a month. Your welcome.

John (Miami)

How come no love for Beasley in your rookie report? His per-minute numbers are through the roof and he is actually learning to play defense.

David Thorpe

  (12:26 PM)

I'll love him again next week.

Yusef (Chicago)

Of this current rookie class, who becomes the first all-star selectee?

David Thorpe

  (12:26 PM)

Rose or Lopez would be my guess.

Oskar, Orlando

So with Nelson out, who's the best fit for starting pg....I say Watson, the Magic have enough fire power and Watson plays solid d and doesn't turn the ball over.

David Thorpe

  (12:27 PM)

Nice call, but that's a big downgrade.

Sean (LA)

David - Please tell me you are one of these analysts that has a brain. Why is everyone so quick to JUMP OFF the Laker bandwagon. Last time I checked the Lakers made the finals last year in a tougher Western Conference minus AB and Ariza. They are now a year wiser, and even without AB they have added a defensive stopped in Ariza. Set the record straight. The Lakers are still the team to beat in the West. I mean take away the 80 Free Throws Boston takes in Game 2, and the Lakers may even win the finals!

David Thorpe

  (12:28 PM)

I agree. I give the Spurs a slight edge, but LA will surely make it an amazing race.

Terry (Madison)

Why are the Bulls so bad if they have all of these great "trade assets"? If I'm trade Amare or Bosh I wouldn't want anything they have to offer besides Rose and that isn't happening.

David Thorpe

  (12:28 PM)

It's a good thing you don't do this for a living then.

Steiny (NYC)

It seems your rookie report numbers are based on offensive. How much emphasis do you put on defense?

David Thorpe

  (12:29 PM)

See my #1 guy? Any more questions?

Rocko (NY)

Will Tyrus Thomas ever be a defensive anchor? Last night against the Rockets his shotblocking was reaching levels of Dwight Howard intimidation.

David Thorpe

  (12:30 PM)

I thought it was the hardest I've ever seen him play. It's certainly a great game to build on, and I think he's had 3 double-doubles in his last 5 games. His PER is over 16 since 12/1.

RC (Toronto)

I read that they're adding HORSE to the all-star festivities. 3 players are to participate (to be named later). Which 3 would you like to see compete?

David Thorpe

  (12:31 PM)

I'd like to see a rookie, a star, and a wily old guy. Don't care who.

Tim (Columbia, MO)

Mr. Thorpe I have tried to submit questions a lot, but haven't had one accepted by you yet. Please answer this one: Who is better RIGHT NOW Kobe or LeBron? Also, I was wondering who, in your opinion, will be considered the best of all time in 10 years from now M.J., Kobe, LeBron, or Durant? Thanks you!

David Thorpe

  (12:32 PM)

Really Tim. That's the one question you want me to answer? C'mon.

Nick - Cuse Town

David Thorpe AKA my GOD! Whats good!? I was jw who you would pick in tonights matchup...Miami or Detroit? and LA Clipps with BDIDDY over Nelson-less Magic? Or can Orlando pull it out and is Detroit to confussed to win?

David Thorpe

  (12:32 PM)

Hey Nick, I've never been one to predict a winner in this space. It's hard enough that I have to try that in the playoffs.

Jason (NYC)

Rookie, Star, and Wily Old Guy? How about Mayo, Kobe, and Cassell? I bet those guys have tricks til Tuesday.

David Thorpe

  (12:33 PM)

Awesome selections.

ryan (dc)

Mr. Thorpe, regarding Orlando's pg vacancy. would you like to see a trade for mike james, he's more of a point than AJ, can hit the three, and no past character issues that tinsley or starbury are associated with.

David Thorpe

  (12:33 PM)

Mike James is interesting-the Magic need their pg to score.

Tim (Katy, TX)

How can someone with your level of basketball knowledge think that LeBron is better than Kobe? On the basis of what?

David Thorpe

  (12:34 PM)

Tim, we've never agree on this. So let's all just stop trying to.

Bill (Northbrook)

Coach, I'm a lifelong Bulls fan who always trusted what you told us since you've been at espn. Lu Deng is our best player now, and has been for awhile this season. How did you know he'd come around?

David Thorpe

  (12:36 PM)

He is simply one of the most focused students I've ever encountered. And he's totally healthy. I think his PER since 12/1 is over 20.

Dave (Vancouver, BC)

Hey David. The wife and I are going to see Carmen tomorrow night. We saw our first opera, Fidelio, a few months back and were not impressed. Can we expect better things from Carmen?

David Thorpe

  (12:36 PM)

I like more of the arias in Carmen, so yes, I'd expect you'll like it better. Let me know.

John (Orlando)

THORPE! I'm a Magic fan. Please talk me off the ledge.

David Thorpe

  (12:37 PM)

You still have D12 and R Lewis. And SVG. Great d, great center, great shooters. You'll be good, but not great.

Jazz (Utah)

Would it be smart for Utah to trade Boozer at the deadline?

David Thorpe

  (12:37 PM)

Yes.

Thomas (Sacramento)

David, my wife and I were inside Arco last week at the Bulls-Kings game, and we saw you interviewed by our sideline reporter for tv. My wife said "he's nice looking and all, but what's so famous about him?". I didn't know what to say, so I just said "he's got the coolest gig in the world". Am I right?

David Thorpe

  (12:38 PM)

About what? As far as my jobs are concerned, I'd have to say I'm as happy as possible. I'm sure there are many others who would say the same. But thanks nonetheless.

Tyson (Portland OR)

Why are all of these Magic fans so torn up about Nelson? Seriously? Nelson? You could line up four 8th graders and win with Howard as your center.

David Thorpe

  (12:39 PM)

Go back under your rock, dude.

joey (Seattle WA)

Thorpe how can you give the spurs the edge when last year the West was brutal and the Lakers won convincingly ? i dont think there any diff from last years lineup to this years. if anything there more experianced and more developed. also gettin chris mihm back. Most analyst ive heard have said the same thing. answer this question Unless your scared.

David Thorpe

  (12:40 PM)

A healthy Manu, that's why. And you're banned for being a jerk.

James (Portland, Maine)

David, What is your favorite book thus far? I see as a Presumed Innocent fan.

David Thorpe

  (12:41 PM)

I like Turow's stuff, yes. I have too many faves. "Word of Honor" left a great impression on me, as far as novels go. "What is the What" was incredible too.

David Thorpe

  (12:42 PM)

Oh, "Rattlesnake Ralph", which I read in 1st grade, is right up there. I found an old copy online and bought it for my son. Still reads great.

Joe (Cleveland)

Thorpedo, I love catching little bits of practical bball knowledge in your chats. What are the three most important things to remember on practicing your jumper the "right" way?

David Thorpe

  (12:43 PM)

Balance. Follow through. Hand under ball. Yep, that'll do it.

Kyle (Cincinatti)

If you're the Pistons, do you just blow it all up now? There's no way this team can do anything in the playoffs. The chemistry is rock bottom.

David Thorpe

  (12:43 PM)

Yes I do.

BC (Dallas)

I don't think the Mavs can win it all, but I think they can get out of the west with the way Kidd is playing and if Josh can stay consistent. What says you?

David Thorpe

  (12:43 PM)

I say no.

Terry (Madison)

Can you see a team other than the Lakers and Spurs making it to the conference finals?

David Thorpe

  (12:44 PM)

No.

Toby (WF, TX)

I know there are no moral victories in professional sports, but wasn't the Spurs making a game out of it in Denver without the big three about as close as you can get?

David Thorpe

  (12:45 PM)

I think you make an excellent point. Pop is always experimenting.

fisherking (san jose, ca)

When I shoot my jumper, the ball mostly rests on my fingertips. I've seen people shoot the ball with the ball completely resting in their hand. Do I need to change the way I shoot?

David Thorpe

  (12:45 PM)

No-fingerpads is correct.

Steiny (NYC) [via mobile]

Hey David, it is Steiny. I am on my Blackberry and I wanted to try this out. Be well my man.

David Thorpe

  (12:45 PM)

Back at ya!!

Gee-Gee (Indiana)

Will Jim O'Brien be the next coach to be fired? It feels like the Pacers have given up the most 110 Point Games ever.

David Thorpe

  (12:46 PM)

Not during the season, I wouldn't think.

Johannes ( Toronto)

Mr. Thorpe, I'm a shooting guard who's trying to improve my range. Except from just shooting, is there any exercises I could do that would help out?

David Thorpe

  (12:47 PM)

Building strength in your legs helps.

chris(glendale, AZ)

Im not a spurs fan at all but with the way they have been playing why do you think they are always under the radar, you hardly ever hear anything about them but yet i agree with you it just might be them in the big game against clevland or boston

David Thorpe

  (12:47 PM)

With 4 rings, they are experts at managing the season. Titles are won in June.

Nate (phoenix)

should the Suns think about blowing things up and trying to trade Nash to Orlando, or try to find takers for Amare?

David Thorpe

  (12:48 PM)

I think everything should be on the table for them.

Bryan C. (toronto)

What do you think of Nene and JR Smith for Bosh? Also, thinking outside the box, would San Antonio be willing to blow up its big three and trade Ginobili/Oberto for Bosh/Parker? I need some advice here!

David Thorpe

  (12:49 PM)

I like your first proposal, and no, I don't see a Spurs breakup.

Joe (Cleveland)

I read "What is the What" at your suggestion. What did you see the "What" to be? Wonderful book.

David Thorpe

  (12:50 PM)

I won't make this chat be a book club discussion. But I'm glad you read it. Powerful stuff.

Jose (Miami, FL)

What do you think of Beasley picking it up lately in Miami? His defense looks way better than it did in the beginning of the year

David Thorpe

  (12:50 PM)

I mentioned that in my report last week.

Jam (LA)

You have a great b-ball mind but not cut out for the chat, you seem impatient in these chats.

David Thorpe

  (12:51 PM)

And you're just now noticing? In truth, not impatient, just trying to live up to the term "chat", which suggests lively banter back and forth.

Ron (Philippines)

Can Luol Deng really carry a team? or he is better suited as a 2nd? 3rd banana?

David Thorpe

  (12:53 PM)

I get that question a lot-not just about Luol. Here's the thing I always suggest-who was the best player on the Spurs two years ago-TD right? But Parker was the MVP, and Manu oftentimes was their top guy. Last year it was KG in Boston, but PP was MVP. It's a team game, people. D Wade went 10-41 last year. 10 and 41. Are you suggesting he can't carry a team? Please.

Rahsaan (Chicago)

Hey Dave, I love the fact that you are into classical music. Are you a jazz fan too?

David Thorpe

  (12:54 PM)

Yes, but just started it last year. Listened to the "Traneumentary" from Itunes last year.

Dave (MN)

Do you know much about the NBDL? I am excited about the prospect of it turning into a minor league system for basketball similar to how MLB structures theirs, but I am skeptical about its ability to produce good talent. It seems like there are a limited number of good players (relative to NBA talent) in each draft, for which there is two rounds as opposed to 10 or whatever baseball has. If two rounds of a draft can't even fill up with players that end up helping teams, what chance do NBDL players have to impact NBA teams in a meaningful way?

David Thorpe

  (12:54 PM)

I think it can be a great place to develop players, but only with the right coaches in place.

SteveFitz (Cicero, IL)

DT, Beasley or Blake Griffin in 5 years?

David Thorpe

  (12:55 PM)

The Beas, but I have not seen much of Griffin yet.

Chadi (Cleveland)

Thropy, You look just like my management professor. Anyway, I don't think the Cavs should mess with chemistry and trade Wally. Last year the most uplifting/goosebump enticing moment was when the crowd busted out the "WALLY! WALLY!". Anyway, just wondering what your thoughts were, and what we could get for him?? Thanks.

David Thorpe

  (12:56 PM)

I think that is overrated, meaning adding one piece should not hurt chemistry if it's competently researched. And I'm sorry you have to close your eyes in class!!

Luis Scola, Houston TX

Hola David, I'm slow, can't jump, boring to watch, mug guys on defense and occasionally make an open jumper...what makes me so good???

David Thorpe

  (12:57 PM)

It's all about substance, not style, and you got it my friend.

Zack (SC)

Pretty much everyone in the world thinks that OKC should draft Blake Griffin, but wouldn't James Harden be a better fit? They could move him right in to the starting rotation, and have Weaver and Mason come of the bench, where as Griffin would mess everything up. They are playing Jeff Green at his natural position of power forward and he has been playing much better, as has Durant at small forward. Drafting Griffin would mean either moving Durant and Green back to small forward and shooting guard, or playing Griffin at center, where he would probably struggle. Am I right, or is there another way to use Griffin?

David Thorpe

  (12:58 PM)

I think you may be right, but I have not seen Harden play. Will tune in on him soon.

Jason (NYC)

Is there a way to improve a player's court awareness?

David Thorpe

  (12:59 PM)

Film study, drills, then live action.

Jav (Phila, PA)

Would it be possible to trade BRAND for JOSH SMITH straight up?

David Thorpe

  (12:59 PM)

Why would the Hawks do that?

Matt: (Minnesota)

I think your chats are great

David Thorpe

  (1:00 PM)

Matt, we are now friends for life!!

Jimmy Oliver (Cleveland, OH)

BUZZER BEATER! Top 3 seeds in each conference will be....?

David Thorpe

  (1:00 PM)

Lakers, Spurs, Blazers Celts, Cavs, Magic.

Sergio Austin, TX

What about an Oberto/Udoka trade for Tyrus Thomas? The Spurs get a solidly athletic big man, and the Bulls get some perimeter defense from Udoka and an Experienced Center that can play with Nocioni.

David Thorpe

  (1:01 PM)

I don't think the Bulls even return the call for that. Good effort though.

David Thorpe

  (1:01 PM)

Time to go, but thanks everyone for the 1100+ questions. See you next week. Be safe!