David Thorpe

  (12:02 PM)

March Madness is in full force, but Wade and LBJ are doing their part to make the NBA "must see" too. Thanks for coming in on this special chat Friday. Vivaldi's pleasant "Giustino" is playing, so let's get to it. "So when you say psychosomatic, you mean, like, he can start a fire...with his thoughts?"

Matt (Cleveland)

You're late...

David Thorpe

  (12:03 PM)

Sorry about Wednesday. Had to run to Orlando for the Magic-Bulls whitewash. And FYI-no chat next Wednesday either. I'll be back here on Monday-3 days from now.

Chaz (Dallas)

Seeing as how Hollinger won't admit it, are you ready to call Phoenix dead in the water? Is all that matters now in the West the final seeding?

David Thorpe

  (12:04 PM)

Things change fast, but dead is the likely result.

Ed (MD)

psychosomatic refers to baron davis' injuries

David Thorpe

  (12:04 PM)

Psycho something.

Rick: Cleveland, OH

With these consecutive triple-doubles is Lebron sealing the deal on the MVP?

David Thorpe

  (12:04 PM)

Pretty close to it.

Zac (Nor Cal)

Howzit David? I'm a Cuse fan on the West Coast (loved watching Stevie Thompson, Billy Owens play) and I am still exhausted from that game last night. Best non ncaa tourney game I have even seen. Is Johnny Flynn an NBA player? I think his quickness, decision making and heart translate well to the NBA.

David Thorpe

  (12:04 PM)

I saw the last 5 OT's. Awesome. He's a sure 1st rounder.

Tomas (Lithuania)

Can Bayless be at Westbrook/Rose level someday?? Last year everybody was so high on him, Bayless also is bigger, stronger tahn many point guards and have amazing athleticism, plus he is better shooter than tose two.

David Thorpe

  (12:05 PM)

Maybe-I wouldn't rule out his potential being at their level. Needs a chance.

Rob (Portland, OR)

Would comparing Chris Paul to Magic Johnson get me a ban in this chat? Does it get Professor Hollinger a ban?

David Thorpe

  (12:05 PM)

I understand his argument completely.

Kris (Simi Valley, CA)

"If you ain't first, you're last!" At the risk of a ban, I never did like Talladega Nights, and prefer my Ferrell of the Anchorman variety. Anyhow, apart from the horrid first quarter, did you see anything from San Antonio that showed they can handle the Lakers? With Gooden playing a solid 15 minutes, and especially the return of Ginobili, I think the Spurs have what it takes ... even if Bynum comes back. Do you agree?

David Thorpe

  (12:06 PM)

I agree that the Spurs, with a healthy Manu, will be a very tough out. I think you are out of your mind about TN.

Brad (Rock Hill, SC)

Who is the most imposing athlete in the NBA at thier position? Dwight at the 5, LeBron at the 3, or Westbrook (in a year or two) at the point?

David Thorpe

  (12:07 PM)

Great question. LBJ is the answer, but the other 2 are dead on.

chauncey (teaneck)

who is the best point guard in the nba?

David Thorpe

  (12:07 PM)

CP3.

Jason (Syracuse)

Hey Thorpie! Manage to catch any of the 6-OT epic battle last night? What a game! If there was ever an argument for ties in basketball, that was it. They played each other to a complete draw, and neither team truly deserved to lose. Phenomenal effort by both teams when their legs must have been jelly. Flynn is an iron man.

David Thorpe

  (12:08 PM)

Precisely wrong. Except for the Flynn line. Ties suck.

mark (philippines) [via mobile]

Will westbrook a future allstar even if he will always be on the shadows of KD?

David Thorpe

  (12:08 PM)

Yes.

Karl (Traverse City MI)

Do you agree with the Simmions that Oden's rookie year has been a disaster?

David Thorpe

  (12:08 PM)

Mostly.

Brendan (Pittsfield, MA)

do you think Ty Thomas is feeling some pressure from the new guys? He was on a tear before the trade, and since, his numbers has fallen pretty dramatically.

David Thorpe

  (12:09 PM)

I asked him that, but Tim has not been playing, so no pressure. He's really banged up and just needs to get back home and rest a day or two. Took a nasty fall when Randolph blocked his shot.

Marcin Gortat (Orlando, FL)

I block shot. I rebound the ball. I hit jump shot in jzrkzejk face. I also have bald head full of basketball IQ. I make team better. I make team complete. I make team laugh. I make team cry. I make funnies.

David Thorpe

  (12:10 PM)

I think you underrated. And why you talk like Tarzan?

Vlad (DC)

Who was the best Eastern European player to ever play teh game?

David Thorpe

  (12:10 PM)

Sabonis.

Kris (Simi Valley, CA)

At your recommendation, I'll give Ricky Bobby another shot. After all, in the words of the immortal Brian Fontana, "60 percent of the time, it works every time." Thanks for the great chats.

David Thorpe

  (12:11 PM)

That just doesn't make sense.

David Thorpe

  (12:11 PM)

PS-I was quoting the movie line from Anchorman.

Tony (SA Riverwalk)

Ok, is it just me or does everyone else see what Coach Pop does in the regular season in games like last night? He experiments with different matchups and dosen't necessarily play to win the game. Like having George Hill play D on Kobe for the last 5 mins of the game? With Bowen, Mason, and even Udoka available??? David what is your thought on this?

David Thorpe

  (12:11 PM)

You are right. He is very, very smart.

Ben (Charlotte)

If the Bobcats can make the playoffs, does LB get some consideration for COY?

David Thorpe

  (12:12 PM)

Without doubt.

Mike (Akron)

Wasn't a huge fan of TN, however, the scene where they are at the dinner table saying grace is hilarious. That being said, here is my question; I saw that the record for triple doubles in a row is 7, by of course Mr. Jordan. Will anyone ever match that?

David Thorpe

  (12:12 PM)

Jordan had 7 in a row? Wow. When?

KJ ( L.A) [via mobile]

Hey Mr.Thorpe, Can you explain to me why isn't eric gordon the fav for ROY considering he is playing in Clipperhell and rode the pine a lot early on.Can we just file a mercy grievance with the NBA to have Dunleavy (all clipper brass for that matter)banned from professional sports ?hope you get my comments this time , thanks

David Thorpe

  (12:13 PM)

Because the other 3 guys in the mix have been terrific too.

EJ (Atlanta)

Hey Thorpedo, what do you think of the way Al Horford has been playing as of late? Is this indicative of what we can expect from him or is it just a hot streak for him?

David Thorpe

  (12:13 PM)

See Al. Pass to Al. Smile.

Sean (NY)

Humor me Coach, if Nate Robinson keeps playing as he has, and the Knicks make the playoffs... does he get any love for 6th Man of the Year. What about D'Antoni as Coach of the Year?

David Thorpe

  (12:14 PM)

I think he's getting some 6th man love. No COY for Mike, though.

Jack (Boynton Beach, FL)

What's the deal Thorpe?? Kris from Simi Valley gets special treatment?? (2) posts....when thousands can't get one in...are we playing favorites?? Like the foregone conclusion that LBJ has the MVP? I have been hearing that from the 1st day of the season...that it is Lebron's MVP this year. Why is the NBA the only league who decides their MVP's before the season starts and asks media like ESPN to hop on the bandwagon and make people's minds up for them?

David Thorpe

  (12:15 PM)

Lighten up jack. Check the stats.

Travis Fairfax VA [via mobile]

Why was Kwame Brown a bust when coming out of high school I seen him being an Amare type player what went wrong?

David Thorpe

  (12:16 PM)

Imagine just graduating high school, then joining a horribly dysfunctional and disorganized group of guys who did nothing but suck the spirit out of you. That's what he faced.

Ben (NYC)

Sabonis better than Kukoc, Petrovic and Sarunas Marcillonis (sp?). No way!

David Thorpe

  (12:16 PM)

Way.

Linelson Y Castro (Sobradinho-Brazil)

Is Lebron James the players more similar with Magic Johnson?

David Thorpe

  (12:17 PM)

Probably not, both are just so unique.

David (Columbia,SC) [via mobile]

who are your top five point guards right now

David Thorpe

  (12:17 PM)

Let me see...Rondo, Paul, Parker, Williams, maybe Harris? or Billups.

marc (philly) [via mobile]

David - your outlook on life is inspiring. Love reading your take on music, life and NBA. Listening to Emmanuel Ax doing Chopin.

David Thorpe

  (12:18 PM)

Seriously, I'm in the inspiration business. That's step one for coaches. So I sincerely thank you.

Gertrude (Amish Country)

Jack, Ambassador Thorpe posts the best questions, regardless of the person sending them.

David Thorpe

  (12:19 PM)

But especially when they send them with a name like Gertrude and from Amish Country. Nice.

Luke (St. Paul, MN)

Have you seen tape of Sabonis in his prime (playing in Russia)? I haven't, but I've always heard that if he had played his entire career in the NBA, he'd be considered one of the 5-10 best centers ever.

David Thorpe

  (12:19 PM)

Maybe top 4. Best passer ever for a big.

Rory(Sacramento)

How much do you think Kevin Martin's ankle is effecting him, both on offense and defense? I've gotta hope that he at some point becomes at least an average defender.

David Thorpe

  (12:20 PM)

It's really bad after a game. When he gets rest, like after the all-star break or their recent 5 day break, he's been fantastic on both ends.

Tim (NYC)

What's up Thorpe! I've recently started playing in a men's basketball league after not playing organized ball for about six years. I used to have great hands, but now I can't catch a thing. How do I improve this? Just keep playing more and more? Thanks!

David Thorpe

  (12:21 PM)

Yes, but also play one-handed catch while running and sliding.

cc charlotte

what would you have Gerald Henderson work on to improve his game?

David Thorpe

  (12:22 PM)

I don't know yet, but I love his game. Love it.

cc charlotte

Is Adam Morrison going to get a 2nd NBA contract?

David Thorpe

  (12:22 PM)

Minimum at best, naturally.

Justin (LA)

Sabonis better passer then Walton. You must have gone to too many Dead concerts in your day because thats whacky.

David Thorpe

  (12:22 PM)

Whatever.

William San Jose, CA

You have not written anything on Anthony Randolph in the last couple of weeks. What do you think of his development? He got to run the point forward during one game and was not bad and would have been better without a sore groin. What do you think?

David Thorpe

  (12:23 PM)

Same as always-very special talent if he can stay focused.

Steiny (NYC)

If you had worked with Shaq on his free-throw shooting, how much do you think he could have improved? 5%? 10%?

David Thorpe

  (12:24 PM)

I'm as confident in my ability as he is in his. 75% would have been the goal to start.

Phil (LA)

prpobably wont get posted, but wanted to say what up and hows spalding?

David Thorpe

  (12:25 PM)

Spalding (my Vizsla) is rapidly becoming a terrific dog. Very loving and playful, very smart, and most importantly, great with my kids. Protective too.

Ron from Denver Colorado [via mobile]

Can the nuggets get out of the first round of the NBA playoffs this year

David Thorpe

  (12:25 PM)

Doubtful.

Anthony (Devon, PA)

Many have assumed that Carlos Boozer will opt out of his contract after this season, but with the financial woes of the league combined with the reluctance of teams to spend money, is it possible Boozer will keep his option and hope that a great '09-'10 campaign will net him a major deal in "The Summer"?

David Thorpe

  (12:25 PM)

Excellent point. This summer is a mystery to me.

VanPoops (PDX)

Sabas was the best. He was 30 plus, playing on bad legs and could drop a dime over his head, thru his legs, behind his back. Was he a product of coaching or just a freak talent?

David Thorpe

  (12:26 PM)

Both.

SteveFitz (Cicero, IL)

David, who do you look forward to working with that you haven't worked with yet on the court?

David Thorpe

  (12:26 PM)

I don't ever think about it.

Francis Victoria (Philippines)

Remember when they predicted that Kevin Love would be major draft bust, and now he is leading the rookies in double-doubles. Honestly, did you see that coming?

David Thorpe

  (12:27 PM)

Yes, I think I had him top 5 in the preseason, didn't I?

Jared ( All hoped up on Mountain Dew)

Mr Thorpe, Who are your Final 4 teams? Thanks for the great chats!!

David Thorpe

  (12:27 PM)

No clue. I have not watched any of the games until yesterday.

ALEJANDRO (PARMA HTS. OH)

Hi Thorpe, Do you think the Cavs will win it all this year & next?

David Thorpe

  (12:28 PM)

No. But they could win one, for sure.

Kevin (Hamilton, ON)

What's your read on Bargnani? I think he's learned a lot in the past year and I think he'll get even better than he is now but I'm not sure what kind of ceiling he's got.

David Thorpe

  (12:28 PM)

He's impressed me a great deal. Can be an all-star. But he has a long way to go.

Doug (NY)

People don't realize how good Sabonis was before he ever came to the states

David Thorpe

  (12:28 PM)

Right.

cc charlotte

how did you become so knowledgeable about scouting players?

David Thorpe

  (12:29 PM)

Have you read "Outliers". I think I had my 10,000 hours in before I turned 26.

nate (omaha)

Wade's got it in 7th gear right now! I thought there were only 6 speeds.

David Thorpe

  (12:30 PM)

The magical guys make us all feel that way.

Dan (San Jose)

Thorpe - you're a douchebag.

David Thorpe

  (12:30 PM)

Am I allowed to publish this?

John (Nashville)

On Love, what we see is about what we get because of lack of athleticism or is his ceiling much higher because of his ability to get stronger and his super high basketball IQ

David Thorpe

  (12:31 PM)

Don't assume he can't grow into more athleticism. He can.

TP(dayton)

LeBron is the best passer I have ever seen. He makes passes that I'm pretty sure no other player could ever make due to his combination of height, leaping ability, court vision, and his ambidexterous hands...no one ever talks about it though...

David Thorpe

  (12:31 PM)

TP, you are close to my first ban of the day. No one talks about it? Please.

Dave

The Magic tried a big lineup by playing Dwight and Gortat together. one night it worked, another it didn't. Overall, do you think it's something they should explore more?

David Thorpe

  (12:31 PM)

Yes, when matchups dictate.

JB (Warsaw, Poland)

Hi Dave, big fan of your here - all we talk in Poland reg NBA these days is Marcin Gortat and the way he plays for the Magic off the bench and along Dwight. What do you think of him and what future holds for him and Magic? Do you see him going elsewhere as FA or stick with Magic? Heard he's loving it there, is best freinds with Dwight and they often go eat gator-steaks together :)

David Thorpe

  (12:32 PM)

I have been telling Hollinger how much I like Gortat.

Max (Memphis)

thorpe- I respect what you do, but I have a question about your training- do you only help players with what they ask, or do you point out and train them in areas they need help? I ask because it seems like a lot of players you work with a fairly one-dimensional offensive players (Martin, Kleiza, Thomas). Do you ignore d cause that's what those guys want?

David Thorpe

  (12:33 PM)

Great question. First of all, Thomas is an excellent defender most of the time. And yes, most of our work is on offense, defense is up to their own coaches. But I spend a great deal of time talking them through decision-making and discipline on defense..

David Thorpe

  (12:34 PM)

Maybe I just suck at teaching it.

Nick(Tampa)

While studying the rookies for your rankings. Which rookie has surprised you the most and why?

David Thorpe

  (12:34 PM)

Maybe Speights because he's been consistent. Westbrook too.

Don (with-malice.com) Japan

Does Brooke Lopez have a future as good as Andrew Bynum or Greg Oden?

David Thorpe

  (12:34 PM)

Yes.

Brett (Charlotte, NC)

Dave - I was the quiet guy at the middle of the table at Clink in Boston. Has anyone ever told you that you talk like Vince Vaughn?

David Thorpe

  (12:35 PM)

Hi Brett. Actually many times. But I don't know if they are making fun of me or not.

Ethan (Austin)

I doubt you suck at teaching it, most players just suck at liking it.

David Thorpe

  (12:36 PM)

Actually, after a few seasons of the NBA, guys just want to be the best they can. They are incredibly plugged in to advice that comes from someone they trust.

Josh (Brockville, ON)

Hey Thorpe, please tell me the player "whose name is not important" that averaged 50 ppg in high school!

David Thorpe

  (12:37 PM)

Actually, I think he averaged like 41ppg. It was Teddy Dupay. I left his name out because I think he's in jail now, or at least in lots of trouble, and I did not want to distract attention from my point about how Westbrook knows he is special. And no, I don't expect him to melt down like Teddy.

Dan (San Jose)

Thorpe, maybe your teaching sucks like these chats.

David Thorpe

  (12:38 PM)

That's what I said.

Jordan (Tallahassee, FL)

Hey Thorpe, if Courtney Lee learns to take care of the ball and improves jump shot consistency, doesn't he have a really high ceiling given his athleticism?

David Thorpe

  (12:38 PM)

Solid starter on a contending team. Not sure if he has all-star potential. He's a special kid though.

Bob (Memphis)

Just so you know I am trying my hardest right now to psychosomatic your head. So if you start to feel warm that's me.

David Thorpe

  (12:39 PM)

Thanks man. I need so warm and fuzzies.

Mitch (SLC)

ThorpeNation! What are your thoughts on Ronnie Brewer? Could he be in the running for MIP?

David Thorpe

  (12:39 PM)

I'm a huge fan. MIP seems a stretch, but I'll check it out.

Doug (NY)

why is dan from san jose still around and posting if you're a douchebag and your chats suck?

David Thorpe

  (12:40 PM)

I guess he has wi-fi in his jail cell.

Ethan (Austin)

I believe your right about players wanting to be the best they can be. But why do you think so many great offensive talents never really buy in on the defensive end? It seems like that is what separates the all-time greats from the all-stars.

David Thorpe

  (12:41 PM)

The head coach makes all the difference.

Coach K (Durham)

Come on Thorpe...make me feel better and tell me how bad Hansbrough will be in the pros.

David Thorpe

  (12:41 PM)

I'm not much of a fan.

Travis (DC)

Thorpe, you seem to point out a lot the Player X could be an important piece on a contending/championship team. I would argue that every single player in the NBA has the potential to fill a role on a championship team. I.E. place anyone as the 8th man on th 2005 Spurs. Your thoughts??

David Thorpe

  (12:41 PM)

Lots of players "can play" in the NBA. But most can't win. And I said solid starter, by the way.

Nick(Tampa)

Which one of your past experiences do you believe helped you become a great basketball-development coach?

David Thorpe

  (12:42 PM)

Way too many to name. But I had some great college coaches give me lots of love and attention and they hooked me up with a lot of contacts.

Mike (Chicago)

Hey Coach, do you think part of the problem some Bulls fans have of TT is they want him to be Amare/Kemp and he views his skill set closer to Marion?

David Thorpe

  (12:45 PM)

I think they hold him to a silly standard and expect him to be a robot. I'm very pleased with his progress, remember, he's had 3 coaches in 3 years, 2 of them have never coached an NBA team before and 1 was Skiles. Whom TT liked, by the way.

Jake (St. Charles, Mo)

If you could change one rule in the NBA, what would it be? I hate that the timeout takes the ball to half court.

David Thorpe

  (12:45 PM)

3 seconds on defense.

Wolf (Europe)

What is better: a high release or a quick release?

David Thorpe

  (12:46 PM)

Changes with each player and position.

William San Jose, CA

At least one person in San Jose appreciates you. Do you think Brandon Wright could be a decent player in the league?

David Thorpe

  (12:46 PM)

I always have. And thanks.

Ben (San Fran)

Do you ever look at the way Don Nelson handles the younger players and just say WTF? I gotta think that he is one of the coaches that leaves you scratching your head the most. He takes a lot of heat in the Bay Area for the way he seems to mismanage the younger players.

David Thorpe

  (12:46 PM)

Indeed.

Greg (Portland)

Is Dwade already the third best shooting guard ever?

David Thorpe

  (12:46 PM)

No.

john, los angeles

hey Coach, my high school team wants to run the triangle offense because they say it will work better with the personel we have...my question is:HOW DO I TEACH THEM TO RUN IT RIGHT?

David Thorpe

  (12:47 PM)

Break it down into small parts and drill those parts. Pinch post action. Shuffle cuts. Etc.

Travis (DC)

If you claim to be such a great "inspirer," could you please inspire Marc Stein to answer more f&*($)@ questions during his chat???!!

David Thorpe

  (12:48 PM)

I never said I was great. Only that it's my job as a leader of young players. But I will let Marc know. My guess is, nothing will change. His yeoman work on all the other stuff counts far more.

Nick(Tampa)

Do you read other writer's chats?

David Thorpe

  (12:49 PM)

All of them.

Billy Donovan

Thorpedo - why wasn't Speights this good for me? Is he a future All-Star?

David Thorpe

  (12:49 PM)

Maybe you should have played him more than 24 minutes a game. Perhaps he is. I'm not sure yet.

Chad (Las Vegas)

Is there a diluted talent pool in the NBA today, with more teams, than there was 20 years ago?

David Thorpe

  (12:50 PM)

No, there are far more good players.

jay(Fl) [via mobile]

how do you choose which questions to answer?

David Thorpe

  (12:51 PM)

I read the ones I can see without searching and quickly choose based on content.

John (LA)

That wasn't a block by LeBron last night. It was clearly a foul. Could ESPN stop trying to sell it for something it's not. IE. LeBron selling his travel as a crab

David Thorpe

  (12:51 PM)

Definitely a foul.

JEff (DC)

What do u think about Javale McGee?

David Thorpe

  (12:51 PM)

He's got a chance to be good. As opposed to having no chance.

Jonathan (Seattle)

Can you explain what the "pinch post" is? I have a couple friends who are assistant high school coaches, and they've never heard that term before.

David Thorpe

  (12:52 PM)

Google it and then watch the Lakers.

Eddie (Omaha)

Also, let's not forget. Let's NOT forget, Dude... that keeping wildlife, an amphibious rodent, for uh, domestic, you know, within the city... that aint legal either.

David Thorpe

  (12:53 PM)

I'm at a loss...

Rory(Sacramento)

Does Avery Johnson make sense for the Kings?

David Thorpe

  (12:53 PM)

Maybe. They have to pick a direction first.

Joe (Davis)

David, Chicago has way, way to much talent to be as mediocre as they are, right? What the heck is going on up there?

David Thorpe

  (12:54 PM)

Rookie coach, and the trade actually slowed their momentum.

Jake (St. Charles, Mo)

The announcers on ESPN admitted that LeBron's play was a foul.

David Thorpe

  (12:54 PM)

take it from me, it was a bad foul.. not close.

mike, columbus, OH

The Lebron block yesterday was a foul, but the thing that is being a big deal about it is the fact that he didn't give up on the play, and J Rich made a bonehead play trying to show off. Whats that old saying?... "make them earn it at the line"

David Thorpe

  (12:54 PM)

Exactly right.

Justin (LA)

Do you aspire to be Tim Grover? Is he the John Wooden of trainers or has his work with Jordan set his career?

David Thorpe

  (12:55 PM)

I could never be him. I'm a basketball coach, not an exercise/strength specialist.

Travis (DC)

One more post and I can pick up ladies by telling them, "Hey ladies, i got a hat trick of posts answered on David Thorpes chat." Ohhhhhh baby!!

David Thorpe

  (12:56 PM)

I expect you to have some lonely nights coming.

Matt (Cleveland)

Eddie is referring to the Big Lebowski, its a marmot.

David Thorpe

  (12:56 PM)

Ah, thanks. Just saw that movie for the first time last month. The Dude is the best.

Nick(Tampa)

Pinch Post(elbow): Chris Webber a la Kings?

David Thorpe

  (12:56 PM)

Bingo.

eric (la)

why only 1 sentence answers?

David Thorpe

  (12:57 PM)

C'mon Eric, it so simple.

Tobi (NH)

Give us the blockbuster list of free agents hitting the market this offseason

David Thorpe

  (12:57 PM)

I think Chad and John did this a few weeks ago.

mango

what's the worst movie you've ever saw IN THEATRE? i saw "kung pow"...

David Thorpe

  (12:58 PM)

Cocktail (it's better on cable). And the movie about the man-eating plant.

Joe (Davis)

David, Spencer Hawes reminds me increasingly of Mark Blount. Things is Sacramento are looking bleak.

David Thorpe

  (12:58 PM)

I disagree. He's playing better of late, and is just 20 I think.

Adam (Miami)

What do you think will be the most exciting finals matchup? Lakers vs. Cavs or Lakers vs. Boston?

David Thorpe

  (12:59 PM)

Any of the above.

Josh (Atlanta)

What's the best book for understanding the X's and O's of basketball?

David Thorpe

  (1:00 PM)

Read your Dean Smith. And for the spiritual side, read John Cheney.

Scott(OH) [via mobile]

Its one liners cause hes got hundreds of questions and so little time.

David Thorpe

  (1:01 PM)

Right. 900 + today. Thanks everyone. And remember, see you on Monday noon. Have a great weekend and be safe.