ESPN

David Thorpe

  (12:03 PM)

I'm here-sorry for the delay. Thanks for coming today!! Here we go."Ah, it's a profit deal...that takes the pressure off."

Mike (Toronto)

Can we officially remove the bust label from Bargnani, that many were starting to give earlier this season?

David Thorpe

  (12:03 PM)

Yes.

Brian (CA)

Only two teams in the NBA match up well against the Lakers - Portland and Boston.

David Thorpe

  (12:04 PM)

Minus Manu, you could be right. But 44 minutes of LBJ is a different story.

Nate (Columbus, OH)

Thorpopatamus....Who wins the NCAA tournament?

David Thorpe

  (12:05 PM)

I just started watching some college this week. I liked Louisville a week ago. Still do.

Brian (Orlando)

So given his struggles at the end of the season, Calathes really needs to come back to school, right? Could be a good Florida team next season.

David Thorpe

  (12:05 PM)

That's up to him. He's probably a 20-35 pick this year or next. he was a unanimous all-sec 1st team pick. Last games don't overshadow a whole season.

Thorpe Fan

Chat Friday, then Monday again? Someone pinch me I must be dreaming!

David Thorpe

  (12:06 PM)

Thanks man.

Shawn, Los Angeles

Mr. Thorpe....who's performance has been more dominant in the last week, Dwayne Wade or Lebron James?

David Thorpe

  (12:06 PM)

I'm not smart enough for that. Would we all complain about a co-mvp?

Dan (Buffalo, NY)

Thorpedo, 11 of the Cavs' final 16 games are at home. Bad news for the Celtics and their hopes for home-court, right?

David Thorpe

  (12:07 PM)

Right, plus KG's issues don't help.

Will J (Portland, OR)

Why does Portland matchup well against the Lakers, but then get smashed by Atlanta?

David Thorpe

  (12:07 PM)

Young teams tend to have focus issues.

Marc (Malden, MA)

As a pro, Tyler Hansborough = Leon Powe?

David Thorpe

  (12:07 PM)

On his best day. Not the scorer Powe is, I'm afraid.

Steiny (NYC)

Do you think Florida deserved a shot in the tournament?

David Thorpe

  (12:08 PM)

No I don't, but I did not study the whole field. Average team in a bad league.

Josh (Atlanta)

When I bust out my 8-foot rim and have a one man dunk contest, I tend to bang up my wrists pretty bad. Is this not a problem for NBA players?

David Thorpe

  (12:08 PM)

It is.

Kris (Simi Valley, CA)

"The man hates cans!" Always fun to take a stab at the quotes. Thanks.

David Thorpe

  (12:09 PM)

Very impressive stuff Kris. I pulled "The Jerk" from back in the day. "...and that's all I need. I need this!".

Ray (cleveland, ohio)

if cavs have homecourt which i think they will can they win it all?

David Thorpe

  (12:09 PM)

Absolutely.

david (chamberlain, sd)

Thorpedo, The Draft is only a few months away and March madness is upon us.. who do you think will help their draft stock in the tournament the most and who can hurt it?

David Thorpe

  (12:10 PM)

Players that play great for a final 4 team normally help themselves the most. A guy like Wayne Ellington could shoot himself up the charts.

Ray (San Antonio)

Gooden looked pretty good in the Spurs uni against the Rockets this weekend. Doesn't he plus a healthy Manu pose more than a mere threat to the Lakeshow or Boston?

David Thorpe

  (12:11 PM)

I think a healthy Spurs team could easily win it all. But is it possible for them to be 100% healthy?

Randy (St. Paul)

Hey David, are you very high on Thabeet in this years draft? There is just something that scares me about a 7 ft center, with tons of "raw potential" that can't score.

David Thorpe

  (12:12 PM)

I wouldn't draft him with your pick.

Corn (field)

What about NIT players like Stephon Curry - how much do you think he will fall being out of the big dance?

David Thorpe

  (12:12 PM)

No. He was heavily scouted.

Freddy (So Cal)

Thorpedo, if the Blazers had drafted Durant instead of Oden would they be in the Lakers, Cavaliers, Celtics class? and who would be the leader of that team Roy or Durant?

David Thorpe

  (12:13 PM)

Yes, I think they'd be contenders. And who cares about who the leader is?

Frank (RVA)

Maynor from VCU, NBA potential or Europe bound?

David Thorpe

  (12:13 PM)

NBA chances.

joey (ohio)

Why does Dwade get so much love for mvp and lebron and kobe never got that when theyre teams werent good

David Thorpe

  (12:13 PM)

You are out of your mind. Next, you'll suggest that LBJ does not get any pub.

Jason (NYC)

I'm playing in a Y league for the first time in years, and I'm having trouble hitting angled shots on the move. Any tips from the master?

David Thorpe

  (12:14 PM)

Try to get your angle of movement going towards the rim. That will help your finishing a great deal.

TD (chicago)

Thorpedo - Was Mario Chalmers the steal of the draft? Also, is Rose's defense a real detraction? it is beyond bad.

David Thorpe

  (12:15 PM)

Could be Lopez. Or Mbah Moute.

Ernie (VA)

Is Tapscott ruining the future development of Washington's young players? For a former head of player development, I can't ever recall seeing someone so hamfisted with developing young players.

David Thorpe

  (12:17 PM)

Truthfully, I always wonder about "player develpment" guys in the NBA. I get knocked by NBA guys for not being raised up through the NBA, but in reality, going through the high school rnaks is much tougher. If you don't develop your guys at that level, you lose, period. No trades or draft picks, unless you are at Oak Hill.

Zack (Akron, OH)

Thorpe...I'm going to the Cavs-Magic game tomorrow. Any predictions?

David Thorpe

  (12:18 PM)

Big fun.

Damien (St. John's, NL, Canada)

Who do you consider the best "off hand" finishers in the NBA?

David Thorpe

  (12:18 PM)

Boozer. Maybe LBJ now.

Rocko (NY)

Will Ben Gordon be a Chicago Bull next season?

David Thorpe

  (12:19 PM)

I have no idea. But i doubt he'll get the same offers he got last year.

mendel (fl)

thorpish! there is a constant debate as to whether spoelstra should start beasely over an ailing haslem or bring him off the bench. i know its good to have someone on the bench to score but looking towards next year wouldnt it be smart to get wade and beasley as comftorable with each other as possible?

David Thorpe

  (12:19 PM)

Spoelstra is terrific, I will not second guess him.

PT (Indy)

"Good Lord -- I've heard about this ... cat juggling!" You know, I have this theory -- that The Jerk was forefather to all the stupid (and hilarious) Will Ferrell-type comedies today. Without Navin Johnson, we don't have Ricky Bobby or Ron Burgundy. Thoughts?

David Thorpe

  (12:20 PM)

I think most people would suggest the same thing.

Terry (Madison)

Ask Scottie Pippen who cares who the leader is.

David Thorpe

  (12:20 PM)

I will, just as soon as I recover from the headache I got from the glare off his 6 rings.

Ray (San Antonio)

Who get's the Thorpe vote for COY? I personally lean toward Sloan and Pop for taking two injury plagued teams and keeping them afloat and real threats to win in the playoffs in the coming months.

David Thorpe

  (12:21 PM)

SVG.

Randy (St. Paul)

Do you think Rodney Carney could be a rotation guy for a good team? Whenever he gets playing time, he has played pretty well.

David Thorpe

  (12:21 PM)

It's possible. But I've never been much of a fan.

Barry (Winston Salem, NC)

Do the Warriors have any hope of competing in the next couple years? In your opinion, is the talent there to build on? Thanks for the time, really enjoy your chats.

David Thorpe

  (12:22 PM)

Yes they do, and they have some assets to move.

Dan (NYC)

D Lee is another great off-hand finisher.

David Thorpe

  (12:22 PM)

Without doubt.

Damien (St. John's, NL, Canada)

Any chance you can write an article sometime on who in the NBA right now are potential HOF players? Maybe break down by age -- surething older guys like Duncan, Kidd, etc; middle aged guys like Kobe; and the younger crew that are on the path like LBJ, Wade, Paul, etc. Would be a great article!

David Thorpe

  (12:23 PM)

The more interesting aspect would be to look at guys that are not shoo-ins.

Dale (Cleveland)

SVG? Do you even bother to watch the NBA or do you get your info from the PTI?

David Thorpe

  (12:24 PM)

Really? You really think anyone could take that team to the brink of a #1 seed?

Jeff (Davie)

What chance would the Heat have in a second round match-up with the Cavs?

David Thorpe

  (12:24 PM)

Dude, get past the Hawks first.

Andrew (Boston, MA)

Nate Robinson for 6th man of the year? Agree or disagree. He has been massive in the 4th quarter in the second half of the season. When he went cold for an 8 game stretch, they almost lost every game. Without him the Knicks are one of the 4 worst teams in the league.

David Thorpe

  (12:25 PM)

I think he is a strong contender.

Pagel, Wadsworth

What is the biggest adjustment player need to make from College to pro . Both on and off court?

David Thorpe

  (12:26 PM)

College guys play too fast and think too slow, and no one is scheduling their entire day.

mendel (fl)

I just noticed how nice your hair looks in your picture. Almost a little too nice. Is it real?

David Thorpe

  (12:26 PM)

It's real, and it's spectacular. Thanks to Grandpa Sampson.

steve battle creek mi

my son is 10 and is the "big" man on his team. he seems to "float" and not always be aggresive as he can. what can i do to help his aggresiveness?

David Thorpe

  (12:27 PM)

Have him work woth you on grabbing the ball out of your hands. And have him push you around some for fun. But don't fret, he has time to grow fangs.

Terry (Madison)

You have the best chats. Most guys wouldnt answer a question about hair.

David Thorpe

  (12:28 PM)

You and i know why.

david (chamberlain, sd)

It would be a dream to get in a chat twice.. would it be a smart move for Gerald Henderson and Kyle Singler to take on the draft this year or go the full 4 years like Reddick?

David Thorpe

  (12:29 PM)

Henderson has to go-probably a top 15 guy. Kyle can stay.

Milo (Oakland)

Anthony Randolph is such a breath of fresh air in an otherwise terrible Warriors season. Hope you've watched him in this last month. He's playing so much smarter with the same energy and athleticism that made him so alluring at the beginning of the season. What do you think?

David Thorpe

  (12:29 PM)

I think what I have always thought-top 3 talent in this class.

Zack (Akron, OH)

"Big fun" - Thanks for that amazing insight.

David Thorpe

  (12:31 PM)

Do you wanme to describe how Cleveland is going to "Blue" Orlando's ballscreens, except when Lewis is involved?

JD Minny

Oh, this is the best pizza in a cup ever!I watched a lil of USC recently, what are your thoughts on DeRozan?

David Thorpe

  (12:31 PM)

Have not seen him-will watch this weel for sure.

Marc, Charlotte

Is Rashad McCants ever going to get a chance?

David Thorpe

  (12:32 PM)

You mena, any more channces? I suppose so.

Kyle (Chicago)

I just watched a top 100 Vince Carter dunks mix tape on youtube. There is no question, Vince Carter is the best dunker to ever play the game...right?

Josh (Atlanta)

Is there any truth to the belief that NBA players don't play hard?

David Thorpe

  (12:32 PM)

Some do, some don't.

Terry (Madison)

In the post Jordan era, who has been the best player in the NBA? I vote for Duncan.

David Thorpe

  (12:33 PM)

Me too.

Tom (Boston)

As a coach, do you treat superstars different than non-stars? I've had coaches tell me they get more on their stars because by doing so it sends a message to everyone.

David Thorpe

  (12:33 PM)

Depends on the players.

Steiny (NYC)

Drinking a lot of green beer tomorrow night?

David Thorpe

  (12:33 PM)

None. I've had 4 bottles of beer since 1992.

Matt: (Cleveland, OH)

Now you have to tell us what "Blue" the ballscreens means because it will bother me all day.

David Thorpe

  (12:34 PM)

Exactly-which is why I wrote "big fun".

Randy (St. Paul)

Do you think Ty Lawson can be a good NBA point guard? I know he might not be spectacular, but he makes that team run.

David Thorpe

  (12:35 PM)

I'm not sure. It's possible, but not close to a guarantee.

mendel (fl)

I remember my high school coaching constantly yelling "Rest on offense, work on defense!" Good advice or crazy man who liked to scream?

David Thorpe

  (12:35 PM)

Moron who probably lost a lot.

Jason (NYC)

This may earn me a ban, but I gotta ask: Who's the second starting forward in your top 5 players... We got Kareem in the middle. We got Magic and Michael at the guards. We got Larry Legend at one F. Is it Timmy? Is it Bron? Someone else?

David Thorpe

  (12:36 PM)

Timmy D it is.

Jeff (NJ)

What do you think of Johnnie Flynn? He makes great decisions with the ball but I hope NBA teams aren't worried about his size.

David Thorpe

  (12:36 PM)

I love him, but yes, size is a concern.

Alexander (Dallas)

The best player in the post Jordan era has been Shaq

David Thorpe

  (12:36 PM)

He's #2 for me.

IDale (cleveland)

It means they will switch, except for Lewis, where they will fight over the screen, because of his 3pt abillity.. Do you need any more help Davey?

David Thorpe

  (12:37 PM)

Bzzzz. Thanks for playing.

Rocko (NY)

What's the best offensive scheme in basketball today?

David Thorpe

  (12:37 PM)

D'Antoni's.

Marc, Charlotte

True or False, Danny Green has a similar skill set to Danny Granger?

David Thorpe

  (12:37 PM)

False.

Nate (Madison)

My college coach basically said the faster you run down on offense or defense the greater the opportunity you'll get to relax for a second or two.

David Thorpe

  (12:38 PM)

He assumed that the other team is lazy. That's a mistake.

Chris (LA)

Hey David! Love your stuff. Best chats on the net....What do you make of Josh Powell of the Lakers? Good player? Bench warmer? Barely hanging on? Have the Lakers found another solid bench mob member?

David Thorpe

  (12:39 PM)

He trained with me after college. He's a capable backup.

BGleas (Baltimore)

Did you see that Charlie Villanueva sent a "tweet" on Twitter during halftime of their game Sunday against Boston?

David Thorpe

  (12:39 PM)

Really? Wow. I know players who check their phone at half, but that's a bit much.

Hrvoje (Croatia)

Hi! I'm a sportswriter from Croatia, and just wanted to say love your work. What do you think about our player rookie Roko Ukiand#263; from Toronto?

David Thorpe

  (12:40 PM)

Thanks. The Raps like him more than I do. Sorry.

Nathan (Boston)

Should the west's 3-8 be considered or left out in the NBA Title discussion?

David Thorpe

  (12:41 PM)

Left out.

Shaq (Miami)

The Big Aristotle does not approve of Thorpe's choice for COY!

David Thorpe

  (12:41 PM)

Indeed. And the COY does not like my choice for #2 player after the Jordan era.

Matt (Houston)

LBJ would do better in Jordans era than Jordan would today. And I'll tell you why. Next time an nba game from the late 80's early 90's is on espn classic, make it a point to look how in shape the average player is. They had fat, pudgy guys running around using their size and weight as an advantage. Lebron would weigh just as much but be twice as fast. He is a physical freak now, he would've been unstoppable back then. There are more athletic, rangy players now that could've slowed down Michael more effectively, even with the hand check rule.

David Thorpe

  (12:42 PM)

Did you stay up all night coming up with that?

john (orlando, fl)

should the magic be left out?

David Thorpe

  (12:43 PM)

Without Nelson, I don't think they can win it all.

John Hollinger (ESPN)

It's hard to talk about hair when you don't....

David Thorpe

  (12:43 PM)

Don't sweat it John, with your brain and wit, who needs hair!!

Mike (Indy)

Could you imagine if Dajuan Blair was about 3-4in taller.

David Thorpe

  (12:44 PM)

Ouch babe.

Younger (Los Angeles, CA)

Hey Thorpe,Have you seen Rodman on the Celebrity Apprentice? Too funny. Yesterday was vintage Rodman how he decided not to show up to the challenge. LOL. Trump called him out asking if he would do that to MJ or PJ and he said yes. Too funny.

David Thorpe

  (12:45 PM)

Celebrity Apprentice? Never heard of it. Is that like a show I read about, "Surreal Life"?

Paul, (O.C. California)

"Minus Manu, you could be right. But 44 minutes of LBJ is a different story."Hmmm... LBJ has had horrible games against L.A. this year.Horrible shooting, no flow in offense and bad interior defense. His perimeter defense was great though.

David Thorpe

  (12:45 PM)

So you are suggesting that the Cavs can not beat the Lakers in a 7 game series. I'm not.

CJ (los Angeles, ca)

You are the worst at this, and y everything you predict dose not come true, you are horrible at this, stick to high school

David Thorpe

  (12:46 PM)

I will give that serious consideration.

David Thorpe

  (12:47 PM)

Ok, I decided, I'm going to stick it out with espn.

Josh (Atlanta)

True or False: Lebron will never be a good enough shooter to justify taking perimeter shots on a regular basis.

David Thorpe

  (12:47 PM)

False.

Kevin (Richmond, VA)

Is Eric Maynor a top 20 draft pick?

David Thorpe

  (12:47 PM)

Doubt it.

Jon (SLC, UT)

So DT, I heard you on espnradio over the weekend. You're answers to the questions on the radio were long and analytical. We're lucky to get 7 words in response to a chat question. Just curious, but why the difference in style on the airwaves?

David Thorpe

  (12:48 PM)

I'm not being interviewed here, just chatting.

Maue (Albany)

True or False, Lebrons career is halfway over due to the sheer amount of minutes he has played since coming out of high school regardless of his age

David Thorpe

  (12:48 PM)

false.

Nimesh (Orlando)

Its funny, that you say the Magic can't will it all without Jameer. Not to long ago people said they couldn't win with Jameer now the irony is that they can't win without him. Add one more thing to the list of things the Magic have to prove you morons wrong.

David Thorpe

  (12:49 PM)

2 months ago, I wrote that Orlando was now a favorite.

JimmyZ (PHX, AZ)

Hi David, What happened to good nicknames like blue edwards? mailman etc... now we have lame-o initials like LBJ, SVG, or lame initials/jersey #'s like CP3

David Thorpe

  (12:50 PM)

There is Iceman, Magic, then everyone else.

Craig (Indy)

DT, who is the third best player in the post-Jordan era?

David Thorpe

  (12:50 PM)

Kobe.

Steve, Cleveland

What does 'just chatting' mean exactly? It seems cop-out to not have to put much thought into this, a complete disservice to your readers. I can't believe for a second there aren't legitimate questions that you could provide insight to instead of CJ's rants.

David Thorpe

  (12:51 PM)

I could, but I choose not to. I'd rather keep things popping.

Jason (NYC)

If you could get Kwame, Darko, and any other athletic big, who hasn't lived up to the hype for whatever reason, into your gym, do you think you could help them? Is it possible to rebuild a shattered ego this late in a career?

David Thorpe

  (12:51 PM)

Darko still has a chance, I think.

Derrick (Boston)

You said, "But 44 minutes of LBJ is a different story."Fact check: LBJ's Cavs are 0-2 against the Lakers this season. Hype much?

David Thorpe

  (12:52 PM)

C'mon Derrick. Wake up dude.

Brian (Jersey)

Im not a fan of either team, but hearing these Laker fans talk so confidently based on two games, makes me so badly want to see a Cavs-Lakers finals where LBJ lays down the hammer on L.A.

David Thorpe

  (12:53 PM)

I'm getting there too. except cavs fans are just as whiny (not all of them!!).

Muayad(NYC)

Should the Lakers be worried if they meet Portland in the second round? or are the playoffs a completely different story?

David Thorpe

  (12:53 PM)

A completely different story.

Martin LA CA

Thank you for making monday suck less than usual

David Thorpe

  (12:54 PM)

My pleasure. Sorry i can't please everybody.

Amil htown [via mobile]

What do think of Aaron brooks?

David Thorpe

  (12:54 PM)

Me likey.

Cosmo (Anytown, USA)

As a high school player, I had the chance to attend a John Chaney led, 4-hr Temple practice. It was amazing how much I learned in those 4 hours. Chaney was amazing. Who is the best basketball "teacher" you have ever been around?

David Thorpe

  (12:55 PM)

RC Buford. Lon Kruger.

Terry (Madison)

Is there a chat on wednesday too?

David Thorpe

  (12:55 PM)

Nope, sorry. Back nexrt week at my regular time.

John Hollinger (ESPN)

In response to Derrick from Boston: 2 games is a very small sample size. The results from two games is far more likely to be a random outcome than signs of a long-term pattern.

David Thorpe

  (12:56 PM)

Exactly, but you may have to explain the term "sample size".

Nate (Raleigh)

The Cavs were 2-0 against the Spurs in the 07 regular season...made a big difference in the finals...

David Thorpe

  (12:56 PM)

Thanks.

Michael (NYC)

Most underrated player in the NBA right now?

David Thorpe

  (12:57 PM)

Parker?

Eugene (LA)

What do you think about Leon Powe's recent play? Potential 18/8 player with KG gone and enough playing time?

David Thorpe

  (12:58 PM)

I'm not sure he's a long time starter, but he's great at this role.

Jason (NYC)

Tony or Anthony?

David Thorpe

  (12:59 PM)

Tony-he's even better than people realize.

Kevin MN

Al Jefferson is the most underated player in the league. He is 9th in PER and didn't even make the All-Star Team!

David Thorpe

  (1:00 PM)

You could be right.

Tom (Boston)

To follow up on my question of treating players differently: When you say depends on the player then are you saying depends if the player can take it?

David Thorpe

  (1:00 PM)

Yes, and who the teammates are makes a difference too.

Chris (LA)

No question - just comment. Your chats are the best - unbiased and free flowing. Thank you for the insight (albeit brief) and for making Monday a bit better...

David Thorpe

  (1:01 PM)

Thanks Chris. I'm trying to make things fun and (mildly) informative. Have a great week everyone and I'll see you in 10 days. Be safe.