David Thorpe

  (12:02 PM)

It's been over a week since we've chatted, so I'm well-rested and ready to go. At least for one more session. Then I'm off for another week to spend time with my family during spring break. So let's get in as many questions as possible. I've got Bellini's "I Puritani" playing, so it's all good. "Peter, I'm a pediatrician. Have you noticed you are sitting on a fire truck?"

Wes (North CA)

I am trying to remember how awesome Grant Hill was before all the ankle injuries. Do you remember?

David Thorpe

  (12:02 PM)

Best player in the world good.

David (Italy) [via mobile]

Does SVG have a point about Ewing?

David Thorpe

  (12:03 PM)

No.

millz from ny [via mobile]

Ok I know is early to ask this question but who do you think should be the number 1 draft pick inthis years nba draft.

David Thorpe

  (12:03 PM)

Griffin is easily the class of the class.

Nick (SLC)

Which players do you think benefit most from having certain teammates around them or playing in a certain system? For example, Shawn Marion's production has seen a big drop-off without Nash and the up-tempo system. Ronnie Brewer has played much better with a healthy Deron Williams.

David Thorpe

  (12:03 PM)

Every player who plays with an excellent passing pg benefits.

Steve, Nashville

Thorpedo... Shaq say that Alligators are ornery because they got all them teeth but no toothbrush... Shaq also say that happiness is from magic rays of sunshine that come down when you?re feeling blue.

David Thorpe

  (12:04 PM)

C'mon, those are classic Waterboy lines that would have been featured on future chats.!!

Kris (Simi Valley, CA)

Just saw "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" this weekend. Great movie. I'm starting to worry about the Spurs. They seem to be blowing leads in the closing seconds instead of winning them. Manu, where are you?

David Thorpe

  (12:05 PM)

Yes. And yes, the team has lost its' footing, and it's not always easy to regain it.

Davontea Chicago, IL

Is there any chance of dwyane wade and blake griffin teaming up in the NBA?

David Thorpe

  (12:05 PM)

No.

Darren (Chicago,IL) [via mobile]

In two years can you see Derrick Rose being as good as a player like Chris Paul or even Deron Williams?

David Thorpe

  (12:05 PM)

Probably one (small) step below them.

Brendan (Pittsfield, MA)

Thorpedo!! Have you been following the madness? If so, which prospects have impressed you the most so far? Also, do you think the Bulls will try to move Deng this summer? I had to sneak one Bulls question in!

David Thorpe

  (12:06 PM)

I've been impressed with Johnny Flynn (Syr) and Matt Bouldin from Gonzaga. Griffin too.

Mike (CT)

Forgetting Sarah Marshall. David, a lot of NBA guys think that this upcoming draft will be weak in picks 3-15. Am I crazy to think it might turn out to be a good draft? Thanks.

David Thorpe

  (12:07 PM)

You are not crazy, a lot can happen over this next year. Players should improve a great deal.

Chicago Illinois [via mobile]

Do you think Wade can do enough before the season ends to win mvp?

David Thorpe

  (12:07 PM)

I don't.

Mo Ginsberg

How about some love for Arenas. One of the more special talents in the league with no offensive weakness including being one of the best cluth performers in the league. Seems as if no one remembers, I'm glad he's back... if for nothing else to get away from the Bron Bron hype... thanks Dave!

David Thorpe

  (12:08 PM)

The league is far more interesting when Agent 0 is playing.

Mike, Cleveland

Where does Tyler Hansbrough go in the draft, or does he even go? I personally think he would be a stiff in the NBA

David Thorpe

  (12:08 PM)

Late first, as of now, at best.

Nick (Fayetteville NC) [via mobile]

Im not saying he isnt, but what makes Tim Duncan a better PF than either KG, Karl Malone, Barkley, Kevin Mchale

David Thorpe

  (12:09 PM)

He's a bit better at almost everything. Teammate, finisher, post defender, passer, etc.

Terry (Madison)

How's your bracket doing? Who do you have in the final four?

David Thorpe

  (12:09 PM)

Didn't do one. But I think Syracuse can be special.

Marc Twain (Beyond the grave)

Can anyone at ESPN get Hollinger to put the Excel sheets down when analyzing basketball? There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics.

David Thorpe

  (12:10 PM)

For all of you out there who think like Twain, I'll remind you that old school scouting is as dead as...well, Mr. Twain. Embrace the changes!!

Hank (Berkeley)

Could a big man rotation of Hawes, Thompson, and Griffin be one of the best in the league by 2012?

David Thorpe

  (12:10 PM)

Could be, yes.

Rafael 28 sf

I'm starting a website call lbj is ooovvveeerrraaated!!! R u in

David Thorpe

  (12:11 PM)

I am ooouuuttt!

Terry (Madison)

Do you follow other sports or just basketball?

David Thorpe

  (12:11 PM)

I'm pretty fond of the local Marlins team of 7-8 year olds.

Ted (LA, CA)

Hey, David good stuff. From your training and coaching experience, what program would recommend for general increase in strength and explosiveness(e.g vertical leap). Appreciate your input

David Thorpe

  (12:12 PM)

I don't of any single one. Hit me up on facebook or email and I'll send you someone's name that does.

Jai (Nashville, TN)

Do you plan to watch Nadal/Federer in Key Biscayne next week?

David Thorpe

  (12:12 PM)

Nope.

Dan (Buffalo, NY)

Thorpedo, does Mike Brown have a decent shot at COY?

David Thorpe

  (12:12 PM)

I think he might.

DJ (Chi)

David, Joakim is starting to turn it up and look like a legit starting nba center. What is he doing well and what does he need to improve on?

David Thorpe

  (12:13 PM)

He gets his hands on so many basketballs, and races everywhere. Improved free throws and a better plan inside will help.

Bottleman

Basketball is a lot like surfing, if you got bit by a shark would you give up surfing?

David Thorpe

  (12:14 PM)

I'd certainly quit surfing around sharks, if that's what you mean.

David (Chamberlain SD)

What are the chances of Gerald Henderson going to the draft after this year and where would he go in the draft if Duke makes the Final 4?

David Thorpe

  (12:14 PM)

I'd guess he'll declare and be a top 15 choice.

Sam (NY)

Who has a better chance of making the playoffs sooner, Thunder or Wizards?

David Thorpe

  (12:15 PM)

Wiz, if healthy, partly because the west is still a deeper conference.

Billy (New Haven)

David, I read the article about Nate Miles,the UConn recruit who got kicked out of school. It said that he trained with your guys at IMG. Did you ever see him?

David Thorpe

  (12:17 PM)

I worked him out once to kind of evaluate him. But he had some type of bone spur issue. He had real talent, but obviously some issues off the court. And for the record, the guys everyone is jumping on, Josh Nochimson, was always incredibly nice and professional with me.

Rob (Baltimore)

Hey Thorpedo, just wanted to note that my Nittany Lions ousted your Gators from the NIT last night. Any of those Nittany Lions NBA prospects in your eyes?

David Thorpe

  (12:17 PM)

Not sure, but I wasn't upset. Danny Morrison has been a student of ours for 2 years.

Dyami (Los Angeles)

David update us on your R.O.Y thoughts, I think Rose has clearly pulled away from the pack over this past week. Some of us over at Blog a Bulls think you have a little hate in your heart for D Rose!!! Is this his race to lose?

David Thorpe

  (12:19 PM)

Hate? He's been in my top 3 for more weeks than any other rookie. I still see this as a 3 horse race with Lopez and Westbrook, and I'm concerned about his wrist.

Don (DC)

Love the chats! Going to test your coaching acumen. What coach makes the Wizards better next year?

David Thorpe

  (12:19 PM)

Eddie Jordan.

Paul

Why not rename the NIT the race for 66th place? Does anyone care?

David Thorpe

  (12:20 PM)

The students and fans of the schools do. If you don't like it, then don't watch. But leave them alone.

Jordan (Chino Hills,CA)

You got a twitter?

David Thorpe

  (12:20 PM)

No, strictly facebook. Should I start tweeting?

Berntoy. Philippines [via mobile]

How do the celtics feel about facing lebron and kobe in the playoffs this year? Do they have enough to contain lbj and kobe?

David Thorpe

  (12:21 PM)

Sure they do. But each would be a huge and tough battle.

Daniel (Broadalbin, NY)

Orlando Playoffs, I feel depend on Courtney Lee. He has been incredible for a late round draft pick.

David Thorpe

  (12:21 PM)

Yes he has, and he'll only get much, much better.

Chris (Hacienda Heights, CA)

When will we know for sure if Ricky Rubio is coming to the NBA this summer? And if he is, do you think there is a chance he'll jump past Griffin as the #1 pick?

David Thorpe

  (12:22 PM)

I think in the next few months they'll agree on a buyout. But I don't expect him to rise up to #1.

Terry (Madison)

If you were a GM and could have any of this years rookies which one would you take?

David Thorpe

  (12:22 PM)

Lopez or Rose, probably.

Matt (Iowa)

Are you ever wrong?

David Thorpe

  (12:23 PM)

Yes, I didn't expect Mayo to be so good right out of the blocks. That's one of a thousand times, by the way, that I've been wrong. You?

Mike (Chicago)

Hey Coach, is John Salmons proving to be a better fit in Chicago's system than Deng?

David Thorpe

  (12:24 PM)

Probably, which was predictable.

Alex- Chicago, IL

David, I'm a huge fan of your work and your chats- thanks again for coming on. I know that you have worked with Luol Deng, and was wondering if you could offer any insight into why he was so ineffective this year(even prior to injury) and what he can do become the player he was so close to being just 2 seasons ago. He's tentative, doesn't seem to understand or fit the new system(or even how to play with Rose), he's signed long term and now with Salmons and Gordon playing so well, if he doesn't pull it together, he's a $71million dollar bench ornament. Please help out a lot of concerned fans....

David Thorpe

  (12:26 PM)

I put these 2 questions together. I'll just address this once. Look at the gamelogs. Deng was Chicago's best player from 12/1-1/31, before he got the stress fracture. He was amazing in January, averaging 17.5 and 8.3 on 50% shooting. 5 double-doubles in 10 games. The new system did not fit him at all, but he and they adjusted to it after 6 weeks or so. That being said, Salmons is a better one on one player off the dribble, as of today. He's 5 years older too. I expect Deng to be traded, but I've heard the Bulls owners like him too much, so who knows what will happen?

Jon (SLC, UT)

DT, what is your favorite non-fiction basketball book out there?

David Thorpe

  (12:28 PM)

Too many to list, but "My Losing Season" was really special to me. Partly because my dad is a Citadel grad.

Alex (Orlando, FL)

Who do you foresee be the upcoming drafts "Courtney Lee". Also, is Brandon Roy-lite shooting too high for Courtney's ceiling?

David Thorpe

  (12:28 PM)

Actually, B Roy is who I had C Lee study last spring and summer. I think Wayne Ellington can play like Lee, Henderson too.

Marc, Charlotte

If Wayne Ellington's draft stock rising?

David Thorpe

  (12:29 PM)

Oh yea.

Steve (Ithaca)

I don't know much about Twitter, but I do know that it's perfect for your style. A Nash to your Marion, so to speak.

David Thorpe

  (12:29 PM)

Well put.

Glenn (Memphis, TN)

What can change a losing culture to a winning culture. Can the Grizzlies ever get what it takes?

David Thorpe

  (12:29 PM)

it starts with coaching, so yes, it can happen.

Jamal (Providence, RI) [via mobile]

Give Steph Curry some love, kid is crafty and can score, what do u think his ceiling is??

David Thorpe

  (12:30 PM)

Top 5 pick, and D Will as a pro.

Tim (new york)

you know, it's amazing to me that people turn to you and even hire you for insight. Unless you are pruposely being aloof and unresponsive, you offer so little intellectual analysis that you should probably stop doing these chats. it shows you for someone who offers no more perspective than an unresponsive dad sitting on the couch and pretending like he is watching a game with his kid.

David Thorpe

  (12:31 PM)

You could be right, or perhaps you lack the intelligence to gain the insight that I'm giving.

Marc, Charlotte

David, What are your thoughts on the recent articles stating that Roy Williams is trying to shield Ed Davis from the draft?

David Thorpe

  (12:31 PM)

Could be true, it's happened before.

Rangu (New Dehli)

Dear Mr. Thorpe, please answer a question from yours truly. Whom do you think the Celtics would prefer to play of the two Bulls and Pistons. This is also taking into consideration the worrying injuries that the Boston have. Thank you and God Bless.

David Thorpe

  (12:32 PM)

They probably prefer Detroit. Bulls have some firepower, especially if Deng returns.

Jake (Sacramento)

As a Kings fan, I think I would rather have them draft Rubio, especially after seeing Beno and the rejects for a whole season. Is Griffin so much better that even a team in desperate need of a PG would take him instead?

David Thorpe

  (12:32 PM)

Yes.

Ryan(toronto)

David love the chats brotha, Yesterday Chad Ford said Lebron is the bets played in the league since the jordan Era, i think thats obviously wrong, who would you give it to

David Thorpe

  (12:33 PM)

Chad is right.

Ernie (Henrico)

Eric Maynor looked pretty good in VCU's loss to UCLA, what sort of pro future do you see for him?

David Thorpe

  (12:33 PM)

I have him rated as my 2nd best pg.

Zack (Akron, OH)

David, I want to apologize. Last week I asked you for predictions for the Cavs-Magic game and you said "big fun." You were right.

David Thorpe

  (12:34 PM)

See, I'm not so dumb.

Tom (Atlanta)

Coach, I was reading the comments from your boy Mike Moreau's chat and he got blasted, stupidly, from some moron who claimed he's not really a coach. Considering that you have a similar job as both a player developer and a writer, do you consider yourself a coach too?

David Thorpe

  (12:36 PM)

Let me write, first, that no greater compliment has ever been said to me than when a player I respect calls me "coach". I never take that for granted. It's my second favorite word after "daddy". I love coaching young people, and don't really care that some team coaches look down on people like Mike and myself. In fact, I don't care at all. And for the record, with my life on the line and the talent on both sides equal, I'd choose a Mike Moreau coached team over 90% of the head coaches in the NBA.

Jake (Sacramento)

To follow up, if the Kings end up with Griffin at #1 and they take a PG with their second 1st rounder, would a guy like Maynor, Collison, or Teague be an improvement over the crap they have now?

David Thorpe

  (12:37 PM)

Don't know about Collison or Teague, but Maynor definitely would be. But he won't be there in the 20's, will he?

Rocko (NY)

Reggie Miller said Tyrus Thomas SHOULD be able to get 10 blocks in a game off athleticism alone. Do you agree?

David Thorpe

  (12:38 PM)

Second dumbest thing I've heard or seen all year-the dumbest was the comment made in ESPN's Magazine that a college team could beat a bad NBA team. Please.

evan (st.paul)

Any chance for Kevin Love for Rookie of the year? he is a double double machine!!

David Thorpe

  (12:38 PM)

He has an outside chance at best.

Brian (Baltimore)

David, I wanted to respond to the people hating on your chat style. I used to hate it too, but now I find it aggravating when other chatters answer 8 question in 45 minutes. Keep up the good work!

David Thorpe

  (12:39 PM)

Thanks Brian.

Martin (Richmond, VA)

Stephen Curry is NOT going to be Deron Williams as a pro. Williams is a point guard -- Curry is a shooting guard who doesn't have true point guard instincts. Kid can shoot the lights out but he's never going to average 18 & 10 in the pros like D-Will is doing. Not to mention that Williams is bigger and stronger. Curry is going to have major problems defensively. I see Curry as a nice 6th man type who can provide scoring punch off the bench. There's a reason why Davidson was a lot better last year than they were this year -- Jason Richards is a PG -- Curry is not.

David Thorpe

  (12:40 PM)

if memory serves, Dee Brown dominated the ball a lot at Illinois.

mike (akron)

better movie; Commando or Total Recall?

David Thorpe

  (12:40 PM)

TR, not even close.

Ronnie (philly)

you thought highly of thad young last year...have you seen him lately? i believe he's averaging about 22 points per game over the last 16 contests. What do you think now?

David Thorpe

  (12:40 PM)

He's very talented and still has a huge upside despite already playing well.

Chris (Boston)

Dave, if you enjoyed Forgetting Sarah Marshall, give I Love You Man a shot. Good story about how you don't have to lose your life once you get engaged/married. Really a story all men should see.

David Thorpe

  (12:41 PM)

Can't wait to see it.

Larry, Walnut Creek, CA

Do you think Denver would ever trade Melo?

David Thorpe

  (12:41 PM)

Yes I do.

Edward (Cambridge, MA)

Yes David, scouting has changed for the better. But Hollinger's approach to statistics is facile. I wish you guys would stop trying to promote his approach as superior, or pretend that going to a conference at MIT is the same as graduating from there.

David Thorpe

  (12:41 PM)

As I've always said, using stats must be part of the overall, but is not the whole.

Chris(Cali)

I agree that Bron has the potential to go down as the best player since the Jordan era....but if he retired today you couldnt place him over Shaq, Duncan, and Kobe.

David Thorpe

  (12:42 PM)

You are probably right. I was thinking about wings and I do think LBJ is better than Kobe ever was for one season. But Shaq and TD were better.

Paul (Oak Park, IL)

Some have said Curry would be great in D'Antoni's system. I can imagine him just planted at the 3-point line waiting for a drive and dish. Wow.

David Thorpe

  (12:43 PM)

Not just in that system. He can excel in a halfcourt game too.

Don (Chino Hills, CA)

Jon Brockman = a small Kevin Love Darren Collison = Earl Watson Am I correct?

David Thorpe

  (12:43 PM)

Dude, you lost me at Brockman.

David (St Paul, MN)

You really think the Thunder could simply cakewalk every No 1. seed in the NCAA tourney? Note: I'm assuming that the rulebook is some happy compromise between NCAA and NBA variants. I think the games would be competitive.

David Thorpe

  (12:45 PM)

Hmmm, Westbrook made the Final 4. So did Green and Collison. Durant destroyed the NCAA. All are infinitely better than they were. Do the math.

Anoop Hollywood, CA

What's you take on Ameican Idol?

David Thorpe

  (12:45 PM)

Never seen it.

Steve (Detroit, MI)

Dave, have you been watching Rodney Stuckey lately? Is he the real deal or what? I used to think so but but he's playing bad as of late.

David Thorpe

  (12:46 PM)

I was not impressed in a game I saw recently.

Ray (San Antonio)

How do people not get it Thorpe? Every person on an NBA team (even a bad one) has NBA talent at 1-12, is bigger and stronger than the 1-2 guys on an NCAA team that MIGHT have NBA talent in the future.

David Thorpe

  (12:46 PM)

It's also important to factor in game intelligence and savvy. Older guys tend to be much, much smarter, as well as stronger.

Brad (UT)

Don't you think Monta Ellis is a better Steph Curry comparison than Deron Williams? One's a gazelle, the other's a bulldog.

David Thorpe

  (12:47 PM)

My comparison for Curry is a taller version of Mike Bibby, without any of the baggage.

Todd Yang, Palinville, Alaska

Does it work for the Bulls to play Salmons at SG and Deng at SF if Gordon blows town next year?

David Thorpe

  (12:48 PM)

In theory, yes. But Salmons at 2 worries me.

Dwight (PA)

Question: Which kind of bear is best?

David Thorpe

  (12:48 PM)

A sleeping one. Thanks for asking.

Mo (Houston, TX)

I don't see pure point guard when I watch Derrick Rose. Do you?

David Thorpe

  (12:49 PM)

Not at all. But give him time. And who cafes anyway? The idea is to be an effective pg, not a pure one.

Cosmo (Anytown, USA)

LBJ is still getting better (super scary). How long before he reaches his zenith?

David Thorpe

  (12:50 PM)

I'd guess 4-6 years.

Chris(Cali)

Better athlete Rose or Westbrook?

David Thorpe

  (12:50 PM)

Westbrook wins that, Rose is more skilled.

Jeff (NYC)

Bosh or Blake Griffin?

David Thorpe

  (12:51 PM)

Bosh.

Matt ( Bristol, VA)

Mr. Thorpe, i am a devout Cavs fan, and i, like many, think that this season is coming down to a Cleveland Vs. Lakers Finals. However, as much hope as i have for them, i see the lack of interior defensive presence being our achiles heel and will ultimately result in an LA title. Not to mention they've swept us in the regular season. is there any hope?

David Thorpe

  (12:51 PM)

Don't get too caught up in the regular season. I think it would be a great series.

Cosmo (Anytown, USA)

Follow up and ban risk... If LBJ gets better for the next 4 years, will he be the best ever?

David Thorpe

  (12:52 PM)

It's fair to say that he "has a chance" to overtake MJ. That alone is amazing.

Nate (Chapel Hill):

In response to the previous Hansbrough question (and obviously I'm a little biased), as a UNC student from Boston I believe he can be a slightly worse version of Leon Powe as an undersized PF. Tenacious, maybe slightly less athletic and not as good in the post but a much better shooter. Am I crazy to think he can be a valuable bench player?

David Thorpe

  (12:53 PM)

It's possible, though I worry about his drop in rebounds.

G (VA)

Is Tim Duncan the best PF ever, or one of the best centers ever?

David Thorpe

  (12:54 PM)

Considering he does play both, we can evaluate him in both spots. Yes, he's the best pf ever.

Kyle (Atlanta)

David.... True or False??? If the Atlanta Hawks hold onto the 4th spot in the East, they move onto the 2nd round regardless of who the #5 seed is.

David Thorpe

  (12:54 PM)

False.

Seattle, Washington

does kevin durant have the potential to average 35+ ppg in a season?

David Thorpe

  (12:54 PM)

No, not while he's in OKC. Too many other good players.

Josh (Knoxville, TN)

Not basketball, but just wanted to say that Talledega Nights was terrible. They relied waaaaaay to much on bad improvisation. Will Ferrell should watch a few Christopher Guest movies before he tries to improv his way through another flick.

David Thorpe

  (12:55 PM)

That's a ban right there.

Jason (Chicago)

Thorpe, What are the chances the Bulls are able to pull off a trade for Bosh this summer and just how much does he help improve the team?

David Thorpe

  (12:55 PM)

It's clearly possible.

Alex (New York)

Tell Edward in Cambridge that the college you graduated from does not tell you about the ability of the person, and that Hollinger's work is highly respected, and rightly occasionally criticized in the academic world.

David Thorpe

  (12:56 PM)

Yep.

Kyle (Atlanta)

DAVID!!!!!!! You dont like the Hawks over the Heat & 76ers with home court? COME ON GUY!

David Thorpe

  (12:56 PM)

I just suggested it's not guaranteed.

David (Loveland, CO)

If you had to pick 2 of the young guys on the Warriors roster to build the future of the team around who would you take? I'm going Ellis and Randolph

David Thorpe

  (12:56 PM)

Me too, with a nod to Wright.

Warren (Montreal, QC)

Thorpe, you don't find just a little bit that LBJ is a bit overated?

David Thorpe

  (12:57 PM)

Not at all.

Marc, Charlotte

Can the Bobcats overtake the Bulls for the 8 seed? Larry Brown vs. Vinny Del Negro? I've gotta take Larry in that matchup.

David Thorpe

  (12:57 PM)

Vinny has far superior talent.

Jamison (Cleveland)

Tell Matt in Bristol that we swept the Spurs in the regular season the year we went to the finals...look how that turned out for us.

David Thorpe

  (12:58 PM)

I was thinking the exact same thing.

Mathew (Portland Or)

Commando is the best Arnold Movie, growing up I always dreamed of "going shopping" in the surplus store......Go Blazers!

David Thorpe

  (12:58 PM)

"Twins" was nice too.

Carl, New Orleans

David West is a two time All-Star. Could he lead a team on his own without CP3 or another big time guard?

David Thorpe

  (12:59 PM)

It takes 2 for every team, or a great defensive system.

Kevin (Seattle)

Jake is right, Talledega Nights sucked...

David Thorpe

  (12:59 PM)

You want a fresh one?

Chris (San DIego)

Thrope big fan! I know this is a nba forum but is there anyway we can start a movement to change the $20 bill. Jackson is known for the trail of tears, ignoring a Supreme Court ruling, and started the foundation of the civil war, yet he's on the 20! Lets start a revolution to correct American Hypocrisy! Hey it's got to start somewhere! Viva la revolution!

David Thorpe

  (1:01 PM)

That's why my chats are like a Box of Chocolates...you never know what you are going to get! Be safe this week and next, and I'll be back after that.