ESPN

David Thorpe

  (12:01 PM)

Hi everyone. I'm here and ready-taking a day off from coaching, so you have my full attention. We're joined by Wagner, my favorite anti-semitic composer. Lots to catch up on." I saw him beat up a guy with a starfish".

Dave (Vancouver, BC)

So is it safe to say that people who thought Beasley should have been picked ahead of Rose were clearly out to lunch?

David Thorpe

  (12:02 PM)

Not safe to say that yet. But Rose is off to a better start on and off the court.

Nash. Detroit mi [via mobile]

Is derrick rose the next chris Paul?

David Thorpe

  (12:02 PM)

Not likely.

Ray, El Paso TX

Are the Nuggets a true threat to the Lakers or Cavs?

David Thorpe

  (12:03 PM)

I think so. Great leadership. Power off the bench. Athletic and smart. Lots of scoring options.

W (Texas)

Have your thoughts on the Rockets changed since they won game 1? What do they have to do to steal this series?

David Thorpe

  (12:03 PM)

Not really. If Artest and Brooks can play like that 4 times, the Rockets have a great chance. I expected them to play that way 2 or 3 times max.

Keno Jersey

Thorpe, just read the Lewis's Shane Battier article. It talks about the rockets giving him a stat sheet showing Kobe's FG% on various parts of the floor and says this is the only player they show this info to. With the growth of statistics in front offices how integrated are these stat guys with players and coaches?

David Thorpe

  (12:04 PM)

Not much. Players may absorb a little of that, but not much.

Brendan (Pittsfield, MA)

David, during the bulls/C's series, the ESPN chat boards were littered with Celtics fans saying that Derrick Rose will never come close to the player that Rondo is. they must not be watching the same Derrick Rose as everyone else was, right?

David Thorpe

  (12:04 PM)

Right. Rose can be special, like Rondo, but CP3 is at another level.

Rocko (NY)

Is the Tyrus Thomas experiment over in Chicago?

David Thorpe

  (12:05 PM)

Probably. There are clearly trust issues between him and VDN.

miko (new orleans)

is there a drill that you can teach players to stay on the floor during a pump fake?

David Thorpe

  (12:05 PM)

Of course.

Ernie (Bradenton, FL)

Assuming the Magic and Cavs advance to the ECF, do you see the Magic having a legit shot at knocking off the Cavs?

David Thorpe

  (12:06 PM)

Yes, I do. I'd give them 3 chances in 10, maybe 4.

Nate - Denver, Colorado [via mobile]

Why isn't anyone talking about the nuggets as champion contenders? The cavs couldn't break 100 points against a far inferior hawks team, while the nuggets have one all their playoff games by an average margin of 24 points.

David Thorpe

  (12:06 PM)

We are talking Nugs, believe me.

ryan toledo ohio [via mobile]

if you were the gm of the chicago bulls what is the move that could be made to make them legit title contenders next season?

David Thorpe

  (12:07 PM)

Trade up and grab DaJuan Blair. He's the answer to their prayers.

Jim (Redlands, CA)

"That guy was me" Forgetting Sara Marshall, nice, so my question today is, do you think that game for the Lakers was a wake up call or do you think it more showed their weaknesses? thanks

David Thorpe

  (12:07 PM)

A little of both.

J.R. Swish

Thorpe, I got the head right and it all seems to be coming together. I still have room on the bandwagon for you.

David Thorpe

  (12:08 PM)

I never say never. I'm happy for JR, I really am. I've always beleived players can grow up, and I hope we are seeing it in him. He's such a talent.

Jay (L.A.)

If you got bit by a shark would you stop surfing?

David Thorpe

  (12:08 PM)

Depends. Would there still be sharks in the water? If so, I'd be pool or pond bound.

Jay (L.A.)

"Your still doing too much, do less."

David Thorpe

  (12:09 PM)

Maybe that was a better line to use.

Wash (Jersey)

You seem to enjoy a lot of Judd Apatow movies (Sarah Marshall, Knocked Up, etc.)

David Thorpe

  (12:09 PM)

I think we established last week that my intelligence level forbids me from watching movies that make me think. or from reading Proust.

Brendan (Pittsfield, MA)

Blair would DEFINITELY give them toughness and rebounding in the paint, but do you think he could provide enough offense? they need a go-to guy in the post when those jumpers aren't falling.

David Thorpe

  (12:10 PM)

He's a bucket getter like Al Jefferson.

Nick (NYC)

Who's a better basketball player David Lee or Joakim Noah?

David Thorpe

  (12:10 PM)

Lee has more skills, Noah more heart.

Richard (Boston, MA)

Hey coach. Are most moving pick violations the screeners fault for not being set, the screenees fault for going to early, or a combination of both? Seems big baby and perk pick up one a game setting screens

David Thorpe

  (12:10 PM)

50/50.

Ty

Pond would be good for you.

David Thorpe

  (12:11 PM)

I was waiting for that.

JJ Redick (Orlando)

How did I outscore Ray Allen!?!

David Thorpe

  (12:11 PM)

I've been a fan for a long time-glad you are getting your chance.

Jack (Northbrook)

What do you think of Dajuan Blair? I see a better version of Big Baby.

David Thorpe

  (12:12 PM)

More like Boozer and Jefferson. Outrageously athletic.

James (England)

Why no love for tyrus thomas today? is it that your not coaching him anymore (dont know if u are or not)?

David Thorpe

  (12:13 PM)

I've got lots of love for TT. But it was clear watching the playoffs that Vinny just does not want him on the floor, despite the solid way he was playing. His trade value is high, so I suspect they'll move him and look for the big wide body they've coveted.

Troy (Brooklyn)

How's Jrue Holiday looking? Which NBA player does he compare to? IMO he looks like a young Chauncey Billups.

David Thorpe

  (12:14 PM)

He's back in California this week in class I guess. I hear Billups comparisons a lot. I see CP3 in a lot of ways-not that he's going to be that good but they move similarly and are both really strong.

Simao (Porto, Portugal)

Follow up to that Bulls - DaJuan Blair question.Why trade up? Do you think he is a top 15 pick? I like him very much also but I was thinking that there would be no problem to get him...

David Thorpe

  (12:15 PM)

4 or 5 teams drafting ahead of Chicago like him a lot too.

Chris (Miami, Fl)

Coach TCoach Obradovic just said he will not coach in the NBA because here is for the show, while in Europe every time they play for a win..Your opinion?

David Thorpe

  (12:16 PM)

It's a show to some degree, but most of the players compete hard every night.

Ali (Calgary, Alberta)

Greeting Coach! I'm looking to get in the best shape of my life and needed some guidance on how a workout on the b-ball courts should be like. Do you have a mock workout you could send me through facebook?

David Thorpe

  (12:16 PM)

Sure.

Adam (Oakland, CA)

Hi David, I'm tall for a point guard in my league, which works great on offense, but often leaves me guarding quicker players on D. This off-season I really want to improve my ability to stay in front of them. Any good drills I can do? Thanks.

David Thorpe

  (12:17 PM)

Work on staying low while sliding. And improve your upper body strength. That will help you, unless your officials call touch fouls.

Ed (MD)

Why haven't more teams adopted the triangle? It seems to work...

David Thorpe

  (12:17 PM)

Lakers barely run it now.

Drew(Omaha, NE)

Is there anybody else in the Draft this year that can help the bulls more than DaJuan Blair, or is he just going to be the first forward picked after Blake Griffin, if he comes out?

David Thorpe

  (12:18 PM)

Taking a pg makes sense if they are going to trade Kirk.

Jeremy (Cleveland)

Is the perception that your elbow needs to be tucked into your body overrated? Ray Allen for example has his elbow at a 45 degree angle.

David Thorpe

  (12:18 PM)

I never worry about the elbow.

Tom (Boston, MA)

What about the Bulls 1st rounder (16th?) and Thomas for the Knicks 1st rounder (~8th)? Would Ty Thomas fit well in D'Antoni's scheme?

David Thorpe

  (12:19 PM)

I think Mike D could help TT become an all-star. See Marion, Shawn.

Vince Sacramento, CA

How would a backcourt of Jrue Holliday and Kevin Martin look? what kind of numbers do you think Jrue could put up in the league is he continues to develope and work hard?

David Thorpe

  (12:20 PM)

Holiday is a can't miss guy. I don't know about his total upside yet, but he's be great in Sacto or anywhere else. I like Flynn, Maynor, Calathes, and Curry too. Oh, and Rubio clips have been running on my computer a lot lately too. Amazingly gifted.

Jon: (Vancouver, WA)

How do you gauge awesomeness?

David Thorpe

  (12:20 PM)

It's a gut feel.

Lawrence (LA)

Hey Coach, please please pleeeeease answer my question. I'm having a real hard time wondering why everyone got on Josh Smith's case over his blown between-the-legs windmill attempt last week. Whats your take? Everyone is calling him immature and childish. Funny, how Josh Smith is called immature when he tries to hype the crowd in a blowout, but when LeBron does the same thing, he's a phenom. I guess Josh better stick that jam next time, right?

David Thorpe

  (12:21 PM)

I thought it was much ado about nothing.

Olly, Las Vegas

Coach ThorpedoDo you think Portland should go after Miller or Hinrish? And what about going for Nocioni which can play the 3 spot and play some PF on short periods (x Outlaw, Blake, 2r pick)?

David Thorpe

  (12:22 PM)

I think they need a 3 who can score 16-20 ppg, and who can handle being 2nd fiddle to Roy.

Josh (Knoxville, TN)

Shouldn't Joakim Noah be able to be a go-to guy in the post? He was the 9th overall selection. Seems a bit high for a big that can't be a go-to guy down low. Or am I over-valuing the draft slot?

David Thorpe

  (12:23 PM)

Big men develop slowly, typically. Yes, he could learn to be better inside.

Nick (SLC, UT)

Will Brewer evolve into a premier SG in the NBA?

David Thorpe

  (12:23 PM)

Probably not, but it's possible.

John Paxson (Chicago)

Is it in my best interest to keep Ben Gordon or let him walk?

David Thorpe

  (12:24 PM)

Keep him, if you can get him to sign for 3 years, 21 million or so.

Lee hou. Tx. [via mobile]

Mr. Thorpe since da rockets went into los angeles and won game 1 did da rockets expose a weakness in lakers that they cant play physical and now houston has da lakers full attention what do u think, we have a seven games series now?

David Thorpe

  (12:25 PM)

I still think LA can win 4 of the next 5, but sure, 7 is possible. So is 6, with the Rockets winning.

scott (pvd)

you mean the blazers need josh howard?

David Thorpe

  (12:25 PM)

Could be!!

Arthur (Cambridge, MA)

Is Yao the best center in the 2009 Playoffs?

David Thorpe

  (12:25 PM)

Not including D12?

Cosmo (Anytown, USA)

Is Lou Williams good enough to let Andre Miller walk this offseason? Please say yes!

David Thorpe

  (12:26 PM)

Not remotely.

Pristo, Nyc

When playing man, do you recommend forcing baseline or middle and why?

David Thorpe

  (12:26 PM)

Baseline. To many counters and options going middle.

Dave (Vancouver, BC)

Wasn't Steve Blake Portland's achilles heel against Houston? Shouldn't they be looking to trade for a legit starting point guard this summer?

David Thorpe

  (12:27 PM)

Good call. But if they upgrade at 3 then Blake might be ok as the starter.

Chris(Cali)

Am I wrong Coach, but I dont believe you can win a title with Dwight Howard as your best player?

David Thorpe

  (12:27 PM)

Ask me in 5 years.

Tim(Gainesville)

Hi Coach Thorpe, I read in the paper here that our boy Calathes was down there with you working on his game. Then I read that Andy Katz said he should be training with his coaches, and not with guys in the employ of agents. What do you say?

David Thorpe

  (12:28 PM)

It would take me an hour to respond to that.

GshawnJohnson

David, could Jrue be any good off the ball (as a 2) in the NBA? I'd love to see him on the Wizards but I think Arenas (if healthy ha) is best with the ball in his hands.

David Thorpe

  (12:28 PM)

I don't think that's the best place for him.

Steve (Chicago)

Blazers can have Deng and Kirk if we can find a team for a 3 way deal. Would that help them? Deng fills the 3 spot and Kirk gives them a solid combo guard to pair with Roy.

David Thorpe

  (12:29 PM)

It wouldn't surprise me if those 2 teams talked about a few different scenarios.

Matt (Ann Arbor, MI)

My gut is telling me that Houston will take game 2. Don't like LA's body language in game 1 and Kobe still hasn't convinced anyone that he can carry his team all the way in the playoffs ...

David Thorpe

  (12:29 PM)

All the way is a lot farther than just game 2 of the second round.

Thomas (Memphis, TN)

Can Tyreke Evans develop a consistent jumper with the current shooting form he has?? Or will he need an overhaul on the J?

David Thorpe

  (12:30 PM)

I don't know-never seen his shot in person. Plenty of guys shoot great but awkwardly.

Marc (NY)

True or False ... The NBA needs to retrain the officials on how to call flagrant fouls. Haslem got that Flagrant 2 ... but Rondo got nothing.

David Thorpe

  (12:31 PM)

They moved UD's to a flagrant 1.

Blue Lou (MI)

Is Sam Cassell a good comparison for Stephen Curry?

David Thorpe

  (12:31 PM)

No. Better version of Mike Bibby.

Rasheed Wallace

Does anybody want me?

David Thorpe

  (12:31 PM)

Not if they watched you in the playoffs.

Mike ( New York)

Hi Dave, been to IMG multiple times over the past few years, you guys do great work down there. Just curious. Do you think Earl Clark can develop the wing skills (shooting off the dribble, facing up) to be a full time NBA 3 or do you think he's better served mixing it up with 3s and 4s creating trying to capitalize on mismatches?

David Thorpe

  (12:32 PM)

I hope he plays the 4 only.

Mike (Cleve)

Just wondering if you have ever watched the Basketball Jones? If so what do you think of it?

David Thorpe

  (12:32 PM)

No-I rarely watch hoop movies.

Kenny (Bloomington, IN)

Thorpedo, do you think the Pacers should try to swing a deal for Tyrus Thomas? They desperately need some athleticism on the frontline, and they play a style that suits TT.

David Thorpe

  (12:32 PM)

Not likely between two rivals.

Mike (Akron)

Love your analysis Mr Thorpe, you and Simmons are great. What can the NBA do to make officiating better? It's god awful right now.

David Thorpe

  (12:33 PM)

I think Simmons is really funny and insightful. Except his tv references-I just don't watch tv shows so I don't know what he's saying. I'm not sure about refs.

Rosco: (Portland, OR)

Who has earned themselves some future money in these playoffs thus far?

David Thorpe

  (12:34 PM)

Noah. Big Baby.

Dave (Vancouver, BC)

Please tell me you've at least seen Hoop Dreams...

David Thorpe

  (12:34 PM)

Read the book.

Jon (Des Moines)

What should MN do with its first three picks in the draft? I'm actually a Thabeet fan. Seems like he's a rebounder and shot blocker and would be a good compliment to Jefferson.

David Thorpe

  (12:35 PM)

I'm not sold on Thabeet.

Birdman

I made me some money.

David Thorpe

  (12:35 PM)

Without doubt.

T (Great Falls, MT)

Since you are the one-word-answer guru, will Kobe go down in history as the second-best 2-guard of all time?

David Thorpe

  (12:35 PM)

Yes, until Wade retires.

Ron (Chicago, IL)

You think Kyle Lowry can be a starter down the line? Outside of shooting,it seems like he brings more to the table than brooks, your thoughts?

David Thorpe

  (12:35 PM)

I think he impacts the game in a big way. He'll get his chances to start, I'm sure.

Ali (Calgary, Alberta)

Thanks Coach! I sent you a facebook message. By the way, I think every pick you made in the rockets-blazers series was bang on. I just wish you picked Portland in game 6 on your scouts report, it may have came true.Ali

David Thorpe

  (12:37 PM)

I only missed two games overall in round 1 of the 4 series I cojvered, and both losses came on buzzer beaters. So I picked LA and Cleveland in in game two's-which means I probably jinxed them both.

Mike (Akron)

Mr. Thorpe, who would you rather have on your team, Andy Varejao or the Birdman?

David Thorpe

  (12:37 PM)

Varejao. But it's close.

Dr. J., Philly

You did see my moves in The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh, right?

David Thorpe

  (12:37 PM)

Yes.

justin (alexandria,VA) [via mobile]

Could you picture a cavs-nuggets finals

David Thorpe

  (12:37 PM)

Yes. Easily.

Mo (Philly) [via mobile]

Why did the Lakers not attack Yao Ming as a defensive liability by using Pau Gasol's athleticism at the center position instead of Andrew Bynum? I believe that's the only way that they'll be able to contain Yao offensively...by keeping him out of the game.

David Thorpe

  (12:38 PM)

I expect them to go to Gasol alot more tonight.

Dj (chi)

So Thorpe are you saying Rose won't be a superstar in the NBA?

David Thorpe

  (12:38 PM)

Of course not. I don't know why you would think that.

Ben Gordon (Chicago)

You don't think I made me some money too?

David Thorpe

  (12:39 PM)

You'll never make back what you lost, I'm afraid.

david (houston)

What is a good age to start teaching a child proper form on their jump shot?

David Thorpe

  (12:39 PM)

Maybe 10-12.

David Thorpe

  (12:39 PM)

But make it a set shot.

Lou Williams (Philly, PA)

Why are you always hating on me? A couple years ago in one of your chats, you asked people to name the worst player in the league, someone said me and you said "Ding ding we have a winner." Are you aware that I'm 21-years-old and led ALL reserves in free throw attempts this past season? I'm a junior Iverson... put me in a system like Devin Harris plays in Jersey and watch out.

David Thorpe

  (12:40 PM)

I've come to like your game a lot more, but I see you as a scoring guard, nothing like how Andre Miller plays.

Tewahedo( Boston Massachuets)

i think your annyoing. your 3 letter answers are dumb. you should get fired. JA is the best on Espn. GET A LIFE. btw fix yor face

David Thorpe

  (12:41 PM)

Yep.

Ted, The SLC

Did you ever miss an episode of The White Shadow growing up?

David Thorpe

  (12:41 PM)

Not often.

Jonny, Queens

When would you start teaching a child the game and what would you do for a 4 year old?

David Thorpe

  (12:42 PM)

I let my son start dribbling at 6, shooting at 7. At 4, we worked on counting to 100.

Zach (Basel):

Is Dirk one of the most unfairly criticized players in the game? Did you see the nonsense by Webber and Barkley because he said the Nugs bigs throw three different looks at him?

David Thorpe

  (12:43 PM)

he is, and did not see that on TNT. I rarely watch them now.

Not Tewahedo (Not Boston)

That dude was mean Thrope, hey I wondered if you could tell me your finals winner based on what you've seen in the postseason thus far.

David Thorpe

  (12:43 PM)

Cleveland.

Mike (Irvine, CA)

I've never been a big Jordan Farmar, he always seems to be pouting or upset while he is on the court, does he get frustrated to easily or does he just have a sense of (unearned) entitlement? does he get over it?

David Thorpe

  (12:44 PM)

I think he's just frustrated. I like his talent.

ike (bklyn, NY)

yo coach, with kids, do you start teaching on a small ball?

David Thorpe

  (12:44 PM)

Yes.

mjs, Miami [via mobile]

your short answers used to rub me the wrong way, but now i see the beauty of it...more questions answered + i got here about 25 mins late n was caught up in about 10 mins. whats your take on how the Heat handled B-Easy this year? Can he play the 3?

David Thorpe

  (12:45 PM)

Glad you've come around. I love what Miami did with him, and I think he can play some spot 3, yes.

Matt (Anchorage)

David, Does Portland push the panic button and trade Outlaw?

David Thorpe

  (12:45 PM)

They just might, yes.

Andrew (Woodstock GA)

Thorpe, who do you think is going to be the biggest surprise in this year's draft class? Any love for Patty Mills?

David Thorpe

  (12:46 PM)

Not really. Curry, Blair both will be better than people think.

Jake (Green Bay)

Is Nick Calathas a great fit for the Spurs if they can move back into the late first round? What's the difference between him and Matt Bouldin?

David Thorpe

  (12:47 PM)

I actually love Bouldin, who is not in the draft. Calathes is a better finisher at the rim. He'd be excellent in San Antonio, but better in a faster system.

Adam (NH)

Coach, my daughter is 16 months old. Do you think it would be better to show her footage of the Jordan/Magic/Bird era, or let her abosrb the LeBron/Wade/Paul style of play? And there is always the steadfast....ELMO.

David Thorpe

  (12:47 PM)

I think my daughter liked the turtle cartoon back then...Frankin!!

hearing about "chaos" on the defensive end alot

i get the idea, but what is it particularly about chris paul and rondo that make them good at it, even if they arent the no.1 at keeping their main in front of them

David Thorpe

  (12:48 PM)

Creating steals. Speeding up ballhandlers that force turnovers.

Jahrod (Brooklyn,NY) [via mobile]

When will joe johnson start playing like the all star we all know he is?

David Thorpe

  (12:48 PM)

Probably once only in this series.

Mo Ginsberg

David - you touched briefly on something last week and I wanted to follow up with you on it. You said something about getting players to succeed by getting them to do what they are good at in reference to an incoming rookie. Maybe Clark it was? Anyhow, you see a guy like Noah and he isn't the most skilled but he does what he is good at and he is a good player. He knows how he will succeed. Then you look at a guy like Blatche and he's very skilled but really isn't a very good basketball player. He apears to have no idea what his advantages are or how to use them. How do you get them to focus on this? Do NBA coahes not have time to teach this? Is this something a true team leader can effect? thanks

David Thorpe

  (12:49 PM)

Some NBA coaches do a great job teaching individuals how to play. Most do not.

Brandon (Chicago)

Doesn't it seem crazy that Kenyon Martin is getting fined 25k while Rondo walked away fine free from 2 much harder fouls?

David Thorpe

  (12:50 PM)

I agree with you and George.

Chris (Hacienda Heights, CA)

Where do you see the Heat next season, possibly as one of the East's elites again?

David Thorpe

  (12:50 PM)

I need to see their changes first.

Terry (Portland)

I think parents are pushing their kids too hard to be sports players, what do you think?

David Thorpe

  (12:51 PM)

Some are, most are not.

steve battle creek mi

i think the rockets are showing the lakers softer side, the same as boston did. u agree?

David Thorpe

  (12:51 PM)

They did in game one.

Nasir, Philly

As a Bulls fan and a Ty Thomas fan, is it time to give up hope? The hope was for him to become an All-Star caliber PF. His lack of effort in the playoffs was a huge disappointment

David Thorpe

  (12:52 PM)

He's only 22, and he had a much better season than his last 2. He's moving up, not down or sideways.

Rik (Houston)

Rondo is the true backbone of the Celtics.

David Thorpe

  (12:52 PM)

You might be right.

Dave (Vancouver, BC)

Is Triano still the head coach of the Raptors next season?

David Thorpe

  (12:52 PM)

Yes.

Jason (New York)

Coach - I wanted to tell you that just participating in these chats has made me more analytical in my own game and significantly improved my shot. Thanks!

David Thorpe

  (12:52 PM)

Oh yea!!

David Thorpe

  (12:53 PM)

PS-we say a lot of "oh yea's" in our gym when players are making progress in their game.

Brett (Milwaukee)

Does a deal built around swapping Ginobilli for Deng make sense for both the Spurs and the Bulls?

David Thorpe

  (12:53 PM)

No way the Spurs trade Manu.

Tom (Chicago)

Late to the party, but why can't Noah become a worse version of Rodman? Focus solely on defense and rebounding?

David Thorpe

  (12:54 PM)

You mean, at 24, he should stop trying to get better?

Hopeful Knicks Fan (Atl)

Help me out pls, Mr. T. I LOVE Stephen Curry's game, but won't whoever drafts him have a disadvantage at PG every night defensively? Seriously, will he be able to guard effectively at the next level, or will we have to hide him on D the way Atl does with Johnson / Bibby?

David Thorpe

  (12:54 PM)

Have you been watching the playoffs? What pg is guarding anyone?

Jason (Redondo Beach)

Why does ESPN make me hunt the site like the Da Vinci Code to find your scouting reports!!

David Thorpe

  (12:55 PM)

That's a good question.

Mike (Akron)

Is Mike Brown a good coach? Gotta think he learned a ton from Pop and Carlisle. He got arguably the best player, to care....a lot, about defense. A very "Pop" move.

David Thorpe

  (12:55 PM)

He has improved a great deal.

Doug (NY)

how would calathes be with d'antoni? curry a better fit?

David Thorpe

  (12:56 PM)

Both have their strengths. Calathes might have a bigger upside and a lower downside.

Paul (Denver)

On a technically-sound jump shot, how far forward should be your dominate foot be?

David Thorpe

  (12:56 PM)

Inches.

Geoff (DC)

Hey David, Blatche takes a ton of heat in these chats and in Washington and I just want to stand up for him. The guy is a second round pick signed to an absolute bargain contract (15 mil in 6 years or something) and is a decent role player off the bench - nothing wrong with that. He's simply not that talented like people claim (KG 2.0 puhleez) and I think if people would accept that, he would actually have more confidence and play a bit better.

David Thorpe

  (12:57 PM)

Actually, it's just the opposite. He's crazy talented. I like him as a role player, but he could have been a star.

steve (chicago)

whata do you think about the point simmons made that the bulls should have gone small whenever scalabrine was in the game figuring salmons could abuse him worse than a big could?

David Thorpe

  (12:58 PM)

I thought just the opposite, because they went small plenty. i'd have gone big, put TT or Noah on Scal, and hammered the glass.

Jason (Redondo Beach)

This chat was as about as good as the last Seinfeld episode.

David Thorpe

  (12:58 PM)

Is that bad?

Brian (Mpls)

Do you believe in the hot hand?

David Thorpe

  (12:59 PM)

Of course.

Drew

When ever I shoot my free throws, they always go right or to hard, how do I fix that?

David Thorpe

  (12:59 PM)

Feel the ball leave your middle and index fingers. Put them in the rim.

Hopeful Knicks Fan (Thanks)

Ya know, it's weird how happy it makes a person feel when you answer one of their questions in this chat - whether or not I agree with the answer. I love that you get to so many questions in an hour. Yours is a cool approach to chatting. Keep up the good work!! (It's cool if you don't wanna post this. Just thought you should know.)

David Thorpe

  (1:00 PM)

Thanks!! Time to go, see everyone next week. Be safe.