David Thorpe

  (12:01 PM)

Hello friends. I'm back from Orlando. Wow. Wow. Wow. Let's to it. I'm exhausted, so no opera today, just some Bach in the background. "Cujo?'.

Brian (Providence)

Could the potential ORL/DEN Finals be the lowest rated since maybe 1999 (Knicks/Spurs)?

David Thorpe

  (12:02 PM)

Melo vs. D12? It would be sweet.

jim(los angeles) [via mobile]

Are the clippers considering not drafting blake griffin?

David Thorpe

  (12:02 PM)

Not that I'm aware of.

Shane (Redwood City, CA)

The Cavs beat every other team in the playoffs other than Orl, and easily. Orl probably loses to BOS with KG and I think will lose to DEN or LAL. Do you ever remember a year where individual matchups were so important to the playoffs? Usually best team beats whoever is in front of them.

David Thorpe

  (12:03 PM)

Don't assume Bos beats Orlando with KG, as long as Orl has Nelson. I'd favor the Magii.

MarkyJ - Melb - Aus

love your work, simple question: If it's a LA and Orlando finals. Can the Magic take the prize?

David Thorpe

  (12:03 PM)

Of course.

Andy (Rochester, NY)

What're your feelings on Jonny Flynn? Can he be a top 10 pick? Seems like he's the hot name above Maynor and Lawson.

David Thorpe

  (12:03 PM)

I love his game and charisma. But top 10 seems too high for me.

Enrique (Chicago, IL)

Hey Thorpe, random rumor floating around that involves one of your students, what do you think? Shaq for Deng + Fillers I guess on the bulls side it allows them to resign gordon and frees up more money for 2010

David Thorpe

  (12:04 PM)

I think Chicago will think of that deal and many others to clear up some long term money.

jacopo NY

So Lebron for how great he is, ad 7 turnovers in the 4th quarter. Do you still think is a better player than KOBE?

David Thorpe

  (12:05 PM)

Without doubt. Seeing the last 2 games in person only furthered the argument in my mind. How's 42ppg, 7+ rebs, 7+ assists, 1.5 stls, 1.25 blocks? Sure, he has a few too many turnovers in 2 of the games. He's still learning.

vanessa (Sacramento)

do you really think the kings are good as gone in sacramento?

David Thorpe

  (12:06 PM)

If they hire Westphal, yes.

Todd (Detroit)

How can people hate on Lebron like being down 3-1 is HIS fault? It's absurd! Watch the games!

David Thorpe

  (12:06 PM)

Absurd.

JR (Chicago, IL)

I have not had a chance to watch Gortat play that much before this year's playoffs but he does everything you want from your first big man off the bench. He rebounds, defends, runs the floor well, and does a nice job of setting and flashing off screens. Do you think he could develop into a solid starter-- because I can think of 10 or 12 teams right now that he could probably start for?

David Thorpe

  (12:06 PM)

I think the number might be 15.

Andrew (Seattle)

What do you think of the sequence where LeBron gets the call with 4 seconds left and the no-call on the other end of the floor?

David Thorpe

  (12:07 PM)

Friends tell me he was tripped. I never saw a replay. But Howard's play was correctly called-he did not get fouled.

Mike (Indiana)

Did playing a first round opponent who didn't want to be there and a second round opponent who was decimated by injuries hurt the Cavs?

David Thorpe

  (12:07 PM)

Maybe for just game 1.

Mark (Orlando)

"They'll live with 40 from him if no one else gets going. LeBron needs to accept that and go get that 40, while creating when he can." You wrote that in the series preview. Thorpe, you have the smartest basketball mind I've ever read. I can watch games now with my friends and actually see stuff they don't. Thanks, man.

David Thorpe

  (12:08 PM)

Thanks, but clearly I was wrong. He's doing as I suggested he should, but they are still losing.

Noam (Israel)

Any thoughts on Calathes going to Greece?

David Thorpe

  (12:09 PM)

I'm terribly disappointed that he won't be in the NBA next year. But the offer was incredible. Think of it like this-should he have played for another year for Billy Donovan for free, or for one of the world's best coaches for $1million on one of the world's best teams?

Todd (Detroit)

Would you say that Lebron has got his 40 and created where he can, but his teammates have not made the shots? Or has he not created enough?

David Thorpe

  (12:10 PM)

Listen, his teammates have not shot well, period.

Marc, Charlotte

Dahntay Jones is dirty, right?

David Thorpe

  (12:10 PM)

Wrong.

Kobe (LA)

Ok Mr. Short Answer, do we win tonight?

David Thorpe

  (12:10 PM)

Bah.

Chris (Orlando, FL)

David, did you see Jameer Nelson in shoot around with his warmups on. Jameer said he will play in the finals IF the magic make it.

David Thorpe

  (12:11 PM)

I didn't!! Wow, that would be something, especially considering Rafer has the been a huge difference maker in 2 of their last 3 wins.

MC Welk (SLC)

Your top 5 PGs in the draft?

David Thorpe

  (12:12 PM)

In terms of upside? Hmmm, maybe 1. Rubio 2. Holiday 3. Jennings 4. Maynor 5. Lawson

Po(Boston)

How bout Danny Green in celtics Green? Could he be a sleeper in this draft?

David Thorpe

  (12:12 PM)

One of my fave sleepers, actually.

Igor (Chicago)

No Flynn or Curry in your top 5?

David Thorpe

  (12:13 PM)

Ouch!! Yes, Curry is in at #3, maybe I'd be convinced he's #2. I love him.

Sean (Co Springs)

What makes Rubio so good?

David Thorpe

  (12:14 PM)

Mind and vision like Larry Bird's.

Marc, Charlotte

Why so little love for Lawson. He proved he can lead a team, improved his jump shot dramatically over 3 years, and showed he can excel in the halfcourt set.

David Thorpe

  (12:14 PM)

Ranking him top 6 is not love?

Julian, DC [via mobile]

Which team you thinks match up best LA Lakers. Orlando or Cleveland?

David Thorpe

  (12:14 PM)

I need more time on that one. It's close.

Mike - Georgetown, KY

When will the NBA decide on overturning D. Howard's technical from game 4?

David Thorpe

  (12:15 PM)

I don't know. But it was awful. He got hog tied around the neck, still finished, and then shouted with happiness. It was not a taunt.

anne (sf)

should mike brown play lebron at PF?

David Thorpe

  (12:16 PM)

I think so, sometimes. He did defend Lewis some in the 2nd half.

Brian, Washington DC

Isn't it time to put to rest the notion that players "aren't shooting well" against the Magic? Ray Allen "didn't shoot well" either. Having Howard in the middle allows the Magic's perimeter defenders to crowd shooters and not allow them to get comfortable looks.

David Thorpe

  (12:17 PM)

Yes, there is some truth to what you suggest. But still, guys are missing open shots too. Orlando does not have to apologize for that, it's part of the playoffs.

David (New York)

Coach Thorpe, I'm a draft nut and I've been reading about your training programs for years. It seems that you do a great job of teaching the players how to play the NBA game, while other guys who do this basically just get their guys in shape. Is that a fair assessment?

David Thorpe

  (12:19 PM)

To some degree. There are teachers, and there are trainers. I'm a teacher, as is my staff. We employ trainers, who do their work in the weight room, track, hills, sand, etc. It does not mean we are better, necessarily, than the programs who do their training on the court. Just different.

Ross (Denver)

Can we give Stan Van some credit? He matched up JJ Redick against Ray Allen then understands that Lee and Pietrus are better suited for Cleveland. Thats what good coaches do, right?

David Thorpe

  (12:19 PM)

Bottom line? He's a top 5 coach in this league.

Ryan, SF

how can superman improve his FT percent? what would be your advice?

David Thorpe

  (12:20 PM)

He could start by moving his left hand to the side instead of the front of the ball.

Dell LI/NY [via mobile]

Isn't Eric Maynor the best immediate impact PG in the draft?

David Thorpe

  (12:20 PM)

Maybe. He's really good.

andy (vegas)

Hey Coach Thorpe, what are your thoughts on "assistant coach" Patrick Ewing getting T'd up on the bench last night?

David Thorpe

  (12:20 PM)

It won't help him get promoted, that's for sure.

Jan, Krakow, Poland

Hello coach! One sentence on Marcin Gortat to make a whole nation of Poland happy?

David Thorpe

  (12:21 PM)

I told his agent last night, "get ready for a fun summer'. He's excellent.

Mike (OH)

Someone should tell Ryan that Howard is shooting 75% from the line right now and it is killing my Cavs

David Thorpe

  (12:21 PM)

Right.

Ash (Dayville, Connecticut)

Who can Phoenix draft at #14 that can help them immediately?

David Thorpe

  (12:22 PM)

if Earl Clark is there, that seems the best fit. Top 5 talent. Needs the right system. No chance Derozen drops there, right?

JK (Boston)

Amundson or Birdman?

David Thorpe

  (12:23 PM)

Tweet tweet.

Alex (New York)

Hollinger said that DEN is a TERRIBLE matchup for ORL. Do you agree?

David Thorpe

  (12:24 PM)

Howard does present huge problems, and Hedo will drive Melo nuts.

ilya (LA)

Skip Bayless today said that if Kobe is on the Cavs instead of Lebron, Cavs are up 3-1 in the series. I couldn't disagree with him more. Lebron creates MUCH more for his teammates than Kobe at this point; the team around him is just not good enough to knock down the shots. What do you think?

David Thorpe

  (12:24 PM)

I think you should stop listening to that guy, when he talks about basketball. He's an entertainer. So just be entertained, don't take it seriously.

Chris (LA)

Most noticeably improved playoff performer. Birdman or Pietrus?

David Thorpe

  (12:25 PM)

MP.

Terry (Madison)

What is your favorite Seinfeld episode? Mine is the Jerk Store.

David Thorpe

  (12:25 PM)

The Switch.

David Thorpe

  (12:25 PM)

And a hundred others.

Bill (Orlando)

Thorpe, you have predicted every game in this series correct, but you picked the Cavs to win in 6. What gives?

David Thorpe

  (12:26 PM)

I picked them in 6 before it started (coin flip between 6 and 7). Once the games begin, I do my best to look at each game individually.

James Denver

You cant beat the Soup Nazi episode.

David Thorpe

  (12:27 PM)

Jumbalaya!!

D Miz (Breakin Down The Game)

What do you think is gonna happen with Rubio? Stay overseas if a big-city team doesn't move up in the draft?

David Thorpe

  (12:27 PM)

I think he'll be in the NBA next season as a top 3 pick.

James (Huntington)

What big man will be out there for the CAV's next year? I think that would really help them for another title run next year.

David Thorpe

  (12:28 PM)

I kept thinking Gortat would be a good fit last night.

Newman

Muligatawny!

David Thorpe

  (12:28 PM)

Mmm.

Steven (Toronto)

Do you think they had roommates back in the Medival Times?

David Thorpe

  (12:29 PM)

Yes. And no one showered.

Kobe Bryant [via mobile]

Do you see Flynn dropping to us in the draft

David Thorpe

  (12:29 PM)

No.

springfield MISSOURI [via mobile]

I DO BELIEVE EVEN IF THE CAVS ROAR BACK.THEY STILL DON'T HAVE ENOUGH TO BEAT EITHER WEST CONTENDER IN A SEVEN GAME SERIES. WHAT DO U SAY TO THAT

David Thorpe

  (12:30 PM)

They match up a little better against those teams.

Jenna (ORL)

What are your thoughts on the TNT guys like Barkley and Smith? Barkley didn't even know Sasha Pavlovic's name last night, so he just called him "#3 for the Cavs...that dude"

David Thorpe

  (12:30 PM)

I think of them like I think of Bayless.

Chris Shore, NJ

What is your opinion on Bill Simmons?

David Thorpe

  (12:30 PM)

Incredibly funny and entertaining. A must read.

Christ (Los Angeles)

If you go to Chris Bosh's web site, it says "Big announcement coming June 1st". Do you have any idea what this announcement could be? Please tell me he's demanding a trade to Chicago!

David Thorpe

  (12:31 PM)

I highly doubt it. Maybe he's getting a puppy or launching a new charity.

Peter (Sarasota, Florida)

Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach, or Siesta Key Beach???

David Thorpe

  (12:32 PM)

I'm a Honeymoon Island guy (20 mins from my house).

Phil (DC)

Kramer and Newman playing RISK on the subway was pretty good, too.

David Thorpe

  (12:33 PM)

No one who knows a Ukranian can possibly not say to that person "the Ukraine is weak".

Ross(Orlando)

Any chance that Orlando can keep both Turk and Gortat, i think we can and would think both would want to stay on such a team...or am i hoping for too much?

David Thorpe

  (12:33 PM)

Probably too much.

steve battle creek, mi

dave thanks for the advice for my 10yr old son. his game has improved a great deal(coach said) and has really been "beasting" it.

David Thorpe

  (12:34 PM)

I'm always asked by young college coaches who handle their teams player development "what's the best thing for them to focus on, shooting, handling, scoring moves?". I always respond with beasting it first.

Jonny, Queens

Last I checked Barkley predicted the Magic winning prior to the series starting

David Thorpe

  (12:35 PM)

Yes, but can he name 3 starters?

Michael, (Milwaukee, WI)

do you play any hoops yourself when you get some time?

David Thorpe

  (12:35 PM)

Mostly gave it up when I started coaching, 22 years ago this coming September.

Dave (Vancouver, BC)

My wife is 6 months pregnant with our first kid. Any drills I can work on with them while in the womb?

David Thorpe

  (12:37 PM)

I have amazingly fond memories of talking to my twins when they were still inside. Enjoy the next 3 months of peace.

Shawn, Reno Nevada

What do you think of Jordan Hill. Never heard you mention his name in previous chats.

David Thorpe

  (12:37 PM)

I like him less than most scouts I talk to.

Dan (Minneapolis)

If Rubio drops to three, do the wolves trade up?

David Thorpe

  (12:37 PM)

I think he's in play for a lot of teams.

Andrew (Cleveland)

Any chance in your mind that the Cavs could pull off a remarkable comeback?

David Thorpe

  (12:38 PM)

Yes they can!!

BJ Mullens

Hey Coach, in a recent interview I compared my inside/outside game to KG and Dirk with the explosiveness of Amare. Have you seen me in action and what would you say I need to work on the most?

David Thorpe

  (12:38 PM)

Humility.

Skilan (Orlando)

I know I am writing in about 30 minutes early but I just can not to wait to ask this. Why do you think it is so hard for everyone outside of Orlando to give the Magic any respect even when they prove they can win?

David Thorpe

  (12:38 PM)

I really do not know.

Troy (Indy)

Thorpedo, What do you think the Pacers should be looking to do this offseason, especially with the 13th pick in the draft???

David Thorpe

  (12:39 PM)

A rebounding beast, if there is one available.

Michael (Milwaukee, WI)

any hope for Joe Alexander?

David Thorpe

  (12:39 PM)

Sure. This summer will be interesting to watch.

Joe (Boston)

Do you know more basketball then Bill Simmons?

David Thorpe

  (12:40 PM)

That's like asking if he knows more about writing and comedy than me. I love to watch comedies, and read, but I have not had the kind of training and experience he has.

Jason (Ellicott City, MD)

Will Rudy Fernandez be anything more than a role player?

David Thorpe

  (12:40 PM)

I think so.

el carg

Camby and AI were ball stoppers for the Nuggets, and losing them has helped the team. Who are the best ball movers in the NBA?

David Thorpe

  (12:41 PM)

I'm not sure. But it's an extremely important point.

John Bardhi ( Orlando, FL)

Is it me, or has Mickael Pietrus done a ridiculous job on King James? Whenever I see Pietrus defending him, LeBron struggles. Give the man some credit!

David Thorpe

  (12:42 PM)

He's averaging over 42ppg on 50% + shooting. What on earth are you talking about?

Joe (Jersey City,NJ)

Orlando made 44% of their 3 point attempts.Can they duplicate this type of long range shooting percentage in Cleveland?

David Thorpe

  (12:42 PM)

Sure.

Dan, Storrs, CT

Dave, How is Gaffney's jumper coming along? Is that the key to whether he makes a roster? Could be be a 2nd round pick?

David Thorpe

  (12:43 PM)

i shot extremely well in a workout last week. Yes, he's draftable without doubt, but may not get drafted. Still 3+ weeks to go.

mitch Orlando

If the Cav's Lose tomorrow night, How much does that change lebron's future with the cav's, Do you think New York fans can get a little more excited?

David Thorpe

  (12:44 PM)

It's an interesting question. Either way, the summer will be filled with stories about this.

Joshua

WAIT ONE MINUTE, THORPONATOR! LBJ has been a ball stopper BIG TIME in this series ala Iverson (good assists, but he tends to hog the ball too much after half time). Why are you trashing Camby and AI, and yet not calling LBJ out for doing the same thing?

David Thorpe

  (12:45 PM)

The difference is LBJ is being asked to do this. Mike Brown said as much last night.

Michael, (Milwaukee, WI)

Chase Budinger, can he gain a killer attitude or is it too late?

David Thorpe

  (12:45 PM)

Depends on where he goes.

ryan(NJ)

If you were Pat Riley, besides being in the 99th percentile of selfish egomaniacs, would you trade Beasley for Bosh this offseason?

David Thorpe

  (12:46 PM)

Of course.

Dan (cinci, oh)

Has a COTY ever been fired in the very same season?

David Thorpe

  (12:46 PM)

I doubt it, but it does seem possible, doesn't it? And SVG was on the bubble just a 12 days ago.

Dylan (DC)

What's the shortest answer you can give to this question?

David Thorpe

  (12:46 PM)

:)

Mike (Akron)

ur crazy to say pietrus is not doing a great job on lebron, the man is taking 20+ shots a game dummy, the point is to disrupt how easy his points come to him

David Thorpe

  (12:47 PM)

Mike, I was at the last 2 games.

Eddy Orlando

Gortat is restricted free agent. Orlando has the right to match any offers.

David Thorpe

  (12:47 PM)

Correct.

Ryan (NJ)

Hey David! I am late and sorry if somehow this was asked, but if you were the Nets at 11, and Blair, Clark, and Flynn are available, who you would you see as the best fit?

David Thorpe

  (12:48 PM)

Clark for pure upside. Blair for beastly upgrades. Flynn for energy off the bench as a scorer/playmaker.

Olivier [via mobile]

Should lebron sit the first quarter to force his team mates step up and take responsability and stop waiting for him to do everything

David Thorpe

  (12:49 PM)

They did that in the first quarter. So are you suggesting he sit in the 4th?

Mike (Philly)

bigger love affair: broussard and lebron or simmons and durant?

David Thorpe

  (12:50 PM)

Thorpe and Noah.

James Denver

Youvr named your best players available in draft but are there any late 1st round or 2nd round suprises out there?

David Thorpe

  (12:51 PM)

Ask me again next week. But as I already wrote, I'm high on Green.

David Thorpe

  (12:51 PM)

I just got a great facebook message; "Hocus Pocus, baby". Clever.

XUdash, Cincinnati, OH

Is Derrick Brown a first round pick?

David Thorpe

  (12:52 PM)

Borderline.

Matt (Champaign, IL):

Best chance of being a superstar in three years: Rose, Beasley, Oden, Durant?

David Thorpe

  (12:52 PM)

KD then Rose.

Mike (Chicago, IL)

Thorpe Bulls fans love Derrick Rose but can you believe on some message boards there are some fans actually saying that they should Trade Rose to the clips for the number one pick to pick griffin? To me you dont trade a franchise PG or C and rose is one of those.

David Thorpe

  (12:52 PM)

They are message boards. Ignore them.

Nick (Boston)

Why do you LOVE Lebron so much? Its kills your credability when you go out your way to say he is perfect, no one can gaurd him, and everything is someone elses fault??

David Thorpe

  (12:53 PM)

And it kills yours to misquote or exaggerate.

Sean, C-Springs

On a scale of 1-10, how surprised are you at the Eastern Conference Finals?

David Thorpe

  (12:53 PM)

4.

JR (Chicago, IL)

Would you make this trade if you were Colangelo if Bosh said he wouldn't re-sign, and would you make this trade if you were Forman: Bosh for Ty Thomas, Deng, and the Bulls two first round picks this year.

David Thorpe

  (12:54 PM)

I would not trade Bosh to the east.

Vincent (NYC)

Is Varajao dirty or just effective? He's about to get Dwight suspended.

David Thorpe

  (12:54 PM)

Effective.

Aaron (Chicago, IL)

David, are you working with Tyrus again this summer? Do you see a future for him with the Bulls?

David Thorpe

  (12:55 PM)

I doubt it, Noah is coming for the first time and Luol will be down too when healthy. I try to limit my exposure to a team to two players. After that, it gets awkward.

Jason (Bmore)

Do you agree/teach this whole face shielding defense Shane Battier employs? Seems as if some players use it, but it's not widespread.

David Thorpe

  (12:56 PM)

It's been used for 50 years.

Mitch (SLC)

How about a Boozer Bosh trade?

David Thorpe

  (12:56 PM)

How healthy is Boozer going to be? That's the question.

Ross (Denver)

Since you have seen Dwight and worked with Tyrus Thomas, riddle me this: who can jump higher?

David Thorpe

  (12:57 PM)

I don't know. But TT has the fastest jump I've ever seen.

Joel(great lakes)

Mo Williams : "We are going to go down with a fight" do you think he should stop talking

David Thorpe

  (12:58 PM)

Only if it would help him play better.

Chris (Jville)

Is there any question whether Dwight's tech will get rescinded?

David Thorpe

  (12:58 PM)

I hope so.

Ayj (Bethesda, MD)

If Turkoglu leaves, and they keep Gortat could you see Howard moving to the 4 spot and Gortat starting at the 5?

David Thorpe

  (12:58 PM)

No chance.

Pristo, NYC

As a teacher, which areas do you think are your strengths/weaknesses?

David Thorpe

  (12:59 PM)

I always fall in a little too much love with my students. But I've gotten better about it.

cj(los angeles)

its funny how you talk about skip and barkely, at least they get their prediction right, where you seem to always be wrong

David Thorpe

  (1:00 PM)

Always wrong seems a bit much.

Steve (Harrisburg, PA)

You are a very fast typer

David Thorpe

  (1:00 PM)

I work out every day.

Brian (Michigan)

As a chatter, what areas do you think are your strengths/weaknesses.

David Thorpe

  (1:01 PM)

I take too long answering questions.

David Thorpe

  (1:01 PM)

Time to go. Thanks everyone. I'll be back next week. Be safe!!