ESPN

David Thorpe

  (12:00 PM)

Greetings from Orlando! Great action last night, and a very interesting series to watch. And best of all, I got to both watch the game sititng next to Hollinger and Abbott, then ride on an elevator with Magic, the only player I've ever loved. Life is sweet!"You were a very convincing dragon. You should feel good about that".

Ryan (London)

Do you know what the knicks are most likely to do with their No. 8 pick

David Thorpe

  (12:01 PM)

I'd guess a point guard. Rubio in a trade, Holiday or Curry if they are there.

Jim (Boise)

Thorpalicious...why have the Magic been shooting more free throws than the Lakers in every game in the series so far despite how many points in the paint the Lakers are getting? I know part of it is Howard, but the Lakers shoot so many shots in the paint vs. what the Magic do. Shouldn't they be going to the line more?

David Thorpe

  (12:01 PM)

Orlando is working at not fouling, and LA wants to foul Howard.

Tom (LA)

Coach, I heard you on espn radio here before the game. I disagreed with almost everything you said, then watched everyting you said unfold in game three. How do you do it?

David Thorpe

  (12:02 PM)

It's pretty clear that LA can not defend Orando's ballscreens. The Magic just shot horribly in game one. That had to correct.

Matt (Miami, FL)

Kobe hasn't seemed as intense in games 2

David Thorpe

  (12:03 PM)

I think you may be right, to a small extent.

Adam Greene (New York)

Why are the Magic failing to enter the ball to Dwight when he has sealed his man under the basket? It seems like only Tony Battie is making that pass from the top of the key. Any ideas?

David Thorpe

  (12:04 PM)

Gasol and Bynum are so long they are deflecting passes.

Jeffrey (San Diego)

Hey Thorpedo! Based on last nights game. Do you see the Magic winning all three games in their building? Thanks

David Thorpe

  (12:04 PM)

Probably not, though I think they can win game 6 and make it a 7 game series.

Scott (Grand Rapids, MI)

Thorpey,Could you give me two prospects Detroit should look to get and two they should stay away from.Thanks.

David Thorpe

  (12:05 PM)

2 prospects they like have to be Clark and Johnson, both fit their schemes. I won't mention whom to avoid.

Rocko (New York)

Are you freaked out by Tyrus Thomas' comments about wanting to be a small forward?

David Thorpe

  (12:06 PM)

I didn't see them. But I'm not surprised. I hope the Bulls talk some sense into him.

Matty Ice (The Burg, PA)

Thorpe, is it possible Danny Green may be the best pro of the Carolina foursome coming out this year?

David Thorpe

  (12:06 PM)

I'm very high on him, but teams I've talked to think I'm crazy. I think he's the closest thing to Artest I've seen.

James (Sacramento,Ca)

What Point Guard in this year's draft complements Kevin Martin game?

David Thorpe

  (12:11 PM)

Curry to make two dynamic scorers. Holiday as a pure pg and a defender. Rubio as the passing sensation.

Dan (Ocala, FL, USA)

Can everyone finally drop the 'Soft' Label from this Magic team!

David Thorpe

  (12:12 PM)

Sorry so slow. Buggy. Anyone calling this team soft is not to be listened to.

Chris (New York)

David, Stephen Curry is knocked as being an average athlete while Flynn and Holiday are viewed as having elite athleticism yet their numbers from the strength and agility testing were pretty comparable. What gives?

David Thorpe

  (12:13 PM)

All 3 are very good athletes. None are elite.

J. G. (Edmond, OK)

Thorpe, who would you take at the #3 spot if you were the Thunder's GM: Rubio, Harden or Curry? Which one do you think would best fit the current lineup or would be moving Westbrook to the 2 be the best move if taking Rubio?

David Thorpe

  (12:13 PM)

Rubio.

Ryan (Philadelphia)

Can Lakers and Kobe Bryant come better on Thursday?

David Thorpe

  (12:13 PM)

I'd guess they will.

Paul (Denver, CO)

How do you see Kapono helping Philly in the Princeton offense?

David Thorpe

  (12:14 PM)

They are desperate for shooters.

Alex (New York)

At this point, is it fair to say Bynum's extension was among the worst deals in recent NBA memory? All he does is get in foul trouble. He has had no effect on any of the games so far. The Lakers are better off giving minutes to Powell or mbenga who seem to care.

David Thorpe

  (12:14 PM)

Wait until next year.

Chris (Toronto)

Hi David, It seems to me Howard need to make quicker post moves. He gets the ball and every move seems to come off 2-4 dribbles. And since he can't dribble with his head up this gives the wings time to come in and swipe at the ball without him seeing them coming. Am I crazy or does he just need to use quick, hard, simple moves (dropsteps etc) when he gets the ball?

David Thorpe

  (12:15 PM)

He needs to sometimes to avoid the double. I aslo think he should explode up more often without gathering himself and get the simple dunk instead of the massive one.

Jeff (Lincoln, Ne)

Look into your crystal ball....What do you see as the Suns starting line-up for 2010? I see Nash, Richardson, Amare, Earl Clark and Lopez.

David Thorpe

  (12:15 PM)

Not ready to yet. But I don't like Clark at 3 early in his career.

Chris (NH)

There are reports that Boston is looking to trade for the number 2 overall pick to select Rubio. No love for Rondo?

David Thorpe

  (12:16 PM)

Did they hire Tubby?

Andrew (Chicago)

Is there any way the Bulls trade up for Jordan Hill? They could use some inside scoring and it seems that they've lost a lot of confidence in Tyrus...

David Thorpe

  (12:16 PM)

Kirk is trade bait, so yes.

Derrick (Toronto)

Hey David, Thoughts on the Evans-Kapono trade?

David Thorpe

  (12:17 PM)

Evans brings toughness to a team that sorely needs it. But I don't see him playing much.

Pitoy (Manila)

How will the lakers lose the series if it goes to game 7?

David Thorpe

  (12:18 PM)

I doubt they will. But Orlando, as evidenced last night, can shoot them to any win.

Dan (Brooklyn)

After working with Dejuan Blair which NBA player would you compare his mindset to?

David Thorpe

  (12:20 PM)

He's like Haslem mentally-like he knows he's the toughest guy in the room and does not have to prove himself with silly plays. He's nasty tough in the best way possible.

Adam (Cleveland, Ohio)

David, thanks for accepting me on Facebook! Big Fan! Out of all the players available, who would fit with the Cavs the best? PTI says Randolph, but i don't want all the baggage.

David Thorpe

  (12:21 PM)

I rather enjoy being on Facebook, so thanks for reaching out to me. The Cavs need some athleticism at the 4-5 spots.

Gary (Los Angeles)

Any sense on who the Bucks like at 10? Could Hill slip that far? Holiday? Where do you like Hansbrough to be drafted?

David Thorpe

  (12:22 PM)

Hill or Holiday could be gone, but there will be some pg's there for sure. Not sure about Tyler, though I heard he's Chicago bound.

Cyrus (San Francisco, ca)

That's the time, I feel like makin' L-O-V-E-T-O-Y-O-U, scoobidy doo doo doooooo

David Thorpe

  (12:23 PM)

Starsky and Hutch, a classic.

Terry (Madison)

I read in the ESPN Rumors that the Mavs would consider trading Josh Howard to draft Jordan Hill. Would that make them any better?

David Thorpe

  (12:24 PM)

I'm not a Hill fan, but he does play with a lot of energy. Losing Howard though seems too much.

Tate (DC)

Thorpe my man! If you could work with any Pistons player and revise their game, who would it be and what would you do to him? C'moonnnnnn please answer! I need this!

David Thorpe

  (12:25 PM)

Just for you...I think we could help Stuckey. He can use his body better, add some Sam Cassell to his game. But he'll be fine without me.

Drew (Boise)

David-You're thoughts on Paul Westphal in Sac?

David Thorpe

  (12:26 PM)

Everyone i talked to last night said great things about him, as a person. That's all I know right now.

Jesse (San Antonio)

Your colleague Bill Simmons has made a huge fuss about officiating all playoffs. Are you there with him? The biggest difference I can see is the way Bryant and Hedo are officiated. Ariza has been allowed to be very physical with Hedo as he brings the ball up the court.

David Thorpe

  (12:28 PM)

My brother Ricky texted me a smart comment last night. "C Lee played great defense on Kobe. Of course if the game was in LA he'd have fouled out in 3 minutes". That lack of consistency is the issue.

rich (toronto)

can holiday cover 2s? if so, he might be a nice fit alongside calderon (who can shoot but can't create much) in toronto.

David Thorpe

  (12:29 PM)

Toronto is thinking along those lines, I'd assume. Jose plays a lot of 2 back in Spain. And yes, he can guard most 2's. In time anyway.

Mike (Boston)

Johnny Red, neat. Do it! Who could the Celtics be interested in, with the rumors of them trading up to the 2nd pick?

David Thorpe

  (12:30 PM)

Ainge may have his sights set on Rubio. Tune in to Chad Ford for details. If anyone has a read on this it's him.

Kelvin (Orlando)

Why are so many coaches recycled? Is there really that much of a lack of talent?

David Thorpe

  (12:30 PM)

No. More like a lack of imagination.

Rocko (New York)

Did Joakim Noah work out at your academy already?

David Thorpe

  (12:32 PM)

He's there now. Working his butt off. He'll be in Chicago most of the summer, working at the Berto. He seems ready to take another step forward.

Rick (Sacramento)

Why are teams so high on Holiday?

David Thorpe

  (12:33 PM)

Tall and strong guard, great work ethic and character, really knows how to play and defend. He was the National Player of the Year as a 17 year old senior.

tim (columbia, mo)

do you think durant can eventually be better than both kobe and lebron?

David Thorpe

  (12:34 PM)

Yes, but I'd give him less than a 2% chance to do it.

Manny (Oakland)

You're right on re Howard and the way he needs to "gather". Also, would be great if he could shoot a little fade away - away and not into the double team. Who do you see the Warriors looking at in the draft?

David Thorpe

  (12:35 PM)

A short jumper and fade is definitely something he needs to add to his game, of course.

Marshall (Memphis)

I don't get it, Pua was scoring at will down low and he gets 11 shots?? Does anybody but me notice the guy shoots way over 50% and is pretty much unguardable in the post? Why does Pau not get the ball more?

David Thorpe

  (12:35 PM)

That is a great point.

Bill (Chicago)

Have you studied Austin Daye's game at all? He seems to be all over the draft boards. Super skilled for his height but very weak and not athletic. Do you think he'll be any good?

David Thorpe

  (12:37 PM)

Never seen him play, really. But I did hear what you heard. It's a scary proposition, after Adam Morrison's meltdown.

tim (columbia, mo)

what current players would you give more than a 2% chance of being better than kobe and lebron to?

David Thorpe

  (12:38 PM)

Dwight Howard.

aron (ky)

Does Jody meeks have a shot at the first round? Do you think he can be a good NBA player and where would he fit best?

David Thorpe

  (12:39 PM)

He does, but it's one or two chances in 30. He's in the Eddie House mold.

Mike (Utah)

better career stojakovic or turkoglu

David Thorpe

  (12:39 PM)

Turk.

NaNa (Washington, DC)

Hello, David! As always, thanks for doing this chat-you are the best. In your opinion, what makes SVG an effective coach? I thought that win last night for the Magic was really good, but in thinking that, I realized how cohesive his team seems to be. I love to see the Magic pass the ball, look out for eachother, and just make the right play. Thank you, and I hope the day is a good one.

David Thorpe

  (12:40 PM)

Thanks. SVG is very smart as a coach, figuring out the best way to attack every situation and then getting his guys to do it.

Ed (MD)

Can we end the Pau Gasol is soft talk? On one play in game 2, I saw him make a basket in the post, sprint full court to catch howard, bang him in the post, then switch out to guard lewis on the perimeter. I feel bad for him. But, he is working and succeeding.

David Thorpe

  (12:41 PM)

Honestly, I picked the Lakers over Boston last year because of my respect for his game. Ditto this year. He's amazing.

Mike (St. Paul, MN)

What do you think the Wolves will do? They've got 3 first-rounders plus some second-rounders and some contracts to play with. Who should they be targeting, and how should they get there?

David Thorpe

  (12:42 PM)

They have so many options, with trades and picks. Athleticism is a key for them. Steady pg play too.

Lou (Chicago)

hey David, what do you think the lakers should do in the offseason to improve their bench? do you see them drafting a point guard in the summer?

David Thorpe

  (12:43 PM)

I do, though Farmar still needs a chance.

Pitoy (Manila)

Better Van Gundy coach...Stan or Jeff?

David Thorpe

  (12:43 PM)

Stan.

Jason Kapono (Philidelphia)

Aren't I worth more than Reggie Evans?!?! I'm in a glass case of emotion!!

David Thorpe

  (12:44 PM)

Well then stop throwing Burrito's out of your car.

Ed (MD)

Turkoglu looked tired to me in the fourth quarter again last night. Is this a concern?

David Thorpe

  (12:44 PM)

He was exhausted. But he'll be fine with today mostly off and then again on Thursday.

Jessie ((Stamford, CT))

Who will end up with the better NBA career, Chris Paul or Rajon Rondo?

David Thorpe

  (12:45 PM)

CP3.

mike (Cyprus)

well the east in 2009-2010 be the most interesting in recent years - Boston with healthy KG, Lebroners, Orlando.

David Thorpe

  (12:45 PM)

Bobcats, Wizards, Raps, Bulls, Bucks all will be better too. Same with Sixers.

Randy (St. Paul)

Why is everyone so high on Thabeet? Didn't we learn from Olowokandi?

David Thorpe

  (12:46 PM)

Perhaps.

Bernard (Chicago)

Do you think the Bulls will be better even if they can't resign Ben Gordon?

David Thorpe

  (12:48 PM)

Yes, Miller helps them alot. Deng, if healthy, will play like he did in December and January. Salmons will fit in better. Noah will be better now that he's in the rotation. Rose is special. But losing BG will have a short term impact.

Brandon (Tallahassee)

Thorpe, did you see the Hangover?

David Thorpe

  (12:48 PM)

No. Plan to soon. But I did cry all through "Up".

Joe (Chicago)

Do you consider DRose to be an elite athlete? What other point guards would you consider? Everyone is talking about Curry but there aren't too many elite athletes at the point.

David Thorpe

  (12:49 PM)

Rose is certainly elite. So is Rondo. And Ellis. Baron when healthy.

Younger (Cali)

I like this new system bc you don't have to refresh but is it more difficult for you? You seem to be putting out less volume than usual.

David Thorpe

  (12:50 PM)

The links to post and search are not responding great. Could be my laptop. I'll figure it out.

derek (orlando, fl)

What was Rafer Alston doing different that he looked so darn good last night, not even just his shooting, but his whole all around game? How about that defense CLee did too? And MP stepping up.

David Thorpe

  (12:51 PM)

He attacked all game. C Lee and MP were aggressive on Kobe.

Heath (Dallas)

Pau Gasol is the most fundamentally sound post player since...

David Thorpe

  (12:51 PM)

Duncan?

Sean (Boise)

Jeff Van Gundy said eating the right foods before game is overrated. Not sure I agree. What say you?

David Thorpe

  (12:52 PM)

Depends on the player. And the foods.

Chad (North Platte)

Thoughts on Nick Calathes going to Greece, and then potentially coming back?

David Thorpe

  (12:53 PM)

He'll make a bunch of money and play for a legendary coach in a pro system. But he'll come back here at somne point, I'm sure.

Derrick Rose (Chicago)

Will I ever win an MVP?

David Thorpe

  (12:54 PM)

Not likely, but it's not out of the question.

Mike (Ohio)

You cried through a Pixar movie? What?

David Thorpe

  (12:55 PM)

If "Up" does not elicit tears, you have no game.

Todd Doug (St. Charles, MO)

Were you surprised by Battie last night? Some big shots, and some big defense...

David Thorpe

  (12:56 PM)

The defense is expected. Making shots is a huge bonus.

Marshall (Memphis)

I have heard that Rubio is snubbing Memphis for other cities. I am not sold on Thabeet at all, what do you think Memphis should do with the 2nd pick?

David Thorpe

  (12:56 PM)

Trade down.

Todd Doug (St. Charles, MO)

Why did Stan play Battie so much more than Gortat last night? Is it simply because Battie can knock down 15 ft shots, while Gortat can't?

David Thorpe

  (12:57 PM)

I think so. The Lakers played off Gortat like Orlando did with Varejao.

Adam (Philly)

Did Jameer Nelson's return disrupt the Magic's Chemistry !

David Thorpe

  (12:58 PM)

A little, but their rotations were good last night.

Todd Doug (St. Charles)

I'm truly puzzled by this. Why would Ainge trade up to get Rubio? They already have one of the best PG's in the leauge.

David Thorpe

  (12:59 PM)

If they move him then clearly it's a chemistry issue.

Joe (DE)

If you were the GM of the Spurs what would you do to improve the Spurs?

David Thorpe

  (12:59 PM)

Mason gives them energy and scoring off bench, but I still think they need some great athletes.

David Thorpe

  (1:00 PM)

Time's up-thanks for your patience as I muddled through the new system we have. Hope it still reads ok. Enjoy games 4 and 5, and I'll be back next week. Be safe!!