ESPN

David Thorpe

  (12:02 PM)

Hi everyone. All hail the Lakers. They were terrific, tough, and deserving. I'll only be chatting a few times this summer, so let's make this a good one. We have Verdi's "Rigoletto" to accompany us-look it up and you'll recognize some aria's (it was also my first opera)."and you do not want us......exposing ourselves".

Derrick (DC)

D Thorpe, how do you expect things to pan out next year for the Cavs, Celtics, Lakers, and Magic?

David Thorpe

  (12:02 PM)

Pretty much like this year. A ring for one, contenders the rest.

James (SC)

Let's get this out the way. Kobe is a top 10 player of all time.My Ranking: 1. Jordan, 2. Magic, 3. Kareem, 4. Wilt, 5. Russell, 6. Bird, 7. Kobe, 8. Duncan, 9. Shaquille, 10. Oscar.Fair?

David Thorpe

  (12:03 PM)

Jordan, Magic, Bird, Kareem. If your top 4 does not start like this, your list is immediately discarded.

Eric (Chicago)

What is that about 8 Twix for you?

David Thorpe

  (12:03 PM)

Mmmm, twix.

Todd (Lexington, Tn)

Is there any certain die/weight gaining program you advise your players to use?

David Thorpe

  (12:04 PM)

Yes-burn more calories than you consume.

Sov (Los Angeles)

Did you see The Hangover yet?

David Thorpe

  (12:04 PM)

Yes, last night. Awesome. Best ending in movie history behind Rocky.

Jackson (Iowa)

If you were the lakers, who gets priority...Trevor or Lamar? Personally, I like two handed players that come to play every night...

David Thorpe

  (12:05 PM)

Great question. I'd lean to Odom but I love Ariza.

Steve (Chicago)

In what year of their career do you see a guy like Holiday or Derozan being a starter? Do you risk a top 5 pick on a guy like that who wan't that productive in college? Or do you play it safer in the top 5 and take a guy like Curry or Harden who are better players now and can contribute sooner?

David Thorpe

  (12:05 PM)

Did Deron Williams start in year one?

Rocko (New York)

What happens if the Bulls lose Ben Gordon?

David Thorpe

  (12:06 PM)

They will score less.

chris (chicago)

first off thorpedo, have you got a twitter where i can follow you? and also what do you think of bulls possibly going after b.j. mullens, how do you feel about him?

Thomas (Chicago)

Coach, I've seen that you have a Facebook account, but I know a lot of your readers would love to read your insights during a game on Twitter. We're jealous of Abbott and Hollinger, who get to sit next to you at games. This would be the next best thing.

David Thorpe

  (12:07 PM)

Yes, I have a twitter account. Coachthorpe. But I'll not be updating it until summer league I think. BJ Mullens to Bulls? Possibly.

justin sc [via mobile]

David thorpe who's the best overall player in the nba draft?

David Thorpe

  (12:08 PM)

Upside wise? I'd lean to Rubio and Clark. I also think Curry is special.

Bob (Georgia)

Why is everyone so high on Rubio? I think he's too soft.

David Thorpe

  (12:08 PM)

Soft like Gasol.

chris (chicago)

thorpe what do you think of mullens was the question!!!!

David Thorpe

  (12:09 PM)

Soft like Gasol...in last years Finals.

Chad (Michigan)

I know you love Talladega Nights, but I just watched Dodgeball and forgot how funny and quoteable that movie is too.

David Thorpe

  (12:09 PM)

Epic.

Zack (Warrington, PA)

D-Money. You gotta answer this question! Why are the Sixers going to draft a point guard when they said they're resigning Andre Miller and have Lou Williams?

David Thorpe

  (12:10 PM)

Perhaps to get one that is a great shooter.

Paka (Pearl City, Hawaii)

Mr. Thorpe,Aloha from the island state. My question is which prospect do you see having the greatest impact on his individual team this upcoming year? Obviously everyone has their money on Blake Griffin but he has to play for the Lonely Clippers, which is every prospects nightmare so outside of him who do you think could really steal the spotlight from this year's draft?

David Thorpe

  (12:11 PM)

Griffin is going to be terrific, if he gets lots of pt. Curry is a stat stuffer. Blair is NBA ready.

Marc (Charlotte)

If the Bulls lose Gordon do they look at Ellington at 26?

David Thorpe

  (12:11 PM)

I almost lost my lunch.

Eddie (Sacramento, CA)

Is Rubio a good fit in the backcourt with Kevin? I'd say great, what say you?

David Thorpe

  (12:11 PM)

Rubio is a great fit next to anyone with a pulse. He's a dynamic passer. And a willing one.

Frank (New Jersey)

Do u think the Nets will draft Tyler Hansborough or someone else?

David Thorpe

  (12:12 PM)

I'd guess not, but it's possible for sure. Toughness is a desire there.

Bernard (Chicago)

What are your feelings about Sam Young from PITT?

David Thorpe

  (12:13 PM)

Affection. I think he's going to be a beast.

Kyle (Syracuse)

What do you think of Flynn and where would be the best place for him to go?

David Thorpe

  (12:13 PM)

I love him. He reminds me a lot of Bobby Jackson as a penetrator. But I do not see him as a top 10 type of talent in this draft. Others do.

Dave (New York)

Have never seen Rubio play. Is there a current NBA player that has similar style to him? Is his play alot like Calderons?

David Thorpe

  (12:14 PM)

Strange as it sounds, he reminds me of Larry Bird. In terms of his passing, of course.

Rocko (New York)

What are you doing to prepare for the NBA Draft?

David Thorpe

  (12:15 PM)

Is this a trick question?

nick (los angeles)

lakers will go back to back then threepeat true or false?

David Thorpe

  (12:15 PM)

False.

Shane booneville, ms [via mobile]

I've seen a lot of mock drafts where pat mills is going in the second round why is that?

David Thorpe

  (12:15 PM)

My guess is that he's not a passing pg. But he'll end up fine.

Freddy (Santa Ana, CA)

Would the best move for the Lakers be to draft Calathes at the end of the 1st round and bring him over next year after Fisher retires?

David Thorpe

  (12:17 PM)

I only had Nick in our gym for a few weeks, but he's top 10 in this draft in my book. Best passer, other than Rubio, and a tremendous feel. He was offered a huge deal by a power franchise for a reason, and not just because he has Greek lineage.

RYAN (NY, NY)

Can Curry be a great PASSING point or is he Monta Ellis 2.0?

David Thorpe

  (12:17 PM)

He'll be a better passer than Ellis. Plus I heard he hates mopeds.

Todd (Lexington, Tn)

Clark and Rubio more upside than Daye and Mullens? Really?

David Thorpe

  (12:18 PM)

Really.

ray (cleveland)

SHOULD THE CAVS TRY TO GET SAM YOUNG TO ADD SIZE TO THE BACKCOURT?

David Thorpe

  (12:18 PM)

I think he'll be gone.

Phillip (Jacksonville, FL)

David, Chad Ford has Dajuan Summers ranked at 22, ranked just one spot below Dejuan Blair at 21. Isn't this ridiculous, considering how much better Blair was in college than Summers AND Blair is a full year younger than Summers?

David Thorpe

  (12:19 PM)

That was not a ranking. It was a projected draft, and Blair could drop if teams are afraid of his knee's. If had had no knee issues, he'd be definite lottery.

Marc (Charlotte)

Thorpe, why do you hate Ty Lawson and Wayne Ellington?

David Thorpe

  (12:20 PM)

Hate? No way. I'm high on both. Lawson can be a steal in the 20's. Ellington is a top 4 shooter in this draft. But BG is a top 3 one on one player on earth. Big difference.

Jason (Little Rock)

What are your plans for Kevin Martin this summer?

David Thorpe

  (12:21 PM)

Honestly, we've both decided to stop talking publicly about it. All I'll say is that between Monday and Thursday, drop by the Sacramento practice arena at 6am. I expect you will see the lights on.

Aubrey (Dallas)

BG top 3 one on one? I'd have Kobe, Lebron, Melo, Wade, and maybe CP3 above him...

David Thorpe

  (12:22 PM)

Wade, Melo, BG. Yep, that'll do it.

Kevin (Toronto )

Between Henderson and DeRozan who is the better prospect? Who is higher on Toronto's draft board?

David Thorpe

  (12:23 PM)

I love Henderson. DeRozan fits their need for toughness. Both do as athletes. Both would be good picks.

Brian (middletown, de)

Will Turkoglu end up back with Orlando? That seems like the best option for everyone involved.

David Thorpe

  (12:24 PM)

If he wants to compete for a ring for the next 6 years, he should stay right where he is.

Ace (PA)

As a guy who trains NBAers, what would you work on with Dwight Howard, if he came to you and ask for some help developing his game?

David Thorpe

  (12:25 PM)

First of all, I think his game is right on schedule. But improving his free throw would bring the best and most immediate results.

J.R. (Pittsburgh, PA)

What do you see as the most likely destination and alternatively the "best fit" destination for Dajuan Blair?

David Thorpe

  (12:25 PM)

Nets, Bobcats, Pacers, Bulls.

G (DC)

Ok enough questions to this guy... We don' t need to get info from the "expert" that thinks Ben Gordon is a better 1 on 1 player than Kobe. I like BGizzle but he goes on that second tier with the Joe Johnson's of the world!

David Thorpe

  (12:27 PM)

I don't even count Kobe. He's on another planet. Would you feel better if I said BG is top 5? Who is better off the dribble, as a shot maker, with that kind of 3 point range?

Tyler (Blacksburg VA)

Hey David, who do you think has more upside Terrence Williams or Gerald Henderson? Would one of those fill the bobcats SG needs well?

David Thorpe

  (12:27 PM)

Henderson.

John L (Bellevue, WA)

Which potential lottery pick has the most bust potential?

David Thorpe

  (12:28 PM)

Jennings.

Mike (Las Vegas, NV)

Do the bulls make a move with there picks?

David Thorpe

  (12:28 PM)

I think it is likely they will.

Neil (Philadelphia)

Eric Maynor - stud in the making, or future 8th man that eventually is out of the L by age 28?

David Thorpe

  (12:28 PM)

Rotation guy for quite awhile.

Joe (Atlanta (GA))

Yesturday Stein proclaimed Phil Jackson the GOAT. Will somebody please explain to Marc that Red Auerbach modernized the game of basketball. Not only did he introduce the concept of the 6th man but many credit him with developing the fast break to what you see today. Let's not even mention the players he mentored into successful coaches. Phil's accomplishments are tremendous but Red's accomplishments go well beyond the number of titles.

David Thorpe

  (12:29 PM)

It's apples and oranges. Two totally different era's. But I think Phil had the tougher job.

John (Nashville TN)

Who in this draft besides Blake griffin do you think has superstar or HOF potential? I think Demar Derozan.

David Thorpe

  (12:31 PM)

You could be right. HOF is a hard call at this point. Holiday, Rubio, Calathes, Jennings are all super talented. Griffin obviously. Clark is a lot like Odom, with a better pedigree (3 years with Pitino, a great mom and dad).

Hari (Toronto)

Anyway, Raptors can climb up the draft board to get Harden? maybe if Harden was available at 5?

David Thorpe

  (12:32 PM)

Good call.

henry (long beach)

ellington > henderson

David Thorpe

  (12:32 PM)

Henderson=Ellington .35

Steve (New York)

What do you think of Jrue Holiday being the pick for the Knicks at 8?

David Thorpe

  (12:33 PM)

I think that's where he'll end up if Curry goes 6 or 7.

Dan (Hartford)

Do you think Thabeet is going to be a bust?

David Thorpe

  (12:33 PM)

No, but not a stud either.

Jon (Mad-town)

Bosh to the Bulls for 2 1st rounders, Thomas and Captain Kirk?

David Thorpe

  (12:34 PM)

Could be.

Craig (NYC)

The draft sucks something awful this year.... Blake Griffen marginal starter - mark my words.

David Thorpe

  (12:34 PM)

Lime most drafts, this one will have 15-20 solid players.

Ariel (Albany, NY)

Jordan Hill is falling falling falling. If he falls to 8 should the Knicks take him?

David Thorpe

  (12:34 PM)

Is he skilled enough?

Donna (Southfield, MI)

David, are you still high on Jrue Holiday? I noticed that you don't include him in your comments about who has the most potential. . .

David Thorpe

  (12:36 PM)

Yes, I think he's a can't miss prospect. Derek Fisher at worst. That's pretty high praise.

Mike (CT)

A great mom and dad? Did Odom have a bad childhood or something?

David Thorpe

  (12:37 PM)

I wasn't comparing them.

Todd (Lexington, Tn)

Since you stated Rubio and Clark has more upside than Austin Daye what are your thoughts on Daye?

David Thorpe

  (12:38 PM)

I don't like his mind too much. But he's got skills and is tougher than he looks.

morgan (st paul)

love your chats! is there any way lakers could acquire rubio to play with kobe and his boy pau?

David Thorpe

  (12:38 PM)

Sure there is a way. Trade Gasol back to Memphis.

Eliezer (Philadelphia)

How can Ricky Rubio fit in Oklahoma? Chad Ford has him going to OKC.

David Thorpe

  (12:39 PM)

He'd be great there. It allows Westbrook to slide over to the 2 some. But they each have to get better as shooters for that to happen. I think they will.

Alex (St. Paul)

Will the kings go with Jrue Holiday at pick 4? Or will they risk taking jennings or maybe even tyreke evens?

David Thorpe

  (12:40 PM)

I'd guess they won't. But it's still early. Evans, Flynn, Jennings all possible. Rubio too.

Mike (LA)

I saw that you kept picking the Magic to win. I won't play the Homer card. What did the Lakers do, or what did the Magic not do, that surprised you. Thanks.

David Thorpe

  (12:42 PM)

I picked the Lakers in 7, but yes, Orlando in games 2-5. I'm some genius huh. Twice the Lakers just made the extra play/shot to win those OT games (and Orlando missed them), and in game 5 the Lakers completely out-toughed them.

morgan (st paul)

mr david thorpe, please answer my question. can the lakers acquire rubio to play with kobe and pau. showtime 2.

David Thorpe

  (12:43 PM)

I wrote yes. Just trade Gasol to Memphis.

Ed (MD)

do you believe in the hot hand?

David Thorpe

  (12:43 PM)

Without doubt.

Jon (Mad-town)

The Magic went wrong by playing Jameer Nelson that series. He hadn't played in months and it completely ruined the Alston/Johnson rotation that got them to the finals.

David Thorpe

  (12:44 PM)

It sure is easy to suggest that now.

Travis (Portland)

Please give me your thoughts on what Portland should do in this offseason..... I would love to get my hands on Monta Ellis

David Thorpe

  (12:45 PM)

I wouldn't be. They need to be careful and not mess up the chemistry they have going there.

Darryl (Oakland)

Am I nuts, I disagree with you on multiple player evaluations. Remember last year when you thought Brook Lopez wasn't worth a top 5 pick. This year I don't see Rubio being very good, maybe a Marco Belinelli type player but that's his ceiling.

David Thorpe

  (12:47 PM)

Lopez is definitely a top 5 guy. I did not see him much (barely at all) last year. How much have you seen Rubio?

Jon (Charlotte, NC)

Which team has the most promising future, the Pacers, the Grizzles, The Timberwolves, or the Kings?

David Thorpe

  (12:47 PM)

I'll let you know after the draft.

rocky (san diego, ca)

Luol Deng to Portland for Travis Outlaw and Jerryd Bayless

David Thorpe

  (12:48 PM)

Could be, part 2.

Edvaldo (Winter Park)

If you would draft again Jameer Nelson and Courtney lee where would they be selected on their respective drafts?

David Thorpe

  (12:48 PM)

Actually not much higher than they actually got drafted. Both of those drafts were rich.

Jon (Minneapolis)

David, thanks for taking the time to chat. Who do you expect to be available at #6 for the wolves?

David Thorpe

  (12:49 PM)

Curry. That'll do it.

Jacob (Phoenix)

Who do the Suns take? I hope they take Clark...

David Thorpe

  (12:49 PM)

He's a good fit, I agree.

Kenny (Bloomington, IN)

You keep posting questions without answering them.

David Thorpe

  (12:50 PM)

That's not going to be good for anyone. I'm using our new chat system and it still has bugs I guess.

Jon (Mad-town)

Chances Bulls take Chase Budinger as a replacement for BG?

David Thorpe

  (12:50 PM)

Now I've lost my lunch. Thanks.

Dave (SLC)

You haven't answered a single Utah Jazz question: How would you sort out the Boozer/Okur/Millsap tangle if you were KOC?

David Thorpe

  (12:51 PM)

I'd try to keep 2 of the 3.

Eric (Houston)

Youre answer for best future of the 4 teams didnt come in

David Thorpe

  (12:51 PM)

I suggested to check back after the draft.

Josh (Knoxville, TN)

Assuming full strength... Ginobili > Gordon

David Thorpe

  (12:51 PM)

Yes.

Cosmo (Anytown, USA)

What's Andre Miller have left in the tank? He's getting old.....

David Thorpe

  (12:52 PM)

He was good in the playoffs.

Rocko (New York)

What do the Bulls need work on more,e defense or offense?

David Thorpe

  (12:52 PM)

Both, and rebounding too.

sean (h-town)

What you think about my Rockets? they gave the definding champs all they can handle. We will be healthy next season...

David Thorpe

  (12:53 PM)

Toughest team in shorts.

Eliezer (Philadelphia)

Can the Sixers take T.Y. lawson?

David Thorpe

  (12:55 PM)

Yes. And sorry for the delay-system shut down.

James (Dallas)

What is the bigger need for the Pacers? Front line player like D. Blair or one of the PG's that will still be available?

David Thorpe

  (12:55 PM)

Beast should be priority one.

michael (detroit)

why did patrick patterson withdraw from nba draft?

David Thorpe

  (12:55 PM)

He wants a ring next year.

James (San Antonio)

Thorpe, good to see you chatting. Ive been anti-tweet so far, but if you start, theres a very good chance i will be taking the plunge. I know the Spurs dont draft until Round 2. Top 3 options you think will go at that time that might benefit our team? Thanks.

David Thorpe

  (12:57 PM)

Great. I hope that I can "tweet" some interesting things about the game and it's players. I won't be doing it to tell everyone what I'm eating for lunch. Not sure about the Spurs, other than athleticism is always a need there.

michael (detroit)

david thorpe...you didn't answer my question. why did patrick patterson withdraw from nba draft?

David Thorpe

  (12:57 PM)

He wanted to win a ring.

ben (RI)

who do the "toughest team in shorts" have their eye on that Chad Ford is reporting they're intersted in trading for for the #2 or #5 pick?

David Thorpe

  (12:58 PM)

I have no idea. But I'd guess the player measures well in their stats categories.

Brad (NY)

Do you ever refer to yourself in the 3rd person?

David Thorpe

  (12:59 PM)

You mean like, "Mrs. Thorpe says, David, it's 1pm. Chat time is over."?

Roncag (Gretna va)

Thorpe is getting upset!!!

David Thorpe

  (1:01 PM)

No I'm not. But it is 1pm, so it's time to go. The movie quote was from Ghostbusters 2. A fine flick with a great soundtrack. Thanks for over 1600 questions. I'll check in from time to time this summer. Be safe everyone!