David Thorpe

  (12:02 PM)

It's nice to be able to chat about the great playoff games we're seeing, isn't it? Last night's game in LA was pure entertainment. Let's get to it."It's just so tiny. Tiny, tiny, tiny".

Alex (Anaheim)

Will the Lakers be a better team with Metta back, or not especially?

David Thorpe

  (12:03 PM)

At times, yes. But it depends on who he is-focused and sharp and a little crusty (the good Artest but one who is risky)or mellow and just happy to get along with everyone (the bad Artest-court wise).

Jasen (North Royalton, Ohio)

Thorpedo, my FB friend! I know it's the playoffs but I have a Cavs question.. In seemingly mirroring the "Presti model", what direction does GM Chris Grant go in this draft? MKG seems like the ideal pick after Davis but I also hear murmurings of Drummond. Thanks.

David Thorpe

  (12:05 PM)

Always glad to see my FB friends here. I'm at David B. Thorpe on Facebook for anyone interested. And a great question!! But you'll have to read my draft blog coming later today to get my answer. It's on the Cavs needs.

Person (DC)

So will getting out of Washington actually be enough to turn McGee's career around?

David Thorpe

  (12:05 PM)

I think the Denver situation will help him reach his potential, yes.

bob san fran [via mobile]

are some of javale mcgees recent big games more luck or a player starting to get it and come into his own

David Thorpe

  (12:05 PM)

What I saw last night had nothing to do with luck.

Jake (Chi town)

Hey Thorpe love your work, did you see my Bulls last night? If they can close out like that for 2 games in a row Im giving them a chance. How bout you? how do you think they looked?

David Thorpe

  (12:07 PM)

Yes, they can win 2 more. But their margin for error is small, and it includes bad play from Philly. If the Sixers shoot well, it's goodnight Chicago. And what the heck is going on with CJ Watson? He was Philly's best player last night.

Ralph (NYC)

ESPN Analyst's always always late never fails

David Thorpe

  (12:08 PM)

I was here at noon bro.

jack (mn)

What FA perimeter player should the Wolves go after? Do they have a shot at Batum or E. Gordon?

David Thorpe

  (12:08 PM)

Gotta max Harden, right?

Scott (Dallas)

Mr. Thorpe, My sons and I are Huge Durant fans (GO HORNS!). What do you think he needs to work on this offseason once it happens. To me it is ball handling. My 13 and 11 year old boys thinks his low post game. What would you suggest?

David Thorpe

  (12:09 PM)

I agree with your boys. 6'10 dudes built like KD can never be that special with the ball.

joe: detroit [via mobile]

what do you think of the pacers danny granger? i think the guy would be so much better if he didnt drift out to the perimeter so often and played more agressive and tried 2 get into the paint?

David Thorpe

  (12:10 PM)

Agreed.

Adnan (Superior)

Was signing Rip Hamilton a mistake?

David Thorpe

  (12:10 PM)

I was never a believer. But who else could they have signed?

Anthony (Libertyville, IL)

When I look at Jared Sullinger I'm shocked how many mixed reviews I hear. He reminds me of how Elton Brand or Carlos Boozer looked coming out of college with better range going into the draft. Could he be that type of player?

David Thorpe

  (12:10 PM)

Absolutely.

Jim C. (Boise, Idaho)

How badly did Andrew Bynum mail in the game last night? For the second time in the series, he looked like he didn't care. I've never seen a player give worse effort in a playoff game after making a statement like he did. Will he ever "get it" and work hard to establish good post position consistently on offense and exert consistent effort on defense?

David Thorpe

  (12:11 PM)

Bad. But he's also frustrated with how seldom he gets the ball. Bad attitude to take but it is reality.

Jonny H (Milwaukee)

Does Muay Ty Lawson have poor shooting mechanics? It looks to me like he bends his back too much leading to a flat shot.

David Thorpe

  (12:12 PM)

His arm extension is poor and flat.

Darryl (Australia)

Hey coach! Can anyone be a good free throw shooter? Or can hand size be a factor?

David Thorpe

  (12:12 PM)

Yes and yes.

Kirby (PHI)

What kind of impact do you think Jeff Green would have made if he still was in the roster for the Celtics?

David Thorpe

  (12:12 PM)

They can always use athleticism and energy.

Sal (ATL)

Steve Kerr wrote a piece for ESPN's Grantland, where he stated that Tim Duncan made more money in the NBA because he stayed in college longer. If you compare Tim Duncan's career earnings to that of Kevin Garnett, it is clear that Steve Kerr is wrong. Thoughts?

David Thorpe

  (12:13 PM)

I need to read it, but I heard the gist of it and it is stunningly inaccurate on many levels.

kramer (anytown)

thoughts on rose coming back from the acl injury? what should the bulls expect from him next year?

David Thorpe

  (12:14 PM)

Very little, more than likely.

JimmyZ (Parts Unknown)

Matt Geiger: better shooter or foul ball catcher?

David Thorpe

  (12:14 PM)

None of the above.

Jeff (SLC)

What's your take on Raja Bell and C.J. Miles complaining about the lack of communcation coming from Coach Corbin? Think it's just sour grapes from guy riding the pine or do you think they have a point?

David Thorpe

  (12:15 PM)

Probably a little of both. Former NBA players turned coaches who are poor communicators is not news, though.

Jack (Mn)

Follow up, would the Thunder match Harden?

David Thorpe

  (12:16 PM)

Probably but who knows?

anthony (l.a.)

you gotta believe in the clippers, right?

David Thorpe

  (12:16 PM)

I believe in CP3.

Thomas (New Haven)

Thorpedo, I must admit that I thought you were so dumb to pick Denver over my Lakers. I mean really dumb. I heard you on the radio say that you thought it would be 2-2 and LA would play tired in game 5 after being run to death at altitude the previous 2 games and end up losing games 5 and 6. Holy smokes man, you almost made a genius call. But I still think LA wins this series. You?

David Thorpe

  (12:17 PM)

I think LA is unlikely to lose three straight. But it is possible. If Gallo had shown up last night it would have been a blowout. I expect a great game 6 from the Lakers bigs.

Scott (Northglenn, CO)

Ceiling for a Gallo, Faried, McGee frontcourt? Perennial playoff contender?

David Thorpe

  (12:18 PM)

Yes, plus Lawson and Aflalo and a great bench.

Jonny H (Milwaukee)

Can you repost your answer to the Sullinger question? Looks like the chat software ate it up.

David Thorpe

  (12:18 PM)

He could be a bad defender, or a very good one. Brand is terrific now inside on d.

Jay (Detroit,MI)

The Great Thorpedo! You're someone who I admire! Please Please sound off on this crying, flopping,& faking going on in this Clippers and Grizzlies series! Chris Paul

David Thorpe

  (12:19 PM)

I hate refs that call what they don't see. I wish they'd just call what they do see, period.

Scott (Northglenn, CO)

T or F: When we re-analyze in 2 years, the Nugs will have fleeced the Wizards in the Nene-for-McGee trade?

David Thorpe

  (12:20 PM)

False. Wiz needed a more stable center to get the franchise moving in the right direction.

J (Boston)

are you a fan of the idea of Anthony Davis on the Olympic team?

David Thorpe

  (12:20 PM)

No.

Tony (mich)

Why is no one talking about Rajon Rondo for MVP? He's more of an asset to his team then James or Durant

David Thorpe

  (12:21 PM)

Read my Postseason MVP column this Friday (and every Friday!).

Blueman (Indy)

What should Paul Geore work on this summer to try and step up into the elite level?

David Thorpe

  (12:21 PM)

Attack moves.

Tony (mich)

Can the Lakers beat either the Spurs of the Thunder to get to the NBA Finals?

David Thorpe

  (12:22 PM)

They can, yes. But I'd guess they would be underdogs.

Chris (Fresno)

How do you like the Spurs Chances against the Clippers or Grizzles? I feel like the Clippers are a lot like the Sunds used to be with Amare. Nothing but an athletic big man who likes to dunk a lot, but can't do much else. And Duncan just sits back ands laughs at these guys as they pound thier chest after a dunk.

David Thorpe

  (12:23 PM)

What the heck are you talking about? Have you not seen CP3 play? And that Spurs team was far better on d than this one is.

Snowflake (Iowa)

Would you rather have Serge Ibaka or Derrick Favors for the rest of their career?

David Thorpe

  (12:24 PM)

Fantastic question. I'm leaning Favors now, but it also depends on the rest of the roster.

Money (Jersey)

If Deron leaves, can MarShon take the necessary steps to becoming face of franchise down the road?

David Thorpe

  (12:24 PM)

I wouldn't think so.

Tom (Aspen)

If Miami doesn't win the title - who says no...Nugs get Wade and Norris Cole. Miami gets Faried, Lawson, and Afflalo

David Thorpe

  (12:25 PM)

Miami.

Zeb (alaska)

Coach, of the teams that currently trail their series 3 games to 2 (Hawks, Nuggets, Bulls), which do you think is most likely to come back and win the series?

David Thorpe

  (12:26 PM)

Bulls.

Chris (Fresno)

I did not say CP3 is bad, I was mostly talking about Griffin. So do you think the Spurs can't beat them??? Because I HAVE SEEN how TP has been playing and he looks pretty damn good too. I thought you were one of the smarter guys on ESPN, I guess I was wrong.

David Thorpe

  (12:27 PM)

I picked SA to win the west months ago. But CP3 is the single scariest player to opponents in the NBA today, come playoff time.

Matt (Mpls)

How fixable is a confidence problem in a player?

David Thorpe

  (12:28 PM)

Very, but it takes time and work. My simple motto is "confidence comes from genuine work producing good results".

Dion (Ft. Gordon)

Even with his sometimes erratic play do you think the Knicks are better with or without Lin?

David Thorpe

  (12:28 PM)

With.

Mackey (columbus)

Coach Thorpe - how can I help diversify a set shooter's all around game? Any specific drills?

David Thorpe

  (12:29 PM)

Add lots of shot-fake attack moves and dribble drive drills.

Rocky (Sacramento)

Do you think Thibs should consider starting this lineup: Taj, Boozer, Deng, Brewer, Watson....It seemed to be the best lineup last night and the defense stifled the sixers.

David Thorpe

  (12:30 PM)

Deng at the 4 is what I'd like to see.

Lloyd (Chicago)

Coach, Can you expand on your answer to Rose coming back next year. What as fans we should expect from him next year and the year after. Thanks

David Thorpe

  (12:31 PM)

The mental is as tough or tougher to overcome than the physical. He'll probably be fine by 2013-14, but not 100% before.

Scott (Northglenn, CO)

Who would you take in a race baseline-to-baseline with the ball - LBJ, Lawson, or do I dare suggest Corey Brewer? He might be the strangest looking, fastest guy in the league...

David Thorpe

  (12:33 PM)

LeBron and Brewer would be great to see. Brewer uses his speed and length and quickness on defense better than any player in the NBA. He makes point guards nervous as they dribble up the floor.

Chris (Fresno)

I agree CP3 is great and as a fan I have great respect for him. I just feel like the Spurs have more going for them and the Spurs have usually let an athletic big man like Griffen go and get his points becuase they are not going to waste fouls and Duncan can be a surgeon with guys like him becuase they try to jump through the roof to block shots. Sorry about the not being smart comment :)

David Thorpe

  (12:33 PM)

No worries. I've been called much worse.

Brian (Providence)

Would you be surprised at all if the Celts closed out the Hawks by 15+ tomorrow?

David Thorpe

  (12:34 PM)

Yes, as Horford is awesome.

Blueman (Indy)

Roy Hibbard has improved greatly since his rookie year but has he hit his ceiling?

David Thorpe

  (12:35 PM)

I've never seen this Hibbard guy play? What league is he in?

Chris (Jersey)

As a Net fan it killed me watching Favors the other night. Block, Dunk, Block, Block, would have been perfect compliment to Brook. These past few years they have been too worried about having big names for Brooklyn instead of building a solid team. Imagine Favors, Brook and Ryan Anderson front line.

David Thorpe

  (12:35 PM)

Don't like RA as a 3. But he'd be great next to either guy.

Nick (Orlando)

Do you think the Magic should reconsider trading Howard for Bynum. I think both centers would be better off in the trade. (Howard, better chance at a title, Bynum better chance at becoming the Man and not lollygagging on defense after not getting the ball)

David Thorpe

  (12:36 PM)

They should make that trade, yes. And keep SVG.

Chet (LA)

Why does Deron Williams get a pass on his HORRIBLE play in New Jersey? For a guard his size, he's a terrible rebounder. He shot 40% from the field this year, averaged 4 (!) turnovers a game, and didn't seem to improve anyones play on the Nets. Do you think he's as elite as everyone seems to think?

David Thorpe

  (12:38 PM)

At times, yes. But he is not CP3, and never will be.

Brian S. (Miami)

If the Bulls get through the first round of Playoffs...what statement does this make on the overall impact of Derek Rose on the Bulls, given two seasons with/without him, virtually the same result in seeding for the East.

David Thorpe

  (12:39 PM)

He's an amazing player and a better person. But they have a lot of good pieces and a brilliant coach.

Blueman (Indy)

With strength and ability to find the open man,he worked on it could LeBron be the best post player in the NBA?

David Thorpe

  (12:39 PM)

Among the top few, yes.

Jon (Fairfield, CA)

David, what does Philly need to do this off-season to their roster? Does Iggy finally get traded? How about Brand? I like the young talent on this team, but some move needs to be made.

David Thorpe

  (12:41 PM)

They can't just trade Iggy. Upgrades are needed at 2, 4, and 5 with Jrue and Iggy at 1 and 3. If they trade Jrue or Iggy, they better get big upgrades in return.

Andrew Bynum (LA)

Hey, I lolly-gag back to defense even after I get the ball. Don't accuse me of pouting.

David Thorpe

  (12:41 PM)

Nice!

Junior J. (Los Angeles, CA)

Would you trade P. Gasol for Josh Smith?

David Thorpe

  (12:41 PM)

Not if I ran LA.

Alex (Chicago)

Does Ramon Sessions look like a long term answer at the point for the Lakers? At first I thought yes, but over the last month, I feel like he's just another guy.

David Thorpe

  (12:43 PM)

He's solid. Lakers already have three all-stars, they can't afford 4 unless they draft one.

Don (Edmond, OK)

Should Harden be running the Thunder offense whenever he is on the floor?

David Thorpe

  (12:43 PM)

No. In moderation.

cp (reno)

Wow...I would have thought Jsmooth for Gasol would be a no brainer for LA

David Thorpe

  (12:44 PM)

So you hate Mike Brown, because having to coach Bynum and Smith would cause Brown to lose all his hair, at the very least.

Danny Green (San Antonio)

Has anyone heard of me?

David Thorpe

  (12:44 PM)

I have. Big fan.

Mark (New Jersey)

What the heck is up with Matt Barnes and his 3 point shooting? This reminds me of when Robert Horry shot some insanely low 3 for 24 against the Spurs back in 03'.

David Thorpe

  (12:45 PM)

When did you think he was a good shooter?

Philip (Germany)

Considering Derrick Favors recent play, do you think the jazz should trade Millsap/Jefferson and try to get a guy like igoudala to improve their perimeter game?

David Thorpe

  (12:46 PM)

That and other thoughts have crossed my mind.

Brett (Florida)

As much as I like what Diaw is doing so far for the Spurs, I wish Blair would get more minutes. Great energy guy, something the Spurs need I think.

David Thorpe

  (12:46 PM)

Pop likes shooters in the postseason.

Cheese (Philly)

Has anyone guessed the movie??? Anyway my question is about the amnesty clause. I love Elton Brand but not at his price tag. Anyway we can amnesty him and sign him for a reasonable amount?

David Thorpe

  (12:47 PM)

It's from "Indian Summer". Kevin Pollack delivered that classic line. I'm sure the two Thorpe brothers knew it. No, they can not re-sign a player they amnesty.

David Thorpe

  (12:48 PM)

I have to run, so thanks for stopping in. David B. Thorpe on Facebook, @coachthorpe on twitter, or in Clearwater on the Pony Express. Be safe!!