NBA All-Star Saturday Night Chat With Derek Page

1. Deven

   What’s your favorite part of All-Star Weekend, Derek?

   • Derek Page

     Welcome to my weekly chat NBA fans. All Star weekend is squarely upon us so let’s get to some questions.

     To be honest, none of it does much for me Deven. If they put $1 million on the line for some of these events (dunk contest and each winner of the main event All Star Sunday), which the NBA could easily afford and it would drive all kinds of revenue, then I’d be much more interested.

2. Deven

   Who’s your pick to win the All-Star game?

   • Derek Page

     Flip a coin. I’ll take the West. No one plays any defense until the final few minutes and that’s only if it’s close. Not much on the line for any of these guys to play hard.

3. chris

   who deserves mvp . ill say lebron.LeBron James last 5 games: 71% FG, 60% 3FG, 78% FT. lebron beats durant at everythng but free throws . durant never had those numbers.

   • Derek Page

     If it’s not LeBron, there’s something seriously wrong with the NBA. James is a clear lock in my opinion to take home the award. LBJ is clearly the best player in basketball right now, no question.

4. Jim in CyberSpace

   KG has a no trade clause….he’s already said he bleeds Celtic Green?

   The only place he would go is a “contender”…and he ain’t going to Miami…the way Ray Allen punked the Celts. Hell No! I respect KG.

   It’s the Clippers, Spurs, or Thunder…or stay with the Celt’s…

   • Derek Page

     I doubt KG goes anywhere. He holds all the power and, unless he doesn’t mind coming off the bench, he’s in the best situation for him in Boston.

5. JP

   Hi Derek! How are you? I have a question to ask you.
   Do you think it´s time for Minnesota to throw this season and review the best actions to be taken for the next one? This would mean picking a top 3 pick in which Noel would be more than ideal. The plan could also include trying to get JJ Redick & Iman Shumpert and either Chandler Parsons or Michael Kidd using the following options:
   Players to be moved: Pek-Kirilenko-Williams-Ridnour-Malcolm Lee
   Roy to retire
   Picks to be moved: Future 1st pick

   A key piece in our move forward is that we currently have 3 first round picks and 3 second round picks to be selected. Therefore, could we have something as the following?
   Starters: Rubio-JJ Redick-Michael Kidd/Chandler Parsons-Love-Noel (Our 1st pick)
   Bench: Barea-Shved-Oladipo-Shumpert-Budinger-Gelabale-Dante-CJohnson-Stiemsma-…
   Please let me know if you agree with those moves or what would you do knowing you may have 3 first round picks and 3 2nd round picks!
   Thanks!

   • Derek Page

     Doing well JP, thanks… Certainly time to start preparing for next season in Minnesota but I’m not sure that’s the right course of action. If Minnesota has already decided that they’re not going to be able to resign Pekovic, then it might be time to sell high but not sure the others either need to be traded quite yet (Williams) or would return much value (the other three).

6. Arky

   Hey Derek!

   Did anyone have the Durantula leading the league in techs going into the All-Star break? The Thunder looked really petulant while Miami was beating them down even though the great home crowd was keeping the refs well and truly on OKC’s side. Is there a feeling in the league that, without Harden around, this whole team (not just Westbrook) is starting to suffer from a real attitude problem?

   • Derek Page

     Does he lead the league in techs? That’s interesting for a seemingly mild-mannered player like Durant… I guess I need to step my Thunder-watching game up… Even more than attitude – which I honestly don’t think is an issue – Harden’s play off the bench was crucial to OKC’s success. Watching him excel in Houston this season is no surprise to Thunder fans who watched him over the last few seasons.

7. Julian

   I know this would only happen in 2K but! hearing about the rumors made me go to imaginary GM mode:

   KG to LAC for Bledsoe/Butler
   Pierce/picks to ATL for J. Smith
   Rondo/Lee For Howard

   Quick Rebuild for Bos
   Starting:
   Bledsoe
   Bradley
   Butler
   Smith
   Howard

   Bench:
   Green
   Terry
   Bass

   Obviously some fillers to ATL maybe Sully and Melo,

   • Derek Page

     Kevin Garnett says he will not allow a trade, so that throws a monkey wrench into your idea from the jump Julian… Rondo to LA for Howard has zero legs either.

8. Ricky

   With Josh Smith’s camp suggesting he won’t resign in Atlanta. If you were personally the GM of the Hawks – do you take the chance and not trade Josh – hoping that final 5th year you can guarantee will be enough to convince him to stay. Or do you think it is too risky to lose such a valuable asset and try and get some value back. Justify your decision

   • Derek Page

     Unless a deal blows Atlanta away, this franchise has been preparing this team to try to keep Smith happy and in the ATL. It’s too risky to lose Smith for peanuts if teams around the league know you’re desperate to get rid of the guy.

9. Julian

   In your opinion, who are the best 3 pure shooters in the NBA who are 6″11″ and over? My list is Durant, Disco, and Bargnani. What’s yours?

   • Derek Page

     1. Dirk Nowitzki
     2. Kevin Durant
     3. Ryan Anderson

10. Trevor

    If you were starting a team from scratch, rank your preference from these pair of players: Team #1 John Wall and Emeka Okafor, Team #2 Ty Lawson and Javale McGee or Team #3 Grevais Vasquez and Anthony Davis

    • Derek Page

      I’ll take number three. Davis is going to be a stud and Vasquez is a lock for Most Improved in the NBA this season. Those two are going to be very good for a long time.

11. LayHee

    I’m not sure what all this criticism of Rajon Rondo is about. Yes the Celtics have gone on a winning steak without him – but don’t let this clout our judgment of the man. 1rst – he is a fiery competitor, dirty defense, low turnovers and high assist numbers #2 – A Rajon Rondo led team does not lose to these Charlotte Bobcats like they did a few days ago. Perhaps Rajon should fall into the cookie cutter mold the media wants – give them all the standard BS rehearsed answers their PR guy gave them before the interview and this will reduce the amount of criticism the guy gets. To me its ridiculous – he’s a TOP 5-6 PG. Question: Do you think Rondo’s lack of cooperation with the media leads to greater criticism – or does a poor relationship with the media have nothing to do with the unjust criticism he receives.

    • Derek Page

      I’m right there with you friend. I don’t get it and I’ll take it a step further: Rondo is a top-3 NBA point guard MINIMUM… In terms of the media, I would hope that doesn’t factor in but human nature is what it is. I’ve talked to Rondo on occasion and I don’t sense a contempt for the media just more of a cautious approach.

12. Bubbles

    Vince Carter just passed Larry Bird for 29th all-time on the NBA scoring list. I for one am very surprised Vince is that high on the list. I’m fairly young, but was under the impression Larry B was one of the greats. How can Vince “I don’t play with a hangnail” Carter have passed him on the all-time list?

    • Derek Page

      Points don’t necessarily always classify greatness. Bird’s all-around game is what made him one of the all time greats in the history of the NBA… Don’t knock Carter’s accomplishment though: shows he’s been a solid scorer for a long time in this league.

13. Corey

    Jonas Valancious gets the a$$ end of every call. No matter on offensive or defense the referees always seem to decide he was the one fouling. I get frustrated during the games for him. You should have seen some of the phantom calls he got against Amare and NYK the other night. But this may just be my Raptors goggles speaking. Questions: Do you agree with my view of Jonas and the officiating? And which player(s) have you felt always gets the butt end of calls?

    • Derek Page

      Younger players, rookies in particular, who haven’t gained the “respect” of the officials generally don’t get the calls. It’s absurd and it’s ridiculous but that’s the NBA.

14. LakerMan

    Hi Derek, When is Kobe relize that Howard needs to lead the team in shot attempts every night if they want to make the playoffs. Even below 100% he can dominate if hes the focal point. He took Orlando to the finals and im confident this team is better than that one!!!!!! Kobe is a great great player and always talks about winning so prove it! SACRIFICE your game Kobe.Your Thoughts Derek???

    • Derek Page

      That’s an interesting thought… the only problem is that you can’t rely on D12 in crunch time. He can’t make his free throws and teams know this so they foul him to close out games. To your point though, there should be more of a balance offensively – no doubt.

15. Phil Perez

    Saw your tweet about how you would be shocked if Cuban didn’t do something come the deadline considering the way things are going. With that being said, what moves are you hearing that Mark may try and pull off?

    • Derek Page

      I can tell you that only Dirk is untouchable. Any and everybody on the Mavs is being discussed in possible deals. In terms of specifically, Dallas is notoriously tight-lipped in terms of who they are eyeing but I’ve heard Josh Smith and Brandon Jennings, among others, have been discussed.

16. May

    With all of the all-star festivities underway, it got me thinking of an interesting question about three of the all-stars. If Rajon Rondo, Russell Westbrook, and Carmelo Anthony all played on the same NBA team, who do you think would be blamed the most if they lose a game.

    • Derek Page

      Carmelo Anthony, without a doubt. With James winning an NBA Title, that guy – with NY riding him – takes the most heat in the NBA right now.

17. Caitlin

    Which side do you think initiated the supposed Rondo for Howard swap, Celtics or Lakers? The Rondo trade rumors and discussions are really exasperating. He had 4 triple doubles in the postseason last year and scored 44 and 8 against the Heat, he led the team to NBA Finals in 2010 and one quarter away from the Finals in 2012, he has played through major injury, been a 4 time all-star, and is a rare pass first point guard who can rebound and score. Who else in the league could average 13,11, and 5? Is there any end in sight to these ridiculous rumors? Or should I start saving money for a new Rondo jersey?

    • Derek Page

      Honestly Caitlin I don’t believe that trade was ever talked about in the first place. Unfortunately, over the next few days at least, there is no end in sight for all these crazy rumors.

18. Indiana Fan

    Do you think the Pacers have what it takes to seriously contend for a title this year? If not, what is one move that could push them over the top?

    • Derek Page

      Not at the moment… Getting Danny Granger back and fully involved will be one key but getting Roy Hibbert back on track is most important. If he can play dominant basketball from the center position, as he did just last season in a contract year, Indiana is a different team.

19. Steve

    Derek,
    I just don’t see Howard worth all the trouble.
    Great on defense when healthy, yes, but expensive and not a winner. Teams have won without him, obviously.

    Lakers should trade his drama away and admit he was a mistake.

    • Derek Page

      In terms of a short-term, emotional decision, I think you’re right on the money but LA has to be thinking about the future. Kobe Bryant will likely play another few seasons and then it’s going to be up to Howard to carry the torch for the Lakers. If not, it’s going to be a long and arduous rebuilding process in Los Angeles to try to find the next guy to lead the way.

20. Dwight Howard

    I just wanta have fun.
    Kobe wants to work too hard.
    He says that’s what it takes to win a championship.
    I don’t know about next year.
    Why does everybody else make so much drama?

    • Derek Page

      Not everyone can handle the intense spotlight in Los Angeles…

21. Shawn

    Over or under: Dwight gets asked who he’ll play for next season 10 times

    • Derek Page

      WAY over… try 100 and let’s not even count how many times people will try to twist his words into something that benefits their prospective story.

22. Brett

    What do you think about this trade??? It seems to make sense for all teams. Howard to Houston, Kevin Love and Derek Williams to LA and Minn gets 3 1st rounders and some young fillers from Houston and LA. Minn needs to rebuild around Pekovic and some nice young pieces

    • Derek Page

      T-Wolves get screwed in that deal… Two key pieces/assets for 1st round picks and scraps? No way Minnesota does that.

23. Shawn

    Should the NBA give the winning conference home court advantage like the MLB all star game? What effect do you think that would have?

    • Derek Page

      Definitely not. As I suggested earlier in the chat, I think monetary bonuses would hold the most weight. Instead of putting unrealistic, season-altering expectations on the game, give a nice chunk of change to the winner and zero to the losers. Would increase the quality of the game, increase fan support, marketability and profits while the league could 100 percent afford to do it.

24. Joseph Courtney

    What do you make of Dirk’s new affinity for following through and holding posed after his shot?

    • Derek Page

      That’s a new thing? You know we’ve been watching Dirk’s patented follow through and tongue wag for years, Joseph.

      Once again, thanks for the time everybody. If I missed you, don’t be afraid to hit me up through Twitter or by email or catch me again next Saturday at 5 PM EST. Be safe out there friends.