NBA Chat With Derek Page 10/13/12

1. steppxxxxz

   The knicks, lakers and celtics….and to a lsightly lesser degree the Spurs…are OLD. Very old. I think this is a forgotten topic. Look at Denver….young big, athletic. Look at OKC, highly athletic and fast. I wonder if people arent paying enough attention to age. Your thoughts?

   • Derek Page

     Another Saturday brings another chat with yours truly and I’m happy to be here once again. We’ve got a hefty amount of questions already in the queue so let’s not waste anymore time.

     The Knicks and Celtics, for sure and LA is getting up there but the main players for the Lakers are still producing at a high level. Both Steve Nash and Kobe Bryant, albeit each in their 16th season, are still considering among the best players in basketball. Tack on Dwight Howard who is still in his 20′s and Pau Gasol who is in his early 30′s and the Lakers aren’t such an elderly team after all.

2. LA in LA

   SI’s ALL-NBA prediction had Westbrook and CP3 as the 1st team All-NBA guards. CP3 is almost a given if healthy but Westbrook over Kobe (2nd team)? They say it’s because Kobe’s role will diminished with the arrival of Nash and Dwight.
   I think it is logical. What about you?

   • Derek Page

     I wouldn’t say Bryant’s role will be diminished but he will certainly have a lot of pressure taken off of him by Nash to run that Lakers offense. If anything, Nash’s inclusion will free Bryant to be an even more efficient and better scorer. I think you might be forgetting another guard that should in the running as well – Dwyane Wade.

3. Aussie pacer

   Hey Derek thanks for the time im loving the Kobe vs smush Parker battle before the season kicks off but my question to u is would a Wilson chandler for Danny granger trade work and how well does chandler do at the sg position?

   • Derek Page

     That’s an interesting idea, for sure. I’m not sure I do it on the Pacers end simply because Granger is more of a known commodity but there’s little doubt that Chandler has an abundance of talent. I really like the way things are shaping up in Denver and I don’t think they should rush to make any moves quite yet.

4. JJBB

   As I view the vast and varied expanse of the Rockets forward roster one combination seems particularly intriguing. Sure, there are some good forwards with trade value like Parsons, Patterson, and Moniejunas and a few unproven and lesser lights like Johnson, Morris and Brockman but when you match Royce White’s skills with yet another rookie, Terrence Jones and add Omer Asik with his defensive prowess and underrated offence at center you have the potential for something special. You may even wish to keep Montiejunas as a nice offensive alternative off the bench. I’m just not sure McHale is the right coach to execute it. What is your take on the best forward matchup for the Rockets?

   • Derek Page

     That’s really hard to say. I agree with you that Terrence Jones and Royce White have all the skills to man the forward spots for Houston but I haven’t seen enough from either one so far to have conviction with that answer. Parsons played pretty well in his rookie year last season, so he deserves a shot to start again this year. It’s a crowded position, that’s for sure and McHale is going to have some tough decisions after camp.

5. Peter

   What do you think of a Derek Fisher and 76ers psiring? I think Philly is a darkhorse in the east and a real threat to make the ECF pending Bynum’s health along with the development of Turner and Holiday. Turner is there unorthdox backup PG, so they would only need 10 min a night for Fisher. I really think his off the court presence is where his true value is felt. He could mentor Turner, Young and especially Holiday on how to become a true professional. Just ask Durant, Westbrook, and Harden what it meant to have him in the locker room. I’m sure he was very valuable after OKC went down 2-0 to the Spurs in the WCF last year. Thoughts?

   • Derek Page

     As an assistant coach? Definitely. As a player? I don’t think so. Fisher’s playing days are done… I do agree that Philly should be a legit dark horse to make some noise in the East though.

6. Bugsy Mogues

   Hey Derek,
   Nando is getting plenty of run in the preseason for the Spurs. What do you see as his role in the rotation this season?

   • Derek Page

     I think he could see time at both guard positions, sure. However I don’t know that he’ll get a ton of minutes right off the bat. Good preseason performances are nice and all but coaches, especially a guy like Popovich, won’t truly trust Nando de Colo until he proves it in the regular season. Plenty of talent though but Spurs might be too stacked anyways for him to find much time.

7. ?

   why critics comparing lebron to number 1 but number 2 and 3 is better than lebron and who’s your hated critics.

   • Derek Page

     I’m not sure what you mean. In terms of all time greats? I think it’s definitely way too premature to start putting LeBron in the same conversation as Jordan, Magic and Bird. LBJ is great but he has to continue to prove it in order to start earning those comparisons.

8. LA in LA

   I think Carmelo is one of the most talented NBA guys but judging by his play and words, I’m not sure how much he wants to do besides score. I’ve come to the conclusion his ideal role on a contender would to be 2nd best at best, but probably better as the 3rd wheel. He needs to play with more talented players a la the Olympics. If he had an elite PG like Deron Willaims or CP3 and a great big like Marc Gasol or Lamarcus Aldridge, plus a stretch 4, I think that would be the perfect fit for him. Unfortunately $22 mil per year is a lot for your third best player. Besides his contract, don’t you think that role sounds perfect for him?

   • Derek Page

     Sure, that sounds like a good role for any NBA player but regardless I’m not sure Melo wants that. Anthony feels more comfortable dictating the offense and it’s something he’s been allowed to do for much of his career. Habits like those are tough to break.

9. T.J. Wilson

   Could JaVale McGee potentially elevate himself to being one of the best big men in the league?….that’s if he commits to improvement and maturity? Also, how come the Clippers didn’t consider re-signing Nick Young?…..he could be useful off the bench…..Lastly, if Scottie Pippen never would’ve got drafted by the Bulls, What team he would’ve been on and would he instantly became that team’s franchise player?….thanks for your time!!!!!!

   • Derek Page

     1. McGee has all the tools: big, athletic, strong work ethic to be a top-5 or 10 center in today’s NBA. With George Karl’s help and a good team around him I think he’ll cut down on a lot of the dumb plays he’s made early on in his career.
     2. The Clippers bench is looking more stout than ever and I think that will be a strong point of the team heading into the season.
     3. Scottie would’ve been a great player anywhere. He didn’t need plays called for him and his defense was possibly second only to his teammate Michael Jordan. Excellent player that would strive anywhere he went.

10. Sweet Dee

    In response to Kobe Byrant’s criticism, Smush Parker said “out of his own mouth Kobe told me I couldn’t talk to him. That my accolades under my belt weren’t deserving enough for me to talk to him.” It’s statements like this that makes it hard for me to believe there are Kobe Bryant fans out there. He may be a great basketball player, but if true, this line to Smush should open the eyes of even the most unkind people on this planet. In your opinion, should any player (regardless of how great) be able to tell their teammates something like this. And how do you think it would impact player morale / the lockerroom?

    • Derek Page

      I definitely don’t think NBA players, or any human being on this Earth for that matter, should be able to judge someone as inferior to them. That being said, for me it doesn’t take away from what Bryant has accomplished as a player. Michael Jordan beat up Steve Kerr knowing damn well Kerr couldn’t fight back without likely losing his spot on the Bulls. Does that make him any less of a leader? Maybe but it doesn’t take away from the final result which was excellent careers for him and many of his teammates.

11. Mac

    Very few will deny Sam Presti is well above the curve when it comes to executive decisions. That’s why when he picked up castaway Hasheem Thabeet, it may have raised a few eyebrows. Heard he scouted him hard during the draft. Is Presti grasping at straws or does he see something no one else does. Any chance Hasheem is the back-up center in OKC this year?

    • Derek Page

      I think it’s a low-risk, high-reward signing that doesn’t hinder OKC going forward and is a smart move overall. If Thabeet can turn it around, great. If not, on to the next one.

12. Dennis

    How concerned should Mavs fans be about Disco’s knee. He had something similar last year, which contributed to a slow start. Is this a few week injury or a few months? How do you think this will impact Dallas’ standing in the West this year?

    • Derek Page

      Seriously? Disco? When did that nickname come about? I actually had to Google that just now… anyways “Disco” Dirk Nowitzki has gone through a full practice after getting the knee drained recently and hasn’t reported any problems so far. The good news is that there is no structural damage with the knee and any surgery would be minor in terms of alleviating the swelling. I don’t think it should be cause for concern.

13. Frank

    If you were in charge of a NBA team, which current coach would be least appealing as a hire for your team and why: Vinny Del Negro, Jacques Vaughn, Mike Dunlap, or Scott Skiles

    • Derek Page

      That’s an interesting question… I like what each one of these guys bring to the table but, considering they’ve been coaches already, Del Negro and Skiles have gotten the most scrutiny.

14. Randy

    I read Jacques Vaughn was the #3 assistant coach in San Antonio last year, making this a real jump to NBA head coach. Didn’t realize there were cut and dry #1, 2 and 3 lead assistants on a team. And if true, why was he given the opportunity in Orlando over all these 1rst and 2nd assistants around the NBA?

    • Derek Page

      I think generally, similar to the NFL, there’s a main offensive and defensive guy on the staff that every NBA coach looks to throughout the season. In terms of Orlando’s decision, the organization believes Vaughn – who was a quality player and leader in the NBA for a number of years – was the best fit for the Magic moving forward. So far, so good. Let’s see how things go when the water get choppy this season.

15. LayHee

    Brandon Knight has looked like a real stud in preseason so far. After mediocre numbers last year, what are your expectations from him this year. Are you fan? And how would you rank him among NBA PG’s. Top 10? Top 15? Top 20?

    • Derek Page

      I definitely like Knight’s game but I don’t see him breaking out to that degree this year. Keep in mind, the guy is only 20 years old. Give him a few more seasons to develop and allow the rest of the Pistons to grow and mature and I think you might be looking at a quality point guard in the near future.

16. Ricky

    The Atlanta Hawks have used some different combinations at SF during the preseason. Starting Kyle Korver first, then Damion James in the 2nd game. Now Anthony Tolliver is in the mix, who played the 3 last year in Minnesota. Who do you think is opening day starter at small forward? And do you think the weakness at this position will prevent the Hawks from making the playoffs?

    • Derek Page

      I think Korver’s ability to stretch the defense with guys like Josh Smith and Al Horford in the post is going to be paramount for this Hawks team. Solid defender as well and he should be the opening day starter.

17. Julian

    With the injury to Andrew Bynum, these 76ers may just be in trouble. They looked awful in their first preseason game (with Iguodala successor Evan Turner going 2 for 12 from the field). Think they may be the surprise team to do much worse than expected. With Bynum out, would be difficult to cut it with a Kwame Brown / Spenser Hawes / Thad Young frontcourt. Agree or Disagree Philly may be in big trouble this year?

    • Derek Page

      If those reports are true then yes the Sixers will be in serious trouble this year. Making the playoffs will be a tough task for this team sans-Bynum. Disagree with assessment on Turner though. I think he’s primed for a big year.

18. Charlie

    Milwaukee Bucks or Altanta Hawks. Who do you have winning more games next year and why?

    • Derek Page

      Even though they seem to be starting over after unloading Joe Johnson’s contract, I think Atlanta still has some fight left in them. Give me the Hawks over the Bucks in the Eastern Conference Standings in 2013.

19. Dennis

    What are your impressions from Andre Drummond so far? Is he ahead of where a 19 year old center should be? What type of statline is reasonable for Detroit fans to expect in year 1?

    • Derek Page

      Crazy athletic and talented guy just very raw. I won’t guess on stat lines but definitely expect some jaw dropping moments from Drummond throughout the year along with a decent amount of playing time.

20. Mac

    The Detroit Pistons have a ton of SF’s, yet are expected to have Kyle Singler as the back-up 3 to start the season. Questions: Do you agree with Lawrence Frank on this decision. And what do you think of Kyle as a player?

    • Derek Page

      Only 10 minutes left and plenty of questions so let’s go to the lightning round:

      It’s more of a youth movement than anything in Detroit so I could see why he would make that decision. Corey Maggette still has plenty left in the tank though so I’m not sure Singler will average more minutes per than Maggette unless the veteran struggles.

21. Frank

    How serious are the injuries to Nene Hilario and Emeka Okafor. How concerned would you be if you were a Wizards fan and how many games do you predict each to play this year?

    • Derek Page

      Okafor is just suffering from a stomach virus but neither is expected to be serious. Nene’s is more serious and he might miss more preseason time but I expect him to start the season.

22. Randy

    Ronnie Brewer is coming off of knee surgery in September. How serious was the injury and do you expect him to be ready for opening night?

    • Derek Page

      He was expected to miss six weeks at the time so if all goes well he should be able to start the season.

23. LayHee

    As of right now, I have the Brooklyn Nets ranked as 4th in the Eastern Conference this year (behind Miami, Boston, and Indy). Would you put them higher, lower, or agree with the 4th seed?

    • Derek Page

      I would put them lower. They’re going to need time to gel and are going to have to stay healthy. I understand that Brooke Lopez didn’t have much injury history before last season but there’s still always that lingering question when a guy comes off of a serious injury.

24. Ricky

    In the first preseason game, Nick Young had 22 points on 14 shot attempts. But looking at the boxscore, he did so with 0 assists. He has always been labelled as a “me-first” type player. Would you agree with this sentiment? And do you think his selfishness on the second unit (along with fellow chucker Thad Young) will hurt Philly’s 2nd unit?

    • Derek Page

      Young is just young (pun not intended). Sometimes players grow out of that and sometimes they don’t but there’s no question he has all the tools… I would tell you a funny locker room story about Young but it’s not HOOPSWORLD friendly by any means so I won’t.

25. Julian

    In your opinion, will Tom Thibs be able to coach his bench into a productive unit. Or despite his great coaching does his bench simply not have enough depth/ talent to hold this Chicago team in the standings until Derrick Rose returns .

    • Derek Page

      I’m of the few people that think Chicago will be just fine as long as they get a healthy Rose back at some point in 2013. Bulls are full of talent but the key thing is that the team is built around Rose and his abilities. No Rose, no hope.

26. Matthew

    Are you a believer in this aging 2nd unit in New York? Or will injuries over the course of the season catch up to them?

    • Derek Page

      The only real injury fear I have is with Marcus Camby. Other than that the guys should be fine. The more troublesome question is whether or not these guys can remain productive over a full season.

27. Mark

    Rank these teams in terms of number of wins this year: New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls, and Philadelphia 76ers.

    • Derek Page

      If Bynum is healthy:
      1. Bulls
      2. 76ers
      3. Knicks

28. noel davis

    derek how good a chance do the mavs haveof signing dwight howard or chris paul this summer ? both is unrealistic but i doubt the mavs have anything to entice either to leave their respective la teams ? mavs fail to land a big fish again ? what says you ?

    • Derek Page

      Not great on Howard, better with Paul but still probably only 30-40 percent. Clippers look stout heading into the season and it will be tough for Paul to leave that team to take less money and go to Dallas. Even harder for Howard with the Lakers.

29. Chris

    I want to know your thoughts on how a laker heat series would turn out with both teams being completely healthy. This is my first quasi- question so I am sorry if it is kind of vague.

    • Derek Page

      I think it would be one of the best series in NBA history. That kind of star-studded firepower on each side in that kind of atmosphere would produce some of the best basketball the NBA has ever seen… They have to get there first though my friend.

      Thanks for the questions guys but I’m out of time. Those I couldn’t get to should hit me up on Twitter @DPageHOOPSWORLD or get at me again next weekend. Have a good weekend all, be safe.