NBA Chat With Derek Page 1/5/13

1. Peter

   Hey Derek Happy New Year! How was your 2012? The Rockets are firing on all cylinders right now. Love watching James Harden aggressively attacks the basket every time he touches the ball. However, i’m a little concern that his aggressiveness will increase his likelihood of injury. Not sure if his body can withstand the physical contact every game. Thoughts?

   • Derek Page

     Welcome everybody to my first NBA chat of 2013. The season is getting into full swing and we’ve got some quality questions on tap so let’s do this thing!

     Thanks, Peter. Happy New Year to you as well. You know, I was one of few media that actually thought the Rockets would be decent this year and Harden, as you eluded to, is the most crucial piece. That backcourt of Harden and Jeremy Lin is going to continue to evolve which is going to continue to lead Houston to playing better basketball. In terms of his aggressiveness, sure that could lead to injury but that’s a part of his game you simply can’t rein in.

2. Hooper

   What do you think of this possible trade scenario. Greg Monroe and Brandon Knight for DeMarcus Cousins and Tyreke Evans or Marcus Thorton. Cousins would be a better fit for the Pistons to pair with Andre Drummond. Detroit could also throw in Khris Middleton or Kim English and resign Ben Wallace to reign in Cousins alongside Tayshaun Prince. Kings get equal value without the Pistons sacrificing a potential lottery pick this year even though they could afford to due to the lack of talent incoming the 2013 draft.

   • Derek Page

     Not sure the Kings go for that. Cousins, even though he’s a knucklehead at this point in his young career, is still much more proven than either of those Pistons players.

3. Wesley

   I think Cousins would be a good fit in Houston. Young players, hall of fame big man coach who gets along with his players, winning atmosphere, good fans, decent market, superstar player and good supporting cast. Is there a decent chance of that happening? I think a trade package focused around Patterson or Marcus Morris would be a fair deal considering his current value. Or both if thats what it takes. Thoughts??

   • Derek Page

     I think Cousins would be a good fit anywhere, honestly, but especially with a veteran core around him. Maybe I’m overvaluing Cousins – although that seems unrealistic considering he’s a 22-year old 7-footer with sky-high potential – but barring putting James Harden in the deal, I don’t see how Houston could swing it. Stranger things have happened though…

4. steppxxxxz

   I find the lack of fan respect for defense really stunning. I know coaches dont ever ignore it. In light of that, is defense the problem right now for denver’s inconsitency? And second, who is chandler going to take minutes from once he is back?

   • Derek Page

     Defense is the key to today’s NBA. While I personally wouldn’t mind the game reverting back to the fast-paced, non-stop action of the 80′s, that’s simply not today’s game. Denver falls along those same lines with I think is something more NBA fans should appreciate but you still have to get stops when you need them.

5. Deven

   Should the Bulls sit Rose out for the rest of the year? They’ve been playing very well without him.

   • Derek Page

     No way. Chicago is built around Derrick Rose and will go as far as he takes them. But, yes, the team’s improved play is certainly a good sign.

6. Deven

   Is Dirk back to being the Dirk of old, or does he still need more time to prove himself?

   • Derek Page

     Dirk Nowitzki isn’t quite back to being one of the best players in the world but he’s definitely getting there. Coming back from knee surgery – especially considering this is Dirk’s first of his 14-year career – is never easy and it’s going to take some time to shake the rust off and to get back into shape.

7. LA in LA

   It’s just as I feared: Nash has been afflicted by the Lakers curse, the affliction that removes quality 3pt shooters (Nash was a career 42.8% from 3P) of their long range shot but he’s only 5/15 with us (33.3% 3FG, no 3s made in 5 of 7 games).
   It afflicted Jason Kapono and Steve Blake before him. I can’t figure this out Derek.

   • Derek Page

     That is strange… Nice stat. Too small of a sample size to jump the gun on Steve Nash in the regard though but interesting point nonetheless!

8. Deven

   Kobe is finally on twitter! You following him?

   • Derek Page

     No doubt. #MambaTweets

9. LA in LA

   Just wanted to say all those media members who were/are harping on Lakers sub .500 record when Kobe scores 30 or more should know the Heat are 5-5 when King James scores 30 or more and 17-4 (81%) when he scores under 30. So if we’re using the simple and flawed logic Kobe’s 30 pt games are hurting the Lakers, the same should apply to Lebron James.

   • Derek Page

     It’s not about his 30 points hurting the Lakers but more about what happens to the Lakers offense when it gets bogged down around Kobe. Guys start standing around and it messes up the entire flow of LA’s game. Even though Kobe seems to get impatient a little too early with his team, I still don’t understand the criticism. We’re talking about one of the best players in NBA history.

10. Maestro

    I know its probably a mute point now that Cousin is playing so well but would Sacramento do a Cousin to Brooklyn for Brock Lopez and a future # 1? If I am correct Lopez has a poison pill attached to his contract so his actual cap number is lower than his actual salary.

    • Derek Page

      The Kings, plain and simple, aren’t going to get equal value for DeMarcus Cousins. It’s smarter to keep Cousins and try to develop him and that’s Sacramento’s best bet.

11. LA in LA

    If Cousins wants to be traded, averaging 19.4ppg (albiet on 45% FG), 14rpg,5.4apg, 2.2spg is just going to make the Kings less likely to move him.

    • Derek Page

      He’s a monster. A borderline All Star-type talent.

12. TDu

    Hey Derek, can you crack the D’Antoni code for me? Why is he not playing Jamison at all? The guy was 18 pts, 2 assists, 6-7 rebounds a game the last 2 years. I know Lakers need defense but the dude must be the only guy in the league thinking, ‘Damn, I could’ve been a Bobcat.’

    • Derek Page

      I like Antawn Jamison’s game but the simple fact is that he’s never been a factor on a championship contending team. Heck, I don’t think he’s been on a playoff team but once or twice in his career. Don’t get me wrong, I like Jamison’s game and I think he should play at least SOME minutes, but he’s not exactly the answer in LA.

13. Jim in CyberSpace

    No one can predict the future…but that’s what sports guys thrive on?

    What sort of seeding do you think the LAL’s will have come playoff time?

    • Derek Page

      The Lakers should be a top-6 team in the West by the time the dust settles this season. Even if the Lakers finish as a lower seed and on the road, the reality is that you’re going to have to play those elite teams at some point anyways if you want to reach the championship. Why not prove yourself early?

14. Jim in CyberSpace

    Russell Westbrook hasn’t missed a game due to injury in HS, College, or the PROs.

    Pretty fricking amazing… considering how utterly wreck-less he is with his body.

    I think he’s more valuable than D-Rose. They are both the same size, hyper athletic… similar games. One is injury prone…the other has never missed a game, EVER…who would you rather have?

    This injury prone stuff doesn’t seem to magically go away…Brandon Roy, Greg Oden, etc…..

    I’m just saying I’d take RW over D-Rose without a second thought.

    • Derek Page

      All valid points but I wouldn’t go so far to say that Derrick Rose is injury prone. We’re talking about one freak injury in the fourth quarter of a blow out that the guy is trying to battle his way back from. Both are elite point guards, but give me the former MVP Derrick Rose over the sometimes wild and inconsistent Westbrook all day… Could you imagine if Rose played with a guy like Kevin Durant?

15. Anthony

    Hi Derek is there any chance san antonio sign any big name free agents in the next few years Tim Duncan cant play for ever thanks

    • Derek Page

      The Spurs generally build cornerstones from within rather than make splashy trades or bring in big name free agents. Count on San Antonio finding more hidden gems in the draft before putting all their chips in to free agency – especially with Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker and Tim Duncan’s contracts all still on the books.

16. Tj

    I was looking at the lakers schedule they have a lot of tough games they have okc Miami spurs grizzles rockets they may not make the playoffs this year an I don’t think they can wait to the deadline they have to move now an of they don’t make the playoffs it will be they biggest blow to Kobe legacy with the team they have no more mj talk as long as Kobe get his I think he is fine look at there schedule from now to the end of the year it don’t look good

    • Derek Page

      Not really a question in there… I think the Lakers will make the playoffs this season but it’s certainly possible that the team make look a little different come March.

17. reaper22

    As a Jazz fan, i think it’s time to use Big Al and/or Paul to bring a good PG.

    Maybe something like that:
    Utah gets: John Wall, Nene, Marcus Thornton, Kevin Seraphin
    Sac gets: Al Jefferson
    Wash gets: Paul Millsap, DeMarcus Cousins, Mo Williams

    Your thoughts?

    • Derek Page

      Tap the breaks on the Wizards shopping Wall. Still way too early on that front.

18. Sam

    Hey Derek was wondering what you’re hearing about potential moves involving the Nets. Also, people say I’m crazy, but I think the Nets should consider Cousins for Lopez. What do you see the likelihood of that? Thanks

    • Derek Page

      Maybe the Nets consider that but it takes two to tango. As I’ve said, Sac-Town better off keeping Cousins unless a team just blows them away with an offer.

19. steppxxxxz

    Is utah going to move jefferson? I for one hope so, for their sake. But who would want him? And for what?

    • Derek Page

      I would suspect either Al Jefferson or Paul Millsap is on their way out, both on coming up on expiring contracts and Utah has an abundance of talent at the C/F positions with Derrick Favors waiting in the wings. I think Jefferson has good value, especially with a meaty expiring contract coming up this summer for a prospective team looking to get some cap relief to utilize.

20. jordan

    the jazz have won 2 straight without No. Is a more traditional style point guard the way this team needs to go?

    • Derek Page

      Every team wants an elite-level point guard and, with talent like Millsap and Jefferson possibly on the block, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Utah hustle to get a quality point guard this February. In terms of what I’ve heard, there’s nothing in the works this early in the game.

21. Disgruntled Raps Fan

    happy new year Derek. Obviously the Raps will be shopping Bargs once he’s healthy. Any chance the spurs would bite on a Bargs plus a high draft pick for Leonard dealio? Is the raps best chance at dealing him stillto package him with either Lowry or Caldy or is a lottery pick enough?

    • Derek Page

      Not sure about San Antonio biting on that scenario but other teams should certainly be interested in acquiring Andrea Bargnani’s services. Jose Calderon as a thrown in would go a long way as well but it’s still early.

22. Jesse

    Will the Timberwolves make the playoffs? and why does rick adelman bench Derrick Williams so much? I feel that Derrick Williams is a star in the making and Minnesota would REALLY regret trading him and finding out his real value on another team. thoughts?

    • Derek Page

      That’s going to be difficult with the amount of talent currently residing in the West. Remember, the T-Wolves got off to a hot start last season before bowing out towards the end. This is obviously a more talented Minnesota team this season, but also a deeper and stronger Western Conference… Williams’ problem is that he’s behind two players that are playing at an extremely high level in Pekovic and Kevin Love.

23. justin

    What can the 76ers get back if they were to trade By um?

    • Derek Page

      Nothing right now. He’s injured… Nor would Philly likely want to ship him off already without seeing a second of regular season action from the young and talented big man…. Patience is a virtue. The Sixers will be an extremely scary team with Bynum manning the middle.

      Thanks for the time everybody. Hit me up on Twitter (@DPageHOOPSWORLD) if I missed you. I’m off to check out Dirk Nowitzki’s first start of the season at the AAC. You guys have a good weekend and be safe.