NBA Chat With Derek Page 3/17/12

Covering all things NBA from the city of Dallas, join HOOPSWORLD NBA Writer Derek Page for his weekly chat this Saturday at 5:00 pm EST. Shoot your questions in now.

  1. paprika

    Is kaman shooting more shots outside a good thing or would we rather see him in a geico commercial? .

    • Derek Page

      Chris Kaman is one of the best in the business in terms of 7-footers who possess both an inside and outside repertoire. Like any player, its an issue if he falls in love with his jump shot. Just a matter of taking what the defense gives you.

  2. badoodelz

    Any trades for the dallas?

    • Derek Page

      No trades for Dallas. Cuban said before the deadline that Dallas wouldn’t be players and he stuck to his guns. If the Mavs did get involved in trades it would’ve been only for expiring contracts in return, which was highly unlikely.

  3. marcus

    In your own opinion, is there a possibility that Pau Gasol may trade to the other teams( such as Bulls, Rockets and other teams interested to him) after this season?? The reason why I ask it to you is the entrance of big men Hill and Eyenga..Thanks if u will respond.. God bless HOOPSWORLD.. Da Best

    • Derek Page

      Thanks Marcus! To your question, it really depends on how the Lakers fare this season. If this is a championship team once again, that makes it a whole lot less likely Pau hits the road. Anything less and the Lakers are going to continue to shop Gasol. Newly Acquired Ramon Sessions is going to be key for LA going forward.

  4. Deven

    Hi Derek. I get headaches whenever the Phoenix Suns win games. Now I know Phoenix is trying to make it to the playoffs and you of all people, including your colleagues, know they aren’t contending for a title this year. I understand that Steve and Grant want to be loyal to that organization, but don’t they want to win at title before their careers are over? When did you think they’ll win a title?

    • Derek Page

      Your not alone Deven. This was a legitimate championship contending team just a few seasons ago and now it’s difficult to remember how that was even possible. Have to give them credit for this reason spurt though and Nash has been amazing all season long but… I don’t see Steve sticking around after this season. He and Grant Hill are close friends and I wouldn’t be surprised to see both split town after this season.

  5. Peter

    Hey Derek! Was a lil disappointed that the Rockets didn’t make a significant move on d-day. I was expecting them to make a hard push for Kaman. Although Camby is not a bad alternative, it wasn’t one of the “star” players that most Rocket fans wanted. I was expecting Morey to swap K-Mart for Kaman.

    • Derek Page

      As HOOPSWORLD’s own Bill Ingram, a die-hard Rockets fan by the way, continues to say: the Rockets continue to fight for mediocrity. Chris Kaman would’ve looked great in Houston but the New Orleans Hornets are difficult to deal with due to the ownership situation there.

  6. George

    As a Kings fan, I hate to see the trade deadline pass b/c trades seem to be the only was the Kings get established talent. Think Kings can sign any FA’s this summer with so much cap space?

    • Derek Page

      George, the Kings are young and bursting at the seams with talent. There’s nothing wrong with keeping the status quo, a la the Minnesota Timberwolves, at the deadline and continuing to develop young talent. Sacramento won’t exactly be an easy sell to free agents this offseason but money makes the world go round so you never know. Look for Sac to be key players in the summer of 13-14 when CP3, Josh Smith, etc could hit the open market.

  7. Deven

    With Dwight Howard off the market, Is Deron Williams a lock for Dallas? And who else can the Mavericks sign if Deron decides to go to the Mavericks?

    • Derek Page

      I’ve heard from various sources that it’s almost a done deal so the announcement that Williams wasn’t going to follow suit with Howard opting in was not a shocker. That would be huge for Dallas and the combo of Deron and Dirk would immediately make Dallas championship favorites. In terms of other signings, I know both Dirk and the Mavs are big fans of Chris Kaman and always have been so he’s definitely on Dallas’ radar with Dwight Howard off the market.

  8. Aaron

    Have you noticed that Kevin Durant gets a huge pass from the media? It seems like for every great game he has (which gets incredible hype) he follows it up with 4 bad ones (like today vs the Spurs) but the media sweeps it under the rug. Whereas someone like Dirk, before he had the greatest postseason run in NBA history, would be criticized for every subpar game he had? What leads to certain players constantly getting free passes and others constantly being bashed?

    • Derek Page

      Look Aaron, Kevin Durant is a great kid: very respectful to the media, is available, polite and gives well thought out responses. Durant works his butt off and is one of the best players in the game, what’s there to complain about? Turnovers are still an issue but the guy is second in the NBA is scoring while shooting 50% from the floor.
      The reason Dirk was criticized was because of his inability to win the championship — even if it was unfair because Nowitzki was playing out of his mind during the postseason. Give the media time. If Durant doesn’t win a championship in the next few years, he will start to be questioned — even if he is producing at a high level on the biggest stage.

  9. paprika

    In a 7 game series who will win ?dal or san antonio? And second question is , whtas the buzz on terrence williams? He reminds me of the rookie gerald green. Athletic and full of potential and yet cant get playing time. I hope a team give the kid a chance.

    • Derek Page

      San Antonio looks scary with Stephen Jackson back on that team — if he’s happy… Both teams fully healthy that’s a very difficult question though. You better believe it’s going seven games. I’d take San Antonio simply because they will most likely have home court and Dallas has been horrendous on the road this season.

  10. adobo nation

    Do u think with out Dwight ,deron williams will sign with the mavs? I think its better for him to go to the magics and recruit more talent with him.

    • Derek Page

      The Magic are not in the Deron Williams sweepstakes, they have no cap room. Williams most likely ends up in Dallas.

  11. reverse

    I heard clippers are about to sign dfish if he gets out of houston?

    • Derek Page

      Houston is going to buy out Fisher and LAC is a very realistic destination… I don’t understand that move though. Clipps already have CP3 and Mo Williams. Fisher is a shell of his mediocre former self and seemingly wouldn’t get much if any playing time.

  12. Dave

    Do you agree with Jason Terry’s assessment that the Dallas Mavericks, by standing pat at the deadline, are essentially playing for next year?

    • Derek Page

      In certain ways. But JET also needs to remember that bringing in Lamar Odom cost Mark Cuban a pretty penny with the luxury tax. The only asset Dallas really lost this offseason with Chandler. I take D-West over Barea and even Vince Carter over Stevenson. Dallas upgraded everywhere except for center… unfortunately for the Mavs, Chandler was MVP 1B next to Nowitzki last season and is sorely missed — especially now that there’s no chance of signing Howard.

  13. TEXAS steak

    Did anyone really think that dirk n jet alone can carry the team to another ring? Why didnt nowitzki complained when his co champ were not signed? One year wasted and nowitzki wont be younger next year.is cuban planning a waver sign kinda like a turiaf or kaman type?

    • Derek Page

      People need to remember that Dallas went through a similar slide last season around this time before turning things on in April going into the playoffs. I’m waiting to see how this team looks with Delonte West and Haywood healthy and back in the lineup before I jump to any conclusions.
      Turiaf is not an option because Lamar Odom backs up Dirk. Kaman would be an option but I’m not sure he gets bought out.

  14. bababoom

    Who was bigger and more intimidating looking. Blake griffin or the prime karl malone? I mean in person and not in tv.

    • Derek Page

      Blake Griffin is a large human being but is still young so doesn’t exactly have that gruff old man disposition yet so I have to go with Malone — although I’ve only seen him in person once and it wasn’t as a reporter. The most intimidating player I’ve ever seen that doesn’t appear that way on TV is Chris Webber. That dude is huge!

  15. reily

    who is getting bought out and waived?

    • Derek Page

      Jason Kopono has already been bought out by Cleveland and Derek Fisher is expected to be bought out by Houston very soon. Boris Diaw from Charlotte is also an option, especially considering he’s been inactive for five of the past seven Bobcats’ contests. Those are the names I’ve heard thus far.

  16. paprika

    If u where miami who would u rather have reggie rebound evans or mr. Stretch mike dunlevey jr.? Both are excellent role players and i mean EXCELLENT

    • Derek Page

      Each would be a nice addition. I’d say the bruising Evans would be a nice fit simply because of his size and all-out effort. Never hurts to have more players like that on a team like Miami with so many skill guys.

  17. victor

    How much do you think Brook lopez will command on the open market this summer?

    • Derek Page

      Not as much as he would have before this season Victor. Lopez and his injury issues this season are going to scare off more than few teams or at least drive down his opening prize at the bargaining table. But Lopez is still a 23-year old, highly skilled 7-footer so he is going to get paid.

  18. Myck

    Good evening Derek! There was an article about Jonas Valanciunas on this site pondering if he will be next seasons ROY; do you think Val will give Anthony Davis a run for his money in the rookie race next season?

    • Derek Page

      I saw Davis at the Jordan Brand classic last year and that kid has got some unbelievable potential. I would have to disagree with my colleague Stephen Brotherson’s headline and go with Davis as the clear cut favorite as of right now for NBA ROY next season.

  19. Brian

    Hi, Derek.

    What do you think will happen with Mayo in the offseason? Any chance he ends up signing with the Wolves?

    • Derek Page

      Hey Brian. That’s a good question. OJ is seemingly on the trading block every season but continues to be an asset as the Grizzlies’ sixth man. However, Mayo will be a restricted free agent so Memphis will have every opportunity to match any offer.

  20. reverse

    Yep dfish aint as good as before but he is clutch and he will bring what chauncy brought. Courage and leadership. Clippz will have a big captain if they sign him.

    • Derek Page

      Yeah… but you have to be on the court in crunch time to be clutch. Are you sending him out there instead of CP3 or Young? Leadership certainly has it’s value but does Fisher really want to sit at the end of the bench, give high fives and waive a towel all game?

  21. Kahari young

    Hey Derek, if Austin rivers declares for the nba draft?do you see the celtics drafting him?!

    • Derek Page

      That’s an interesting question Kahari. Playing for his dad would certainly have both it’s advantages and disadvantages but, after talking to Austin at the Jordan Brand Classic last year, it’s pretty clear he wants to be his own man and not in his father’s immense shadow. Either way, the Celtics won’t have a draft pick that high anyways so it’s a moot point.

  22. purple mamba

    Is bledsoe really a good asset? Avery bradley? How come those guys werent package for veteran help?

    • Derek Page

      From one coast to the other, huh? Each player’s value is debatable. Eric Bledsoe hasn’t played well this season in far less playing time than he got last year for obvious reasons. On the other side, Bradley has played much better this year due to increased playing time.
      Bradley appears to be the better asset but I couldn’t tell you each team’s reasoning for keeping those players.

  23. paprika

    Why did the nets gave portland the picks????????!