NBA Chat With Derek Page 4/14/12

1. The JOkeShow

   So if the Jazz get 2 draft picks, do you try and trade both + Milsap and Harris for Rondo or just draft a PG and SG or SF, and build them and let Milsap or Jefferson walk after next season?

   • Derek Page

     Welcome to the chat NBA fans. Two weeks away from the playoffs now and teams look like they’re ready for the regular season grind to be over. Let’s get to some questions.

     If Utah gets the GS Warriors first round pick (top-6 protected), that gives the Jazz a multitude of options moving forward. While I’m very high on Paul Millsap, and I generally don’t like trading big for small, there’s a great chance a floor leader like Rajon Rondo would put Utah in the thick of things in the West. Boston has to want to trade Rondo, however, and I don’t see that happening unless the Celtics just completely collapse in the playoffs.

2. calvinzero

   2 Questions:

   1.If the Dallas Mavs will be in the playoffs race, in your own opinion, is the Mavs can back to its old scary form like they did last season which they surprised Lakers via sweep??

   2. In the previous chats, you stated that there is a higher chance that Deron Williams will go to the Mavs for the next season. Is there any scoops( that you heard)about the other players who desires to go to the Mavs for the 2012-2013 season??

   • Derek Page

     That’s difficult to tell Calvin. I haven’t been sold on the Mavs at all since the All Star break and the last few unimpressive wins against Western Conference cellar dwellers have done little to change my mind. But as long as the Mavs have Dirk they always have a shot. It’s just a matter of finding continuity come playoff time, which is going to be difficult with just eight games left.

     Nothing new on D-Will other than it’s pretty much a certainty that he’s leaving the team that will soon be formerly known as New Jersey behind this offseason.

3. Prem I.

   Do you think Andre Drummond will be a good fit for the blazers I believe he’ll be a great duo along side LA wanted to know your thoughts?

   • Derek Page

     Drummond is a physical specimen, there’s no doubt he has the athletic ability to compete in the NBA, but he is still raw. No doubt Portland would love to have him but I think he goes in that 2 to 6 range before the Blazers likely have a chance to take him.

4. Mike aldridge

   Eric Gordon is really good and in no more than 2 years he should be the best shooting guard in the league with Kobe and Wade getting up there in age.

   What are your thoughts on Eric Gordon and what can his Potential Be assuming he can stay healthy.

   • Derek Page

     That’s the $5.1 million question though Mike: Can Gordon stay healthy?
     He’s played 62 games over the last two seasons combined but, as you alluded to, when Gordon is on the court he has the ability to be one of the games best. The sky’s the limit for Gordon but assuming he can stay healthy is a risky proposition at this point.

5. Matt

   Lovin my boy Marcus Thornton. What you think of him? He can score, and If he can work on his defence, he will be a very good player?

   • Derek Page

     Defense is all about effort. Any NBA player should be able to play defense. Working on defense = trying.
     Anyways, Thornton has played well in his third NBA season – leading the young and talented Kings in points scored per game and doing a good job scoring in a multitude of ways. I’d like to see Thornton increase his field goal percentage but he’s only 24 years old and he has plenty of room to grow.

6. Deven

   Hi Derek. Would you be surprised if the Mavs make it all the way to the finals again, despite losing some key members from last years squad?

   • Derek Page

     I would be surprised Deven but, to your point, I was pretty surprised Dallas got past Portland in the first round last year. Then after they swept LA I was completely sold on that team. Mavs ran through the rest of the playoffs and the rest is history.
     This year is a different story. Something has seemed not quite right all year but, that being said, Dallas has still pulled out some quality wins against prime opposition. Biggest thing is not facing the Lakers in the 1st round. Not that LA is necessarily more talented but they certainly have a bone to pick after getting broomed out by Dallas last postseason.

7. Neil

   How about Steve Nash with OKC. Westbrook can shift over to his more natural 2. They might be a little smaller but they’d be a terror in the open court with great decision making.

   • Derek Page

     That’s an interesting idea Neil. Russ wanting to move over to shooting guard is a very different story. They would absolutely kill offensively with that squad though. Steve Nash would make Serge Ibaka and Kendrick Perkins look like offensive powerhouses with the open looks and bunnies at the basket he’d set them up for. Their post defense would make up for Nash’s shortcomings at that end as well. Maybe I’ll run that idea by Westbrook in the playoffs. Maybe he’ll decide not to punch me in the face… On second thought, if I catch him in the offseason I’ll ask.

8. Gabe Gonzalez

   If the playoffs were today, what matchup would you like to watch the most from both conferences and why?

   • Derek Page

     New York and Miami in the East, although I think the Knicks (and possibly Philly) leap frog the Howard-less Magic before the season is done. LeBron and Wade vs Carmelo and Tyson would be epic. HEAT still likely win that series but would be no doubt a blast to watch that series transpire.
     In the West, I’d really like to see an all-LA first round matchup but that’s not going to happen. As it stands, OKC and Denver would be an extremely fun first round series to watch. Both high-scoring offenses going at it would be great – for about 5 or 6 games before the Thunder handle up on the Nuggets.

9. Big Kev

   Where do you think Steve Nash will go next season? The Heat perhaps? If the Heat do get Nash and even Jason Terry, you have to think that they will have an even better chance at a title with them on board.

   • Derek Page

     I think Miami is the most logical destination, yes. Nash would make life so much easier for LBJ and Wade and even Bosh would look like a legitimate offensive weapon again with Nash in the fold. Both Nash and JET would have to want to play for split mid-level exception or league minimum though. Nash may opt for full mid-level, JET is likely going to get paid somewhere. Despite his, let’s call them, advances I don’t see JET going to Miami. Unless the HEAT blow everyone away and amnesty Chris Bosh or something, they are way over the luxury tax next season.

10. Louis

    Hey first time asking a question on a chat here. Who do you like in the draft for my cavs to pick up? Irving has looked amazing and tristian is looking like a solid prospect for the 4….Personnally i would like to see us pick up drummond what do you think?

    • Derek Page

      Alright Louis, thanks for the question and welcome. There’s no doubt Cleveland is looking to build around Irving, Tristan Thompson and Varejao moving forward. That being said, there’s definitely room for a center in the mix and as I mentioned earlier in the chat Drummond is a freak athletic talent. Still raw though and could take a few years to develop. Irving looks ready to win now, Cavs make try to take a player a little more NBA-ready. I like Jared Sullinger, who could be an option for Cleveland if they secure a top-5 pick.

11. Junior Rip City

    What free agents do you think Portland has a good chance in signing this summer?

    • Derek Page

      Well Jamal Crawford is almost assuredly gone, which (I believe) puts the Blazers at about $43 million worth of salary for next season at the start of free agency – about $15 mill to spend. Both starting forward spots are locked up, along with Mathews signed at shooting guard for the next few seasons. Even though he was disappointing at times this season, I’d like to see Portland bring Ray Felton back to start at point guard. Although there are some nice options in FA at PG – Dragic, Lin and Nash come to mind. Chris Kaman will be available at center… at this point it really depends on which direction they go in the draft. One thing for sure: Portland will have some cash to throw around.

12. Jacob

    Hey Derek,
    Can you please explain to me why Allen Iverson doesn’t have a job in the NBA these days? I know he’s had his controversy but it drives me crazy to know that a man with as many character issues as Gilbert Arenas can get signed but no one wants the Answer anymore.

    • Derek Page

      It’s all about finding the right situation, Jacob. Arenas has found a team that respects him and really just lets him be him. Also, Gil hasn’t been a distraction at all for the Grizz so far… If you’ll remember, when AI had his stint in Memphis, he complained about minutes from the get-go and really butted heads with everyone involved. Can’t piss people off like that when your no longer a marquee player…

13. cali love

    What can the lakers do this offseason to upgrade the backup 4/t position. All this garbage, murphy, mcroberts, and dude from the rockets is killing us. Is it possible to dump them on someone and what are realistic options? Hickson? Carl landry?? Thanks

    • Derek Page

      Carl Landry would be an excellent option but can the Lakers pay him enough? This is true especially if Sessions decides he wants more than $4.5 mill next seasons and he opts out. LA will have plenty of tough decisions to make this offseason. A trade isn’t really a likely possibility though – that is, unless Pau Gasol is apart of the deal and, judging by your question, you don’t want to lose any more interior presence at the 4.

14. Josh

    I love my Celtics but I just can’t put my finger on them this year. They’ll go and beat Miami and Atlanta back-to-back and then lose to the Raptors…how far can they go in the post season with such inconsistent play??

    • Derek Page

      Well Josh, I honestly think the loss against Toronto was just an aberration. Boston has played immensely better over the course of the second half of the season and they are going to be an extremely tough out come playoff time.

15. John

    do you agree this upcoming draft might be overrated. Who do you see going in the top 5 and which rookie are you excited to watch next year. Also, how will you remember nash on and off the court when he retires?

    • Derek Page

      I’d actually say this is going to be a pretty deep draft class with Davis having the capability of being something really special in the NBA. In terms of rookie I want to watch, obviously Davis comes to mind and his arrival on which ever team he lands with is going to be pretty exciting for the league. Nash is one of the best point guards of all time – hands down. Off the court, he’s one of the best interviews in the game
      Quick story on Nash: he got injured in a game a few seasons ago in Dallas – actually lost feeling in his extremities for a few minutes. After the game he talked with me at length and then, as he was about to leave, a fan/intern in a wheelchair was coming up and Nash made sure he waited for the kid – even talked to him for a good 10 minutes before leaving the arena. Nash is just a class-act and a good human being overall.

16. Tasia

    Do you think Anthony Davis and Bismack Biyombo could play together? I’m a Bobcats fan and I think we will have a great defensive front court but very short. I think we should try and get a taller center like drummond, t. zeller or Leonard to pair with Davis.

    • Derek Page

      Your right: neither of those two are much on the offensive end of the court at this point in their careers. But could you imagine the low-post defense Charlotte could have? Scary. In terms of getting Drummond or those other players to go along with Davis, Charlotte would have to have two picks in the top-5 of the draft.

17. Jack

    It seems you being from Dallas might have you being bias in thinking that Deron Williams will come to Dallas. As this very website has documneted how hard it will be to get the space to make it worth Deron coming to Dallas, it doesn’t seem likely.

    What reasons do you think will have Deron will come to Dallas when it seems inevitable that Dwight and Deron will be winning games in Brooklyn?

    • Derek Page

      A very reliable source has informed me time and time again that those close to Williams believe he is Dallas-bound this offseason and the Mavs are going to have to make it work contract-wise. Dallas will have to amnesty or trade for a salary dump either Marion or Haywood to make this happen but it is still possible. Not saying I couldn’t be wrong but it’s a very likely probability that Williams is in a Mavs’ jersey next season.

      If they are going to play together in Brooklyn, Dwight is going to have to force a trade out of Orlando pretty quickly this summer – he is signed through next season after opting in. Williams would have to see that trade go through or know for a fact it’s going to happen before signing a contract in the offseason with the Nets.

      Thanks for the questions all but we’re out of time. Sorry to those I couldn’t get to, hit me up on Twitter @DPageHOOPSWORLD or join me for my chat next week – same time, same place. Have a good weekend guys.