NBA Chat With Derek Page 4/21/12

1. calvinzero

   To those players from Mavs who will become free agent this summer, who has a bigger chance to be in the Dallas roster once more?

   • Derek Page

     Welcome to the chat everybody. I don’t know about you guys but I’m ready for the playoffs to start already. Have to wait a week on that but I can go ahead and stop the suspense by getting this chat started. Let’s do this!
     

     Well Calvin, the players set to become free agents this offseason for Dallas are: Jason Kidd, Jason Terry, Brian Cardinal, Delonte West, Ian Mahinmi, and Yi Jianlian. Of those Kidd, Cardinal, Mahinmi and possibly West all have a good shot of returning if they would like to do so for around the vet minimum. JET likely gets paid more elsewhere.
     Lamar Odom, Brandan Wright and Vince Carter all have team options. Odom is obviously gone and I think Carter may be let go as well. Wright ($947K) is a bargain and could be retaining.

2. ralph lawrence

   Hi Derek! I know the draft is still far away but I have a gut feeling the kings will win the lottery this year.. Imagine the front court of both Davis and Cousins both Kentucky products.. I could see the kings in the playoffs 2 years from now.. Agree?

   • Derek Page

     I could honestly see the Kings in the playoffs in two years even without Anthony Davis but he certainly would be an excellent addition Ralph. Sacramento does have a good shot though – tied with the third worst record in basketball. If I was a betting man, I’d say the Washington Wizards luck out and get number one overall. John Wall and Davis would be a nice tandem as well… Charlotte deserves though. Geez, what a horrible season for the Bobcats and their fans.

3. Dan

   How bad are the clippers and how good are the lakers

   • Derek Page

     Lakers fan there Dan? I think both teams residing in the Staples Center are pretty good basketball teams. The Lakers have much more in the way of championship experience and savvy, so I’d have to give them the nod in terms of the better squad. Clipps have a chance to overtake them in the next few years though. Will be fun to watch that unfold.

4. Kevin in Tokyo

   I just saw that Sean Williams signed with the C’s. I know this guy has ridiculous upside, but quite a checkered past indeed. Banned from Boston College, multiple altercations with different people, and waived by the Nets and the Mavs. Is there any point at all in hoping that this former first round pick has a chance to turn it around? Did Dallas waive him last month because he still hasn’t matured?

   • Derek Page

     In Williams brief time here, Kevin, I didn’t see any of that immaturity with the Mavs. In fact, Williams played so hard in his first action with Dallas that he vomited on the bench. True story. I like the pick up for Boston if they plan to utilize him. Even just 5-10 minutes a game would go far in terms of getting his unbounded athleticism on the court.

5. Deven

   Hi Derek. I’m Knicks fan and alot of people online are saying that the Knicks lost yesterday because of Amare returning. Please tell me that isn’t true.

   • Derek Page

     What I would just tell you Deven is to be patient. It’s going to be a process trying to re-initiate Stoudemire. Losses to the likes of the lowly Cavs aren’t pretty, but getting Melo and Amare on the same page by playoff time is the most important issue for NY right now. One good idea I’ve ready, courtesy of our own Alex Raskin, would be for Amare to come off the bench while he gels back with the team. Definitely something the Knicks should at least consider.

6. Daniel

   Hi Derek. Who are you’re favorite players of all time at all positions?
   Mines are:
   PG- Allen Iverson
   SG- Michael Jordan
   SF- Kevin Durant
   PF- Kevin Garnett
   C- Shaq

   • Derek Page

     Interesting question.

     PG: Steve Nash
     SG: Jordan
     SF: Larry Bird (played SF along with PF)
     PF: Dirk Nowitzki
     C: Hakeem Olajuwon

7. Raps4ever

   Hi Mr. Page, As a Raptor fan, I never agreed on picking for Derozan. Gordon Hayward and Gerald Henderson were both available that time, I just don’t understand why they picked DeRozan. Among the three of them he is a one dimensional player, while Henderson and Hayward are more well rounded on both ends of the floor and better basketball IQ. I just think this was a wasted pick. that goes to show you how bad the Raptors scouting department is.
   So far, their success rate is around 15-20 percent. That really suck!

   • Derek Page

     I actually like DeRozan. He’s more of a volume shooter at this point of his career but he’s only 22 years old. He has plenty of room for his game to grow and develop. In terms of those three players, and I’m a big fan of Hendo’s game, but I take DeRozen – much more upside.

8. Steve

   Do you think the trade for Nene to DC will help the maturity and game of Andray Blatche next year? They went from an immature C in McGee to a respected C in Nene.

   • Derek Page

     Nene not exactly the sharpest knife in the drawer either but he is a veteran that will provide some leadership on that young Wizards squad. I talked to Blatche earlier this season and he seems much more thoughtful and mature than he did when I saw him last season in Charlotte. People have to realize how young these players are. What would you do with millions of dollar in your early 20′s?

9. Alex in Burbank

   I’m a Laker fan and thats why I love this but tell me, why did Dallas not keep their championship team in tact? They reminded me of the 97′ Florida Marlins “Fire sale”. They cleaned house, something Dr. Buzz would have never done after a title. I’m just a bit curious because I know Cuban is not a greedy owner. What gives?

   • Derek Page

     This team misses Tyson Chandler exponentially. JJ Barea and Stevenson were crucial last postseason but those guys aren’t exactly irreplaceable. A 7-1 center with the defensive prowess of Chandler is in today’s NBA.
     In terms of the reasons behind is is simple: the new CBA. What Dallas has done in the past (stay well over the luxury tax threshold while making over their roster via trades and almost zero free agency moves) is not going to work under the new system. Cuban realizes that Dirk isn’t going to be Dirk anymore in the next 2 or 3 years. Dallas must have a young superstar to build around both in terms of next season and the future and the Mavs have pegged Deron Williams as their man. Sucks right now for Mavs’ fans but could be highly beneficial later.
     If Dallas doesn’t get Williams in the offseason, people do have the right to bust out the torches and pitchforks though.

10. Deven

    With Steve Nash becoming a free agent after the season is over, what’s going to be the key factor in his decision: Loyalty, Money, Title aspirations or none of these?

    • Derek Page

      Title aspirations, hands down. Nash is 38 years old and has made plenty of cash over his NBA career. He’s been locked in the Sarver-induced Suns vortex over the last few years and he’s been a good soldier after Phoenix management broke up a title-contending team. The two-time MVP deserves to go to a team that will compete for a championship.

11. Charlie

    If you were a NBA coach, rank your preference for point guard to run your team next season: Jose Calderon, Ray Felton, Devin Harris, and Darren Collison

    • Derek Page

      I’m a big fan of Calderon’s game and he’s a true point guard so he’s number one. 2. Darren Collision – he’s speedy and has a knack for getting to the basket to both finish and get his teammates open looks. 3. Ray Felton – he’s a quality point guard when in shape. 4. Devin Harris – so much potential, so little to show for it.

12. Sweet Dee

    Rank these pair of players (assume all in prime): Team #1 – Steve Nash and Dirk Nowitizki, Team #2 – Stephon Marbury and Kevin Garnett, Team #3 – Charles Barkley and Kevin Johnson, Team #4 – John Stockton and Karl Malone

    • Derek Page

      1: Barkley and Johnson – KJ is one of the most underrated players in NBA history. Both of these guys in their prime should’ve won a champ – unfortunately MJ stood in the way. 2: Malone and Stockton – Probably number one tandem on most people’s list. Unstoppable inside-out combo. 3: Nash and Dirk – fared better apart than they did together. Although 02-03 team had legitimate shot at title if Dirk didn’t get hurt in the WCF. 4: Starbury and KG – Stephon is a train wreck. KG definite HOFer though.

13. Joe

    Which rookie are you the most excited to watch next season and how will you remember Nash, Dirk, Duncan, and Kobe on and off the court when they retire?

    • Derek Page

      Anthony Davis looks to be a pretty explosive player coming into the league. I’m excited to see how his game translates against the big boys in the NBA.
      All four of those guys are consummate professionals and four of the greatest to ever play the game. I’ve talked to Nash, Dirk and Kobe more extensively than Duncan just because that’s how the Spurs roll. Nash and Dirk are two of the most likable guys in the league. Kobe is a little rough around the edges but generally only to journalists that ask dumb questions or the same question (different form) over and over again. Duncan is pretty much a robot to the media.

14. John

    which team do you think should take a chance on andre drummond when he enters?

    • Derek Page

      Drummond has a ton of upside but he is still a raw talent that’s going to take some time to develop. That being said, any team holding a top-5 pick (after A Davis of course) would like to have him. Just don’t expect an immediate return or a postseason trip – which isn’t likely for a team drafting that early anyway – next season.

15. John

    where do you rank nash and kidd on the all time pg list?

    • Derek Page

      Top-15 for sure. Two of the best to ever play the position.

16. kalesa

    E.pincus said the bench doesnt make a difference much in winning ,and it was a question on the lakers bench . Well i disagree cause last year the spurs was a team near extinction but this year with some trades done and now they are contenders. Diaw and captain jack made them stronger. Whats your take on the this?

    • Derek Page

      Just browsed through Eric’s most recent chat and I don’t see where he said that. Anyways, in my opnion, a team’s reserves are incredibly valueable in terms of being a legit champ contender. Look what Dallas did to Miami just last season in the Finals with Jason Terry wreaking havoc off the bench, while other key players coming off the pine made key contributions (B Haywood, JJ Barea, Ian Mahinmi, Peja, etc, etc) throughout the postseason to propel the Mavericks to a title.

17. louis

    derek last week you said that drummond may be too raw a prospect for the cavs since kyrie appears to be ready to “win now” and you said sullinger would be your pick. But i feel we already have an undersized big in T. Thompson…I feel a true center prospect would be a better building block for the cavs or an elite wing player, maybe beal or MKG (IF available) what are your thoughts on that? and also if the cavs do indeed go with a wing player with their first pick, is a decent true center available with the lakers pick hopeful thinking but maybe zeller?

    • Derek Page

      You might be right Louis. Could be more beneficial for Cleveland to go after a legit SF with so many undersized tweeners at the top of the draft. I like both Harrison Barnes and Kidd-Gilchrist to make their mark on the NBA. Varejao is known to play some quality center minutes, when he’s healthy at least.
      Tyler Zeller likely goes 10-15 in the draft.

18. paprika

    I feel like rsessions dont get calls much specially when he attacks. Is it because he aint known yet or he aint a superstar yet? Does that factor or is it just fiction?

    • Derek Page

      Superstar preferential treatment is a fact in the NBA. Younger players as well generally don’t get the calls that veterans do. I don’t agree with it but that’s the way it is. More ref’s discretion than needed.

19. Alex

    Can you see any team making a play for A. Randolph this off season with a big contract?

    • Derek Page

      Anthony Randolph is a gifted young player, Alex. I could see a team throwing some dollars at him to see if Minnesota matches.

20. chunto

    Can Sixers get a lottery pick by trading Iggy away? Do you think that Sixers will have a big change in this offseason?

    • Derek Page

      It really all depends on how Philly does in the postseason. No doubt they’ve taken a nose dive to close out the year after starting off so well. Could Iguodala bring back a lottery pick? Sure. Top-10? That’s a different story. Quality player but a team picking that high would definitely have to weigh their options.

21. John

    would you ever consider being a gm or a coach in the nba?

    • Derek Page

      I don’t think I have the experience or the pedigree John, but I’m comfortable just writing and talking about these guys.
      I’ll make sure and put you down as a reference if I decide to take that route though.

      Thanks for the time guys. That’s all for today, I apologize to those I couldn’t get to. Hit me up @DPageHOOPSWORLD with any questions or comments and join me back here next Saturday. Everybody have a good weekend.