NBA Chat With Derek Page 4/7/12

1. calvinzero

   Do you agree with my argument? If Jason Terry leaves Dallas, Deron Williams will be a good replacement for him on no.2 spot.

   • Derek Page

     Welcome to the chat everyone. Plenty of questions to get to so let’s do this!

     If Williams comes to Dallas that would all but assure that Terry is out – unless JET is willing to take a significant cut to what he may be able to garner on the open market. I do agree with your statement as well Calvin. Deron is a proven scorer (career 17.6 points per game) and would greatly help the Mavs’ starting lineup with his scoring savvy and his ability to get to the basket at will would open up teammates for open looks.

2. Cain

   Statement win by the Pacers over Thunder?

   • Derek Page

     I would say so. Don’t forget Indiana also took out the Miami Heat just over a week ago. The Pacers are a young, long and athletic team that has the legitimate ability to wreak some havoc come playoff time.

3. Cain

   Any reason that you can think of for Paul Georges current shooting struggles? Is it all part of only it being his 2nd year in the NBA?

   • Derek Page

     It’s really just the ebb and flow of an NBA season. Over the last 10 games, George is actually shooting 49 percent from the floor – up from his season average of 44.9 percent. Everybody has a bad game from time to time. George is the type of talent that will gain more consistency as he accumulates more years of NBA service but he’s having a great season.

4. Deven

   Hi Derek. Love your chats. Who are some likely candidates if SVG is fired from the Magic?

   • Derek Page

     Thanks Deven. A big part of that is if Dwight Howard is willing to sign a contract extension this offseason. If so, Orlando likely at least gets Dwight’s opinion on the matter in terms of who’s coming in. I’ve heard former Blazers’ head coach Nate McMillan’s name mentioned in that conversation but it’s still early.

5. Deven

   With all this drama surrounding between SVG and Dwight, what are the odds the Magic deal him in the off season? And what do other staff members at Hoopsworld think will happen?

   • Derek Page

     I think most of us here at HOOPSWORLD would agree that this is a legitimate shot Dwight gets traded this offseason (here’s my latest on the subject here). I don’t see Howard re-signing with Orlando in the offseason barring a significant overall of the roster – which isn’t likely to happen. The Magic may not hesitate to deal Howard in the summer to avoid another circus in the 2012-2013 season.

6. Eric123

   Just for fun:

   lot of HOFers caliber / old school vets entering free agency. but what if they do a miami and all team up with the existing team in dallas for one last shot at the ring? (i know this will never happen) how good would they be?the line-up would be:

   C – Duncan/J’Oneal/Dirk
   PF – Dirk/Garnett/Marion
   SF- Marion/Hill/Redd
   SG – Allen/Terry/Beaubois/West
   PG – Nash/Kidd/Beaubois/West/Fisher

   Of course haywood would be amnestied and vc,odom and all others would be waived/not resigned.

   • Derek Page

     Like you said, this would never happen Eric, but that roster would be absolutely loaded. Realistic option is Jason Kidd returning to Dallas next season to back-up the probable starter next season – Deron Williams. But yes, that team would be ridiculous and easily would be favorites for the championship next season.

7. Upset Magic Fan

   I don’t know what us Magic fans in Orlando did to see our team in such negative light,it’s upsetting to us here,but who is the Head Coach for the Magic next season?I would ask for GM also but the short answer would be,not Otis.

   • Derek Page

     That’s a tough one to answer. It’s really a shame that everything is coming to a head this season but that’s how it goes. Pressure busts pipes and the heat has been on all year for Orlando. In terms of head coaching possibilities, I mentioned Nate McMillan earlier and that’s the only name I’ve heard personally so far that Orlando could be interested in and vice-versa.

8. Bill Wallace

   Who do you see being the best shooting guard in the NBA after Wade and Kobe stop playing at a high level in a few years?

   I think Eric Gordon will be if he can stay healthy

   • Derek Page

     Paul George is certainly another player at that position that could become a star. Many of the NBA’s new stars play the small forward position instead of guard but basically do the same things in the offense as a Kobe or D-Wade.

9. Frank

   In your opinion, which young gun is going to have the most impact during their career in the NBA: Marshon Brooks, DeMar Derozan, or Evan Turner

   • Derek Page

     I’m a big fan of Evan Turner. The guy can seemingly do it all out there and it’s really just a matter of time before he is one of the premier players in this league.

10. Mac

    In your opinion, which struggling player has a greater chance of making a NBA team next year and staying in the league for 5+ years: Gerald Green or Terrance Williams

    • Derek Page

      Gerald Green. I saw him in Dallas a few seasons ago and he’s one of the most athletic dudes I’ve ever seen. I haven’t talked to him this season, but he seems to be putting it all together for the NJ Nets.

11. Dennis

    If you were GM of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Michael Beasley signs a 4 year / 32 million dollar offer sheet with another team this offseason. Do you match? Why or why not.

    • Derek Page

      Let’s see, we already had Frank and Mac. Now we have Dennis: I guess Charlie Dee Reynolds were busy today?
      I’ve been a big proponent all season of letting the young T-Wolves grow together as a team but that price is a bit too rich for my blood. I pass on that.

12. Tyler

    Prediction. Nets win the lottery sweepstakes and draft Davis. Then do a deal with Orlando centered around Davis and Howard. Nets will have cap room so it can be an uneven money trade. Then the Nets do a sign and trade with Lopez for Josh smith. Hawks get a center, Magic get a stud, Nets are instant contenders. Win/Win/Win for all

    • Derek Page

      That’s a long shot Tyler. If the Nets get the first pick, I highly doubt they trade Davis but if they did I have a feeling Orlando would try for Brook Lopez as well. Dwight Howard is the best center in the game while Anthony Davis – while he was excellent in college and figures to translate that on the NBA stage – is still an unknown NBA commodity. Good ideas though.

13. Mike aldridge

    Which Point Guard out of John Wall, Kyrie Irving, or Brandon Jennings will make the All Star team first? Who has the highest Potential or upisde of the 3 and WHY?

    If Deron Williams goes to Dallas next year than 1 of these point guards should make it next season.

    • Derek Page

      Kyrie Irving has completely blown me away this season. Point guard is the most difficult position to learn and he’s been excellent in that capacity. I see him making multiple All Star teams.

14. Mark ryan

    When its all said and done will Kevin Durrant be mentioned in the same Breathe as Micheal Jordan and Kobe Bryant?

    • Derek Page

      I think Kevin Durant has the talent to be mentioned in that conversation but your talking about two of the very best players in the history of the game. Let’s see if Durant can secure one title before we start talking about him in the same breath as MJ and Kobe.

15. Ben Aldridge

    Will Tyreke Evans ever turn into a superstar after his historical rookie season? he has played 3 different positions for the kings and just seems lost at times. I always though he was just as talented as Russel Westbrook and can reach his level one day.

    • Derek Page

      I don’t know if Evans every becomes a superstar scorer but he’s certainly a solid player. He’s averaging 17 points 5 boards and 5 assists – well rounded numbers that not many in the NBA can boast.

16. Lateak

    Do tha knicks have a chance a steve nash…. I want a championship BAD!

    • Derek Page

      Steve Nash goes to Miami this offseason, in my opinion. HEAT are too good and would love to have him. Nash would love to join a loaded team where he’s not carrying the squad on his back night-in, night-out. The Knicks biggest selling point for acquiring Nash was D’Antoni, who’s obviously no longer in NY.

17. Lateak

    Do u think dwill goes to dallas n where d12 go… I dont know y he doesnt want to play 4 tha lakers.. I know he wants to be tha man but its about a ring.. N tha lakers have better than orlando n tha nets r horrible.. Dwill is leaving

    • Derek Page

      That’s a good question. If Williams leaves NJ – that takes the Nets off Howard’s list. The only remaining teams would be Dallas, LA and Orlando. Dallas doesn’t have the assets to acquire Howard through trade. LA might not be willing to part with Andrew Bynum so that leaves a myriad of teams who might take the chance of acquiring Howard without him re-upping with that team. Houston, Chicago and Atlanta could all be in the mix.

18. Hdog

    Who is the best SF for the Raptors moving forward from the 2012 draft and why? MKG or Harrison Barnes?

    • Derek Page

      Both players would be solid choices in that 3-7 range that they’ll likely be picking at. I’d give the slight nod to Barnes who seems like he could be the total package.

19. lugaw na may tokwa

    How lock is the heat and thunder for the finals? Can this change and what teams can surprise us?

    • Derek Page

      I don’t see it as a lock at all that MIAMI and OKC meet in the NBA Finals. Teams like Chicago, San Antonio, Indiana, LA Lakers and even the Mavericks are going to have a lot to say about that prediction this postseason.

20. hulk

    Will mike d antoni accept a assistant coach role?

    • Derek Page

      That’s not a likely possibility. I can see D’Antoni getting another head coaching gig, even after the debacle in NY.

21. willile wonka

    Can odom be productive again? Maybe the lalkers can help?

    • Derek Page

      Odom’s heart would have to be in it. I haven’t seen that all that often this season.

22. bugoy

    Will dwith finally be a laker even he dont want to?

    • Derek Page

      LA may not be willing to part with Bynum to acquire Dwight Howard. Unless they get very desperate Orlando scoffs at a package that includes just Pau Gasol and change. The Magic want young building blocks along with players that can contribute now.

23. pinas fun

    Would k.g and allen help dwith be a migic for atleast 3 years?

    • Derek Page

      I think they would be great additions to the Magic. Will they want to come for the vet minimum or split the mid-level exception? Highly doubtful compared to what they (especially Allen) will be offered on the open market.

24. Charlie

    Last time, if you were starting a team from scratch, rank your preference for these pair of players (assume all in prime): Team #1 – Michael Jordan and Karl Malone, Team #2 – Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Team #3 – Kobe Bryant and Hakeem Olajuwon

    • Derek Page

      1. Kobe and Hakeem 2. MJ and Mailman 3 Magic and Kareem.
      Hakeem, in my opinion, is one of the most underrated player in NBA history. He dominated the likes of David Robinson, Pat Ewing and Shaq and no one really remembers that. Gotta go MJ and whoever number two and then last but certainly not least Magic and Kareem. I know they won a bunch of titles together in real life and they are last on my list but the first two would be unstoppable combos.

      Thanks for joining me today everyone. Sorry to those questions I couldn’t get to. Submit them for my next week’s chat, same time same place. Or follow me on Twitter – @DPageHOOPSWORLD. Until next time!