NBA Chat With Derek Page 6/23/12

1. astrit

   which player detroti pistons 9th pick

   • Derek Page

     Welcome to the chat NBA fans. The Miami HEAT are NBA champions and the draft is in less than a week. Outlandish amount of questions already on tap so we better get started.

     That’s an interesting question. John Henson out of UNC would be a logical choice. Talented and long 6’10 power forward would look good starting alongside Greg Monroe and would create a powerful inside combo for years to come.

2. Dave

   (Suns Rebuilding Plan)
   Trade Gortat for Boston’s 21st and 22nd pick
   Sign and trade Steve Nash to the Heat for the 27th pick, Norris Cole and Mike Miller’s contract (he is retiring)
   Buy the Thunder’s 28th pick (they are selling it)
   Resign Aaaron Brooks
   Draft Austin Rivers with the 13th pick
   You have the 13th, 21st, 22nd, 27th and 28th pick AND Norris Cole who is young and can play. Rebuilding process goes by fast if one of those guys has franchise player potential. (Especially Austin Rivers)

   • Derek Page

     Why does every Suns’ fan want to get rid of Marcin Gortat? And Mike Miller retiring isn’t a guarantee, although it would be a great way to go out with 23 points on 7-8 shooting from team in the deciding Game Five. In terms of buying a pick, Robert Sarver’s frugal track record doesn’t suggest that’s a possibility…. I do like the idea of drafting Rivers at 13th overall. Solid scorer and shooter, Rivers also has the pedigree to have a pretty successful career in this league.

3. ralph lawrence

   will a trade of tyreke, freddette and whiteside be enough to get the #2 pick of charlotte?? kings will have 2 first round picks and could get robinson at 2 and maybe barnes or beal at #5.. your thoughts?

   • Derek Page

     That’s a possibility, although from what I keep hearing Charlotte’s expectations in return for the number two overall pick are pretty outlandish.

4. WIZARD

   Mavs and wizs are often trade partners.Do you see something happen this summer in this relation?

   • Derek Page

     Not at the moment… unless the Wiz want to clear some cap space via taking on Lamar Odom’s contract. Not sure Mavs are interested in anyone on Washington at this point aside from John Wall though – who is untouchable for obvious reasons. Could be plenty of activity after free agency gets underway. Expect Mavs to come out swinging (maybe even wildly) if they can’t land Deron Williams in free agency. Andray Blatche might be had for fairly cheap if Dallas is willing to take that risk.

5. Luka

   How long can dirk play on all star level?Do you think he and d-will can stop thunder?

   • Derek Page

     His game suggests Nowitzki can be elite for a few more seasons. He relies on quick bursts, length, shooting touch and veteran savvy/smarts – three of those four things don’t fade with age and Nowitzki has never been considered explosive. I believe, especially if Dallas can get a player to shore up the center position defensively, that the duo of Deron Williams and Nowitzki would be just as formidable as any top two in the league and Dallas would be a legit contender once again next season.

6. joseph

   If you are wiz gm and need to choose between beal and mkg who would you choose and why?I would go with beal because mkg offensive skills are horrible and wizs desperatly need shooters.

   • Derek Page

     You’re right: Bradley Beal is the more explosive offensive player but Michael Kidd-Gilchrist just seems like more of the total package to me. I’d go with MKG.

7. Zeeshan

   What are the Bulls plans this Offseason? Would you please make a predidction on who you think they will sign,resign,trade for,and draft? Thanks.

   • Derek Page

     Veteran back up point guard is a series need with Derrick Rose on the shelf for likely a portion of next season. Chauncey Billups would be perfect. Other than that, the Bulls are in great shape with the players they have when healthy.

8. Ryan

   Are Knicks contenders or pretenders?

   • Derek Page

     That’s to be determined. I’m interested to see what this team can do with a full preseason and training camp under it’s belt. With Melo, Amare, Chandler and Lin – they have a solid core that will seemingly be a contender in the East. Ask me again at the 2013 All Star break.

9. alex

   hi! do you think the bobcats should select beal and call the wizards so they can trade him for thomas robinson and maybe booker or other young guy? that way they could get 2 young peaces

   • Derek Page

     That’s difficult, Alex. Would be a more prudent avenue to take the best player available and two and see if they can get a sleeper with the 31st overall pick. Robinson looks like the real deal.

10. lindsay

    How grunfeld didn’t manage to get #10 for taking two bad contracts on 2 years if hornets shopped him all the time?Is his time passed orwhat?

    • Derek Page

      Just because they are not great contracts doesn’t mean that the Wizards didn’t upgrade. Could they have possibly held out longer and found a better deal for the savings Rashard Lewis’ contract provides? I think so. But Okafor and Ariza are solid defenders and solid players overall. The playoffs are a legitimate possibly now with the current makeup of this roster.

11. Ronny

    Are wizards locked in for the playoff with that move and drafting beal?Remember this is weak east.

    • Derek Page

      I wouldn’t say locked but they have an excellent shot. Boston and Orlando could be completely different teams next season and then you’re looking at Washington battle it out for 8th with the likes of the Bucks, 76ers and… that’s about it. Not a guarantee but a definitive possibility.

12. rocket

    are we gonna see some star coming to houston?And please told me that morway want be that stupid to rent howard for just one year.

    • Derek Page

      Houston appears willing to take a flyer on Dwight Howard as a one-year rental in hopes that they can convince him to re-sign. IF, big if, they can get Howard to want to stay – or even drive deep into the postseason with Howard on top of his game trying to reaffirm his worth on the open market – not the worst move in the world for the Rockets. Tough decision, and Rockets brass would get annihilated by everyone if things went wrong, but you don’t get huge rewards without taking some risks.

13. san antonio

    What do you think how would end up finales between miami-sas?

    • Derek Page

      Same result. Thunder were clear-cut best team in the Western Conference – no matter how you slice it. HEAT were the best team in basketball. Now, if the Mavs had re-upped Tyson Chandler…

14. Bryant

    I know its too early to tell but assuming Lillard goes to the Blazers is a line like this unreasonable? 14ppg/5apg/3rpg on around 45% from the field?

    • Derek Page

      Seems realistic, Bryant. Might lower field goal percentage and points a bit but Lillard has the tools to be a quality NBA point guard in this league – and soon.

15. jerry

    Go look at your first chat at hworld and you’ll see me arguing with u that king James was the best player. What u think no playa? If u wanna b a great analyst, watch games with you’re eyes, not your head….Long live the King!

    • Derek Page

      So, Jerry, you’re saying that I should just watch the games and turn my brain off? It’s funny all the fans coming out of the woodwork saying I’ve hated LBJ all along and that’s simply not the case. Did I think he was the MVP of the regular season this year? No. Did I think he was going to win a title this year? No, I thought the Thunder (or really any other West team) were going to spank Miami in the Finals. But the realization is LeBron was clearly the MVP of both the postseason and Finals and that’s all that matters. I was wrong in thinking that James didn’t have the late game resolve to carry Miami to a championship. I have no ill will towards LeBron as a person – this isn’t TMZ – this is HOOPSWORLD. Congrats to both James and the HEAT for a dominant NBA Finals.
      It really makes you think about how great the Dallas defense was last season to take a player of LeBron’s level out of his comfort zone and the series the way that they did.

16. Steve

    Are Andray Blatche’s days in DC numbered? If hes out, what teams might be interested in his services?

    • Derek Page

      It really depends on what they’re asking for Steve. While he’s a young and talented player, Blatche’s injury issues last season and off the court issues in the past make him more valuable to Washington to try to develop him than another team.

17. iron pacquiao

    Hi, can u see a p.gasol sessions for tparker and tiago s. Deal?

    • Derek Page

      Hahaha. Never. Spurs are built around Parker.

18. Deven

    Hi Derek. Do you think Danny Ainge is the most annoying GM in the league? Because I’m hearing that he wants to bring everybody back for another run, when everybody thinks this was it for them. If this is the case, I think’s it’s ridiculous. What are your thoughts?

    • Derek Page

      I think Ainge has done a pretty good job over the last few seasons as the Celtics might have been a Perkins injury away from two NBA titles. There’s no need to blow this thing up just to blow it up. If Boston can get some value on the market which negates the need for KG or Ray Allen then by all means losing them isn’t an issue. Might be out of the Celtics hands though if Allen wants to go elsewhere and Garnett does as well or decides to retire.

19. Kevin

    Things are quiet in lakerland that usually means something is in the works. What are the chances we see some big moves on draft day?

    • Derek Page

      Mitch Kupchak continues to reiterate that Lakers arent looking to be major players but only time will tell. Gasol has as much value now as he ever will for LA on the market.

20. Kevin

    Pau Gasol to Houston

    Kyle Lowry to Golden State

    Stephen Curry, Kevin Martin, Jeremy Tyler, #7 pick to Brooklyn

    Deron Williams to Lakers

    • Derek Page

      Interesting idea but I highly doubt GS would give up Steph Curry for Kyle Lowry.

21. Sed D Cain

    Hi Derek hows everything, do you think the bulls will make a run at a guy like Delonte West to fill the combo role for us, he played under Thibs in Boston and he would come cheap he’s coming off a cheap deal with the mavs. and do you think the bulls will be able to keep korver or watson.

    • Derek Page

      Everything is going great. That’s an interesting idea considering he would be able to start at PG with Rose out or start alongside him when healthy. West showed me a lot this season for Dallas, he’s about as solid of an all around player as it gets.

22. lonnie

    When can we expect deron decision?If he doesn’t sign for mavs they probably won’t be contendors considering all free agents are restrited and chance that they leave their clubs for mavs is nonexisting.

    • Derek Page

      Shorty after the free agency period begins. I don’t see him wanting the process to linger.

23. mkg

    Plan B for dallas if they don’t get deron?I don’t see any other fa coming in dallas and making them a contendor.

    • Derek Page

      Diligently go after restricted free agent centers Roy Hibbert or Javale McGee and possibly bring Nash back to Dallas. Chris Kaman is also a possibility with or without D-Will.

24. charlie

    Hi Derek – Would a “rental” on Howard be worthwhile at the cost of Andrew Bynum, especailly it will be Bynum’s last year anyway? He might opt out then too! With Howard, there is a realistic chance of getting DWill as well!

    • Derek Page

      Not for a rental no. Howard would have to sign extension.

25. charlie

    What do you think of this trade: Bynum for Perkins and Harden – Either team will match up well with Miami

    • Derek Page

      I don’t like it from the Lakers point of view. Bynum’s ceiling is way too high.

26. Matt

    It’s been said that Portland, Phoenix and Toronto are the top 3 teams Steve Nash would prefer to go to. What do you think the chances are of Nash going to Portland? Could finally bring out the best in Nic Batum and LA, including mentoring the PG im sure we take in the draft (Lillard, Marshall, Machado) and Nolan.

    • Derek Page

      Would be excellent addition for Portland exclusively because of the reasons you mention. Nash brings out the best in however he plays with and consistently turns average NBA players into very good players.

27. Christopher

    Hi Derek, do you think the Lakers front office should seriously consider signing Brandon Roy on the vet minimum if he comes out of retirement? Also, what do you think the chances are of the Lakers trading Gasol this offseason and in return getting a package back which includes an exciting young point guard such as Kyle Lowry or Brandon Jennings?

    • Derek Page

      It’s a great investment if just for the vet minimum. I think plenty of teams around the NBA would love to take a chance on Roy to see if he can become even half the player he was before injuries derailed a promising career.

28. Rick

    Where do you foresee Deron Williams landing, and will Dwight Howard be moved before the season starts?

    • Derek Page

      Brooklyn or Dallas are clearly the most likely destinations. If there’s no extension signed, I would expect Howard to be moved this summer.

29. Pow

    Do you see OKC moving Westbrook to the 2 and using Maynor or someone else as their primary point? Will it hurt them or help them is Westbrook is moved to the 2? And do you think Westbrook and KD can coexist together? And who do you think OKC will keep Harden or Ibaka since their contract is ending soon and what role will reggie jackson have this season? And who do you think they will target in the draft?

    • Derek Page

      Westbrook is 23 years old playing the most difficult position on the floor. Give him some time. He has all the tools to be one of the best PG’s in the game and he and Durant are like brothers both on the court and off.

30. Jack

    What is your forecast for the Nets this upcoming sequence. It seems that Dwight and Deron pairing up is highly likely, but could the Magic trade Dwight somewhere elsewhere to spite Dwight? Do the Nets really have the best offer on the table?

    • Derek Page

      Nets are likely out on the trade front. Would have to sign Howard as free agent in summer of 2013.

      Well I’m way over my allotted time guys, those questions really piled up on me. I appreciate the time and I know I missed a bunch of you. Get at me on Twitter @DPageHOOPSWORLD and join me next week at this very time. Have a safe and fun weekend my friends.