NBA Chat With Derek Page 7/14/12

1. Bryant

   Hey Derek!
   I’m really excited about Damian lillard, should I be? could you give me a prediction of his rookie stats?

   • Derek Page

     Another Saturday evening is upon us so that means we’ve got some things to talk about. Plenty of great questions to get to so let’s right to it.

     Well Bryant I think your excitement is justified. Lillard is going to be a special player in the NBA and double digit scoring and 5+ assists per contest isn’t out of the question for his rookie year. Keep in mind he’s playing the toughest position on the floor though so there will be some hiccups along the way.

2. Trez

   My man Derek, what do you think of these trades? Thanks.

   -CHA trades Walker/Kidd-Gilchrist to GS for Curry/Barnes

   As hometown Curry has those ankle issues, if the ‘Cats still wanted him, this package is respectable, and they’d get Barnes of UNC fame. GS gets NCAA Winners/Warriors.

   -NO signs & trades E. Gordon to IND for P. George/Barbosa/D. Jones

   Pacers get hometown EJ & Hornets start Davis/Rivers alongside an on the rise Paul George playing his natural position.

   • Derek Page

     Alright Trez: 1. Not going to happen. GS values Curry way too much and MKD is simply not enough of a return.
     2. Very interesting deal but not happening. Obviously Jones has already been traded and both Gordon and Barbosa would have to be SNT.

3. TJ

   What side of Clipper trade has more value please?

   1- side A is Bledsoe versus side B is Lamb, T. Jones?

   2- side A is Bledsoe and 2-year Caron contract versus sign-and-traded high market contract for Batum and a future 1st?

   3- can griffin play C for long stretches with a guy like odom at PF?

   Thanks!

   • Derek Page

     Not sure what you’re asking TJ but Eric Bledsoe is a solid young point guard and proved he can produce at the most opportune time in the playoffs this past season with CP3 hobbled. In terms of Odom, he prefers PF but he it looks like, with LAC, he may spend most of the time at SF. Griffin isn’t a viable option at center.

4. Winston

   What do you think the Mavs will do during the rest of this offseason?

   What do you think they SHOULD do?

   • Derek Page

     It looks like the Mavericks are nearly set with their roster with a few open spots remaining after signing Chris Kaman and Elton Brand and trading for Darren Collison and Dahntay Jones. Delonte West is an option to return to the Mavs and Dallas is also weighing it’s options in terms of making a bid for recently amnestied Luis Scola.
     What I think they should do is forget about Scola (unless they can acquire him for 1-yr after he clears waivers which isn’t likely) and sign Delonte West for 1-yr, $2.5 million.

5. Naj

   Most of the teams are getting ready for the next season maybe 90% of it. How about D.Howard? I think he will end up again in orlando because of his attitude on choosing team to deal with. I know this is business, but come on this is basketball. Where is the love for the game?!

   • Derek Page

     Even though drama has surrounded him over the past year, Howard is still an extremely valuable commodity and is coveted by teams around the league. Love of the game really doesn’t have anything to do with it. Howard is at odds with management and simply doesn’t want to be apart of the Magic organization any longer.

6. Kareem

   What do you think about the Pacers trade with the Mavericks and the signing of Gerald Green?

   • Derek Page

     From the Pacers perspective, I’m having trouble wrapping my head around it. I think Ian Mahinmi is a quality addition but Darren Collison is still a 24-year old point guard with immense talent. Dallas clearly won the trade as Mahinmi was going to leave anyways, he simply wasn’t apart of the Mavs’ plans.

7. Dylan

   Do you like the signing of Sessions for the Bobcats? Also, what do you think of the Bobcats pursuing Kris Humphries and Antawn Jamison?

   • Derek Page

     Not the biggest fan of the move simply because Charlotte is in the same situation they were in with D.J. Augustin. The Bobcats have two point guards with legitimate stakes to be the teams starter at point guard. It will be interesting to see whether it’s Kemba Walker or Ramon Sessions who comes out on top. I think it’s Walker.

8. Deven

   What are your thoughts on the Mavericks adding Scola to that roster?

   • Derek Page

     Honestly, I don’t get it. If Dallas makes a bid on him, they would have to take him for the next three years. Also, after acquiring both Elton Brand and Chris Kaman (and with Dirk already in place), there’s not many more minutes to go around in the frontcourt. Even though I like Luis Scola and think he’s an extremely underrated player, when the goal is to be competitive next season while remaining flexibility for 2013, Scola doesn’t fit.

9. jhay_e

   now batum is going back 2 portland, do u think o.j meyo is the ryt guy for the Twolves??

   tnx…

   • Derek Page

     That’s a slim possibility but there are numerous other possible landing spots for Mayo. He’s already met with Phoenix, who are putting the full court press on him, and the Bulls and Rockets are also more likely to land the former Grizzlies’ sixth man.

10. Raj

    If DH12 end up in Houston, big market teams should be looking to clear up cap space for next summer when Dwight(assuming he didnt re-up with rockets),Monta ellis and Josh Smith become free agents.. In my opinion, Atlanta Hawks has great chance of acquiring these players next summer and form a formiddable “Big 3″ of their own. What is your opinion?

    • Derek Page

      Chris Paul is also a free agent next summer so teams, like the Mavericks and Hawks to name a couple, are gearing up for the free agent class of 2012. In terms of the Hawks, I think they have just as good of a shot as anyone to land Howard. Josh Smith and Howard are close friends and Howard would have to consider them as an option.

11. Jason M

    Will Memphis go out and try to sign O.J. Mayo back? O.J. has been an important piece the past two years.

    • Derek Page

      Not likely. If they wanted him, they could’ve signed him to a qualifying offer for $7.4 million to make him a restricted free agent but chose not to.

12. LA in LA

    Instead of compling with Howard’s wish to go to Nets, what are the chances Magic let him play out his contract and force him to go somewhere else in free agency since Nets wouldn’t be an option?

    • Derek Page

      I don’t see that happening. When Orlando loses Howard, they are going to want to get SOMETHING back for him. While they could do a SNT next summer, they wouldn’t get nearly as much in return.

13. Jo

    Can the Miami heat insert ray Allen into starting lineup and convince wade to come of the bench like manu ginnobli instant 6 man of the year

    • Derek Page

      Doubtful. In my opinion, Bosh should move to center, LeBron James slides to the 4, Wade to the 3 and Allen would start at shooting guard. James showed in the playoffs how difficult of a matchup he presents playing at power forward and how much better the HEAT were overall with that style of lineup.

14. LA food truck vendor

    I heard sessions want to start in a nba team,will kemba be a back up? And will the lakers do a sign and trade with the cats or they will let rses walk?

    • Derek Page

      That’s a good question. I think there will definitely be a battle in training camp but Ramon Sessions’ play this past postseason really killed his value.

15. jay

    So one of the NBAs stupidest players refused to sign a 4 yr 50 mil offer with the Nuggets, does he really believe hes a max player? I’m iffy on the Hibbert deal, but he’s more of sure thing than JaVale is. Love your chats bro, keep it up!

    • Derek Page

      Thanks Jay. McGee hasn’t refused the contract, the two sides are continuing to negotiate and from what I’ve heard, both sides are trying to get a deal together and McGee isn’t even speaking with other teams.

16. Sweet Dee

    If you were Deron Williams, which set of players would you prefer to play with next year?: Team #1 – Joe Johnson, Brook Lopez, Gerald Wallace or Team #2 – Dirk Nowitzki, Chris Kaman, and Elton Brand.

    • Derek Page

      Kaman and Brand vs Crash and Lopez could really go either way but the biggest thing, in my opinion, is that Dirk Nowizki is clearly a better player than Joe Johnson. Nowitzki would make Williams’ life a lot easier more than Johnson will. The reality is, Williams didn’t think that the Mavericks could put together a roster with what they had to work with but Cuban and Co proved that sentiment wrong. No turning back now though.

17. Jamie

    If MAVS were to obtain Jose Calderon, would they be better off starting Calderon or Darren Collison at point guard.

    • Derek Page

      Sorry for the delay guys. I’ll do 15 more minutes since we started having technical difficulties at around 4:45 CST.

      I like Calderon, I think he’s a better distributor and all around point guard but it’s unlikely Dallas acquires him now. Collison is already here and penciled in as the starter.

18. Gabe

    Dallas hasn’t done bad so far after missing out on D-Will and Howard.
    I think Mark Cuban needs to out pay everyone else to get OJ Mayo.
    He’d be such a good fit and young. Him and Collison can be the backcourt for the next 8 years..

    • Derek Page

      For one year, Cuban would be willing to pay market value but Mayo is likely to get more years and an overall better offer from another team.

19. Joe Shafer

    Rockets are crazy offering their entire team and future for Howard without a commitment aren’t they? They have to hang on to Donatas and Lamb if they can..

    • Derek Page

      I agree. Especially considering they need to have a team around Howard that will actually WANT to make him stay and sign an extension.

20. Christian Frank

    Should NBA superstars play in the Olympics? Why or why not?

    • Derek Page

      I think so. It makes the international game so much more competitive and frankly much more watchable. Certainly the only way for USA to compete with the best players leaving college after just one season.

21. evo man

    The best way to motivate kobe is to trash talk him. Shaq said he cant win without him ,,kobe got 2 rings. Can coach pjax play mind games and tell kobe u havent won one without me so kobe will play hungry line a 21 year old! Just sayin….

    • Derek Page

      No question, Kobe is the most heated competitor in the NBA today. I think Steve Nash joining LA and taking a lot of pressure off of Bryant on the offensive end will be a bigger factor.

22. Zeeshan

    Where do u think Courtney Lee ends up????

    Mavs- their heading into another direction

    Pacers- they r more focused on oj mayo and other things

    Suns- they want oj mayo more

    Celtics- cant afford him and who will they trade through a sign and trsde deal ?

    That leaves us with the bulls!! They need a SG and can S&T asik for lee or regularly wign him through free agency

    Wat u think?

    • Derek Page

      Solid move. Would be quality starter next to DRose and excellent defense would fit right in with Chicago.

23. jeepney kid9

    Thomas rob doesnt look much like a pf!? He kinda reminds of a versetile poormans lebron… He looks good. Ur take?

    • Derek Page

      Definitely a versatile player. I’ve liked Thomas Robinson from the get-go and believe Bobcats should’ve taken him at number two. Huge steal for the Kings at 5th overall.

24. rapsa yum

    If mkg turns out to be pippen and advis will be kg,who do u draft?

    • Derek Page

      Don’t get me wrong, Pippen was a great player but I’d take Kevin Garnett. Anthony Davis was a no-brainer at number one anyways though.

25. maestro

    Who do the clippers sign to back up at the three and five? Im thinking Webster and Darko.

    • Derek Page

      Market is getting thin… More likely Darko heads to Europe.

26. Gustavo A.Thomas

    Can i use your chat to call every CH bulls fan around the world to asking for D Howard trade to CH. PLEASE,PLEASE. We need and deserve this kind the players to get championship again. We DO IT(SI SE PUEDE)

    • Derek Page

      Would be a gusty move for the Bulls. Can’t argue that Dwight Howard, DRose combo would be best inside/outside combo in the NBA.

27. Cain

    What do you think of the Indiana Pacers acquisitions? Does season depend on continuing development of Hibbert and George?

    • Derek Page

      Not a fan of the Darren Collison trade but the Pacers are still stacked and set up to be a quality team for years to come. Young, talented team in Indiana that will only get better.

28. sunny

    jose and 2nd round pick to dallas for TPE,and beaubois.
    and then trade demar, james johnson, TPE and future frst round pick (20 protected) for rudy gay.
    lowry, field, gay, bargaini and jonas
    thats playoffs? yes or no?

    • Derek Page

      That’s a playoff team on paper, sure. All those moving parts are much easier said than done now, though and Mavs aren’t likely in the market for Calderon with the addition of Darren Collison.

29. Jimmy Crack Corn

    The Thunder have 3 Olyimpian’s on TEAM USA…first time ever. Ibaka is a kicker, TEAM SPAIN.

    As brillant as Presti is, I can’t see how he can keep this together? All four 22/23 years old.

    • Derek Page

      It’s going to be tough. Someone is going to have to take a pay cut to make it work and that’s a tough sell to either Harden or Ibaka.

30. kenny

    hello derek… hear that the wolves might be willing to trade love for gasol do you think that there is a little truth to it or do you think it’s just another false story??

    • Derek Page

      Don’t believe that’s a possibility. Love is anxious to win now in Minnesota, and they’ll get there, but trading Love would not be a prudent decision. Especially for an older, less talented player in Gasol.

31. calvinzero

    What can you say about Dallas now?? They losing their players that may part of their franchise in many years. Is there any chance that they catch-up the playoffs??

    • Derek Page

      Considering Mavs media and fans were ready to start jumping off of the AAC when Deron Williams and Steve Nash decided to go elsewhere, I think Dallas has salvaged what was on track to be a horrendous offseason. This shouldn’t be a surprise. The Mavericks front office has consistently shown the ability to retool year-in,year-out. They deserve the benefit of the doubt.

32. moe

    would the bobcats do a MKG trade for James Johnson, Ed Davis and Demar Derozan…bobcats dont have a pf and will get a young one with great upside, with Demar who can be a future allstar and james johnson who is a serviceable roll player..all 3 raps players are very young…terrence ross and mkg would be amazing together…if they say no i think the raps should take tyrus thomas..i dont see the cats saying no..raps can amnesty him
    what do you think?

    • Derek Page

      No. I see your reasoning but teams don’t generally trade top-5 picks AFTER the draft. Not realistic.

33. Joel

    Portland had one of the BEST draft days (homer I know lol) picking up 3 solid pieces, then lost out on Hibbert, but brought over Claver, Freeland, and resigned JJ Hickson, probably Batum too. This squad is looking BRAND NEW, any ideas of other new faces we might see this year? Coach? You liking the action?

    • Derek Page

      I agree and that’s why I listed Portland as a draft day winner earlier this month. Very dangerous squad in Portland, if healthy, next season.
      
      That’s all for today my friends. Thanks, as always, for the time. To those I missed, hit me up on Twitter @DPageHOOPSWORLD. Until next week. Have a good weekend.