NBA Chat With Derek Page 7/21/12

1. Naj

   Austin Rivers is overrated. So many errors & he thinks he can carry his team. Too soon rook!

   • Derek Page

     Welcome to the chat yet again NBA fans. Plenty to get to but let me first address something: I’ve noticed this for a while but those of you who think you’re slick sending in multiple questions under different names, I can see what you’re doing and I can’t answer all of your questions. There’s too many people trying to get in questions and it’s not fair to everyone else for me to spend that much time on one person’s agenda… Anyways, I’m down off of my soap box, let’s get to this weeks chat.

     It’s still early on Rivers. He’s played approximately two NBA Summer League games, let’s not start judging him before he’s even finished a full Summer League. He’ll be fine. From the times I’ve spoken with him, he doesn’t seem like a selfish or ego-driven person. Not likely his father, Doc, would stand for that.

2. Riccardo

   Hi! A few days ago New Orleans machted Suns’offer sheet for Gordon! So, could Suns focus their attention on James Harden next year? I think that Phoenix will have some space for this!
   And what’s the future for Warrick, Lopez, Gortat and Frye after the Scola’s acquisition?

   • Derek Page

     That could be a possibility. Let’s not forget Robert Sarver is still the owner though and he’s not known as being a free spender. In terms of the Suns starting lineup, there should be little doubt that Marcin Gortat and Luis Scola start next to one another and that’s a quality one-two punch in the post. Channing Frye still has a role as a 7-footer than can spread the floor from distance. Hakim Warrick and Robin Lopez provide interior depth.

3. nick

   Will Jamison to the Lakers be just a signing or a sign and trade?

   • Derek Page

     It was reported early-on that there were ongoing talks between both LA and Cleveland but now it’s looks like Antawn Jamison will just sign a one-year deal with the Lakers.

4. Chris

   Adding Ray Allen and Lewis to that lineup is scary offensively but don’t you think those two will significantly weaken a championship quality defense.

   • Derek Page

     I disagree. Allen was injured this past postseason but he is generally regarded as an above-average defender. Playing with Doc Rivers and the defense-first Celtics, you have to be. As for Rashard Lewis, he is a long player with solid range defensively. Even if those two were sub-par, Miami’s team defense is so stout that it was make up for any errors committed on the perimeter.

5. Jon

   Who could you see the raptors getting in return for Jose Calderon?

   • Derek Page

     That’s tough to say, Jon. Teams around the NBA see that Toronto has acquired Kyle Lowry and Calderon wants out so they’ve lost a lot of leverage.

6. clipperzach

   With the signing of Crawford, L.O., Hill and with the resigning of Griffin and Billups, how do you rank the clippers? True Title Contenders? WCF Finalist? Also, we need to add a big to back up DeAndre, i heard rumors on Milicic coming but that doesnt sound pleasing at all… Who should the Clippers look into to back up Jordan @ the C posistion??

   • Derek Page

     When healthy, I think the Clippers are right up there. Only problem is that the team’s best player – Chris Paul – has had a difficult time avoiding injury throughout his career. He’s the engine that makes that team go. When he’s hobbled, as he was this past postseason, it disrupts everything LA tries to accomplish on both ends of the floor.

7. Ang

   Do you think the raptors should bid on Josh Childress? Have you heard of any interest for Childress from other teams?

   • Derek Page

     Childress has actually already cleared waivers. He’s now an unrestricted free agent. Haven’t heard much in terms of interest. Didn’t exactly wow anybody last season in 34 games with Phoenix.

8. Danny

   Who are the HEAT looking to add with their last 2 roster spots? Do Turiaf/Curry/Harris have a shot? Is Jermaine Oneal a possibility? What names are being thrown around? Thanks!

   • Derek Page

     Don’t see why not with Ronny Turiaf or Terrel Harris. Each wants to be back with the HEAT.

9. Jason M

   Will Tony Allen get an extension this season? How much is he worth to Memphis money wise? 3years/19.5mil sounds like a good offer, his offense is average for a guard but his defense is spectacular and Memphis does not need to lose him!!!

   • Derek Page

     O.J. Mayo’s exit says a lot. It’s in Memphis’ best interest to keep Allen, who only continues to get better. I think that would be a reasonable raise for a player with his talent.

10. Chad

    All this talk of the current Team USA roster vs the “Dream Team” has me thinking. Do you think a 12 man roster from 2004 could have beaten the “Dream Team”?

    Shaq, Duncan, KG, Sheed, Pierce, Artest, Kobe, Ray Allen, Kidd, Billups, Iverson, and a young LeBron with Phil Jackson as coach. Any chance?

    • Derek Page

      That’s actually incorrect. It’s my understanding that only LeBron, Iverson and Duncan (of those players) decided to join that team.

11. David Rivas

    Now the Kings have this roster:
    PG: Aaron Brooks, Isaiah Thomas and Jimmer Fredette
    SG: Tyreke Evans and Marcus Thornton
    SF: James Johnson, John Salmons, Francisco García, Tyler Honeycutt and Travis Outlaw
    PF: Thomas Robinson, Chuck Hayes and Jason Thompson
    C: DeMarcus Cousins

    I think the backcourt and the two guard positions are totally cover, so Kings need to improve the SF position. Now they have 5 players for this position, so why don´t amnesty Salmons or Gracia and trade for one top SF? I think if they do this, SAC will be a Playoff contender.

    • Derek Page

      Thornton will likely get the majority of minutes at shooting guard. If he wants to play, Evans will likely have to play a good amount of forward.

12. Mohammad

    Seeing as how Lebron can leave after the 2014 campaign, do you think he is on the move?

    • Derek Page

      LBJ just won a championship my friend and the HEAT have only gotten better after signing Ray Allen. Never say never but that’s highly unlikely right now.

13. Chris

    Hi Derek. Why do the Bulls have such a difficult time attracting star free agents? They’re the 3rd biggest market and they play in the House that Jordan built, yet you never hear about star players (seriously) wanting to play for Bulls. What’s the reason? a.) bad reputation with agents? b.) lack of a charismatic/showman of a GM/owner? c.) low ball FA offers? d.) cold weather?

    • Derek Page

      The last time they actually had cash to spend on a superstar free agent, D-Wade decided to remain in South Beach with LBJ and Bosh. I don’t think there’s a problem there. Bulls are in good shape. They’ll be fine next season.

14. Jacky

    This year’s Raptors team looks the most promising the last few years, where do you see them by the end of the season with addition of Lowry, Valanciunas and Fields?

    • Derek Page

      All depends on how healthy Andrea Bargnani stays and how much of a jump younger players like DeMar DeRozen can make coming into next season. Lowry is a quality addition, he’ll make things easier for everybody else on both ends, and in the East anything is possible.

15. mike b

    People keep asking what Morey is doing with the Rockets. Let’s say the follwing trade goes through. Houston gives up Martin, Patterson, Lamb, T. Jones, and 2 1st rounders. They get Bynum from L.A and take in G. Davis and J. Richardson from ORL. My idea would be re-sign Courtney Lee and try to sign Delonte West. Think about this rotation: Lin, Lee, West, Richardson, and T. Douglas at guard. You have Parsons, G Davis, M. Morris, Montejunas, and R. White as your forwards and Bynum and Asik (or cheap backup) at center. Is any of this possible and could this group win a playoff series?

    • Derek Page

      Lee’s already gone buddy but Bynum is still a possibility. I see your point but that’s a big if whether it’s acquiring Bynum or Howard. If that happens though, yes, Morey detractors will have to give him his due.

16. jerry

    Will dwight saga end before start of season or at trade deadline like melo?

    • Derek Page

      The longer Orlando waits, the less leverage they have in any potential deal. Howard needs to be dealt before the start of next season and the clock is ticking.

17. bill

    Nets will take magic place in playoff.Are wizards currently better then 76s to take their place?

    • Derek Page

      That’s a good question. I like what the Wizards have done but they are going to have to leap-frog a quality team in Philly. Lots of moving parts with the Sixers this offseason so let’s see how they perform next season but Washington definitely has a shot.

18. Zach

    With the Lakers acquisition of Nash, coupled with keeping some version of the twin towers ( Bynum/Gasol or Howard/Gasol), they become the top challengers to the thunder in the west. The Thunder have extensions coming up for Harden and Ibaka. One theory out there was they could amnesty Perkins to clear payroll to sign both. I think with the lakers keeping a twin towers line-up the thunder must keep Perkins and sign Ibaka. Thus leaving Harden, the better player, future with the team up in the air. What are your thoughts on the Thunder’s plan with Harden and Ibaka and will the Lakers personal affect their decision?

    • Derek Page

      I agree Zach. LA needs to keep Pau Gasol though and I don’t know if that’s possible if they want Dwight Howard. Nash will make life easier for everybody on the Lakers, most importantly Kobe.

19. JimNugget

    The Mavs started out rather slow in FA but have rebounded strong in the latter days. Where do you think they will end up in their season ?

    • Derek Page

      Best case scenario the Mavs are a top-4 team in the Western Conference that makes it out of the first round of the playoffs and challenges in the semifinals. Worst case is a fringe playoff team that has a quick first round exit like last season. Most likely is a middle of the pack playoff team in the West that everyone views as dangerous and therefore doesn’t take the Mavs likely. I think Dallas makes it out of the first round this season, although a championship is not in the cards for 2013.

20. JJ of Blueberry Bay

    My 2 rookies that will be much better than expected are Zellers and Nicholson. My 2 suprise breakout second year players are T.Thompson and Faried although Faried is not exactly a well kept secret.Which players do you think will be the biggest positive suprises and are currently undervalued?

    • Derek Page

      I like your picks. Give me Fab Melo for Boston as a first round better-than-expected producer and Doron Lamb out of the second round for the Bucks. In terms of second-year guys, I like Faried as well and Iman Shumpert.

21. Steve

    Do you think the raptors have a shot of getting iggy or gay if they give up players like calderon, ed davis and kleiza

    • Derek Page

      I think Toronto had a better shot before the draft but yes there is still a possibility of acquiring either one of those guys. Add a couple a future 1st’s and you’re getting close. DeRozen could be another player either Philly or Memphis wants though.

22. tom

    Wouldn’t JR Smith have been a perfect match for either the Pacers or the Bulls? He seemed to draw no interest and re-signed with Knicks.

    • Derek Page

      He’s a streaky player, not sure he’s a great fit with either Bulls or Indiana. Smith wanted NY and Knicks decided to bring him back.

23. Zeeshan

    On a scale 1-10, how likely is it that the Bulls amnesty Boozer next offseason? Remember, Mirotic might join us next too.

    • Derek Page

      Certainly a possibility. Only problem is Bulls’ brass doesn’t want to pay Carlos Boozer off for nothing – even for the cap return.

24. Deven

    Derek, how close is Dwight heading to the Lakers from what your hearing?

    • Derek Page

      Discussions are still ongoing. Dwight isn’t going to sign an extension with anyone, wouldn’t have even done that with Nets because he will get more money becoming free agent and re-signing or signing somewhere else. Teams will just have to trust his word if he says he’s willing to stay. That’s easier said that done, especially for Lakers who would be giving up young centerpiece in Andrew Bynum.

25. LA in LA

    I know Lakers are waiting to see if they get Howard before they add more pieces but it seems like regardless of that trade Lakers should be attempting to get a good 3pt shooter like Willie Green or Jodie Meeks who, based off last years salary, should able to be acquired for MMLE or Vet min….

    • Derek Page

      I think Brandon Rush is a better fit. Shot the lights out last season and would fit well in LA.

26. msparrow

    hi derek quick q: qouldnt it have made more sense for the knicks to resign lin and then trade him to the rockets with how desperate houston is we maybe could have unloaded amare to them as well and then build around melo for better or worse

    • Derek Page

      I agree. But from my understanding, Knicks didn’t want to take any salaries back. Amare Stoudemire was never on the table though.

27. Azzar Nadvi

    sup. i love andrew bynum. he lived up to his expectations. 35% of me wants him will be sad if he leaves but 65% of me will be excited.
    Dont you think both bynum and kyrie would get better if on the same team? especially as the top 2 players of the team?
    i think bynum would do great in Cleveland

    • Derek Page

      sup. All depends on Bynum’s attitude which I think would be better in Cleveland. He’d be clear focal point of the offense which is something he craves at this point in his career.

28. Gustavo A. Thomas

    CH Bulls is no contender team right now with ROSE or without ROSE, is no rebuilding team,can you explain to me this disaster,two year ago they was #1 or #2 NBA team now they are maybe #13,where is the plan, Can somebody help me to understand that, PLEASE?

    • Derek Page

      I disagree, Gus. Give me a healthy Bulls team right now over any team in the East aside from Miami and even then I think Chicago would play them tough. Certainly not a cellar dweller.

29. Lateak

    I been saying for two years that dwights best fit is the lakers….. If hes goes there they r my favorites to win the title with miami….. Wcf lakers vs spurs… Ecf heat vs knicks… What u think derek

    • Derek Page

      I think you’re right. With out without Dwight I think the Lakers are legit title contenders once again. Disagree with the East Finals though. Indiana or Boston vs HEAT.

30. Dave in Rip City

    What are Lillard’s chances at ROY? How impressed are you with him to this point? I can’t wait to seem him and Aldridge working the pick and roll.

    • Derek Page

      Damian Lillard has a great shot. He’s dominated the Summer League and he has a chance to get off to a great start with the pieces around him in Portland.

31. Jerry

    Wouldnt it have been smarter for houston to go all out for DHoward before offer sheet to Asik? Surely Houston can get it done?

    • Derek Page

      Houston actually did and has gone all out trying to get Dwight Howard. Omer Asik fits with or without Howard.

      Thanks for the time once again guys. I appreciate all the questions and apologies to those I couldn’t get to today. Get at me on Twitter @DPageHOOPSWORLD and join me again next Saturday. Have a good weekend and be safe my friends.