NBA Chat With Derek Page 8/18/12

1. Mutangclan

   Hey Derek man, for as long as I’ve been a Jazz fan (20-25yrs) they have consistently been underrated, and just as consistently proved people wrong…until the next pre-season rankings of course. But this year I’m more surprised than ever. Utah again shut people up last year when they picked them to be one of the worst teams, but instead they made the playoffs and until the last week of the season were fighting Dallas and Denver for 6th-7th seed. Now, once again this year everyone I read says that Utah will fight for a playoff seed but that Dallas is certainly in. How do you figure??! Utah improved at the point which is the biggest add, added the outside shooting of Mo/Marv/Foye which was their weakness, and the upgrade at SF with Marv vs CJ and Howard is huge. Not to mention their young bucks and their improvement from last year. Those upgrades absolutely make Utah better. Dallas however, lost their QB, lost their mojo Terry and his scoring, and replaced them with average and non-dishing Collison, and Mayo who has proven exactly nothing. How can Dallas be better and Utah worse??? Its 100% the other way around…..INSANITY!!

   • Derek Page

     Welcome to this weeks edition of my chat NBA fans. We’re only a month and change away from the start of NBA training camp and we’ve got on good questions on tap today so lets get started.

     You state some valid points but I disagree that the Mavs took a step back. No one doubts the type of intangibles that Jason Kidd brought to Dallas but anyone who watched him play last season knows his starting days are behind him. Terry’s scoring will be missed but the addition of proven scorer Chris Kaman in the post to go along with Mayo and Collison in the frontcourt outweighs that loss. Utah still could be on track for a playoff berth this season but I think Dallas is a top-6 team in the West.

2. BlazerFAN

   AWESOME that you believe that the Blazers can make the playoffs this year!!!!
   Can Damian Lillard average 16 poitns 6 assists 3 rebounds this year? Thanks love your chats

   • Derek Page

     That would be best case scenario for Lillard. Most realistic expectations would be for him to average double figures in scoring, 5+ assists and shoot over 45 percent from the floor.

3. BlazerFAN

   Do you think with new coach Terry Stotts and with a lot of shooters that can actually hit some shots can Lamarcus Aldridge avg 23-24 points 8-9 rebounds this year???

   I think Wesely, Batum, Lillard, Freeland, all can hit the three so teams will have to think twice about doubling LA.. THANKS LOVE YOUR CHATS

   • Derek Page

     Aldridge has proven to be one of the best scorers in the NBA and I think that continues next season. Your projections for next season are right on the money. I’d say 25 points and 10 rebounds per isn’t out of the question.

4. LA in LA

   I think Pau Gasol has become underrated outside of his terrible playoff performances which I’m not including in this question since other top 5 PFs don’t have similar (or any) playoff sample size. When people talk about Kevin Love, Chris Bosh, LaMarcus Aldridge, Blake Griffin, Dirk, they fail to bring up Gasol! Gasol is better than all those guys except probably Love. Of those 4 mentioned he is arguably the 2nd best rebounder, after love, maybe 3rd after Griffin. His offensive game is more well rounded and efficient than anyone mentioned there besides Dirk. And he is the best defender of those 5, not to mention the best passer. Is Gasol not the 1st or 2nd PF, and a top 20 player?

   • Derek Page

     That’s a solid argument. I put Pau in the top-5, for sure ahead of Bosh and Griffin but not as good as Nowitzki, Love or Aldridge. Josh Smith in Atlanta is no slouch as well and should be in that conversation.
     Let’s also not forget that when Gasol was the leader of his own team in Memphis, he couldn’t win a game in the postseason with Nowitzki dominating that matchup.
     But hey Gasol’s won two championships going on three, so it’s hard to underrate him that much.

5. Shaullenny

   http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=cksv464
   to lal j.smith, l.deng
   to atl p.gasol, 2017 2nd rd pick
   to chi m.w.peace(amnesty in 2013 or trade to orl with cha first rd pick, and 2 2nd rd picks for trade exception),z.pachulia(good backup),s.blake,c.duhon,e.clark,a.goudelock, rights to c.elonu, and d.j.o

   • Derek Page

     The Bulls get completely screwed on that deal… but anyways LA is happy with Gasol.

6. Kevin

   Yes, I agree the Lakers are very deep and the first ten spots are good (Nash, Kobe, MWP, Pau, D12, Blake, Meeks, Ebanks, Jamieson and Hill). But, if you’re this close to putting an extremely dominant team on the court, why stop now when you can still get great role players at the min, that want to win like Jamieson did! Have Nash talk to Barbosa, have Kobe talk to Pietrus. Spend 3 or 4mil more; you’re already at 30mil in tax! Just go all in and win it now! You’ll make Howard happy! You’ll make TWC happy (after giving you $150mil this year)! And you’ll still make more money than any other franchise in the league! No one will be happy if the Lakers don’t win it now (accept Orlando)! And it will be even harder for them to make changes after this season. Why not go for the “Grand Slam” now?

   • Derek Page

     The “Grand Slam” has already happened. LA shouldn’t break the bank for players that likely wouldn’t see much action for the Lakers.

7. eddy

   Do you think Jeremy Lin can make the Al-Star team this year?
   Bare with me. The All Star Weekend is being held in Houston. Lin draws crowds. He can be Houston’s home team player.
   He can definitely be a bias pick.
   The only guarantee spot for a PG in the West is Cp3.

   • Derek Page

     Maybe… that’s a long reach though Eddy… Also I’d say Steve Nash is a lock for the ASG as well. No way Lakers’ fans don’t vote him in.

8. eddy

   (Master Plan to Make Houston competitive)
   Trade Livingston (3.5 mil expiring), and Parsons for Tyreke Evans.
   Trade Martin and Montiejunnas for Rudy Gay
   Trade Rights for Aldemir and a 1st round pick for Blair

   Starting Lineup:
   Lin
   Evans
   Gay
   Patterson
   Asik

   Bench: Lamb, White, Jones, Douglas, Forbes, Morris, Brockman, Blair

   This team can contend for a playoff spot

   • Derek Page

     I dont think the first two trades are realistic possibilities. Neither package is enough to acquire Evans or Gay. Blair is a possibility but then you’re bringing in another undersized hybrid forward to the mix – not something the Rockets are in need of. I agree that Houston needs to make a trade, just don’t see your ideas as legit possibilities.

9. Jim in Cyber Space

   Reportedly, Serge Ibaka got 10mil a deal from OKC? What does that mean for James Harden, salary cap wise? Afford both in a small market?

   • Derek Page

     Ibaka will make roughly $12 mill a year but yes that’s an interesting questions. If Harden’s value on the market suggests he’s a max-level player, I don’t see how the Thunder can afford it. OKC seems like a loyal organization committed to winning and locking up all of these guys but securing Harden will be difficult if he reaches free agency.

10. Dennis Andrews

    It has been reported that Jim O’Brien is the frontrunner to join the Dallas Mavs coaching staff. What does he bring to the table to help the Mavericks win?

    • Derek Page

      Mavericks’ head coach Rick Carlisle likes to have key assistants that have previous head coaching experience so O’Brien, who has coached a few playoff teams during his career, would seem like a good match. O’Brien’s over 30 years of coaching experience is something that would benefit Dallas exponentially.

11. Danny

    With Ibaka extended, what to do with Harden is a major debate. IF the Thunder decide to move Harden, to me a trade with Utah centered around Kanter and Burks makes sense for Both teams. Kanter and Ibaka could be tough down low. Burks could be the bench scorer they need. And Utah needs a star. Thoughts?

    • Derek Page

      That’s an interesting idea Danny but it’s hard to see the Thunder trading Harden when they’ll thinking be in the race for the best record in the West throughout next season.

12. Alex in Burbank

    Mr. Page, do you think Antawn Jamison will help us Laker fans forget about Odom?

    • Derek Page

      You guys haven’t already forgot about him? I thought you Lakers guys threw a celebration after tossing him to the Mavs and watching him nearly implode a franchise. But I digress… Odom and Jamison are different types of players. Jamison is a proven scorer in the NBA and will provide plenty of pop coming off the bench for LA. Odom is the better playmaker and defender (when motivated to do those things) but Jamison is a better scorer both inside and out.
      Huge move and great add by LA.

13. Alex in Burbank

    Mr. Page, Which game would you rather see. When the Lakers visit Orlando, Miami or Phoenix?

    • Derek Page

      Lakers and HEAT. Hands down. If both teams are fully healthy, I don’t think there’s a single NBA fan who wants to miss that matchup.

14. Yong

    Which one is better pick up this year? Clippers picking up Odom or Lakers Jamison?

    • Derek Page

      Lakers with Antawn Jamison. No question. Does Odom even want to play NBA basketball anymore? Will he quit on the Clippers like he did the Mavericks last season? These are two valid questions that Odom must answer and answer quickly with his actions after last year’s debacle in Dallas.

15. Jon

    TORONTO NEEDS A LEGIT SMALL FORWARD TO TAKE THEM TO THE NEXT LEVEL. WITH Iggy in Denver now, i think the raptors should be on the phone inquiring over Chandler and DAnilo. what do you think? ANy predictions to what The Raptors will do?

    • Derek Page

      I don’t know Jon, what about DeMar DeRozen? Kid is only 23-years old with plenty of upside. I think DeRozen deserves a shot with Terrence Ross likely the long-term answer at shooting guard.

16. nba players

    DEREK PAGEE MAVERICKS FAN FOR LIFE!!!!……….. I have a few questions if you can answer them

    1. Can Darren Collison fill the void that Jason KIdd left?
    2. Will The Mavericks Keep Mayo long term?
    3. Why do all laker fans complain about how gasol is so bad and they want to trade him? he averaged a double double with blocks and he got them two championships?
    4. What free agents do you think the Mavericks will try to go after
    5. Monta Ellis needs to leave the Bucks and if he does what teams do you think would really need him

    • Derek Page

      1. Kidd’s void can’t be filled by anyone, he’s a one of a kind player. However, Collison’s ability to get to the rim and open guys up on the perimeter is going to be huge for a team that has lacked that aspect since the loss of JJ Barea.
      2. Not likely. If Mayo plays up to expectations next season, he will likely command more money in free agency after opting out than Dallas will want to offer.
      3. I agree. Gasol is a quality player. The problem is some fans expectations are too high for one of the best second Robin’s in the game.
      4. Next season? Dwight Howard, Chris Paul, James Harden and Josh Smith most likely first tier targets.
      5. Ellis is a proven scorer but not much else. He can put up 25 a night with a bad team but I don’t know how much value he has on a contending club…

17. Laura Vandervoort

    Ayo Derek! How come Gee gets 3 years 9 million and much better players are only being offered the vet minimum? This guy hasn’t done anything, I don’t get it.

    • Derek Page

      He was a restricted free agent and he’s a young guy with great perimeter D. Most of the players left on the market are vets with plenty of tread.

18. shaq nation

    Ibaka has been inked, now hypothetically,can monta , harden and josh smith together with dirk be a good line up? Can monta play a full time pg? Or will he be the 6th man and collison at the point?

    • Derek Page

      Maybe two of three but not enough $ to acquire all three of those guys. Harden would be a great fit and I like Smith’s game a lot but acquiring him would require Nowitzki to start at center which neither he or the Mavs really want to do. Don’t see how Ellis would fit in Dallas.

19. bahay kubo

    Can we terrence williams and barbosa on the mavs squad?

    • Derek Page

      Not likely. Mavs look pretty set roster-wise.

20. Jazzaholic

    Seems like a team like the Jazz, who made solid upgrades in players and management, plus have the “core 4″, who should develop even more, are under rated, whereas, the Mavs, who have stripped the team and made some marginal replacements, get the hype as a sure playoff team.

    Do you really think the Mavs are better than the Jazz this year?

    • Derek Page

      If healthy, I think Dallas is clearly a better team than Utah and I think the biggest factor in that is Chris Kaman. Throughout his career, Nowitzki has rarely been afforded the opportunity to play with a legitimate center but he’s going to get that chance again next season and look for both Kaman and Nowitzki to accentuate each other’s positives on the court. Both OJ Mayo (opt out option) and Darren Collison are in contract years so Dallas is going to get their best season as well.

21. Gustavo A Thomas

    Pick one NBA team from this group,that can beat every country and win the olimpic gold medal. a) Okc with coach K b) Lakers with Phil Jackson c) Miami with Popovich. Why? Thank you.

    • Derek Page

      I think any of those teams you mentioned would have a legitimate shot. OKC, LA and MIA all feature rosters that are ridiculously loaded with talent and each of those coaches would do a great job of making sure those teams competed at full capacity.
      Keep in mind that OKC would be without Ibaka and LA would be without Gasol when taking on Spain.

22. Tony

    I realize the lakers have been handed the trophy before the season has even started and I realize they’re loaded, but I still think the thunder can beat them. Westbrook can abuse nash on the offensive end and I think perkins has an easier time guarding howard than he did bynum. Do you agree or disagree with me?

    • Derek Page

      I agree Tony. OKC definitely has a shot at dethroning the preseason champs. The Thunder will have youth and cohesion on their side in those matchups and Kevin Durant is the best scorer in the game so I’d love to see that seven-game series and we likely will next summer in the WCF.

23. bball37

    Why isn’t Barbosa signed yet and where do you think he will sign?

    • Derek Page

      That’s an interesting question and honestly a tough one to answer. Barbosa has proven to be a reliable and consistent scorer throughout his career and still has at least a few years of quality play left at 29.

24. mario

    What’s up derek Hey tell me something why do bill and most of the other hoopsworld writers feel like the bulls are still in the think of things when drose comes back when they let the bench mob go and so many other teams made moves and past them up

    • Derek Page

      Count me as one of them that believes the Bulls are still a force in the East. When healthy, Chicago has the talent to compete with any of the powers in the Eastern Conference. Derrick Rose is the key. If he can get back on the court and gain chemistry quickly, the best point guard in basketball is a huge difference maker.

25. Mike

    Are the Lakers done or do they package some players and get another shooter/scorer?
    Thanks!

    • Derek Page

      LA seems done. Solid roster in place but could see who’s available and bargain shop before camp.

26. Jon

    Derek do you think the magic should have just the Brooklyn nets deal and how do you the east shape up 1 thru 8and the west as well?

    • Derek Page

      I think Houston had the best rumored deal of the bunch but Orlando wanted what they wanted and waited until they got what they felt they needed… I know that seems vague but it’s the truth. The Magic really liked that deal for some reason and now that’s what Orlando is going to have to live with going forward.

27. ray

    what do you think gerald henderson and michael kidd gilchrist’s statlines look like for next season? hendo over 20 ppg?

    • Derek Page

      I honestly thought Hendo was going to break out this past season but things simply didn’t work out that way. I’d like to see Henderson average around 20 points per and keep his shooting percentage around 46 percent. I think that’s a realistic possibility on that Bobcats squad.

28. Andrew C

    What’s up D-Page?
    1) How do you see the spurs fairing out west after the Lakers and Mavs retooling?
    2) How would you see the spurs fairing if they signed a more focused and disciplined Blatche under Popovich and Duncan? Thanks!

    • Derek Page

      What. Is. Up.

      1. I think they are the third best team with a legit opportunity to surprise some people in the postseason. Too much talent and championship experience on that team not too.
      2. That would be an interesting addition and I think that if anyone could get to Andray Blatche and turn him into a winner, it would be the Spurs organization.

29. Boss

    Going on 3?? Please son, Miami and OKC are still better. Why not wait til they get on the court to proclaim them champs?

    • Derek Page

      On paper, the Lakers have the best team in basketball right now. If everything goes as planned, it’s hard to bet against the Lakers winning another title next season.
      That being said, of course anything can happen. I wouldn’t be surprised if Miami or OKC took LA to the limit in a seven-game series.

30. Jose

    The spurs are always overlooked, do you think Blair can bring us back some talent

    I think de colo is gonna be a bust, and what about Leonard do you think he can be an all-star in year 2…i see him as a better Gerald Wallace

    #LosSpurs

    • Derek Page

      Dejuan Blair needs more playing time. He showed during the postseason last year that, when given the opportunity, he can be a significant impact player for the Spurs. Not going to lie to you, haven’t seen much of De Colo yet… don’t see Leonard as an All Star but he’s a key starter and contributor for San Antonio. No doubt about that.

31. shawn

    With all the talk on the lakers new starting line up how do u think mwp plays this season we have seen him play great when he is in shape like the end of last year and he says is in shape now

    • Derek Page

      I think Ron Artest will be fine next season. With all of the weapons LA possess offensively and the distributing ability of Nash, Artest will be able to just go out and wreak havoc on the defensive end next season. Nash will put him in good positions to keep him happy offensively.

32. JDC

    If you where Bulls GM, what move would you do in the near future to put some other elite player besides Rose, some one who could creat his own shot ore something that can help in the offense and really make that team a contender. I just dont think they hace the offensive talent to win, not even healthy.. they cant match the Heat

    • Derek Page

      I disagree. Let Rose get healthy and let’s see this team go through another postseason intact before completely altering this Chicago team.

      Thanks for the time people. To those I missed: hit me up on Twitter @DPageHOOPSWORLD. Have a good weekend guys.