NBA Chat With Derek Page 8/25/12

1. Roger

   We all know Mike Brown is staying but this is just a hypothetical question. With the new additions of the Lakers what coach would be best suited to handle and make sure they live up to their true potential? Doc Rivers, Greg Poppovich, Phil Jackson?

   • Derek Page

     Another weekend is upon us NBA fans, which brings us to another edition of my weekly chat. NBA training camps are a little over a month away and we’re on the verge of being right back in the swing of things. Plenty to get to so let’s get this show on the road.

     Either of those three coaches would be great fits with this Lakers team but let’s be honest: with this super team, what coach wouldn’t? There’s plenty of pressure residing on Brown’s shoulders to produce a championship this season and anything less will be considered a failure in LA.

2. LA in LA

   I know mavs won’t trade Dirk and that he wouldn’t ask to be traded but if you could put Dirk on any contender right now, what would be the best fit for him?

   • Derek Page

     Take your pick. Nowitzki’s game would translate to just about any NBA roster… If I had to choose though, I’d say the Chicago Bulls. How unstoppable would that pick and roll between Nowitzki and Rose be? Another shot in the arm of offense and clutch shooting would pay dividends as well.

3. Wil

   Hi Derek, question on Dallas. I actually agree with their approach and I’m excited about the players they have. But, with OJ in particular, since he is signed short-term, if he exceeds expectations doesn’t that cause a problem (since they don’t have his Bird rights)? I realize they are looking to Dwight and CP3, but if those fall through again, at some point, they will need to make commitments to the next tier of players. Thoughts?

   • Derek Page

     That’s a good point, Will. If Mayo exceeds expectations this season, which is exactly what the Mavs are hoping, should Dallas target him first for an extension or go after Paul, Howard or J-Smith?
     Mayo is under contract for the 2013-14 season but can opt out if he believes he can make more money on the open market. If that’s the case, Dallas will have to weigh their options if they decide they want to keeps guys like Chris Kaman, Darren Collison or Mayo. The ultimate prize of Howard or Paul would be great, but if that process takes too long the Mavs are going to have some difficult decisions to make.

4. WIZARD

   will wall have an excuse if he doesn’t have a breakout seson.He have solid team with veterans know how to play and young guys eager to prove themselfs?What do you think whaz numbers will wall and wizards have?

   • Derek Page

     John Wall is an exceptional talent, no doubt about that, but you have a point in that Wall needs to show his leadership prowess this season in leading a team to the playoffs. The stats suggest Wall is a top-tier NBA player. Now, with a solid but unspectacular team around him, it’s time to prove that he can carry a team to the postseason. In the East, that is a distinct possibility.

5. Ronny

   What season do you predict for pistons?Who could be gone?Are they playoff material?

   • Derek Page

     Playoffs aren’t happening, even in the weak East… That’s not to say quality steps forward can’t and won’t happen though. Lots of young talent on this team that needs to reach full potential and gel with one another. Andre Drummond and Greg Monroe in the post could be a fun combo to watch and Brandon Knight will continue to grow at the point.

6. John

   before 2010 draft utah gm o’connor said that he would trade dwill for john wall.Did he still think like that and what do you see happening with wall?He has abillity to became superstar but something is missing?

   • Derek Page

     I’m not sure that’s accurate… One thing that is true is that O’Connor orchestrated Williams’ exit to the Nets, so read into that what you will. He’s done as GM of the Jazz anyways.
     I think Wall is going to have a break out season next year. Everything is falling into place to let his talent come to the forefront.

7. will

   Do you know who dario saric is and what nba career do you predict to him?hallo from croatia

   • Derek Page

     The 18-year old forward from Croatia?? Who doesn’t??!

8. piston

   what contract do you predict for greg monroe?Will somebody offer him max?I would gave him 60mil 5y

   • Derek Page

     Roy Hibbert was offered the max so your guess is as good as mine. The NBA market is a crazy thing.

9. rocket

   did spurs sign their 59 pick denmon and is their spurs intrest in blatche?

   • Derek Page

     As far as I know, Marcus Denmon has been signed…San Antonio should have interest in Andray Blatche. Guy is an unbelievable talent, just has a screw loose. The veteran guidance of Pop and the Spurs team would help Blatche get it right and Duncan’s guidance on the court would be monumental in his development.

10. Shaullenny

    i tried this rade on excel
    to atl d.williams, n.pekovic, l.ridnour, a.goudelock, d.cunnigham, m.morris, 2013 2nd rd picks from hou, min and por
    to min p.gasol
    to hou z.pachulia, e.williams
    to lal l.aldridge, c.fortson, g.smith, w.barton
    to por j.smith, c.budinger, p.patterson, m.lee, d.simpson
    lakers then waive fortson and smith
    atl waives goudelock
    por waives simpson

    • Derek Page

      Attention Lakers fans: Be happy with the unbelievable, fantasy, All Star roster that you have.

      Sincerely,

      Everyone

11. ernie

    Which rookies will get max deal next summer?Wll,cousins probably but what with turner and favors?

    • Derek Page

      Evan Turner is poised and expected to have that type of breakout season next year but I’m not so sure he’s a max-level player. Same goes for Derrick Favors… If he can prove to be fully healthy next season, Steph Curry is a max talent. As you mentioned, John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins are likely to be offered the max if all goes well.

12. Mutangclan

    Hey Derek, slow time of the year before training camps start. I know guessing is not everyone’s favorite, but I”m really really curious what Utah’s future is. I think this season will be a success, and another playoff run. But what about next summer? With Paul, Al expiring and others, and the GS draft pick and young players, Utah has tons of assets available and money. If you had to guess, and my main question, what do you see Utah doing and then opening up the 2013 season with? New superstar? Al, Paul, Fav all still there? PG??? Thanks

    • Derek Page

      I hear that. Tumbleweeds blowing around all over HOOPSWORLD… The Jazz have a bright future, no doubt. Favors will definitely still be there but I think Utah will have to choose between Millsap and Big Al at the deadline next season. Plenty of flexibility for Utah though after the upcoming season, that’s for sure. Not so sure superstars will be flocking to Utah though in the summer of 2013 but plenty of young an developing talent to surround with solid vets… Future is bright.

13. paprika

    Fantasy question, if shabazz is lock as the first pick next year and the wizards or the cavs gets to pick first do u think they take shabazz and use him as a trade chip or do they get the next best guy cause they already have good pg’s?

    • Derek Page

      2013 draft is a long way away and I don’t see either Washington or Cleveland having a poor enough record to secure the number one pick.

14. Kevin

    Hey Derek, what’s going on with Barbosa? Any interest from teams since Lakers last month?

    • Derek Page

      Barbosa’s talent and resume suggests he should make amount (A). This late in the game, the market has decided he is worth (B). So Barbosa is sitting at home (C).

15. Zeshane

    Any chance the Bulls can land Kevin Martin next offseason? Will Martin take a pay cut? Thanks!

    • Derek Page

      I wouldn’t rule it out but, as you said, Martin would likely have to take a pay cut. Not sure that’s on his agenda and I don’t know how well Martin would fit with the Bulls anyway. Solid scorer but not much else and injury prone.

16. frank

    Hi Derek,
    Happy Weekend! 1)Assume this SAC/ORL trade: Salmons/Cisco for Hedo/Q.Richardson. Would this help the KINGS? Who would say “no”? 2)Does Jose Calderon get traded before the season starts? Could DET or NOH use the PG help? Thanks.

    • Derek Page

      1. I don’t think that helps the Kings. Although I like Turkoglu’s game, not sure how well he fits in Sacramento.
      2. Thats a good question. From what I’ve heard, Toronto is planning to go ahead with both Kyle Lowry and Calderon.
      3. New Orleans could certainly use a point guard like Calderon, if that’s what your referring to but Detroit is set with Brandon Knight.

17. Guilherme

    Nuggets: Brandon Bass
    Celtics: Timofey Mozgov
    Or
    Raptors: Bass, Melo, future 1st rd
    Celtics: Jonas Valenciunas
    Any chance one of this deals would interest both sides? Who says no?

    • Derek Page

      Denver not likely interested in the first trade, not sure how Bass would fit with Nuggets and they like Mozgov. Raptors are pretty high on Valenciunas, no chance there.

18. Casey

    There has been a lot of conversation among blazers fans about trading LaMarcus. While trying to build around him seems like the obvious thing to do, one would almost think cashing in on him entering his prime to begin a full rebuild might be more prudent. All stars that don’t play with other all stars seem to become discontent lately… to put it lightly. Would you trade Aldridge? and What kind of return do think he could get,specifically?

    • Derek Page

      Why? That’s seems ridiculous to me. I would not trade Aldridge unless he told me unequivocally that he wasn’t coming back. Portland is putting together a really nice team around LA, which makes it all the more likely that he’ll stay.

19. YLK

    Pippen is not on the dream team for 2k13 i think he knows the 2012 team is better so he wants to give an excuse for the dream team that they didn’t have all their players when they lose. Thats what i think its not about the money what do you think?

    • Derek Page

      NBA2K’s ranking system is a joke anyways. Dirk Nowitzki was rated an 85 in 2K12 (85!), behind the likes of Amare Stoudemire, after leading Dallas to an NBA champ. Tony Parker was an 80 (Behind Monte Ellis!)… Regardless, a video game (1′s and 0′s) shouldn’t decide a legitimate debate over who’s better.

20. BlazerFan

    Lillard, Matthews,Batum, LA, Leonard

    Do you think in 1-2 years this can be one of the better starting lineups in the West??

    • Derek Page

      I think the Blazers will have one of the better starting lineups in the NBA NEXT season. Top-8 for sure !

21. Chris

    After a Player signed a contract.
    Can He Opt out of that contract even if the season is not yet startd?
    because i heard that Allen is leaving MIAMI? is that true?

    • Derek Page

      Once someone has signed a contract, entering into a legal binding agreement, there’s no way to opt out unless the contract language specifically illustrates that. So, no.

22. mike

    Surprised to hear you think Wall should be able to carry that team to postseason. Nene is almost guarunteed to miss 20ish games and they added 2 non scorers. They just signed the team’s best outside shot for the league minimum and Beal probably will never shoot better than Eric Gordon. Essentially anyone with a halfway decent zone (or zone principals in their defense a la Boston/Chicago) should crush them. Minimum wall HAS to become 3rd team All-NBA for this team to have a decent shot at playoffs

    • Derek Page

      John Wall is much better equipped to make it happen this season, no doubt. I agree with your last sentence though Mike. Wall must play at an All-NBA level next season in order to meet expectations. That’s the type of talent he possesses.

23. Jon

    Denver probably needs one more upgrade. Most likely a big. Any thoughts of who might fit?

    • Derek Page

      I like how Denver’s team is stacking up right now but you’re right. A reunion with Kenyon Martin, while highly unlikely, would be a great move.

24. Damian

    Do you think Damian Lillard will be a superstar player or a all-star player

    • Derek Page

      All Star at some point would be meeting expectations. I don’t know if we can expect superstardom but he has all the tools to play at an All Stat level in his prime.

      That’s all for today friends. Thanks for the time and let’s do this again next Saturday afternoon. Follow me on Twitter, @DPageHOOPSWORLD if you haven’t already. Have a good weekend guys.