NBA Chat With Derek Page 9/1/12

Bill

Why have the Raptors not traded Jose Calderon? Do they want to see how he works sharing time with Kyle Lowry or are they hoping to showcase him for a trade?

Derek Page

Another Saturday is upon us NBA fans so that means its time to get down to business and roll out my weekly chat. Let’s do this!

Toronto is in a difficult situation with Jose Calderon in that they don’t have much leverage to trade him after the addition of Kyle Lowry. Teams around the NBA know there’s a log jam at point guard in Toronto so the best bet is to see how those two work together through February. Then, if it’s not working out, the Raptors can try to find a suitor and a try to get decent value for Calderon at the trade deadline.

NBA MANIAC/ shaullenny

where do you think josh howard will land.

perhaps CHI, NYK, CHA or suprise team

Derek Page

J-Ho has gotten some looks from various NBA teams, most recently and most heavily the Bobcats but no one is really in a rush to sign him. The word is that he’s looked good in workouts and he might be a good fit coming off the bench in Charlotte.

Frank Manner

Hey Derek what’s good? I’m a big Nuggets fan what moves do u think they should make. They seem like they need a power forward that can post up. What do you think? Also should think add a third point guard like Johnny Flynn?

Derek Page

Well Frank I honestly think the Nuggets are good to go. Denver is two-deep at every position and it’s going to be hard to keep them out of a top-4 seed in the West. A deep playoff run could be on the horizon with the roster as is… Plenty of talent in place.

Zeeshan

DIE HARD CHICAGO BULLS FAN HERE!!!!

Is it possible that the Bulls CAN sign Kevin Martin nxt offseason? they have FA’s of the books, amnesty provision, and rip’s $5M trade exception. possible?

How about rudy gay in 2014?? i belive in the 2014 plan do u?? which star ya’ll think they will atleast look at in 2014?

Derek Page

Possibly. Chicago would have to do some maneuvering but it’s possible that both sides could have interest in uniting. Bulls have a good team already though and I think a lot of people are sleeping on them this season but Chi still has a lot of talent. Might not be the best idea to break this team up quite yet.

LA in LA

I heard Austin Rivers say the Hornets plan to make him the PG in a Russell Westbrook type role.
What are your thoughts on this?

Derek Page

I don’t know that Austin has the same skill set as Westbrook – better shooter but not the explosive athlete that Russ is – but the combo guard to PG move is relevant. As with Westbrook, there are going to be some serious growing pains as Rivers learns the most difficult position on the floor at the NBA level.

the annoying laker fan

They say laker fans are annoying and too hollywood to love the game that much but at least we are passionate enough to give dfish his standing ovation wearing his rival okc jersey and giving shaq the number retirement soon even he played withe the celtics, we wont forget the rings harwares he got us. But celtics fan in the other hand while their gm wanted to trade ray 2x and now he decides to go to the heat,politics says no number retirement from the fans who onced bragged about his 3point shots.if thats the case im glad im the annoying laker fan. At least we got class on honoring players from our past. With me?

Derek Page

It’s a different situation. I think LA has some of the most passionate fans in the game but comparing Derek Fisher’s exit and Jesus Shuttleworth’s exit is like apples and oranges. Boston actually WANTED Allen back and were willing to give him more money than anyone else to do so. Allen decided to go elsewhere and the fans that pay good money for seats have the right to respond accordingly.

Luka

Are teams still shopping players around league?What players get mentioned the most

Derek Page

As always, there’s whispers here and there but real discussion won’t start happening until we get to training camp and closer to the start of the season.

Ronny

Who has better team warriors or mavs?

Derek Page

In my mind there’s no question that Dallas is better. GS is looking to bounce back next year banking on a lot of things to go right. Dallas is a perennial playoff team with Dirk Nowitzki leading the way and he’s showing no signs of slowing down after a strong finish to last season. Mavericks are a playoff lock in the West in my mind. The Warriors would be happy to just get to the dance.

WIZARD

What do you think about wizards in this season?

Derek Page

They’ve made some solid moves over the last year trying to get some of the knuckleheads out of the locker room. If John Wall can step up and the new vets play their roles I think a +.500 season is a legit possibility for Washington.

John

i think that pistons are shopping austin daye.What do you think they are looking for him?

Derek Page

I haven’t heard anything along those lines… Daye had a nice showing in summer league and could be in line for some solid minutes off the bench this season for Detroit.

Azzar Nadvi

Good afternoon. I’ve been searching all over the web and asking in these chats but still haven’t found an answer. Please help. I’m very curious as to what kinds of packages were being offered for kobe bryant when he demanded a trade. For dwight, I can tell people “oh houston offered picks and young prospects and cap relief to orlando. Brooklyn offered hump, lopez, picks, and to take on bad contracts.” So on so forth. What were the offers being made for kobe? Thanks

Derek Page

Because the Lakers never really wanted to trade Bryant, there’s not a whole lot of info out there on exactly what LA was offered for Kobe. Mark Cuban came out recently and said he offered a package to the Lakers that included everything but Nowitzki. In my mind, that proposal – which LA never accepted obviously – likely included young studs Devin Harris, Josh Howard along with Jason Terry and a couple of No. 1′s. To get an idea, one possibility could be along the lines of what the T-Wolves got in return for Kevin Garnett around that same time.

Lakers

who do you think will be the Lakers big man next season if Howard doesnt sign long extention?

Derek Page

That’s an interesting question. One idea could be to slide Pau Gasol over and start Antawn Jamison at PF… In free agency, PF Josh Smith, Paul Millsap or Derrick Favors could be available. At center, Al Jefferson or Chris Kaman could be attractive options. Barring a meltdown, Howard likely stays in LA though.

EV

What trades do you see SA doing during the season with the expiring contracts of SJackson, Blair and Bonner?

Derek Page

Really depends on how things go this season (obviously) but the Spurs aren’t big traders anyways. San Antonio very rarely makes a big splash in the trade market.

Chumpalump

Seems there is a debate on who will win more games next year: Phoenix Suns vs Sacramento Kings. Yannis believes it will be Phoenix, due to the fact the personnel they have fits their system better and will play better together. Brigham said Sac Town, citing their guys have been together a little bit longer and believes Aaron Brooks and Thomas Robinson are the kind of new-comers that can have major impacts on their new team. Care to settle the tie? Whose side are you on and why: Team Yannis or Team Brigham

Derek Page

I think Phoenix has the better shot simply because they have more vets including proven guys like Gortat and Scola down low. Sacramento has much more in terms of overall potential but that might not equate to a many wins next year. The Suns aren’t exactly a playoff team either way though.

Frank

Joel Freeland finally came over from overseas. And due to the rather thin Porland Frontcout: Aldridge + Zeller – he may have to play some major minutes next year. Questions: How many minutes per game will he get next year. And how effective do you think he will be.

Derek Page

Don’t forget about JJ Hickson on the interior as well… but sure Freeland has good size and could compete for some minutes in the post. A spot on the roster and 10-15 quality minutes a game would be a nice first season.

Mac

Its no secret, Josh Selby was an absolute beast during Summer League. However, there has been many summer warriors whose game never translated to the regular season (ex. Marcus Banks). I’m personally not a Mike Conley fan and would give Shelby his chance. Questions; How many minutes per game do you think he will get and how effective do you think he will be next year. Care to project a statline?

Derek Page

Best case scenario for the Grizzlies is to replace OJ Mayo’s spot and production with Selby (Memphis let Mayo walk without much protest) and he is an explosive scorer. Double digit scoring average is a reasonable expectation for Selby this season.

Sweet Dee

Hypothetical injury situations: If Mo Williams goes down, can Randy Foye slide over and take some PG minutes? If Darren Collision goes down, can OJ Mayo slide over to PG?

Derek Page

That’s realistic. Randy Foye has some decent playmaking ability but Jamaal Tinsley and Earl Watson are solid options behind Williams. As for the Mavs, Mayo would get a good amount of minutes at PG if Collison goes down. Delonte West and Roddy Beabois would also see time but Mayo conceivably would get the bulk.

Mister Costec

Hi Derek!

I’m a Bulls fan.

Carlos Boozer for Kris Humphries. Who says no? Brooklyn don’t care about money and get a slight upgrade over Humphries as well as reunite Boozer with Deron. Bulls save 3M$ a year and get rid of pain-in-the-ass Boozer contract.

I know that the move would be impossible until probably the 1st of december, but than? Who says no?

Derek Page

Brooklyn has had no problem throwing around money this offseason but this would be a stretch even for the Nets. Boozer’s production simply isn’t anywhere near what he’s getting paid and it’s highly unlikely a team would do the Bulls a huge favor a take him and that bloated contract off their hands.

G

G
I’m not a fan of what Orlando got for dhoward but am I wrong to think that affalo can b flipped for a lottery pick… 2 yrs ago he was a hot up n coming player…a good defensive two guard with range

Derek Page

I’m a fan of Afflalo’s game, definitely. He could break out in a big way this year with an offense likely tailored around his skill set… Orlando is hoping he plays much better than the value of a lottery pick.

Ronny

Derek, do u think sullinger and fab will play some minutes for Boston ? Because if not they are still way too small. Are they interested in Kmart?

Derek Page

Both are expected to get some time. Sullinger is still coming back from injury but at least one should see a decent amount of time this season if not both… Martin would be a good addition though. Still puzzling to me that he’s still on the market.

simon

is patrick ewing still the orlando magic’s assistant coach????

Derek Page

New head coach Jacque Vaughn brought in his own guys.

Dave

Derek, Rondo’s the maestro. With all the talent and now some youth around him, do you see Rondo leading the league in assists and starting at PG for the East in the all-star game? You could argue Nash for assist leader, but Kobe’s going to hog the ball too much. With no Rose, who beats Rajon for best pg in East?

Derek Page

If healthy, Derrick Rose beats Rondo but that’s a big if. Still think Nash leads the NBA in assists next year, simply too many options offensively. From my conversations with Bryant over the last few year, he’s going to be looking forward to not have to do everything for the Lakers offensively. Kobe will be happy with Nash running the show.

Charley

I remember how disappointed the fan base was when the Dust Chip only yielded Tyson and not a superstar. That didn’t turn out too bad.I think that the moves this year have the potential to make the Mav’s scary good as we improved at multiple positions with better depth. What do you see as best case / worst case scenarios for the Mav’s this year?

Derek Page

Yeah that lone championship in franchise history wasn’t “too bad” – haha. Mavericks will be a dangerous team next season, no doubt. Even best case scenario, not good enough to beat the OKC’s and Lakers of the world in a 7-game series though.

piston

Would detroit and sacramento do this trade?Francisco garcia+evans for prince-daye?If not why?

Derek Page

Why? Pretty much swapping the same style of players for the same style of players.

seth

your top 8 teams in east

Derek Page

1. Miami
2. Boston
3. Indiana
4. Chicago
5. Brooklyn
6. Philadelphia
7. NY
8. Atlanta

Ronny

if dallas opens season with 10-20 what moves do you think cuban would do

Derek Page

Something would have to go seriously wrong for that to happen. Not going to happen.

wendy

I know that bulls have rights for bobcats 2013 1 round draft pick.Is that pick lottery protected?

Derek Page

Top-12 protected.

Raju

Everybody thinks Lakers are not going to finals but if they start playing and meshing well dont you think they can win it all? Thanks

Derek Page

They will have to get it together and quickly but Nash will be a key part of that. Unless less than a Champ is a failure regardless. No excuses.

Simmworks

Derek:

Devin Harris, Tyreke Evans, Ray Felton…three players at varying crossroads in their careers, for sure. In your opinion, what is the real state of their situations, and who is best suited for success going forward?

Derek Page

Evans has a good shot and turning things around. Harris not so much and Felton was a complete disaster last year. Showed up outlandishly out of shape, divided a locker room and got a good NBA head coach fired.

Bob

Lillard seems like he has an AMAZING future in the NBA…what are his weaknesses and which one(s)will be hard and easy to improve?

Derek Page

He’s got to work on reducing turnovers but still being more of a playmaker offensively. Tough thing to balance out but the kid has skills.

peter

If it again shows that melo and stat cannot play together, why would the Knicks not just trade melo. They r not going to unload stats contract and why not at least get some pieces that might complement stats game. I would hate to watch a team that u know will only go so far for three more years.

Derek Page

Carmelo certainly has the most value, aside from maybe Tyson Chandler. It’s going to be a very interesting season in NY next season and your right: things need to get better or heads may roll.

xxx

Who is realistic target for mavericks in 2013?Howard will be 99,9% a laker,a cp3 a clipper 90%.So who dallas want that also would want to came to dallas?If they don’t get any big fish will they also sign players for 1 year deal next year too?

Derek Page

Howard 95% a Laker. Paul 99.9% a Clipper. Lots of other options out there though next summer including Josh Smith and James Harden to name a few. Also dont rule out break out seasons from Kaman, Mayo or Collison that warrant legit extensions.

wendy

Why did we amnesty haywood?It seems that only made sense if we get williams.Expensive mistake by cuban?Right

Derek Page

Haywood’s time in Dallas was done. Both sides needed a fresh start.

alan

blatche will be in nets camp.Is nets good place for him?What role do you think he could play there?

Derek Page

Solid veteran core to keep him in check so certainly wouldn’t hurt. Blatche has all kind of talent.

beal

What role will have mavericks rookies?What is situation with beaubois?Will he get extension?If yes how much money?

Derek Page

Jae Crowder looks like he might make an immediate impact. Jared Cunningham was injured and starts the season behind a lot of quality guards. Going to be tough for him to break into rotation. Bernard James is the Mavs’ only true backup center.

del

Why there isn’t many quality centers who can play GOOD not great in both direction?Most of them are d guys and get payed 10 mil a year okafor even 14mil.

Derek Page

Easier said than done. In the famous words of Kareem from Airplane, “Tell your old man to drag Walton and Lanier up and down the court for 48 minutes.”

quincy

is arenas done in nba?i think his only realistic opportunity are nets.

Derek Page

Grizzlies players and coaches had nothing but good things to say about Arenas last season so that would be a huge surprise to me if no team takes a flier.

SatBchMagicer

With exception of maybe HOU ‘chiseling’ their way under, do you see NOH-West, and CHA-East ‘anchoring’ each conference again in 12/13?

Derek Page

Solid picks. Bobcats will take a step forward but not enough to climb out of the bottom of the cellar. Tough road ahead for the young Hornets as well.

Jerome

Do you have the Raptors making the playoffs?

Derek Page

Hard to say. Even in the East, Toronto will have to take a huge step up to get in. I don’t see that happening right now.

Mayo-Noise

OJ Mayo was highly touted out of High school and College as well. IF he is able to hold the starting SG position, is it still possible for him to put up +20ppg and grow to become the star he was thought to be?

Derek Page

In his first two NBA seasons, both starting at the 2, Mayo averaged 18 points per game. Around 15 a game for Dallas is realistic. 20 would be huge. More importantly, Mayo needs to sport around the same shooting percentage (45%) that he had in his first two seasons.

Seth

Atlanta as an 8th seed and Chicago as a 4th? I don’t want to question your basketball knowledge but can we have some reasoning?

Derek Page

Chicago – Everyone is down on this team and I don’t get it. The Bulls will get healthy this season and make a strong charge to close out the year.
Atlanta – Tough call. So many moving parts this offseason I actually wonder if I’m putting them too high…

I’m out of time guys. I apologize to those I couldn’t get to. Hit me back on here next week and follow me on Twitter @DPageHoopsWorld. Have a good weekend and be safe friends.