NBA Chat With Derek Page 9/29/12

1. Joe

   NBA.com says NBA League Pass is $180 right now for a limited time. When does that Limited time offer end and how much is the regular price?

   Is it worth all that money?

   • Derek Page

     Busy Saturday NBA fans, let’s get down to business!

     I’m not the spokesperson for NBA League pass so I couldn’t tell you how long or what pricing it’s going to have… What I can tell you is that if you live in another city and you really want to see your home team, it seems like a decent value over the course of a six month NBA season. Over that time, at $180, it averages out to about $30 a month. It really depends on how much you enjoy the NBA and, most importantly, the amount your monthly disposable income.

2. Cain

   My fave player at each position is PG. Lillard SG. Turner SF. George PF. Favors C. Hibbert How good can they be?

   • Derek Page

     All young players that have yet to reach their full potential… The sky is the limit for Damian Lillard. Guy has all the tools to be a solid NBA player for a long time at the point guard position. Evan Turner has a big year in front of him. It’s time for Turner to step up and prove that he was a high draft pick for a reason. Paul George is on the verge of a major breakthrough and could be an All Star as early as this season. Derrick Favors needs more playing time in Utah but may still have to fight with both Al Jefferson and Paul Milsap in front of him. Roy Hibbert had a solid year last season and an exceptional playoffs. With a freshly minted max-deal, it’s up to Hibbert to continue to get better and build on last postseason’s performance.

3. Deven

   Hey Derek. Did Kevin Garnett mention anything about last year’s game 7 loss to the HEAT during media day? If so, what did he say? I haven’t heard him spoke since then.

   • Derek Page

     I wasn’t there personally but obviously the big story is that he took a shot at former teammate Ray Allen. It’s all apart of the game… best case scenario for both NBA fans and Boston is that HEAT and Celtics meet again this postseason and Boston is fully healthy.

4. Jason

   Hi Derek. How awesome is that new D-Rose commercial? In an NBA era dominated by capricious, fame-hungry man children, Derrick Rose is like a breath of fresh air.

   • Derek Page

     Yeah Derrick Rose is great. Rare in the NBA to find such a respectful and cognizant player at his young age. Good dude. I’m rooting for him this year to come back healthy and stay that way.

5. Dat one guy

   Do you think if Bynum puts up 30/13/3.5 a game and dem sixers finish 2nd in the east, they will have to give him the MVP?

   • Derek Page

     Yeah. But if LeBron averages 40/10/12 they’ll have to give it to him… Oh and if JJ Barea averages 60/5/15 they would then have to give it to him instead… but only if Minnesota finishes second in the West though.

6. CELTIC BAD BOI

   How come everyone keeps making excuses for Ray Allen? It’s not like the Celtics were terrible and he left, I think most people would understand that. They were one game away from beating the Heat and then they improve and he leaves? I know people say he was bitter about management trying to trade him but his loyalty should be to KG and PP, not to management. He let them both down and Celtic nation down and is a trader indeed. What’s your opinion?

   • Derek Page

     It’s my opinion that Allen was aware that his role was set to be diminished with the emergence of Avery Bradley. Allen recognized that he could have a bigger role on an (arguably) better team in Miami and took less money to do so. Loyalty only goes so far when you’re a player as good as Allen, who shot a career-best 45.3 percent from deep last year (45.3 percent!), and still has plenty left in the tank.

7. Alex in Burbank

   Derek, will you guys cover the BBAL? Bikini Basketball Association League!
   http://now.msn.com/bikini-basketball-league-is-coming-soon

   • Derek Page

     Not currently but now that I’m aware of this I’ll do my damnedest to make it happen. It would be disrespectful to the game of basketball not to and I won’t stand for that injustice.

8. Victor from MIami

   Hi Derek, do think with Wallace on board that the Knicks defense will improve? Will the Knicks be top 3 in the playoffs?

   • Derek Page

     A decade younger Rasheed Wallace would, for sure. At 38? I’m not so sure… and top-3 is a stretch. Top 5 or 6 is more likely.

9. T.J. Wilson

   Do you think J.R. Smith would be a superstar or at least a way better role player coming into the NBA if he would’ve went to college for at least 2 or 3 years? Also more mature? Secondly, do you think Michael Beasley will play on a All-star level this year with the Suns. Will he fit Gentry’s system and have a breakout year? This guy is way too talented to not do so, I want to see him prosper. Thanks for your time!!!!!

   • Derek Page

     I think a lot of players who made the jump to the NBA straight out of HS or even those who are forced to go a year and then come out could benefit greatly from a few more years of college. It would be better for the game of basketball as a whole but people have to have the right to make a living. Just the way it is… I don’t think Beasley is an All Star but he’ll be better this season with increased playing time.

10. Aristotle

    Hey there Derek. We know how Jordan faired against the Bad Boys and the Broadway Bullies. How do you think Kobe and LeBron would of faired against them?

    • Derek Page

      It was a different era in the late 80′s and early 90′s and it’s difficult to predict just how new-age players would’ve fared where current flagrant 2 NBA fouls were just hard fouls back in the day. Also, you could hand-check players which helped guys bully players more on the defensive end as well. With their skill set, it’s hard to bet against those two though.

11. phil fron La

    Hi! Mr. Page I have a question if I get NBA League pass will the Lakers game be block out will it only be seen on time warner thanks

    • Derek Page

      I would imagine they simply wouldn’t play them considering, as far as I’m aware, Lakers games will be exclusive to their new channel… Could definitely be wrong though considering I have no idea about NBA League Pass procedure.

12. c-dub

    Hey. What do you think of a possible Danny Granger for Eric Gordon trade? The Pacers could then move Paul George to small forward so Gordon could start at shooting guard.

    • Derek Page

      New Orleans was pretty clear this summer that they wanted Gordon around to stay so I don’t see that trade as a possibility.

13. hoopsworld fantasy rankings?

    I just read the fantasy rankings for this site and I was wondering about ryan anderson…… he is a PF right? so is Anthony Davis how is anderson going to be a fantasy threat of he has to share minutes at the same position as Davis? Anderson could play center, but he’ll just get pushed around. I heard the Hornets were thinking about playing him as a small forward, but I guarantee hes going to get his ankles broken every time. What do you think should I pick him?

    • Derek Page

      As far as I’m aware, Davis will be starting at center and Anderson will be at the four. I agree with you that, while beneficial offensively, small forward wouldn’t be a great fit for Anderson on the defensive end… Anderson could likely see some time at center though.

14. 123

    who’s your most hated player today and why?

    • Derek Page

      I don’t hate any NBA players. Generally my dealings with these guys are pleasant. If you meant in terms of around the country, it would have to still be LeBron James. Even though he’s rebuilt his imagine somewhat after The Decision debacle, he’s still not very well liked in visiting arena’s around the league… Former Lakers sixth man Lamar Odom would have to be included in that discussion somewhere as well after this past season in Dallas.

15. David

    Hi Derek,

    Raja Bell now seems to be done with Utah. Do you expect him to sign with Miami? Can he be still impact player? How about Lakers? Could he help Lakers to strengthen much needed bench defense?

    • Derek Page

      I think a player with Bell’s defensive acumen is always useful on a playoff-contending team. He’s fallen out of favor in Utah but I could definitely see Bell making an impact for a contender this season if the Jazz get rid of him.

16. Mr. Ballistik

    Is this season make or break for Roddy B? After his breakout performances several years ago, I keep thinking each year will be “it”. With a relatively short bench — for the Mavs — he should see adequate minutes, yes?

    • Derek Page

      I disagree with the assessment that the Mavs have a short bench. Last year’s starter at 2-guard, Delonte West, is in the mix for backup pg minutes. First round pick Jared Cunningham should also get some run and former 1st-rounder Dominique Jones has also had a strong offseason and will challenge for minutes… I do agree that this is a make-or-break year for Rodrigue Beaubois though. He could be a free agent after this season if Dallas decides to decline to make a qualifying offer and he’ll have to break out in a big way to get minutes in the Mavs backcourt this season.

17. john

    what does jrue holiday need to improve to get to the second tier of point gaurds?

    • Derek Page

      Better shot selection and an overall better shooting stroke will be keys but that comes with NBA seasoning. I’m a fan of Holiday’s game and I think he’s in for a huge 2012-2013 season.

      Thanks for the time today guys. Hit me up on Twitter @DPageHoopsWorld and join me again next week. Have a great weekend.