Live chat: Friday sports talk

(08/15/2008)

1:00

Welcome to another Friday Sports Chat! Any topic goes here, and while I may have trouble speaking intelligently about the Olympic medalists in archery, I'll do my best to answer any questions/comments you might have.

To lead off, I've got to give a tremendous amount of credit to Michael Phelps. A week ago I doubted publicly his chances at getting 8 golds and topping Spitz.

I was a fool.

Phelps is turning in one of the most remarkable Olympics I've ever seen.

Friday August 15, 2008 1:00

1:02	Have you been watching the Olympics? Obsessively. ( 45% ) A little bit. ( 45% ) Not at all. ( 9% ) What are these Olympics you speak of? ( 0% ) Friday August 15, 2008 1:02

1:04

The Chinese are ticking a lot of people off too (http://blog.nola.com/gladow/2008/08/age_of_chinese_gymnasts_still.html), so it was good to see the Americans finish 1-2 last night in gymnastics.

Friday August 15, 2008 1:04

1:06

I would venture a guess at this point that Phelps has what it takes to win 8 golds, but can he honestly win all in 8 in world record time? That would be the most absurd display of dominance we'll probably ever see in our lifetimes.

Friday August 15, 2008 1:06

1:09

Is anyone else getting eager to watch the Saints back in action? A Thursday game to a Saturday one? That's a long wait.

Friday August 15, 2008 1:09

1:10

I'll be really curious to see how Sedrick Ellis plays in this one ... not only because of his unknown quality and excitement factor as a high draft pick, but also because the team's depth at DL suddenly is looking a touch thin.

Friday August 15, 2008 1:10

1:12

[Comment From MerMer: ]

So, what do you think about the alleged underage Chinese gymnasts? I feel like that even if it's not true, just the allegations alone taint their team gold medal.

Friday August 15, 2008 1:12 Mer

1:16

At the end of the day, it is what it is (I am the double cliche' master!). I really don't believe the IOC will do anything about this ... perhaps a "token" investigation, but that would be it. I think it is very shady, however, and for me personally (and for most Americans), it very much taints China's win.

Here's a crazy scenario ... what if China goes on to win the medal race by a one-medal margin (or even if they tie the U.S.)? There should be some pretty loud moaning then!

Friday August 15, 2008 1:16

1:18

I haven't had much occasion to watch the U.S. basketball team and I'm getting very antsy to do so. The readers on NOLA seem to be clamoring for some CP3 love as well, so I'll see what I can do on that score.

Friday August 15, 2008 1:18

1:18

[Comment From JeremyJeremy: ]

Is it me or should we expect the "Redeem Team" to blow these teams out of the water if the play D? I mean when Boozer,Redd,Prince and williams are your at the END of the ROTATION come on

Friday August 15, 2008 1:18 Jeremy

1:20

Defense has been and will continue to always be the difference for the U.S. men's team. These are superstar athletes ... they do not shoot free throws, they do not shoot threes, they simply out-athlete you. And the best way to do that is to produce fastbreak points via defense. For better or worse, the U.S, will only go as far as its defense takes it, and it seems this squad really understands that.

Friday August 15, 2008 1:20

1:21

It also helps to have a some adequate outside threats and superb floor leaders on the team this year (weaknesses on past teams).

Friday August 15, 2008 1:21

1:21

[Comment From TylerTyler: ]

How do you see the Saints depth chart at CB? I think our success in 08 will be directly related to our corner play, yes, a pass rush helps, but it's not an instant fix.

Friday August 15, 2008 1:21 Tyler

1:26

I agree with you completely. The Saints will be okay with or without decent corner play, but I think if these guys can at least be adequate and not a weakness, it raises the ceiling on what New Orleans can accomplish.

I like Gay and Glenn, but not necessarily in the starting lineup. McKenzie I'm just not sold on (for obvious reasons), and while many people were high on Young last week, he's still making mistakes out there. I've maintained for some time that if Young and Porter can develop over the course of the year and begin to play consistent ball come November or December, this team can be special. It remains to be seen if that can happen, but I'll stick to that story for now.

Friday August 15, 2008 1:26

1:26

[Comment From MoMo: ]

I'm sorry to see Pargo go to Russia. I was really hoping the Hornets would be able to get something done with him.

Friday August 15, 2008 1:26 Mo

1:28

You've got a good eye, sir, but as I understand it, that is not a done deal yet. It seems every week we're talking about Pargo, and I am getting a touch sick of it. I've felt for a long time that the Hornets should re-sign him, but I wonder how much of this press is of his and his agent's doing? I'm almost tempted to say goodbye and good luck at this point, though I'll hold off on that until I see something more official.

Friday August 15, 2008 1:28

1:29	Will the Hornets miss Pargo this season? Yes. ( 62% ) No. ( 38% ) Friday August 15, 2008 1:29

1:30

[Comment From MoMo: ]

It's not a done deal but Yahoo is reporting that he has agreed in principle. Is there any possible way the Hornets can take a look at Delonte West?

Friday August 15, 2008 1:30 Mo

1:30

[Comment From TylerTyler: ]

Do you see the Hornets signing someone to back up Chris Paul? I'm not sure I can feel safe going into the season with Mike James coming off the bench.

Friday August 15, 2008 1:30 Tyler

1:31

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

J.R. Holden of Russia would be a pretty good backup in NO, but i guess he's happy to be in Moscow

Friday August 15, 2008 1:31 Guest

1:32

[Comment From TylerTyler: ]

Also, what are we going to do about a backup big man?

Friday August 15, 2008 1:32 Tyler

1:33

I'm not a huge fan of West's, but he might be the best option out there. I do know that I am uncomfortable with James coming off the bench, but I don't think he'll be a disaster either. I guess what I'm saying is that back court should be okay with or without another addition ... and that the front court might be a touch more important.

Friday August 15, 2008 1:33

1:34

Hugely relieved to have Bowen back, I'll say that much.

Friday August 15, 2008 1:34

1:36

Are Juwan Howard or Michael Finley legitimate options? Maybe not (and that's probably a good thing, as Howard seems to be the kiss of death), but I would take Finley if he wanted to come.

Friday August 15, 2008 1:36

1:36

[Comment From tigerfantigerfan: ]

I'm ready for some CFB. Geaux Tigers!

Friday August 15, 2008 1:36 tigerfan

1:37

Indeed. Should be a wild, wild ride in the SEC this year. Georgia took a major hit losing their left tackle, so it really is anyone's game.

Friday August 15, 2008 1:37

1:37

[Comment From BobBob: ]

Which Saints receiver do you see being used as trade bait & do you see them going after a player or a draft pick, since theyve already given up half of next years draft?

Friday August 15, 2008 1:37 Bob

1:40

Mike Triplett the other day speculated that Arrington might not make it back from his turf toe to contribute the rest of the preseason ... meaning he could be practice squad bound (either here or elsewhere). If that happens, it frees up a spot and helps the odds of a player like Devery Henderson, who was looking to be in trouble just a week ago. I don't think the Saints will trade away anyone at that spot, given Arrington's injury (though if it's anyone, it would have to be Patten, and it would have to be to a VERY WR-needy team). I don't see it happening though.

Friday August 15, 2008 1:40

1:40

[Comment From tigerfantigerfan: ]

Injuries are so much a part of the game today. I cringe everytime LSU scrimages.....which btw is saturday.

Friday August 15, 2008 1:40 tigerfan

1:40

[Comment From SaintfanrussSaintfanruss: ]

Why is Shockey not practicing with the team on a regular basis? Gives me reason for concern about how far along he is in his recovery.

Friday August 15, 2008 1:40 Saintfanruss

1:44

Really? I thought the opposite right away ... that perhaps his good teammate transformation was a bit of an invention. Time will tell, and if he's really seriously hurt, then of course I will acknowledge my instincts were wrong; but you can't tell me some of you didn't at least think he was either requesting or simply being given the old star treatment? (And for the record, I'm not convinced this is a bad thing, just more of the same for a player some have labeled a prima dona).

Friday August 15, 2008 1:44

1:44

[Comment From tigerfantigerfan: ]

Regarding injuries......I think it's debatable on how much the quaterback is allowed to get hit in practices. You're taking a risk exposing him to a season ending injury yet he's not really tested in a game type atmosphere.

Friday August 15, 2008 1:44 tigerfan

1:46

If I were on the sidelines in coaching shoes, I wouldn't let the QB get hit either ... your job is riding on keeping that guy healthy. You've got to play it safe at times as a coach or you won't have a job long.

Friday August 15, 2008 1:46

1:46

[Comment From SaintfanrussSaintfanruss: ]

prima dona or not, Shockey is HUGE for our offensive system

Friday August 15, 2008 1:46 Saintfanruss

1:46

Absolutely. I think he can make a major impact this season if healthy.

Friday August 15, 2008 1:46

1:46

[Comment From hornetspoetshornetspoets: ]

Happy you're going to see Olympics. Watch CP3s defense. He's awesome. Do you think this experience will help New Orleans, city and team?

Friday August 15, 2008 1:46 hornetspoets

1:50

The experience will benefit Paul, no question. If he faltered at all last year, it was in Game 7 against the Spurs when he often deferred to Pargo in the fourth quarter. That can't happen. Hopefully he is taking notes on Wades', James' and Bryant's desire and willingness to take these games over (though James has had the same issue in the past). Regardless, I think a championship atmosphere can only help him.

In relation to helping New Orleans, you've got to think Paul would need to out-and-out dominate play (and not in the little ways ... I mean in terms of scoring and assists) for him to gain the city any special attention this summer. Still, if he learns anything at these games and comes back and wins the city a title, you've got say the experience definitely helped the city (as well as him).

Friday August 15, 2008 1:50

1:51

[Comment From hornetspoetshornetspoets: ]

By the way, I think Pargo has been playing everyone and everyone got fed up. However, that's his style. No surprise there. Russia and Pargo is good. I love it.

Friday August 15, 2008 1:51 hornetspoets

1:51

[Comment From marvinmarvin: ]

Why don't they give Usama Young and opportunity? If Payton and Eli were never given a chance to pass or fail they wouldn't be the quarterbacks that they are today. IMO Usama is the next best thing to M. Mekinze.

Friday August 15, 2008 1:51 marvin

1:52

[Comment From MoMo: ]

I think Pargo's agent was the one playing more games than Pargo.

Friday August 15, 2008 1:52 Mo

1:54

In relation to Young, here is a guy who has a lot of confidence. Earlier this summer he was confident it was his time to step up and make his mark, and he's beginning to show real signs of doing so. He's definitely going to figure into the DB rotation, but it's up to the coaches how much he gets used. I'll trust their judgment for now (especially since the regular season isn't even here yet!).

Friday August 15, 2008 1:54

1:54

[Comment From MoMo: ]

hornetspoets those extra 2 or 3 million Pargo will get in Russia will make a difference in his life down the line. Was Josh Childress playing everyone too? Will future NBA players that want more money "play" everyone too?

Friday August 15, 2008 1:54 Mo

1:56

[Comment From MoMo: ]

Pretty soon the NBA will be losing more players to European countries.

Friday August 15, 2008 1:56 Mo

1:56

I don't think there are easy answers ... I wouldn't say this thing is black and white. But I am tired of the week-to-week drama of Pargo's free agent tour. I'd just like some closure.

Kobe in France? Not sure we'll see that (how many of those teams could actually be financially viable at the numbers they are throwing around?). At some point, it would not suprise me to see Stern and the NBA try to take some sort of proactive stance on this issue ... a team or two in Europe? More European games? A European subdivision? Should be interesting to watch.

Friday August 15, 2008 1:56

1:57

[Comment From SaintfanrussSaintfanruss: ]

Saw on NFL.COM that the DOME PATROL was listed as their #1 linebacking core of all time, great piece for Saints fans. Wondering if you've seen it?

Friday August 15, 2008 1:57 Saintfanruss

1:58

I did indeed. I also saw the one goober who bashed the selection based on playoff wins (or lack thereof). I think that's short-sighted. Those Saints linebackers were absolutely sick. Best of all time? Maybe, but they can't be discounted, that is for sure.

Friday August 15, 2008 1:58

1:58

[Comment From MoMo: ]

One thing I can say is I'm glad he didn't go to one of the Hornets' division rivals. Our opponents are glad he is no longer with us. Spurs fans were hoping to get him. And I think his agent talks too much. He's one of the biggest BS agents out there.

Friday August 15, 2008 1:58 Mo

1:59

[Comment From hornetspoetshornetspoets: ]

David, I think you will see that CP3 is making Bosch better with his outlet passes, just as he makes TC better. Point guard in the next ten years will be the Show Case Position and he's the best getting better. New Orleans will get a title in the next three years.

Friday August 15, 2008 1:59 hornetspoets

1:59

I'd love to see that!

Friday August 15, 2008 1:59

1:59

[Comment From SaintfanrussSaintfanruss: ]

I haven'be been to any camp sessions this year.....Is Bush still shying away from running up the middle???

Friday August 15, 2008 1:59 Saintfanruss

2:00

I wouldn't say he shies away from it, but does he still dance? Yes, he still dances.

Friday August 15, 2008 2:00

2:01

Thanks for all the questions everyone! We'll be back in action during the Saints game tomorrow, then throughout the week with several more chats. And I'll be back here next Friday at 1 CT.

Take care everyone!

Friday August 15, 2008 2:01

2:01

[Comment From SaintfanrussSaintfanruss: ]

I wish he'd learn to settle for a 4 or 5 yarder

Friday August 15, 2008 2:01 Saintfanruss

2:01

Me too.

Later folks!

Friday August 15, 2008 2:01

2:02