NBA Chat With Stephen Brotherston 10/8/12

Join HOOPSWORLD’s Stephen Brotherston for his weekly NBA Chat covering the Toronto Raptors and all things NBA every Monday at 3pm ET.

Remember chats fill up quickly so get your comments and questions in now.

Special Note: Raptors preseason home opener kicks off tonight at 7pm vs Real Madrid. I will be starting and ending the Chat a little early today so I can head down to the ACC and ask some of those pressing questions about the health of certain Raptors’ players.

You can follow Stephen on Twitter @stevesraptors or subscribe on Facebook

  1. Jazz fan

    Next year PG FA class is impressive, i’m just wondering which one would be the best fit for Jazz? Jennings, Wall or maybe someone else?

    or maybe if Bucks stay out of the Playoffs:
    http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=8qvmkus
    to Utah: Jennings, Monroe, Maggette, Gooden
    to Det: Ellis, Millsap, Hayword, Dalembert
    to: Mil: Jefferson, Stuckey, Villanueva

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Welcome to this afternoon’s Chat.
      The preseason is underway and while you shouldn’t take things too seriously this early, it is great to see NBA players in game action again.

      Wouldn’t everybody like to get their hands on a young stud player like Monroe? But Detroit is not going to trade a guy who already is a cornerstone of their franchise – not even for that load of talent.

  2. Raptorfan2012

    If there is one established player Landry Fields can be compared to, who will it be?

  3. WIZARD

    What record do you predict for wizards without john wall?What do you think about his replacemnets aj price and mack

    • Stephen Brotherston

      The Wizards without Wall are in for a world of hurt – those aren’t replacements, those guys are backups.

  4. piston

    pistons would like trade one of their forwards for a guard.For what team do you see most intrested in that swap

    • Stephen Brotherston

      The timing isn’t right yet, but if they will offer enough, they could try Sacramento – the Kings need a SF

  5. steven

    Seems that the two guard backup position assumes that Ross, steps up to the plate, who really gets most of the back up minutes. Do not consider Calderon as a 2 guard besides end game scenario which has been very rare in the past

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Ross can get minutes as the backup 2 – but so could Fields and/or Calderon and that helps meet one of Casey’s goals of using an 8 or 9 man rotation. This still hasn’t shaken out, Ross can still earn that backup 2 spot in preseason.

  6. Steve

    Do you still think JV’s performance through the season will be same as predicted even though he missed training camp?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Still should be, but this can’t drag on too much longer without an impact.

  7. Steve

    Could derozan be traded at trade deadline? And when is the latest he could be offered an extension?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Colangelo keeps saying no one is untouchable – DD traded is not in the likely category, but it is in the possible. I believe rookie extensions have to be done by Oct 31 – but this is a great question for Larry Coon’s Chat.

  8. Dennis

    How much impact do you believe the 19 year old Andre Drummond will have in year one. Do you expect him to be the back-up center in Detroit. How many minutes do you think Lawrence Frank will play him and what is a reasonable stat line for Pistons fans to expect.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      I hope Frank plays Drummond at least 20 min a game and lives with the mistakes – the kid needs to learn, his stat line is meaningless – Not expecting any noticeable impact overall, should just be looking for signs of progress to start. Whatever Drummond gives this season is a bonus. The goal should be that by the end of the season, Frank can say we got a steal in the draft who will contribute to a winning team next season or the year after.

  9. Mac

    A lot of Dion Waiters summer league struggles were attributed to poor conditioning. Seems like a convenient excuse. Would you be concerned as a Cavs fan? And will Waiters be able to fill the void left by Anthony Parker as staring SG.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      No one likes to see a top 4 pick struggle in summer league – hopefully it sent a message – it only gets tougher from here. Rookies don’t come equipped with the knowledge/ veteran savvy of AP – its going to take time to fill the voids in the Cavs lineup with young players – time for them to mature some and learn how to play at this level. Patience is required in Cleveland – they have a plan and its a good plan.

  10. Randy

    Kirk Hinrich is asked to hold down the fort until Derrick Rose returns this year. But with averages of only 6.6 ppg, 2.8 apg in 26 minutes last year in Atlanta should have Bulls fans worried. Are people remembering Hinrich of a few years ago or do you expect him to be able to return to form and keep this team at 500 or better until Rose returns?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      I have mentioned this a few times in articles and chats – the Bulls took a big chance by not keeping the 2 backup PG who did such a good job last season. I would not have made this change.
      How many players see their stats slide over several years and then suddenly return to near elite form as they get older – it does happen, but its hard to think of anybody

  11. Ricky

    With question marks surrounding Andrew Bynum`s health may have lowered expectations in Philly, as they will not play with the vocal point of their offense/defense for any preseason games and possibly the start of the season. Do you think Philly will be able to rebound or will this slow start hurt their chances? Where do you now rank Philly this year in Atlantic Division?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      I ranked the 76ers 5th in the Atlantic, before Bynum was going to miss a few games. I need to see a healthy Bynum assume a leadership position – for the 1st time in his NBA career – and see how Coach Collins adjusts to losing 4 of his top players and develops a style that works with this group of guys – what Collins has been doing for the past 2 seasons isn’t going to work with this new group. I expect the adjustment could take 30 games easily. I am not expecting the 76ers to fall apart, just that expectations have been set too high, too quickly to adjust for the culture/talent change, they should start to look like what they can be after Christmas. Other knowledgeable people believe the 76ers adjust quickly and easily and rise up the rankings faster than expected – we’ll see when they start playing some games.

  12. Jon

    Hey Stephen Brotherson, I heard recently that Ed Davis and Aaron Gray have performed well in camp thus far. Do you think the Raptors will trade Amir Johnson because of this? If so, what teams would be interested in him?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Too early on the question but yes, if the Raptors can find a deal, they have an extra big man to throw into a package. I think we know what Aaron Gray can do – the question is can anyone else set screens and play in the post against a truly big center as well as he can? Ed & Amir are definitely competing for the same spot and its hard to see them both on the team long term – but again, there’s no rush.

      Same situation with every team, other teams need to see how the guys they brought do before anyone starts looking at replacements (trades)

  13. T.J. Wilson

    What type of role will Landry Fields have for the Raptors? In my opinion, I think Kyle Lowry is due for a All-star appearance the guy can flat out score. Lastly, do you think there’s a chance that Steve Novak and Kyle Korver could potentially be selected to participate in the 3pt shootout this season during All-Star weekend? And always, thanks for your time!!!!!!

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Fields seems to settling into the glue-guy role. Defense first but can still be a threat on offensive.

      Kyle has the potential to be an All-Star – if his team performs well – tough competition – Williams, Rondo at PG in the East.

      Novak flat out deserves to be in the 3-pt shooting contest based on last season. Korver – that’s his specialty and he should get lots of opp to shine this season.

  14. Luke

    I know everyones counting the bulls out but if and when drose comes back after working more on jumper could you see Kirk playing more pic n roll and rose playing more 2gaurd

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Not everyone.

      Bill Ingram still sees them as a real threat. I still have as the 4th best team in the East.

      I see lots of risk in Chicago. I don’t really like the Hinrich acquisition – it was a huge unnecessary risk when the Bulls had 2 perfectly effective PGs who would have come back cheap. I wouldn’t be counting on Rose getting back in time to make a difference in the regular season – can hope, but don’t plan on it – its a complete unknown

  15. lakeshow

    Do you think MKG in Charlotte will be any better than Ariza? i think he’s a better slasher but obviously doesnt have the range. both play excellent D of course..

    • Stephen Brotherston

      MKG & Ariza are great comparables at the moment, but we should give the young kid a couple of years to see what other skills he can develop, he could still surprise us with more than expected.

  16. Blake

    How come Lowry didn’t play in the inter squad game? Does he have a minor injury or is he just too good to practice? hah Hopefully no injury.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      I plan on asking Lowry at tonight’s game – but message from the team suggests it is minor. It might be less than minor and just giving Lowry a night off while Calderon starts against Spain (Madrid) – I’ll see what I can find out

  17. francis

    in tonight game against real madrid who do u think will start

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Calderon, DeRozan, Fields, Bargnani, Gray would be a good guess – but I would not read anything into who starts, plays big minutes, or finishes the game tonight. These are really just practices against players who don’t have to play Casey’s style. Should be a good contest – Madrid will play hard – for pride

  18. Lakers #1 Fan!

    Hi Stephen. Thank you for the time you take to answer our questions. My question is about the Lakers drama from last year involving KObe and Pau. Do you know what happened? Heard Kobe told his wife/ex-wife that Pau was cheating on his fiancé? Is there any truth to this? What have you heard? Is the beef over?? Thank you again for your time.

  19. keo

    What are your thoughts on the two preseason games by Boston so far? The bench looks scary and jared might be the steal of the draft…he looks like a more polished big baby

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Don’t read too much into the preseason games. Jared has looked good, but it will get a lot tougher in the regular season to carve out space – but he looks like he will figure it out – just don’t be too concerned if he’s not so successful straight off as we have seen in preseason. Big Baby would take his lunch money today – maybe not next year but vets have a huge advantage over rookies early on.

  20. mike

    What should Raps fans watch for tonite against Real Madrid? What are you most excited to see from them tonite? ( i know its just preseason but at least we get to see a few of the new guys)

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Watch if Casey is relaxed or losing his voice – probably the best indication if the guys are doing what’s expected – which is more important than the score.

      I am looking for signs of chemistry – ability to run plays at both ends of the floor – knowing what their teammate is going to do. Its early, but that’s what preseason is for

  21. Bryan

    Can a Mayo and Collison backcourt be one of the more athletic and explosive in the NBA? and I have the Mavs frountcourt combo of Kaman,Dirk and Brand as the 2nd best in the west maybe even entire NBA your thoughts?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      The Mavs have an interesting team – really good considering how it was built. There are questions, but if there is some chemistry, they will surprise. Love Dirk & Kaman combo. Brand is in a situation where he should succeed. Mayo will contribute, Collison needs to take another step – but he couldn’t have asked for a better situation to do it in.

  22. leftovers

    Would Utah do a al Jefferson trade for ed and Jose? Would thateven make sense for both teams?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Raptors are not looking for a center – at least not right now – got a star SF? Utah built a team that could be a playoff contender, but they do have decisions to make with their bigs – it just isn’t the time to make this call & Al could be the key to the playoffs this season in Utah

  23. LayHee

    Tyreke Evans is in a contract year this season, asked to play out of position at the SF spot. If you were a betting man would you side with him coming back strong with all the work he put in the summer or is there a greater possibility he struggles and is eventually traded during the season.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      I think Tyreke is a guard and the Kings should have traded in the summer for a young SF – they weren’t going to get full value, but that was their own fault and if Tyreke continues to struggle to find a spot in Sacto, his value keeps going down. A trade seems inevitable

  24. Ricky

    Noticed in the first Charlotte preseason game they started BJ Muellens at the PF spot over Bismack Bioyombo. Do you think they will keep the line-up this way. And what do you think of Muellens as a player?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Don’t read anything into who starts now – who starts in 2 weeks starts to mean something.

      BJ is a young 7′ center – he did pretty well in Charlotte last season. It’s tough to evaluate talent on a team that was that bad, but he is worth the effort to develop him. Bismack probably best served playing at PF – but I love this kids talent, just play him

  25. Bubbles

    The 76ers have faith that Evan Turner can step up his game this year and fill the void at SG. Do you have the same belief? And what type of numbers can Philly fans expect this year?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Honestly, I don’t know if Evan can or not – he’d better though – the team needs him to.
      I didn’t like to see Lou & Elton leave town – those were big loses. Andrew offsets the lose of Iguodala – different, but I need to see if this move makes the team better – fair trade, but really changes everything.
      76ers have to get it together pretty fast or they will be spending the season chasing Toronto for 8th

  26. Mutangclan

    Curious what you see statistically for Lowry this year. I seem to remember, before fluke injuries, that he was a top (fantasy) player and competitor. Also curious the same for Bargs?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      If you are building a fantasy team – Lowry is a top 10 get at guard.
      A healthy Bargs will give you a lot of points & 3s – there are better choices if you need rebounds, blocks, steals too

  27. Al michaels

    Any news from raptors training camp? Who’s hot and who’s not?

  28. Locatelli

    Should the Magic tank this year in order to get the best shot at the first pick or should they play right, try to win the most wins possible like a normal sports team ? I heard that this next draft class does not have a possible franchise player.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Top draft picks are always desirable and it usually takes more than 1 draft for this method to work – short answer is yes. note that management tanks teams by moving out contributing players for future assets – the players don’t tank, at least they shouldn’t.

  29. Richard

    Hi Stephen,

    I find Toronto does not get a lot of respect as a city in the nba. People act as though it’s a small market when I find it to be the contrary. I personally am from Alberta yet I am a die hard raptors fan and have many friends that are the same. I think that Toronto actually has an advantage of having an entire country behind it as opposed to just a city. The ACC is usually in the top half of attendance , not to mention raptors are one of the few profitable teams. I also don’t accept that there’s a stigma because of the cold weather. Last time I checked, Minnesota, Milwaukee, Chicago, New York, Boston do not exactly have tropical winters. I’m just not grasping the disrespect Toronto receives. What are your thoughts on the negative perception raptors receive?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Toronto isn’t perceived as a big market by players as much because we dont have ESPN as anything else. There are less desirable places to live in the US than Toronto, but that doesn’t exactly help much vs Miami, LA, NY, Boston, Chicago – it is not all weather or tax status either.

  30. Jamaalian

    Considering lowrys injury and the idea that Jose calderon lights it up tonight, can he snag the starting role and run with it?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Lowry will be back within the week and Calderon can’t change what was decided before training camp even started.

  31. Jerome Talburt

    When you get to the game tonight, can you ask Demar Derozen its best to step his game up?!?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      He knows – and preseason games don’t mean much heading into your 4th season, he is just expected to do well now – its the regular season we need to see with DD

  32. Evan

    Happy thanksgiving to all the fellow Canadians!

    Hi Stephen, who do you think would be the breakout star for Toronto this year? I like JV a lot, but big man takes some time to adjust to the NBA game. So my money is on T.Ross, do you think he can bring out the best out of DeRozan?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      If you don’t count Bargnani’s 13 game stint before he got hurt last season as a breakout season – Bargnani is my 1st choice to breakout this time.
      Never really looked at rookies as breaking out – more like finding out – to break out in future seasons – Casey expects JV to have an immediate impact, Ross still has to prove himself to the coach.

  33. Quagmire

    Who is the definitive Sixth-Man of the raptors? Is it Klieza? Perhaps it’s Amir? What are your thoughts? I hope klieza can be the 6th man cause he has good and crafty scoring ability.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      There is a number of choices – but Calderon v Amir in the end. Both in their 8th season with the Raptors and it shows.
      Kleiza is looking much better than last season, maybe back to his old pre-injury form.

  34. Tiana He

    Is Real Madrid basketball any good

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Very Good – they will contend for Euroleague title.
      Llull was Spain’s PG in the Olympics, splitting time with Calderon and closing out some big games.
      They have a number of other players from the Spanish National team.

  35. Kris

    Demarcus Cousins, All-Star??

  36. JB

    If the Raps don’t sign DD buy Oct 1, do you see that as a smart move by the team?…I mean he is not garbage and still very young averaging roughly 17 pts over 3 boards and 3 dimes per contest.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      If the Raps don’t extend DD by the deadline, they can still hold his rights as a RFA – a move that has become very common recently around the league. Signing ext. under the new CBA isn’t as big a deal as it once was.

  37. Confused fan

    Hi steven, it seems as though everytime I see one of your chats, there is a raptors fan proposing a trade or asking what it would take to get wilson chandler for the nuggets. Is he really that good? He’s been defensively menacing for Denver, but his offense has been pretty bland so far

    • Stephen Brotherston

      He was a nice player on the Knicks – Colangelo was interested prior to the end of last season. Not sure he’s the upgrade on the wing the Raptors are looking for anymore. He’s still a nice player to have – got a little too much coverage in Toronto for a while though – partly caused by WC trying to get a better deal out of the Nugs

  38. Mac

    Why hasn’t Jonas V been playing? Was disappointed he sat for the scrimmage in Halifax…

  39. Angelo

    Is it just me or are the Knicks really just to old to really make this work? Seriously half their team shold be in rocking chairs. Also is the “so many new players” excuse going to help the idiots that actually think Melo and Amare can win together. I just dont think they ever will since they dont mesh well and are both one dimensional.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      You and a lot of other people are questioning if the Knicks got too old. Can’t see how the Knicks addressed their chemistry issues either – it’s on Mike Woodson to make it work.

      All the guys they brought in could be difference makers this season – but they aren’t developing guys for the future and this crew has a really short time horizon to make it work – I believe the term is “All-In” – but I don’t think they have enough and injury risk is off the charts –

      The Knicks will not be boring this season – could be really good or really bad.

  40. Tevin

    Tyreke Evans or Steph Curry. Who has a better year and why? Both seem to be healthy this year with reports out of both camps that both players look good with improved games.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      I am hoping Steph gets healthy and if he does, he will have a much better season.

      If the Kings trade Tyreke during the season to a team that needs a guard, he could breakout with a fresh start.

      I will be wrapping things up early as I get ready to head out to the ACC for Raptors v Real Madrid.
      Thanks for all the great comments and questions

  41. Angelo

    So common at what point do we label John Wall as a bust as a number 1 pick? I keep hearing oh he never had good players with him but shouldnt he have made them better if he was really that good? Is he even in the top 10? not better than Paul, Williams, Rondo, Westbrook, Rose, Nash, Parker, Lawson, Irving maybe on par with Curry, Lowry, Jennings. Lets just stop trying to make this kid out to be so good thats all.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      John Wall – 16.3pts, 4.5rbs, 8asts, 1.4stl, 0.9blk in his 2nd season – on a bad team – doesn’t read like bust