NBA Chat With Stephen Brotherston 11/26/12

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.

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

  1. Monique

    the things i see on here and twitter to the players are awful show support you have my support always we may not be the best but there worse teams appreciate it and stop the hatred towards the team please take my comment to heart hope the organization sees this my message to fans do you agree

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Welcome to this Afternoon’s Chat

      It is tough being a Raptors fan after 2 1-point losses on the road and an OT loss at home – Got a feeling fans are going to be calling for heads to roll. (We so live in the moment)

      It is great to hear from you Monique.

      Fans in Toronto are frustrated – the team is under performing and its obvious the record could be a lot better with the smallest bit of luck – a couple of better decisions – and 1 or 2 fewer injuries.

      I agree the hate should stop – It is okay to call out players and coaches for bad decisions or bad play – but it should be done in context and be fair – These are real people, not just miniatures on a TV screen. And everyone on the Toronto Raptors is a decent person – there are no “bad” guys on the Raptors.

      Watching sports is supposed to be fun – (Yeah I know – It would be a lot more fun if they could win a few games)

  2. Sma

    The Raptors now have a 3-11 record (could’ve been 6-8, if it weren’t for mental lapses, bizarre calls/no-calls by refs, and inability to protect the lead in the 4th Q). There seems to be a nearly unanimous desire throughout Raptors Nation for Bargnani to be shipped out of Toronto. Whether he is scoring or struggling, many fans feel that he no longer belongs on a roster full of hungry, defensive-minded, scrappy players. My question to you is: what is the general perception of Andrea around the league? Do GMs, scouts and experts around the league view him the same way we do here, in Canada? What is Bargs’ rep below the border?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      I get regular feedback from the Hoopsworld writers around the NBA – Bargnani is a player with real trade value. There are few 7′ guys with his scoring ability and his contract is very reasonable. Every team Bargnani has burned over the years would have an interest (i.e. Lakers)

      Colangelo has said he would trade anybody this season if it made the team better – But that doesn’t mean he is just going to dump players because of a shooting slump or a slow start by the team.

      Just a note – the Raptors are too young already – going younger isn’t much of a solution.

  3. LA in LA

    Hey I know Lakers are looking to trade Duhon or Blake and I’m surprised the Wizards haven’t bit. Rather than waste their time on Jannero Pargo, who shot 25% FG AND 15% 3FG Shaun Livingston, or AJ Price they should get either Duhon or Blake. I think both would be upgrades over the aforementioned players not to mention solid backups for Wall.
    Thoughts?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      By NBA standards, Pargo is nearly free – That’s a big advantage over getting a backup you won’t need after Wall gets back who costs $4m per for 2 more years.

      Wizards are in rebuilding year and any dreams of sneaking into 8th left town when Wall went down. Pargo is just the guy they need for now

  4. Jim in Cyber Space

    Brandon Roy…it’s a sad situation. But, I have to say…U could see the storm brewing? The Guy could ball in his prime…all three years of it.

    It’s HARD to give it up…when it’s been the focal point of your life…at this young age?

    His Knee’s can’t deal with it.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Everyone understands why Roy gave it one more shot and why Minny took the risk – but have to agree – the result isn’t much of a surprise. – Still kind of sad though.

  5. dub

    What would you think of a bargs for varejao swap? Raps need that tough gritiness down low. With two scrappers in him and JV the raps would be a handfull to deal with.

  6. Bargnagony

    Hey Stephen, keep up the good work man. I see on Hoopsworld this morning that Gasol trade talk is about to fire up again.
    I know trade proposals are overplayed on here but I think Pau Gasol for Bargnani is a solid framework for a good ‘basketball trade’ for both teams. I don’t see how both teams are not better after such a trade?
    Your thoughts?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      It’s a move that will get talked about.
      Which ever 1 of Bargnani OR Calderon is discussed in a trade to the Lakers for Gasol – the balance of the salaries included to make the deal work has to guys the Raptors don’t need/want. Raps have to get something out of taking on $20m per for 2 seasons beyond just PG’s services.

      Lakers have no reason to rush into moving Gasol this season – Gasol & Nash should work really well. Next season….. $$$$ luxury tax

  7. Pete

    Hi, Stephen:

    With Pau on the block, might the Pistons be interested? Perhaps the Lakers would take a package of Rodney Stuckey, Tayshaun Prince and Charlie Villenueva in return?

    I think both sides would benefit…what do you think?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      I hope the Pistons focus on their rebuilding program and clear space for their young guys – but I’d do that deal.

  8. junior

    I think i have enough Andrea Bargnani, why cant they let him come off the bench. Ed Davis should start for his defence. when is Alan Anderson coming back because the starting lineup should be Kyle Lowry, Alan Anderson, DeMar DeRozan, Ed Davis and Jonas Valanciunas. what did the coach say about leaving Bargnani in the game when he is cold as a f_ing ICE?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      That was the best effort I have seen from Ed Davis – EVER. I hope I see it again on Tuesday, Wednesday and back home on Friday – but I won’t just accept that level of play as his new normal until he does it for a while.

      Bargnani has lots of detractors who wait for an opportunity to toss him under the bus – 2-19 shooting does earn that. BUT it’s been said – by everybody connected with the team – as long as Bargnani is here, the team’s fortunes will largely rise and fall on his play.

      Ed is undersized at PF – even if he plays like he did against the Spurs from now on, he is going to be at a huge disadvantage playing against true 7′ like a Tim Duncan.

      Bargnani can, has, and did guard Duncan effectively in the that game – if Bargs could have broadened his efforts to find JV a few more times in the post – that game would have been a win – but he didn’t – throw him under the bus for that if you want to – that’s more than fair

  9. Justin

    Gasol and 2nd round pick for Millsap, Bell.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Sure – seems fair. Only issue for the Jazz is they still have too many bigs and Millsap can play the SF effectively in big lineups so they’d be losing some flexibility – need another shoe to drop. Good for the Lakers – saves money, Millsap is a very good player.

  10. RapsFan2

    C’mon, Brother Steve give me some good news. When do the Raptors finally admit Bargnani is not the answer moving forward? This is not an overreaction to yesterday’s game vs. Spurs. Raptors have regressed big time this year with Bargnani leading the way.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Raptors are still missing a star player – Bargnani is another $10m guy that the team – and it’s fans need/want to be better than he is.

      Raptors are close – but still suffering from chemistry & injury issues.

      2-19 stands out – But, Lowry 6-16, Calderon 3-14, DeRozan 11-28 – the whole team except JV and Ed couldn’t throw the ball in the ocean

      This team really hasn’t regressed as much as not put things together yet. Plus Lowry is playing on a bad foot – he isn’t a 6-16 shooter, but he has been for 4 games now.

  11. Demar Derozan

    Sick of not getting the respect from the officials in the league. We have struglled l know this, but the non calls are killing us? #GOJays

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Raptors don’t have a guy that the officials will give the call to when they aren’t sure – or give the call to because they are a superstar (like Timmy D)

      When you don’t have a Vince Carter anymore – you will work from a disadvantage

      could say those calls have killed the Raps in close games – Raps can’t end up in too many close games and still have a winning record – at least not right now

  12. scott

    If bargnani were to be traded, who could you see that could be a target and would fit the current roster make-up?
    heres 2 names for ya: Millsap or Ilyasova. could both guys be an upgrade over barg?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Ilyasova will be available shortly after Dec 15 – he struggling worse than Bargnani at the moment.
      Millsap will be an UFA at the end of the season – pretty high high acquisition – but he is a really good player.

      Wait 3 weeks, see which teams are struggling (and have financial reasons to deal). There will be deals to be made. (Bulls anyone?)

  13. Raps Fan

    With the Raptors always close in games I wonder why Casey goes with some of his rotations which actually cost us the game. Playing your best friend over the hot hand is getting tiring. Get Bargs and Jose off the floor in crunch time and give Ed and Ross some burn. The fan’s are suffering year after year of this nonsense. It’s time for a change!

    • Stephen Brotherston

      If you want to scare a coach to death in crunch time – Ask him to play 2 rookies.

      If you really want to scare him – ask him to play an undersized young guy with no history of success against elite big men who have a huge size advantage – like Ed vs Duncan

      Those moves are called player development (or wishing & hoping). Playing the vets is called normal if you are trying to win.

      Definitely frustrating, but Casey put in the guys any decent coach would have played at the end.

      The only move I had been really frustrated until very recently was watching Valanciunas on the bench in the 4th quarter because he has been the best center the Raptors have had in most games – even though he is a rookie. I understand why Casey didn’t want to play a rookie at the end of game – but he doesn’t have anyone who is better at center. (No longer an issue – JV is finishing games now)

  14. Raps Fan

    I know when I show up to work tired and only do 2/19 things on my desk my boss get’s angry at me … that’s what us regular folk call accountability. Why does that not exist on the basketball court when Casey specifically talks about how he holds players accountable? Bryan “Puppet Master” Colangelo and Dwayne Casey really need to go. I was never happy with the signing and I am less interested now that he continue to bench our young core when the season is most likely a wash.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      You play basketball for a living – you’re lucky.

      It’s going to be pretty hard for Casey to be mad at Bargnani for shooting when that’s the role Casey has given him. Now if he asked Bargs to pass more after the 3rd quarter and he didn’t – then Casey would be right to be mad – but Casey didn’t tell us that after the game (I kind of wish he had then this would be a lot easier)

      This team doesn’t need a revolving door at the coach’s office – that never works. Stability is always better in the long term unless you are really convinced the hire was a mistake from day 1 – It wasn’t.

      No season is a wash in November unless you also have key guys out with injury who won’t be back. A lot can change by Dec 15 (when trading season opens for most teams)

  15. Don

    If we could trade Bargs plus another player to get someone like Rudy Gay or Wilson Chandler, would you do so?
    Ed Davis looks like a good 2 way player to eat up Bargs minutes and you still have Johnson and Kleiza to take up the balance of minutes at the four.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      I like Rudy Gay – he has many similar traits to Bargnani – but he is the better player. Not sure he’s $9m a season better, but its not my money. I wouldn’t want to be giving up rotation guys in addition to Bargs to add Gay.

      Right now Wilson Chandler would be a nice add – except he has only played 4 games and he’s out for 2-3 more weeks with a sore hip

  16. Youngjames

    Trade:
    To Toronto – Gasol’s and Blake
    To L.A – Calderon, Bargnani and Amir plus a second rounder. Salaries match nicely, L.A gets a good back up (and salary dump)in JC who should play well in D’Antoni’s system, AB will stretch the floor playing perfectly with Howard and Amir is an up grade over Hill. Why doesn’t this work?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      I could see a deal that sends Gasol to Toronto – but that’s giving up way to much for a $20m 2-yr commitment that the Lakers need to get out from under by next season.

      Thinking more like Calderon, Amir, Kleiza for Gasol & Blake – that’s helping out the Lakers more than enough.

  17. Jay

    Hey Stephen,

    What do you think about a trade where Raptors send Ed Davis and Terrance Ross to the Timberwolves for Derrick Williams. He can play SF for Toronto.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Williams himself said – the biggest thing he worked on was his motor this summer. His coach DNP-CD him as soon as Love came back. I’d say the motor was still stuck in neutral and that’s way too much to give up.

  18. Don

    I don’t understand the hate for this Raptor team from the fanbase. Andrea had a tough day but has had 22, 25 and 34 points in the previous 3 games and is playing better defense. JV is the real deal. Lowry is strong and DeMar is improving. Am I the only one in the GTA that is optimistic and thinks the future is bright?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      You’re not the only one that sees what’s possible – but until the team puts together a few wins – this fan base is justifiably frustrated, mad and wants heads to roll.

      Its been 4 years in the lottery – there is no appetite to rebuild forever

  19. Jeff

    Without player names, what do you think would be a reasonable return in trade for Bargnani? Im not sold trading him is the right way to go, but maybe im wrong.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      I am not sold you can get value for Bargs in a trade, unless the other team has an incentive (like luxury tax). Bargs contract is cheap – a 10 game slump does not affect his value to the Raptors or in a trade – no body in the business makes knee jerk moves based on short term situations (and does well).

      I can see the Raptors making a trade. It is possible Bargnani is the guy who gets moved. Usually these things don’t happen in November though.

  20. Cris Collinsworth

    Is not having the rights to our 1st round draft pick(even though its top 3 protected) the worst part of the season? No reward for losing unless the raptors tank extremely.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Have Lowry under contract (cheap) this year and next. That was a great trade. No regrets.

  21. Kuda

    Great Game by Ed yesterday but why arent the Raptors not closing out games? Casey has made what i think are questionable substitutes during games which they had a chance to gain a bigger lead or even defensive wise and im really lost for words.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      1) that was the Spurs and Parker went off.
      2) Lowry is playing on a sore foot – not the best way to chase Parker around
      3) The subs made sense – Anyone (on the planet) believe the Raptors win a 5 minute game vs the Spurs more than 2 times out of 10?

  22. basketball nerd

    What do u think about the raptors trading for wilson chandler

    • Stephen Brotherston

      He’s not playing and out for 2-3 more weeks – maybe should wait to see if he can still play first?

  23. Al Michaels

    Interesting idea: fire Casey and bring in SVG! I feel he is a pretty good and gets the most out of his players. What are your thoughts on the idea of SVG hypothetically coaching the raptors? Would it be a good idea?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      No thanks. Not ready to go through yet another coaching change in the hopes of finding a magic bullet.
      I like SVG, I just don’t want to go through the disruption it would cause

  24. Eli Manning

    Please tell me there’s a trade on the horizon. This team is simply not good enough and without a draft pick, how will raptors pick up any players cause it’s tough to sign someone to toronto.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Wouldn’t expect a trade until after they get back from this road trip (Dec 10) – but I’d say most of the media expects Toronto will make a deal during the season (that has nothing to do with their record)

  25. Mayor Rob Ford

    What are your thoughts on the upcoming west coast road trip? Is it a death sentence for the raptors meaning plenty of loses and being further out of reach from the elusive playoff spot?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      It’s almost always been bad before – but last year, that trip was about to be a turning point until Bargs got hurt again.

      This stretch of games (8 vs the West/ 7 road) does have the potential to kill the season – depending on how the other teams in the East perform while they are gone.

  26. Tim

    Would raps bite on a deal centered around Amare for Bargs? Amare could be the face of the franchise and play really well with a PG like Lowry. Bargs gives the knicks another big man outside shooter to space the floor for Melo (who is now clearly the focal point of the offense and the team in general).

    • Stephen Brotherston

      I really really hope not – Bad back, bad knees, will not play a full season ever again. And Raptors fans complain about Bargs defense? wait until they watch Amare for a season.

      Knicks don’t own enough 1st round picks (over the next decade) to talk me into that deal.

  27. Jose calderon's hot wife

    Barbosa’s $7M expiring contract only returned a very late second round pick. What makes people (or you) think calderon’s expiring deal will return anything significant?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Thee is no way to know until it happens.
      Barbosa was traded as a favor to put him on a playoff team – Calderon really doesn’t want to go anywhere, but that doesn’t mean it can’t happen.

  28. Stone cold Steve Austin

    Did the raptors players and Casey stop pounding the rock? What the heck is going on? #poundtherock

    • Stephen Brotherston

      They definitely started out the season looking like the rock has been pounding them

  29. Jorge Garbajosa

    Shooting 2 for 19 is no big deal right? He contributed good defense and snagged some rebounds. Offense hasn’t been Bargnani’s issue.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Bargs started the season shooting poorly, DD & KL shot well – Raptors lose games
      Bargs just had 3 great shooting games, but DD and KL don’t shoot well – Raptors lose games
      Bargs, DD, KL all shot terrible on Sunday – Raptors lost (JV & Ed were good)

      If these guys can all pull together at the same time, the wins will come.

  30. Neymar

    From a raptors perspective. What is wrong a trade of with Bargnani and fields or Kleiza for Gasol. Yes Gasol does have a big contract but I feel once he’s free from LA, he will perform better but maybe not as great as he once was. Bargnani era comes to an end too along with financial relief. The trade is a win-win right?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Nothing in particular except the goal of trades is to get the most out of them and use whatever advantages you have – that solve the other team’s problems.

      Lakers need financial relief & Raptors don’t – that’s something Toronto can use when constructing trade scenarios

  31. Rihanna

    When should the Raptors commence tanking? Since our draft pick has restrictions on it, a lot of tanking will be required right? dear god… We need Shabazz…

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Normally, you don’t tank until there is no reasonable shot at playoffs. For the Raptors, this year – you don’t tank period. Ending up in 9th or 10th ruins the draft pick you don’t own anyway. Raptors have no shot at #1.

  32. Special Eddy

    Whose franchise is worse off? our beloved raptors or the kings or wizards or pistons? Personally, I’d rather support this raptors squad than the kings or wiz or pistons. The current state of the raptors franchise actually doesn’t seem too bad.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Since I’m from the Toronto area – I am going to follow the Raptors – good, bad or otherwise. The Raptors do seem to have fewer issues to overcome and are much closer to being successful – but every rebuilding team is only 1 or 2 moves away from being much better.

      The Raptors are Lowry’s foot getting better away from being a better team. (could be as soon as Tuesday)

  33. Prime Minister Harper

    Hello brother! I, Stephan Harper, the prime minister, has a question. What will it take for Bryan colangelo to get fired or not to renew his contract?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Colangelo is a very good corporate guy on a corporate run team – he already hired Ed Stefanski who could be the defacto GM if necessary. Don’t hold your breath waiting for BCo to go

  34. Bad Breath Bargnani

    Using hindsight, we should have drafted Lemarcus Aldringe right? He was BOsh’s high school buddy too. Maybe bosh wouldn’t have left and thing would be a lot different.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Except for the 2 heart procedures, It would be a no brainer in hindsight, but it wasn’t for the first 3 seasons.

      Bosh left to join up with his buds (to win) – nothing was going to change that. He was really close friends with Jarrett Jack – didn’t matter. LA wasn’t going to change the look of the team at the point Bosh left.

  35. Marisa Lee

    I guess Bargnani is out of the all star reserve considerations. I was really looking forward to seeing some raptor representation at ALL star weekend. I guess it may only be JV that will go and knowing the American media, he may get snubbed cause he’s not a “sexy choice”. And if those TnT jerks are running the rookie game with shaq and chuck as captains, those idiots won’t pick JV

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Notice that JV absolutely stuffing Tim Duncan at the end of the 4th quarter Sunday made ZERO NBA hilights reels.
      It’s not easy playing in Toronto if you want to be on NBATV Gametime or Sportscenter.

      That’s all for today
      Thanks for all the great comments and questions.
      Remember – most trades don’t happen until after Dec 15 – but the rumors almost always start earlier and what you are watching now does have an impact (if it doesn’t change)