NBA Chat With Stephen Brotherston 11/5/12

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

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  1. Steve

    The raptors played well most of the game on opening night. But just like last year they cant close out games it seems. Will this trend continue on and what will be the solution to this problem?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Welcome to this afternoon’s chat

      The Raptors beat up on a depleted Timberwolves (for something like the 9th win in a row at home over Minny) – But, like more than one team that is trying to integrate several players into their starting lineup (Like Lakers, Celtics, etc), the 1-2 Raptors still look a little out of sync from time-to-time. Casey’s defense is still a work-in-progress with the new starting lineup – Patience is the operative word for many NBA teams at the start of the season.

      Kyle Lowry has been doing a great job of hiding the warts in the Raptors play while the team gets its collective act together. The solution to the Raptors problem is about a 12 games – hopefully they can win 5 of them.

  2. Steve

    Could the raptors trade jose and bargnani for a guy like rudy gay, millsap, josh smith that could give the raps somebody that could be a go-to guy and a nice fit along side lowry.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      There should be no doubt in anyone’s mind that Colangelo wants to make a deal this year. Colangelo has stated that no one is untouchable (I’d bet Lowry is now) So, in theory it’s possible the Raptors would try to do something like that.

      In practice – Raptors didn’t go after Andre Iguodala because he was in a contract year – Makes Josh Smith or Paul Millsap unlikely targets. You could say the Raptors are very interested ion Rudy Gay – have wait & see what the new ownership in Memphis is thinking

      I don’t see the Raptors as looking to move Bargnani – he is on a very cheap contract for a 7′ guy who can score – but nothing is off the table – it would just have to be an amazing deal for the Raptors.

      Yes, Colangelo has tried to trade Jose in the past – more than once – but Jose is a valuable piece to Coach Casey – And in Toronto, what Coach Casey wants, Coach Casey gets.

  3. Deven

    What is wrong with the Raptors, Stephen?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      We were mislead by preseason – this team hasn’t gelled yet. The starting unit – like in preseason – hasn’t learned Casey’s defense yet.

      One of the issues is DeMar & Landry haven’t figured out how to play together yet – they have been too similar in style and Landry tends to be a bit lost when DeMar is where he’d like to be. Takes time to gel a new starting unit and the Raptors are starting 3 new guys.

  4. Deven

    What do the Lakers need to do to turn their season around?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Almost nothing. Most of the Lakers problems will fix themselves over the first 12 games. BUT, I would sure like to see Steve Nash run pick-and-roll plays at least half the time (once he gets back)

      Lakers have dramatically changed their starting lineup – these things take time

  5. dlillroy2012

    Which is a better contract for their team: Nicolas Batum or DeMar DeRozan? Similar ages, similar contracts, but with different skill sets. DeRozan is a pure scorer, and will probably have more points than Batum when it is all said and done, but I’d be surprised if it was a huge difference more than 4 ppg, and I would also be surprised if Derozan beat batum in any other statistical category besides FTA. Thoughts anyone? If you have needs at both the two and the three, who do you want more?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Both guys have to prove they are worth the contracts they received. And that’s the bet almost every GM is faced with as the guys you want to keep are coming off their rookie deals. Talent is hard to come by (see last FA season) and other GMs will overpay to steal your talent if given half a chance.

      I like Batum – he has a chance to develop into a very good all-around player – lots of skills. Batum represents the risk every GM faces by letting the market set their players value.

      DeMar is one of those (not so common) guys that has gotten a bit better every season and he has the potential to become a very good slasher who can hit open jump shots – he might even become a half ways decent defender under Casey.

      Its a tough call who will end up being the better player – interestingly, I think these two might just play really well together – if they ever got the chance.

  6. LA in LA

    I know it was Lebron James coming down the lane against the Nuggets but still Corey Brewer…I thought by now EVERYBODY knows to NEVER leave Ray Allen alone. Especially in the corner. Plus better to be down 1 than 3 (or due to the AND-1, down 4).

    • Stephen Brotherston

      You run your defense based on what your coach has told you to do. None of these situations are unique – your coach tells you what to give up and what to defend (assuming the player does as he’s been told).

      Odds are still higher than LBJ hits 100% of his dunks than RA will hit half of his threes – but this kind of decesion should have been made before the game even started and you live with the result.

  7. Jim in Cyber Space

    Why do so many big men struggle at the FT Line? With a few exceptions, it seems like it’s “just the way it is”?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      One solid reason is far more big men can advance in their careers (high school – college – pros) by being able to rebound, block shots or dunk – But most guards and wings need a jump shot to keep playing.

  8. alan

    hi stephen, i asked this question of bill this morning and i’d like your opinion as well:
    bottom line isn’t it better to build an offense around the players you have rather than make players fit a system you want to bring in? it sure seems like the lakers are like salmon trying to swim upstream. they may eventually do it but in the case of aging stars…is it worth it? and am i wrong…if the players were having fun and just playing to their strengths, even the defense would be easier? isn’t enjoying what you’re doing essential in achieving success?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Sure – but not all coaches can implement different systems – and most coaches will have a system that they have been successful with and are very reluctant to leave.

      It’s better to build your offense around your Coach – and add the players who will be successful in that system.

      It takes a very good coach to successfully adapt to match players who don’t play the way he thinks a team should operate (true in life – true in sports). Lots of players fail for one coach and succeed with another – for good reason.

  9. Raps4ever

    I would be shocked if the Raps resign BC. This year looks like a miss play-off year again. What do you see in Bargs and DD that I don’t see. If we stick to these guys, I see no future for this team. One good thing is Kyle Lowry. I hope JV, develops into a really good Big Man.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      I won’t even be mildly surprised if Colangelo signs a new deal in Toronto – I expect he will.

      I won’t be surprised if the Raptors are in the playoffs. This a bubble team. Could easily end up as low as 10th (with an injury or 2) or as high as 7th (if other teams have a injury or 2)

      As long as the Raptors don’t lose Lowry, DeMar continues his steady development, and Jonas becomes the legit starting center he is envisioned to be – the team is on the right path.

      Raptors had better plan on being a luxury tax team within 2 seasons though or I’ll start agreeing with your “team has no future comments” though. Non-tax teams don’t have enough talent to contend.

  10. LA in LA

    Who are your most impressive players going off the ridiculously small sample size?
    I’d think right now a way-to-early-MVP-list looks something like this:
    1. Harden
    -numbers speak for themselves
    2. KD
    -his ppg are down and OKC is 1-2 but his apg, reb,bpg, and spg are up. Looks improved
    3. Tim Duncan
    -looks even better than his 2nd half surge last year, team is winning, and is putting up good numbers.
    4. Kobe
    -I know Lakers are only 1-4 but Kobe looks fantastic even with his broken foot, has been crazy efficient, and has kept Lakers in games.
    5. Tony Parker
    In the 2 close games he hit either the GW or go-ahead bucket. Is avg like 20ppg & 9apg.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Small sample size sure that’s pretty good, but except for – where’s LBJ on your list?

      The MVP candidates are usually known well in advance. It’d be great if Harden can keep this up and make it a 3 man race. There are always a bunch of guys who deserve to be talked about, but get lost behind James & KD (Go CP)

  11. LA in LA

    Also, it is normal for coaches to play starter such heavy minutes (*cough* Kevin McHale, Mike Brown *cough*) in the first few weeks?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Every coach has their own ideas – but its a long season and the number of guys who can play 40 for 82 is short – but no one should be worn down just yet. – McHale does need to figure out how to get more guys involved.

  12. Cain

    What do you think about Lance Stephenson so far this season? Can he be a future 6th man of the year candidate?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Lance didn’t play many minutes when I saw him in Toronto, but he looked okay. He’s played his best in a loss (to the Bobcats no less). Lance’s goal is just to finally become an effective player in his 3rd season – its a long way to becoming 6th man of the year

  13. Murray

    hey steph great work as always.
    1.i hate to bash your industry colleges but i cant stand the little raptors apologist media clique that we have in toronto i dont think its good for the developement of the game in the city.
    2. i think is safe to say the landry was just another product of the dantoni systems he not that good we over paid in a plot to get nash.
    3. get on the fan590 or get a podcast your voice needs to be herd

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Thanks appreciate the comments.

      Remember, right now the Raptors are the only game in town – the media doesn’t have a whole lot else to follow (is the Hockey strike ever ending)

      The more I see of Landry, the more he looks like a beefed up version of DeMar. It’s hard to believe that a good 3-pt shooter for 4 yrs in college best aspect is going to the hoop and in transition, but that’s where he’s at. Raps need him to find that stroke or he’s not really the right guy to play beside DeMar.

  14. The Grand Buba

    Good day Mr. Brotherston!
    Could you tell me one thing from each of the first 3 you liked about the Raptors overall gameplay? I’m ok with 1-2 if the Lakers are 1-3!

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Lowry – WOW
      DeMar – has taken the next step.
      Jonas – will be a good center – but it’ll take a month to break him in.

      The Raptors are better than last year by a big margin.

  15. Billy Jean

    Can I get an applause for James Harden! Holy smokes… this guy has already shown he deserved that $80M. Its hard to believe that OKC had that much talent and were able to let him go and not be crippled. What do you think of that trade so far for both teams?

  16. Toronto Huskies Dog Sledder

    Hey Stephen… i’ve grown up on Raptors ball but I am still annoyed at the team mascot name… why didn’t we just go with Huskies – since that was the original… hell we played in the first ever NBA game… why do bad mascots get picked? Bobcats? lousy name… why do teams keep mascots and move cities?… no jazz in utah, no lakes in LA, no grizzlies in memphis… no dinosaurs in toronto…

    • Stephen Brotherston

      The name was a popularity contest in Toronto. It could be worse. (I prefer Huskies too)

      I love the mascot – one of the best physical comedy ( he is really a clown, but I wouldn’t say that to him) mascots in the business. He is a true showman, great at his job. The Dino costume works really well for the stunts he does.

  17. the barbershop

    Whats your take on okc head coach brook saying james harden is good but not like nick,perks,russ and kd who are all glue guys,is he saying there might be a problem with james n the group? And whats your take on an article in okc observing all those fights between westbrook and thabo, durant and ibaka plus perkins? This is my team shall i be concerned??? I think with good chemistry we can beat miami in 7 the lakers in 5… Wrong or right.? Thanks sir

    • Stephen Brotherston

      What is a coach supposed to say?

      OKC should still contend – the lineup is loaded with talent and Martin could fit in with Manor in the 2nd unit better than Harden would have – we won’t really ever know for sure now. Harden wasn’t going to be cut loose in OKC like he has been in Houston.

      One week into the regular season and I don’t know for sure if the Thunder can beat either Lakers (Clippers?) or HEAT – other than they will be in the conversation and contending.

  18. Jim Socks

    How long before Anderson replaces Fields in the starting 5?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      That’s one conversation between Casey & Colangelo I would like to sit in on.
      It’s a tough call, but when I watched these guys in scrimmage – DeMar & Landry literally ran into each other a couple of times trying to occupy the same place on the floor.
      Fields should be the better player, but Anderson (a pure outside shooter) looks like the better fit with DeRozan in the starting unit.
      Fields would make a very good addition to the 2nd unit and he could still finish games if he was hot.

  19. popzilla

    Spurs will definitely benifit in signing delonte and kenyon mart if popz can straighten them up N focus on winning the ring. With me?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      West has issues – yes he has talent too can when he is playing well, he could help – but I’d look elsewhere.
      Martin doesn’t want to sign for the vet’s min. Until that changes, I’d wait him out. Sure grab him for the bench if you can get him.

  20. matt

    What do you think about the BUCKS, They had 2 very good games. Do you think the Bucks should trade BJ and get some draft picks and a solid big SG, and re sign Monte and let him play the point. Your thought please.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      The Bucks mostly brought back last year’s team and they look solid because of it. This team should have made the playoffs last year.

      Jennings finally started to look like he is figuring things out in preseason and gets off to great start – so you’d like to sell high on a 23-year-old PG? I think you should wait. Sure he could regress and the team regrets it, but more likely with a kid this young, the Bucks would be doing the regretting.

      Jennings salary is too low to get anything of real value back – draft picks would not be good compensation – like most teams, the Bucks are stuck developing the guys they drafted – in this case, stuck is probably the wrong word.

  21. ap

    With Bargnani’s early season struggles, should BC be making some phone calls to see what we can get for him?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      The whole 1st unit is still sorting things out – they are definitely not in sync yet. Give it some time

  22. matt

    What was the point of drafting Ross given DD just got that extension and Fields was signed. Ross is in Casey’s doghouse.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Ross has a different skill set. As a rookie, he is far ahead of DeRozan on defense at the same stage of his career. Ross is a “Natural” shooter = he’ll get a lot better at this than DeMar will. Ross has the potential to be one of those shooters who hits shots when he’s well guarded – DeMar does not.

      Ross isn’t in anyone’s doghouse – I did an article on this at the end of training camp. Ross is the victim of a numbers game. Casey has Anderson, Fields, Lucas & most important Jose Calderon who will all be looking for minutes at SG – all these guys are more ready to contribute than Ross. As Casey said – Ross is the future – he just has to catch up to where Alan Anderson is (That’s going to be tough)

      Ross will get a few minutes here & there – hopefully he pulls it all together and takes minutes from his competition at some point during the season.

  23. jm

    Is LK out of the rotation? I know he is away for familly matters, but even when he is back it seems like there’re are not minutes for him

    • Stephen Brotherston

      LK timing is bad. If Casey finds a rotation that works, his minutes could be gone. But you know these are not things you plan on.

  24. Zach

    What do you think is the reason for the Nuggets slow start thus far? They just simply haven’t been able to put it together. Losing to teams like the magic and 76ers. Whats going on with this Denver team?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      That was a surprise. Obviously they haven’t put it all together yet – but one week in, its not really a concern, yet.

  25. Al michaels

    Your thoughts on Jonas valanciunas? nice double double in game one but kind of got abused in the next two games by Lopez and pekovic. He looks good but may need a lot of time in my opinion.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      He’s a rookie – his game will grow & regress – its not going to be a straight line. I think he should have gotten another 10 min in Brooklyn though.

  26. Blake

    I wrote to you in pre-season commenting that it should be Anderson starting and not Fields. I know it’s early but are you starting to agree with me yet?

    Also, Casey had said all training camp he wanted an 8-10 man rotation but it has been 11-12. Do you see it starting to shorten?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Anderson has played better. This is a tough call for Casey – short term Anderson is the better fit, but can they get Fields up to speed in the 2nd unit?

      Rotations obviously are not set – Casey is still looking – might just be the opportunity Anderson needs – the rotation has to get much shorter!

  27. Bruce Sack

    Approximately What record do the raptors need to have at the all star break to keep in the playoff hunt?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Raps need to be within 4 games of .500 to still be in the hunt at the AS break.

  28. Charry

    Hi Stephen… good day… do you think Linas Kleiza should start at small forward than Landry Fields? It is so frustrating watching Fields struggles. Whom do you think the raptors will prefer to have in before the trade deadline for a small forward? thank you!

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Kleiza is on leave with a family emergency. Team has not said when he will return.

  29. Matty D

    Hey Stephen,

    I’ve been watching the Raptors and you were right about Alan Anderson. He had a good game last night and I think has really stepped it up. Did the Raptors expect this play out of him from training camp? Also thoughts on Jonas’s play so far?

    Thanks

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Casey has liked Anderson since last season – or he would not have been invited back.

      Anderson is doing what is expected – but his team chemistry and knowledge of Casey’s defense is more effective than expected.

  30. dub

    Hi stephen I was hoping to get a better production from ross, will he be riding the bench alot this year?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Ross will be doing a lot of watching in Nov. He’ll have to earn his way into the rotation

  31. Tanger

    After what you have seen from these 3 games, what is your win-loss outlook for the raptors?

  32. dub

    If Kyle lowry continues this up he has got to be considered an allstar. He has been knocking at the door of a triple double in all his games so far. And hes making derozan play better.If thats not an allstar then what is?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      At this pace, Lowry is an All-Star. I put most (all?) of Demar’s improvement squarely on Coach Casey.

  33. Dan

    What are your thoughts on David Lee telling Blake Griffin to “stop flopping?”

  34. charry

    In your opinion, would you rather take Jeremy Lamb or Andre Drummond instead of Terence Ross? Thanks

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Ross is Casey’s guy – You get guys who fit the coach – if you want to keep the coach.
      Lamb is a shooter – but doesn’t have Ross’ motor.
      Drummond is an unknown – Raptors did not need another rookie big man.

  35. mark

    Not to rip on Casey who I think is a great coach but I thought he cost the Raptors the game against Indy with his decision to have Jose, Lucas, Anderson, Davis and Amir on the floor together. They couldn’t score and the lead evaporated. Are you surprised he would have 5 bench guys with limited offensive on the floor with things in the balance? Could you see Bargnani ending up on the bench?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Casey seemed to have to many agendas going at the home opener – going 12 men deep, not normal – it hurt.

      Bargs to the bench – not unless he’s hurt.

  36. stylez in To

    why can’t Alan Anderson start over Landry Fields?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Can’t – wrong word, he could, but I can give you 5 million reasons why Anderson wasn’t going to win the starting job on day 1.
      Anderson 30 yrs – Fields 24 yrs – the future belongs to Landry, but just maybe the present should belong to Alan.

      Fields will figure this out, he is still learning Casey’s system. Anderson knows Casey’s system

  37. Jeff

    Why isn’t Mike Brown playing Jodie Meeks??

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Another young up&coming player that made the HUGE mistake of signing with the Lakers. This team is great for proven veterans and soon to be All-Stars – otherwise, the smart agent would keep his guys as far away as possible.

      That’s all for today
      Thanks for all the great comments and questions