NBA Chat With Stephen Brotherston 12/10/12

HoBo

Hi Stephen. Would the Raptors be interested in Cavs Trinsten Thompson? If so how about a trade for Bargnani. Cavs get Bargnani Raptors get Thompson and Walton’s expiring contract.

Stephen Brotherston

Welcome to this afternoon’s chat.

The Toronto Raptors are 1-13 on the road and have slide into a last place tie with Washington – at least Raptors President & GM Bryan Colangelo has admitted this is embarrassing.

Trades in the NBA usually wait until December 15 when most players signed in the summer become available to trade – Raptors aren’t alone in their struggles, but their struggles may be the most disappointing & serious in the NBA.

Raptors interested in Tristan Thompson – as a Canadian – they’d have to be for marketing reasons alone. Not sure he’ll ever be as valuable as Bargnani, but Cavs have other pieces that are moveable.

Cavs have a plan – they are following it pretty closely – the risk in a deal like this is they win too many games this season and screw up their draft pick – that’s not part of the plan. Cavs would really have to believe Bargnani was worth both Thompson and a worse draft pick in June.

Peter

Hey Stephen! Hack-A-Dwight wasn’t that big of a problem in Orl, but it has become the main tactic to beat the LAL this season. Why weren’t teams using it more when he was in Orl? I’m a Rockets fan. I bet Rick Adelman and JVanGundy would both have multiple rings right now if there was something called “hack-a-Yao” lol

Stephen Brotherston

The Hack-A-Bad FT shooter strategy impacts both teams – it ruins the flow of the game (which is the intent). If it takes LAL out of their rhythm, but doesn’t impact your team’s, its a good strategy – but that isn’t always going to be the way it works out.

If the LAL could get stops during the hack-a-dwight, even 1 free point every trip = easy win. Howard does hit half of his FT.

Its a desperation move – if you got nothing to lose because you’re down 15 in the 4th, its worth a shot.

Raps4ever

Hi Steve, It has been a very frustrating season for the Raptors. This core of players from DD, Bargs and Calderon plus Davis, Amir is clearly not working. I am also doubting whether Casey, is the right coach. We need a GM like Wallace from Memphis and a coach like Collins. But the most important thing is getting rid of the core players including BC. the situation right now is really out of control.

Stephen Brotherston

Casey does seem “surprised” the guys he believed in last year just aren’t getting it done – especially on the road where they are 1-13 Ouch.

Casey is a relatively inexperienced head coach – he is learning too. But he does give the impression that he knows his stuff and if they stick with him, he’ll get better – At least the team didn’t hire another rookie head coach this time.

Stan Van Gundy might be available – let’s start a rumor – and a proven veteran coach would give a boost to the fan base at least. BUT there is a lot of merit in letting Coach Casey learn on the job and work things out – he does have the potential to be a very good long term head coach – something Toronto has never had/ has really needed.

CMS

Rudy Gay, Marc Gasol, Zach Randolph DESERVE to be on the all-star team this year.

Stephen Brotherston

No argument here. Those guys are playing great.

Sma

I’m sensing that some people are blaming Coach Casey for the Raptors’ poor play. I tend to disagree with making Casey the lone scapegoat here.
Casey can only do so much. It’s the players who execute (or do not execute) the plays, at the end of the day. I know it’s more complex than that, but I’m not sure Casey has the best possible blend of talent to work with.

If the Raptors continue to have a nightmare of a season, what do you think the likelihood is of Casey being made the scapegoat and losing his job?

Stephen Brotherston

The Raptors problems can’t be pinned on one player, coach or even just the GM – lots of factors have gone into them – but in the end, its up to the GM to make the right moves to solve them – preferably while there is still time for changes to have an impact.

Coaches are hired to be fired – Casey’s job is going to be at risk eventually if progress doesn’t happen – whether its his fault or not.

Steve

Whats better for the raptors, to pick it up now (tougher schedule ahead) or think about tanking another year and hope for top 3.

Stephen Brotherston

Raptors don’t own their draft pick next June unless its a top 3 pick – unless you can finish last or 2nd last, tanking is pointless. It’s really hard to finish last – the players usually will not cooperate (and they shouldn’t)

Steve

Where’s the dwane casey defense? It wasn’t been there in pre season, it’s not being seen now, what is the problem? Could it have been a fluke last year?

Stephen Brotherston

Casey was talking offense before training camp and it looks like he assumed the guys remembered/ could implement his defensive system with a lot less time – have to say that was a mistake now.

There were influences – like short training camp/limited practice time – that may have made it harder for other teams to adjust to Casey’s defense during last season – BUT I think its more that this group of guys just aren’t putting out the same effort/ effectiveness this year. Too many new players, playing too many rookies – they needed a defensive focus in training camp & Preseason (hindsight is great isn’t it)

Steve

Do you think it’s time to move on and trade bargnani and calderon?

Stephen Brotherston

I agree its time to make a move at the earliest opportunity of getting a reasonable trade done. But you don’t give away assets – and it doesn’t have to be either of those players. This team needs a bit of a shakeup. Like most people – I don’t really care how as long as it works.

Yes, moving a long time Raptor like Bargnani or Calderon would be shaking things up.

Scott

Hi Steve,
What is the deal with the draft pick we traded in the Lowry deal? Is there a possibility of Thunders letting us keep our draft pick this year (because of the weak draft), only to come back and take our pick in next years draft?
What is the process here? How far in advance do they have to notify the raptors front office before they take our pick?

Stephen Brotherston

I suppose the Raptors could make a “trade” to play around with that draft pick the Thunder hold – but that would be complicated and somehow have to end up benefiting both teams. Raptors got their own pick back from Miami in the Bosh deal. Draft picks have no “dollar” value in trade – so something could happen.

Thunder will not know if they get the Raptors draft pick until after the draft lottery is held. Top 3 protected & 15-30 protected this year.

Young

Hi Steve,
Not sure how long you’ve been covering the raptors for, but do you see any improvement from Barg since his rookie year?
IMO, The guy looks the same physically and he’s hasn’t added any thing new to his game. 7 years and I don’t get any “veteran” vibe from him at all.
Or am I seeing things?

Stephen Brotherston

Bargnani has improved since his rookie year – but its getting harder to say he’s improved since year 4.

The last 2 injury shortened seasons and this year have not been as good overall as his 4th season – could argue he has declined.

francis

when will the raptors make a trade and who should go after and who can they trade

Stephen Brotherston

Colangelo is very good at not leaking information – everything you’ve read so far is speculation.

But there is nothing holding Colangelo back this year – we’ll see a deal – I think before the new year, likely sooner.

Just look at who else is making news, needs to do something.
Bucks are having issues with their bigs.
Pacers bench is in trouble
Lakers have real issues
T-Wolves want to make a move – need a SG again now that Roy is down & seem to want scoring at center.
Suns don’t look very happy these days.
Magic have pieces to move
it’s a long list

Kevin C

Hello Stephen,
It appears Colangelo and MLSE are running short on patience. What’s the next step ? Is it player movement, coaching change or management shuffle ? As much as I admire coach Casey, I think he’s lost the team. Comments ?

Stephen Brotherston

I agree Casey has looked overwhelmed this season – but that is at least in part to guys not living up to expectations.

I expect a trade before a coaching change – and if the players respond well, Casey is safe.
Unless MLSE will finally open the purse strings and hire an expensive veteran head coach – not expecting that.

Raps Fan

Curious, what’s the excuse for this week? Injuries have subsided and the schedule is what it is… Are you finally ready to accept that the team is a failure and personnel changes are in order. I think the GM needs to go and take his 7 years of vision with him. Our “character” players could barely beat a high school basketball team.

Stephen Brotherston

There is NO excuse for this 0-4 road trip – they should have had 2 wins min. – even with the injuries.

Even if you agreed with all of Colangelo’s moves since he arrived (I haven’t) and attribute the results to bad luck – that’s a lot of bad luck.
Of course any GM can salvage his reputation with 1 move that works – I expect Colangelo will get that chance – and we’ll get to see what happens. It had better be a really good move at this point.

Raptorfan

Bryan is right, this team is embarrassing. I think the first to go is Coach Casey. He seems to have lost control of his team. His rotation decisions are awful, and is getting outcoached every night. Time to bring in a new coach, then trade Bargnani

Stephen Brotherston

Something has to happen – doing nothing isn’t a good option

dub

So the raps are interested in gasol for bargs/calderon swap. Why???? This is another jermaine oneil/Hedo Turkoglu type of transaction where the raps are crippled until they can get rid of him. What happened to the patience in builing, or the common sense for that matter?

Stephen Brotherston

That is my concern with Gasol too – as good a player as he is – not playing, future???

dub

There was a report suggesting a 3 way deal that sent bargs calderon n kleiza to lakers, gasol to minnesota, and raps getting pekovic barea derrick williams and earl clark. In my opinion that’s a much better deal than taking on Gasol…

Stephen Brotherston

Absolutely – I’d take Pek & Williams too

Mike

Hey Stephen,

What do you think of these two trades for the raptors.

1) Toronto trades Bargnani to Atlanta for Josh Smith. Smith would fill the SF spot for the raptors. (possibly add a protected pick to sweeten the deal)

2) Toronto Trades Calderon, Ross and Ed Davis to Utah for Al Jefferson. He would replace Andrea as the Starting PF.

I think Jefferson and Smith are the type of players that fit Casey’s style of play. Your thoughts?

Stephen Brotherston

Jefferson is an under-rated player – who might just be available.
Josh Smith isn’t available – Hawks are doing too well.

John

Why did all of you guys at HW have high expectations for the raptors this year? I knew all along they’d be terrible, they had almost the same team, Fields, Jonas and Ross were all unproven. This team is by far the worst in the league. BC needs to go and the team must be blown up. Your comments please

Stephen Brotherston

Most of the promise of this team was based on the addition of Lowry – who played at a near All-Star level the last 2 seasons in Houston. Lowry got hurt in game 4, missed 2 weeks and has been playing on a bruised foot since. The rest of the roster was basically the equivalent of last year’s, just healthy.

This team has grossly under-achieved – no one expected a .500 record with 15 road games out of 22 to start the season, but they should have won 8-10 games.

From what Casey told us at the start of training camp – I never expected to see Ross except in garbage time until after Christmas (if ever) – Not sure what happened to his 8-9 man rotation we were promised.

stylez in To

Hey Stephen, What do u have to say now about your raptors now? All summer u told us that they was going to be fighting for playoff spot and jonas valanciunas was going to have the same impact as vince carter in is rookie year.

Could u explain to me the trade detail on the kyle lowry trade.

Stephen Brotherston

At this point, there is a lot going wrong that wasn’t supposed to happen – I guess the crystal ball was broken.

Lowry was traded for a 1st round draft pick. Basically top 3 protected & 15-30 protected. That was to guarantee that when the pick is transferred – it would be a pick between 4-14. Small changes each year until its transferred.

Mike

Stephen why would BC even consider moving Andrea for Pau?? its a lateral move and doesn’t do anything to help this team! His moves are all bad, Fields is horrible, what was he thinking giving him all that money?? why did everyone think this team would make the playoffs?? We are the worst team in the NBA.

Stephen Brotherston

When a team is tied for dead last – can’t argue about them being the worst team in the NBA.

Between the injuries & the inconsistent play – no one thought it’d be this bad in Toronto – even with the tough opening schedule.

justin

Wouldn’t a Millsap for Bargnani trade work great for both teams.

Stephen Brotherston

Except Millsap has an expiring deal.

Raps4eva

Does Casey’s “you have to earn your playing time only apply to certain players? We all know Andrea has had some poor performances especially in the 4th but he’s still in he game at crunch time when Jonas or Ed have been playing their tails off. I’m not one that thinks Casey needs to go but I do think he needs to be held accountable for some of the losses. The two point guard line up does not work for us yet he continues to go for it in the 4th. What do think about some of Casey’s odd rotation decisions, especially in the 4th quarter with the game on the line?

Stephen Brotherston

I’m watching the games and I can’t figure out who’s earned playing time or not.
The rotations have been confusing at times.

Zack

Are the Raptors actually interested in Pau, or is that still all speculation?

Stephen Brotherston

Both true – there’s interest – but nothing in the works, yet. Pau has tendinitis = can’t play right now. Lakers know the market will be better after Dec 15

justin

DO you think that theres a chance that D. Howard leaves the Lakers or ask to be traded? I’d love to see Lakers Trade Gasol for someone like Millsap and watch Millsap and Howard Leave next off season

Stephen Brotherston

Anything could happen. That’s the risk of trading for guys on expiring deals. It doesn’t usually happen to the LAL though.

beal

you have been writing some time ago how good bradley beal is,but as wizards fan watching every their game I wish we drafted barnes or drummond instead.Are you still have high on him?

Stephen Brotherston

Beal is in a tough spot – we won’t really know how good he can be until he gets a PG to play with.

Barnes would have been a great add. Drummond is who we all thought he would be – great when he shows up, but he doesn’t always show up. Drummond is so young that there’s time for him to figure things out – its just effort comes from within, it isn’t taught.

piston

detroit is 6-14 and english,middelton,daye,kravtsov still haven’t got an opportunity.When do you think they will get it?Will daye be i n nba next yeat?

Stephen Brotherston

Detroit just won’t let go of the past – its making the rebuild take far too long. Maybe the Raptors would take Prince off their hands and open up some playing time? They should be (just) developing their youth

wizfan

did you expected that wizards go 2-15 without wall.What do you think about ben uzoh as new wizards pg?

Stephen Brotherston

yes. When asked at the start of the season – I thought the Wiz were in for a world of hurt without Wall. There is no one there to run the offense – and Wall is probably their best defender too. Uzoh will help hold that draft position for them and will pass the other guys the ball.

scrap metal

Would it be better for tor. To just play jv and the young guns Nd trade the vets while they still have value? I mean its frustrating seing them losing so why not just go and aim for q good draft and trade for picks too? Develop jv now! More minutes!!!

Stephen Brotherston

Raps are getting to a crossroads – they have to decide – develop guys – in which case trade some vets for picks & youth. OR try & salvage the season and add some vets = less playing time for their own young guys. Just make a decision already.

Squire Barnes

What will it take for Bryan Colangelo to finally get fired? i’ve lost my patience…. have you?

Stephen Brotherston

Not really sure – Colangelo will own any meeting he goes into. Not an easy guy to move anywhere but up in the organization – and that could happen

tim

You must be as sick of the bargs/Calderon trade questions as I am of reading them. The Raps are pretty much out of the playoffs already. Fields must be miserable up there, he would have flourished in NY’s system this year. Speaking of knicks, do you think they will win the division or will teams like philly and boston make a late season push?

Stephen Brotherston

Fields is still recovering from elbow surgery – he probably feels guilty at this point

If the Knicks can stay reasonably healthy – they should win the division – that’s a big if, but looking good so far. I really love their PG situation – wrote about during the preseason.

Jake Ryan

Two Part Question:
Do you see Toronto making any trades with San Antonio?
Jackson,Blair, Bonner and Joseph and some Picks are on the table.
And..
Do you ever get tired of hearing/talking about Lakers all day every day in the Media? As I do..

ps Hack a whoever also works if you are leading in a game and do not want to give the other teams superstar a chance to take over in the clutch. It’s not just a desperation move.

Stephen Brotherston

Colangelo will talk to everybody – but the only guy I’m really interested in on the Spurs is Leonard – and that’s not happening.

Enrico Bargnani

Is there any reason to watch the rest of the Raptor’s season? i’m utterly disappointed. Bargnani BC and Calderon crushed my spirit.

Stephen Brotherston

I’ll watch – even if it gets painful at times – can always watch the individual plays and I do enjoy seeing the rooks start to figure things out – not much I know.

Don M

I believe that the Raps could use some proven veteran help to mentor the youngsters and give the Raps a chance to win some games. Some of my favorites are as follows: Mike Dunleavey, Antonio McDyess, Jerry Stackhouse, Al Harrington, Vince Carter, Milsap or Jefferson, Wilson Chandler, Kenyon Martin and Kris Humphries, just to name a few. Some of our older players could be used in trades to obtain a few good vets such as Bargs, Calderon, Johnston, Kleiza. Keep the young players with potential, JV, TR, etc. Add someone like Bledsoe, who may be available. What are your thoughts on my suggestions and who do you like from my list?

Stephen Brotherston

A vet would help the Raptors – it is only the cost (trade value) that should hold up acquiring one. You’re not going to pay more than vets min for a FA or give more than a 2nd round pick & maybe a min vet back for a guy like Al Harrington or Vince.

Have to really careful trading for players on expiring deals

TOny Romo

Let’s say BC gets fired…. who do you see and feel is the ideal replacement? Would it be Ed Stefanski by any chance.. is he a good GM?

Stephen Brotherston

Stefanski had a good run with the 76ers – he knows what he is doing. Drafted well, traded well.

Jess Ma

We sure could use James Johnson as our SF this year. There’s a bigger hole at SF than the last season. Did you see him light up the raptors? funky glasses by the way..

Stephen Brotherston

If you remember – when Casey bench JJ and played Alan Anderson, the Raptors were just as strong at both ends of the court – they just didn’t have as many “stat” items. JJ gave away as much as he created.

With all the injuries, JJ would be a big help this season – but no one anticipated both LF & AA would be out at the same time and LK would miss so many games.

Rasool

What are your thoughts on the Raps trading for Wilson Chandler (hurt I know). Maybe Kleiza and filler. Also, what else do you think the Raps can do to improve their lot? Who do you see gets traded in the near future. Lastly, how valuable is Calderon,and what kinda of player could we get back for him?

Thanks love the Q+A.

Stephen Brotherston

Its the incremental (hopefully) improvement that probably doesn’t really change a team’s fortunes – but at this point – if Chandler could step on the court, you have to consider it.

Calderon is only valuable to a team that needs both a PG (short term) and an expiring deal – sounds like the Lakers – but in 2 years, Colangelo hasn’t been able to trade him – value??????? & expiring deals aren’t worth what they once were.

Jonas Brothers

What are your thoughts on BC’s first quarter interview last game? something along the lines of “we won more games than we should have last season”…. good to hear him admit but he’s a joke. BC must go

Stephen Brotherston

There isn’t really much a GM can say in that forum – that comment about winning too many games was true – those extra wins in April cost them a better draft position. They didn’t tank hard enough.

Fraser

Did you see the Butch Carter interview about Bargs? I never knew about his wrong footed shooting stance. Only Bird has been successful with it. Is that not a coaching flaw?

Stephen Brotherston

I saw the interview – that was an interesting comment. It’s hard to believe that no other shooting coach in the last decade hasn’t seen the same thing – therefore they probably have and decided it wasn’t something that should/could be fixed. But it was still an interesting observation – still might have merit.

Llama King

Who do YOU want Bargnani to get traded for? Any particular player you want?

Stephen Brotherston

If you are going to give me “want” – Could we get the Raptors an All-Star? Maybe Deng or Gay or LBJ?

Bargnani isn’t going to return a All-Star, if he is the one who gets traded – by no means a sure thing – then want either a comparable player – Ilyasova or a young player who might develop into something – Tyreke Evans, Derrick Williams (plus a serviceable player).

Marcus Nelson Howard-Jones

I am interested to hear your thoughts on Matt Devlin, Leo Rautins, and Jack Armstrong. I personally feel they are brutal play-by-play callers, who are a little too goofy and get off topic so often. Sometimes I feel I should mute the TV… By the way, do you remember them singing? -_-”

Stephen Brotherston

Matt, Leo & Jack are good guys – but I do prefer the play-by-play style you might usually hear in a hockey broadcast instead. I don’t really enjoy the personal stories & singing either. I am most interested in what’s happening live on the court.

Al Michaels

Have you spoken to Andrea Bargnani about the poor season thus far? To me, he seems like he doesn’t care so I ask you since you actually speak to him. So, Is bargnani pissed off or disappointed or even has any emotions towards this season?

Stephen Brotherston

I talked to Andrea at the last home game – he does care, but he doesn’t express it in a way that comes across well on TV. No one should doubt Andrea wants to win. He doesn’t know why they can’t put it all together this season.

Andrea is never going to be a vocal leader. He will never be a spokesperson for the team. I don’t expect he’ll ever be a great interview either – at least in english – but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t care.

Jama malaela

If Gasol is traded to the raptors.. I believe he would be unhappy and pout because he’s not on a contender. Your thoughts?

Stephen Brotherston

Gasol is a pro – but who’d be happy being trade from the Lakers to a last place team?

Jeff

Is Kyle Lowry playing through injury or is he 100%?

Stephen Brotherston

He wasn’t 100% when he left on the road trip. Then it looked like he bumped that foot during a game and he hopped off the court in pain – returning later. That doesn’t sound like 100% yet.

Brian

How do you see Amir Johnson’s statistical performance being affected in the short- to medium-term as Valanciunus struggles and Barg is the subject of trade rumors?

Stephen Brotherston

Amir is pretty good at blocking it all out – but the rumors will affect the team as a whole. Hopefully it motivates them, but I wouldn’t count on that.

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