NBA Chat With Stephen Brotherston 1/21/13

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.

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  1. Steve

    Are the raptors considering trading jose? His trade value surely has gone up and would it make sense to package him and bargs in order to get the sf they need?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Welcome to this afternoon’s chat.

      Since going 4-19 to start the season, the Toronto Raptors have been turning things around – timed suspiciously to the return of veteran Alan Anderson to the lineup – 11-7 record since Dec 12th. Trade rumors have been rampant – but with Andrea Bargnani on the shelf and Jose Calderon playing exceptionally well – rumors have remained just rumors – deals are very tough to do with injured players.

      Colangelo couldn’t have been more clear – in words & actions – that Jose is considered to be a valuable trade piece due to his high skill level and expiring contract. But Jose is only really of high value to a team in need of a PG to play significant minutes – that doesn’t make him a good fit in Memphis for those wishing for Rudy Gay to find his way to Toronto. No one is going to be in a rush to trade for Bargnani until after his elbow gets a clean bill of health – that’s still t.b.d.

      Colangelo is still looking to make a deal, Casey has stated the team is looking to improve – but there’s the rub – Raptors are still looking to improve, they are not looking to dump contracts. This could take a while

  2. Deven

    Any chance Paul Pierce or Rajon Rondo get traded? I read somewhere Rondo is on the block.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Rondo is reported as being on the block every year – too good – too cheap a contract – to trade imo

  3. Deven

    How does the loss of Louis Williams effect the Hawks playoff chances?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Big loss as an impact guy who can score, change direction of a game – not good – he is replaceable, but….

  4. Deven

    Did you talk to Steve Nash yesterday? If so, did he say he was very close to signing with the Toronto Raptors?

  5. Daniel

    Good day. Can you tell me what do you think about this trade – Prince and Knight for Lowry and filler…Prince can be the veteran presence Raps need and Knight is still young, whereas Pistons need real PG with defensive mentality

    • Stephen Brotherston

      A deal sending out Lowry to get back Brandon Knight and take on Prince’s salary isn’t without merit. Knight is controllable on his rookie deal, Lowry only has a team option for next season and then becomes an UFA. Prince doesn’t give the Raptors more than they get from Fields & Anderson, but to get a guy with upside, there is always a price to pay.

      From the Pistons side – this move might just accelerate their program – a tough maybe. From the Raptors side, they’d be counting on Calderon coming back & mentoring Knight. I don’t see this type of move happening unless both teams are beginning to doubt their earlier decisions.

  6. TORaptorsFan

    Do you believe Kyle Lowry has shown that he deserves consideration as the starting Raptors PG either this year or if/when Jose moves on?

    The more I watch Lowry play the less convinced I am that he is the kind of player that can make his teammates on the floor better. His decision making seems questionable, he takes too many risks, and his game seems too selfish. To my eyes, his game is suited to tempo-changing backup.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      The more I watch Lowry play – the more I am convinced that shoulder injury still hurts and he is just a misstep away from his foot hurting him again. Lowry admitted his foot was still hurting when he came back and he only rarely shows the same acceleration we saw at the beginning of the season. Lowry plays a tough physical style, but his injuries – at the very least – have him off his game at times.

      Lowry can be a starter – Calderon can start – right now the guy who has been most effective in a starting role has the job and deserves to keep it. Casey is willing to slant the minutes towards the guy who has got it going on any particular night – In fairness, both of these PGs can be great backups or used in 2 PG lineups – they have shown they can be pretty versatile.

  7. Deven

    What’s your take on the Suns picking Lindsay Hunter to be the interim head coach?

    • Bill Ingram

      He’s the one management has had their eye on for the long-term coach anyway, so he’s getting an early start. Do I think the Suns will be better right away? No. Coaching wasn’t the problem in Phoenix . . .it was a jumbled, mismatched, crazy roster.

  8. Deven

    Any chance Greg Oden plays in the NBA this season, or next season?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      There is always a chance – but the GM who takes it has to know the risks. Oden’s history is what it is – some guys recover from serious knee injury, but multiple injuries suggest it is much less likely. Can always hope he can make some kind of comeback, if he really wants to take that kind of personal risk.

  9. Deven

    What impressed you about yesterday’s win over the Lakers?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      I was impressed(surprised might be a better word) by how badly the Lakers supported each other at the defensive end. A very veteran team that didn’t communicate – often at either end. That wasn’t just coaching – a high school coach could have pointed out the basic stuff the Lakers were not doing – that type of play is on the players – they all know what to do and chose not to do it.

      From the Raptors side, they took advantage of what the Lakers gave them and didn’t fold when the Lakers vastly superior talent decided to put in a little effort – from time-2-time

  10. Peter

    Hey Stephen, I keep hearing rumours that DeJuan Blair is on the trading block. Why are the Spurs so desperate to unload him? He ain’t the best PF in the league but can be useful during the playoffs. His ability to finish around the rim makes him a valuable asset for any team.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Spurs have been trying to off load Blair since the summer. His contract is up, they are unlikely to make him a RFA and they’d like to get something back. Blair is a prospect forward, not a bad guy, but there aren’t really a shortage of prospect forwards in the league. Someone might want to pick him up at the deadline if they have an open roster spot

  11. Steve

    Do you think calderon will be moved before the trade deadline?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      It’s possible, but unless a playoff team loses a starting PG, less than 50/50. Teams with salary cap issues are adamant they will not make purely financial deals (we’ll see as we get closer to the deadline)
      Without Calderon, the Raptors’ record might be worse than the Wizards – Raptors have no reason to try and tank this season (or the opportunity to tank effectively – to a bottom 2 team – has past them by)

  12. LA in LA

    I think your Raptors stuck the fork in the Lakers. I can’t see them making the playoffs anymore. Mathematically it’s possible, but I doubt it, and I really doubt that the Spurs/Clippers/Thunder wouldn’t beat the Lakers so bad they actually would call the series off after game 3 for mercy’s sake.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      The Raptors placed the fork in the Lakers season – tonight its the Bulls turn to drive it in a little further.

      Then the Grizz, Jazz & Thunder will get a chance to remove any doubt. It isn’t over, but Lakers played like it didn’t matter if they won or lost in Toronto with the predictable result

  13. LA in LA

    Two trade questions for you:

    1) Do the Bucks plan on trading 2 or 3 of their glutton of bigs for a wing player(s)?

    2) Why would Nuggets be interested in Millsap when they have Faried, unless Karl would plan to go small alot?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      1)Would the Bucks like to trade Dalembert & Gooden – for anything might even include a draft pick so someone would take them – sure, but there doesn’t appear to be a lot of interest. A deal to get a wing using some of their other bigs is possible.

      2) Good question – Millsap is a very good player – on an expiring deal – he would boost the Nugs playoff chances this year – more of a PF than a SF – but can play both. Really depends on what player the Nugs would have to give up to get a guy who might be a rental. If the Nugs think they are close to a WCF berth, Millsap is guy who could be the difference

  14. Jim in CyberSpace

    So now the Kings will be the Sonics. I hope Seattleites finally stop pointing the finger at OKC as “Team Stealer s”. ‘Cause they are in the same boat now? This is better than a soap opera.

    It’s not the fans fault. Can’t blame the fans for supporting a team that somehow ends up in your city, right? Pro teams have moved forever.

    It’s all on the League. The League “approves” all sales knowing what is probably going to happen. So, I hope Seattleites take a chill pill…it’s kinda on Seattle anyway, had the city ponied up to build a new Arena in the first place….they would have KD RW etc… Now they get DMC etc… And Thank God the Maloof’s aren’t owners of their new team.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Can’t blame the fans – unless they don’t show up to support the team – both Sactown & Seattle supported their teams. The extortion by some billionaires to get a free building for their personal toy to use can be a little much to accept at times.

      Hard to blame anyone for a business decision – the team should be able to make more money in Seattle and the city is doing their best to make sure that’s the case.

  15. bigmiv

    Hello Stephen

    BC seemed to gearing up for this trade deadline for the last year wanting to get a star player from one of these tax team, he has to get a deal done , if not should he be fired, and either way were does the team go from here, how does it posssible get better in the near future?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      A decision on a GM should never come down to one move or one plan (see LAL) – you really have to look at their career/ body of work – it doesn’t make sense to fire someone if when you look at their moves, you agreed with them at the time. Sometimes things just don’t work out and you have to try again. It is always possible to be worse off by hiring a GM with less experience or mediocre results just for the sake of change.

      Just because you can’t get the star you want at the trade deadline doesn’t mean the same idea can’t be implemented during the summer – next year luxury tax gets far more expensive – the pressure will build on tax teams.

  16. Mapko

    Considering what Nets gave up for J Johnson, why would we have to give more than say Jose, Kleiza (got to unload at least 1 bad contact) & either Ed or Ross for a bloated overpaid, but talented R Gay?
    Is Rudy’s value closer to what OKC got for Harden?
    I don’t see it in todays CBA.
    What do you thinks?
    Thanks
    No argument that if Gay made 13-15 mil (reasonable contract for a near all star in today’s CBA

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Gay isn’t earning his contract in Memphis – but he isn’t the featured guy in their offense – there is a good argument he’d put up better numbers on a different team.

      But there is a strong argument that Memphis is over reaching if they expect teams to give up multiple good rotation players for Gay – that contract will have teams asking for a discount somehow/ someway

      For the Raptors, the Grizz have a starting PG and will not be all that excited about getting Jose.

  17. Hooper

    Good afternoon,
    Since Dwight Howard is now in the west, is Andre Drummond the new heir apparent as the best center in the east?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Lets not jump to conclusions – Hibbert is in the East – Drummond is a very young rookie. Brooke has a lot on Drummond as of today. Forgetting Chandler? Let’s give the kid more than a handful of decent games before buying him an All-Star jersey. Drummond has done a real nice job lately – might be the best big man in this rookie class – that’s might be

  18. LA in LA

    I was appalled by by the illegal screen Ibaka got away with on Corey Brewer on KD’s last shot in OT. It really wasn’t even a screen, he just ran into him and pushed him on the ground. I was amazed the refs got the Collison illegal screen call right but missed that.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      I get appalled by calls on a regular basis – we get told to get over it and move on to the next game.

  19. dub

    I read about an interview with Durant a few days ago where he said before he made the nba he had wished he could play for the raptors. I felt a combination of happiness and depression. Depressed because we didnt get him, but happy that he wanted to be on the raps. Can you imagine what he would have done for the raps franchise? Ugh, the depression sets in again…

  20. dub

    Players like Lebron, Kobe, and Jordan are all great players and have great accomplishments. Other than maybe the Wiggins kid, will we ever see a superstar enter the league and say i’m going to bring Canada its first NBA championship. Why not try to sell that pitch to Lebron in 2014?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Can always try – might be a tough sale to an American kid – Raptors even lost out to the Lakers with Nash

  21. dub

    After watchin the raps and Lakers it seemed to me that maybe the kobe+nash combo is the biggest problem. It’s like they have to decide when they get passed half court who is going to facilitate. I saw kobe have a couple possessions where he did well contolling the ball, and I saw nash take the ball and create a few lobs to gasol. But I never saw a kobe/nash play for a bucket. Should kobe let nash facilitate more?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Lakers are not a team that’s in sync. More than enough offensive talent to just play street ball – but that’s not going to work at the other end of the court. It might be better to let Nash facilitate every play offensively, but that’s a huge change for Kobe and Nash is deferring to Kobe and will have to until Kobe lets him run the offense every time – and its not really the Lakers biggest problem

  22. LayHee

    In a recent Hoopsworld article, Alex Kennedy suggests a correlation between the hiring of John Hollinger by the Grizzlies (inventor of PER) and the team’s willingness to part with Rudy Gay. Despite being a border line all-star, Gay has a poor PER rating (5th on Grizz and 140th league wide). This line of reasoning makes a whole lot of sense, as a proponent of PER would have difficulty paying a player in excess of 17-18 mill a year who has less than a league average rating. Would you personally agree with Alex’s assessment? And do you believe there is a trading partner out there willing to part with young players / picks for Gay in the hopes a new scenery will change the player for the better. Your thoughts.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      The small market Grizz need to be efficient in their payroll and luxury tax is an issue – Hollinger provides a mathematical formula to evaluate talent (big test).

      Gay is a contract vs value issue – it makes sense to move him if you are trying to be efficient – not so much if you are trying to win BBall games

      There are definitely teams that will take on Gay’s contract – but they aren’t fools – teams know what the Grizz are trying to accomplish

  23. kush sharma

    You are BC and you have to choose between Jose Calderon and Kyle Lowry. Who do u keep? Who do you trade? Both are good moveable assets

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Market dictates – Either guy can be your PG – Raptors need a talent upgrade

  24. Akshay

    Whats your take on the Celtics? They need a big man and reliable scorer. What are they doing to alleviate this issue?

    Thanks,

    • Stephen Brotherston

      The Cs do need a big man – they are too good to be a lottery team, not enough to be a threat & KG & PP are running out of time. Doc says they need a shake up – but they really need a trade.

  25. Gilly

    Whats the word on Valancuinas injury?

  26. SatBchMagicer

    Good afternoon Stephen, Having followed with keen interest your ongoing ‘Rookie Watch’ all season(only gripe: JV needs to be ‘dropped’ until playing again); I now present a 2013 ‘Rising Stars’ scenario for your comments. Here are my 18 ‘candidates’ for inclusion: C-Nikola Vucevic-ORL/Andre Drummond-DET, PF-Kenneth Faried-DEN/Anthony Davis-NOH/Tristan Thompson-CLE/Andrew Nicholson-ORL, SF-Chandler Parsons-HOU/Kawhi Leonard-SAS/Michael Kidd-Gilchrist-CHA/Harrison Barnes-GSW, SG-Klay Thompson-GSW/Bradley Beal-WAS/Dion Waiters-CLE/Alexey Shved-MIN and PG-Kyrie Irving-CLE/Damian Lillard-POR/Kemba Walker-CHA/Brandon Knight-DET; My list is ‘balanced’ as to position, just happens to include 9 rookies and 9 2nd year players(don’t think that is a requirement- but it is nice it worked out that way) and is presently ‘doable’(all are currently playing). My first ‘alternates’ are: Marcus Morris-HOU and E’Twaun Moore-ORL. Don’t know when actual selection by Team’s ‘Chuck’ and ‘Shaq’ take place, but would like your thoughts on this ‘possible’ 2013 Rising Stars teams roster.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Thanks for the great comment.

      In the rising stars – Vucvic has impressed a lot – Orlando scored a big win on that acquisition. Those are all great young players you have listed. We need a “free” Nicholson – the kid deserves more playing time.

  27. Mark

    Can you see Bargnani as a fit in Washington with Nene or Okafor if one of them were to come back in a trade? Both are post players and Bargnani could stretch the floor for Wall to operate. At this point in time I could see Nene or Okafor offering more in Casey’s system than Bargnani.

  28. Doug

    Would you agree that Alan Anderson is more productive and ultimately more valuable then Demar Derozan (currently not in the future)? If they were both 24 it wouldn’t even be debatable.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Anderson is 30 and playing like an unflappable veteran – DeMar should be paying attention – Anderson has the edge DeMar is missing

  29. Mark

    Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer recently stated in his article that the Bobcats could possibly have interest in Bargnani. If that’s the case, of you’re Colangelo do you take Diop’s expiring contract and call it a day? I really can’t imagine the Raptors getting a draft pick at this point in time.

  30. Dave

    Do you see the Raptors making any trades or picking up any free agents before the deadline? If so, who do you think is most likely to be traded?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Don’t see the Raptors signing another FA during the season – don’t really have minutes to anybody who is currently available. If Colangelo can find “his deal” to land a star player – everyone is on the table. Bargnani and Calderon top the list of most likely, but for the right deal, anyone

  31. Ron

    What are the chances that when Bargnani comes back he plays out the remainder of the season and they the Raps look at prospective trades in the off-season closer to the draft. I’ve heard that teams are more likely to be more willing with trades around draft time.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      As much as Colangelo wants to make a trade, sometimes there just isn’t a deal to be had. Trade deadline, draft, July are all times when teams are looking to deal.

  32. Dimanan

    What did you think of Jack Armstrong’s voice during last Friday’s game? Quite funny and dick vitale-ish

  33. Frank

    For those who believe Jose Calderon is the missing piece for their playoff team must not watch Raptor games or are boxscore fans. Is Jose top 10 in assists? Yes. Does he control the offense and not turn over the ball? Yes. But the man has concrete feet and plays absolute atrocious defense. It takes only a baby crossover to get past him, leading to help, the extra pass and easy buckets for the other team. My son’s highschool team PG literally plays better D. Next time you check the boxscore, look at how many points/dimes the opposing PG has – and 9 out of 10 times Jose was lit up. Agree or Disagree with my assessment of Calderon.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Let’s be fair here, No high school PG plays better D than any end of the bench min salary PG in the NBA – There are none – zero. The talent level in the NBA of the guys who can’t get into a game is off the charts.

      Jose’s D is excellent, within Casey’s zone – Casey hides the defensive deficiencies of players exceptionally well. There has never been a lack of effort on D from Jose – lack of ability sure, but not effort. I have run opposing PG scoring versus Jose in the past – I got similar numbers to their season averages. Sometimes he gets lit up, but not if the coach can adjust his defensive schemes

      There are lots of scoring PGs in the league today – almost no one stops them anymore – now if the Raptors could land Rondo, I’m all in.

  34. Ajit

    I think it’s safe to say that Jose will not be on this team next season. The question is, will we trade him, or let him walk for nothing in July?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Jose is an UFA, he can walk for nothing. But he really does like living in Toronto during the season, Colangelo can re-sign him. Only see a trade happening that provides value back – its not a sure thing that such a deal can be made. Giving Calderon away will cost the team wins in a season they have no reason to tank games.

  35. Mike

    Do U think injuried Bynum has any trade value right now and what Philly will do with him.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Little value – real risk Bynum doesn’t play this season and he is a UFA. Doesn’t mean a deal can’t happen, but the risk is absolutely huge the acquiring team ends up with absolutely nothing next season/ maybe even this season. Philly is best off to wait things out

  36. Mac

    If you had the decision of sending Amir or Ed to another team in trade bundle, who would you opt to keep?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      You need to know both sides of a transaction to make that call, but right now, Ed should get the team the most back – so if you want to land a star – Raps will have to be willing to part with a player the other team wants.

      I like Amir’s developing veteran presence – Raptors are too young, so its easier to part with a young guy – but again this depends on the deal.

  37. Mike

    Hi,Stephen ,a big fan of you!
    If Rockets like Zach Randolph like the rumours say,what can they give for him?Thanks

    • Stephen Brotherston

      That’s the big question. Other than Asik, who would the Grizz want? There aren’t taking junk back

  38. ballhog

    Raps seem to be getting better, but still can only beat sub 500 teams. What do they need to too to take the next step? Or are we just going to be a mediocre team until the end of time…Seems like the same old story for the Raps..

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Raptors are playing without their two 7′ starters – the better teams tend to have at least 1 7′ guy in their rotation and the Raps are trying to guard them with a couple of 6’9″ PF – so its tough.

      Colangelo has been trying to get a star player – its hard to be more than mediocre without one – it takes time to find out if your rookies can be stars or just guys you can play.

      The end of time is a long time.
      It wasn’t that long ago the team did have a true franchise guy in Vince Carter – just need to find the next one (doesn’t have to be that good to work)

  39. Mike

    Hi!
    My question is can Atlanta team be a destination for star players like Monta Ellis,Al Jeff etc. if they contrive to keep Josh Smith.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Hard to see Atlanta as a destination – but for the guys you’re listing – it should just be all about the money

  40. itay

    do u think maybe with varajeo out for the season we can pull off a trade for him and send back bargnani so then we have a good backup center or starting pf and a great mentor for valanciunas ?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Really hate to say this, but Andy being injured plays so well into the Cavs plans (to get a top 5 draft pick) – that they are probably (privately) very happy with the situation just as it is. They can bring Andy back to mentor their guys next season.

  41. Tom Brady

    Quincy acy has impressed me recently. I am starting to see that he will stick around in the league. What are your thoughts on quincy?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Acy is learning fast – plays much bigger than his height – definitely ahead of where most 2nd round picks are at this point in the season – I think he has a future – in Toronto or elsewhere – he’ll work to earn it.

  42. Steve-O

    Do you See the lakers trading howard ?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Howard looks like he is still rehabbing and if they lose the good vibe the team started the season with, he’s an UFA, so doing a deal makes sense. But assume the Lakers know Howard will be back to being his old self next season and maintain their relationship – he is a building block player – you don’t trade him unless you are going to lose him. Lakers as an organization are pretty good at what they do – hard to see them messing this situation up.

  43. JM

    Folloing up on dub’s question – why not just do our best to go after Wiggins instead?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      It would be great to get Wiggins – it is just a really long shot strategy – the lottery makes no pick a sure thing and top draft prospects are very tough to trade for

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