NBA Chat With Stephen Brotherston 12/17/12

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.

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  1. Steve

    If it’s not the casey that’s the problem, then what is the problem?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Welcome to this afternoon’s chat

      It’s 2 wins in a row at home for the Toronto Raptors and its been 8 months since the last time anyone could have said that. The difference – seems simple – effort that lasted until the game ended

      Casey can’t escape all the blame for the Raptors terrible start this season – he tried to pull out wins with veterans – starting McGuire all of those games being a case in point – but its hard to blame him – injuries at the point and SF have really hurt this team once again. And those first 22-games were not going to be pretty even if they had played well – 15 road games and a tough overall schedule – 8-10 wins would have been acceptable.

      The undoubtedly (?slightly) misquoted Andrea Bargnani “Raptors are the worst team in the league” – they were in last place briefly – just maybe hit a nerve – even with the injuries, the Raptors shouldn’t have fallen to last and the guys have been playing with some pride since they returned home from that 0-5 road trip.

      Have to like what Jose calderon has been doing at the point – team record JC starting 4-6, ave 13.2pts/11.5 asts. Lowry has played most of his games with a bruised foot and it hurts.

  2. Steve

    Do you think the raptors should trade barg and jose for deng or somebody with that caliber at the SF position? Clearly Ed can replace the pf position and lowry has pg.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      If the Raptors could get someone like Deng – they have to make the effort. There just doesn’t appear to be anyone that young & that good on the market.

      I really like what we have seen from Ed – he is putting together effort games this season more frequently and just maybe he’s started to figure out what he has to do be successful in the league. Based on where the team is, it is time to gamble on Ed continuing to play the right way.

      In terms of trade value – Lowry might bring back more than JC in trade – no options should be off the table if an opportunity to dramatically improve the team comes up. And I have always liked how Jose runs the team – he just needs better talent around him than he’s had in the past.

  3. Me

    3 team trade. Works with salaries:

    Raptors – Pekovic, Barea
    Lakers – Calderon, Der. Williams, Kleiza
    T’Wolves – Gasol

    Thoughts?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Hits on a lot of hot buttons at the moment.

      Lakers can afford to show patience – they will be a lot better with Nash & Gasol back – not sure this move would get them to give up Gasol – yet –

      Pekovic tends to be underrated – Twolves should be after a SG

  4. raps4ever

    Hi Steve,
    I wish you lots of health and success in 2013. So, my question to you is, if BC is such a great GM, how is it he hasn’t won any championships? A lot of younger GM like Ainge, Donnie Nelson to mention a few has won championships.
    Don’t you think there is something wrong? Secondly, the Raps, really need a guy like Kareem Abdul Jabar to teach our young bigs particularly JV.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Thank you for the well wishes – Best to you in the new year!

      Colangelo had some great teams in Phoenix – there shouldn’t be an argument with that. Sometimes things just don’t go your way. It’s a lot easier to question some of his moves in Toronto, but if he hadn’t of faced bad luck – you could say he hasn’t had any luck since year 1. Colangelo takes risks and most of his risks in Toronto have bit him back. Even this year – Fields – undiagnosed elbow problem, Lowry bruises his foot in game #4 – not really the GMs fault. To go with numerous other injuries.

      The Raptors didn’t hire Ed Stefanski because every move Colangelo has made was turning out. Ed has a pretty good track record as a GM.

      Anytime you can get a former All-Star to coach young players technique – its worth a shot – but its not like former players who can teach have any trouble finding guys who will pay them to train them.

  5. GSW4ever

    Stephen,Goin at the current rate of Dubs and Clips win total.Does the NBA gonna do a great injustice to my team the (Dubs).And give recognition to the Clips as Coach of the Year and Executive of the Yr. Dubs clearly have done a btr job cleaning house and with rookie contributing to our win totals.Easy for stars to just ship to LA and get the star treatment.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Its a little early to be handing out awards – at least wait until after New Years to get concerned about being snubbed.

      Even Toronto has won a COY & EOY, so you don’t have to be in a major US TV market to win these awards

  6. Steve

    Would kings/raptors be interested in a trade moving tyreke to toronto? If so, what would kings want in return?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Kings could/should be interested in moving TE – the Raptors should be interested in listening. I’d like to know more about his knees before accessing value though. Kings do need a veteran leader – Lowry would be a guy they’d be interested in – but Toronto would want more than just Evans back. These are 2 teams that should be able to put together a deal, but real risk both teams will value their own guys more than the other team does

      Evans does look like he’s in the way – Kings shouldn’t wait too long if they want to move him – most teams don’t believe the Kings will match an offer in FA – value could drop after new years

  7. Steve

    When will we see Jonas getting more minutes? Would starting Amir over him help him out and will playing with other bench players help him re-gain his momentum?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Casey is trying to win games – and he trusts his veterans more than his rookies. Jonas – like for most of this season – will have trouble gaining Casey’s confidence in the 4th quarter of winnable games until he is noticeably outplaying Amir – or Colangelo sends word to start tanking – the Raptors haven’t given up on the season yet.

      Colangelo has a history of liking his star rookie (see DeRozan) start and play 20 minutes rather than come off the bench – don’t see that changing. Besides, Jonas has not been hurting the Raptors by starting

  8. LA in LA

    Considering how bad Raptors look right now, Bargnani saying he’s on worst team in league shouldn’t be THAT big of a deal, right?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      I’d guess what Bargnani actually said was the Raptors were a last place team – and it got lost in translation – AND NO that shouldn’t have been that big of a deal to anyone – since it was true at the time!

      Raptors have played much better since that story came out – whether he meant that to happen or not – whether its true or not – I’d argue it woke the guys up – therefore – good on him for saying it (or not doesn’t matter)

  9. LA in LA

    Hey Brotherson, I know it’s early but do Raptors have any idea if Lowry is willing to stay there long term?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      No one knows – it hasn’t been a topic yet – but it surely will be if the Raptors are out of the playoffs early and no moves are made. Lowry is controlled by the Raptors for next season – gives them some leeway

  10. redyraptor

    The raptors had a couple good games defensively most noteably since bargs has been out. Does a A .Bargs coming off the bench seem inevitable now and would lowry buy into the raps n trust his teamates more..particularly Bargs.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      I wouldn’t put any stock in the Raptors improved play being even remotely connected to Bargs & Lowry being out other than the guys who did play – played hard for 48 minutes – probably because they knew they had to or become “the worst team in the league” and have no where to hide from that statement.

      What happens when Lowry & Bargs come back is t.b.d. – only hope the new energy & effort stays & team play is build upon

  11. Kenny

    If the wolves decided to trade KLove, does an Aldridge-for-Love trade benefit both teams?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Love would be very difficult to trade – LA wouldn’t get me to do a deal.

      Love is under contract for 2 more seasons + PO – you build around him, not move him out – at least until the end of next season.

  12. dub

    Is it just me or would the raps be stupid to let Jose go? They’re playing with basically their bench players and have been able to win games. In my opinion the ball moves alot more fluently when jose is handling over Kyle. I’m afraid Kyle may be the TJ ford of the past.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Kyle is more than TJ Ford – but there is no question that so far, the Raptors have played better with Jose running the point. I would be very very hesitant to trade Jose unless I’m getting some very good talent back.

      Raptors have options:
      - Lowry is a high value trade piece – likely brings back a lot better player than Jose.
      - Calderon could start & run the point, Lowry off the bench for 30+ per game at the 2 and backup PG, Raptors would be running a smaller lineup a lot of the time but a healthy Lowry can guard other SG.

      Casey will have decisions to make – a lot of the decision will be made by how well Jose plays over the next couple of weeks, but we have all seen this before – what Jose is doing now isn’t anything he hasn’t done before.

  13. dub

    It’s past Dec. 15th now, when bargs comes back should we expect to see the trade everyones been waiting for. And for who? Varejao? Ilyasova? Pekovic?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Any of the above would most people in Toronto happy at this point.
      I’d expect Cleveland to want another 1st round draft pick or a JV or TR as part of the deal – can’t see Colangelo giving up his rooks
      Ilyasova would be trading 2 guys who have been struggling to give them both a fresh start – kind of makes a lot of sense – neither team is really any better off talent wise, but both players likely step it up afterwards.
      I like Pek – maybe the Wolves decide they need the scoring. Big issue would be both Love & Bargs like to shoot from outside – could be in each others way?

      Not feeling a rush to make deals yet, but there are enough under-performing teams to guarantee discussions

  14. dub

    Alan Anderson sure seems to be taken alot of shots lately. He should go back to knowing his job as the role player and pick his shots alot more. There were times yesterday where he thought he was kobe Bryant

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Anderson role is defend and to take open shots – he was being left wide open by the Rockets and he made them pay. AA is a solid jump shooter, he wasn’t doing anything outside of his role or his ability – you won’t see that again if someone guards him.

  15. kush sharma

    Do you think bargnani will be benched once he returns? I think ed davis has earned his spot on the starting lineup

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Really tough call, but if Bargs was good to go vs Cavs, he would start – in another month or 2, that might change. Ed hasn’t earned it yet, he is in the process of earning it and if Ed forgets its a process, he’ll lose the starting job before Bargs gets back.

  16. JP

    Hi Stephen! How are you?
    Having in mind the current roster of Minnesota, which would be your targeted player to make this team rock?
    My best friend thinks that what Minne lacks of is another starter PF who rebounds, defends & hits the 3 at a high rate so Love can play the 3 if he keeps losing weight.
    Thanks!

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Another wing would help in Minny – major injury issues here. Love is pretty effective where he is.

      I’d be talking to the Kings about Evans for Williams

  17. Chris

    Hi Stephen. Is Joakim Noah the leading candidate for Defensive Player of the Year. The Bulls have the leading defense in the league and Noah is the leader in defensive win share. Plus, the guy is an iron man, 2nd in the league in minutes.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Noah – in the conversation for DPOY on a team that’s holding its own with defense despite injuries – makes a good case.

  18. Raptorfan2012

    Do the Raptors have any interest in Derrick Williams or Eric Gordon? Maybe dangle Jose Calderon and Terrence Ross? Glad to see us back in the W column for once.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Have to hope Colangelo doesn’t take the risk of another injured player – team history on that front isn’t good.
      Williams is interesting, but would probably have to be part of a larger deal.
      The more I see of Ross, the less I’d want to see him traded.

  19. francis

    who is your team to win the nba championship

  20. Zac

    Is there anyway portland can turn some expiring contracts and the three second round picks they own into a semi decent bench player? Linus Klieza came to mind but im not sure if he would be redundant with luke babbitt.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      expiring deals just do not have the value they once held, but a player like Kleiza wouldn’t be too hard to get

  21. Roon

    Danny Granger to the Raptors for Ross and Calderon. Who says no to that?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Likely Indy – they are holding their own without Granger – adding him back for the 2nd half puts them back into 2nd round + discussion again.

  22. Raps Fan

    Many fans are now questioning Lowry. Not for his ability but for his me-first play which may coincide with the fact that he is playing for a big contract. 8 years in the league and Kyle has only played 1 full season. If he continues to post LeBron James-like numbers I don’t want to be the sucker who hands him the LeBron James-like deal, which Bryan won’t be too shy to do (it’s not his money, right?). It might be smarter to deal Kyle in a package with Bargnani it may yield a higher return.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      I wouldn’t take that possible deal off the table. If Lowry & Bargs lands the impact player that could take this team to the next level – you get it done.

      A GM who overvalues or is to loyal to the guys on his own roster will hold back his team.

  23. Richard

    Hey Stephen,

    Yesterday another case of odd coaching decision by Casey. Ed was literally in beast mode and he decides to sit him? What in the world is going on? Only difference is this time we managed to squeak out a win. Several times in the 4th quarter he has pulled players that are hot for no apparent reason. What do you think?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Rockets went small – Amir was playing great defense. Casey trusts his vets over his young guys – see Jonas.

      When the team is losing – it looks really bad when a young guy who was playing well goes to the bench and the vets don’t pull out the win, but it generally is the better coaching move.

      If the Raptors had given up on the season, Ed (& Jonas) would both have been in the game a lot longer

  24. lukas

    Hi! How are You?

    1. What do You think about Collison role in Dallas right now? Under Fishers wings can he start being a better poing guard?

    2. Can Sunders be a best shot blocker already in this season ?

    3. What is going on right now with Monroe?

    Thanks!

    • Stephen Brotherston

      1. Saw Collison play in Toronto recently – might be harsh, but it looks like he is costing them games. Hopefully Fisher can get him back on track.
      2. Larry is looking good – 63 blocks already – I’m impressed
      3. How would you like to be stuck in Detroit? Has to be hard when the only team you can beat lately is Cleveland.

  25. J*WYN*

    Good afternoon Stephen,
    So we have a little win streak going, wont hold my breath but happy to see them back in the win column. Watching this team over the last two games you see the chemistry and a cohesiveness not seen when Lowery or Bargnani are on the floor. This leads me to wonder the obvious, 1. Bargnani no longer fits this team 2. Kyle Lowery maybe the asset to shop instead of Calderon. Lets face it, every time the raps bring in a supposed better PG, Calderon always ends up a some point the started and court leader. No offense to Lowery but he seems more into taking over the team rather then leading them and involving everyone. I think I take my chances on keeping Calderon and shopping Lowery and Bargnani for a prominent wing (maybe Gay) and young up and coming PG that can be mentored by the likes of Jose…. your thoughts?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      It’s hard not to notice the change from when Calderon is running the team to Lowry – of course Calderon has been here 8 seasons and knows everybody – big advantage.

      If Colangelo wants that big impact move – he doesn’t have more to offer right now than Lowry & Bargs, so …. nothing can be off the table

  26. felly

    have you noticed that jose plays his best basketball when he is the backup pg starting for the injured starter, this also happened when tj ford was here

  27. Cris Collinsworth

    Hello Stephen, do you see Jonas or Terrence playing in the rookie-sophomore game? Would they need to step their game up as of now to be considered?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Would hope so. Both are top ranked rookies now. They have to keep it up though.

  28. big kev

    hey Stephen!

    with the stellar play of jose calderon so far, i see his trade value rising.

    i feel like trading JC and bargnani for Millsap and either Marvin Williams or even Gordan Hayward would be a step in the right direction.

    thoughts??

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Those would be a quality adds. Issue with Millsap is would he re-sign here?

  29. ALEX

    Great chats. I honestly think ROGERS group must realize that only way for RAPS. be relevant again to overpay players. To pay a star as a superstar and so on.Good players attract good players. Deep playoffs will bring full house and money back. will u agree?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      If the Raptors don’t plan on being a tax team – they won’t generate the interest, TV ratings, or ticket sales the Toronto market can generate. Rogers/Bell should realize that – hopefully.

  30. JDC

    Deng for Derozan, Fields?

    Deng For Beasley, Dudley, Morris
    Bellineli picks for T. Evans

    Some fillers to make i work?
    Makes the Bulls younger and more scoring and athletic

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Bulls trade Deng – may as well say, they don’t expect Rose back this season.

      Been watching Marco B play for a long time. When he’s hot – everything drops. When he’s cold, he couldn’t sink the bucket if he stood on Noah’s shoulders and tried to drop it in. Not really the guy you trade TE for. Useful guy to have on your bench though.

  31. rexdaleraptor

    is it me or does kyle lowry need to drop som weight? I can see hes having trouble staying infront of point guards..he had a good defensive game against cp3 but hes had trouble keeping point guards infront of him

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Remember Kyle has been playing on a bruised foot – lateral movement has been hampered – shows up on the defensive end the most. We’ve had 4 maybe 5 games with Lowry playing the way he can.

  32. Tom Bradley

    Do you believe Jose is gone next season as in he will sign else where?? Disappointing really…. Yesterday’s game reminded me why he is so great

    • Stephen Brotherston

      If Toronto wants Jose back, Jose likes playing in Toronto – there’s a deal there to be made.

  33. Colin kaepernick

    With the Cleveland, Detroit, and Orlando games all seeming winnable… Can we talk About a potential 5 game win streak and ultimately PLAYOFFS!!!!????

    • Stephen Brotherston

      That had better be the goal (and the result) – the Raptors have already lost their quota of close & winnable games

  34. david

    I get the whole “you dont give away assets” point of view when it comes to Bargnani but how about “addition by subtraction point of view”? Why dont we trade Bargs for an expirer and with Calderons contract comning off the books we could have some serious cap space to spend on a quality free agent ala Al Jefferson, Josh Smith, David West, Iggy.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      It’s an option, but I don’t exactly like the odds of getting a big name free agent to sign in Toronto. If the team wants to go this route, then just go after Al Jefferson in trade.

  35. Prasanth

    how abt we get evans and demarcus cousins from the kings for lowry and Andrea..

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Kings need to make a move – so do the Raptors. It’s easy for both sides to argue why this deal doesn’t return enough – but I’d do it – it probably ends up helping both teams.

  36. Matt Devlin

    Is Bargnani as good as gone regardless of the Injury?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      The only sure thing is there’s a game in Cleveland on Tuesday and Bargs won’t be playing in it.

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