NBA Chat With Stephen Brotherston 2/4/13

Rapsfan

Who do you expect our starting PF to be at the end of the trade deadline? Is there a chance we might keep Bargnani? Would a Illyasova or Gasol make sense now that we acquired Gay financially?

Stephen Brotherston

Welcome to this afternoon’s chat.

Colangelo finally got his man and the impact has been immediate – Rudy Gay has looked every bit the Star the Raptors hoped he would be in Toronto.

The hints have been more than broad enough from Colangelo – Andrea Bargnani is in play, but that doesn’t mean a deal is going to get done.

Pau Gasol to the Raptors – if the LAL move off their stance that none of their big time players are available – makes sense. Gasol has 1 more year on his contract so the Raptors can plan around the tax implications pretty effectively and Gasol is still a really big time talent.

Ilyasova is lot like Bargnani, & similar contracts – but Ersan is easier to motivate to chase down rebounds. Raps would do a trade straight up – not sure the Bucks would be as interested any more, but its worth the phone call.

A chance Bargnani is still around on Feb 22 – actually a pretty good one. Bargnani gives the Raptors a 3rd scorer and Bargs would benefit from playing with Gay as much as DeRozan has – fewer double teams, more driving lanes… No point in dealing Bargs unless it makes the Raptors better.

Starting PF on Feb 22 probably should be Amir Johnson for his defense – time to take another look playing Bargs at Center (or at least guarding the biggest guy the other team puts on the floor) With Amir & Gay in the game, Bargs lack of help defense will not be so noticeable.

Nolonger Disgruntled Raps Fan

Hi Stephen, a trade of Bargs and Fields or Kleiza for Pau would be a dream come true but I only give it maybe 5%. If the extra guy was Amir instead would the Lakers bite?

Stephen Brotherston

If the Lakers insist on adding Amir to that deal, I think I’ll pass. Amir is the type of young veteran the Raptors need to hang onto for the long term.

Don’t count out a deal with the Lakers, but a lot of things need to happen to get the Lakers interested in what Toronto has to offer – including getting Howard back & healthy. Lakers will be hesitant to move Gasol if Howard is iffy and might decide to wait until July in any case

Steve

I really liked the Rudy Gay trade for the Raptors because it gives them the star power they needed. What is the next step this team need to make?

Stephen Brotherston

Raptors really do need a 3rd PG – not an emergency, but the Raptors can’t even really deal with Lowry or Lucas missing a week with a sore ankle at this point. Casey’s sales job about Alan Anderson running the point notwithstanding.

I would like to see what they got with Bargnani coming back before deciding the next big move

Steve

Do you see the raptors being anymore patient in bargnanI and give him another chance? Or do you consider bargs days in Toronto to be numbered?

Stephen Brotherston

Colangelo has made it pretty clear – if he gets a decent offer for Bargnani, he’ll take it. Don’t take that as a guarantee anything will happen, just that it could.

If Bargnani comes back and looks like DeRozan has playing beside Gay, Bargnani’s days in Toronto could be numbered in seasons. If not, well the acceptable price to make a deal could drop

Silassie

Hey Stephen

Clipper fan here.

We are having a good season and seem to be contenders but we seem to have a habit of getting beaten by sub .500 teams, some times in embarrasing blow outs. A lot of Clipper fans seem to think this is down to bad coaching and that VDN is not the man for the job.What’s your take on it?

Stephen Brotherston

Vinny always gets the “light-weight” tag when it comes to coaching – but when Chris Paul is running the show, there is a good argument that it doesn’t matter.

A better coach might get better results, but change doesn’t always get you the results you want. If the players like Vinny (sure seem to), its better to stay the course until the players’ actions tell you this isn’t working.

Dyaptor

Hi Steve, Now that BC, got Rudy Gay, my question to you is, how desperate is BC, of getting rid of Bargnani? Also, how serious is the Raptor organization willing to go over the cap if the right deal comes? Are they willing to accept a very good role player and future draft picks for Bargnani? I really think, having Bargs, is very BAD in terms of team chemistry. We should get rid of him no matter what, after he is cleared to play.

Stephen Brotherston

Not sure why the assumption Bargs is bad for team chemistry? Bargs tends to do what his coach tells him to do & he’s not a bad guy in the dressing room (when we are around anyway)

Colangelo has made it very clear he is willing to trade Bargnani – for the right deal.

New ownership at MLSE Rogers Sportsnet & Bell/TSN – can make more money off a playoff team than by saving money on players salaries – Its media content they purchased and media content is where these new owners make their money

Clayton in Portland

J.J. Hickson was recently included in an article recently for “most overrated rebounders.” At first, I wanted to dismiss it, as I am an unrelenting Homer. But two nights ago, I saw him fly in from off screen to try and get a rebound…that was already in teammate Luke Babbit’s hands, knocking the ball out of bounds for a turnover. Both players were seen jawing at each other during the ensuing time out. Is JJ worth the price tag he is going to command this summer? The blazers need a starting center and a sixth man. Is he the long term solution for either need? Would you want him on your team?

Stephen Brotherston

ever watched a player with a bit of history who is playing for a contract…. don’t be surprised at anything, this isn’t the easiest coaching situation – this isn’t the easiest situation to evaluate when offering a contract in July. If you need a center – the team could do worse.

LA in LA

I bet your excited about the flood of Rudy Gay complaints/praises your going get since your Mr.Raptor here right?

Anyway, I hear the Clippers are going after KG. If they manage to get KG, I think it’s over in the West if CP3 can stay healthy. CP3-Griffin-KG, with Crawford and the rest of that bench? Scary.

Stephen Brotherston

KG has a no trade clause – its highly questionable he goes anywhere.

This rumor sounds like the classic leak from an organization that wants to get a player to tell their current team they would accept a deal to XXX team if one were to come along – It makes the Clippers scary good – KG probably doesn’t care.

Steve

Why does Casey love Anderson so much? he’s very unselfish and takes poor decision shots yet he still gets his minutes. Defensively I’m sure Gay could’ve covered lebron not like anyone could stop him. But why does Anderson play so much much including crunch time minutes? Also playing rookie Ross in final minutes was a very poor decision yet again by casey

Stephen Brotherston

Anderson plays hard and does what he is told – that keeps a player in the coach’s good books.

Ross is getting late minutes – they think they have real player in the rookie – these minutes are an investment

Bhagdeep

Hey Stephen,

Would Andrea Bargnani, Landry Fields and Alan Anderson be enough to get Pau Gasol from LA? It gives the lakers the stretch 4 they want with Andrea plus Anderson and Fields can boost their bench (not to mention both a shooters who would fit D’antoi system). I think Gasol would give Toronto the post player they need to get them into the playoffs and atleast test the Miami Heat in the first round.

Stephen Brotherston

would hope so – not much more the Raps can/should offer

Jason

Hi Stephen,

Even though the Raptors lost to the Heat yesterday, I was really impressed with their ball movement on the offensive side, do you think this inidicates that Lowry can actually replace Jose as the team’s facilitator? Plus do you think the Raptors should retire Jose’s jersey when he finishes playing (He is the franchise leader in assists)?

Stephen Brotherston

Jose Calderon isn’t the classic guy to retire a jersey for – but he always represented the team the right way. Maybe after he retires, there have only been a small handful of guys who have contributed as much to the team as he has so far – it would just be nice to be retiring a jersey of someone who helped get the team to a conference finals…..(A list with nobody on it)

luís

Hello, Stephen, if Duncan doesn’t make it to the All Star Game due to injury, who do you think deserves to be called?

Stephen Brotherston

Stephen Curry play has been stellar this season

dub

What’s up with kyle handling the ball lately? He’s got to take care of it, yesterday alone he had 3 assists and 5 turnovers. Not exactly stellar point gaurd play…

Stephen Brotherston

Lowry is still playing thru injury – give it time

d

Is it just me or does demar benefit the most from having gay there? Ive noticed he seems alot more relaxed, hes attacking more with aggression, and hes getting easier shots than before with the focus on gay. To me it seems hes confidence has gone through the roof.

Stephen Brotherston

DeMar needs the 2nd scorer on the floor a defender will not leave to double team him – Gay does that big time. Just to be fair Bargnani did the same thing for DeMar – not quite this good, but close enough.

Not a minor detail – adding Gay has been a big boost to DD confidence

Zac

Is there any interest in Micheal Redd? As a vet that proved he could still play in limited minutes off the bench. I feel like he could have a impact in Portland mentoring Will Barton and bring some constancy off the bench that could help Portland down the stretch and possibly sneak into the playoffs

Stephen Brotherston

I’ll be surprised to see Redd play again. He made $18m 2 years ago. Tried things out on a vets min deal last season – why he would do that to himself again now is beyond me?

Brother Bob

As usual there is significant teeth nashing about the deal. Losing Calderon and Davis is a hit – but really only on the likability of the team. It seems the ability to add talent is always good – no doubt Gay is talent. Can you give us a semi-objective view of Davis? Would he really be a starter on a competitive team? Seems he is nice/brings energy but would likely be a bit undersized and more of a rotational player at best? Calderon was UFA anyways so he might be part of the future but would need to re-sign either way. So really (for the future) it was Gay (and big contract) for Davis (seems a slam dunk?)

Stephen Brotherston

I have noticed the widespread complaining & whining about losing Calderon & Davis – who are both really nice people – and Calderon took a lot of undeserved bashing from Toronto fans for years (wonder where that all went?) The trade for Gay is beyond fair to Toronto, it was a great deal.

Ed is a nice young man. Finally started to show signs he was “getting it” this season – Raptors took advantage of Bargnani’s injury to showcase him. Ed has a long ways to go to lay claim to a starter’s job anywhere but on a lottery team. Today Ed is undersized, overpowered on defense, and he will have to fight with Arthur in Memphis for minutes. If he keeps developing, by the time he is 26, the Grizz could have themselves a really nice piece to their puzzle.

Everyone knew Colangelo was trying to turn Calderon’s expiring contract into an impact player since July.

Clarence

What do you think about David Lee for Andrea Bargnani, and would he fit in with the new look Raptors?

Stephen Brotherston

Toronto is taking that deal – GSW, not so much. Lee is the type of vet who fits in – hustle & skill generally fits in everywhere

ATLFAN

Josh smith has been really showing he is not a leader and wants max contract…..what should they do trade him or give him a max deal which he doesnt deserve?

Stephen Brotherston

If I’m in Atlanta – if there is any chance of losing Smith to FA – they have to trade him – as tough as that is likely to be. I don’t want to have a ton of cap space in Atlanta – they’ll have a tougher time attracting FA in the summer than the Bulls did a couple of seasons ago.

Kuda

Hey Stephen, Rudy Gay is a couple games away from making some serious noise in the East. Those 29 he scored Sunday looked like they came easy and he only had one practice with the team. In you opinion who else they need to get to make the Raptors a legitimate team in the East? Why dont they just Amnesty Kleiza or comeup with a package Kleiza Andrea Acy to be shipped out ?

Stephen Brotherston

1) Amnesty in only the first week of July – Kleiza will have to wait.
2) The obvious candidate to make the Raptors a contender right now – Pau Gasol, if the LAL will cooperate.

As is, these Raptors would have been expected to make some noise in the East – they just are a little short of time to dig themselves out of the hole this season.

Tarrelle

who do you see the mavs getting for kaman?

Stephen Brotherston

Tough call – not sold they really want to get anything. That $8m expiring deal is what they wanted all along – they were hoping he’d be a bigger part of the team this season, but the Mavs have FAs they are targeting (again) Now if a really big deal can be had…..

Joe Flacco

Did you watch the Super Bowl last night? Did you enjoy it?

Stephen Brotherston

I watched the some of the Superbowl, but waiting on Rudy Gay post game caused me to miss most of the 1st half. The SB it had its moments, but no I wasn’t really all that into it

Mayor Rob Ford

Do you feel ross was robbed of a rookie sophomore spot? He’s perfect for all star type games with his high flying ability

Stephen Brotherston

slow start, limited minutes, didn’t really find his shooting stroke early on, but Ross has played well lately.

I like his defense and he is showing some real savvy, but the Rising Stars selections are based largely on stats/scoring – Ross just hadn’t done as much as the other guys – can’t blame anyone for looking past him at the moment.

Since I’m based in Toronto though and get to watch him all the time – heck yeah, he was snubbed, but I understand why.

Ben steroid Johnson

Are you concern with the way Casey has been developing youth? I am. He gives them no minutes when playoffs are well out of reach. What’s the issue? I feel Jonas hasn’t lived up to hype in my opinion and lack of minutes might be an ongoing problem

Stephen Brotherston

Jonas has looked very rusty his 1st 2 games back – better discussion in about a week.

Earlier in the season when the team was in that extended losing streak – I agree, I would have like to have seen more minutes & more plays run for JV – especially in those games where he dominated early but saw few minutes in the 2nd half.

Bob

What do you think of a trade of andrea bargnani, alan anderson and terrence ross for utah’s paul millsap and gordon hayward? Helps both teams in my opinion and the salaries check out.

Stephen Brotherston

As I have mentioned before – I like Millsap, just get him signed to an extension first

Pissed off Raptors Fan

Can amir Johnson become the raptors full time starting PF (Once Bargnani is traded of course)? Amir has looked great recently.

Stephen Brotherston

Amir can become the starting PF and it isn’t necessary to trade Bargnani.

New rotations will have to shake themselves out after Bargnani gets back – Bargnani could / likely will come off the bench until he gets back in game shape. We could see Bargs back at center – officially – lots of ways this could shake out. Toronto has looked very undersized until recently with Gray starting at center – now that’s not a tough choice between starting Gray & Bargnani (And I like what Gray brings to the team)

Frustrated raptors fan

Is Rudy Gay the leader of this team? Can he be that go to guy?

Stephen Brotherston

Way to soon to make this leap, the guy is still unpacking. But it looks like everyone else on the team is ready to hand him the leadership role if and when he wants it – he’ll want it.

SY

Is Andrea Bargnani + Terence Ross + John Lucas III for Ersan Ilyasova + Beno Udrih + Ekpe Udoh a good trade for both teams?

Stephen Brotherston

Its a starting point, but Toronto is very high on Ross and aren’t going to let him go that easily.

Cole

What is JJ Hicksons’ trade value? If the Blazers don’t trade him during the All-Star break, wont he just walk during the off-season?

Stephen Brotherston

Not high enough value to make it worthwhile trading him. JJ has been bounced around and playing well in a contract year is the classic trap & typical guy you lose in FA after you trade for him.

JJ isn’t likely to get Portland much in trade & just maybe he takes a more reasonable deal to stay somewhere where he hasn’t been a bust.

Gerald

Hey steve i think Gasol playing well with the howard out is perfect for the Raptors because when howard comes back gasol wont be as effective and you cant trade howard so Gasol will have to go. I would prefer Milsap because he fits the Raps new style of play athletic at every postion can run score off the ball and play decent defense is there a chance Raps go for him?

Stephen Brotherston

I like your thinking on this one – and so far this season, there is every reason to believe once Howard comes back, Gasol loses the spots on the floor where he is effective and just maybe the Lakers are more interested in dealing him. Gasol would provide a huge confidence boost and presence in the paint for Toronto (or almost any other team)

Millsap would be great – except he is an expiring deal and if he doesn’t sign an extension, he is likely gone in July. Love to see Millsap in Toronto – just get his name on a deal for 3+ more seasons first. Utah will be fielding a ton of calls – they have obvious quality players that could be logical trade pieces.

Overweight raptors Fan

Do you see Ed Davis becoming a stud in Memphis and the raptors regretting the trade? I miss eddy, great man with a promising future. Does he make zach Randolph expendable?

Stephen Brotherston

Ed might become a stud – in 3 or 4 years – could happen. Zach is one of the very best PF in the NBA at zero risk of losing minutes to Ed. Today, Ed is a 3rd or 4th option big man on a good team – who is hoping to keeping developing, getting stronger, learning the game. A really nice kid – if he keeps working hard, he’d be around a long time

Leo

Who is more likely to be moved and where. Gasol, Josh Smith, Granger, or Paul Pierce. Would love to see a Gasol for Smith swap but I doubt that will happen

Stephen Brotherston

Those are all very tough guys to move. Most likely – Gasol, then Smith.

Bargnani Banana

Will Bargnani get amnestied if no viable trades arise? Or will it be Kleiza whose amnestied? Is kleiza’s career done?

Stephen Brotherston

Kleiza has never fully recovered from his knee surgery – makes him a prime amnesty candidate.

What would possibly possess the Raptors to even remotely consider using amnesty on Bargnani (aside from a career ending injury)? Expect the big Italian to be no worse than a 17/6 forward – probably better than that

Gerald

How about a 3 way trade deal. With J.Smith and L.Fields going to the Suns. A.Bargnani Cash and Draft picks to ATL, and Gortat and Marshall to Raptors

Stephen Brotherston

okay, I’m sold – where do the Raptors sign?

Gerald

If Landry Fields contract was not so bad he would be ideal for the raptors a guy who moves without the ball plays defense and only takes shots when open. Something Alan Anderson does not do i say we move him his value is high around the league at the moment

Stephen Brotherston

Selling high on your non-star players is pretty much always a good move if you need to add talent

Rasool

Hey Steve

I think everyone in TO should be excited with the trade. Gay is what we needed. However, what if the situation turns into VC 2.0 heading into free agency? Also this deal probably cements Lowry at PG for the long-term because of friendship with Gay…mean extention. How much u think he gets? 4-40M?

Agree with the assesment of Bargnani, he could be benefical if he grabs some rebs. Think team should evaluate before being looking to deal him. Summer-Draft.

What do you see them doing next?

Stephen Brotherston

I think you are on the right track here.
Gay is looking every part the max player he currently is.
Lowry looks like he’ll be the typical $10m per PG
Waiting to evaluate what the team has with Bargnani is the safest route – but its tough to turn down opportunities if they arise.

Most appropriate next step is getting a backup PG – only having 2 PGs has not been a good idea in Toronto in the past.

Gerald

Ill play a little bit of devils advocate on why Gasol might be better then the more popular choice Milsap. Gasols contract expires next year and as we seen with Calderon it could very well be valuable, and if Amir develops even further you have to start him at the 4. If you get Milsap well you only get him on a multi year deal from 7-10 mill a year and you cant have that on the bench, so then you create a problem and with JV’s upside he is sure to continue developing so he is untouchable at the center. Do you agree?

Stephen Brotherston

I like Gasol because his size gives the Raptors what they need inside. 1 more year on a big deal makes the lux tax implications very manageable. Gives JV another season to develop. & just maybe with the new roster, PG would stay on.

Millsap is a very good player, but he doesn’t address the Raptors need for size

rob

Hi Steve, what about Gortat fo Bargnani.

Gortat is exactly what this team needs, rebounding, blocking shots and good post moves.

Stephen Brotherston

Like Gortat’s contract. Like his defense. 28 – age is good. Worth a phone call. Question if AB is really what the Suns need though

SY

What about Bargnani for Okafor? Does that make Raps better or worse?

Stephen Brotherston

Not really fair from a talent standpoint, but I’d think about EO if the Wiz take Kleiza as part of the deal – I’d really like a 1st round pick too but that might be getting greedy.

Okafor would definitely help the Raptors defense – and he could be a solid transition player/mentor for JV

Kevin

Hi Stephen,

I like Casey in general. Even coaches need time to develop. Only thing I can’t make sense of are his rotations. Do you have any insight on that??

Thanks.

Stephen Brotherston

Watching Casey since he has been here – can’t help but get the feeling more than a few of those rotations/decisions were sent down from above – tanking last season, showcasing players to be traded this season

Cain

How do you think Granger’s return will impact Paul George and Indiana?

Stephen Brotherston

Hopefully Granger returns at a high level – adding another scorer/star can open up the floor for other players. Granger & George are the kind of impact players you adjust your lineups to make it work – A good team getting better

Tony

Had Andy Verajao still been healthy right now, could the Cavs have gotten Jonas from the Raptors in a trade for him?

Stephen Brotherston

1) the CBA wouldn’t permit that trade, but the Cavs sure would have the Raptors attention

Kayl

Are you as happy a rapz fan as i am with rudy on the team putting up a combined 50ish points a game w demar? who do you think colangelo should target next for the PF slot and do you think that although hes had 2 good moves this year, bringing in lowry and gay, he should be rehired after this year?

Stephen Brotherston

Gay & DD – as good as it gets in Toronto

Colangelo had a good year trade & draft wise. He is a good fit with the new owners. Can’t see the team getting anyone better to handle the job.

Marcus

Toronto wants Ilyasova, Milwaukee wants Ross. How do we finish this deal?

Stephen Brotherston

Bargnani & Ross for Ilyasova & an unprotected 2014 1st round draft pick (subject to math)