NBA Chat With Stephen Brotherston 3/12/12

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

Bargnani is back Calderon is out – Raps lose another one in the last 2 minutes – what else is new in Toronto this season.

Get your comments and questions in now.

  1. Dylan

    Will the Bobcats ever be good?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Welcome to Today’s 3pm Chat

      Wow – ever as in forever?

      If they can land a franchise guy in the draft – Anthony Davis maybe? – Sure they could be good again – sooner than expected.

      The new CBA – which fully kicks in after next season – will make it easier for small market teams to get good and stay good – assuming management knows what they are doing.

  2. John

    Hello!!! What about Brandon Jenkings at Lakers? If Lakers make trade with Houston or Wolves, which players you think will get back. thank you!!!

    • Stephen Brotherston

      The Lakers don’t have much to offer beyond a TPE and a couple of 1st round draft picks for Jennings – that shouldn’t cut it as the Bucks are in the playoff hunt and won’t be if they don’t have a starting PG.
      Lakers have to look for redundant assets on other teams – Really they should just hold on to those picks and draft a PG.

      Lakers can probably get Beasely for their TPE and a 1st round pick if they want. The Scola for Gasol rumors will probably go right up to the last minute but the Rockets would be crazy to include Lowry and they are desperate, not crazy.

  3. chris

    What do you think of a Beasley for JJ Redick swap? Or a Wes Mathews for Mo Williams and a second rounder trade?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Talent wise Beasely for JJ makes sense but I don’t think Beasely would do will in Orlando.

      The Clips need what Mo Williams can do now that Billups isn’t available.

  4. paprika

    JUST finish the heat pacers game. Down the wire heat won, n i guess everyone saw it. Wade took the last shot. I guess the guy from marquette got more guts an shoul be the number one closer. Is bosh the next option?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Bosh should be a last shot option if Wade or LBJ draw the double team – he should be wide open for the 15 foot jump he never misses. The HEAT shouldn’t have to take tough shots at the end of games.

  5. pinoy jeep

    Now that rubio is out. Can barrea step up or its ridnour? And is barrea over paid for being an under sized 2-guard? Do the wolves still need gasol if peko is playing like a poorman’s gasol or is it because of rubio’s passing?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Wolves need the veteran Ridnour to fill in – and he should do an admirable job.

      The Wolves need Pekovic as a true physical center – they have forwards who can score and play the finesse game. Giving up Pek to get Gasol would be a mistake. Keep looking for a SG.

  6. penny2shaq

    Where do u see odom after this season? And when can the raptors change their jersey style. Not the color the style haha

    • Stephen Brotherston

      It seems Odom will only be happy in LA – hopefully he’s happy with the huge pay cut that will equal?

      Teams change styles and colors like some people change their shirts – jersey sales! If you don’t like the current style – it shouldn’t be long…..

  7. manila

    With the way the rockets giving few min. On guys like buddinger ,twill and flynn , aint it better to just trade this guys for picks? They got too much pottential in the bench. Andbis hasheem thabeet just a draft mistake? Why not work him with hakkeem the dream and maybe discover some potential on that young kid. And is it time to hire a new houston gm?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Nothing like killing a young guys trade value by not playing them – at all!

      Rockets will be moving these guys for similarly ignored prospects elsewhere.

      Bill Ingram (chat earlier today) is the guy with the strong feeling towards the Rockets management – Here in Toronto its just one less competitor for FAs.

  8. calvinzero

    What is the status of Rockets-Lakers negotiation regarding Pau Gasol trade?? Is there any roster adjustment in the Toronto Raptors although they have a slim chance in the playoffs? THANK YOU

    • Stephen Brotherston

      It is widely believed the Rockets will give up Scola and anyone but Lowry for Gasol and Lakers only want Scola and Lowry = Impass. Rockets need to stand firm – its the Lakers in salary cap purgatory who need a solution – if they can wait – maybe until the summer – the Rockets can get what they want.

      No trades expected in Toronto – Colangelo’s game plan has been to wait for the summer all along. Any deal would have to be decidedly in Toronto’s favor – not likely.

  9. badoodelz

    you think the wolves will look for a pg, since rubio is out? and you think they can still go to the playoffs w/o ricky?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      They should but not if it disrupts the team next season.

      Yes – playoffs remain possible – it wasn’t just Ricky who was improving as this season has moved along. BUT 8th will be hotly contested.

  10. Deven

    Will the Raptors be active at the trading deadline?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      No one expects much of anything from Colangelo – only if he’s approached with something he would have done this summer anyway.

  11. i am houston

    Houston Rockets!!!What do we do?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Hope the team hires Bill Ingram as a consultant!

      or close eyes and hope the Lakers blink first.

  12. Jazzaholic

    Do the Jazz just sit tight, facilitate a trade or take back some salary/pick from a team for an expiring contract or using their 10.9 TPE?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Jazz will likely sit tight – the types of deals they want to do will be easier this summer.

      TPE just doesn’t have the same value it used to.

  13. shamu

    Would the raps be happyvto trade calderon for beasley? If not maybe dwilliams of the wolves? Now that rubio is out another elite pg can certainly help sotta forbthe playoff push.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Raps are loaded at combo forward and Beasely hasn’t shown himself to be a sure-fire anything in this league – Colangelo could have had Beasely in the Bosh S&T but declined – that’s why Minny got him for nothing.
      Derrick Williams would definitely get Colangelo’s attention – and a lot of other teams attention. Might even free up that SG the team wants so badly.

      Sure – Calderon could help Minny’s playoff push and is already a mentor to Rubio.

  14. Joel from Sydney

    With all this chat about the Bucks trading Andrew Bogut, where do you see him come March 15? Where would he best fit?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Bucks will want a quality player back – best fit is with GSW for Monta.

      Bucks will feel pain if they let Bogut go – especially for a guard – but they might just have reached their limit in missed games due to injury and accept the need for a change. GSW will hate giving up ME for an injured player.

      Its not better than 50/50 that Bogut is traded – but that can be said about most deals being speculated about that make some sense.

  15. Cain

    Will the Pacers make a trade? Really feel that they need to make a change and let Paul George loose.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Pacers should be in the mostly likely list to make a deal. They have the cap room – they own a draft pick – they need a guard – even have trade-able players.

      It might be nice to let George “loose” – but its not necessary – this team is still building – they don’t have to “go-for-it-all” this season.

  16. Robert

    Agree or Disagree; Dwight signing with New Jersey is the best choice. Deron William resigns, they have a potential top 5 pick in the draft, and they would still have Brook Lopez they could trade for a legitimate player such as Josh Smith (as an example).

    C: Dwight Howard
    PF: Josh Smith
    SF: Harrison Barnes/Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
    SG: Marshon Brooks
    PG: Deron Williams

    • Stephen Brotherston

      I like your plan – its a good one – I just wonder if it at all meshes with the “secret plan” Deron Williams was talking about at All-Star or is his plan in Dallas?

  17. Howie Abrams

    Now with Rubio out for the year, what are the Wolves going to do at the deadline? Are they going to try to trade Beasley for a shooting guard? Any chance they make a run at Nash or Gasol?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Nash isn’t really available – I think going after Gasol would be a mistake with this group. Beasely for a shooting guard would be ideal. Williams for a SG is more possible. Or just wait until July and sign or trade for a SG then.

  18. Newmarket Brian

    With Jose gone for season, Bayless gets his best (and last?) chance to show he is a starting PG. What are his chances of success?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      I must have missed something BUT – word was Jose is out for a few days – maybe 2 weeks at most.

      I think we’ll see that Bayless performs at least as well as he did last season in a starting role – which was pretty good.

  19. The JOkeShow

    The Jazz are in a tough spot. They need a point guard but they have a possible of 2 draft picks if warriors fall out of the top 7 only, and if the jazz only miss the playoffs they get theirs. If the Jazz get one or two, do you just draft a potential franchise PG or try to trade one or both draft picks and players to get a PG like a Rondo?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Unless one of the draft-possible PGs really out-performs expectations (like Rondo did) – there is no PG in this draft who is “like Rondo”

      Jazz should look around the league at young PGs who might be trade-aeble and offer one of their duplicate assets for the kid. Or possibly take a run at Brooks in July. But a trade is the best option – you are not going to get a “Rondo” for a draft pick but maybe someone you hope becomes a Rondo eventually.

  20. keo

    Should the celtics go for josh smith he would be much better with rondo setting him up…that give the celtics to build around

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Not sure who the Celtics could offer up that would get Atlanta’s attention except Rondo.

  21. Lakersfan24

    Where do you think Josh Smith will be March 16? Pau and Blake for Josh Smith and Hinrich is a pretty fair for both teams.

  22. lakers will

    What’s up?, do the Lakers have any trade assets the would land a romon sessions or similar player player without moving any of the big 3?

  23. Derek C

    When Chicago signed Rip Hamilton, I was baffled and confused? Injuries or not, they said they were looking for a two who could create baskets for himself and others…. Hamilton on the other hand is a system 2 offensively (screens and such). Why didnt Chicago go after the Nick Young (No one did) Thorton in Scramento, chase J.R. a little harder, pursue Mayo, or younger 2′s with offensive potential like Xavier Henry

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Rip is a team guy – proven commodity – unfortunately he got hurt.

      Nick Young has questionable maturity – not a fit, JR even more so. The team really wanted a vet who would fit in fast and seamlessly – Rip still can once he’s healthy.

  24. Lateak

    I think dwill is goin to dallas… Where does that leave d12… Lakers? Anybody… How bout dis trade… G wallace to hou, d granger to port… K mart to ind

  25. Rap Fan

    Hey There….

    My son and I were discussing the raps this morning. We don’t see all the cash as helping the Raps get free agents. I would hope they would do something at the trade deadline sneak in another JJ. Maybe even a trade from future strength up front(Jonas) when values for cuurent players are higher. EG. Amir and thow in anther body and get a good back up PG orwing and anaother draft to build through the draft

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Cash will help the Raps get a FA – what it won’t do is get them a proven star player.

      You’re right to believe the Raps will have to either trade for or draft their stars – I believe that’s the plan.

  26. Robb

    Is vince carter going to do well with dallas and do you think they can make a playoff push again. I want and like the vc of old

    • Stephen Brotherston

      VC is doing well – for an “old guy” – you can’t have the VC of old but you can have an old VC.

      Dallas will make a playoff push – there are a lot of veterans with a lot of pride there – just like in Boston.

  27. JM

    Raptors are full with good, but not that good players that are either:
    - Good 4th/5th option on a really good team: Jose, JJ.
    - Perfect 6th/7th man: Kleiza, Barbosa, AJ.
    - Are developing prospect: Derozen, Davis.
    The only one that really has AllStart potential is Bargnani.
    Is signing a couple of free agents really going to help? They cannot get an Allstar – all they can get is another good rotation player which is going to be a minor improvement over anybody they have now.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      That’s basically it.

      Raps hope one of their young guys develops further – imagine James Johnson with a reliable jump shot – it could happen.

      Raps hope DD and ED keep getting better

      Raps hope to draft a kid with All-Star potential in June to go with last year’s pick who definitely does have All-Star potential.

      They don’t expect to sign a All-Star in FA – rather a solid start/rotation guy who helps improve the team and belongs on a contender.

  28. charliechu

    should the Cavs cash in on Sessions and deal him or should they keep him while trying to make a playoff run?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Cavs – GO FOR THE PLAYOFFS!

      Sessions will NOT return anything that makes the Cavs better this year or next.

  29. don

    hey how about this trade who says no?

    boston-jennings, sjax and gooden

    bucks-felton, wes matthews, batum and celtics, jajuan johnson and etwaun moore

    portland-rondo,delfino and mbah a moute

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Danny didn’t plan to spend that long in the lottery after this season – Rondo is order of magnitude better than anyone else in this deal – Cs would just as soon keep him.

  30. Roberto

    Hello, what are the hopes for the c’s?

  31. Jeff

    What’s the Word on a Barbosa trade?

  32. Alex

    Would you do either of these trades?

    1. Hibbert for Josh Smith

    2. DC and Granger for Rondo

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Quality centers are just too hard to acquire and the Pacers waited too long for Hibbert to develop to trade him now.

      Tempting but The Celtics will be wanting more.

  33. JeffDi

    Did you see Raps trading Calderon pre-injury? What about now? Whatever gives them a better chance at Anthony Davis is what they should do right now.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      No – Casey loves this guy!

      Still no – but if Colangelo can get what he wanted to get via FA this summer – he’ll trade anyone.

      Only lottery luck can get you Davis – Raps will be hard pressed to finish below 3rd worst if they don’t win another game.

  34. AC Earl

    There was a rumour floating around last week regarding Calderon/Kleiza to Portland for Felton/Wallace. Any truth to this? Assuming its not true, especially now with Calderon out.

  35. Ivan

    Minny is interested in Kevin Martin, and and they need a PG now how about Dragic. Is it possible for Derrick Williams to be available in that trade. Rockets can also Budinger in that trade since Rick Adelman likes K-mart and Budinger. How about Kevin Martin, Chase Budinger and Goran Dragic for D-will, wesley Johnson and Anthony Randolph?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      that’s the right idea – get a team that’s in need to make a deal. Minny will be under pressure to move good assets to get what they want.

  36. james

    I think the raptors would be folish to trade calderon. he is a solid starting point gaurd and brings veteran leadership. i think he has a few more years playing at a high level. The raps should look to get rid if derozen, and ed davis. do you think they could get something of value for them?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      The kids are highly trade-able and should return good value if paired with an expiring deal – it’s a real option but not one the team is likely to use.

  37. Ballboar

    Couple teams are looking for a SG, Clippers, Pacers & others. Does Ben Gordon have much value considering his performace is down from his Bulls days?

  38. Ivan

    What does it take for Houston to get Josh Smith?

  39. Alan

    Steve blake for felton and beasley for trade exception is that possible and would that be the best scenario for lakers?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      I don’t believe you could give Blake away right now.

      Twolves will- should hold out for a 1st round draft pick too.

      Best scenario – trade Gasol for Scola and whomever – keep the draft picks – rebuild on the fly.

  40. charry

    Hi Stephen, I am an avid follower of your column every monday. Anyway, I would like to ask if you were given the chance to get/hire players for Toronto to make it a contending team, whom would you choose and why? also, Should the raptors get lucky with the draft, who would you think the first three draft that Toronto should pick and why? Do you think the first three draft pick are potential leader and franchise player? Thank you

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Sticking to what’s possible – this summer – would like to add OJ Mayo – bona fide scorer young but experienced – alpha dog mentality who would take to Coach Casey very well. I try to find a way to add Ersan Ilyasova – potential young 20 & 10 PF.

      draft Anthony Davis does look the part of a no. 1 pick. I am leaning towards Barnes and Robinson as the next 2 best picks but I’d let the tourney convince me some of the younger guys have more to offer if they can show it to me in the big games to come.
      This draft will have future leaders beyond the top five picks.

  41. matt

    Bayless is starting, he is eerily similar to jennings except he is taller : )

  42. Ivan

    DO you answer all the questions or you pick to answer? I did not see my questions been answered?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      The chats have been filling up really fast – especially coming up to the trade deadline. I can usually answer all of the questions that are submitted early (I don’t do similar or repeated questions if I notice) but there are typically more questions coming in during the live portion than I can keep up with in an hour.

      That’s all the time for today – already in overtime

      Thanks for all the great comments and questions

      I will try to get to a few more after the chat closes today.

  43. Jacob Narloch

    LAL – deron williams, HOU – gasol, NJN – Scola, Martin.. throw in fillers/picks where needed.. who says no?

  44. Jeff

    Re: Free Agency for Raptors. I dont get it. You (and others) talk like Raps have this great plan to add a starter or rotation player via Free Agency — but there is no one available to address Raptors problems. AK47 maybe? Otherwise, no one really fits. Unless we are talking about Nash, of course..

    • Stephen Brotherston

      There are some options in FA – but I agree the pool isn’t as deep or exciting as we might think.

      Guys I like who might be gettable: PG – Aaron Brooks, Raymond Felton ( not overly exciting)

      SG OJ Mayo, Landry Fields – check

      SF Wilson Chandler – we’ll see how JJ progresses first

      PF Ersan Ilyasova – if he keeps up his numbers since starting – he’s good

      C Chris Kaman, Spencer Hawes – depending on how much they’ll cost – they are good

      Nash would sell tickets big time – but he isn’t a long long solution. AK47 might never return.