NBA Chat With Stephen Brotherston 3/18/13

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

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  1. Nicholas

    Hello Stephen, I was wondering what was your thoughts on Anthony Davis (especially his post All Star form)? Is he progressing as you would have expected him to before the draft? Now that we have seen him play in the NBA, which player would you think is his ceiling (past or present)? Also, what do you think is the best package that New Orleans can get for Eric Gordon?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Welcome to this afternoon’s chat.

      Anthony Davis started strong, was derailed by injuries, lost minutes to Ryan Anderson (not unfairly), but has performed at a high level for a rookie. What we haven’t seen yet is if he’s a “franchise player” or not. We see all the tools, but we are waiting to see if he’s a difference maker – like Damian Lillard – or not. Before the draft, I didn’t think Monty Williams was going to sub for him in an attempt to win games.

      Right now, AD reminds me of Chris Bosh – a guy who will be really good, an All-Star, but not the guy who carries a team to the playoffs by himself – BUT this is is rookie season – I wouldn’t want to label him or put a ceiling on him just yet. Davis has all the tools to keep getting better for a long time – if he ends up as just another Chris Bosh, there shouldn’t be too many complaints.

      Eric Gordon is still not playing back-to-back games. Still not playing the big minutes he played in LAC – His injury history has to be a concern. The “noise” about him not wanting to be in NO is a concern. Gordon is owed close to $45m over the next 3 years.

      Eric Gordon is trade-able, there are teams who will want him – but he was worth more last summer than he is today – I’m not sure there is a deal out there NO would take for him this summer. That’s big money for a slightly dented can until he proves otherwise.

  2. Steve

    What would you say the percentages are if let’s say both bc and Casey get fired, they both stay, and if only one stays?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      These Raptors management/ coaching questions have been coming up a lot in the last few weeks.

      Dwane Casey is on very safe ground. Casey is a coach this team can grow with and build around – and its been a long time since anyone could say that.

      Colangelo is resaonably safe – at least in his role as President. The Raptors couldn’t ask for a better representative to report to their board & public company shareholders. There is a chance the Raptors look to take the GM title away from Colangelo, but that’s hardly a sure thing and likely more just perception than reality – Colangelo is a consensus oriented leader.

      You, me, and everyone else won’t be hearing much of anything from the Raptors on this subject until long after the season ends – if there is one thing this organization is good at, its not leaking important decisions ahead of time.

  3. Steve

    If raptors amnesty kleiza and trade barg for picks, would they have enough money to sign a guy like millsap? Or do they still need to do a sign and trade?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Unfortunately, no. Rarptors will be in the tax if they don’t make any moves. Amnestying Kleiza gets them out of the tax. Moving Bargnani for little salary back still leaves them with almost no room to sign FA – Raptors will have to make a trade to get a player like Millsap

  4. Jeff in CyberSpace

    True or False: The Celtics are the only team in the NBA who can beat the Heat in a 7 game series. I say true because Boston does not care about how good the Heat are, unlike most teams in the Nba.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Spurs don’t care how good any opponent is either.
      Thunder should be a tougher opponent this time.
      I agree Celtics will be tough to beat in the playoffs, but I think they needed to make a move to have a shot at beating the HEAT in a 7 game series.

      Remember how vulnerable the HEAT were last year without Bosh? Imagine that could happen again? … Any team can be shot down by the wrong injury at the wrong time

  5. Cain

    Do you think that Paul George will become a consistent scorer in NBA? Is he really a 2nd or 3rd option in need of a star to play off or will a pass-first PG make him better?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      George is looking pretty good now – he’s a young guy, he’ll get better yet. Right now, he looks like he will be a part of a very good team – but he could be the 1st option on that very good team as long as he isn’t the only real option. Pass-first PG are always nice to play with provided they can hit the long ball.

  6. Jim in CyberSpace

    What do you think about Pop’s comment’s on long winning streaks? It is Pop, ya have to pay attention?

    “I don’t want to win 20 games in a row [again]. Now that might sound … ‘Well, who wouldn’t want to do that?’ [But] it’s too much of a grind. I was hoping for a loss [in last season's playoffs]. I thought about doing things to make sure we get a loss here and there, but you can’t do that to your team.”

    Pop, though, was careful to explain that a 20-game win streak for the Spurs — in comparison to the 20 consecutive victories that Miami lugged Friday night into Milwaukee — created such a weight because of when it was happening, with half of those W’s coming during the playoffs.

    Reason being: “When you win that many games in a row,” Pop contends, “… you’re very likely going to lose [up] to three games when that thing is done. It’s just such a letdown. And in the playoffs you can’t afford that. Not against a team that is as young and talented as Oklahoma City.”

    • Stephen Brotherston

      It’s true – long winning streaks create their own kind of pressure and when they end, there is bound to be a letdown. The risk being the letdown sticks around and happens at the wrong time.

      The bigger concern is players push themselves too hard or hide an injury in order to attain a goal that once the playoffs start, no one cares about anymore.

      There is no “solution” to winning – you can’t tell your players to tank a game. About all a coach can do is tell his Stars that tonight their knees are sore and they are taking the game off to rest – but no one would actually do that would they?

  7. Chris

    Hi Stephen. Why didn’t the media cover Dwight Howard’s dirty plays against Derrick Rose? I understand that because Kobe, Lou Bega, Mambo Number 5, or whatever he calls himself complained the NBA looked into it. But Dwight’s midair pushes of D-Rose were the stuff of career-ending injuries.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      How about, why wasn’t Wade roasted for breaking Kobe’s nose in a meaningless All-Star game – if you haven’t noticed, Stars get treated differently – BUT, no you don’t have to agree with it or like it.

      It would make a lot of sense if these mid-air hits to the body that send players out-of-control were taken more seriously – there is a risk of injury – but for now, most (not all) of these plays are considered part of the game (fouling is part of the game). And it would not be easy to create an objective rule everyone would be happy with – some physicality is widely accepted as a normal part of the game.

  8. Dave

    Stephen, how great defensively is the Celts’ Avery Bradley? Last week, he destroyed your Raptors’ two point guards. Lowry did nothing but get frustrated, and Telfair was even worse (except for hitting one 3). Until the Raps get a player with a similar killer-D mindset, your team won’t make the playoffs. I know that a lot of Raptor fans follow this site, so what hope can you give them for your team? To me, they looked like a bunch of me-first spare parts–no real “team” at all.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Bradley is very good at disrupting an offensive player’s game – one of the best in the league and a huge reason why the Celtics have continued to win without Rondo.

      Lowry isn’t 100% – hasn’t been since the start of the season – I’m sure he wants another shot at this one. Let’s just say Bradley is a better player than the Raptors 2 min salary backups.

      No one player (except LBJ) can take a team to the playoffs by themselves – its a team sport. Bradley isn’t carrying the Celtics, he is just part of the reason they are a playoff team – you have noticed all those veterans playing in Green this year?

  9. LA in LA

    Just saw an article that said GSW couldn’t make Harden trade because “the Warriors couldn’t fit into any kind of cap situation unless they were off-loading either Richard Jefferson or Andris Biedrins’ deal in the process. And that was a non-starter for the Thunder, no way they were taking one of those bad deals” nor a first round pick because of the Marcus Williams trade + them tanking last year to keep their pick.

    Assuming the Warriors would have been willing to have a high payroll for one year just to land Harden, isn’t it kind of funny the primary reason (article’s words, not mine) they couldn’t land Harden was a silly trade for a bust who didn’t play 10 games for them? Bad trades always come back to bite you lol

    • Stephen Brotherston

      You know now that the playoff spots are nearly set and teams like GSW are fighting it out for position, there’s a tendency to re-hash “what might have been if”

      The deal with Houston for Harden was in place long before it happened – they had pieces to offer that other teams just didn’t have. I didn’t read the article, but if the Warriors made that pitch, it went nowhere fast – and I’m sure they at least tried – just like several other teams…..

  10. zeeshan

    any predictions on when drose will make #thereturn ?

  11. phil

    hey stephen do you think a package of grevis vasquez robin lopez and this years first be enough for the pelicans to land brandon jennings or eric bledsoe i know vasquez is 3rd in assist but he just cant gaurd starting level point gaurds and that causes problems for the entire defense

  12. APHX10

    Stephen Hello

    “IF” Toronto were lucky enough to draft Andrew Wiggins the way Cleveland was with LeBron, do you believe they might change the team colours or Raptors name to something else as a fresh start? Who knows…Nash might just want to play a season more and finish his career in Canada too.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      I haven’t heard or seen anything to suggest the Raptors might change team colors (or nickname unfortunately) Huskies anyone?

      It is going to take a lot of luck for Toronto to land Wiggins – but 2014 is a very long time off so maybe something happens to make it possible

  13. redyraptor

    How goes it Stephen. Amir had improved tremendously this season. Even recently he has been on a rebounding tear. There are cries from the raps fanbase was for proper 4. With Amir’s numbers he definitely has been making his way to becoming a respectable 4 in the league. JV is untouchable and positions 1 2 3 are pretty much set. Would you say coaching is the change that would take the raps to a playoff spot next year. IMO we seem to be getting beat with some bad play calls n subs.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Raptors mostly were beat by injuries, bad luck, & bad refereeing (4 games lost to the refs early on) – just not enough talent to overcome (yet)

      Amir is playing great – but the team needs 3 big men to play in the rotation & it looks like Bargnani will be moved. Gray gives the team the immoveable object to counter those few teams that have a beast of a center.

      A lot of the coaching complaints result from a lack of depth – mostly from injuries in the first half – you can only use the talent you got – Casey isn’t going anywhere

  14. SatBchMagicer

    Hi Stephen, I have followed with interest, appreciation and usually total agreement your season long Rookie Watch; lately however you have not mentioned 2 players I feel are more deserving than TOR’s Ross: Kyle Singler-DET, across the board better numbers than Ross(really belongs in Honorable Mention category) and Jeff Taylor-CHA, slightly better-equal numbers than Ross. Are these just oversights, especially Singler?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Singler isn’t an oversite – he was in the top 5 for a long time, but fell out during a slump and has become someone whose upside appears limited. Singler is an NBA player, he has “made it” – but what we see is what we are going to get. Very nice 2nd round pick who should have a role long term. I guess he fell out out mostly because he wasn’t as interesting to follow anymore (Unless you are a Detroit fan)

      There are a good number of guys who could be in the rookies to watch category – like John Henson for example. It is very hard to separate these guys. But if you win a slam dunk competition, I figured that should be enough to warrant being watched?

  15. Kuda

    Hey Steve, l do get the whole earn your respect from the refs and you get your but jeez, DD was hacked on one possesion five times no call and when DWade goes in the lane miss a layup a foul is called. I hate how Raptor games are officiated period,3 wins taken away cuz of missed calls its crazy.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Young guys on losing teams face 2 issues with NBA referees when they play contenders. 1) they are on a losing team, 2) they are young. NBA referees seem to go temporarily blind under these circumstances, vision often improving dramatically when good teams play good teams and bad teams play bad teams

      Wade has been getting total BS calls for as long as … well as long as Mark Cuban can remember anyway. No its not fair – makes one wonder what some players scoring averages would be if, forget it no point in complaining

  16. dub

    Would the nets listen to a bargs for humphries swap? It seems kris has matured since his first stint in toronto and is a rugged guy the raps could use along side of jonas.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Anyone remember the Bargs & Reggie pairing in Toronto? Nets would be fools to not be all over that offer.

  17. dub

    If you had to choose would you keep John Lucas or Telfair? And is kyle still the pg of the future? He really is struggling lately, definitely not starting pg numbers. Jennings likes Toronto could they swap kyle for him?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Lucas & Telfair are 2 min. salary veteran PG – unless there is some rookie PG to develop next year, you keep both. Cheap, reliable, steady backups. Not really a lot to choose between them.

      Lowry has been playing hurt a lot this season, it has effected his play. He should bounce back next year & the chemistry with Rudy Gay makes him more valuable than Jennings – who is looking for a big deal this summer. I’d understand acquiring Jennings, both I don’t see it as a real upgrade

  18. dub

    Is it just me or do you see a load of potential in ross? I think he’s incredibly athletic and got the smooth shot. I feel if he works hard he can be dwayne wade type of player.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      There are signs of potential. Ross shooting stroke looks very good – he just hasn’t been consistent in hitting his shots yet. He gets to the rim fast, still not always going when the opportunity is there. He doesn’t look much like Wade though – more like Ray Allen (could only hope)

      Ross has nice potential defensively as well – he should be fun to watch over this final month of the season

  19. Vince, Kings fan

    What do you think about this trade over the summer. Cousins/Chuck Hayes/Jimmer for Terrence Ross/Fields/ Valunciunas? I dont watch many Raps games so This might be way off, But I know Jonas and Ross are young talents that are still finding there way, and I think theyre potentially very good players. Cousins is a potential superstar, maybe with vets like Lowry and Gay and a disciplined coach he can turn it around there. I love his talent but as a Kings fan, I think its too late for him to get it here. It will also give the Raps a shooter and a defensive minded big who will help clog the paint, and with Johnson I feel like theyre front court will look real solid. Thanks

    • Stephen Brotherston

      That would make for an exciting trade.

      Cousins needs a change of scenery – All-Star talent, bonehead decision-making – but if he gets offered, everyone will listen. He could put it all together at any time.

      Valanciunas is the type of player the Kings should be looking for in a trade. A high potential center that doesn’t have any issues/ won’t cause his coach any problems. Same reasons a team like the Raptors might back away from acquiring a talent like Cousins (which should be a no-brainer based solely on talent)

      Hard to see Jimmer for Ross generating much interest in Toronto

  20. Barney Gumble

    Hey Steve! Say Jeremy Lamb(a player I hoped the raptors drafted) was in Terence Ross’ situation, would Lamb be a better performer and have a greater impact? Was Lamb ever going to be drafted by the raps @ 8th? What do you think of Lamb? Is he Better than ross?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      I figured Lamb was the better shooter, Ross the better driver & defender. Lamb would probably look better in games as I believe he would find his shoot faster from the 3-pt line and score more. The tough call is which guy figures out the areas of weakness in their respective games and develops into the more useful player long term. Lamb has not gotten much of a chance to show what he can do. As the more natural defender, Ross has an edge, but its far from a sure thing either way

  21. Matt52

    If Jonas was in college right now, how do you think he would do? Better than Cody Zeller? Would Jonas Valanciunas be a stud at the collegiate level?

  22. kayl

    Do you think the rapz owners will take the dive into luxury tax and trade this offseason for another pricey player at PF (hopefully boozer). if so, who are some PFs that we could get due to tax reasons aside from booz

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Ownership of MLSE should be willing to go all in on the luxury tax – similar to the $130m Rogers is laying out for Blue Jays salaries to get a winner – BUT until they do it, it is just speculation.

      Boozer would be a great target

  23. Matt52

    Would Brain Shaw make a good replacement if dwane was fired?(I know u said his job is secure)

    Do you prefer the raptors hire assistants like Triano/Casey? Or a more established head coach like SVG or flip Saunders?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      If the Raptors made the (mistake of) firing Casey – only guy I see as an upgrade would be Stan Van Gundy.

      Casey had 1.5 seasons of head coaching experience before he was hired – that’s about the min for a new head coach for a very young developing team. If you’ve got a veteran squad, there are high profile assistants out there who can be very effective (not Triano – he wasn’t proven)

  24. Chris Brown

    Do you see any of these places returning next season? I am unaware of contract status.

    1.Aaron Gray
    2.Alan Anderson
    3.Quincy Acy

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Toronto Raptors Salary Page

      Gray has a player option for next year – he’ll be back
      Anderson is a FA – probably back, but you never know
      Acy – rookie under contract

      Could all be back, possible none of them are – there will be trades made this summer

  25. Chris Breezy

    Will Alan Anderson return next season? I really like him and think he is a crucial component to the raptors or any teams bench. I like his game, he can score easily

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Only risk with Alan is some other team offers him more years and money than the veterans min and the Raptors decide they can’t afford to match. AA is a good guy to have on your bench.

  26. LA in LA is a Gomer

    I find it funny that it is a forgone conclusion that LA is a lock for the playoffs. Pretty much everyone except DHoward is beat up. They are in a lock with Utah, if Utah goes on a bit of a tear they could easily pass this beat up LA team.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      LAL are in because Utah has been folding, no guarantees things stay this way. But the trend is in LAL favor

  27. tiger

    I belive Casey isn’t the right coach for this team i can’t help but belive that stan van gundy would do a much better job with this team so what is our possibility of getting a coach like him here?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Stan would be a good coach – but I believe the Raptors are going to grow & build with Casey. This team really needs some stability and Casey could be the first long term coach in the club’s history – if he gets the chance. Stan is a 3-5 year guy max – odds of Stan coming here next season – low

  28. cole

    Trail Blazers about to start a make or break road trip. What do you think their record will be on this trip?

  29. Gerald

    Any word on an offensive assistant coach coming in like a Gentry? because it is pivotal that the raptors try and be the number 1 running team in the East

    • Stephen Brotherston

      too soon to be looking at assistant coaches for next year – but that’s a very interesting suggestion

  30. Gerald

    What are your thoughts on Terrence Ross lately?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      He played well vs Miami. He has been inconsistent – but hopefully that starts to come around with more playing time

  31. cole

    What do the Blazers do with JJ Hickson after the season?

  32. Freddie

    With the raptors core needing to develop, who becomes more important to play, fields or ross?

    Also, any chance the raptors try and get in this years draft?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Fields is just 24 years old – in his 3rd season – both Fields & Ross need to play.

      This isn’t a great draft & the Raptors are too young now – never say never, but another prospect to develop isn’t exactly on the desired list.

  33. SY

    After watching yesterday’s game, I am not really sure Lowry is the answer at the point. 1. He seems to really like to slow the tempo down -> slowing taking the ball to half-court (which is not really our strength). 2. He does not attack the basket at all (maybe he is slowed by injury?). 3. He takes too much gamble on defense (does not really play within the team defense) -> and really lazy on defense. I really miss Jose right about now. What’s your take?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Lowry is hurting.

      I miss Calderon, but I appreciate Rudy Gay. Jose is a great guy, good PG

  34. Dyck Smith

    Will the raptors unload Bargs this summer for the sake of team chemistry? In my opinion, He no longer fits. Especially with amir stepping up

    • Stephen Brotherston

      It won’t be a surprise, but they should easily land at least a serviceable big man for Bargnani (Humphries maybe?). I agree, Bargnani doesn’t seem to fit with the type of team that is coming together.

  35. benaiah

    Could Lillard be the best PG in the league soon?He seems to have the total package.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      I like Lillard – but there is a long list of guys he has to pass to get into the top 5 – give him a few years to develop, he can get better

  36. Jaksa

    How do you see Wolves solving their SG problem,via draft,trade or free agency? Any particular player they could target?
    Greetings from Croatia

    • Stephen Brotherston

      I believe you could just save this question and ask it every year – YES they can & should – Will they? If they were going to, it should have happened already (oh yeah, they bet on Roy’s knees last summer instead)

      not sure logic applies here…..