NBA Chat With Stephen Brotherston 3/4/13

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. Chris

    Hi Stephen. What do you think the odds are of a Luol Deng (and parts) swap for Pau Gasol this offseason? It looks like a win-win. Lakers get an All-Star and one of the best defenders in the league and the Bulls get an offense-oriented 7 footer to pair with the soon-to-be Defensive Player of the Year.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Welcome to this afternoon’s chat.

      Bulls trading Deng for Gasol would be something of a shock. Bulls trading Boozer is more likely.
      The Bulls can afford to be a tax team, but it was pretty surprising when they chose to be one – it won’t be a surprise if they do something to get below the tax next season when the new higher tax rates kick in.

      I can only Gasol working for the Bulls as a way to keep from being a tax team 3 seasons in a row and having to pay that extra $1 for $1 tax – Gasol has an expiring deal next season (of course that looks like that might be the Lakers plan as well)

  2. Luke

    In your opinion who do you have as defensive player of the yr this yr I would have to say Noah but who else is on the list

    • Stephen Brotherston

      I haven’t put a lot of thought into this one – but some guys who shouldn’t be overlooked would be Avery Bradley in Boston & Tony Allen in Memphis. My favorite is the Bucks Larry Sanders – the guy has been unbelievable

  3. Steve

    Casey has to be coach of the year right? The past 4 games were probably the biggest of the year and the raptors absolutely blew it with 4 losses. He plays Anderson way to much, he doesn’t like jv in the fourth for some reason and bargnani somehow found himself playing in crunch time minutes in a lot of those games. I feel like all he does is talk and say what the game plan is however he doesn’t know how to put it to work and when it comes to x’s and o’s he’s got no clue what to do. On another note, if you realize after every time out when raps draw up a play, it just never works. So, does Casey deserve to be the head coach of the raptors next season?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Casey will be back in Toronto next season – book that one.

      I’ve heard these complaints before – but really, who else is Casey going to throw out there? It’s not like he is hiding some superior talent on the bench and ignoring them.

  4. Steve

    Will bc be fired this summer?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      I expect Colangelo will be back. He might just have the President title, but he’ll be back and we are not hearing any rumblings otherwise

  5. Dyaptor

    Hi Steve, Why did BC, not go after Matt Barnes, this year when he was available. Barnes, could have been a perfect fit in Casey’s system, instead he ended up w/ the Clippers and was a great pick up for the Clippers. I like Fields, as a player, but he does not have a consistent outside shot. BC, should have signed both of them. Very disappointing as a FAN.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Matt Barnes has been on 8 teams in 10 years. He plays with an edge, which is great, but the edge is there full-time. Just look at his record. He plays well everywhere he goes and gets shipped out at the earliest opportunity. Matt is a real vet now, so maybe he is getting easier to deal with – have to talk to the Clippers after the season on that one.

      Matt is 32 and just as effective as ever & he’s on an expiring vet’s min deal – I won’t be surprised if he gets another 1-year deal again for next season. He can still contribute. I would not want on the Raptors unless they knew they had a spot in the rotation for him though.

  6. LA in LA

    Thoughts on how Raptors have looked with Gay?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Gay replaces Bargnani as the volume shooter who can stretch the floor and drive from the 3-pt line, plus Gay can make the spectacular offensive or defensive play at the end of games that Bargnani really couldn’t. The team doesn’t look so different other than its better & better at finishing games.

      The bigger difference is how Lowry runs the offense compared to Calderon

  7. edva

    Hello,
    1. What do you think about Magic? What is they future? What they will do next year? Still developing team? Will draft more young talents?
    2. Some words about M.Harkless, A.Nicholson, K.O`Quinn- do you like them this season?
    3. I am upset about G.Ayon is traded to Bucks. I see him as a good back-up center, agree? Or T.Harris has more potential?
    4. Was D.Lamb worth for Reddick?
    5. I think this year Magic should pick PG from drafts. What you think Magic will draft this year? Which position?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      The Magic are developing young talent – they likely add more next season. This year (& next) is all about evaluation – who are the keepers and you can’t keep everyone – some guys have to be moved on (& they’ll make some mistakes – but they can’t play/evaluate/ wait on everyone)

      I like Nicholson. Lets give the other guys some more time.

      Wait until after the tournament before picking favorites for the draft – want to see these kids play under pressure first. Magic will draft the best talent available – they have too.

  8. Alex in Burbank

    Stephen, I’ll bet you a $1 Lakers go to OKC and win.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      I don’t bet on games, but I think the Thunder can defend home court on Tuesday.

  9. Sam

    are there news about the injury of kleiza and pietrus?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Pietrus looks fine, but no one expects him to play.
      Kleiza walks around looking okay – but his knees have not responded well to playing games this season.
      Really nothing new on either of these guys.

  10. alvin

    hey your east guy.I’ve watch the knicks games and guess now people are going to ask why woodson didn’t play amare at the end of heat game.that said why not start him.look every game they start of slow.the start is as important as the end.by amare not saying anything that let’s woodson do what has done so far.I dont care what woodson says that aint going carry them.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      I don’t expect to get a straight answer from a coach about playing time – If I’m Woodson, I’m real careful about how many minutes Stoudemire plays – need him for the playoffs. A top 4 finish is in the bag.

  11. Bhagdeep

    Hey Steve,
    Now that the raptors’ playoff hopes are pretty much dead, should they consider starting Andrea just to get his confidence up and show him off to other teams in the view of an offseason trade? And will Casey give more minutes to Jonas and Ross now, in an attempt to help their development?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Casey sort of indicated he wanted Bargs to start (more?) – but it does seem like he’s still setting the starting lineup based on matchups. We aren’t getting a real clear picture from Casey yet – no surprise if Bargs is starting more often from now on.

  12. Jason

    Hello,

    Do you think Bryan Colangelo is a sure bet to be fired at the end of the season, now that Toronto’s playoff hopes have died? Could you see them picking up his option for next year just to see what he can do with one more offseason and if they decide to go seperate ways, will Ed stefanski be his likely replacement, or will MLSE look elsewhere?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      I expect Colangelo to be around – no shock if Ed got the GM title, but he will have had his input/hands in everything the Raptors have been doing – so is that really a change?

  13. Kyle

    Hey Steve,

    Here is my solution to making the raptors a playoff team next season, and possibly a contender:

    Trade Bargnani, Fields and 2015 2nd Round Pick for Pau Gasol – Gives raptors an inside presence who can score

    Trade Demar and 2015 1st rounder for Eric Gordon – Gives raptors a 3 point threat, since both Rudy and Demar can’t consistently score from behind the arc

    What do you think? I think both of these deals are viable, even though they make raptors a luxury tax team.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      I’d like to see Gasol on the Raps.

      Gordon is a player I would be worried about unless we could get some assurances he actually wanted to go to Toronto (& his health is good)

  14. dub

    I like amir, but on a contender he comes off the bench. What PF would you think would be good to start along side of JV if you could get one?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Paul Millsap if the Raps can trade for him this summer. Pau Gasol would be a great mentor. Boozer is tough solid vet. You want a vet to play beside Jonas.

  15. dub

    I know he has a big contract and has been out with injury, but would you ever think to trade Amare for Bargs? Could be a high risk high reward type of move. When healthy he’s one of the best pf’s in the league.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Bad back, bad knees, guaranteed to miss at least 1/3rd of every season – can hardly wait to see Amare in a suit on the Raptors bench – A little cynical perhaps, but Amare has a cap crushing contract and he will miss games every season for old injuries we know about in advance. I’d pass….

  16. dub

    What fool takes the plunge for bynum this summer? I have a feeling that 76′rs just let hime walk and may have some resentment for doing that deal.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Sometimes you just get that feeling a team can’t walk away from their mistakes and is about to compound them – I expect the 76ers will not be able to bring themselves to let Bynum walk away (they should) – Elton Brand 2.0

      Logic says you offer Bynum the same deal you’d offer Greg Oden – but somebody is going to take the risk and offer a lot more than they should.

      Bynum has had a year off. If the surgery goes well and he rehabs well this summer – A team might get a good season out of Bynum, but after that, there is no magic to prevent those knees from continuing to breakdown

  17. dub

    How many naysayers does it take to kill a kobe bryant? LOL The guy must have the fountain of youth in his bathroom, he’s killing it lateley and silencing all the critics.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Kobe is playing great – plays thru pain & injuries – what’s not to like?

      BUT, Father Time catches up to every person – he just hasn’t caught Kobe yet.

  18. Jeff

    Hi Stephen,

    Jose Calderon and his wife love Toronto. Any chance that Jose may resign with Toronto? Pehaps take less money if he really wants to be here.

    If we can move Bargnani this summer to free up salary,and amnesty a player such as Kleiza, any chance we go after a guy like Paul Milsap? I think he be a great fit.

    Thanks

    • Stephen Brotherston

      The possibility of Calderon’s return to Toronto isn’t that high – unless he’s willing to take a very modest deal. Detroit will likely pay him more, but I’d like to see him finish his career with the Raptors – just not very hopeful.

      Millsap would be an ideal fit in Toronto. We’ll see what Colangelo is made of in July.

  19. Cain

    Brighter future, Paul George or Damian Lillard?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      They are both pretty bright. Today, edge has to go to the All-Star as Lillard still has to reach that level.

  20. J.Bizz

    In your opinion, what is B. Colangelo best and worst move during his tenure? I have in my favorite the Lowry aquisition as he gave up barely anything, as the worst, I’m torn bewteen firing Sam Mitchell, not trading Bosh when we all knew he wasn’t coming back, the Jermaine O’neal trade or drafting Bargnani ahead of L.A. Your thoughts?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      The Rudy Gay trade represents the biggest talent addition Colangelo has been able to make – my #1.

      Worst move was taking the risk on O’Neal’s knees. That killed his early success and led to several moves trying to recover from it – possibly even to Bosh opting out of Toronto.

      From an organization standpoint, the refusal to become a tax team after Colangelo built a playoff team has had years of negative effects.

  21. Ryan

    What is going on with this organization, what is their direction going forward? IMO it doesn’t seem like they have the pieces in place to contend at all… Or does MLSE just want a borderline playoff team?

    Will TOR retain BC?

    If BC is replaced is another rebuild on the way?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Raptors absolutely do not have the pieces to contend as of today – but to become a contender, they’ll have to become a tax team (barring border-line miracle good luck)

      Whether the new ownership is happy being a border-line playoff team or actually wants to contend at some point will depend on if they are willing to buy the players needed to contend – the Rudy Gay move makes the Raptors a theoretical tax team next season, if they are willing to add salary this summer – that will be making a statement about how serious they are about contending.

      Another rebuild? Raptors haven’t finished this rebuild yet.

  22. junior

    please tell me that the raptors finally give up on the playoff now and I want them to see what andrea bargnani could do starting with Jonas Valanciunas.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Raptors haven’t given up on the playoffs yet – but if they don’t reel off about 6 straight wins, they should.

      Casey is still playing with the starting lineups (with all the injuries, that’s been the case all season) Don’t be surprised by rotation we see thru the end of the season

  23. trader jokim

    DO U still see bargani as part of the future? How will management trade him when no nba team wants him? Trade a pick or lowry? Granger for him? How about jj hickson?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Not sure why anyone would be saying no NBA team will trade for Bargnani? Yes, Bargs has a “dented-can” reputation at the moment – but he is still a very skilled player who is very trade-able.

      I expect Bargnani will be moved this summer.

  24. Tony Romo

    Do you think JV needs a 3 point shot? Do you see where I’m getting at :-D

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Jonas needs to keep working on his mid-range jump shot & all of his moves around the basket – a 3-pt shot isn’t something he needs to develop, but his form suggests it could come over time. You can only load up on a rookie with so much.

  25. mapple warrior

    Is it time for tor to sign vets this off season? We lost a great leader on jose,maybe j.oneal would love to have a second stint with us? Which free agent or trade do u think is needed to get us to the higher braket of the playoffs? Will demar be a trade chip or a part of the future?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      There are not a lot of successful teams featuring many rookies – solid veterans make a team better.

      Let’s not be a 2x sucker with Jermaine O’Neal.

      The trade that was discussed at the deadline for Boozer is the type of deal that the Raptors need.

      Not expecting DD to be moved

  26. Earl

    What off season moves do you see the Raptors doing? Besides the MLE, are they pretty much capped out?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      The success of the Raptors off season will be determined by trades. They are capped out.

  27. Joe kick azz

    Do you think SVG would be a good fit as coach IF Casey gets fired? Do you see Casey’s job being at risk? I would like SVG. Who do you see as a realistic replacement?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Stan Van Gundy is a very good coach – currently available. But no I don’t expect Casey is going anywhere – basically zero risk.

  28. KingTdot

    let’s be honest now, our postseason hopes are pretty much gone. With that being said, I would like to see the kids get some development in to ensure they are ready for next season. Ross needs minutes instead of Anderson, Jonas needs minutes in crunch time (which I can’t understand why he gets NO minutes in the 4th right now), & continue to showcase Primo in the hopes that someone will buy that stale pasta in the summer. Your thoughts???

    • Stephen Brotherston

      I think you are about 2 weeks early, but Ross needs more court time before the season ends. As does Jonas and showcasing Bargnani is on the agenda.

      Just developing the chemistry between DD, Rudy & Lowry is important over the last 6 weeks as well.

  29. Earl

    Why did the Raps draft Ross if they arent going to play him? I thought they should have drafted Drummond in that spot instead. Imagine a front line of Drummond and Val? The Raps arent going to make the playoffs, isnt this the time to see what Ross can do?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Drummond exceeded expectations – especially on the coach-ability side. Hindsight is great isn’t it.
      But imagine a front line of Val & Drummond – West & Hibbert can be heard drooling from here.

      Soon for Ross soon…..

  30. Carleton Jonnie

    Landry looked great last game. Do u think he can do it regularly?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Yes. Landry will keep getting more effective the further removed from his surgery he gets. Probably takes him all summer to fully rebuild his jump shot though.

  31. Realgm raptors poster

    Assuming raptors miss the playoffs, will BC use the 2014 pick as an asset similar to a Lowry trade? What do you think BC should do with the 2014 pick?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Draft picks are valuable currency these days, but unless the Raps are getting Wiggins in 2014, the team is young enough and can afford to trade a pick to help land an impact player – can’t give picks away though.

      Lowry deal is a good example of how to get value for a pick

  32. Kuda

    First off, if Andrea is sent down to DLeague can he be claimed by any team? If not why not send him down cuz we fans noticed he needs it. Second TROSS should be on the floor more with the absence of AA offence dont you think. Lastly the Raptors will be on the outside looking in why not play the rooks more.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      First, that’s an NHL rule, not an NBA rule.

      Ross will get more time as the season winds down. No Ross isn’t as effective as Anderson – not yet anyway.

      The team isn’t going to give up on the playoffs while a winning streak can still get them back into it. Another couple of weeks…..

  33. rb andy

    Thunder’s fans see their coach brooks as as consistent force behind the team. Nevertheless, this consistency appears to be misplaces when he coaches against the Miami Heat. He needs to forgo using Perkins and use his small lineup because it works best for the team. Your thoughts? Does this minimize your opinion of his ability to get the job done?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Brooks has done a great job with the talent he has – young, lots of personality – usually very focused and that’s on the coach. Judging any coach based on how well they do against the HEAT is a little rough – the life of being #2

  34. Kerry P

    Do you personally “boo” Bargnani? I do from my couch

    • Stephen Brotherston

      No – I want Bargnani to do well. Either so he helps the team or so he bumps his trade value

  35. Jackie

    I think you underestimate the new management, I think BC will be either fired or kept on as just the president, and Ed stefanski might be the new gm thus Casey goes

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Let’s wait and see if Casey gets the ominous “vote of confidence” from management at the end of the season. For now, it is not even a topic of discussion.

  36. Amir

    The Raptors new ownership love to get big names. Dwane Casey wont cut it as a big name coach. Would not be surprised if they go for Jackson, Sloan, or the Gundy brothers

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Trying to dig up old retired coaches (like old retired players) isn’t the road to success. I like Stan Van Gundy, but I don’t see it happening. Raptors like Casey – first time they’ve had a coach that could grow & develop with the team that generates any sort of confidence.

  37. Gerald

    Hey, Steve what Power forward do you think Raptors will really target in the summer? josh smith Paul Millsap, or JJ hickson?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      To get an impact player, the Raps will have to make a trade – Millsap would be my top choice, but it takes 2 (probably 3 teams) to get the deal done the Raps might be looking for.

      Don’t be surprised if Pau Gasol & Boozer are the real targets

  38. BMP

    People hate on Rashard Lewis because he got that monster contract. Well, people were stating that Ginobili is 100x the player Shard was while I think Rashard is about as good as Ginobili in their primes. They both accomplished alot during their respective careers.

    Question is: Who would you take in their prime: Ginobili or Rashard.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Those are hard guys to compare – both excellent players in their prime – give the longevity to Ginobili.

      Lewis flame burned brighter but Ginobili is still a big time contributor at 35. I guess I’d have to give the peak years to Lewis and the career player to Manu.

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