NBA Chat With Stephen Brotherston 3/5/12

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

GMs and their assistants are all running around with phones glued to their ears – is somebody is going to do something they’d rather have not before its all over?

Is Ed Stefanski is really ready to tackle Bryan Colangelo at the first sign of going off plan?

Get your comments and questions in now.

  1. eric

    Stephen, Would a trade for Josh Smith and K. Hinrich for Pau Gasol, make us more athletic and help us on our PG woes? With the additional first round picks and trade exception we could get a M. Beastly or get maybe a Tyrus Thomas from the Bobcats?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Welcome to the Chat
      Team needs are often easier to spot than solutions – why again is it those GMs make the huge salaries?

      Short Answer – yes – and its worth giving it a try even though I doubt the deal gets done.

      TT is available for half of yesterday’s ham sandwich (too strong?) – so sure LAL can get him except they are trying to reduce future payroll.
      Beasely is available – T-wolves are looking for a SG – but if that move fails, LAL should step in.
      Remember the Lakers are stuck in Lux Tax purgatory – when the new rules kick in – they can’t be running a $90m payroll.

  2. John

    If Mavs miss the play offs does the picks the lakers acquired from them become a lottery pick also whats the difference between protected and unprotected picks?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      from nbadraft.net
      “Lakers receive the Mavericks’ 2012 first-round pick. (top 20 protected until 2017). (Lamar Odom trade 11-12-2011)”

      Mavs pick is protected even if they make the playoffs provided they are not a top 10 team. – That’s what protected means – the pick doesn’t move unless the Mavs are a top 10 team (of the 16 playoff teams)

      From the Lakers side – there is no way to get a lottery pick out of this trade.

  3. kobe jaworski

    Wassup sir rapman.. anyways, i just wana know how if given the gm job would u convert the raptors to a championship team? Is attainable in 3 to 4 years? Us fans want to win now. Thanks

    • Stephen Brotherston

      I’d do what Colangelo is doing – which means building a team – and the 3 to 4 years timetable is about right as long as there are no major stumbles.

      That’s to build a contender – you can’t build a championship team – that’s something you have to win on the court. (ask Miami)

  4. raider purple

    Is there a problem in spending in toronto? As a fan i dont feel that they sorrounded with any great free agent or star. We fans are scared that we may not be able to really get a star for a long time. Remember vince carter ,tmac mmm bosh.. please tell me im wrong. Thanks

    • Stephen Brotherston

      MLSE has had a luxury tax avoidance issue – but to be fair – the big name free agents have not wanted to come here.

      It has never been an issue of money with the team’s own FA – the Raptors have always been willing to shell out for the guys they have developed.

      The new CBA is going to level out the playing field in Toronto’s favor somewhat – Toronto is in a better position now than in the past to retain and attract FAs.

      Our next big star is already here – Bargnani – and Valanciunas looks like he’ll be better (in a couple of years) – those guys should be easier to hold on to.

  5. shu mai dimsun

    Is jared bayless not starter material? I remember he was a high pick in the draft.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      He has been hurt too often to know for sure.

      Jerryd has shown signs that he could be a starter but we just haven’t seen him play enough and it is worrisome that he keeps getting those high ankle sprains that take a long time to heal.

      I do like his edge when he’s healthy.

  6. PStokes

    If Brandon Roy decides to come out of retirement. How will his contract situation work? Does he still get the remainder of the money from Portland owed on his pos retirement contract? Does the team that picks him up pick up the tab?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Roy needs a medical miracle to play in the NBA again.

      As an amnestied player who cleared waviers – he gets all of his monies and is an UFA.

  7. mr bogus

    Derozan seems to be be over rated. Our management feels that he is the franchise but he is just a younger ariza in my eyes. Trade him or hold on?!

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Still young and developing – but not developing fast enough to be a face-of-the-franchise.

      Maybe he reaches the potential the team has laid out for him but you’re right – we haven’t seen it yet.
      I would trade him if it returned someone who fit with the team’s plans and was ahead of him in development as of now – but that’s about the only situation – young prospects that you control shouldn’t be surrendered easily.

  8. master splinter

    Bargani is always injured,is it always at the same body part or is he really injury prone? Is it time to trade him and just get some picks in the draft????

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Bargs had a strained calf muscle at the end of last season – they didn’t exactly rush him back – no reason too.

      Bargs strained the same calf muscle again – this time they rushed him back as the team couldn’t win without him and they cost him another month – now there is no reason to rush him back (again)

      The Raps would have to finish the 2nd half with a 22-9 record to have a shot at playoffs – not realistic even with Bargs. Better to let him heal 110% – let Aaron Gray show us what he can do – and get a better draft pick.

      Bargs is this team’s next All-Star – not going anywhere

  9. Hudsen

    Hey Stephen, i was wondering what is going on with Wilson Chandler? Do we know if he’s leaning towards signing or sitting the season out? Do we have any up dates on Zach Randolph, Andrea Bargnani and Stephen Curry?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Chandler is trying to get as much money out of Denver as he can – post March 1, Denver is the only team he can sign with – and he reportedly needs the money.

      The Memphis Commercial Appeal reports that Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph is participating in a full-contact scrimmage Monday, which is a “good sign that his return could be this week.” Randolph has been out since Jan. 2 with a torn MCL.

      Bargnani has been running again this week – maybe soon – maybe next week – what’s the rush?

      Steph Curry was sitting on the side for the Raps/Warriors game looking very very sad – not a good sign.

  10. mask rider black

    Who is the hardest working raptor u know. First man in the gym, last man out?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      They don’t let the media in until the last half hour of practice – when its basically over (unlike for the NHL Leafs).

      DeRozan gets lots of positive comments about work ethic – but so does Gray, James Johnson, and most everyone on the team – Even last year – the Raptors continued to put the effort in.

  11. shaider

    Is the chemistry of the raptor players goes outside the court ? As a fan i dont see no leader in the court. Is it due to the shortened season and no t’camp thing?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      The team is still looking for that “complete leader” – but its really been Dwane Casey’s team since he arrived.

      Everyone respects Jose Calderon on the court – but he is really more of a family man than one of the boys. Watching Jonas Valanciunas play – he looks like the team’s next leader (too much pressure – I don’t think so in this case)

  12. mj45

    Any player right now u wish he is w raptor and is attainable via trade or free agency? And why??? Thanks

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Lots of players I wish were in Toronto – none of whom are reasonably available – except maybe OJ Mayo as a restricted free agent this summer – the 2 guard we don’t have – and Ersan Ilyasova, who I believe has found his game this season with the Bucks and is an UFA – he’d fit in on the Raptors even though it would mean one the bigs would have to be moved. Tempted to go after Aaron Brooks if he’s available – hesitant but very tempted.

  13. lola ely's

    In the last 3 years what is the worst move by the raptors?? Letting bosh go????

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Letting Bosh go for nothing – trading him at the deadline could have been sweet.
      Worst move was the Jermaine O’Neal trade – high risk, high return that imploded.

  14. west ny boii

    Can u make a bold predictions about the celtics ,mavs and san antonio on the up coming trade deadline?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Celtics should trade their expiring deals to get players to help Rondo and PP – but I suspect that’s not what is going to happen. No surprise if Ray is gone – I hear Minny would hand over Bease for him.
      Mavs – will protect their cap space and be frozen from adding more cap space by wanting to win a playoff round. Nothing.

      SAS – why fool with a good thing?

  15. anthony bourdaine

    When will the raptors be in the playoff hunt?? And do u think the new offense of the team is suitable for the young team with an obvious unfamiliarity problem? Cant we just run easy fundamental sets??pick n rolls?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Raps will be targeting an 8th seed next season.

      Raps will continue to run a lot of half-court stuff – DD has to adapt. With JV coming over – the team will run PnR over and over and over until it gets stopped.

  16. the joker

    Is mcgee attainable for the raptors? Or maybe tyreke for derozan???

  17. gambit

    What happened to the lakers last pick this year atir majouk? Is the spelling right? Well in videos he look like a biyombo. Can he still be a laker??? Thanks

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Ater Majok is in Slovakia playing for Bk SPU Bemaco Nitra – 31 games, 11.2 pts, 7.9 rbs, 2.3 blks.

      No reason I know of that he couldn’t join the Lakers at a later date – probably needs more time in Europe first.

  18. Aristotle

    G’Day Mr. B,

    Like LeBron, Kyrie Irving was the overall No.1 draft for Cleveland. Is he literally now seen as the face of the franchise or one of the major pieces to build around a franchise player?

    If a key piece, who do they look at bringing in as the franchise player to become a dynamic duo with Irving?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Slow down – let the Cavs rebuild thru the draft and acquire some more assets – its going well.

      In the PG driven NBA – KI is the face of the franchise already.

  19. Andy

    Has James Johnson played himself into a permanent role on the team? He’s that big, athletic, defensive 3 that you need to… well, ultimately guard LeBron.

  20. cavsfan

    Whats the word been from Toronto on Jonas? Are they happy he dropped rather than possibly having selected Tristan T.

  21. j. Bizz

    Some say the raptors need an upgrade at sf does this mean they don’t believe in Kleiza nor J. Johnson? I think they are doing a good job, on particular Kleiza on offense and Jonhson on defense. Do they also not believe that Bayless can be the pg of the future as when he started last year he put up great numbers. Any idea what they will be looking for in the draft pg, sf or just the best talent available?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Raps need a scorer who can be a competent defender – thus my leaning towards Jeremy Lamb in the draft.
      Bayless needs to show he can stay in a uniform or the Raps have to add another PG.

      Always draft the top talent available – use need to break ties/ not sures.

  22. Michael

    Does James Johnson seem like he could be the raptors SF of the future – he defends very well, getting blocks and steals, his offence is coming around – with experience he could be a very good role player – do you agree

  23. Jeff

    Why in the world would the Raptors be interested in Jamal Crawford, as reported here at Hoopsworld? Jamal will be a UFA this summer.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      I would be surprised to see Jamaal Crawford in Toronto at any point unless it part of a deal that leads somewhere else – doesn’t mean it wasn’t discussed – there are lots of deals being discussed.

  24. Ryan from ohio

    Why havent the lakers offered gasol for rondo? If they have who said no?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      who says they haven’t? Salaries don’t match + these 2 teams might just have reasons for not wanting the other guy to win a trade.

  25. Jeff

    I understand the coach wants to, and should try to win every game. But Raptor management MUST understand that a Top 5 Pick this year could change the future of the team — while a pick outside the Top 5 is less likely. Tank Nation — Please!

    • Stephen Brotherston

      you are watching the games aren’t you? – still worried?

      Only risk is you can’t tell players they are supposed to lose!

  26. Norm

    I hear rumors about Lakers trading for Raymond Felton from Blazzers. Who do the Blazzers get in return? Does this deal make Lakers better at PG (Felton is extremely unneficient right now)?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Lakers don’t have much to offer – I’d take Andrew Goudelock and Josh McRoberts or the TPE and a draft pick.
      It might make the Lakers better – not for sure – that’s why he’s available.

  27. Tom

    Would you consider trading Raptors 2013 1st Round Pick, as other teams would value it as a lottery pick — but it sounds like Colangelo has plans to spend/trade this summer to get the team back in the playoffs next year. Seems like it could be a valuable trade chip now.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Only if it is part of a deal that returns a young (24-27) star player – need a team looking to blow it all up and covets that pick.

      The plan in Toronto is to keep the pick and save cap space for this summer – possibly next season even.

  28. Adam K

    Stephen,

    Thanks for your time, first time poster here!

    Who do you think would be a better fit for the lakers at pg, from the realistic choices they have?

    Kirk Hinrich
    Raymond Felton
    Jose Calderon
    Dj augustin

    Not that I’m overally excited to see any of them, but hey, we need help

    • Stephen Brotherston

      1. Jose – but the Lakers need a 3rd team to do a deal
      2. D.J. – but they have nothing to offer here either
      3. Felton – what do they have to lose?
      4. Hinrich – is he going to be 100%?

      Lakers are in tough – they don’t have much to offer except the TPE and their draft picks – better to suck it up and keep their picks.

  29. Dubb

    The raptors have there sg(derozan),pf(bargnani/Davis),and centre (Jonas) positions locked up for the future who should Toronto go after or select in this years draft? I say we wait for Andrew wiggins for our sf?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      I’ll wait for the Tourney to make a final call but since I’m not expecting to draft 1st – I do like Jeremy Lamb

  30. o2cats

    Would a deal centered around Gasol to Houston, Martin to Minn, and Scola, Beasley, and Ridnor to the Lakers be a starting point. Obviously Minn would have to kick in something extra, and Houston was previously willing to give up more, like the NY pick. The deal still works with Houston absorbing Walton, which maybe make the pick go the other direction, as well as some smaller salaries moving around?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Well the Lakers are making out like bandits in this deal – but Minny really wants that starting SG and Houston wants their star player – so everyone should be happy. Minny is already putting a lot into the deal as described.

  31. Ryan

    How desperate are the Heat for a big man? Any chance we could move out Gray for Miami’s 1st? To make the salaries work the Raps would probably need to take back Pittman and James Jones as well…

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Gray is earning himself a spot on the Raps and is already worth more than a late first round pick – but he’d sure solve one of the HEAT’s problems – not that need to solve anything to be a favorite.

  32. Mike

    With Indiana’s cap space could you see them giving up a 1st round pick for Antawn Jamison? He’s off the books in the summer and seems like the exact kind of character guy they typically target.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Indy has options with their space and could pick up a guy on an expiring deal for their pick. Barbosa from Toronto might be more valuable in terms of fit but Jamison (if the Cavs slide continues) is a winner.

  33. Rayroy

    Any rumors on the Raptors trade front? What do you think we can reasonably get for Barbosa?

  34. Scott

    What do you think Sixers do at the Deadline do they get a star?

  35. Rich Gibson

    It appears the Magic do not have the pieces to trade and upgrade the Team aside from Howard. Can they afford NOT to trade Howard?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      In my opinion – if Howard will not sign an extension or tell the team he is exercising his player option – they have to trade him. A team that let’s a player decide their future is going to get hurt most of the time.
      That’s all for today – thanks for all the great comments and questions

  36. Ryan

    Hi there, why havent the Raps made a move yet to unload Jose or Barbosa? According to the Toronto Sun, there are lots of interest in those two players. What do you foresee coming back for one or both of those guys? Do the Raps use their amnesty this year? And if so, on whom? Thanks!

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Colangelo is protecting his cap space as promised at the beginning of the year. He’ll only make moves that fit the plan – improve the team over the long term. Casey is a huge Calderon supporter – he’ll fight to keep him.
      There is no one to amnesty on the Raptors – no one they’d pay to work for another NBA team on their dime.

  37. Ballman

    Is J Val really a center prospect? Or does he just crowd our PF positions? At what point can we turn one of our many PF to fill someof our holes?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      True center that plays in the paint – but is quick enough to play PF if necessary.

      JV already weighed 240 lbs last year – he’ll arrive in camp bigger and stronger.

  38. kyle

    the bigs are getting crowded with JV coming next year we see some good play from most this season such as Gray, Davis and Amir how do u decide a future with such play from these guys protecting the rim so well this season

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Remember JV will be a rookie – it’s reasonable to have 5 bigs you can use in your rotation until things shake themselves out – or until someone makes you a good trade offer for one of them – big men are a nice trade asset to have.