NBA Chat With Stephen Brotherston 4/16/12

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

The Raptors beat Boston and Atlanta without Calderon or Bargnani and playing 3 guys on 10-day contracts – Coach Casey must be be a genius.

The chat is underway so get your comments and questions in now.

  1. raps4ever

    Hi Steve, Do you really think Colangelo and Stefanski are the guys to turn around the Raptor franchise? Do you think that Ed Davis and DeRozan will fit the Dwayne Casey system? I think A. Randolf, would be a better upgrade for Derozan and Ed Davis we could trade for a player like John Thompson. Please give me your honest and expert opinion. Thanks

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Welcome to the chat.
      We are getting going a little early as I’m off to cover the Raptors v Hawks tonight.

      Colangelo and Stefanski are the right guys – at the very least, I can’t remember the Raptors having 2 more qualified front office people to represent the team. Colangelo has the boardroom polish needed to deal with corporate ownership. Stefanski has a pretty good track record of deals and drafts.

      Casey has shown he can fit ANYONE into to his system with a little talent and hard work. Bargnani, DeRozan, and Calderon are all fitting into his system and the team has played solid defense with all 3 on the floor at the same time – Now that’s something no one would have believed last season.

      You don’t usually see trades of guys under rookie contracts for similar talent level players unless their teams have given up on them – And that’s not the case. The Raps haven’t given up on Ed or DeMar. They’d rather keep developing their own guys than developing a someone else at a similar level.

      That doesn’t mean Ed or DeMar are untouchable – they could be traded together or with another player if Colangelo could land someone he believes has greater star potential – they’d be looking for the obvious upgrade as opposed to just switching deck chairs with someone.

  2. Kevin

    Do people have any idea the HUGE amount of money the Olympics generate?? Why does it offend people if the players think they should get paid??

    • Stephen Brotherston

      The O costs billions to put on and many of the sports have no commercial value. If the players get paid – it would likely mean that every participant would get paid – not a bad idea – just very hard to fund.

      It would be really hard to start paying the incoming pros and continue to let the amateur sports go hand-to-mouth – could lead to the breakup of the event.

  3. CJ

    Hey Stephen two part question:

    Demar Derozen (though he has improved in last couple of seasons) seems more like a tony allen than a often once stated Vince Carter. Do we still peg him as a cornerstone of the future?

    Would Toronto think aout possibly going after Eric Gordon (moving Derozen to 6th man maybe?)

    Know of any 24 hour basketball courts in Toronto?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      We still don’t know where DeMar’s ceiling is – he showed that he will develop reliable 3-point range (getting there) and his defense is getting better. Lots of work to do but at 22 – he had better of not stopped getting better. DD was never ever going to be the next VC – he simply doesn’t have VC’s athleticism or natural gifts and almost no one does. Seems more like DD could become Jason Richardson (if he continues to improve) than than VC. Cornerstone? – maybe one of a several key pieces.

      Very likely the Raps are going after available wings – by trade or FA – the draft is going to have a huge impact on possible deals. Gordon is probably out of reach – OJ Mayo probably isn’t.

  4. Dan

    I tend to group guys like Marcus Thornton, Nick Young, and Demar Derozen all in the same category. Guys who can score but offer little else to the team. Which of these guys would you say has the highest likelihood for meaingful contributions on a championship team? Truth be told, I see them all as a 3rd option or a 6th man at best.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      That’s not unfair – except there is still a chance Thorton & DD develop more aspects to their game. I like what Casey has been able to do with DD this season – there are signs he is starting to understand defensive responsibilities. Coaches do have a big impact on young players and what skills they develop outside of what they would do on their own.

      On a Contending team – right now – I’d agree 3rd option/6th man, but that doesn’t mean the young guys don’t get better and learn how to have a greater impact – it’s on them to improve during the off season.

  5. Deven

    Hi Stephen. On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate the Raptors performance against the Hawks last night?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Considering who was in the starting lineup – that was 10s across the board. The Raptors had no business even being in the game after the first quarter vs the Celtics or the Hawks and they played beyond any reasonable expectations. Those were 2 10 day guys in the starting lineup and I love Gray’s effort – but he should be a reserve next year.

  6. cloud strife

    My friend and I are in a debate which is the proper restricted free agent rules. Cloud thinks a team must provide a qualifying offer otherwise the player becomes a UFA. I think a player has the option to field offers by other teams (without needing a qualifying offer first), and the current team has the option to match or raise within 10% and the player must return to the team. Who is correct?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      The qualfying offer is what makes a player a RFA. If the QO isn’t issued, the team retains bird-rights but that doesn’t stop the player from going elsewhere.

      This is definitely a Larry Coon question – there have been a lot of changes with the new CBA – but teams still have to issue QO to make someone a RFA.

  7. tbadfq

    Who is the better combo for the Jazz future: Favors and Millsap or Favors and Jefferson?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Don’t forget Kanter.

      Jazz have decisions to make. Young players don’t develop on the bench and Millsap & Jefferson didn’t get them to the playoffs – even though they have great numbers.

      Jazz need to pick a strategy – maybe the upgrade should come at the point? Use one of the young guys (or Millsap or Jefferson) as the bait in a deal? I like all 4 of these players but something is still missing to make this team a contender.

  8. calvinzero

    What is the probability of the Toronto Raptors that they will get no.1 in the draft lottery? Is there any sense of urgency for the team regarding that?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      It looks like the Raps will finish 5th – 9th for lottery balls which gives then about 10% – 2% chance at #1 – not very high. They can finish no better than 4th (unlikely) – only marginally better than a 10% chance at #1.

      That’s why there isn’t much concern or urgency about draft position now – it’s not going to matter much.

  9. Jazzfan

    Hey Stephen thanks for the chat,What do you think of Enes Kanter? Obviously he’s very raw still but I can see him becoming a very dominant center in this league, he plays tough defense and his offense is gettin better.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Kanter isn’t getting enough minutes. season average 13 min. last 10 games, 10 minutes per.

      Big, strong, skilled, 19 years-old, and is not going to progress watching from the bench. I like his potential but until he gets 18-22 minutes a night, it isn’t likely that potential is going to develop.

      Jazz need to make some decisions.

  10. murray

    great article today, you sound extremely optimistic so i assuming you know stuff that we do not know, it seems that andrea is still the leader of this team can a team lead by andrea win it all? or if is role is discrease can be effective taken less shots as he is a high volume scorer?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Andrea can lead by example – he will do what his coach tells him to do – that’s nothing new, he is just getting better coaching now. It isn’t really fair to call Bargs a high volume scorer (Raps have had no one else) – his scoring percentages will always resemble a SF more than a C because he plays more like a SF. With better players around him, Bargs’ offense will come a little easier and stand out a little less and he style will create opportunities for others.

      Watching Jonas Valanciunas – the rookie is more likely to become this team’s “leader” than anyone on the roster.

  11. Dan

    Will the clippers resign cp3 this offseason. Will they trade him if they dont contend? Who can they bring in tin the offseason to help him stay?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      It will be a surprise if the Clippers can’t hang onto to CP3 long term. As of now, no one sees CP3 being traded away – but one never knows what could happen – it just seems like this is as good of a situation as he could find.

      The Clips will take another big step next season and the season after with doing much of anything besides working with DJ and Blake in the off season – these guys are still developing kids.

  12. ralph lawrence

    Hi Stephen! is Tyreke better playing the three position or is it much better him coming of the bench for the kings? I think he is much better playing the 6th man role for the kings adding depth to the back court of thomas and thornton..

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Tyreke has to feel like his team is shoving him from pillar to post and trying to fit him into the talent they acquire instead of building around him.

      IMO – TE is a guard – play him at the PG or the SG but pick a guard slot and let him own it instead of trying to convert him to another position – that he has enough talent to play but shouldn’t have to learn.

      If they no longer want Tyreke at guard – cash in, he’ll bring back some great assets.

  13. Sweet Dee

    If you were Sam Presti and only had the money this offseason to resign James Harden or Serge Ibaka. Which player do you offer the extension to and why?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      If money is the issue – keep the defense – Serge Ibaka – almost irreplaceable.

      Move Harden for a less expensive scoring option plus picks – or go for a lottery pick – there are teams who will trade a high lottery pick and an affordable player for Harden.

  14. Charlie

    In your opinion, which frontcourt would be better defensively: Thunder with Kendrick Perkins and Serge Ibaka or Charlotte with Bismack Biyombo and Antony Davis (assume Bobcats won lottery).

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Present vs Future

      On straight potential – Biyombo & Davis hands down – want to win a playoff series this year or next Perkins & Ibaka.

  15. Jeff

    Can you describe how Coach Casey has changed things for the Raptors?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Casey runs this team and has every players full attention and respect. Casey is the team’s leader.

  16. Jeremy Mercer

    With the past couple of games in mind. (2 wins/better team defense/ed davis/dd)Could Bargs be used as a trade chip at the draft or this summer to get either MKG or quality young PG this summer? Thanks!

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Make no mistake – anybody on the Raptors could be traded – but Bargs would have the highest trade value on the team and they’d want a lot more than a lottery pick (and you don’t trade the No. 1 pick).

      If you are thinking John Wall for Bargs – the Raps won’t be insulted, but I don’t see the Wiz trading Wall for anything.

  17. Tom

    Can Brad Beal be a PG like Westbrook?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      I’ve heard that suggestion before but I don’t see it – maybe he’ll show us something in the workouts? Of course – Westbrooke could easily play the 2 like Wade.

  18. Cricket

    In today’s chat, Bill Ingram stated “Hard to see Portland going Perry Jones (in the upcoming draft). They could keep Hickson and have the same thing in a more developed player.” This was a surprising statement, as Hickson was a waiver wire pick-up this year vs. Jones (sure-fire lottery pick in a loaded draft). Would you agree with Ingram and Hickson-Jones is basically a wash. Or do you believe Perry Jones holds much more value?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      That is precisely what Portland is evaluating. If the light has come on for Hickson – then he is way ahead of what Perry Jones can give them – but without seeing him play recently, I don’t know if it has. The light sure wasn’t on in Cleveland.

  19. Jeff B'Acie

    Thank goodness the season is almost over…. way too much whining about tanking. What are your thoughts on DeRozan and Ed Davis coming to the party late in the second half of the season. Do these kids have enough to put in a full year?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      They are both very young – expectations are a good summer workout program and extended training camp will make a big difference. The proof as always is in the doing – They should be able to build on the second half, but the onus is on them to do it. It’s not can they – as always its will they – its reasonable to expect much more out of them over this coming summer.

  20. Charry

    Good Afternoon Stephen…I am always looking forward for your monday column regardless of Raptors status. Anyway, what are the chances that any of the 10 days contract player will have a shot on becoming a regular Raptor come next season? Will Aaron Gray be still around? wish Raptors will have a reliable shooting guard to run their offense. Davis is really playing well lately. You think He can still improve his offense? Thank you for your time…

    • Stephen Brotherston

      10-day guys are always a long shot – but every team needs a 3rd string guy who can fill in and give you solid minutes in case of injury – from what we have seen – Uzoh and Anderson have shown enough to say they could at least fill that role.

      The value of Gray becomes obvious every time the Raps play an undersized team – he is a solid (really) big man – even if its as the 5th or 6th big in the rotation – the Raps should bring him back. Its not easy to find reserve centers – if you look around the league, even not-very-good centers are hard to find. The risk is another team outbids the Raptors (Kwame Brown got $7m this season – ouch!)

      Davis is playing better – but way below expectations offensively – His rebounding is getting better. He is learning the defense. A big step will be expected from him over the summer – The lock out really hurt his development.

  21. Bill Walker

    What happens to Demar Derozan if the Raptors draft Bradley Beal? Would they actually draft Beal Just to have sit behind Derozan at Shooting Guard?

    Who would you rather have long term?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Beal provides a nice challenge for DeRozan – DD has to step up his game at the 2, develop enough size/strength to play the 3, or risk losing his starting spot to the rookie within the year. As long as Beal is getting his minutes to develop – this competition should be good for both players.

      Depending on how they improve – you might want to keep both – it’s a guess as to who wins or if they both standout and form part of a 3 man rotation at the 2/3.

      There is no way Beal is drafted to just sit – he would get his 20+ minutes to develop his game.

  22. Joe

    DWilliams (MIN) for TEvans(SAC) straight up, addresses needs? who says no and why?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      The way the Kings are using Evans, they both should consider it seriously – solves both teams problems with these 2 players. Kings would ask for more – but they should consider doing it anyways.

  23. charry

    What are the chances that raptors can get Nash to play for Toronto? If ever we get Nash next season, with
    1st set 2nd set 3rd set
    PG NASH Calderon Dentmon
    SG DEROZAN Anderson Bayless
    SF GILCHRIST Kleiza Johnson
    PF BARGNANI Davis
    C VALANCIUNAS Johnson Gray

    Do you think this roster can make it through playoffs? Given the chance that you organize the Raptors roster to make it a contender, what will be the line up look like?
    Thanks again for you time.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Nash would put Toronto in the spotlight – that’s a good thing on its own. Chances 1 in 4 maybe – Nash is worth the most financially in Toronto, but it’ll be a tough sale to say he makes Toronto a contender.

      A healthy Toronto roster could contend for 8th now – with adds in the off season, even more so. Your lineup has a chance to become a contender if the rookies develop fast enough to be ready before Nash hits his expiry date – but that’s asking a lot. ( might want a better 3rd string PG)

  24. Sweet Dee

    If you were a GM, which shooting guard would you prefer: Courtney Lee at 7 million a year, Marcus Thorton at 9 million a year or Eric Gordan at 12 million a year.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Really – it depends on my roster.

      Generic mythical team – I’d like to add Courtney Lee to my roster – value for money – all round player, but there is case for Thorton if your team needs scoring. Perhaps I’m just too cautious, but I’d be very careful about offering the big time money EG is going to command – if he gets hurt, that’s an investment that can ruin your team’s chances to progress – maybe the medical evidence says he good to go and he’s the next All-Star, but what if?? You know someone will offer Gordon the big deal though.

  25. california dot com

    In the offseason, does a pau gasol+pieces for carl landry and eric gordon trade make sense. Lakers dump that huge contract and hopefully get gordon at a discounted price since he’s been hurt the last 2 years.. He plays under, learns from, and eventually replaces kobe in a few years. Crazy thought??

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Crazy thought but it does solve a couple of problems for the Lakers.

      Bigger issue we have have no idea what the new owner in NO is thinking yet.

  26. Charry

    Based from my previous line up, what are the chances that Raptors will get Hibbert next season and slide Amir Johnson back to power forward. Will this be an ideal line up and reasonable?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Chances of getting Hibbert are slim and none – Pacers will have no problem retaining his services.

      Raptors will be building around Jonas Valanciunas and want a solid backup center as opposed to a starter.

  27. joe from waterloo

    if the raps draft 5th do you see them keeping the pick or trying to trade up – and who would they gun for?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      One of Beal, Barnes, MKG, or Robinson will be available at 5 – and you take the one left and smile!

      Draft day deals – you bet. Like always, look for a team with financial restraints and go for their young proven talent. Draft picks in the top 5 will command some exceptional talent this year.

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