NBA Chat With Stephen Brotherston 4/2/12

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

It’s going to be a roller coaster April – be ready.

Get your comments and questions in now.

  1. raps4ever

    Hi, If DD is always putting long hours in the gym and still very inconsistent then the Raptors picked the wrong guy including Ed Davis. Both of them are too overrated underachievers. We should get Gordon Hayward or Gerald Henderson for DD, Goran Dragic as our starting PG and C. Parsons for E. Davis.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Welcome to the Chat.

      Now is the time Coaches, GMs, media, and fans are starting to look at rosters and beginning to question what their needs are. Sure this is an on going process, but with the season ending in April, the draft in sight and free agency on the horizon – the time for player evaluation is now.

      The only caveats are DeRozan was a 9th pick in 2009 and Davis was a 13th pick in 2010 so both players are still on their rookie deals and it wouldn’t be totally fair to expect late lottery picks to immediately evolve into star players – BUT – underachieve based on expectations at least partially set by Raptors management isn’t an unfair assessment. It would be a little rough to say the Raps picked the wrong guys though.

      The only way the Raps are going to trade their young guys for someone else’s young guys is if the other thinks their guys aren’t going to pan out but the Raptors players are – could happen but that’s asking 2 sets of management to have opposing positions (or it’s a why not/ what do you have to lose kind of a trade – yawn).

      DeMar is at least getting better each season, but he still has a long way to go to be “the guy” – too hard to tell if he’ll get there. Ed still looks like a rookie too often – but 2nd season???

      If the Raps make a move with these two young guys, it wouldn’t be a surprise – if they want to see how much more they can develop with good coaching over the summer, that won’t be a surprise either.

  2. Sweet Dee

    Joel Brigham supports players refusing to play for a certain rebuilding team as players at the end of their career should be only concerned with winning titles (as that’s what they will be remembered for). Questions: Do you agree with Brigham’s argument and refusing to report to a team (ex. Toronto) is justifiable in certain circumstances. Or do you believe NBA players are getting paid millions of dollars and should report to Siberia if needed to honor the contract signed. Your thoughts.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      I strongly believe players should honor the contracts they sign and if they want out and can’t/aren’t suited for/willing to be a mentor on a bad team and want out – they should offer to walk away from the money they are owed.

      This concept of being bought out and getting virtually all of your money so you can sign for the league minimum to play for a contender is completely and totally bogus. If you want your money – honor your contract. If you really don’t care about the money and will leave it behind to play for a contender – maybe we’ll talk – seems like something fair is possible.

      This concept would only apply to veterans at the end of their careers – rookies know the drill when they enter the draft.

  3. raps4ever

    Hi Steve, Do you think that Goran Dragic, could be an upgrade for starting PG for the Raptors? The Raps need a SF, why not go after Nicolas Batum, and trade Ed Davis for Kenneth Faried. If given the same playing time I think Faried is hands down a lot Better than Ed on both Off/Def. Too bad Ed, is another wasted pick. What do you think?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Dragic would have to get a lot better to be an upgrade – young – maybe he can – hardly a sure thing.

      Batum would be a nice add on the wing but I have no idea about how you’d get him out of Portland???

      Trading guys on rookie deals can be tough – I think Denver wants to get another look at Faried next season and the kid is not going to be available. Denver probably agrees with you that Faried is better than Ed.

      Too soon to call Ed a wasted pick – but he has to improve a lot over the summer to live up to expectations/ potential. I got the impression from talking to him at the end of last season that he still didn’t really get just how much tougher the NBA was over college – probably why he still looks like a rookie at times. Not a good time for a lockout in Ed’s case.

  4. calvinzero

    If you are Dwayne Casey, who are the players you want in the Toronto Raptors for the next season?? Either a free agent or maybe at the list of superstars. Why you choose them??

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Casey has made it pretty clear what he is looking for. A couple of 25-28 year-old “young vets” who know what they are doing and will contribute in the rotation straight off at both ends of the floor.

      No one sees a superstar coming to Toronto except via the draft.

      Some impact type guys they might be able to land – Courtney Lee, OJ Mayo, don’t knock Kris Humphries, Spencer Hawes could be a nice upgrade at backup center if Aaron Gray isn’t here. I’ve been impressed by Ersan Ilyasova.

      Simple formula – young vets who will make the team better.

      Steve Nash is on the radar – maybe the only chance at a superstar – but that’s still reaching. He’d sell tickets in Toronto – big time.

  5. 416 Nova

    A couple questions:
    1. If the raps by chance get the #1 overall pick and get Davis. Does this make bargs available? who doi you see as a good fit? IMO, t.Evans for bargs swap sounds good? think the kings pull the trigger? AB compliments cousins game well. tyreke and calderone would make a nice duo; reke can guard the more athletic pg in the league and calderon CAN shoot well.
    2. if raps cant draft MKG, Barnes (not too high on him) or Davis. does that pick get traded? who are possible trade partners?
    3. derozan is starting to remind me of a desmond mason a bit; all the athleticism in the world but the shot is relied upon too much.

    Go 2013 Raps!
    Thoughts?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Getting Davis would really stir the pot in Toronto and make them think bigger things were possible faster.

      No question at least 1 of the bigs would be available but I’d rather be moving out someone else for now. Bargs is the vet who provides the offensive polish the 2 budding young bigs in Valanciunas and Davis won’t have day 1.

      Using depth to grab a star PG would be the logical move.

      If the Raps can’t get Davis or one of the top wing players – it would only make sense to try to move the pick or swing a deal.

      I know how you feel about DeMar – he still has to show that he has a complete game and can do more than be a good finisher when Calderon sets him up. There are signs of steady improvement each season – but there has to be more – much more.

  6. Mike aldridge

    Should the Raptors draft Jared Sullinger for there power forward of the Future and have Jonas Valancuinas as there center. i think they would complement each other pretty well.

    So trade Andre Bargangni for what you can. If Harrison Barnes or MKG arent on the Board for the raptors what position do you see them looking at. There front court seems to be crowded and with Derozan and shooting guard there is no Point Guard in the top 10 let alone top 5.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      I’ve only seen Sullinger 4 times on TV – but I’m not sold he’s the guy I’d want to build a team around. Not sure how well his game translates to the NBA and 7-footers seem to be pretty effective guarding him.

      Right now – I’m not trading Bargnani. You’d get a lot back, but I’m not doing it.

      There is no PG in the top 5 – but the top 10 is crowded with bigs who not everyone is going to believe will fit their team/their system. If the Raps traded down – I’d like to see Marshall here. Of course Beal or MKG would be more exciting to get.

  7. Jeff allen

    Is Jonas Valanciunas coming over to the Raptors next year Guaranteed? How Much do you think he can contribute next season and is he a Center or Power Forward? What Exactly makes him the steal of the draft?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      As guaranteed as can be – Rytas can’t pay him NBA money and he has a buyout in place. Raptors have been watching/visiting with him constantly all season.

      Raptors will be cautious about projecting but I think he will be the best rookie we have seen since Vince.

      Jonas will play at center most of the time – view him as a post player and pick-n-roll player. He will look a lot like Amir – just 4″ taller and 10-20 lbs heavier who is a better physical post presence and more skilled (but less experienced) and a better rebounder/ shot blocker.

      Steal of the draft – if he had a buyout in place – he would have gone to the Cavs at 4. If the draft was held after the under 19 world championships – he would have gone 2nd.

  8. Stephen Bradley

    Are the Raptors sold on Demar Derozan being there shooting guard of the Future? Will that stop them from Drafting Bradley Beal, or Jeremy Lamb? Will Derozan be a 20ppg scorer next season and how good do you see him being?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Nothing will stop the Raps from taking Beal, Lamb, Barnes, or MKG – they’ll be taking the best player available after their own predraft workout assessments.

      Any one of these kids could be a better wing player than DD and they will get their chance to prove if the Raptors draft one of them.

      No question DD could be a 20ppg scorer with what he’s got but that’s not enough to guarantee he can’t eventually lose his spot to a younger guy. DD has to get stronger on offense, become a better and more versatile defender – both still possible – but its largely up to him.

  9. Fraser

    Stephen, I was at the Raps game yesterday and I was surprised late in the game when the Wiz mounted a comeback that Casey kept Forbes in the game and left James Johnson on the bench, have they soured on him? Also yesterday must be an NBA record for air balls.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Don’t be surprised by anything you see in April (whole season for that matter).

      Forbes is getting his chance to show he can do more than just score – Raps know James is a reliable, active, impact defender and like him (he’ll work on his O this summer) – they don’t know what Forbes can do.

      In the battle for lottery balls – air balls a plenty!

  10. Eric

    overall, who do you think is the better coach, mike brown or spolestra?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Spolestra did a pretty good job with a lot less talent originally. Both guys could end up with the same rep in the end if they can’t ride LBJ to a championship….

  11. Mario

    Can The amnesty provision be used in a trade

  12. Bruno

    Hey Stephen, if Warriors keep their pick top 7 protected, who should they draft ??
    And if they can keep healthy next season do you see them making the playoffs ???

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Warriors can use help everywhere – especially considering the injury worries.

      Lots of forwards and centers available at 7 who would look good backing up Lee and Bogut. Might even see a good SF drop to 7.

      Playoffs are always a tough jump – an impossible jump if Curry doesn’t get healthy. But Bogut will help – GSW should look better right away.

  13. Michael

    Do you agree that Bargnani still needs to have one or two go to post moves to solidify himself as an unguardable player

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Sure that would help – but he still has room to improve on what he does well and doesn’t need to add to his repertoire as much as just staying healthy.

  14. diehardNFFLbarnone

    What do you see the Nets doing if they lose Deron Williams?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Flat out panic – not better than 50/50 so I hope they have a real plan.

      Sign their own free agents and start looking for a point guard – Felton might be available and he is better than his play this season.

      This has the potential to not be very pretty. Blowing things up and starting over isn’t a very attractive option.

  15. JM

    You have mentioned that Raptors are big on Beal and MKG. Does that mean that they are less excited about Barnes and Lamb?
    Regardless can you see either one of the 4 being able to contribute right away? Become an all star/franchise player?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      I think they put a lot of stock in their own assessments – which aren’t done yet.

      From what I have seen – any of these guys make the Raptors rotation straight off – but they’ll have to prove they can make the leap to NBA star – that’s t.b.d. (but these guys all have the potential)

  16. John L

    Will Chicago do anything and everything keep Asik this off season?

  17. Sam

    Hi Stephen,

    who do you think the Raps should pick if they end up outside of the top 5? And who do you think BC and the Raps are more into? (staying outside of the top 5).

    DD’s finally scoring consistently and going to the FT line more and more, do you think he finally understood how to play in Casey’s system? What does the league thinks about him? He’s seen as a potential all-star or what else?

    Thanks :)

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Lamb or Barnes will probably fall outside of the top 5 – either would be a solid pick. Everyone believes they want a wing – probably true. It will be impacted by who they plan to target in FA.

      DD is getting better – he makes the list of guys teams focus on defensively each game. He has to get tougher, stronger – too often physical play impacts his offense. As Casey says, lots of room to get better defensively.

      Way too soon to be thinking All-Star – if he keeps getting better, then…..

  18. Masood

    What type of moves do you see the Raps making this offseason and do you see B.C getting another contract extension as GM?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Remember – MLSE has new ownership on July 1 – but yes I expect Colangelo will get his extension. There really isn’t a better face-of-the-franchise President/GM for the organization to go after.

      Moves – 1 or possibly 2 mid-range free agent signings but no surprise if they hold onto some cap space for trades or the next season. And a high draft pick to go with Valanciunas.

  19. Lateak

    Do the knicks have a chance to get hot n win a series… But we r goin to miss amare if misses games n the playoffs

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Anyone can get hot and the Knicks have talent – if healthy.

      But it doesn’t look very good for the Knicks right now.

  20. Lateak

    When dwill goes to dallas… Where does that leave d12… Lakers?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      D12 is signed for the season – let the trade talks begin – again…..

  21. JM

    Regarding possible free agents for next year – Ersan Ilyasova is a good player, but the raptors are stacked and PF.
    Courtney Lee and OJ Mayo are also good, but with DD, JB and potentially a SG rookie – where would you find minutes for them?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      That’s the 2nd half of every addition – someone enters the rotation – someone else exits.

      I’m pretty sure the Raps don’t envision the current rotation as better than battling for 8th if everyone is healthy so there will be an impact on certain players minutes next season with 2 rookies and 1 or 2 FA coming on board. The goal is to build a contender eventually. (competition is good)

  22. Ryan

    You have been a proponent of drafting brad beal, over sf’s.
    Does this mean you believe James Johnson is a bigger part of the future than DD?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      I wouldn’t say that – but right now JJ does seem to fit with the direction of the team better and I’d like to see if Beal could take DD’s job – or not.

  23. paprika

    If u got a super talented center but with a childish attitude and has the i will do whatever persona. Will u trade him or stick with it? Thanks bro

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Eventually you trade him for a proven veteran and get better.

      Always give the kids a couple of years to grow up but don’t risk being the team that has to cut him when he doesn’t.

  24. Pound the Rock

    Do you think the raps have any chance in landing D Will?
    The nets are in worse shape than the Raps and gave up their pick for a rental of Wallace. I know Dallas is where everyone thinks hes going but they are starting to seem really old. Outside of Dirk and Terry there team is nothing to shake a stick at.
    The Raps are on the rise, with a proven coach and lots of young talent for him to set up. Do we have any shot at him?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      The battle for D-Will will be between the Nets and Dallas and if he wants to win now – you got to like Dallas – long term Dallas is getting old but Cuban will spend.

      I don’t get the Nets trade for Wallace either.

      No one believes D Will will come to Toronto.

  25. Andrew

    Did the Raptors really do Barbosa a favor?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Getting traded to a playoff team in a contract year is a favor – a small favor.

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

  26. raps4ever

    Hi Steve, Is there any chance we can make a trade for Cole Aldridge of OKC? We need a good back up Center. I see him as starting Center in the future. what do you think?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Cole Adridge is a very interesting prospect – not going to get his shot there.
      At some point OKC has to be thinking about moving him for a future pick or something – even just as a favor.

      I wouldn’t mind seeing him land in Toronto.