NBA Chat With Stephen Brotherston 4/23/12

1. Matt

   What do you think happens in Memphis this summer? They have a lot of money tied up with little front court depth and OJ Mayo as a RFA. Also they are dangerously close to becoming a tax team just to fill out the roster for next year.

   Do you think they consider trading Gay to help the depth issue and avoid the tax?

   • Stephen Brotherston

     Good day and welcome to the chat
     It’s down to the wire – just fighting for seeding or fighting for lottery balls… almost

     It’s true Memphis have a lot money tied up in forwards and centers – but that’s been the big reason for the turnaround and optimism. Sure moving Gay would bring back some good pieces but its unlikely the additions would be greater than the loss. But how these playoffs play out will impact the team’s thinking.

     Right now – if Mayo gets a mid-level or better deal this summer, Memphis will be hard pressed to keep him and he will get it.
     Most teams believe that’s its easier to find help at SG than with the bigs. Memphis will be avoiding the tax and one could interpret the addition of Lester Hudson as preparation/insurance for the exit of Mayo.

     No rush though – Mayo will be a big part of this year’s playoff team – only increasing his value – hopefully the Grizz can execute a s&t to get some value back.

2. Raps4ever

   Hi Steve, Honestly, as a Raptor fan, I am very optimistic about the future of this franchise regarding their rebuilding process. So, who do you think w/c player in this current line-up is staying and going? Also I am not very convince about Ed Davis. We had the chance to get Hayward, but we went for Davis. As for DD, I don’t see any all star quality in him. I just hope they can pick wisely this coming draft and sign some impact FA. I am also very skeptical w/ our scouts, their success rate is just atrocious.

   • Stephen Brotherston

     There is a lot of Optimism about the Raptors going forward – thank you Dwane Casey!

     There will be a lot of changes but the Raptors under Colangelo have been really good at not leaking moves in advance. I believe we’ll see 4 new rotation players next season – in a rotation the usually runs 8 or 9 deep.

     Ed and DeMar are still developing and the star quality potential is still in doubt – but remember these were not top 7 draft picks. I’m 50/50 on whether or not they are kept and developed over the summer or packaged and traded to get more promising talent – either seems equally likely and either move could be the right one.

     Raptors have free agent targets – the Goran Dragic name is gaining traction – but we need to see the draft before getting a better feel for who they’ll target. There is a good chance of a draft day or draft related deal.

3. Antun Badurina

   As Alan Anderson once was a player in my hometown club, I am pleased to see he made it into NBA team this year (no matter Raptors problems). As he had some sucess as of late and he had reliable 3-point % (prior to Miami game) as well as his defensive effort, do you think Toronto will extend him this summer?
   I don’t think his a starter, but do they want him on bench next season? Lot of top teams in Europe will try to sing him, but maybe staying in Toronto is what Anderson is looking for after his long journey around the globe.

   • Stephen Brotherston

     I believe he will get a camp invite and could get a non-guaranteed deal for next season. I’d certainly like to see him as a reserve if there’s a spot open. AA would almost certainly take any kind of ng deal to stay in in NBA as he has made it pretty clear he’d like to stay in the NBA over traveling again.

     Every team has injuries – AA would make a coach feel pretty good about having him coming in to bail out the team for a week or two as needed.

4. Dave

   Paul Silas is not the right guy for the Bobcats coaching spot. Chances are they will not be able to hire a big name coach. (If Silas is gone). How would Mike Dunleavy sound? He’s a patient coach, gets 100% from his players. Stands up for his players. Seems like the right coach for young guys. Don’t forget how he took the Blazers to the NBA finals and in 05-06 took the Clippers to their best season ever!

   • Stephen Brotherston

     No coach was going to be the “right” coach for the Bobcats situation – Silas actually held things together as well as could be expected.

     I’d expect a coaching change and the Cats need someone (else) who (also) likes to teach and has a very patient, understanding attitude – next year, the Cats will still be very young and focusing on letting the young guys play. (Most people will feel sorry for the next Cats coach – a couple million dollars will ease the pain though.) Dunleavy – why not….

5. Dave

   Is Mike Budenholzer (Spurs top assistant coach for the last 5 years)name going to be buzzing for head coaching jobs this offseason? He seems like a good fit for the Wizards.

   • Stephen Brotherston

     Could happen. Top assistants from teams known for excellence often get a shot – if they want it.
     But who says it would be easy or desirable going from the Spurs to the Wiz? but those are the types of jobs that most often come up – the Bulls situation just doesn’t happen all that often so….

6. Dave

   If you were the Magic what do you do this offseason? Trade Dwight Howard or fire Stan Van Gundy? (if so name a realistic replacement)

   • Stephen Brotherston

     If they can get a good deal for DH, they have to take it. The problem may be finding that “good deal”. It could still be out there though – just the confidence in the Magic front office is not at an all time high.

     If they can’t move DH in the summer – SVG pretty much has to go, but that shouldn’t stop a trade deadline move with DH.

     In the end – out of this mess – the best solution is a clean slate.

     Clean slate really says give one of those big name assistants from successful organizations a shot.

7. Dave

   Why does Mike Brown receive so much criticism? So far i think he’s done a fantastic job.. Weaker roster, reduced training camp and a compressed schedule and the Lakers find them selves more of a contender than they were last year..

   • Stephen Brotherston

     Why? – huge media market, major expectations, taking over from a legend, every move analyzed to death – oh and most important- the Lakers are not favored to win it all. None of which is Brown’s fault.

     Brown doesn’t have any laurels to rest on in LA so he’s going to take it on the chin – often unfairly – but he knew that coming in. Just win, no excuses, and he’ll have no problems.

8. Dave

   I believe that if the Spurs meet the Jazz in the 1st round of the playoffs, the Jazz can pull an upset. The Jazz have the best front court in the league against the weak Spurs interior D plus the Jazz homecourt. That may be too much for the Spurs.

   • Stephen Brotherston

     Jazz upset the Spurs if TP and MG are out – 100% healthy Spurs should be the favored team out of the West. The hard part is – it’s hard to believe they can win 3 rounds without someone getting nicked up enough to be an issue.

     Most likely scenario is the Jazz soften up the Spurs for the next team – but never say never…

9. tj

   i want to know in your humble opinion if this could be a realistic and fair trade that could work for both teams raps trade calderon, amir and a future 1st draft pick for stephen curry and the contract of andres biedrens…i know there is a risk considering curry’s injury but there is always going to be a risk with any acquisitions you make

   • Stephen Brotherston

     I like the trade but -
     The issue is Curry’s ankle has become a huge risk – There is a real chance that ankle is chronic and will never be 100% for most of a season – the proof will be in the playing on it and nothing happening next season.
     This isn’t an acceptable risk.

10. raps4ever

    Hi Steve, In terms of upside and becoming an above average player in the NBA, who do you think among these 3 players have a better chance of making it? taking into account their upside going forward and their overall off/def skills ? Is it DeRozan, Gordon Hayward, or Gerard Henderson?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      There is almost no way to evaluate Henderson on that team. Hayward is developing. DeRozan is being force-fed his development in Toronto.

      That’s a really tough call. They all look like they should earn their next NBA contract with no problem and stick in the league. They all could take another big step or two up in their games.

      Henderson could be in the most trouble development-wise because of the team he is on – he needs more talent around him. Hayward is at risk of filling a role on what should become a good team and that could hinder his development. DeRozan has been getting the opportunity to take his game up fast – there are signs, the question remains, can he do it?

      I’d give DeRozan the edge for now.

11. tom

    harrison barnes…. next martell webster?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      expecting more… I hope he lands on a team with a good playmaking PG or at least a team that doesn’t run a lot of iso plays.

12. Newmarket Brian

    J. Magloire says he wants to play next season, & Coach says he wants him back. If Jamal is so terrific with the younger players, make him a coach. He has nothing to offer on the floor. I’d rather spend the money on a free agent. What do you think?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      I asked that question to JM – he says he isn’t ready to retire – “he still has gas left in the tank”

      I think he is suited more to being the big man coach role and it’d be better if that roster spot was open for someone a little younger with a little more gas left in the tank – but signing to another vets min deal maybe the only way to secure his services for next season. It wouldn’t make sense to lose Gray in order to keep JM. (Not really a money issue – more a roster spot issue)

13. Jeremy Mercer

    GOALTENDING! AH well, we’ll take the ping pong balls. Let’s hope it results in MKG or barnes, if we are picking 6 to do forsee a draft day trade?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      If the Raptors can get the young vet with star potential for their pick – that’s the move that makes the most sense but a draft day deal doesn’t have to be for a 1st round pick – the Raps really don’t have a lot of use for a 2nd round pick pick (3rd rookie) and have players they are willing to move (almost everyone) and cap space to use at the draft to facilitate a trade.

      Just have to wait until the lottery balls bounce

14. Manuel

    Hi Steve,
    Is there any way that DeRosen moved to SF. There seems to be lots of SG available either via draft, trade of free agency. Do you think OKC will trade Harden for top five first round pick?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      As of now – DD can only guard smaller SF – a rather limited role and that’s not going to change this summer. But that shouldn’t stop the Raps from drafting a SG if the one they like – BB – is available. There is a lot of assessment to be done on the future rookies before the draft – Raps need a wing and potential star at the wing – SG or SF doesn’t matter which.

      I’d bet OKC believes they can get both a good young (& cheaper) player plus a high draft pick for Harden. It makes sense to do it before Harden comes off his rookie deal. DeRozan or Davis plus the Raptors pick for Harden – hard to walk away from that deal.

      It will be very hard for OKC to actually give in to the idea of moving Harden – even if the numbers say they should and they can get a great deal – but teams will be asking and the Thunder should be thinking about it.

15. ALEX

    Great chats,RAPS. fan. Which FA BC. will be targeting in the summer?and if draft day 3 best SF are gone, who they will draft?
    thanks

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Solid rumor that Colangelo is interested in Goran Dragic as his PG of the future. Hits the hot buttons – 25 years-old, can play defense, likes to pass a bit – and Houston is thought to be cheap when it comes to protecting FAs. C. Lee, RFA in Houston would also solidify the Raps at the wing.

      Beal, Robinson, B.A.P., or wheel & deal
      I do like Kendall Marshall if the Raps fall in the draft.

16. Tasia

    Hey Stephen! Minnesota has 3 1st round picks next year and Kahn doesn’t want a lot of rookies. What about Derrick Williams+Utah’s 2013 1st for Tyreke Evans? Or Memphis 1st instead? Benefits both teams.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Minny doesn’t need to get any younger.
      Using the picks to get a SG is the move

17. All Orlando Magic fans

    Please make this season end…

    • Stephen Brotherston

      counting the days…. it can get tough watching the d-league all-stars as your team tanks its way towards the lottery.

      Watching your team self-destruct has to be even tougher though….

18. RaptorsFanatic

    Please tell me you have heard Jrue Holiday is going to be a Raptor next year….. PLEEEEASE!

    Outside of that name, and more serious, have you heard any mention of names circulating in Raptorland via free agency or trade?

    • Stephen Brotherston

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

      Jrue is still on his rookie deal = not going anywhere – but the 76ers are expected to be making changes this summer.

      It seems almost all the good rumors are self-serving – but as we get closer to the draft, there should be some really good ones that have solid merit.

      Only one more season until those new luxury tax rules kick in – this will be a summer of change. Watch for teams to be positioning themselves to avoid luxury tax at all costs after next season.

      OKC – Harden vs Obaka – who to keep
      Memphis – OJ Mayo?
      Even Houston – Dragic, Lee??
      Lots of teams have decisions to make.

      Right now – Raps are interested in Dragic as a target

19. Dan Mac in Hamilton

    Hey Stephen!

    With many expecting the Mavericks and Brendan Haywood to part ways this summer, does he fit in the Raptors plans? I’ve always felt like he would be great North of the border and with him and Casey spending time together in Dallas this may be a great situation for him to come into. Thanks in advance!

    • Stephen Brotherston

      There could be some interesting amnesty plays this summer. Raptors would like a solid veteran rotation level center if they could add one cheap enough – it’s almost, who wouldn’t? Haywood to backup/mentor Jonas? – Casey will know if that’s a good fit or not. Definitely interesting.

20. AJ

    I know the world peace questions are coming.. but, why is no one talking about how james harden was talkin smack to kobe when they blew out the lakers a week ago and that was motive.. he got dealt with in the worst way

    • Stephen Brotherston

      smack talk doesn’t cause injuries…..

21. Suspicious

    Billy Hunter convinced members of the NBPA’s executive committee to kill an independent audit of the union’s finances and practices (advocated by PA president Derek Fisher),Am I the only one who thinks this is sketchy? Clearly Derek questions the accuracy of the numbers presented by the owners during the lockout (which claimed 24 of 30 teams were losing money). Why would Hunter and co. be so adamant to not have this audit if there was nothing to hide?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      seems sketchy to me too

22. yoni

    rumors are tyreke could be traded, u think tornto could maybe construct a trade around derozan? do u see us maybe ttaking a run at any restricted free agents? Maybe james harden. Itd make alot of sense if we toss alot of money at him, i think hes a superstar

    • Stephen Brotherston

      TE has my interest – it is definitely worth taking a shot at him. There are RFA worth going after.

      Harden is the sure thing – Raptors can only hope OKC gives in to the financial pressure and puts him on the market. DD + 1st for Harden in a heartbeat.

23. Adrián

    a raptor fan from argentina. hy stephen, how are you? i thing the raptors need a SG. a lot of bigs in the next draft: what the raps can get trading DD and Ed for a REAL SG? meaby adding calderon in that trade?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      You’ve hit on the obvious question. I think if the Raps hold onto DD, they need to draft a SG like Beal to pressure his development and perhaps take his starting job. The other solution is to sign a FA or trade.

      Raptors need a star on the wing and it doesn’t really matter whether its at SG or SF.

24. GameBreaker

    Good day, SB..hope all is well. Just wanted to ask if you think James Johnson’s incident will affect his chances of being a core of the team and getting traded at all? And do you think Amir is more effective than Ed Davis? Thank you.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Yes – the incident with JJ will impact the team’s thinking when doing deals this summer – you evaluate every aspect of a player.

      Yes Amir is better than Ed today – but he isn’t supposed to be better, which raises the obvious question of will Ed develop this summer? He better.

      Raptors are making moves this summer – anyone not developing as expected will probably be somewhere else next Sept.

25. Adrián

    in your opinion who is best player, scola or bargnani? the rockets want to trade him, not only becouse hi is from argentina, also becose hi is a monster PF. i know he is not getting younger, but i thing he is better player than andrea, and could be much better next to jonas than bargs. what do you thing?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Bargnani has star potential, Scola is an over-30, effective blue collar PF with an all around game.

      Bargnani under Casey was showing the ability to add some blur collar flare to his game. Ideally the Raptors would put Scola in the rotation with Bargs and Jonas to teach/show them how to get better (mentor) – but’s not going to happen.

26. Magic Man

    Hey Steve,

    From someone that watches every minute of every Magic game, I have to say that when I hear Reporters say that SVG is a great coach it makes my stomach turn. During games he is the worst at making adjustments. He continues to play our old starters until the 2 minute mark of the 4th quater in every game even if were down by 25, He puts are young guys in for 3 minutes and if they miss one shot he yanks them out but will let Turk go 0 for 15. Off the court he publicly bashes the team, Slanders our only Superstars name to the media and states that he doesn’t care if they fire him or not.

    Why is he still the Magic head coach and in your opinion is he great?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      SVG gets the most out of many players (i.e. Turk)- but like any guy who is that intense and sometimes confrontational, he has a shelf life as a coach.

      It really does look like he has gone past his expiry date in Orlando – that doesn’t mean he is a bad coach merely that certain players need a different approach in order to continue to be effective. SVG will likely have a positive impact on the next team he coaches.

      What you are noticing is probably the result of SVG being comfortable with certain players and less comfortable with others – again just being around too long with the same group of guys.

      Great coach, maybe too strong – effective NBA head coach, sure. Time for a change in Orlando – seems obvious. Things have gone south in Orlando – absolutely.

      We are all on the outside looking in and making observations, we don’t get in the locker room or the GM’s office when it matters.