NBA Chat With Stephen Brotherston 4/30/12

1. Brad

   Who would be your “best fit” player to draft for the Raptors outside of Anthony Davis? Are there any particular players you are hoping they land in the draft?

   • Stephen Brotherston

     Welcome to this afternoon’s chat

     I am not sold that there is a best fit player for the Raptors in this draft – there is lots of talent, but this team does not really need to get any younger – especially if they are targeting a return to the playoffs for next season as President & GM Bryan Colangelo said after the end of the regular season.

     Who Do I like – Beal, MKG, Barnes, Robinson – the same guys as everyone else – likely all gone by #6. Who is probably worth going after based on 8th – I like Jeremy Lamb – have from the beginning – and he does add the shooter Colangelo identified as needed.

     Raptors real issue is a need to get better fast if they want to make the playoffs and playing 2 rookies in the rotation is not usually the best way to do that. Raptors have enough young talent already – it’s questionable if they will be able to draft high enough to get someone who will contribute more next year than 1) the guys they already have, 2) more importantly – guys they can get via trade or free agency.

     I still like Lamb at 8th – or even an under-rated Kendall Marshall as a PG of the future. But the lottery balls haven’t dropped yet so the Raps could still land a top 5 pick.

2. Brad

   What are your thoughts on Andrea Bargnani? Should the Raptors look at trading him to make room for a guy like Ed Davis to be the long-term starter?

   • Stephen Brotherston

     I have liked Andrea since he was drafted – I believed that until this season, his development has been stalled by ineffective coaching. This guy needs to be coached – could argue needed a better coach.

     Ed Davis is a major downgrade in talent level from Bargnani. If Ed puts it together this off season – promising – he can become a very effective rebounder, around the rim scorer, energy guy – maybe even beat out Amir Johnson for minutes. A very useful piece – if he puts it all together. Neither guy beats out Jonas Valanciunas (might take a month) or Bargnani to start.

3. Alex D

   A lot of people seem to be forgetting about the Raptors. I look at them and see a lot of potential, but I think this year’s draft will have a large impact on their future as they don’t make many moves in free agency. If the Raptors were to drop to 9th or 10th, who do you see them picking up?

   • Stephen Brotherston

     Nothing unusual here – 1) its the playoffs and those teams in it earned the attention. 2) No one outside of local markets really follows the lottery team too closely.

     There will be moves possibly by both trade and free agency – Colangelo is in deal mode.

     If the Raps keep their pick and its 8th or later – Jeremy Lamb fits with what they are looking for and would be a solid pickup.

4. Alex D

   Perry Jones III: Next big thing, or next big bust? Do you see the Raps taking him?

   • Stephen Brotherston

     Have to be concerned about some the comments being made about the lack of effort on d at times – no way that flies with Dwane Casey.

     Young guys sometimes get it that they will have to work a lot harder after college and some don’t – if they don’t = bust. Hopefully the guys Jones listens to are sending him the right messages. Player interviews could set his draft spot.

5. Jeremy Mercer

   Thoughts on two potential FA options; gerald wallace and jamal crawford? Fill two very important roles on this team, Wallace as a starting 3 man, crawford as instant offense off the bench. Do we have a shot at them? Do they make us a playoff contender? Thanks!

   • Stephen Brotherston

     I understand the attractiveness of Wallace – he’d have to really want to be in Toronto before I’d consider him – it couldn’t just be for the money. Same for Crawford, but I don’t see Crawford as a good fit in any case.

     It’s hard to see Toronto as a top choice for either guy = not a good shot and if there is one – would you really want them under those circumstances? I’d pass.

6. NM

   If we end up picking 8 do you see them moving up or dealing the pick? Damian Lillard an option?

   • Stephen Brotherston

     Moving up is usually very tough but worthwhile in this draft – I’m sure they’ll give it a shot.

     Moving the pick should be easier this year – lottery picks will be in demand.

     Lillard is an option – but if the Raptors want shooting – Lamb is the better choice. If they want a PG – I like Marshall better.

7. maestro

   Is it me are was the trade deadline deal between the Blazers and Nets awful for the nets? I’m looking at the potential draft order and can’t believe the nets gave up the opportunity to draft a young prospect on a rookie deal for a good not great small forward who is opting out of his contract.

   • Stephen Brotherston

     Looked like a bad deal when it happened – doesn’t look any better now.

8. Newmarket Brian

   I’m not very excited about most of the free agents available to the Raps, but one guy I’d love to see on board is Gerald Wallace. He’s a veteran who plays hard on both sides of the ball, and I think could lead by example. Do Raps have a chance at this guy?

   • Stephen Brotherston

     If his agent calls the Raptors and says he wants to come to TO – he’s a talent, but I don’t believe Toronto would be high on his list of destinations.

     Lets wait for him to officially opt out before trying to sign him – the flurry now is probably just testing the waters – he does have $9.5m guaranteed for next season and probably won’t get that much per year again.

9. tj

   I know that whats done is done but would you think that my theory that the raptors should of drafted Kahwi Leonard wouldve been such a bad idea. I understand that big men are hard to come by but leonard has that potential to be a defensive stopper while averaging say 15 ppg 7 rpg and 2 stl. and jonas while he is developing nicely having developing high expectations we still dont know how his game will translate at the nba level and i cannot see him being an intimidating big that we so desperately need to really protect andrea and co. by the way i am aware of natural bigs being a dying breed

   • Stephen Brotherston

     I liked Kahwi Leonard and was really impressed by his workout in Toronto last year. But that doesn’t really compare to what we saw from Valanciunas at the under 19 world championships or the Eurobasket last summer.

     I wouldn’t give up Valanciunas to get Kawhi, but I’d like to get Kahwi – for this year’s 8th pick maybe?

10. tj

    From what I understand Toronto will have some interest in Goran Dragic, how about George Hill, i know Indiana loves what he brings but Indiana will be busy trying to re-sign Hibbert as their first priority wouldnt you think that it would be a good idea to make an offer that indiana would not want to match without the offer being ridiculous say in the 7-8 million range while trying to find a possible destination for Calderon that addresses one or multiple weaknesses

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Either guy would be a really nice add. Pacers have a ton of cap space and can’t let Hill go, it would be too embarrassing. Houston looks like the easier target. $7-8 million would be a lot of money for a backup PG that you hope you can turn into a starter, but it might take that to steal them – hopefully not. There are a lot of teams with cap space this summer – bidding could be on the players side (again).

      Draft day deals by Colangelo could determine if this scenario is that happens. This draft will have a lot of action in it.

11. calvinzero

    2 Questions:

    1.Is there any latest news from the Raptors?? Please give me info..

    2.Who are the possible free agents this summer coming from the Toronto Raptors?? What is the probability that they will re-sign? Thanks Stephen

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Latest news – Colangelo – wants to add shooting, Playoffs next season, young guys won’t have the free rein to play through so many mistakes next year.

      Best rumor is the Raptors are targeting Dragic in FA. But Colangelo made it really clear what he wants to add – Shooting! UFA Steve Novak anyone?

12. murray

    1st.Raps sloted 8th in draft right now if beal,barnes,kidd-gilchrist are gone do you think they trade the pick?
    2nd. do think deep down Bosh regrets his decision or at least may have went with one of the two stars not both, out side of the winning, nothing else is happening for him, he gets mocked and dismissed by every one, no shoe deal, commercail, not putting up all star numbers, just seems he was more liked by the U.S. media when he had a choice to make?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Actually Colangelo hinted at that possibility and quickly changed the topic – so yes, trading the pick is a real possibility.

      If Bosh wins a title this year – no regrets – he knew what he was getting into. If not – there might only be 1 more season before the big 3 get separated by the new luxury tax rules – there’d be regrets after that.

13. Kevin C

    Hi Stephen,

    With so many young guys on the Raps squad, and with Jonas coming over next season, would it make more sense to trade our draft pick(s) for a strong veteran presence…

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Casey wants young vets next season 25-28 years old – when you ask him, he doesn’t back away from saying what he wants. Casey will coach the guys he is given, but he knows he’ll win more with more veterans. Makes the case to trade some of those picks – could also stash those 2nd round picks in Europe for a season or two.

14. Mario

    Hey stephen let me apologize in advance for this rather large question. Now me and my brother had a discussion about the bulls and he seems to believe that kobe bryant will be coming to the bulls at some point in the very near future he thinks the lakers will part ways with kobe as they did with shaq and other older players I don’t agree with this but when you look at the logic which is kobe idolizes jordan he wants to get that sixth ring or seventh if possible what a way to pull that off than on the team and city of your idol and if he did leave the lakers thats honestly the only team I could see him playing for and what a hell of a team that would be but I told my bro the only way I could really see that happening is if they did the sign and trade and I think the lakers would try and gut the bulls in that case because I just don’t see kobe taking the veteran minimum now my bro thinks kobe is in the same vein as barkley, jordan, guys like that who love the game more than the money and he would take and come to the bulls. What do you think about this. Thx stephen.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Kobe is going to earn $58m over the next 2 years. LAL are not going to Amnesty him – unless he can’t play anymore due to injury – so there is no short term way for the Bulls to get Kobe.

      In 2 years from now – Kobe has never had to play for the minimum and I say he never will have to in order to be on a contending team. If Kobe loved the game more than money – he could have done a Dirk and took only $20m per season so the team could add more talent. But why should he? He’s been the league’s biggest draw for a long time and makes the LAL a lot of money – and if he’s still playing after 2 seasons, he’ll make that team a lot of money.

15. RapsFan

    What do you think about Ersan Ilyasova in Toronto? Given Bargnani’s skill set at the 4, do you think he could play the 3? More importantly, do you think he could guard SF night in and night out?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Love to see Ilyasova in Toronto – that move would open up a world of trade possibilities.

      Bargnani could play at the 3 if their was an athletic 4 like James Johnson with him – more just need to make sure that one of the forwards on the floor was comfortable providing help defense and covering out to the 3-point line. Bargnani couldn’t cover the range of players he’d face at the 3 – there are a number of 3s like DeMar would would really challenge his lateral movement.

16. Charlie

    The Chicago Bulls are up 14 points with two minutes to go in the first playoff game. If Mr. Steven Botherson was head coach, is your superstar still in the game?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      I was watching and wondering why Rose wasn’t on the bench mid way thru the 4th – he is still working himself back into game shape – but that has nothing to do with him being a star player, I was just surprised by how many minutes he was playing.

      I do understand the need to get Rose ready to a closer for the 2nd round – it just seemed rushed.

17. Fraser

    Hi Stephen, with 8th as a projected draft position (thank you Nets) where do we go from here? Most players around that range are 4s or 5s. Is it s stretch to draft Lamb or Lillard?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      At 8, Lamb isn’t a stretch at all. Marshall seems like a bit of a stretch, but I’d want to see him in workouts.
      Lillard, I’d really need to be convinced about his shooting and I don’t see the scoring point guard in Casey’s system.

18. Fraser

    Stephen, I was thinking maybe we could do a deal with the Wiz for 2nd overall? JJ, Bargs and 8th for Lewis and #2. We draft MKG and hopefully sign Dragic or Nash.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      If the Wiz want Bargs – and why wouldn’t they – they had better be building the offer around John Wall.

19. Rey

    Do you see Toronto picking up Damian Lillard, Kendall Marshall or Jeremy Lamb ?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Those are the 3 guys likely to around at 8 or later that are interesting.

20. Rey

    How do you feel about Toronto Raptors future ?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      This team could be very good under Casey next season. My confidence stems from the coach much more than from the players.

21. enteng kabisote

    Hi stephen ,im a laker fan and i hate the fact that when rose got injured people are already thinking heat as champs. I dont think they are that deep to even surely go to conf finals if they were playing in the west. A team like the jazz can beat them. And as much as i dont like the clippz i believe they can beat the heat in 6. Why are people so over confident on this team?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Media and fans are allowed to be over-confident and some of the commentary lately is more than a little annoying, but it isn’t over yet. That Bulls team has shown they can beat anyone, even without Rose. The West is wide open and has several teams that could challenge the HEAT, including the Lakers who have a big size advantage.

      The Spurs would be every bit as tough on the HEAT as the Mavs were last year if they can get thru the post season healthy. Never count out tough veteran teams like the Spurs.

      Sure the HEAT are very good – but there is no guarantee they will make the Finals, let alone win the Finals – and the HEAT know it and won’t be expecting an easy ride. That’s what should keep our interest throughout the playoffs – it isn’t all over already – it’s a long way to the Finals from here.

      But if you are asked to pick a team to come out of the East today – it’s the HEAT for now. That doesn’t make it a sure thing.

22. Rory

    Hello Stephen,

    A great chat as usual!!! If you were the Raptors, who would you target in free agency? Two guys that come to mind would be Dragic and Batum. Your thoughts?

    Best Regards,

    • Stephen Brotherston

      I like both of those guys, but who the Raps target will depend on the draft and a very possible draft day deal.

      Casey wants to add young veterans who can step straight into the rotation . Dragic is a solid target. Batum almost certainly would have to a S&T target.

23. Mia Redcarpet

    Solomon Alibi surprised a lot of people in the Raptors last 5 games. He is a good defender and a rebounding machine. Since the Raps will be going young does he fit in as a affordable player that can develop within the club?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Alabi is getting caught in a numbers game and there aren’t any minutes for him – he really needs to play to develop and that’s not very likely to happen in Toronto.

      I think Alabi would really benefit from playing a few seasons in Europe if he doesn’t get traded.

24. eric allen

    Will John Wall and Kyrie Irving ever be at the same level as Rose and Westbrook? Why or why not?

    In no more than 2 years from now John Wall should be better than Westbrook.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Too soon to know for Irving – we need to see more talent around him, but he shows a lot of promise to be elite. Irving is in a good situation to develop.

      John Wall has been handicapped by playing with some very young and immature players – we haven’t really seen what he could do. Stats say he could become as effective as an elite PG – but he has been buried by the team he is on. Hopefully things have/will change for John.

25. Brian

    What’s your take on the Kings rumors with trading Evans? I think they need to start him at the 2 and bring Thorton in off the bench!! Thorton is not a 4 quarter player he always has his spurts where the points come in bunches. I think he can be a James Harden on our team. Then in the draft go big with, depending on how lucky we get on our #, either Davis, Robinson, Drummand, or Jones. Pairing any of them next to Cousins would be amazing. Then to fix our SF problem look for a sign-trade to acquire Batum or G.Wallace.

    I just wanted to hear your thoughts on those ideas. Thank you

    • Stephen Brotherston

      If the Kings aren’t going to start TE at guard, they should trade him before they ruin his trade value any further!

      I don’t see the Kings enough to know what their best lineup is – but I know Evans has trade value that the Kings are doing their best to lower. I love to see him in Toronto next season!

26. Dre

    Hey,

    Why are the Raptors so anxious to make the play-offs next season? Would it not be better to continue to build towards being long term title contenders like chicago & OKC rather than just an 8th’s seed? Asking fans to buy into rebuilding process for such a low goal is recipe for disaster. No?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      1) Colangelo’s contract ends after next season.

      2) There are probably going to lose another 1,000 Season seat holders this off season and if the rebuild continues, things could get uglier. – not the worst attendence, but MLSE is in this to make money. Any playoff spot will be welcomed by the fans and sell more tickets.

      The Raps need to make the post season for their long suffering fans who buy tickets! Four lottery picks had better be enough!

27. sy

    Do you think DeRozan + Amir + our two 2nd round drafts be enough to get Ellis? Do you see Ellis a good fit in Toronto (since we really want some proven you guys – Ellis is only 26)?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Probably more than enough, but I’m not a big fan of Ellis. I’m not sold he is better than what DD should be next season – and I’d want a lot more out of DD than just being the next Ellis.

28. Adrián

    hi Stephen, how are you? love your chats: ed davis, james J, DD for rudy gay?.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Sign me up! There are going to be lots of Grizzly rumors as no one believes that team will touch the luxury tax line.

29. raps4ever

    Hi Steve, I see Barnes as another DeRozan, all hype but lots of disappointments. DD has been in the league for 3 years, and he has a lot of playing time compared to other rookies who were drafted in the same year. His progess is a disappointment, I would gladly trade him for Farried or Hayward. Mark my word DD or Barnes, will never be all stars. Why is DD the face of the Raptors? he is not a franchise player.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      I think Barnes is ahead of where DD was as a rookie, but it really hard to tell if he’ll be better 3 years out or not. We didn’t see the progress from Barnes that was hoped for last season.

      Hard not to agree with DD not being the face of the franchise – As of right now, the face of the franchise is Dwane Casey – the team is still hoping DD can become a franchise player (he is not one yet)

30. jimmy

    the pick and ed davis for the beal pick…. tell me it can happen!

    • Stephen Brotherston

      wishing and hoping….

31. Ron

    If you had to choose one player in this draft to go get you a basket with the game on the line who would you choose?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      You are going to make me use a rookie with the game on the line? Just chalk up the L and get it over with.

      PG drives and kicks it out to Jeremy Lamb – I know he can shoot already and there will be nobody covering him for a while.

      In a few years, Beal might just be your guy

32. Keith Davis

    Who is the best prospect for the Cleveland Cavs to draft next year

    • Stephen Brotherston

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

      The Cavs are 1-6 in the draft depending on how the balls bounce – they are going to be happy!
      Robinson, Beal, MKG, Barnes are easy. If they believe Drummond can be their future center (I’m not sold yet), he has the size and talent to be very good. Don’t discount Sullinger at 6, he seems to be dropping now, but things can change fast – I think he’ll look very good in workouts.

      Cavs will be able to take best available based on their own workouts and interviews – they are once again in a great spot.

33. Mike

    Do you see DeMar moving to the 3 if we draft Beal?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      I see a healthy competition looming if the Raps draft Beal and DeMar just might respond the way they hope.