NBA Chat With Stephen Brotherston 5/7/12

1. Matt

   What kind of trade value do you think DeRozan has around the league?

   • Stephen Brotherston

     Welcome to this afternoon’s chat.

     DeRozan is still on his rookie deal and would have solid trade value with teams looking for help on the wing or needing to get a handle on costs with the new luxury tax rules coming in 2013. Raptors fans need to avoid setting their expectations too high as DeRozan is not a star player, but rather someone who is developing and shows good potential – the Raps are still expecting further improvement.

     The home run scenario in any deal involving DeRozan would be packaging DD with the team’s 1st round draft pick to go after a higher rated young wing on a team that is facing tax concerns under the new rules. But it’s more likely DD is back in Toronto next season.

2. lolskiii

   Hypothetically speaking what do you think about these trades?

   1.Tyreke Evans + outlaw/2nd round for Paul George?

   2. Bosh, 2nd round and Chalmers/cole for Nash and Gotrat?

   3. Mike Miller + 1st for Darko milic ?

   4.Bosh for Scola and Dalembare?

   5.Stoudamire for Garnett ?

   • Stephen Brotherston

     1. I like Tyreke Evans and I believe his progress has been hampered todate – BUT Paul George isn’t available. Tryout Toronto – Colangelo is looking to deal.

     2. Gortat is under contract at $7m per for 2 more seasons – I’d rather have him than Bosh. If the HEAT could get Nash and trash for Bosh – it would help them, even if it might be a little hard to explain to their fans.

     3. Miller for Darko? Why does Minny want that terrible contract?

     4. The Rockets do it – I wouldn’t but they would – Heat get better.

     5. Notice how Boston seems to be a well run team? They don’t get that way by taking on that much risk.
     Two teams that might shuffle the deck chairs in an attempt to get better – Boozer for Stoudemire

3. RapsFan

   Hey Steve,

   Are you expecting the Raptors to make any big moves on draft night? Also what are the chances they go after a player like Andrea Igoudala?

   • Stephen Brotherston

     Colangelo said he is looking to make deals before July 1 (=draft day more or less)

     They looking for an upgrade at PG or on the wing. I don’t see Iggy as the guy they go after, they want shooting – but that’s the right idea.

4. Steve

   Do you think the raps will attempt to aquire another top 15 pick in the draft? They could try to snag the 10th or 11th pick and have a shot at landing Jermy Lamb if he is still on the board

   • Stephen Brotherston

     Colangelo admitted its tough to be a playoff team with 2 rookies in the rotation – and next season’s goal is the playoffs. Adding another top 15 pick would mean 3 rookies. It is more likely the Raps trade their 1st than acquire another 1st.

5. Paul S

   What are the odds the raps sign ilyasova this offseason and at what price?

   • Stephen Brotherston

     Odds are not good for the Raps, but he should be a target. Ersan was a rebounding beast once he got into the starting line up. Still hits his 3s, can score inside too. If this was under the old CBA – someone would be offering more than $10m per with no questions asked. New CBA might knock this down to the $8-9m range – we really haven’t seen the influence of the new CBA on FA deals yet.

     Only way I can see Ersan in Toronto next season is as a s&t, maybe Milwaukee would take back Amir & Ed? Can always hope.

6. Peter

   What do you think if Wizards only get the 2-5 pick range in this years draft and trade it to OKC for Harden since there not gonna be able to afford to resign him due to contracts of Perks, Durant, Westbrook and soon to be Ibaka. OKC getting a cheap rookie contract and drafting a mature ptoential star in Beal would be perfect. Meanwhile I think Harden with more shot attempts and minutes could average 23-25 a game in DC. He averaged 17 off the bench behind chucker Russell and scoring machine KD. He could challenge for best shooting guard in league with Eric Gordon when Kobe and Wade are not as effective in 3-4 years. Thoughts? Plus Wiz would pay em and most likely make the playoffs in the 4-6 seat range next year behind Wall, Nene, and Harden.

   • Stephen Brotherston

     Wiz should try that route, but everyone with something to offer will be lining up to try and extract Harden out of OKC – and OKC isn’t really under the gun until next summer.

     Harden should be the next big star in the NBA once he gets the starting job on a team that has to feature him – Every lottery team is almost obliged to try. (It will take more than just a draft pick to get Harden though – if OKC can even bring themselves to do what they obviously should)

7. Maurice

   What do the Bucks need to address this offseason and what do you think of Tobias Harris basketball skills ?

   • Stephen Brotherston

     1. Re-sign Ersan Ilyasova.

     2. Acquire a big PG – Billups might be available

     3. I would seriously try to move Jennings

     Read: Where do the Bucks Go From Here

     Harris hasn’t really played enough to judge and in his 9 starts, there wasn’t much change. Very, very young player – this could take 3 more years to determine.

8. Rory

   Hello Stephen,

   Who do you think BC will try and target in free agency, the draft, and possible trades? Obviously SF and PG are our weaknesses….

   • Stephen Brotherston

     Colangelo is still looking for a PG of the future – Dragic being the most creditable rumor.

     Courtney Lee, OJ Mayo are likely targets. Colangelo will take a run at Steve Nash – not likely but they’ll ask.

     They know its more likely to get who you want in trade – that’s why they freed up $12m in cap space for use at the draft. They want someone like Harden (who doesn’t?)

9. Tyler

   What do you think about paying OKCs players? Do you keep Harden or Ibaka? What will they be worth on the open market? I gotta believe someone could offer Harden the max. Cavs for instance?

   • Stephen Brotherston

     Harden & Ibaka are franchise type players – guys who can move a lottery team into the playoffs and a playoff team into contention. They are going to get paid.

     OKC doesn’t have to make their move this summer – both guys are still on their rookie deals – but it would be easier and they probably will get more now.

     The conventional wisdom says OKC should keep Ibaka as the defense will be harder to replace – but that really depends on who offers them what players. In theory it should be easier to replace Harden’s scoring off the bench.

     There is a long list of teams who would pay Harden a max contract – Toronto, Cleveland, anyone not capped out and with no way to make room without losing someone else they need.

     Harden will be a multi-year All-Star

10. jayjay

    From Toronto’s perspective, are the Cavs the Raps beiggets concern in the draft order. Seems to me they are both looking for a SF and SG (although Cavs would gladly take DeRozan, I believe)

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Toronto could use a PG or a wing, the Cavs biggest need is a wing – neither team could turn down the best available player when they draft. Not taking the b.a.p. with a high lottery pick doesn’t often turn out so well – so it doesn’t really matter who is ahead of Toronto (at least at 8th)

11. Nick A.

    Stephen, I just wanted to say thank you for what you do first and foremost as I enjoy reading your column.

    With that being said, the Raptors want to “change the culture” and in doing so, changes are apparent and evident within the organization. I as a current Season Seat Holder would like to see the Raptors also rebrand themselves in a makeover to flow with the culture changes. The Blue Jays for example did an outstanding job with remaking themselves and their attire.

    Any idea if the Raptors are planning anything like that? I am quite tired of their overall image. Hopefully we will all see big things out of this squad none the less.

    Thanks!

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Thanks

      No plans announced, but the lockout did cause a lot of disruption to the usual assortment of alternate jerseys so we should see at least some new attire next season. They definitely need an update – the timing is good for one.

12. CJ

    Fact or Fiction: Celtics beat the HEAT in the ECF

    • Stephen Brotherston

      The HEAT don’t look like world beaters at the moment but the Celtics would definitely up the intensity.

      Going with your head – HEAT
      Going with your heart – Celtics

      Of course we haven’t even finished the first round yet – and if the HEAT play the same way vs the Pacers, they won’t be in the ECF (not expecting that but…)

13. Andy

    If the Raps stay at 8, I like the idea of Austin Rivers off the bench in a James harden role.
    What do you think they would be willing to offer in a trade to move up for Beal/MKG?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Rivers will have to be outstanding in workouts to crack the top 8 in the draft. But its early and there will be guys who can and will improve their draft status. Rivers is certainly one of the guys who could.

      Raps wouldn’t offer a ton to move up, they are pretty happy with who will be available in the 8-10 range. But if it got them MKG, James Johnson +pick might be available

14. james

    What is going to happen to Bayless? I really hope the raptors resign him because I think he has great potential. At a min he’s as good as Jameer Nelson and max he’s Ellis.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Raps will keep Bayless unless they need to fore-go his bird rights to do another deal. I like Bayless, I just don’t like how often he has been hurt – but those injuries can be explained away.

15. Andre

    Do you see the Raps offering Harden a max deal this offseason? If we stay at 8th who do you think we should draft?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Harden could be a RFA after next season. He is still on his rookie deal next season.
      Drafting at 8, I like Jeremy Lamb

16. Robin Smith

    Where do u think toronto will end up after the draft lottery? I think we will win it this year because last year it was cleveland ( that got it because of Lebron) and this year its TORONTO because of bosh

    • Stephen Brotherston

      I like your thinking.
      But Raps will probably draft 8th.

17. kush sharma

    Toronto gets the first pick…… do we trade down or draft Anthony Davis

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Draft Davis and figure things out later.

18. Jeff

    Rumors of AK47 to NJ. Was he on Toronto’s radar this summer do you think?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Never even been a whisper about interest in AK47 in Toronto.
      Raps are looking for younger veterans

19. Jeff (Toronto)

    Am i the only person that understands thats 20 yr Euro Centers (Valanciunas) need a few years to develop? C’mon people in Toronto — There are no impact Free Agents coming to Toronto, and the Raps will NOT be good next season. 1 Series win in team history…

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Valanciunas, like any young player, will continue to develop for several years after he gets here. But his experience base is much better than the typical college rookie who has never played meaningful games against veteran players. There is never any assurance that any rookie will adapt to the NBA game quickly, Valanciunas just has a much better chance than most – he was a starter and the best player on his team in Europe – not some 19-year-old kid with potential riding the pine like most Euro rookies – this creates hope for a fast start. We’ll see when he gets here.

      When Colangelo has had a plan – he has been able to execute it. There will be an impact player added to next year’s roster and it won’t be some broke down center with bad knees or a prima dona who won’t fit in – consider those mistakes as lessons learned.

20. Matthew Pickup

    Hey Stephen,
    Although some see him as a PF in the NBA, do you think Derrick Williams in Minnesota is the kind of SF that would compliment Bargnani best?

    My thinking is that if the Raps can’t jump into the range of Beal, MKG – that the pick will be packaged for another asset. Can a lower tier rookie really have a role in T-dot next year?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Derrick Williams might fit the SF role, but similar to James Johnson, he’ll be more comfortable at PF where his quickness gives him the advantage. I have been intrigued by the idea of Williams at SF in Toronto too.

      The draft day deal that includes Toronto’s pick is definitely very possible. Can a 2nd round draft pick have a role in Toronto – it’s definitely possible – especially if Toronto trades their 1st. Doron Lamb, Darius Miller, Draymond Green are all guys who could grab a rotation spot on an NBA team next season.

21. Mark

    You had a article a few months ago saying that Jonas Valanciunas may be the favorite for the ROY next season why do you think that and what kind of stats will he put up as a rookie(make a guess? Look at these International players all drafted int he top 10.

    Enes Kanter 4.6points and 4.2 Rebounds

    Jan Vesley 4.7points and 4.4 rebounds

    Bismak Biyombo 5.2points and 5.8 rebounds

    What makes Jonas different?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      All those guys were limited minutes players who rode more pine than were difference makers on their euro teams. Kanter didn’t even play last season.

      Valanciunas was the star player on his club team and a star in his league this season – that’s the difference.

22. Raptor fan

    On draft night if all the noted raps targets are off the board (ie Barnes, beal, and mkg), wouldn’t it be smart to go after perry jones? It is said that he was playing out of position in college and he is better fitted as a wing player. With Casey as coach I think perry jones would be whipped into his great potential and he can be the potential steal of the draft. Plus, what’s to lose when we already have a highly touted rookie coming in valanciunas. What’s your take on this?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      The temptation will be to trade the pick – the Raps want help next season for a playoff run, not someone they have to project or fix because he was playing out of position. Maybe Perry shows something in the workouts that says the risk isn’t all that high – we’ll see.

23. Louis

    Drummond is going to be a BEAST in the pros…tell me the cavs would not look awesome with irving thompson and drummond

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Everyone sees the potential for Drummond to be a beast – but we are afraid he’ll be a Loren Woods or Patrick O’Bryant. Someone is going to give Drummond his shot though – guys with his assets just don’t come along that often.

24. tj

    Im sorry to say this but i think sac town in my opinion mis-handled tyreke and Marcus Thorton. Tyreke is NOT a point guard nor is he a small foward, and Marcus should be the sixth man as he is a perfect spark plug for that position, i would love to see the raps target tyreke but chances are that demar would have to be included and although tyreke is the more dynamic player i see demar being a more loyal player in the long run….what are your thoughts

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Hard to disagree. But I do think the Kings need is for James Johnson more than DeMar DeRozan.

25. yoni

    What kind of package would we have to put together to get a guy like tyreke evans? And harden also? I think tyreke would be less and has same potential as harden if not more, juss a lil more work on his jump shot, and good coachin by mr.casey

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Kings are looking for a small forward – the best Toronto can offer is James Johnson and draft picks, but I’d be hesitant to include their 1st round pick. Maybe Ed Davis & JJ.

      If OKC decides to move Harden, the offers will be very good. The best Toronto can do is DeRozan & Davis plus their 1st – and their should be no hesitation on pulling the trigger on that deal.

26. Dale

    Raps have to be pleased with Jonas’ growth this year (although he also has some blips, like this past weekend’s performance). His basketball year seems like it has been endless (from U 19 championships to full slate of Eurocup etc.)…I’m sure the kid is in need of a break (especially mentally) prior to the Olympics/qualifying. You expecting him to be in the Raps starting rotation next year?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Jonas Valanciunas is guaranteed meaningful minutes on the Raptors next season – starting is very possible, even likely unless the Raps make a move to upgrade the center spot.

      If Lithuania earns an Olympic spot in the qualifying tournament – Jonas will definitely need some down time before training camp.

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