NBA Chat With Stephen Brotherston 6/11/12

Luka

do you think that pacers can feel sorry because they didnt take advantage of heat lack of height and bosh absence.Did hibert show that he isnt among best centres in league?

Stephen Brotherston

Welcome to today’s Chat

The Pacers had an opportunity – but they didn’t have the experience to take full advantage of it. 76ers Coach Doug Collins had it right – each one of those games was worth 10 regular season games in terms of experience.
The boys from the Pacers will benefit greatly from the experience and be better players next season. Hibbert is supposed to still be getting better.

Leonardo Da Mata

What is your take Brotherston?

Lakers: D. Will
Minny: Gasol
Nets: Derrick Williams, Wesley Johnsion and Webster

Didn’t put it in the trade machine but w fillers of course

Stephen Brotherston

Lots of moving pieces but – the Nets want to add a star, not trade one. Minny needs a shooting guard instead of a big man. Lakers would be happy until the luxury tax bill hit them in another year.

This is going to be a very very interesting trade season and those 3 teams will be in the thick of the deal-making.

Wizards with #3 pick between mkg and beak chose?I would go with beal because small forwards are easier to find and real good sg in this league are hard to find.Also would you took ariza for #10 if you are wiz gm

Stephen Brotherston

I go with the guy who impressed me the most during workouts and interviews. MKG & Beal could both turn out to be exceptional players but you want the one your organization believes in – and right now, that is a very tough call. Most people will be leaning towards MKG at the moment – but that’s because of how he played in college rather than what position he played.

If NOH gives away Ariza with the #10 pick – lets see who’s available at 10 first but I’m interested depending on how much salary I can send back and what else is available. You’d have to listen.

Ronny

Lakers value gasol real high?Do you think they can get what they want future salary reduce+all star player for him or will they settle for just future salary reduce,mid 1st round pick and average player

Stephen Brotherston

What the Lakers want and what they can get for Gasol may be very far apart.
Lakers don’t want a rebuild – Kobe has only so many season left at this level – so draft picks and reduced salary don’t really fit unless its a pick who can contribute right away.

Ideal for the Lakers would be 3 real rotation guys (who can start) on 1 or 2 year deals with a future pick – depth now + something for the future. I don’t know if the Lakers can do it unless its a multi-team deal

JFK

will okc owner be willing to pay luxery to keep this core together?In heat-okc finale who do you see winning?Will experience be key for miami and can durant stop lbj playing like this

Stephen Brotherston

OKC is not a big market – long term in the tax isn’t likely – but if they win or think they’ll win next time, maybe they will go to the first $5m of salary into the tax for a year or 2 – maybe – lux tax gets real expensive real fast under the new CBA and OKC isn’t going very deep if they go at all.

Miami has LBJ & Wade with big time experience in the Finals – Thunder got to the WCF as a team last year so don’t discount their experience.

Odds are LBJ and KD offset each other and the series will be determined by how everyone else plays.

Robert

Everyone is speculating that Toronto gave Dion Waiters the promise at the combine. If that’s the case does that mean Toronto does not intend to move the pick? Is Waiters the right choice for Toronto?

Stephen Brotherston

Actually – no one who asked Colangelo is speculating Toronto gave Waiters a promise. Emphatically denied rumor – besides Colangelo seems far more interested in Lillard and Marshall – I’d agree.

Everything Toronto has except JV is available – yes they are still trying to turn their draft picks into players via trades.

joseph

If toronto doesnt get gay or granger will they be willing to take prince contract?What do you think about dumars as gm?DOESNT MAKE ASINGLE TRADE IN 3YEARS IN BAD TEAM IS VERY GOOD.Would you do some risky trade or instead be louzy team 2 more years waiting to cv and bg contracts expire

Stephen Brotherston

Dumars – he wasn’t willing to let go and go thru a true re-build, I think he should have cleaned house last season when he had the chance (or the season before…) – now it will just take a little longer.

I wouldn’t be looking at Prince as even a short term solution in Toronto.

For Toronto, A risky trade could end up a lot worse than keeping the draft pick and seeing what Casey can do with what they got.

For Dumars – be very careful not to make things worse – a good trade moves the rebuild process forward even if the players involved don’t help next season – otherwise do nothing except maybe try to grab another draft pick.

Jeremy

If you’re the raptors would you do a trade of Bargnani/Derozan for #2 pick and Tyrus Thomas. Raps then get Robinson who looks like hes going to be a beast in this league. Then trade ED, JJ, Jose and #8 for Rudy Gay!

Stephen Brotherston

I really like Robinson, but that’s way too much and sets the Raps back too far.

If the Grizz do trade Gay – they are going to want lottery pick, young player and salary cap space. It only makes sense to trade Gay to stay well below the lux tax line.

Christian

Do you think the Raptors are the ones who gave a promise to Dion Waiters?

Stephen Brotherston

no

Christian

Whose getting the most buzz from the raptors’ management after the combine?

Stephen Brotherston

Colangelo specifically mentioned Lillard and Barnes ( a couple more names too)
Raps would ideally like a PG or SF

Tasia

1.How do you feel about Rivers to Toronto?

2.With the Grizzlies’s owner comments and a rumor that Philly wants to amnesty Brand to be players in free agency I don’t think Gay and Iguodala are available anymore.Do you think the same?
3. If Raptors really want a slasher/alpha male player and Bobcats would rather go with Augustin and get another lottery pick, do you think Kemba+Carroll’s expiring for #8 and Amir could get it done.Will open up minutes for Ed Davis and give them what they want.

Stephen Brotherston

If the Raps take a SG – its between Lamb and Rivers – both good players but not the ideal choice if the team can get the PG or SG they want.

I was never convinced Iggy was available – Collins values him too highly. With Gay, what is an owner supposed to say? He can’t be seen throwing a good player who (maybe) wants out under the bus or he’ll get nothing back. t.b.d situation.

I’ll be surprised if the Cats let Kemba get away – Raps would probably stay with Lillard or Marshall at 8 rather than make this deal though.

Huni

I heard a tweet, Rivers to Toronto? At least he could be a good leader. What are your taughts on this move?

Stephen Brotherston

Rivers is a reasonable pickup at 8 if the Raps can’t get what they want in the draft. I’ve liked Lamb better, but Rivers should become a good pro.

calvinzero

Fundamental question: If the Raptors wants to shop their picks, how it will execute? Please explain it to me. I’m quite curious and confuse regarding shopping draft picks. Thanks, Stephen.

Stephen Brotherston

draft picks count as $0 in trades so you have to have salary cap room to trade a pick for a player – Toronto has over $10m of room to do a deal – so they can take back up to $10m maybe $12m in salary before they need to include one of their own players going back. This makes Toronto a good trade partner for teams that are looking to shed salary (because of luxury tax concerns).

You can trade draft picks after you draft a player as well – BUT drafted players count as $0 in trades until they actually sign their rookie contracts.

Peter

How would you feel about Rockets trading Lowry and 14th pick for Granger? Houston then resigns Dragic to start. This allows the Pacers to shift George to his more natural position at the 3 and the ability to draft a shooting guard like Austin Rivers at the 14th pick. A lineup of Lowry, Rivers, George, West, and Hibbert is downright scary.

Stephen Brotherston

Pacers shouldn’t be that active – keeping their own should be a top priority.

The JOkeShow

Should the Jazz try to trade for Lowry and K-mart? How about those 2 and the 14th pick for Hariis, Milsap, and Bell and a future pick?

Stephen Brotherston

Absolutely Jazz should try – they have assets to offer.

Juan Pablo

Hi Stephen! How are you? I have to question to ask you:
Is it possible for Minnesota to move up in the draft to get a pick in which they can select Bradley Beal?
Can they get Courtney Lee for 25 M for 5 years if not?

Stephen Brotherston

If they put Derrick Williams on the table, maybe they could move up enough to grab Beal. But it’s not likely they can do this.
Lee will probably get more than a MLE deal – he should. But Max 4 years under new CBA.

Jake

Enes Kanter, Bismak Biyombo and Jan Vesley all struggled this season and put up disappoint stats for where they were drafted.

What Makes you Jonas Valanciunas is going to shine his rookie year and what kind of stats could he put up to be in the ROY discussion?

Stephen Brotherston

Got the same question last week – JV was the STAR on his club team, their best player – those other guys were limited minute bench guys or in Kanter’s case, he didn’t play at all.

JV has good hands and footwork for the p-n-r game, natural rebounder, shot blocker – he should ave a double-double as a rookie.

nick

Who is the favorite right now to be drafted by raptors right now?

What would it be mean to Derozan if they drafted a 2 guard like Rivers, Lamb or Waiters.

Would the plan be to have them back up Derozan the whole season?

Stephen Brotherston

From the tone of his voice – Colangelo likes Lillard, but I could be wrong.

I’m all in for DD getting some stiff competition from a legit SG in the draft (Beal, Lamb, Rivers) – be good for him – let the battle to start begin!

Jay

Do you think the bulls can trade Deng to move up and draft Harrison Barnes

Stephen Brotherston

Talk to Charlotte – they are looking.
Toronto would be interested, but Barnes could be gone at 8.
Portland maybe?

Bulls should be able to trade Deng for a lottery pick – too bad that delayed off season surgery could hurt his trade value

Beau

Taking need out of it, which of the allegedly-available guys would you most want to build a team around? Iggy, Gay, Lowry, Pau?

Stephen Brotherston

Tough choice between Gay and Lowry. Go with Gay based on his body of work.

Iggy has possible Achilles issues. Pau is on the wrong side of 30.

JM

Iguodala for Calderon, Davis and the teams swap picks in the first round?

Stephen Brotherston

Sure, except the 76ers have to agree.

John in Memphis

ESPN reporting that Heisly (mercifully) has found a buyer for the team – does this mean the grizz are ‘on hold’ until the transaction is complete?

Stephen Brotherston

Usually – unless a new owner requests certain actions be taken before the deal is finalized. But a new owner is probably stuck in the same building with the same revenue sources, it doesn’t mean change is coming for sure.

JOhn

Do you know the mechanics of the NBA amnesty? Can it be done at any time up to a certain date, only in a set time range, can you amnesty a player before the draft?

Stephen Brotherston

Only for players under contract before the new CBA – and only for that contract, only used during the off season, can not be used after a player is traded.
Check out Larry Coon’s Salary Cap Fac

Dub

Raps are rumoured to be after rudy gay. I really think his price tag is too much, do you agree? He is a really good player(when healthy) but at about 16mil a year i’m skeptical hes worth it. Is there a cheaper alternative available? I dont like the raps puttin all their eggs in rudy gays basket

Stephen Brotherston

You could think of Gay as a cheaper version of Bosh – very talented player but needs help. His price tag was normal under the old CBA, expensive under the new CBA – but is why he might be available. I think he is worth the risk and the investment.

Frank

Many people in the United States are adamant about not having socialist policies (i.e. healthcare). However, one of the most successful businesses in the country, the NFL, actually uses a socialist agenda where all teams profit share – leading to league parity and a 3 billion dollar business (3 x the NBA). Why does the NBA struggle copying this business model as it would allow all 30 teams compete for a championship and expand the brand as a whole?

Stephen Brotherston

That is what the new CBA in the NBA is trying to move towards – and the early comments from teams suggest the new CBA is changing things more towards what we see in other leagues. Big time Profit sharing and a salary cap that is hard to go and stay over.

Charlie

Some people are skeptical Derrick Rose can return to his MVP form post-injury. I tore my ACL in August of 2010 and present day still can’t play rec league ball due to the weakness of my knee. Are Chicago Bulls fans truly to believe medicine/rehab is that much different between a pro athlete and myself? I’m sure its better, but that is a serious injury. Wish Rose the best, but knowing the injury doubt his knee will be able to bounce back. Your thoughts.

Stephen Brotherston

Recovery is set at 8-12 months. At 8 months he’s back – so its possible – but as with any injury, you don’t know until after its healed and rehab is well underway what the result will be. Lots of young players careers take a hit due to injury – we just don’t know. He will get the very best care.

We just have to wait and watch. You are right to be concerned.

JM

What are the chances of one of MKG, Beal or Barens droping to #8. I guess for that to happen 2 teams ahead of the Raptors need to go position over talent. Portland takes Lillard, and Sacramento takes Hanson?

Stephen Brotherston

Draft is by no means set – someone could easily drop. Raps would be very happy with Barnes or Beal. Can’t see MKG slipping that far.

Guldan

Should the Raptors make an effort to get Okafor and New Orleans 10th pick? A center to support valancinaus and a bit more youth. What’s your take?

Stephen Brotherston

Rather get a PG or SF. Raps don’t need another draft pick. But sure if Okafor is 100%, he’d help the Raps and be a solid 1st big off the bench. He’s just not filling the biggest need.

Matt

Any chance of the raptors landing any of lowry, gay or iggy?

Stephen Brotherston

Definite chance – Iggy as the least likely.
There will be many deals done between now and Sept – Raps will be active

Josh

Hi Stephen! OK – if you’re Cavaliers MGMT, and you have to choose between Michael Kidd-Gilchrist or Harrison Barnes – who would you choose? THANKS!

Stephen Brotherston

MKG has the greater upside and that’s want you want rebuilding. Barnes will be a good player – a safe pick, but the Cavs don’t have to be that conservative. Same reason I’d take Beal if MKG is gone ahead of Barnes.

Rocky

Whats your opinion of Bargnani skipping summer camps with the Italian National team? As he figured out the Raptors are the bigger priority? He is valuing his health for the upcoming season?

Stephen Brotherston

When you miss most of 2 seasons with an injury that seems like it could be from overwork – skipping your national team when they missed the Olympics anyways seems like the right move.

I don’t know what he figured out – but this move would be a no-brainer.

Wendal

Do you fear of an Super competitive division where the Raptors have difficulty making the playoffs as a result? Take a look at the AL east and the blue jays the past few years.

Stephen Brotherston

NBA and MLB have very different setups – 8 teams from each NBA conference are in and its possible a division takes 5 spots so it doesn’t really matter how tough your division is if your team is good enough.

Gollenial

The big 3 of boston ended our Chris bosh playoff era from 2006 to 2007. Are you and the organization glad to see them split up?

Stephen Brotherston

Don’t count Boston’s big 3 out yet – they could be back with a couple or 3 other FAs next season – nothing is set in stone yet.

I am pleased to see new teams in the NBA Finals on a regular basis – too much Boston and LAL is not a good thing for the other 28 teams.

ken

hello. do you see the lakers trying to go after tyreke evans as a part as a 4 team trade with the wolves/lakers/kings/rockets with the idea of the rockets not giving up lowry but getting evans instead

rockets recieve gasol

lakers recieve evans/beasley/Chandler Parsons

kings recieve 14 and 16

wolves recieve kmart

Stephen Brotherston

I see several teams taking a run at the misused and abused Tyreke Evans – the Kings don’t seem to know how to use him and they should be trying to turn him into a SF by trading him instead.

old man jenkins

Your a Raptors fan. Is Jonas Valuncuenias a player who can help the raptors be a playoff contender? Do you think they can land Lowry for their picks? I think a line up of Lowry Bargnani and Valuncuenias would be intersting to watch.

Stephen Brotherston

Valanciunas will help the Raptors next season – I’d really like to see them add at least one solid starting veteran to the rotation before saying they have enough for a playoff run – but JV will be part of the reason the team has a chance to get back to the playoffs next year.

Lowry’s name is going to be out there – Lowry put it there and he’d be a very nice pickup.

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

Cory

Are the Bulls looking to trade up? New Orleans is taking offers for that #10 pick an Ariza or Okafors contract. I would love to see the Bulls go after this trade and maybe land J. Lamb, Rivers,Terrence Jones or Perry Jones

Stephen Brotherston

The Bulls are going to surprise us.
Either 1) an all-in approach – try to grab a veteran PG on a 1-yr deal and contend OR 2) salary dump & restructure while Rose is out to come back in better cap shape after a year with a couple of good rookies from this coming season. The second option makes the most sense to me.

Josh

What do you suppose the Jazz do at this point? Would a trade of Jefferson for Kevin Martin and the 16th pick work?

Stephen Brotherston

Like many other teams – they are working the phones. Jefferson for Martin makes sense

DRE

Hey Stephen,

We have been hearing lots of rumours of big name players Toronto want to go after like Gay, Iggie, and Nash. But who are some names that would mutually interested in being part of the Raps long term plan?

Stephen Brotherston

Players can’t just go around saying they’d like to be in another city while under contract or Stern will lighten their wallet. ie Deron Williams at All-Star says he has a “secret plan”

No one leaks they want to go to Toronto (or a whole lot of other NBA cities)

jason

what are the chances the lakers trade both bynum and gasol?

Stephen Brotherston

Not real high – but maybe that’s the only way to rebuild the team without “rebuilding” – LAL need to be ready to think outside of the box.

Daniel Flores

Do you think adding Mike Beasely to the Clippers a good fit? He is athletic and can shoot

Stephen Brotherston

Clippers should be trying to keep as much of the band together as they can to build on last year.

Kevin

Brooklyn gets Monta Ellis, Epke Udoh, Christian Eyenga, Shaun Livingston, Milwaukee pick

Milwaukee gets Pau Gasol, Ramon Sessions

Lakers get Deron Williams

Who says No?

Stephen Brotherston

Wow!

Only even gets talked about if Williams says he is leaving Brooklyn.
Not sure if the Bucks aren’t just better off throwing $10m per at Ersan Ilyasova.
Lakers will be happy – for 1 more season anyway (massive lux tax bill coming)

Ryan

What would the raptors hve to package to get Ariza and the 10th pick? Would it be worth it?

Stephen Brotherston

If NOH really wants a salary dump, James Johnson is all they’d want back. The issue from a Raptors standpoint is TA doesn’t give you much more than JJ at double the cost so the player you draft at 10 really has to be worth it – but that’s possible – have to see who’s left on the board at 10.