NBA Chat With Stephen Brotherston 6/18/12

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

Get your comments and questions in now.

Note bonus question from V Collins, answered by Bill Ingram

  1. Jake

    What’s the best deal the Magi can get for Dwight Howard?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Welcome to the CHAT

      The BEST deal for Howard? Depends on your objectives.

      Are the Magic rebuilding or reloading?

      Magic are probably (foolishly) reloading and will look to add veterans who will help keep them in the playoff picture but with little optimism for future improvement. Look to the Rockets – they are desperate for a star player.

      It’s hard to see how the Magic can reload if they trade the guy they have built their team around – they should be rebuilding and asking for draft picks and young players – those kinds of deals are out there.

  2. Thankful Knicks Fan

    Do u see LA trading Pau for STAT seem like a trade that helps everyone. The Knicks get a versatile big man, and the Laker gets an athletic freak of nature with space to work his magic.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      You’ll see lots of proposals/rumors involving the LAL trading Gasol for a star player – usually on a longer deal than Pau.

      Almost none of these would accomplish any of the Lakers objectives.

      1) The LAL will not be any closer to a championship
      2) BUT they will be another year closer to the BIGGEST LUXURY TAX bill in the history of the league.

  3. calvinzero

    What can you say about trading Calderon and no.8 pick for Luol Deng plus no.29 pick also??

    • Stephen Brotherston

      It’s a move that could really help both teams.

      Calderon’s deal comes off the books just as Rose is returning and the Bulls add a lottery pick – likely the shooter Jeremy Lamb.

      Raps can probably draft a backup point guard at 29 who they will be happy with and go after either Lowry by trade or Dragic in FA. Deng would fit in nicely with Coach Casey.

  4. Dave

    (Suns Rebuilding Plan)
    Trade Gortat for Boston’s 21st and 22nd pick
    Sign and trade Steve Nash to the Heat for the 27th pick, Norris Cole and Mike Miller’s contract (he is retiring)
    Buy the Thunder’s 28th pick (they are selling it)
    Resign Aaaron Brooks
    Draft Austin Rivers with the 13th pick
    You have the 13th, 21st, 22nd, 27th and 28th pick AND Norris Cole who is young and can play. Rebuilding process goes by fast if one of those guys has franchise player potential. (Especially Austin Rivers)

    • Stephen Brotherston

      While you are giving away one of the better young centers for almost nothing – not going to happen, Suns could get a low-mid lottery pick for Gortat easily if they were foolish enough to trade him.

      No one is helping the HEAT out of Miller’s contract.

      Thunder might sell the pick, but they’ll probably want a future pick back more than cash

      Suns need Brooks, Rivers is solid at 13 if he is still there.

      No team wants 5 rookies on guaranteed deals – good chance 3 of them end up playing in the D-League (or should be).

      Absolutely agree the Suns are heading into a rebuilding year though – just not quite so aggressively.

  5. Mark ryan

    Kanter, Vesely, and Biyombo all struggled in there rookie seasons or couldn’t get many minutes. What makes people think Jonas V will be any different?

    Will he start from day 1 and what kinds of stats cam you see him putting up since you think he will be in the ROY race.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      3rd week in a row – same question BUT Kanter, Vesely, & Biyombo were NOT star players in Europe – they were young developing guys playing very limited minutes off the bench. Kanter sat out the season before he was drafted.

      Valanciunas was the STAR player on his club team. Under 19 FIBA MVP, played for his National men’s team last year. Valanciunas comes over at least 2-3 seasons ahead of where the other guys in his draft class were at when they were drafted.

      Valanciunas will be in the ROY race – expect a Davis/Valanciunas race. Look for a double-double, 1.5-2 blocks as a rookie.

  6. VCollins

    Would a Pau Gasol for Josh Smith and Marvin Williams work money wise for both teams? And will this type of deal be beneficial to both teams? Thanks!

    • Bill Ingram

      Try the trade checker . . .would be a great move for the Lakers . . .not terrible for Atlanta, either.

  7. Brad

    Do you think if the Raptors drafted Kendall Marshall that it would be the end of Jose Calderon in Toronto? I think Bayless would be the better backup.

  8. Sandy

    Jeremy Lamb could fall in the late teams with players like Leonard,Harkless and Waiters rising and Jones III having more potential and he is not wowing people in his workouts.
    Do you think this 3 team trade will work if Lamb falls:
    Toronto trades #8 and #38
    Gets Kemba Walker/#17(draft Lamb)
    Bobcats trade Kemba Walker/#31/2014 2nd
    Gets #8/#38/Vince Carter/Dominique Jones
    Mavericks trade #17/Vince Carter/Dominique Jones
    Gets #31/2014 Bobcats 2nd/Livingston tpe

    Bobcats can resign Augustin and get another lottery pick
    Toronto gets the UConn duo and get there pg of the future and target Lamb
    Dallas gets 4 million extra cap space for their free agency splash and an unguaranteed contract when they amnesty Haywood that is 13 million extra cap space for them.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      It is usually for teams to trade their lottery draft picks just 1 season after getting them – very hard to see the Bobcats moving Kemba for now.

      Raptors are not looking to get any younger – they’ll keep #8 if they can’t trade it, but the goal is to add a starting/ if not star player instead.

      Mavs are all over this idea…..

  9. am i reaching?

    Ed or Amir plus our two second round picks for ariza and the tenth pick…is this fantasy or could it be a reality???

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Seems unlikely – but we really don’t have any idea what the new owners of the Hornets want to do – they haven’t been able to make any moves yet to give us a direction.

      The trade idea has some merits both ways.

  10. Zach

    I think Tyreke Evans is the perfect fit for Golden State at the 3. His penetrating game should be helped by the shooting and floor spacing of both curry and Thompson. What’s your thought on the fit?

    Also would the #7 and #30 entice Sac to make the deal?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Evans seems much more like a guard than a forward to me.

      Depending on who is left at 7, maybe. Harrison Barnes would get someone’s attention if he is on the board.

  11. raptor

    pg lillard/Jose
    sg Demar/JET
    sf Crash/JJ/Lk
    pf Bargnani/ED/Lk
    c JV/Amir/Gray
    if toronto can draft lillard at 8 and be able to sign JET and Crash how would you rank this team in the east? what do you think would be missing from this team? shooting? if so do you think the resigning of bayless or weems would address that???

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Raptors would definitely improved and IF they stayed healthy would be in the playoff mix.

      BIG CONCERNS – Crash gets hurt – he earned that nickname. Bargnani missed big parts of the last 2 seasons and taking both Bargs & Crash out of that lineup = lottery.

      I still have some concerns about taking Lillard at 8 – he could be worth the risk but he is hard to evaluate.

      Coach Casey wants shooting – I agree and the best shooter available will probably be Jeremy Lamb – 60% from 2-pt range last year, has 3-pt range to 25 feet.

      Bayless has been at the ACC during the predraft workouts – I like the kid, he has potential but his injury history says you need depth.

  12. Zach

    If you were Toronto would you deal #8 and Bargnani for Gasol and couple that with over paying Nash and amnestying Jose?
    Would a core of Nash, DeRozen, Gasol and Val have a chance in the east?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Lakers would/should be drooling over that deal – Bargs spaces the floor better for Bynum and they save $10m in salary = $20m after tax. Why would the Raps help the Lakers out so much without getting much more in return?

      Put Nash & Gasol on any team and they get playoff consideration.

  13. Gord Downie

    Would you trade Demar while his stock is still high on his rookie contract or do you think he is worth a big contract?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Colangelo said EVERYTHING is on the table – I agree – especially if it gets you the PG or SF the team needs.

      DeMar looks more like a MLE player at the moment – let’s see what he does next season.

  14. brian

    How serious are these Tyreke rumors? If they trade him they better keep that #5 pick.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      For now, the rumors are more media generated than fact – but the Kings have holes to fill and don’t seem to know what to do with Evans & Evans will bring back a quality player – thus the rumors.

      Zero surprise if the Kings make a move with Evans at the draft or early in July – just logical

  15. Matt

    If Lillard falls past the Blazers at 6, do you think he goes to Toronoto? Or are you hearing Austin Rivers more?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Raptors would rather trade their pick but are covering all their bases. They’d like Barnes to fall to them, otherwise I think they like the very good shooter – Lamb.

      I’ve tried to get Stefanski to spill, but he’s not falling for it.

  16. Rory

    Hello Stephen,

    Have you heard any news of who the Raptors may be targeting through the draft? Do you still see them trading the pick for a SF as your previous column?

    Best Regards,

    • Stephen Brotherston

      They would love to get Barnes – and there is a chance it happens as Barnes won’t work out against other players. After that, there are better players at other positions.

      Raps are looking hard at PG and SG.

  17. Myron

    Do you think Andrew Nicholoson will grade out as a better pro than Tristian Thompson?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      It’s possible. Tristan got off to a slow start – his offense is still very raw, but he might be a decent center and it could be 3-5 years before we see the best of Thompson. Nicholson might be more skilled, but its too early to tell.

      Its not really fair to evaluate a lot of these young big men too quickly.

  18. GS Fan

    What is your opinion on Sullinger for GS at #7? I’m not sold on both Jones’s and wonder if Sullinger would be good for GS or should GS shoot for the moon and do whatever it takes for Gilchrist including trading Curry.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Sullinger is good. He’s polished and ready to make an impact. Easily under rated big man.

      Taking Sullinger at 7 would be based on need – but he’s not a bad choice.

      I’m only trading Curry if I think his career will be one long session of ankle problems. Curry would be a very high pick in this draft – no. 2 wouldn’t be a stretch.

  19. jack

    Are the Lakers about to make a move?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Lakers ready – beyond ready. It’s just the accepting reality part that no one is going to give them equal value back because of his contract and the fact absolutely everybody knows the Lakers are on the verge of becoming the biggest luxury tax payers in history.

      We tend to kick’em when they are down – that’s how American business works.

  20. Kevin

    Will Lakers trade Pau for the best offer even if it doesn’t bring back equal value?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      If they want to make deal – this is not going to be easy to accept.

      The easy solution is to do nothing as the luxury tax rules change after the end of next season – but the deals then will be worse.

      Everyone knows what the Lakers should do – will they?

  21. Jae

    Do you think the Blazers will go to the draft or free agency to find their point guard? and is there a way that toronto would trade their pick for anything reasonable that the blazers have?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      The Blazers have been good at the draft – with deals and picks (injuries are not their fault).

      They can get a really good PG of the future at 6 or 11 and that’s a sure thing – free agency is not.

      Toronto would really like Batum – somehow I don’t see that happening.

  22. Tasos

    Hi Stephen from Greece,

    LAKERS:Rudy Gay+Jason Smith+25th MEM pick
    MEMPHIS:Okafor+10th NO pick
    HORNETS:GASOL
    the salaries are good.
    can be done? thanks!!

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Nice move for the Lakers for next season – after that the LAL will be setting new luxury tax records.

      Hornets could use Gasol – but he isn’t really a rebuilding piece on a young team.

      Exactly what does Memphis do with Okafor? They are kind of crowded at the 4/5. They can get more for Gay than a 10th pick and some salary they don’t need.

  23. shaq and chuck gone fishing

    Are any of the pacers point guard in toronto’s radar? How about lou williams?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Don’t look for many changes in Indiana – they’ll keep most of what they got.
      Lou will be in demand – he’d fit nice in Toronto or on several other teams but it’ll depend on a lot of other things first.

  24. Beau

    I hear the Raps are looking to add a wing player if they keep the #8 pick; how much does 2 vs. 3 matter? Are they totally comfortable with moving Derozan to the 3? Or would they prefer to add a 3 if at all possible?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Coach Casey wants a creator and/or shooter off the wing. DeRozan could play either wing spot, but he has deficiencies at both – we’ll see after the summer if he’s been able to address some of them – 10-15 lbs heavier/stronger.

      In the draft Barnes at the 3 fits nicely. Otherwise the SG Lamb is as good a shooter as you’ll find.

  25. Christian

    Do you think the raptors would pick Drummond if he was on the board at 8

    • Stephen Brotherston

      On the BAP basis, they’d have to, but they’d be looking to trade him within seconds.

  26. Christian

    After a week of workouts whose name is coming up more and more at that 8 spot

    • Stephen Brotherston

      The only guy I’ve read who could be coming back for a 2nd workout is Lamb. Casey likes the kid.

  27. Byron Scott

    which 4 and 24 draft pic combo do you like better for my cavs, Brad Beal and Royce White or Harrison Barnes and Doron Lamb?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Cavs will take the Best Available at 4 – Beal, Barnes, or MKG – and be happy about it.
      I like Doron Lamb at 24, Teague would be a solid pickup too

  28. Kellen216

    Considering kyrie Irvin exceeded everybody expectations in his rookie year and look like a potential top 5 pg in the league for years to come, in your opinion do u think this should speed up the Cavs rebuilding process as far as the draft and free agency goes?….do the Cavs draft someone like Barnes or Beal because they seem more ready to play 2day in the league or if given the chance if the Cavs see more upside to MKG or Drummond would they go after them knowing they are more of a project but hold a lot of potential?…..Would/Should the Cavs go after young free agents such as maybe Mayo, Beasley, Jeff green, Batum, Eric Gordon?……who do u think is a real possibility for the Cavs to add to help the team?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Cavs should be very careful with their cap space – I don’t believe they are really ready to jump into the FA pool this year.

      This is a good year to add talent thru the draft – one of Robinson, Beal, MKG, or Barnes would be a great pickup. There is some rotation level talent to get at 24 and 33, 34.

      Best plan is to go young, get another lottery pick next year and then jump into the FA pool.

  29. dub

    Lillard is the young,afraid of nobody flat out scorer the raps are lacking. Agree or disagree? As well the raps are in desperate need of an injection of star power. Who is most likely available for them to fill that void?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      I agree Lillard isn’t afraid of the challenge and could be that flat out scorer – the scorer I’d rather have at SG than PG but you get’em where you find’em. Lillard could be a star, but its not a sure thing – like most of the guys in this draft.

      Unless Barnes falls to 8, it’s tough to see the Raps getting a star in this draft – a starter, but not a star.

  30. tj

    I do not think that Jonas will average a double double as a rookie like your predictions state Mr. Brotherston, I know you are very high him but tell me this, name me the last skillful center to win the rookie of the year award which you said last week that he would do next upcoming season if its not Anthony Davis. Last time i remembered it was Pau Gasol and Amare and they shouldnt even count as they are PF’s. I am in no way saying that Jonas will be a bust however it is FACT that big men take longer to develop and playing with big time stats in FIBA’s and Europe does not necessarily equal the same success at the nba level especially if you take under consideration factor’s like him learning a new language, a completely different city and.etc. average rookie stats prediction should be along the lines of 10ppg 7 rpg for a player like him. btw i still think Kahwi Leonard wouldve been nice in a raptor jersey…lol, get at me so we can debate some more

    • Stephen Brotherston

      We never know for sure how a rookie will look – the NBA is a tough grind.

      The advantage the bigs will have next season in the ROY race is there is no obvious PG, SG, or even SF who has the early lead and looks like a run-away winner before we even start.

      What I like about Valanciunas and Davis in the ROY race is they both come across as more mature, more NBA ready than big men usually seem at this point

  31. JeffPiercey

    Ive thought about Deng as well, although his playing in London worries me. I’d rather see them S&T Bayless with the pick instead though. It gives Chi a poor (very) mans Rose an will help with scoring at the 2 when he comes back. Thoughts?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Bulls will need a PG back – but with their salary cap situation, if they do a deal with Deng – they will be cautious about taking any long term salary back. While Bayless looks like the good fit – Bulls might like Calderon’s expiring deal better – tough call.

  32. John

    Iguodala for #8 (just the base of it) – is that a trade you feel would help the raptors?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Iggy would help the Raptors, but 76ers can do better than just a draft pick.

  33. Braveheart1

    Should the Detroit Pistons trade the No. 9 pick with Houston for the Rockets two first round draft choices? I beleive Fab Melo and Terrence or Perry Jones will be available where the Rockets are slated to pick would give the Pistons better balance do you agree?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Tough call – usually don’t give up a 9 for 14, 16 – but it’s possible each team could get the guys they actually want doing a deal and it happens – a wait and see on draft day situation.

  34. Kyle

    Do you see the Blazers taking Lilliard over Dummond with the #6 pick? Assuming Drummond falls that far. It doesnt look like Lilliard will be around at #11 and it seems they are high on him.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Blazers can take Lillard at 6 or Marshall at 11 – depends on how they want to build their team – their styles of play are opposite. I’d rather go after Barnes at 6 and Marshall at 11, if they could get so lucky, but maybe they go for need or Barnes is gone….

  35. Justin

    What do you think of Austin Rivers to the Raptors at #8? I think given the opportunity and the time to grow and really learn all the facets of not only the game but his game, he’ll be a big time offensive option for the Raptors.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Rivers is polished, media savvy and an easy sell – not sure he is really a mid-lottery pick but he will be a pro for a long time – it would be hard to complain if Rivers was on the Raptors. I like Lamb’s offensive game better though.

  36. JM

    Seems like management is set on replacing JJ as starting SF. Why? Arguably has has better all round game than DD

    • Stephen Brotherston

      James was more effective at PF than SF – this has little to do with DD, who has his own issues to work on.

  37. JM

    NO want to dump salary.
    Ed/JJ + future pick for NO’s 10th pick and Okafor?
    Package 10th and 8th to move up and get Barnes.
    Okafor is a really good vet to share the 5 spot with JV

    • Stephen Brotherston

      If you could maneuver it all on draft day – and Okafor checks out health wise – it would sure be tempting to try it.

  38. Corey

    If you were in Bryan Colangelo’s shoes what “realistic” deal would you try to pursue to address your needs for a pg of the future and starting/starring sf? Realistic meaning within reason.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      In the draft – Barnes could fall to 8 – not for sure, but really possible – high potential SF.
      PG of the future – Tyshawn Taylor or Scott Machado in the 2nd round

      The Bulls really do have a big tax problem – and the Bulls historically are not tax payers. Go after Deng – the Bulls can sell a rebuilding program now that Rose will miss next season.

      Rockets could move Lowry – and if they don’t, Dragic is a FA who is get-able.

  39. Richard Watson

    There is a lot of talk out there regarding trades with the objective being to obtain a quality long term solution at the small forward position. The most common rumors regarding the raptors seem to be Rudy Gay, Iggy, or Josh Smith. Which do you think is the best option for the raps to put the most effort into?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Best option is Deng from Chicago – stable situation in Chicago with a rationale reason for wanting to make a deal. A really nice long term solution that fits the Raps needs.

      Ownership situation in Memphis will make deals challenging to say the least. Try but don’t hold your breath.

      Josh Smith would be a great acquisition – but it does make additional moves almost a requirement. The expiring contract adds another layer of risk.

  40. Kevin

    Spurs get Andrei Bargnarni

    Toronto gets Pau Gasol, Manu Ginobli

    Lakers get Jose Calderon, Demar Derozan, #8 pick

    Who says No?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Toronto says NO – two older guys who don’t fit with Casey’s stated objectives.

  41. rapsfan

    any news on raptors

    • Stephen Brotherston

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

      Raptors have worked out about 30 guys for the draft – they are covering every possible angle from keeping the pick at 8 – to trading 8 and getting a pick in the late 20s – and lots of 2nd rounders (they have 2 picks in the 2nd round).

      It was Very Very clear – the Raps would like to get Barnes and hope he falls to them. Other SF, not so much.

      It was also clear, the Raps will take the best player available at 8 if necessary including SG or PF.

      I think they are targeting a PG with their 2nd round pick (or a pick they get back if they trade 8 )