NBA Chat With Stephen Brotherston 7/16/12

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

It’s been a busy week in the NBA. Free Agents signings, free agents left hanging, Amnesty messing with teams decisions, even some trades and teams aren’t done yet.

Chats fill up quickly so get your comments and questions in now.

  1. Deven

    Hi Stephen. Where will Jose Calderon be traded too?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Welcome to this afternoon’s chat.

      There are a lot of questions in the queue already and I’ll try to get to as many as possible without too much duplication.

      Colangelo is trying to move Jose – but with all the Amnestied players and teams trying to juggle cap space, this just is not that easy to do. Dallas looks like the front runner – they can return a TPE (equals cap space for Colangelo to pursue a separate deal) and need a veteran PG – but nothing that happens here should be a surprise – Colangelo keeps leaving every option open when asked. Amnesty, trade, waive, keep – worst part is there is a good argument for each possible decision.

  2. Deven

    Do you expect Andre Igoudala to be traded anytime soon?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      This is the 3rd off season in a row a lot of people are expecting the Sixers to acknowledge Iguodala isn’t going to lead them anywhere and its time to find a new leader. Problem is the guy is too good to get full value back for.

      If the Sixers acknowledge they should rebuild with the good young talent they have and add a couple more young pieces for Iggy – it’ll happen. If not, Iguodala will be back in Philly and the team will basically be the same – a team sitting in the 6-12 spot not going anywhere (and maybe not quite as good without Brand, depending). Glad this isn’t my decision.

      Everyone knows the Raptors are just waiting for Philly to decide its time to move on.

  3. Deven

    Since Brooklyn is out of the picture, where do you see Dwight Howard ending up?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Logic says LAL – but logic hasn’t been our friend in Howard’s case. This should be a 3 team deal with the Cavs or Rockets providing the young talent & draft picks and getting Bynum in return.

  4. Edward

    hello,

    1. Why Daniel Orton is not in the Magic roster on Orlando Summer league?

    2. If Magic wants to rebuild team, why they keep Jameer?

    3. Will magic re-sign E.Clark or he has contract? I think he just need more time to show his skills.

    4. Which players from Magic roster on Summer league can join team on next season?

    5. Why Las Vegas do not have NBA team?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      1. Orton is on the Raptors SL roster – says it all as far as the Magic are concerned.
      2. Good question – why? Hoping Howard doesn’t leave sounds about right.
      3. I’d keep him but the Magic haven’t finalized their plans for next season yet – still have some other minor issues to sort thru before they decide on the back end of the bench.
      4. If Howard goes and the Magic get the slew of players the Rockets would toss their way – there’s not going to be much room for SL guys. Got to wait & see.
      5. Vegas has sports betting – something the NBA is very concerned about + Vegas is more of a tourist town than a traditional NBA market – pretty risky bet to put a NBA team there.

  5. Ang

    Assuming NY doesn’t match on Lowry today do the raps still have cap room to go after Michael Pietrus?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      NY didn’t match on Fields – I was doing a quick calc on cap space after the James Johnson move – Raps have about $4.5 million left – but only on 11 roster spots so there could be cap holds until they reach the min number of players. Also they still have to sign Valanciunas. Pietrus won’t command a lot but I suspect he’d rather play for Boston if possible.

  6. Steve

    Who is colangelo eyeing to get in return for calderon? And who do you think will backup lowry?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Colangelo is eyeing a SF – but since it hasn’t happened already – he’s eyeing a trade for a TPE to create space to go after a SF. Still the usual suspects – Iguodala, Gay but no guarantees either will be available.

      If Casey gets his wish – Lowry’s backup will be Calderon. Uzoh makes a nice 3rd string PG. There are still other options… I liked Scott Machado in the predraft workouts.

  7. Christian Frank

    Should NBA superstars play in the Olympics? Why or why not?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      If they want to play for pride in a prestigious tournament for their Country – it shows how much they love playing the game. I’m all for it. Injury risk isn’t really worse than the unsupervised pickup games they would be playing in over the summer – and a good player will learn something playing for another coach.

  8. Christian Frank

    Will the acquisition of Terrance Ross move DeRozan to small forward? I’ve always thought that DeMar is better suited as a SF rather than a SG. Also, is Valenciunas ready to step in and be the starting center day one?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Raptors keep saying they would like to see DeMar develop into more of a SF. It makes sense, he isn’t really quick enough to guard 2s all the time and he should be able to get stronger.

      Valanciunas will be the most skilled center the team has opening day – whether he can handle starting day 1 is t.b.d. – but except against the bigger bruisers (Aaron Gray’s job) – JV should start.

  9. Gustavo A.Thomas

    I believe trade for D Howard is stupid move for teams like Houston or Cleveland, how you give your young good players and picks to get him and a lot bad contract .trade for Howard is better for contender teams,like LA,brooklyn,BULLS,NY,CLIPPERS.because those teams can win right now if they get him. What you think.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Changing your program mid-stream is a big risk. I wouldn’t say that the Rockets actually have a program to change yet though – getting Howard or Bynum was the program. The Cavs – if they think the deal is worth it, then its worth it. They have the best idea about how far their young talent will take them (it would be saying something about the Cavs belief in their own young talent though – which is not the case in Houston)

      Going to a team that is/will be a contender seems to make the most sense for Howard.

  10. Gustavo A.Thomas

    Two possible trades. CH.bulls get D Howard O MAGIC get L Deng,J NOAh and two #1 round pick.
    Another one S&T CH BuLLS get JEREMY LAMB,ORLANDO get OMER ASIK.what you think,who say no.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      In any deal for Howard – if you don’t get Howard’s name on an extension or a promise to – it’s not a good deal. Getting Howard with an extension – I’m sold. Magic is getting as much as they should hope to get.

      Might have some CBA issues with your 2nd deal if Lamb has signed his rookie deal + Asik has to agree and he seems to like that really generous deal in Houston – once signed, Asik can’t be dealt.

  11. Gustavo A.Thomas

    Can CH BULLS AMNESTY J PAXSON and G FORMAN rIght now,they doing nothing good for this team. Check the players they get on FA the last 3 years, (BOOZER,WATSON,HAMILTON,KOLVER,BREWER,BOGANS). Now they try to get mediocry players again.PLEASE.what you think?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Teams can fire coaches, managers, and front office staff anytime they like – not usually after the team has done this well though. Must be a rough crowd in Chicago if these guys are getting canned…

      Teams can only Amnesty 1 player and only players under contract from before the lockout. FYI

  12. rob

    friend of mine is a big laker fan and said he would trade Bynum to the sixers for Holiday and Iggs and one of their two first round picks this year.Im a sixers fan and I say no. Should I and how good can Holiday be Im looking for 20 and 7 next year.

  13. Vince

    If lakers resign jordan hill and sign grant hill can they still sign antawn jamison? if they sign all three would they be the best in the west? if not what would it take for them to be the team to beat?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Veteran min salary has no restrictions – sign away. These guys are not what is taking the Lakers over the top.
      Lakers got their guy in Nash.

  14. Brandon

    With the front office adding Kwame Brown as supposed competition at center, Im confuesd as to what the sixers plan is. How is this team getting better than last year?

  15. Ron

    After reading an article on Landry Fields there was mention of the log jam that has been created on the wing. Have you heard anything about what the Raps might do?

  16. Kareem

    Do you see the Pacers making any more moves after signing Green, Augustin, Hibbert, Hill and trading for Mahinmi? What position do you see them in the Eastern Conference next year?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Pacers held their ground – it will be up to the young guys to keep developing to make a difference from last season.

  17. Christian

    Do you think that last year was just a shooting slump for Fields?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Blame it on Melo – and the Knicks PG issues. Lin & Fields were a good combo.

  18. Andrew

    Do the raptors have the pieces to trade for Josh Smith and would BC consider it?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Atlanta moved Joe – that means they don’t have to move Josh – Smith is a guy Raps would want but I don’t think The Raps can get him now.

  19. murray

    Hello Stephen

    looking at the east and i still cant see toronto being on of the top seven teams in the east.

    maybe fighting for 8th and thats only if

    1. JV a absolute stud
    2. KL is average 10 ast cause we still dont have any one that creates their own shot
    3. Via trade add a allstar or border line allstar on this team

    there is just a log jam of teams no better or worse that the raps fighting for 8th. bounce here or there can determine our fate. Wha y do u think?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      The goal is to compete for 8th – so a bounce here or there is part of the plan.

      I’m hanging my hat on Casey taking these guys another step forward on d.

  20. Fahmi Rahman

    Hello there. So can raptor fans expect a trade for a big time small forward like Iggy or Gay?

  21. raptor

    When will Lowry and Fields be introduced to Toronto? What can fans expected from Fields?

  22. will

    What 2011 draft pick disappointed you the most?Me Jan Vesely.Can’t shoot at all even ft,too soft,too slow poor rebounder for his size at four,+.All I see from him was great dunks.If you must choose between him and seraphin you would choose who?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      I thought we’d see more from Kanter – probably not totally fair as he didn’t play the year before – but he looked so good at the Combine.

      Vesley still has a ways to go – he really wasn’t ready to come over yet.

  23. Rochester Raptor fan

    Is the trade (dumping) of James Johnson the last piece of shrapnel from the bomb that blew up in Colangelo’s face over the Landry Fields offer? I realize that adding another SF was a plan and that someone had to go to clear the logjam. Also, since Jonas Valanciunas needs a roomie Linas Kleiza and his bloated/unearned contract was never in jeopardy. Was Johnson more flawed, besides his inconsistent jumper?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Colangelo could have kept JJ – Fields is just the better player.
      Since when was $4m a bloated contract in the NBA? Kleiza will be good next season.

      Casey likes maturity, Johnson failed to show that on occasion, but it was his jumper that did him in IMO.

  24. pacquiao punch

    How do u think will be derozan’s mind set at the beginning of the season, do u think he would be more aggresive or be passive and watch himself to be replace at the starting spot and maybe be a trade bait for let say a guy like tyreke or a first round pick!?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Expect another step forward from DeRozan – he has taken one each year so far and he’s still just a kid.
      If T Evans was available – that’s a deal you’d have to consider – but I doubt if could happen (yet)

  25. Charlie

    If you were GM of a rebuilding process, would you rather build around Brook Lopez on a max deal or prefer expiring contracts/cap space/picks?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      In Brooklyn its a no brainer – you want Lopez (and Hump) team needs players now. In a tear down and rebuild, its picks and guys on rookie deals.

  26. john

    another questionable move by bc trading james johnson and only getting a 2nd round pick. what are your thoughts?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Great pickup by the Kings – JJ is worth his salary. If he could have fixed his jump shot, Raps might not have even been looking for a SF.

      This is a tough market to trade rotation guys – teams want them for nothing – and with the Amnestied players – who can blame them. Josh Childress is probably going to picked up for a little more than min salary.

  27. Roger Ruttle

    Considering the current Toronto Raptors roster, who do you think will be the Raps most vaulable player?

  28. Jason M

    Are you hearing anything out of the Memphis Grizzlies involving trade or any other free agents?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Grizz have already put themselves in lux tax territory – never thought they would even come close. Doesn’t leave a lot of room to add.

  29. sy

    Why do you think Bill Ingram expect that the Raps to acquire a small forward soon? . . …”I have to believe they will, yes, and the Raptors are ready and waiting to take one off their hands. (from Phili)”….seems that SF is Iggy too, did you heard anything related to that?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Raptors are definitely working it to get a SF – only reason why not is teams don’t want to take back what the Raps can offer (yet).

      Nothing solid, but the moves are happening for Toronto to do something.

  30. Kuda

    whats if they cannot land Iggy or Gay? You think the roster is good enough to challenge for a spot in the playoffs?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      I like Colangelo’s answer on this – We’ll find out just how good a coach Casey is. Casey will take on a bit of legend status in Toronto if he gets this team into the playoffs – probably overstating the accomplishment but its been 4 years in the lottery.

      Actually – I think Casey is good enough to make this team tough enough to score on that they can make the playoffs.

  31. akbar

    as per Yannis, Lakers are interested in Brandon rush and they are negotiating.. i was wondering how much he can be offered? mini-mid level. What else he can be offered?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Way, way over the cap. LAL might have the mini-mid available – I haven’t checked – but most of the Lakers adds will be trades or min deals.

  32. Carlos

    Hi Stephen. So who do you think would make a better match for the Suns. OJ Mayo or Courtney Lee? Who do you think they get?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Either player helps the Suns (or the Wolves for that matter). The Suns are better off just picking one – either one – and getting it done.

  33. Allen Hayes

    The Bulls are linked to O.J Mayo but we don’t have any money to spend on a player like that. Is a sign and trade being discussed or this is a smoke screen to bulls fans to make us think the front office is actually trying to spend money on the luxury tax like we’ve been told they wouldn’t do unless we are close to a championship?

  34. Korey

    Now that James Johnson got traded, how do You feel abOut him now and do you think the trade will come back to haunt the Raptors?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      JJ is a good guy and can help a team – useful player on a roster. He isn’t the guy who changes your team’s fortunes around though.

  35. Tim

    How do you like the knicks off season moves so far? cant go wrong with signing a buncha 45 year olds right?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Knicks doing the best they can with the very limited options they have. Surprised they let Fields go though – its only money?

  36. Darnell

    Is James Johnson will that poor of a player where he can only return a 2nd round pick? Do you think there’s more behind this deal?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      That’s all the current market conditions provide – too many amnestied players going cheap.

  37. Darnell

    How would you feel if Jose Calderdon wasn’t traded?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      I would be happy to see Jose finish the season in Toronto if he wants to be here (don’t take his agent’s word on this). Jose would be one of the best backup PG in the league and it will be tough to add a player who will do more for the team. Fantastic trade deadline asset too.

  38. ed

    Why were the Nets unable to match Pacer’s offer for Gerald Green

  39. k sharma

    What do we plan to do with Fields?

  40. Dre

    Good Afternoon,

    Who beside the Iggie and Rudy Gay do you see as good fits for Raptors at small forward? AK47, Josh Howard, Martell Webster options?

    Thanks

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Don’t believe AK47 will leave CSKA Moscow – life is just too good for him there.
      Josh Howard doesn’t fit the Raps plans. No need for Webster. Raps will be going with Fields & Kleiza.

  41. bballs

    I hear alot of hype about Valaciunus, but it seems there is a chance he won’t come over this year. what are the odds we don’t see him in a Raps uni this yr?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      No chance he doesn’t come over – baring a season ending injury at the Olympics.

  42. Rory

    Is Fields actually an upgrade over JJ? taking into consideration the contract I would say no…. If SF is the position we are targeting, in theory why would you pay double for Fields if you already had JJ?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Johnson never was a good jump shooter and is a much better PF than SF – Raps are loaded at PF.
      Fields has a solid jump shot – last year notwithstanding and is a 3. (Just a 1/2″ shorter than Johnson) Fields fits the team needs better and may end being the only SF the Raps can land.

  43. Mn-Nelly

    What are the chances that blazers match on Batum? And if he does, who do the wolves target? Lee, Mayo, Iggy, S.Brown, or whoever else is out there

    • Stephen Brotherston

      On Batum, should be 100% – otherwise the Blazers have turned down S&T for some great assets for nothing….

      Not sure why the Wolves didn’t target Lee and Mayo from day 1 – they might have both of them on the roster by now.

  44. Kevin

    I cannot find one team that needs a starting point guard like Jose Calderon. Are there any teams needing a starting point guard that are willing to take on his contract?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Its not a lack of teams needing a PG – it is – as Colangelo has said – teams are waiting/hoping Toronto will Amnesty Calderon so they can get him cheap. It’s the current favor of the month in the NBA.

  45. IR

    Hey Steve, always enjoy your chats!

    We all know Rudy Gay, Iggy and even L Deng are prime targets for the Raps to trade for…but they come at a steep price, contract wise and for the assets that must be given up to acquire them. Who are some ‘darkhorse’ SFs that the Raps might be interested in via trade?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Real darkhorse – Josh Childress off the Amnesty waiver wire. If he could return to form, he’d be a nice add. If not he’d be dirt cheap.

  46. CAS

    With Nash, Kobe & Gasol who would be a better fit for LA Bynum or Howard? Athleticism & D v. Youth, offensive skills and someone who can hit FT’s in the 4th quarter of a tight game.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      I agree with the Lakers original statement after landing Nash that they weren’t going to change anything. With this roster its all about next season and next season will be easier to manage/be successful with fewer changes.

      As tempting as getting Howard is…… LAL probably can’t resist if its a good deal.

  47. Blake Upham

    Has BC actually said on record that his goal is to get Iggy? Or is it just 100% social blowup?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Colangelo cannot name a player on another team who is under contract or he will receive a massive fine from the league. Now player agents can spread whatever information/misinformation they want…….

  48. Keith

    The Bucks roster sure is redundant in the PF and guard positions, yet lacks wings. Do you believe they will attempt to trade one of the many PFs (i.e. Gooden)to shore up this roster issue, or hope that Tobias Harris turns into a legit 3?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      They will try, but the trade market is a little rough at the moment. I wouldn’t count on getting much value back for Gooden under the present circumstances. Hope may be the best option.

  49. carl

    will dwight go to the nets in the summer of 2013 via sign and trade

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Only if he can force the issue somehow. Don’t expect the Magic to let him do this dance until the trade deadline and they will make something happen if they don’t have his name on an extension. The team that trades him for isn’t going to make it easy to leave either.

  50. Christian

    What are Kyle Lowry’s chances of being an All-Star this year?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Lowry is a long shot to be an All-Star in the East this year. Rondo, D-Will, and even Irving will start out with a huge lead. But if the Raps look like a playoff team early on, he will have a chance – not a big chance, but a chance. He is the guy who will get a lot of the credit if things go well in Toronto.

      That’s the hour for today.

      Thanks for all the great comments and questions.

      Until Amnesty is finished – there may be more questions than answers out there….