NBA Chat With Stephen Brotherston 7/23/12

MICHAEL

Is it possible for Chicago to agree to match Asik offer ONLY if Houston would agree to take Rip Hamilton, 1 year guaranteed?
It makes Asik more affordable and now would allow Houston to swap Hamilton, Patterson, T. Jones, Lamb & two #1′s for J Rich, Babies Davis & Howard!

In my opinion Orlando can do not do better even with Bynum. They will only have Hedo left, Rip comes off next year and they will be in the lottery with plenty of cap room.

Morey has a year of Howard to be around
McHale, Hakeem and catch plenty of lobs from Lin. Any maturity and he stays!!!

Stephen Brotherston

Welcome to this afternoon’s chat.

Opportunities for teams to make significant improvements are starting to dwindle – except maybe that DH possibility out of Orlando? Never know….

Once an offer sheet has has been issued, every party involved would have to agree to rescind it and Chicago does not have the salary cap space to make a comparable offer to Asik – So Asik has zero incentive to help out here. Asik has to be loving that deal from Houston.

I agree about Orlando not improving by adding Bynum – it looks like they want is a premium package of draft picks and young players – just like what Houston can supply in August – even after landing Asik. If a deal for Howard gets done, there is a good chance Houston is involved, but it could be a three-way just as easily as a straight trade – Houston just wants to get a star player (any real star player) out of it and will risk that player leaving next season – no one really knows what Howard will do next year at this time.

Steve

haven’t heard any recent news on the raptors and calderon, do you think there’ll be a trade before training camp or at trade deadline?

Stephen Brotherston

Colangelo is in no rush to move Jose.

The goal has always been to get a quality player back at a position of need and the Raptors will wait – Raptors are a better team with Jose than without.

Could happen anytime between now and the trade deadline – or never. It will take a team in the playoff hunt who needs a starting point guard – because of injury or otherwise – for Colangelo to get the value he wants back for Calderon. Alternatively, if the Raptors are out of the playoff hunt at the trade deadline, its take get what you can time.

Steve

do you prefer the raptors to go out and get all star sf by giving up 1st rounders, demar and jose or is it beneficial to keep demar and hope for a break out season?

Stephen Brotherston

I am always in favor of upgrading talent – as long as it isn’t a rental and the player coming in will fit with the Coach. A player under 29 and a proven star will usually do more for your team than a young guy you are hoping will take the next step plus a future draft pick – but that’s why these types of trades are tough to do unless the team with the star is up against it financially.

Steve

out of deng, gay, and iggy, who do you think the raptors would realistically land?

Stephen Brotherston

If any of those deals where realistically available – some team would have done them already.

Right now it seems like Iggy will be available if you can pry him from Coach Collins cold, dead outstretched fingers (just joking – but Coach ain’t giving him up)

The Grizz have deliberately crossed into luxury tax territory in an effort to win now – who knew? Maybe they chicken out (as expected) during the season as the bill gets closer but for now Gay is staying put.

If Chicago dangerously close to being a tax team – but if they believe Rose will be back in time for a playoff push – luxury tax will be the cost of contending and Deng won’t be available. Not what we are used to seeing here but it looks like Chicago may be willing to pay to win.

Mohammad\

The Raptors are getting a little point guard heavy don’t you think with Lowrey, Calderon, and now Lucas III. What other pieces do you think they can move to get a strong SF like AI from Philly or maybe Rudy Gay? Any other options they might be interested in?

Stephen Brotherston

Raptors have needed a quality 3rd string PG for a while now – that hole in the lineup has cost them a lot of games over the past couple of seasons. If they do move Jose, they’ll need to find another PG – but maybe JL3 has earned the primary backup spot by then.

Raptors are waiting for opportunity/ another team’s misfortune to create the market for Jose and that will determine what kind of talent might be available in return.

Jimmy Crack Corn

What’s the informed talk on the street about KD and LeToya Luckett…Are they an “item”?
KD says “no comment”.
Just an observation. It’s the first time KD has been linked to any potential GF? There is plenty of smoke here. James Harden is rumored to be “dating” Trina.
Something is going on here?

Stephen Brotherston

I like to read about the wives & girlfriends of players, but I don’t make any effort to research players personal lives. Let me know if you find something out.

raps4ever

Hi Steve, Getting Lowry, and Fields, was good for our Raptor team. But I still feel we are not good enough to make the Play-offs in the EC. BC, is too cautious, he should take some risks. most of the team in the east like Brooklyn, indiana, boston,New york,have upgraded significantly. We still need a SF, why get rid of J
Johnson, who clearly could play SF/PG. I hope w/ the money left we could sign Matt Barnes. Trade DeRozan,to Houston for R White, and draft picks. I am not worried about his fear of flying issues.
Money will change all that. I don’t see Derozan, to be better than White in the long run.

Stephen Brotherston

I like the moves Colangelo has made – these are all based on what Coach Casey wants and Coach Casey is all about defense and shooting. There will be a lot of optimism in the Raptors locker room at the start of this season. This team is all on the same page.

James unfortunately was a much better 4 than a 3 – he was not really happy playing the 3 under Casey’s system – James believed that he had more to offer – but Casey wants guys who willingly do what is asked of them. James could really flourish in the right system – the Raptors just decided that wasn’t in Toronto.

I don’t see Matt Barnes as a fit – the guy plays with an edge, a chip on his shoulder. It makes him a good defender – it also means he changes teams almost every season.

Raptors still have faith in DeRozan – I definitely would not swap him for rookie unless it was a top 7 pick. Who will be better in the long run is a valid question, but DeMar will definitely be better this year.

Colangelo threw caution to the wind with J. O’Neal and Hedon’t – I’d rather not go down that road again. I like that the players coming in all fit with the Coach.

Deven

Do you really believe Dwight will be traded by early August?

Stephen Brotherston

If Howard isn’t moved in the first 2 weeks of August – get ready for a long uncomfortable season with a trade deadline DEADLINE. By mid-August is the likely time to get this done.

scott

havent heard much about what Derozan is doing this summer to improve his game,mshort of playing on the select team, have you heard what DD is doing?

Stephen Brotherston

Coach Casey has DeMar hitting the weights – SF possibilities – hopefully working with a shooting coach too, but Casey believes shooters are born, not made.

Gustavo A Thomas

I believe the NBA need to create a experts committee. To weigh up every NBA transaction.sometime we see NBA trades, that nobody can explain how it go through,or sometime we see NBA team offer 6 millions a year to player and this player sign for mínimum salary with another team.how we can be 100% sure there is nothig wrong in that. This committee with veto power guarantee the NBA integrity. What you think?

Stephen Brotherston

That would ruin all the fun. Seriously not every trade is made for basketball reasons – a lot of moves are financial in nature. Plus some trades a future oriented – like Toronto gets Kyle Lowry for a draft pick that is protected until its a lottery pick (almost) – A league office can’t tell a team how they should rebuild.

Salaries are based on supply & demand and the CBA – the league isn’t going to tell a team to say not “overpay” a RFA giving the team that holds his rights an opportunity to match at a fair value. Players would fight this – and did, this flexibility was negotiated into the CBA.

Gustavo A. Thomas

Worst enemy for CH Bulls to get another title.A) G forman and J Paxson incompetence B) D Rose selfish attitude ( IM no recruit players C) Chicago weather?

Stephen Brotherston

This year – worst enemy is Rose doesn’t return in time to make a difference in a playoff push.

Future – will the Bulls spend thru their mistakes to make the team better?

LA in LA

Regardless of if Lakers get Howard they should try to get a 3pt shooter like Willie Green who should be available for the vet min or part of MMLE…

Stephen Brotherston

Sure why not – Lakers should/will go after the best talent available for min. deals because that is what they can offer with a payroll approaching $95m

Mr. Boombastic

if lakers g0t dh then after this season he hits FA,whats the maximum the lakers could offer?and the other teams also

Stephen Brotherston

Howard earns $19.5m this season. The team he is with can offer 7.5% raises for 5 years. Other teams can offer 4.5% raises for 4 years.

Gustavo A thomas

Can you grading the 5 best NBA Gm and the 5 worse Nba Gm right now.

Stephen Brotherston

This is kind of like grading the cook while some of the food is still in the kitchen.
Have to be impressed with Nash to LAL, Allen to Miami, Boston’s off season so far.

Kevin C

Hi Stephen,
From your perspective, who were the standouts in Las Vegas action ? Any disappointments ?

Stephen Brotherston

Summer League All-Stars

Guys fighting for a job – Malcom Thomas – double-double machine, Dointe Christmas – earned a contract with Boston

Shad

The Jazz’s roster is oddly constructed! They need to trade one of their bigs before the start of the season. Agree?

Stephen Brotherston

Hard to disagree – Jazz have 6 potentially expiring deals so change is in the wind.

Like the nice young talent – Favors, Kanter, Haywood, Burks – But the Jazz need to decide if they are rolling with the proven talent of Jefferson & Millsap – or not and that’s a playoff type decision.

Moving one of those bigs risks missing the playoffs – could happen anyway – worst case is finishing 9th – I’d be very tempted to move both bigs and try to get some young talent back – but that’s not what the acquisition of Mo suggests is going to happen.

Brad

How much trade value does Jose Calderon have with his expiring contract? Are the Raptors not getting good offers or are they simply asking too much for him?

Stephen Brotherston

Colangelo says there is lots of interest in Jose – but teams want him waived so they can pick him up cheap – Not going to happen – at least not now.

Calderon still carries a lot of value to the Raps as a backup PG and small lineup 3-pt threat – there is no pressure to give him and his expiring deal away

Raps Fan

I’m convinced the Raps took Ross instead of Rivers mainly because they were pursuing Nash. Would you rather take a kid who has potential for a 10-15yr career who could help get you over the hump, help attract FAs, etc or would you take the money hungry route and go after a guy who should be on a contender and pretty much give up on the future. Now we are stuck with Fields, Ross, DeRozan all 3 mediocre talents that couldn’t be anymore than a 6th man not to mention DD who is probably looking to get paid at the end of the season. I think Ross is insurance on DD. If the offer is too high we won’t match imo.

Stephen Brotherston

Raps took Ross because Casey saw him practice during the lockout and fell in love with the kid’s skills and drive – things that were confirmed over the college season. Ross was on the Raptors board at 8.

Rivers didn’t exactly blow anyone away at his workout in Toronto – aside from he was one of the best prepared to talk to the media.

Michael

Would a combo of Terrance Ross and Andre Iguadala be a very strong wing combo (thus making a trade for AI using DRozan and JCalderon seem like a no brainer)

Stephen Brotherston

yes – but probably not enough to get Iguodala out of Philly

Steve

Hi Steve,
Are you hearing anything about potential trades involving the Raptors or do you think the Raptors will stand pat for now?

Also have Aaron Gray and John Lucas signed ?

Stephen Brotherston

Lucas deal has been agreed to. Gray is pending but all indications are it’s just timing holding things up. Salary cap issues tend to delay getting deals finalized as each move impacts on other moves.

Colangelo is hinting loudly not to expect anything on the trade front in the immediate future.

GS Fan

With Golden State’s moves in the offseason including the draft, there seems to be a lot of unknowns due to the injuries that some of GS players have had. What do you envision if all of the pieces click together, a #7-#8 playoff or just outside of the playoff picture?

Stephen Brotherston

Have to like Andrew Bogut starting at center.
Have to worry about Stephen Curry’s ankles.
Need Harrison Barnes to produce right away – good chance.
Fight for 7, 8 – Portland, Minny, GSW, Jazz – hoping Dallas doesn’t gel. odds are good for finishing 7-11, tough to promise a playoff spot for anyone in the group.

Richard

Hi Stephen,
Love your chats, always look forward to reading them every week.
I was so thrilled when we got Lowry. It gave us a defensive starting pg to help limit the rose’s, westbrook’s, dwill’s of the league. I also loved it cause it would send Calderon to the bench to flourish leading the 2nd unit. Sad to see he wants out. When healthy he has always been productive but more importantly loyal to the raptors and toronto. My question is do you see a scenario where Calderon comes to terms with being a back up pg and remains with the raps or is it more plausible that he is eventually dealt by the trade deadline to run a team elsewhere as a starter?

Stephen Brotherston

The word that Calderon wants out is mostly coming from his agent – reasonable considering how being a backup will affect Calderon’s salary after next season.

Calderon is a real family man – there is a chance he puts lifestyle and family ahead of being a starter and sticks willingly in Toronto. Colangelo might want to cash in his asset anyway though as there is a big risk next year with the money FC Barcelona or Real Madrid can throw at him – Calderon is extremely popular back home.

michael

Do you think that ross is the replacement for derozan and if so what can we get back for him?

Stephen Brotherston

Not this year – but you are not alone in that line of thought – waiting to see if DeMar has taken another step forward in his game over the summer

andrew

It sounds like the Howard deal is on hold until drafted players can be traded, any sense that an Iguodala trade may be waiting for the same reasons?

Are the Raptors the leading trade partner and who are the Raptors competing against to get Iggy?

Stephen Brotherston

The Iggy trade is being held up by the 76ers. Coach Collins keeps saying he needs Iggy.

Leo Da Vinci

Any chance the Lakers land any of these guys. Carlos Deldino, Brandon Rush, Meeks or Delonte? And do you see Cleveland stepping up their offer on that 3 team deal or it’s goiing to come down to LA/ HOU/ ORL? Thank you for your time

Stephen Brotherston

Delfino can get paid more playing in Europe than the Lakers can offer.
Rush is not likely to be going anywhere.
Meeks – definite shot here
West – could see it

The Cavs are a potential partner – but they will be more demanding/ less desperate than the Rockets in any 3-team deal.

Mark

Dwane Casey and Bryan Colangelo never mention Amir Johnson in recent media interviews. With the logjam of fours, do you think he is on the way out? What other tweaks do you foresee?

Stephen Brotherston

Ed or Amir (and even another player) could be packaged with Jose if Colangelo can get an upgrade to his roster.
Raptors see Amir as the 2nd unit pick-and-roll big that fits in nicely with the style they want to play.

Christian

Do you think the Raptors as assembled are good enough to make the playoffs?

Stephen Brotherston

Avoiding significant injury time – the Raptors can compete for a playoff spot with the roster (we believe – pending signings) they have. Raps will be a very tough defensive team under Casey

carl jones

can dwight howard still force his way to the net through sign and trade next summer if traded to a team he doesnt want to play for or committ to long term??

Stephen Brotherston

Once Howard needs a S&T, he can’t force anything – both of the teams involved have to agree on a deal or it doesn’t happen. Depends on strong the GM is that Howard is dealing with – Howard leaves a lot of money on the table to walk – and there doesn’t appear to be any team he wants to walk to that has the cap space to sign him. Interesting situation – could produce another 12 months of media coverage….

Danny

If Miami were to offer Bosh + Joel Anthony + 1st rd pick next year (from Philly) for Dwight Howard, who says no? I don’t think Orlando gets a better offer, and Miami can convince Dwight to sign long term down here. Your thoughts?

Stephen Brotherston

Fair deal, but not really what Orlando is looking for and Bosh isn’t a guy who can make you a playoff team on his own

Carlos

Bill Ingram states Suns top ten team. Do to agree?

Stephen Brotherston

Possibly – really big changes in Phoenix. If they gel, they could have a respectable season – top 10 in the West maybe.

Sweet Dee

If you were GM of the Chicago Bulls, would you have matched the Omar Asik offer sheet. Or do you like the plan B of Nazr Mohommed. And how much of a drop-off in skill is there between the two back-up centers?

Stephen Brotherston

Bulls have always been luxury tax shy – Asik’s contract would be painful in year 3 – too much to ask of a tax team to match it.

Nazr isn’t getting any younger – it’s a we’ll see if he still has it – probably meets the Bulls needs. Of course Asik is still getting better each year – so the comparison isn’t really fair.

Delk

HI Steve,

The raps just signed Lucas when they could have drafted Machado for summer league. Mistake?

Stephen Brotherston

Lucas is a proven veteran who can stay ready to play while sitting 3 deep on the bench – Machado is an unknown rookie who might have fallen apart waiting his turn. I wouldn’t mind seeing Machado on the Raps D-League team – he has potential.

J. Bizz

Any word on Sonny Weems? Do you think he will challenge for the starting sf for the Raptors are does he still need lots of improvement?

Stephen Brotherston

Raptors scouted him heavily in Europe – it’s not what they said about him, rather what they didn’t say. Weems apparently did not show the growth needed to challenge Ross for playing time or they could/would have kept him and traded Ross to Houston for Lowry.

Nigel winters

What is your take of Ed Davis in summer league? Are we going to be pleasantly surprised through the season? Is this the Davis we’ve always hoped for?

Stephen Brotherston

I wasn’t impressed with Ed in SL. He did okay – he should have dominated. We won’t know if we’ve got the Ed we expected to get when drafted until after training camp starts.

Jacob

Sounds like the date is August 5 when rookies can be traded. Is that the MAGIC date when the lake show adds D12?

Stephen Brotherston

pretty close to the date – could take a few days or even a couple of weeks to iron out all the details and do the medicals before a transaction of the size currently envisioned gets put to bed though. It’s not like things will be rushed in August.

Pabst Guzzler

Considering what deandre Jordan, brooke lopez, Kris Humpries, Roy hibbert, javale mcGee and other bigs recently got paid, Andrea Bargnani’s contract is looking really good right about now. What do you think of his contract vs production compared to other big men?

Stephen Brotherston

Bargnani signed the typical big man contract for a guy at his stage of development – nothing unusual. The hope is he outplays the contract by the end and he shows the potential to do this if he doesn’t get hurt.

kB24

What did you think of Terrence Ross play during the summer league? and do you think he’ll be one of the primary pieces for Toronto in the near future?

Stephen Brotherston

Ross will get his minutes in the rotation – whether that’s 12-15 or 18-24 will be up to him. Ross showed some good stuff in SL – nice defense, a willingness to shoot, ability to create his own shot – but its SL so we need to see more.

JM

Has ED gained any weight? Are there any indications what the big rotation is going to look like? Not enough minutes for 5 guys.
I would guess that AB gets his usually 33, JV gets at least 20, AG gets maybe 15 just like last season.
Leaves about 28 for both AJ and ED…

Stephen Brotherston

Not so much concerned about Ed gaining weight as getting and playing stronger in the post. Ed will have to step up his game to get minutes in the current projected rotation – and in his 3rd season, he should and he knows it – he has said as much himself. Amir is not going to give up minutes easily.

Ed in SL was not overly impressive – still time to improve though.

kev

now that nazr is close to signing with the bulls, who are the nets looking to sign to back up lopez

Stephen Brotherston

There are several min salary vets and projects to go after – really can’t expect too much at this point. As long as Lopez doesn’t get hurt – it won’t matter much.

RoB

Hi Stephen, do you see Iggy wearing purple and gold? just a random thought since Philly has Harkles and Wright. And the Lakers needs to fill that wing.

Stephen Brotherston

Very unlikely. Only player that might tempt Philly is Bynum and right now there is a better target for LAL to go after.

You are not alone in wondering why Philly doesn’t seem to want to do a deal for Iggy – but he is that team’s leader and Coach Collins relies on him

Mark

What’s your take on Solomon Alabi? Is there any NBA talent in that body at all?

Stephen Brotherston

Solo was sitting on the bench in summer league – injured again. Whatever NBA talent the man has – hasn’t been on view very often due to injury. He didn’t look good in limited minutes at the end of last season when the Raps weren’t exactly worried about winning anything.

That’s the hour for today.

Thanks for all the great comments and questions.

Vincent

Should the Warriors hurry up and sign B.Rush & D.mcguire before the t.wolves snatches them up?

Stephen Brotherston

As long as Rush has a Q.O. outstanding – there is no rush

jamic

will raptors get a good sf?

Stephen Brotherston

short answer – Raptors have 2 good SF – Kleiza and Fields – a “Star” SF – they tried, still trying – don’t hold your breath