NBA Chat With Stephen Brotherston 8/20/12

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

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

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  1. Colin Dunne

    In your opinion, is the Raptors most pressing need at SF? I think they have the beginnings of decent rotation happening here, but lack quality and depth at SF. Kleiza is a useful player when healthy but he is better suited to coming off of the bench. Would Toronto part with Amir Johnson and Calderon if it meant returning a borderline allstar at SF?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Raptors have depth at SF, Fields and Kleiza will do fine, but the question going forward is do the Raptors have enough on the wing to become a contender? Right now the answer is an obvious no, but maybe DeRozan, Ross, Fields, or even Kleiza take the steps necessary to become that player. As the Raptors don’t have another option at the moment, seeing if one of the guys they have can become who they need is the plan.

      Would the Raptors part with Calderon & Amir to get a borderline All-Star SF – in a heartbeat and I’m sure a team could get more out of them – that’s not really enough.

  2. shaullenny

    http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=8pfapmx
    To lal j.smith
    to atl p.gasol, o.casspi, a.goudelock, 2 second rd picks from cle
    to cle z.pachulia, s.blake
    lakers free up some cap space
    then re-sign howard and smith

    • Stephen Brotherston

      I don’t see the Hawks giving up Smith – not even for Pau Gasol – not a chance of Smith + Pachulia.
      This doesn’t fit with what the Cavs are doing either.

  3. Shaullenny

    http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=963vkaq
    to hou l.deng, j.j.reddick, j.butler
    to orl j.noah, g.forbes,t.jones, d.montejunas
    to chi k.martin,a.harrington, j.mcroberts, q.richardson, p.patterson, 2 second rd picks from hou

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Houston is desperate for a Star – but is that star really Luol Deng?
      Martin just doesn’t feel like a good fit with a defensive-minded coach

      not a fan of this trade – unless you’re in Orlando.

  4. Shaullenny

    http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=bqfqyus
    to tor j.mcroberts, a.harrington
    to orl j.calderon

    http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=cnchtmm
    to atl p.gasol,g.davis
    to lal j.smith, q.richardson
    to orl z.pachulia(reasonable center), j.teague(good pg), j.jenkins and rights to m.scott,
    then have a 3 guard set of teague, calderon and afflalo
    then once j.nelson can be traded trade him

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Toronto would be interested in a trade for Calderon – nothing wrong with the players coming back except Toronto is already overloaded at the 4 and these guys are not upgrades.

      Hawks are not going to part easily with Smith now – no real point in even asking.

  5. Rod

    Stephen, Do you think Boston can compete with Miami this year? Ray is a great pickup for them but they still dont have an answer for Rondo

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Boston competed with Miami last year and they are better this time – Compete absolutely, winning will take an element of luck

  6. Jon

    I have watched som mixes and games of jonas v and im really not convinced that hell be the star that everyone’s making him out to be. From what ive seen, most of his points com from open dunks and putbacks, hes skinny, and hes not that athletic. I can c him becoming a deceent nba player but i definately dont c him as a star. Wat do u think?

  7. Makan_raps

    Afternoon Mr.Brotherston……..So should i go out and get my Wilson Chandler Raptor Jersey yet ?!!!…..jose’ expiring contract or either amir/Ed plus a 2nd rounder? Raps get there starting caliber 3 nuggets get a capable starter/backup 4 plus a draft pick or an extra 3 mill from jose contract

    • Stephen Brotherston

      We should wait to see how well/if he recovers from that hip injury – no rush, Denver will be moving somebody eventually if everyone is healthy.

  8. honey treeronto

    Word in sactown that jimmer wants out and okc wants him, is this true? Does this make sense??
    And can the raps get casspi?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      That Jimmer might want out makes sense – is he trade-able for anything but a 2nd round pick???? OKC doesn’t need Jimmer.

      Once Gee signs, Casspi will be available – not sure the Raps need him. Casspi didn’t exactly set the world on fire last season.

  9. Ismail

    Would Amir Johnson for Wilson chandler straight up work?

  10. AJ

    Could kobe or pau take a pay cut in order to help the lakers get under the luxury tax for next year, sign Dwight Howard long term, and to help them win several more championships? We all know Kobe or pau can’t win without Dwight now or in the future and there contracts are ridiculous and take up all the cap space.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Can’t change contracts once signed. Buyout and waive but that’s about it. Can change the guaranteed portions of future years – but the Lakers are stuck playing what they agreed to unless they trade, waive or amnesty Kobe &/or Pau. Not happening – Lakers can afford the tax! will afford the tax….

  11. ALEX

    Great chats. CALDERON played well for SPAIN. esp. with IBAKA. Would PRESTI have any interest and moving RUSSEL to a SG?
    THANKS

    • Stephen Brotherston

      just call Russell a guard (like Wade) and fit him into the lineup as a primary ball handler/scorer depending on who you have to play with him.

  12. Mighty Mouse

    I know its a bit of a hypothetical – but back in the day when the Bosh was a raptor and playing his version of “the decision” – what do you think we could have gotten for him? Say at the trade deadline before he would have walked (I think Houston was very interested at the time)? People always suggest that the cap space is so valuable – but for a squad like TO where they never (ok almost never) sign anyone of consequence I would think assets are far more valuable than the mysterious value of “cap space” …

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Houston would have parted with Scola and a pick just for the chance.
      Bulls would have parted with Gibson, pieces and a pick.

      Colangelo didn’t trade him because the Raptors were on a record pace at the deadline – unfortunately after Bosh got hurt, he packed it in – so did Turkoglu & the Raps were sunk.

      I don’t believe in letting the players run the show – I’d have traded him for Taj Gibson, a pick and a bag-o-balls first. Cap space is good for Miami, Boston, & the Lakeshow.

  13. DMoney

    I’m a Laker fan so I am use to fans of other teams hating on the Lakers, but when reporters do it that’s were it gets sickening. Last week I asked if it would be smart for LA to bring in Blatche to play PF moving Gasol to center until Howard comes back. Another guy, OKC fan, asked a similar question about Blatche joining the thunder for more scoring off the bench. The answer for both questions were he wouldn’t get any touches. Yet, the moment the Heat is mentioned, pertaining to Blatche its consider a smart move. HOW? Ray & Rashard needs the ball to be effective & their big 3 is about 75% of their scoring like OKC. He would get less touches with the Heat. So why is it better for them to get Blatche over the Lakers or OKC? It seems like anything that could make a team better is hated on cause it might stop LaBron from getting rings. Please explain

    • Stephen Brotherston

      I agree with the answer Bill gave you this morning – Blatche isn’t a good fit on the Lakers or the Thunder.

      Young guy needs the exact right situation or he’s done – tough coach – real opportunity to play if he “gets it”

      If Blatche gets frustrated, he may never get back in the league

  14. Alex

    Should the Jazz keep Millsap and Jefferson or trade them before free agency? Who are your top 10 power forwards and centers.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Jazz need to decide which of their bigs are going to play – based on getting Mo Williams – they are in win-now mode and that says play Millsap & Jefferson.

      Top 10 list is worth an whole article….

  15. DMoney

    Funny to me how now that Nash & Howard are Lakers, every reporter think they are Dr. House and they say the Lakers have no chance against the Heat. You hear Howard’s back is this, Nash needs to do that. Yet they fail to mention That Nash played in more games last year than wade & Bosh. Ohhh and so did Howard. In a 9 year career, Wade has missed a total of 126 games, Bosh, same length of career has missed 79 games. In Nash entire NBA career (16 years) he has only missed 112 games and Howard has only missed 19 games in 7 years. Why the double standard? Is it because y’all hate the idea or someone beating your beloved Heat. This a general question so don’t take it personal that I lobbed you in with all reporters.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      I wouldn’t say the Thunder or Spurs have NO CHANCE against the Lakers – there’s a reason we play out the schedule. Things don’t always go the way the teams planned them in the summer. Who would really be surprised if the Thunder are a lot better next season?

  16. Daniel

    Jonny Flynn…Wes Johnson…Dion Waiters. Why do NBA teams keep drafting syracuse players so early in the draft when they keep turning out to be duds (save for Carmelo)?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Can’t use the school attended as a criteria for anything – people are individuals. Their success will be based on their own talents and willingness to be coached

  17. Kuda

    Too many Raps fans are giving up on Derozan. I think he is going to shine this year, with the additions of Ross and all.I think if everything does not go well maybe its time to trade Jose and try and acquire some veteran players..

    • Stephen Brotherston

      It’s too soon to give up, but not too soon to be concerned. If DeMar hasn’t improved over the summer, then he’s just another guy, but we won’t know that until we see him play again. I like that Ross is here to push him.

  18. Richard

    Hey Stephen,
    I feel that the raps have a potential nightmare duo in the front court for opposing teams. Jonas and Andrea have games that compliment each other well. Yes Andrea has never lived up to being a number one pick in a weak draft class but how are so many people so critical of a guy who scores 20 a night on a reasonable contract. Rebounding and defense are an issue with him but Lowry and Jonas will def help. I just don’t understand why so many ppl, including raptor fanatics like myself, are so down on Andrea. In a few years we may have a deadly tandem in the front court yet no one seems to give Andrea any credit and instead criticize him non stop. What are your throats on the possibility of Jonas and Andrea together and all the heat Andrea takes?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Bargnani finally has a coach who matches his needs – gives him direction in a way that’s effective for him. Only concern will be health, Bargnani will play very well under Casey. JV is a rookie, but his style does compliment Bargs – hopefully he develops fast and fans don’t have to wait too long

  19. tom

    would vince carter ever be a raptor again

  20. Dirk Nowitzki

    Up in Toronto, Andrea Bargnani is always compared to me, yet falls short… well short… when will the comparison be a fair one?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Never be fair – Bargs isn’t the natural leader that Dirk has been over his career – especially for his National team. Not that Bargs can’t become as effective a scorer as Dirk with the right players around him.

  21. Gustavo A Thomas

    If some ego problem happens between Kobe and D Howard right now, can you see Kobe getting his own medicine? Remember Shaq was traded before, because he was older than Kobe, but now Kobe now, Kobe is the older guy between him and D Howard? What you think? Thanks.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Have to believe Kobe has the experience (age) to understand and accept the transition and do what’s best to win games.

  22. Dwayne Casey

    Hey Stephen,
    my team made a huge improvement on the defensive end last year, ranked 11th in defensive efficiency I believe. With the roster upgrades – Lowry, Valanciunas, Fields and Ross… how good can this defense be this year?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      The defense should be solid – but the real goal was to add some offense without letting the defense slide.

  23. #1 Cavs Fan

    Hey Stephen,
    Why in the world did the Cavs take Dion Waiters at 4 in this years draft with no work out. 6’4 SG… with Barnes and Drummond on the board… He was compared to Wade a few times but didn’t do anything close to what Wade did in his final year at Marquette…
    Barnes at least will be a good rotation player with SIZE if he doesn’t become a star… If Waiters bust… he’ll be Dejuan Wagner…

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Don’t know – don’t understand how they passed on Barnes – I guess they really wanted a SG.

  24. Bryan Colangelo

    Hello Mr. Brotherston,
    I know, no trades until the deadline… but in your mind what are 3 fair/realistic trades for Jose Calderon?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      The realistic trades will depend on how guys like Fields, Kleiza, and DeRozan are doing by mid-season and the usual player assessment/injury risk factors. If everything is going well – there may be no trade that gets Colangelo’s interest – Calderon is a nice backup PG to have. A stumble on the wing or an injury to a key player will probably be the deciding factor or an injury to a PG on a playoff team at the wrong time could make Calderon to valuable to hold onto. Hopefully a move is not needed because of the dreaded PG controversy.

      This will be a situational move as opposed to something predetermined.

  25. Randy

    With Ibaka locked up, what will happen to Harden? Will he be traded? Will OKC extend him no matter how far into tax territory they get into?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      We need to hear from the team if they are willing to be a taxpayer and then actually see them do it. Until then, it’s all speculation. It’s hard to believe a small market team will be willing to compete with the big taxpayers head-on, but it would be good for the league (and players) if they would.

  26. Gustavo A Thomas

    Sometime I think Lakers have two Paul Gasol, one is the slow, old and overpaid Paul Gasol when they lose, the other one is when they try to trade this guy, Lakers asking for too many good players that they think he is Michael Jordan no Paul Gasol. What you think? Thanks.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Lakers think they have a Contender right now and for the next 2 years – as they can’t get better by trading Gasol and they think they can win it all, their incentive to take less than full value is zero – and other teams just won’t take on that contract and return the equivalent talent back.

  27. the nba

    i have a question about the brooklyn nets. Why the hell did they decide to choose Gerald Wallace and Joe Johnson to pair with D-Will out of all the players they could have possibly chosen in the nba? Both of them are leaving their prime, and Johnson has a horrible Contract. They could have gotten players like oj mayo who has large potential at the 2 position. and Small forward….. Why not Rudy Gay. I think he is better to get for the 6th overall pick then gerald wallace. Also do you think the brooklyn nets have a team that can go to the finals 2 years in row? just like how j kidd did it when he was in Brooklyn?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Nets are not afraid to spend money – be happy about that.
      Joe is a sure thing, Mayo might become better (better value for sure) and should be better by the time Joe’s contract ends – but Joe Johnson has creditability and win now potential & the Nets needed Joe to get D-Will to re-sign.
      Rudy Gay wasn’t on the market – GW was as good as they could get.
      Where this ends up is anyone’s guess – we’ve never seen this group play together, but there is talent here that could be very good – not sure its good enough to contend yet, but it won’t be because the Nets won’t spend money to make it happen.

  28. dub

    what do you think of kleiza and calderon for chandler and andre miller.I think its a good deal for both teams. I wouldnt expect it until around mid season though.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      If Chandler is 100% recovered, that’s an interesting move. I agree with the timing, neither team has any reason to be in a rush.

  29. Allan in Toronto

    Hi Stephen, long time Raps fan. Can the Raps make the play-offs next season? As much as I would like to believe they can, I still can’t truly convince that they have a realistic chance. Top 7 seeds in the East is pretty much locked up: Heat, Celtics, Pacers, Bulls, Sixers, Nets & Knicks. That leaves the Hawks, the Bucks, the Wizards & the Raptors battling out for the final 8th seed. Cavs, Pistons & Bobcats are at least a couple of seasons away from truly competing for the play-offs. Your thoughts?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      I see the 76ers, Bucks, Raptors in the battle for 8th It’ll be close.

      Knicks are the biggest risk in the “top 7″ – counting on some very old veterans to have 1 more good season and Felton to turn things around – what if they don’t – Knicks could disappoint big time. Or they act like glue and the Knicks improve – we’ll see as the season moves along.

  30. Sweet Dee

    In your opinion, who wins more games next season: #1 Milwaukee Bucks vs Toronto Raptors, #2 Chicago (minus DRose for beginning of season) vs. Indiana Pacers and #3 Cleveland vs. Detroit.

  31. Steven

    Are you hearing any more trades for raps b4 camp? Is Gay still on their wish list? If so, will the following be enough to get Gay from Memphis?

    Toronto gets: Rudy Gay
    Memphis gets: Demar DeRozan + Amir Johnson + 2015 1st

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Grizz are acting like they’ll pay the luxury tax this year – not trading Gay. If they are out of the race by the deadline, then your deal has a shot. (Except the Raptors will have a terrible time trading a 1st round pick and meeting the conditions of not trading it 2 years in a row after the Lowry trade.)

  32. Jamal Magloire

    I am having trouble understanding the conditions of the first round pick sent to Houston. It’s top 3 protected and gradually works its way to unprotected but what if we make the playoffs and it’s a 15+ pick. Houston said its a guarentee lottery pick. Does that mean the Raptors retain it and do what they desire?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Think of the pick protection as having a high and a low setting. Raptors keep it if it’s a top 3 pick or if it’s 15 or higher – that way Houston is guaranteed to get a lottery pick, eventually, when the Raptors miss the playoffs by a “normal” amount over the next 5 (or so) years

  33. Nate Timmons Sucks

    You’re blessed to be Nuggets GM Masai Ujiri. What is your next move!?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Wait to see what you have in training camp, who’s hurt, who’s ready to go, who’s surplus. Then make a decision if a trade is needed. Patience is the next move for now.

  34. Andrea BEASTnani

    Will the Raptors have cap room next summer to make a run at a prominent player? How much cap space? BC loves his cap space and gets the fan base all excited only to be stuck with a lower tier like this summer..

  35. Shaulenny

    http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=9yscmje
    to cle t.evans(nice to pair with kyrie)
    to orl benu udrih(good pg, if doesn’t work out is expiring contract, m.dunleavy(good shooter, also 1-yr deal)
    to sac j.j.redick, q.richardson, j.harper
    to mil d.waiter, f.garcia, o.casspi, second rd- pick from cle and sac

    • Stephen Brotherston

      4 team trades are rare, but they happen and this one is intriguing.

      Somehow I don’t see Cleveland trading Waiters before they see him play though – but I’d do it to get Evans. At this point, I’m not what the Kings can get for Evans anymore, but it won’t be very good unfortunately. Probably just get someone else’s rookie contract player who needs a change of scenery.

  36. Jay R

    Enough of all the LA/Mia/NY/Chi questions. If completely healthy all season, what is the Warriors’ ceiling heading into the playoffs and once in?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Assuming a healthy Bogut, Biedrins, Curry – that’s a team that can fight it out for 2nd in the Pacific. That’s assuming a lot, but the roster looks good enough to take a playoff spot if healthy. Don’t expect anyone to give GSW the benefit of the doubt based on that assumption – It’s a show me team.

  37. Frank

    Hi Stephen,
    1)What do you expect of Linas Kleiza this year? Is he capable of being a consistently productive SF? 2)What are the odds of Jose C. being traded before the start of the regular season? Thanks.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Kleiza was a consistently productive backup combo-forward in Denver before he was injured with Toronto during the preseason. He looks like he’s 100% healthy again, so that’s the minimum that should be expected.

      Odds of Jose being traded before the season starts are very low. Raptors are not willing to eat his salary or trade him for nothing. From now, it usually takes a month into the season before teams re-assess what they got/need.