NBA Chat With Stephen Brotherston 9/24/12

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.

You can follow Stephen on Twitter @stevesraptors or subscribe on Facebook

  1. Harry

    Can you please help me understand the hate that most people have for Demar this guy was picked 9th not in the top 3 but yet he gets more hate then thabeet. Has he put up allstar numbers in his 3 years no but he has improved each year. To all the derozan haters out there please answer this question besides vince and tmac who has played better on the wing

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Welcome to this afternoon’s chat

      The still very young DeMar DeRozan is coming to the end of his rookie contract – and if you’ve noticed, there has been no talk about an extension for him from an organization that hates to risk losing any young promising talent. I don’t want to put words into Colangelo’s mouth – but I think think the reason we haven’t heard anything about a possible extension is the Raptors still are not sure what is reasonable to offer.

      Toronto loves DeMar’s work ethic. They like his potential, but DD has yet to do anything that would earn him a starter’s position on some other (better) teams – let alone an All-Star nod.

      The good – athletic, developing an outside jumpshot (slowly), tries hard, can score.
      The bad – still needs to do a lot of work on defense, must develop a 3-pt shot that has to be respected to open up his own driving lanes. DeMar is still too dependent on others getting him the ball in good situations.

      There have been those who would trade the young man without hesitation – but the team is not so ready to give up on DD just yet – I wouldn’t either. DD has improved each season, just not as fast as many have hoped and I expect he’ll improve again this season – it’s a big year for him – We’ll know a lot more about where he’ll end up long term during this season.

  2. LA in LA

    Thanks for giving me your list but why is Westbrook and Rondo over Deron? Is it because of his mediocre year on a losing team?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      When it comes to the top 8 PG – there is a lot of splitting hairs over who is better – it depends as much on the team as to which PG is better. Give me any of the top PGs to build around and there’d be no reason to complain.

      Why Westbrooke & Rondo – - they led their teams to great post season runs last year.

  3. Steve

    Do the raptors have money to go after josh smith next offseason when he’s UFA? Are there any other free agents next year that can help the raptors out significantly?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Raptors have very little available salary cap room next season. Toronto Salary Page

      But they will be below the cap, so deals/trades are possible, but I wouldn’t be counting on a big name FA addition.

      Yes- I like Josh Smith too

      2013 Free Agents

      There are lots of FA who could help, but it a little early to say who’ll still be there next summer.

  4. Steve

    Who’s unhappy?
    Chicago gets : Calderon + Ed Davis
    Memphis gets : Deng + Demar
    Raptors get : Rudy Gay + Pondextor

    • Stephen Brotherston

      If Memphis ends up moving Rudy Gay – it will be to reduce salary and get below the luxury tax line – Deng is cheaper, but they won’t want the extra salary (draft picks maybe)

      Raptors are interested in Gay – price is high, but if DD and ED stall in their development, Raptors get interested – less so if their young guys are having good years

      Who plays SF for the Bulls after this deal? Assume this only happens if Chicago is out of the playoffs and then, they are trying to get out of the lux tax (same as the Grizz would be)

      Way too early for this line of thinking for all teams concerned – possible – with tweaks – if Toronto thinks this is what they need to get in the playoffs and the other 2 teams are out

  5. Quan

    Earlier this week, Lang Greene predicted that the Knicks will be a bust this season because of locker room problems. Well, I don’t know if it’s exaggerated, but I have a thought about Melo – Stat situation.

    See, these two guys have different offensive ways, Stat is good at pick-and-roll while Melo is an iso specialist. I watched Knicks’ games last season and figured out that IsoMelo worked when he played as a 4 (and he did the same in London).

    Mike Woodson, as I know, preferred the slow-pace isolation offense, so if he wants Melo to be the main scorer, Melo should play as a PF. That, of course, will piss off A’mare. What do you think about that scene?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      You have identified some of the issues.

      We have not seen an extended stretch (I don’t count the run to finish last season) of consistent play from NY since – can’t remember. Melo & Stat are both best suited to play the 4 – but in the interest of winning, one (both) of them could sacrifice personal gain for team success.

      Is chemistry a big risk for the Knicks – resounding yes – But if the Knicks develop some chemistry, they got STARS, they will be good. Woodson is a good coach – we won’t know how good at managing this crew until they hit some rough patches – gotta watch & see.

      The Knicks will finish between 2nd-5th in the Atlantic and the players will decide where.

  6. Joe D

    Love the chats.. I love basketball and I am from NY but I do like the Lakers as well. I have to ask.. If Kobe wins another championship this year and matches Michael Jordan with 6.. Does it really count towards his “legacy” or in deciding who is better?

    I am not hating on Kobe but I wonder how you could possibly count this as a legitimate 6th championship when comparing to MJ. I realize championships are the measure but Robert Horry and Dennis Rodman have many rings and no one is confusing them as the best of all time. You could put Kate Upton out there with that group of players and still have a legit shot at winning a ring.

    We do remember Chicago’s legendary stance on being cheap even when they were winning rings. Could you imagine if Chicago spent like the Lakers.. Like I said I am a Knicks fan so there is no love for Chicago but I think it is a valid question since if Kobe wins it will arguably be the 4th ring where he was the 2nd best player on his team.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      I have never been fond of comparing players from different eras beyond saying their are similarities in skills or style of play. The elite of the NBA standout – which one is “better” becomes very subjective.

      Kobe’s legacy is secure. He was a great player on a great team – no one can take that away from him.

      After that, I think we are talking favorite elite players. My personal favorite is Wilt Chamberlain – I see no way to reasonably compare him to MJ or Kobe – different eras, teams, positions, rules. Of course, I’d like to see how someone can stack themselves up against a 50 pts, 25 rbs, 48.5 min per game season – but that’s me.

      Unfortunately, no one cares that your owner would spend more money than the other guy (or not) when the write the record books. It’s not fair, but it’s not part of the deal either.

  7. Chris

    Hi Stephen. Why do so many sportswriters not consider Derrick Rose the top PG in the league? The guy was the MVP. Plus, he’s led a rag tag group of non-allstars to the best record the last 2 seasons and likely would have led them to the finals if not for the ACL injury. It’s an insult to him that any PG (sans Chris Paul and Steve Nash) are even mentioned as his equals.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Right now – Rose is injured, so he can’t be “great” until he gets back on the floor.

      There are 2 types of PGs enjoying success – such as Rose & Westbrooke – dynamic scorers – really create opportunities for others because they draw a double-team. Rose was the best of this style (come back soon!) Then you have guys who create more, but can still score. Nash was the very best in his prime, CP currently the best.

      Lots of people prefer the style Nash plays – thus leaning towards CP as the best currently – but this is a style issue.

      Whichever type of PG your team has, to be successful, they have to put the right players with them. Best example of a mistake – Boozer does not mesh with Rose and that probably hurts the perception of Rose’s overall talent for some people – he doesn’t make Boozer better (Like Williams did)

      But don’t dismiss the talent level in Chicago – that was one very well assembled team – excluding the miss on how Boozer would fit, Boozer is still a talented player.

  8. Allan

    Hi Stephen, I just heard that JV injured his left ankle. How serious is it? Will he miss training camp? I hope it’s just a minor injury, the team really needs to develop their chemistry for the upcoming season.

  9. Allan

    I have read other writers say that JV is more NBA-ready than most other prospects in this year’s draft. Just how NBA-ready is he really? Will he be ready to anchor and start at the 5 position on opening night? Will he be better than Anthony Davis?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      JV’s advantage is he played pro – as a starter and a star – against veteran players – including some who are very good NBA players – like Andrei Kirilenko – last season. His coach was Casey’s asst coach in Minnesota – so JV got very good coaching last year, by a former NBA coach who knows both games. Most of the kids drafted out of Europe are prospects who didn’t get many minutes and are drafted on straight potential – JV isn’t like most other young players coming over from Europe.

      College kids do not see this level of competition – they are playing against other kids – and many US college kids skip the elite int’l FIBA competitions in the summer – so we don’t often see head-to-head competition (kind of bizarre since there are good paying jobs at stake over there)

      Davis will get/deserve a lot of hype as a rookie – but we won’t know how any rookie will perform until the season gets going. Expecting a good battle between Davis & Val for ROY, but maybe Lillard is the guy?

  10. RG

    Is Jose starting to believe that he is a back up yet? Or does he think that every media outlet is wrong.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Jose has has said the same things for years – he likes playing in Toronto. He wants what is best for the team. He doesn’t want to be traded. He will compete for minutes with whomever the team brings in.

      Unless Jose is deaf – he’s not. Naive – definitely not. Jose knows Lowry is the Alpha Dog Casey wants to run the team. If we’ll just believe what Jose says – he likes it in Toronto – He wants his team to win. Jose has not been a problem in Toronto in the roles he has been given – I am not expecting that to change.

  11. RG

    The raps seem like they are a piece or two and some experience (Obv) from doing anything in the playoffs. Are they content being a team that miraculously squeaks in and gets blown out 4-0 by the HEAT?

  12. nova416

    Hey Steven,

    2 questions
    1 – BC must be kicking himself that he let masai ujiri go; especially now that BC has hired a GM. Any chance he returns? who is better, stefanski or Ujiri?
    2 – Raps must be kicking themselves for trading Hibbert for Jawai. Did the raps ever get anything else in that trade? Any chance jawai makes an NBA appearance?

    Lets hope JV heals up quick, is it anything like the injury bargs had last year?

    Thanks,

    GO RAPS!

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Unfortunately, some guys never fully blossom until they get to a new situation – Denver got themselves a good one. Stefanski is a proven commodity who fits what the Raps need, probably not better, but undoubtedly Ed has Colangelo’s bosses confidence – which makes him better for Toronto.

      I am not in favor of trading for injured players (or guys coming off major injuries) – I didn’t like the deal for that reason – although I understood the gamble – Obviously, the gamble didn’t pay off – but if JO had of led the Raps to the 2nd round, fans would be a little more impressed

      Bargs was a calf muscle strain – Casey says JV has a calf tendon strain – different, but ????? Supposedly not a key tendon and already showing improvement

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

  13. Jeff

    Here is my analysis for the Raptors this season and how many wins this team could potentially have, just my opinion:

    1) Last year they finished with 23 wins in a 62 game schedule, based on that winning percentage, they would have won 29 games if they had played 82.

    2) They were decimated by injuries which limits their victories. If healthy with a 82 game schedule, I think they would have won 32 or 33 games last year.

    3)The Raps lost 16 games by 6 points or less. So they were competetive. If this young team can learn how to win the close games, like say 33% of those games, they up their win total to 38.

    4) Adding Kyle Lowery and if Landry Fields has a bounce back year like I think he will, this team will get a few more wins.

    5)If JV or Terrance Ross is in the running for rookie of the year, this team will add a few wins.

    6)IN addition, with the internal growth of the young players, having Demar or another player taking their game to the next level and the team staying somewhat healthy, I think this team can finish with 40 to 45 wins based on all of the above factors. your thoughts…

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Those are all good points
      I believe this roster can win 41 or more games – which could be enough for 8th.

  14. Raps Fan

    If you had to pick a player poised to breakout who would that be? Doesn’t have to be a Raptor but league-wide. I think for the Raptors it’s going to be Lowry but League-Wide I have my eye on Mayo who finally has a legit chance of controlling the offense. Thoughts?

  15. dub

    Hey Steve, back again for another great chat. I notice people linking the wright and mcneal signing to a possible upcomming trade. I would think its just to fill out the roster for camp. Have you heard anything different?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      not sure why these signings indicate anything but a training camp invite? It’s not like there are a whole lot of teams looking for 3 for 1 deals

  16. dub

    I’m a sucker for wanting tmac on an nba squad, he was a great talent that I would rather not see take the iverson route. How do you think he’d fit with the spurs? I know alot of people say he could turn into a locker room distraction, but i think he could really get do some good things under popovich. I feel they have the most professional locker room in the league and would best deal if tmac turned sour. I know they worked him out, any word since?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      T-Mac played himself out of the league – he is considered risky. Sure there is talent still there, but he hasn’t exactly been kind to coaches lately. nothing new….. It’s up to him to do the sales job that he’ll be the guy a team needs even if it isn’t the role he wants.

  17. Raps Fan

    What are your thoughts on Ed Davis? I think he can be a solid 4/5 if he’s next to an offensive minded player. He reminds me a lot of Jermaine O’Neal. Is this a fair comparison?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      I want to see what Ed brings this preseason – not sure – but definitely not JO yet. Of course JO wasn’t JO at first either.

  18. dub

    I was watching some old vince-tmac toronto clips yesterday. They were one outstanding duo. Hate to bring up the “what ifs”, but do you think these guys could have brought a championship to Toronto? Kobe went on record in saying they could have.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Maybe – that was a lot of talent – Raptors were good in that era. Try not to think about it too much or just assume one of them would have got a hang nail during the playoffs.

  19. Jonas Valanciunas

    how serious is my calf strain?

  20. Broadcast Betty

    Hey Stephen,
    If you have connections at all to TSN 1050 Radio or Fan 590… could you make a pitch to their producers to TALK MORE RAPTORS AND LESS LEAFS… i understand the leafs are a billion dollar team and the biggest in the NHL and Canada but holy… the raps are on the brink of a big season and haven’t heard much from these huge toronto media sources…

    • Stephen Brotherston

      It’s a hockey town! But – TSN, SN, even CBC was at this mornings media availability

  21. J. Bizz

    If James Harden does not get an extension and besomes an RFA is there any chance Raptors offer him max money? I believe if Eric Gordon can get max then certainly Harden can as well and since I mention E. Gordon, in your opinion who is the better player?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      It would take some terrific moves by Colangelo to free up enough cap space to take a run at Harden – worth it, but I doubt it can be done. Harden is worth a max offer and there are teams setup to do it – right now Harden is the easy choice over Gordon, but maybe Gordon can change some minds once he gets back on the court? (Injuries are tough)

  22. Dave

    Steve, what do you think of the Rap’s division rivals in green? I see advantages for Boston at every position except maybe the 4, but even there Bass should be able to hang with Barngiani (spelling?) on the perimeter. The C’s bench should roll over the Rap’s, too, right?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Celtics are real good – healthy at playoff time and they will challenge Miami again. Raps don’t have anything close to the Cs veteran experience – Cs risk is injury, talent level is great.

  23. Jason Witten

    Demar derozen seems poised for a big season. Is 20ppg reasonable for him next season or should we hope he improved how he scores baskets and the efficiency?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Give me the same points on better shooting and improved defense and call it a BIG improvement. There is no magic in getting 20ppg for DD – its his all round game that has to continue to improve

  24. Demarco Murray

    What are your thoughts on raptors ownership? Is bell/Rogers better than Ontario teachers pension plan(I think that’s what they were called)? Do the raptors have owners who will fork out a bit extra cash in terms of signing players and willing to push/go over the salary cap?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      I like the potential influence of the new owners – we’ll see what it actually is over time. Raptors make money and the new ownership can afford to spend profits (at least) on developing a better team – so there’s real hope this ownership group will go into lux tax to win over time. (can’t get there this year)

  25. Dez Bryant

    Sorry for involving some hockey, but since the raptors are in Canada, can the raptors take advantage of the NHL lockout and say win over some fans? Will ownership focus more of the raptors as a result since the maple leafs aren’t playing? I imagine the raptors could take advantage of such a lockout.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      A little bit – Crazed Hockey fans are not going to adopt another sport all that easily – But a playoff run would definitely make the front page of every Sports section – that would help

      Don’t underestimate owners interest in the Raptors – this team makes a profit and it would be a bigger profit if they could make the playoffs.

  26. Dez Bryant

    I heard the raptors practice facility was open for media today, Were you at the practice and what did you see? Anything interesting or cool to report? How’s the team looking?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      They kicked us out once practice started – we got to interview Jose Calderon, Ed Davis & Dwane Casey.

      These are not formal practices and Casey made sure to point out they aren’t doing everything the way he’ll have them working out next week. Players do not have to be here yet.

  27. Joe Flacco

    Is Bryan colangelo out after this season if playoffs are missed?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Probably not – Raptors couldn’t find a guy to be a better team President – and I like Ed Stefanski & Dwane Casey’s influences on building a team

  28. Russell Wilson

    Raptors nation is in tears regarding Jonas Valancinuas’ injury. I know that’s an overreaction but how serious is it? No big deal? I nearly cried seeing that twitter picture

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Yes it matters – but don’t worry too much unless he starts to miss preseason games.

  29. Aaron Rodgers

    Who is your favorite current raptor? Please consider off and on the court traits when making your decision :D

    • Stephen Brotherston

      The Raptors have a good group of guys. It’s tough to pick a favorite.
      Amir Johnson is always a good guy to talk to – I like the fan oriented things he does every season.

  30. Miles Austin

    Jonas appears under 6’11. How tall is he exactly? I’m worried he might be a PF :(

    • Stephen Brotherston

      I wouldn’t worry about the height – no official predraft camp measurements, but he looks all of 7′ in person. He plays like a 7′

  31. Sam Mitchell

    Do you think BArgnani can be the first raptor lifer? I hope so.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Right personality (like Jose) to want to stay in Toronto for his career – kind of important in Toronto.

  32. SLEEP-E FLOYD

    I THINK THE KNICKS HAVE ALL THE POTENTIAL AND TALENT TO BE IN THE NBA FINALS. I THONK CARMELO REPRESENTS THEM TO THE FULLEST IN WVERYWAY. IF HE PLAYS DEFENSE AND CAN BE THE LEADER OF HIS TROOPS, THEN I BELIEVE WE COULD POSSIBLY SEE A NYK VS LAL FINALS.. THAT IS NO SLIGHT TO OKC,MIA, OR ANY OTHER CONTENDER. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THERE POTENTIAL? IS IT JUST A MATTER OF EFFORT AND COHESION THAT CAN ALLOW THEM TO GET A RING?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      No need to shout
      Knicks are loaded with talent – what is questioned is if its the right mix of talent
      Your last line about effort and cohesion says it all

  33. gino

    What’s your take on B. Griffin in his third year ? Has he already reached his ceiling ? Also, Olujuwan says J. McGee can be a dominant center in the NBA but in G Karls system system ? Whatdaya think ? (Thinking fantasy BB)

    • Stephen Brotherston

      BG is a young guy who is supposed to get better – and if he doesn’t, there will be a lot of disappointment.

      McGee needs to prove-it to a lot of us first – We have to see it happen – Don’t doubt the talent, but question the ability to use it until he does it. McGee has a great coach, if he won’t do it for Karl, who will he do it for? Definitely worth the gamble on a fantasy team – upside is big.

  34. Jamaal Malone

    There are so many good PFs in the NBA, but where does Andrea Bargnani fit in? He’s atleast better than Carlos Boozer who people consider so good..

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Bargs shows the potential to join the elite level of PFs – he needs to play like he did before his 2nd calf injury last season – over an entire season.

  35. Landry fields

    Will i start and Can I average 12pts, 5rebs next season?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      The starting job is Fields to lose. 12 & 5 possible – sure – Fields looks to be more of the all round contributor at this time.

  36. stettner

    With Demar stating he grew up idolizing Kobe, do you you see a little of Kobes game in Demar?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Not yet, but that’s a really good on court role model – I can see the possibility of that type of game developing for DD, but it’s hard to see him getting there – and it should be – Kobe is that good.

  37. BRIAN modesto ca

    What will it take for sacramento kings to make an impact this year?
    is it a long stretch for them to get that 8th seed? Will they flirt with playoff dpot? Or is therd too much distractions?
    Also, whoes the better norcal team? GSW or KINGS?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Kings need time for the youth to mature – and that can happen faster than expected – its a hard call until we see them play. Have to say I like GSW better right now – if Bogut & Curry can play the whole season at a high level. (Lots of ifs at this time of year)

  38. Yasser

    Hi Stephen, I see you answering a lot of questions about the Raptors making the playoffs do you truly believe the raptors have a chance of making the playoffs, or are you just saying what the RAPTORS NATION wants to hear? Go LAKERS !!!!!

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Have to absolutely love what the Lakers were able to do this season.

      Raptors have a real chance at 8th – BUT it does mean some other team is going to underachieve. There are lots of candidates for this in the East – rosters have changed big time – Some GM has almost undoubtedly not put together as good a group as expected. Of course, Toronto faces the same risk – Lowry has to be as good as advertised or the Raps aren’t going to win enough games either.

      There are not a lot of guarantees out there unless you’re Miami or Indiana

  39. Hassan

    do u honestly think Andrew Bynum will stay healthy and carry his team? which also means make the right plays when double teamed, stay intuned the whole game , and not shoot threes?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      I think Bynum is a gamble – One the 76ers needed to make if they wanted to become a contender.

      YES – this could blow up on them – but what if Bynum decides to fit in (and stays healthy)? How good could the 76ers be?
      (Raptors fans are hoping for the implosion)