We're into our first full calendar week after the trade deadline. As usual, no trades occurred in this years' trading deadline that seemingly "rocked the boat". Nonetheless there are questions and things left to be discussed about the trades that occurred, and the participating teams. I'll recap some of the deals done at the deadline that could have a positive effect for the respected teams this season. The trades that may have gone under the radar:
1) Brooklyn Trades Jason Terry and Reggie Evans to Sacramento for Marcus Thornton
This trade is somewhat intriguing. Brooklyn and Sacramento did this trade for individual reasons. The Brooklyn Nets still have their sights set for the playoffs, while Sacramento are making financial laden moves and molding their roster into something for their next season. How funny that seems given some of the moves they made earlier this season season (Cousins' 4 year extension, Inheriting Rudy Gay's remaining two years - US$37.2-million contract). Brooklyn acquiring Marcus Thornton is another gamble they are willing to take on. By now its been made clear that the Nets aren't afraid to spend. The 26 year old Thornton can be a nice addition, and upgrade, to the Nets bench that doesn't really boast scorers. It was just a short time ago where Thornton began to make a name for himself in New Orleans, and then with Sacramento. This trade can only be a positive for Thornton, playing with a team in need of his scoring prowess at the shooting guard position that will be in the spotlight, something Thornton does not shy away from. Thornton was only finding himself lost on a guard heavy Sacramento roster that already relies on DeMarcus Cousins and Isiah Thomas as their primary options. The addition of Rudy Gay only complicated that.
What this trade does for Sacramento is provide them with some veteran leadership, provided there won't be talks about a Jason Terry buyout. It's expected that Terry won't be getting much minutes in Sacramento. What Terry can do is be a mentor to the slough of young players on the team, having already won a championship. What I like about this deal is receiving Reggie Evans, who will be paired up at times with DeMarcus Cousins. This does add to another offensively weak frontcourt pairing, but an imposing one. Evans, at his best, ranks among the leagues best rebounders, a solid screener, and hustle players. This young Sacramento team could use a character guy like Evans, who could also become a fan favorite in Sacramento.
This trade is somewhat intriguing. Brooklyn and Sacramento did this trade for individual reasons. The Brooklyn Nets still have their sights set for the playoffs, while Sacramento are making financial laden moves and molding their roster into something for their next season. How funny that seems given some of the moves they made earlier this season season (Cousins' 4 year extension, Inheriting Rudy Gay's remaining two years - US$37.2-million contract). Brooklyn acquiring Marcus Thornton is another gamble they are willing to take on. By now its been made clear that the Nets aren't afraid to spend. The 26 year old Thornton can be a nice addition, and upgrade, to the Nets bench that doesn't really boast scorers. It was just a short time ago where Thornton began to make a name for himself in New Orleans, and then with Sacramento. This trade can only be a positive for Thornton, playing with a team in need of his scoring prowess at the shooting guard position that will be in the spotlight, something Thornton does not shy away from. Thornton was only finding himself lost on a guard heavy Sacramento roster that already relies on DeMarcus Cousins and Isiah Thomas as their primary options. The addition of Rudy Gay only complicated that.
What this trade does for Sacramento is provide them with some veteran leadership, provided there won't be talks about a Jason Terry buyout. It's expected that Terry won't be getting much minutes in Sacramento. What Terry can do is be a mentor to the slough of young players on the team, having already won a championship. What I like about this deal is receiving Reggie Evans, who will be paired up at times with DeMarcus Cousins. This does add to another offensively weak frontcourt pairing, but an imposing one. Evans, at his best, ranks among the leagues best rebounders, a solid screener, and hustle players. This young Sacramento team could use a character guy like Evans, who could also become a fan favorite in Sacramento.
2) Golden State Trades Kent Bazemore and MarShon Brooks to Lakers for Steve Blake
Here we have another trade that could have an impact on the respected teams. The Golden State Warriors were clearly not content with what they were getting out of Jordan Crawford, whom they received in a deal with Boston a few weeks prior. Golden State may not be able to replace the perfect piece they once had, in Jarrett Jack, but they did find themselves a consistent guard. The well traveled Steve Blake is now called to the helm to be the back up PG and contributor for a weak Warrior bench. Coming out from the University of Maryland, Blake took the backseat to the former Terrapin star, Juan Dixon. Dixon is currently serving as an assistant with the Maryland Terrapins, meanwhile Blake has continued to hone his craft as a point guard in this league capable of playing respectable defensive. The Warriors may get glimpses of scoring from Blake, but it is not to be often expected. What the Warriors do get is a player that brings the same level of professionalism to the team as Jack did. Now with the acquisition of Blake, Crawford can move to his more comfortable position as a shooting guard off the bench. This deal does strengthen the Warriors bench as well trim the fat, in Bazemore and Brooks.
The Lakers season fair enough to say is done. The team only have 3 players under contract for the next season, Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash and Robert Sacre. The Lakers will have much to think about over the off season. Acquiring Bazemore and Brooks can be seen as a 2nd half season audition. Any of the players on the Lakers should think of every game as an audition, themselves. With Kobe continuing to rehab and not returning any time soon, the (back up) shooting guard spot is up for grabs. MarShon Brooks had a good rookie campaign while with the New Jersey Nets (12 pts, 3.5rebs, 2 ast, 29mpg). The restructure of the Nets roster, with the move to Brooklyn, crippled Brooks' growth within the franchise. With the interchangeable backcourt pairings the Golden State Warriors can deploy, and heavy minutes Curry and Thompson tend to play, Brooks wasn't seeing any court time soon.
This trade also means the end to the Kent Bazemore sideline show in Golden State. Well, not technically, but its not going to be seen on a regular basis in the Oakland. Bazemore's role on the Warriors was primarily as a defensive stopper. Bazemore, like Marshon Brooks, has shown signs of promise. Bazemore, particularly in this past years' summer league where he led the squad to the league championship. It will be interesting what Bazemore can do on both ends of the floor on a team that have nothing to lose with every game they have remaining this season. D'Antoni's system can only benefit them both to showcase their offensive skills, as they will be encouraged to score. Bazemore may have the upper hand given his history as a good defensive player and steadiness within an organization for his own development.
Here we have another trade that could have an impact on the respected teams. The Golden State Warriors were clearly not content with what they were getting out of Jordan Crawford, whom they received in a deal with Boston a few weeks prior. Golden State may not be able to replace the perfect piece they once had, in Jarrett Jack, but they did find themselves a consistent guard. The well traveled Steve Blake is now called to the helm to be the back up PG and contributor for a weak Warrior bench. Coming out from the University of Maryland, Blake took the backseat to the former Terrapin star, Juan Dixon. Dixon is currently serving as an assistant with the Maryland Terrapins, meanwhile Blake has continued to hone his craft as a point guard in this league capable of playing respectable defensive. The Warriors may get glimpses of scoring from Blake, but it is not to be often expected. What the Warriors do get is a player that brings the same level of professionalism to the team as Jack did. Now with the acquisition of Blake, Crawford can move to his more comfortable position as a shooting guard off the bench. This deal does strengthen the Warriors bench as well trim the fat, in Bazemore and Brooks.
The Lakers season fair enough to say is done. The team only have 3 players under contract for the next season, Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash and Robert Sacre. The Lakers will have much to think about over the off season. Acquiring Bazemore and Brooks can be seen as a 2nd half season audition. Any of the players on the Lakers should think of every game as an audition, themselves. With Kobe continuing to rehab and not returning any time soon, the (back up) shooting guard spot is up for grabs. MarShon Brooks had a good rookie campaign while with the New Jersey Nets (12 pts, 3.5rebs, 2 ast, 29mpg). The restructure of the Nets roster, with the move to Brooklyn, crippled Brooks' growth within the franchise. With the interchangeable backcourt pairings the Golden State Warriors can deploy, and heavy minutes Curry and Thompson tend to play, Brooks wasn't seeing any court time soon.
This trade also means the end to the Kent Bazemore sideline show in Golden State. Well, not technically, but its not going to be seen on a regular basis in the Oakland. Bazemore's role on the Warriors was primarily as a defensive stopper. Bazemore, like Marshon Brooks, has shown signs of promise. Bazemore, particularly in this past years' summer league where he led the squad to the league championship. It will be interesting what Bazemore can do on both ends of the floor on a team that have nothing to lose with every game they have remaining this season. D'Antoni's system can only benefit them both to showcase their offensive skills, as they will be encouraged to score. Bazemore may have the upper hand given his history as a good defensive player and steadiness within an organization for his own development.
3) The 3-Team Deal Between the Washington Wizards, Denver Nuggets and Philadelphia 76ers
This trade involved sending 2nd round picks to Philly and the swapping of players in Jan Vesely to Denver, Eric Maynor to Philly and Andre Miller to Washington. The key component in this trade is Miller to the Wizards. Miller is back in the East again, a conference where he has had his most success. This was perhaps the one trade that was rumored which happened. The addition of Miller bodes well to the Wizards scrappy bench. Even at 37, Miller can still be a factor. We've seen this before. Washington was facing the same issue Golden State had been hampered with, by not having someone to help remove some of the ball handling responsibilities from their star point guard. Miller is still capable of starting for the team if needed. Miller will likely be brought along slowly, but may see around 20 mins per game down the stretch of the season. His veteran presence and guile will help get the team going offensively simply by the way he can get his teammates involved.
This trade involved sending 2nd round picks to Philly and the swapping of players in Jan Vesely to Denver, Eric Maynor to Philly and Andre Miller to Washington. The key component in this trade is Miller to the Wizards. Miller is back in the East again, a conference where he has had his most success. This was perhaps the one trade that was rumored which happened. The addition of Miller bodes well to the Wizards scrappy bench. Even at 37, Miller can still be a factor. We've seen this before. Washington was facing the same issue Golden State had been hampered with, by not having someone to help remove some of the ball handling responsibilities from their star point guard. Miller is still capable of starting for the team if needed. Miller will likely be brought along slowly, but may see around 20 mins per game down the stretch of the season. His veteran presence and guile will help get the team going offensively simply by the way he can get his teammates involved.
4) Charlotte Trades Sessions and Adrien to Milwaukee for Neal and Ridnour
Let me start off by saying that the Charlotte Bobcats are for real. They have finally found themselves a coach, in Steve Clifford, that looks to have his players buying into his system. The Bobcats currently hold a slightly under .500 record, which is currently good enough in the Eastern Conference. The Bobcats have maintained their competitive edge throughout the season, keeping games close against the top tier teams, not to mention some victories (i.e.: Clippers, Mavericks). They keep within reach of wins because of their defense, which is top 5 in the league. The problem they have is their offensive is among the worst in the league. The Bobcats may have traded the best player in this deal, in Ramon Sessions, but he didn't seem to fit with that roster. Good for Session that he will be rejoining the Milwaukee Bucks for his 2nd stint, where he will just audition for another contract. What the Bobcats managed to get out of this deal are more options in their rotation. Luke Ridnour has shown to be a steady guard capable of playing both backcourt positions. Ridnour will be able to contribute right from the jump and can have some big games. Gary Neal has yet to prove himself reliable, off the bench, since leaving the Spurs. Going from the winning culture in San Antonio to the dysfunction in Milwaukee is enough to effect one's play. With Neal now on a squad thirsting to reach the playoffs for the first time since the beginning of the Michael Jordan era, he will be asked to provide the scoring punch he provided with the Spurs.
Let me start off by saying that the Charlotte Bobcats are for real. They have finally found themselves a coach, in Steve Clifford, that looks to have his players buying into his system. The Bobcats currently hold a slightly under .500 record, which is currently good enough in the Eastern Conference. The Bobcats have maintained their competitive edge throughout the season, keeping games close against the top tier teams, not to mention some victories (i.e.: Clippers, Mavericks). They keep within reach of wins because of their defense, which is top 5 in the league. The problem they have is their offensive is among the worst in the league. The Bobcats may have traded the best player in this deal, in Ramon Sessions, but he didn't seem to fit with that roster. Good for Session that he will be rejoining the Milwaukee Bucks for his 2nd stint, where he will just audition for another contract. What the Bobcats managed to get out of this deal are more options in their rotation. Luke Ridnour has shown to be a steady guard capable of playing both backcourt positions. Ridnour will be able to contribute right from the jump and can have some big games. Gary Neal has yet to prove himself reliable, off the bench, since leaving the Spurs. Going from the winning culture in San Antonio to the dysfunction in Milwaukee is enough to effect one's play. With Neal now on a squad thirsting to reach the playoffs for the first time since the beginning of the Michael Jordan era, he will be asked to provide the scoring punch he provided with the Spurs.