Unless you’ve lived under a rock this season, then you already know just how competitive the NBA’s Western Conference has now become. Basketball, maybe more than any other sport is played to its competition, and the competition just went up a notch.
I believe the West has become what it is because of four key reasons...
1) The 2005 draft
Milwaukee took Bogut, followed by Atlanta doing what they do best—which was draft their 100th forward/guard tweener (because they don’t have enough of them). But it was Utah and New Orleans that made out like bandits. It’s not so much that Deron Williams and Chris Paul are just great players, but it’s the fact that they transformed two mediocre teams into relevant contenders. This proving once again that the point guard position is so utterly crucial to a team and it’s chemistry, that the 2005 draft will forever be a haunting reminder to all GM’s, that bigger isn’t always better.
2) The Kevin Garnett trade
Boston fans couldn’t believe it until KG actually landed in Boston. For that matter no one else could either. With Danny Ainge’s job hanging by a thread, he hit the biggest “Oh Sh*t” button the NBA had ever seen. First Ray Allen and then KG; This had to make every other GM around the league feel impotent.
As a result, all the monster movement we’ve seen this season I think has been somewhat influenced by this deal. Kobe Bryant complained before the Boston trade, complained even more after the trade, and ultimately his complaints ended up being the best thing for the Lakers and Pau Gasol’s well-being.
This sprawled a chain reaction which brought Shaq to Phoenix and Jason Kidd to Dallas. Mark Cuban had had his eye on Kidd for awhile, but it wasn’t until everyone else in the West had thrown their chips in, that he decided to go all in. One could also make the argument that the Spurs made one of the best deals before the trade deadline by acquiring Kurt Thomas.
3) Coaching
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10 months ago
Those are some very good points. The West has always been the model of consistent teams because the management and coaching have been very good.
I think the Garnett trade is an interesting point, but I don't think it had a direct impact on the recent blockbuster trades. While it probably had some factor, along with Kobe's complaints, the Gasol trade went through mostly because Bynum went out with his injury. When Bynum was healthy, the Lakers were among the best teams in the West.
Also, the Spurs made a good trade before the deadline, but so far I think the Jazz acquiring Kyle Korver has been the best trade this season other than the Celtics. Since the Jazz got him, they are 20-5, which is the best record within that span.
Overall, nice article.
from 10 months ago
Thanks for the kind word, and I agree 100% with the Kyle Korver trade. I completely forgot to include that one. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
9 months ago
Good article. It is unbelievable what the West has become.
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