This NBA season, we have seen a flurry of blockbuster trades by the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Utah Jazz.
It has been two weeks since the NBA trade deadline ended, so let’s take a look at our early winners and losers...
Winners
Dallas Mavericks
Dirk Nowitzki has played more like last year’s MVP since the trade that brought Jason Kidd to Dallas. In the eight games that Kidd has been with the Mavericks, Nowitzki has averaged 29 ppg on 52 percent shooting. He has also hit 1.6 threes on 52 percent shooting, a major improvement compared to season averages of .9 threes on 33 percent shooting.
Despite the 4-4 record since the trade, the Mavericks have an improved offense and still have a good defense. Kidd has been averaging a double-double and shooting the ball much more efficiently.
Dirk Nowitzki and the Mavericks are a better team with Jason Kidd, but they will need the rest of the team to step up to make a run for a championship.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers looked like championship contenders with Andrew Bynum in the lineup, and then looked mediocre after he suffered a knee injury.
Pau Gasol has immediately given Kobe Bryant and the Lakers another chance to win a championship. Since the trade, the Lakers are boasting a 13-2 record while dominating most opponents.
Gasol has been the perfect complement in Phil Jackson’s triangle offense, and has given Kobe more options on offense other than scoring. The Lakers also have the deepest bench in the NBA, and are still awaiting the return of Bynum.
The Lakers have become sentimental favorites to win the championship, but they will still need to find a way dethrone the very hot San Antonio Spurs.
Boston Celtics
This is a no-brainer—the Celtics went from last place last season to having the NBA’s best record this season. Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Paul Pierce are playing extremely well together, and they have a solid supporting cast.
Rajon Rondo is one of the Celtics key surprises, and the bench features exceptional energy players that can score and defend.
The “Big Three” is the heart of this Celtics team, and will look to make a deep run at a championship.
Utah Jazz
The Utah Jazz were only 17-16 before they acquired Kyle Korver. It’s not considered a blockbuster trade, but it has proven to be a very valuable move. Since the trade, the Jazz are 22-6, which is the best record in that span.
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