NBA Trade Deadline 2012: Superstars Who Need Help to Make a Title Run

There are certain elite teams and players whose current rosters are primed for a title run. Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder have all the core pieces in place, as do Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls (although a deal for another shooting guard wouldn't hurt). 

The Miami Heat are obviously in position to return to the NBA Finals and this time hoist the Larry O'Brien trophy.

But there are a handful of superstars whose supporting casts are insufficient for a title run. These players won't be able to carry their teams to a title without help brought in prior to Thursday's trade deadline.

Which superstars desperately need help if they're hoping to reach the NBA pinnacle this season?

1. Kobe Bryant

Despite loads of critical analysis this season, the Lakers currently boast the third-best record in the Western Conference.

Kobe Bryant is leading the league in scoring (28.8 points per game), big man Andrew Bynum continues to emerge and veteran Pau Gasol is averaging a double-double (16.5 PPG, 10.5 rebounds per game).

The problem is that the Lakers roster goes on a sharp decline after Bryant, Bynum and Gasol. And I mean a really sharp decline.

Unfortunately for Lakers fans, Kobe is not at a place in his career where he can carry this current roster to a title. There are too many quality teams, and he's going to need improved supporting pieces if he hopes to notch his sixth NBA ring.

If the Lakers desire to pursue another title, they better get busy because the depth of their roster is inept for the playoff grind.

They may have to part ways with Gasol to make a substantial move, but at this point, such a maneuver is a wise one. The Lakers need an infusion of youth, and if trading Gasol lands a quality point guard to team with Kobe, then the Lakers must pull the trigger.

2. Dwight Howard

This is obvious, as it's clear that Howard is unsatisfied with their current roster and Magic management is seeking to appease him prior to the deadline.

The problem is that the Magic don't have desirable trade assets to acquire a potent contributor who can satisfy Dwight.

Therefore, they must get creative and find some sort of upgrade, because "Superman" is in need of a "Robin." If that doesn't come soon, Howard will most likely be taking his talents elsewhere.

3. Chris Paul

Yes, Chris Paul has Blake Griffin. They're fun to watch, no doubt. But this team is only 23-17 and have lost four of their last five. 

While they're a team on the rise, it's becoming apparent that CP3 needs more help. He's one of the game's top distributors and he has a formidable target in Griffin, but he needs other options.

The loss of veteran Chauncey Billups for the season to injury hurts a great deal, leaving a void in their backcourt. What would be perfect is a veteran presence to replace Billups, such as Ray Allen. Allen would help stretch the floor and give Paul a target behind the three point line. 

Right now, this team can respectfully compete in the playoffs and will likely make it to the second round, but CP3 cannot carry this team to the Finals unless help soon ventures to Lob City.

4. Dirk Nowitzki

The Mavs' 2011 NBA Finals run was epic, but as of right now, it looks like the Mavs will reign as a one-year wonder. They're foundering, and the 33-year old Dirk Nowitzki doesn't have the ability to carry this team back to the NBA mountaintop.

This could change if the Mavs decide to go "all-in" prior to Thursday's deadline. If they add a veteran player (or two), such as Steve Nash, they would then suddenly be back in position for a title run. But there's no indication that they're searching for potential deals. In fact, owner Mark Cuban has indicated that they're not making calls as the deadline nears.

Thus, Dirk may have to carry a large load come playoff time, a load that will be too much for him to bear.

Perhaps the Mavs have their sights on pursuing Dwight Howard and Deron Williams as free agents come the offseason. But if they choose to stand pat at this year's deadline, they can kiss their hopes of a repeat goodbye. 

5. Rajon Rondo

Celtics general manager Danny Ainge has adamantly declared that Rondo's not being traded prior to Thursday's deadline. All indications point towards Rondo remaining in Boston and remaining their point guard for years to come.

Rondo has become the superstar of this Celtic team. His versatility is what drives this ball club. However, he can only drive them so far if he doesn't soon receive more help.

He doesn't need another superstar, as Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen are still quality players, but Rondo does need more weapons off the bench and in the frontcourt.

Garnett is currently carrying the load down low for Boston, as he's playing the five position. The Celtics would be well-served to acquire another big man who can contribute 20 or so solid minutes a night. They'd also be wise to seek after a scoring weapon off the bench, potentially Stephen Jackson if he's bought out by Milwaukee.

Rondo is a top-notch player, but he's a distributor and he needs more players to dish to. If Rondo's going to steer this team back to the NBA pinnacle, he's going to need a couple new faces in Bean-town.