1 Ideal Trade Target for Every NBA Team
No team in the NBA is ever perfect.
Bill Russell's Boston Celtics who won so many titles during the early years of league history could have used a bit more offensive firepower. When Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls won an NBA-record 72 games, they still could have upgraded on the bench at a few positions.
And there are certainly no flawless teams during the 2014-15 season.
Not even the red-hot Golden State Warriors, proud owners of a 19-2 record that puts them on pace to surpass those Bulls, have a perfect roster. Every team could use some kind of change, even if some need more help, while others should only pursue minor swaps.
It's important to note that we're trying to be realistic here. I'm sure every team's ideal target would be Anthony Davis or LeBron James, but those players obviously aren't going to be on the market.
After all, what's the point in having a trade target if there's no chance of getting him?
Atlanta Hawks: Iman Shumpert
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The Atlanta Hawks have been rolling through the Eastern Conference during the opening portion of the 2014-15 season, but the team can improve in one area. While Mike Budenholzer's squad has a bevy of stretch 4s and a stable of point guards—thanks to the emergence of Dennis Schroder—it's a bit lacking in the wing department.
According to 82games.com, shooting guard is one of two positions for the Hawks with negative net production. The other is center, though a return to form from Al Horford will shore up that slot.
No such internal fixes are possible at the 2, though.
Acquiring Iman Shumpert from the New York Knicks would not only help solve some of the defensive issues on the perimeter, but his shooting would fit in perfectly with Budenholzer's schemes. If a wing player can't drill triples, it's hard for him to find minutes in Atlanta.
Through his first 23 appearances in 2014-15, Shumpert is taking 2.8 attempts per game from beyond the arc and connecting on 33.8 percent of them. We've seen him shoot better in the past, and the movement-heavy nature of the Hawks offense would only help create space for him to get off clean looks.
Boston Celtics: Reggie Jackson
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The Boston Celtics already have plenty of guards on the roster, but they still don't have many who can create offense for themselves.
Rajon Rondo is an atrocious shooter, and Marcus Smart hasn't figured out how to use his jumper more effectively. Avery Bradley is more of a defensive stalwart than an offensive creator, and Marcus Thornton doesn't have much upside left.
Boston would have to part with one of its backcourt members (more on that later) or accept that this move sets the table for another trade in the future, possibly clearing the way for Rondo to find a new home and end his Beantown tenure. But it's worth doing, simply because Jackson brings something new along with him.
The Celtics have scored only 105.1 points per 100 possessions, currently the No. 19 mark in the Association. There are plenty of offensive talents on the roster, and Rondo does a masterful job of distributing the ball to his teammates, but the squad can't overcome a lack of variety.
Jackson, however, has scored 17.9 points per game this season, and he's done so while requiring assists on just 7.9 percent of his makes from inside the arc and 45 percent from beyond it. There's no player on the C's roster who can do that, and changing that would allow this team to speed through the rebuild even more quickly.
Brooklyn Nets: Anyone. Literally Anyone.
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The Brooklyn Nets are attempting to clean house, per ESPN.com's Marc Stein and Ohm Youngmisuk:
"The Brooklyn Nets have begun reaching out to teams to let them know that former All-Stars Deron Williams, Brook Lopez and Joe Johnson are available via trade, ESPN.com has learned.
League sources told ESPN.com that the Nets, off to a disappointing 8-11 start and looking to retool after last season's $190 million roster filled with veterans couldn't advance beyond the second round of the playoffs, have let it be known that they are prepared to move any of those franchise cornerstones in what would likely be separate deals if they came to fruition because of the high salaries each possess.
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The report also quotes general manager Billy King as saying, "We're on the phones, we're talking to people, but there's nothing imminent."
Given the salaries of these three big names, moving any of them is going to be quite difficult. Brook Lopez is the easiest to part with, even with his health concerns, while Joe Johnson's albatross contract makes him almost immovable. If they're really on the block, the point has to be shedding money and not worrying about the returns.
For that reason, the Nets' ideal trade target is anyone who allows these guys to come off the books. Literally anyone.
Charlotte Hornets: Gerald Green
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The Charlotte Hornets need a spark. They have to shake things up in order to recover from their horrific start to the season, one that has everyone questioning their offseason work as a formerly top-notch defense displays its porosity and the offense just doesn't seem to work.
Enter Gerald Green.
The Phoenix Suns haven't been able to use him as frequently as they should, but there's still no doubt the uber-athletic wingman is a quality defender who can drill triples. In fact, he's one of the league's most underrated snipers, although he's rarely put into that category because his jaw-dropping dunks seemingly trump everything else.
Nonetheless, he's making 39.6 percent of his 5.8 attempts per game from downtown, and that's coming after he hit 40 percent of his 6.2 tries per contest in 2013-14. He has the track record, the current production and the confidence necessary to help space out Charlotte's offense.
Plus, can you imagine the athletic defense if Green and Lance Stephenson team up? If the Hornets can tempt Phoenix into parting with Green while hanging onto the incumbent 2-guard, that would be a match made in heaven.
Chicago Bulls: Wesley Johnson
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The Chicago Bulls, even though they've been underwhelming at the start of the season, don't need to shake things up. Their point guard rotation works just fine, especially when Derrick Rose is healthy. Jimmy Butler has been a breakout All-Star candidate, and there's plenty of talent at the biggest positions in the rotation.
Only small forward exists as somewhat of a hole, and the combination of Mike Dunleavy and Doug McDermott can still be a solid one. But given Tom Thibodeau's predisposition to ignore rookies when he can get away with doing so, upgrading with a three-and-D wing would be beneficial for the Bulls' title hopes.
One intriguing acquisition is Wesley Johnson, who is laboring away for the floundering Los Angeles Lakers.
Johnson has proved in the past that he can play solid defense when in the right system, and he's a shooting threat who doesn't need to function as a main source of offense. Plus, given the Lakers' desire to rebuild, he could be had for cheap so long as the Bulls are willing to part with some future assets.
Ultimately a limited player, Johnson is by no means a game-changer for Chicago. But do the Bulls really need to shake things up that much, especially if doing so would mean parting ways with one of their frontcourt stalwarts during a season in which the two starters both have questionable health statuses?
Cleveland Cavaliers: Kosta Koufos
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The Cleveland Cavaliers desperately need a big man who can provide some semblance of rim protection. While the defense has been trending in the right direction during the team's string of wins, that's still the glaring weakness for a squad that suddenly looks like the Eastern Conference favorite.
According to NBA.com's SportVU data, only the Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Lakers, Minnesota Timberwolves and Charlotte Hornets have allowed opponents to shoot a higher percentage at the rim, which is especially problematic for a Cleveland bunch that lets the other team get to that area quite often.
Well, among the 93 players facing at least four shots per game at the rim this season, Kosta Koufos has been above-average at protecting the basket. That's a step in the right direction for the Cavs, one that allows their defense to keep creeping up the ranks while making a push for a top-10 spot in defensive rating.
Koufos is by no means a glamorous player, but he doesn't have to be. He just has to fill that role.
"Unlike [Timofey] Mozgov, Koufos has no commitments beyond this season. His contract expires at year's end, which will make him an unrestricted free agent," Zach Buckley writes for Bleacher Report. "And sources told [Marc] Stein that Koufos' camp has 'made it known to Grizzlies management' that it has not been happy with the scraps of playing time he's been given."
Even if this is a one-year rental, it's worth the shot.
Dallas Mavericks: Kevin Garnett
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Sure, let's pair up two future Hall of Famers in the Dallas Mavericks frontcourt.
As this team prepares to make a deep run into the postseason, it's going to have to establish more of a defensive presence. Tyson Chandler simply can't do all of the heavy lifting on that end of the court, and there isn't enough talent surrounding him to allow Dallas to remain even adequate on that end of the court.
The Mavericks are currently allowing 108.7 points per 100 possessions, which leaves them ahead of just five teams throughout the league. No matter how historically excellent the offense is, that's not good enough when chasing after a title.
That's what Kevin Garnett is for.
The veteran big man no longer brings much to the table on offense, but he's an inspiring leader and remains a quality defender. Even during his age-38 season, he has a 1.5 defensive box plus/minus, indicating that the Brooklyn Nets allow 1.5 fewer points per 100 possessions when he's on the court than they would with a league-average defender.
Whether he's paired up with Chandler to create a suffocating frontcourt or spelling the big man and filling a smaller role, Garnett could do wonders for the Mavericks' struggling defense.
Denver Nuggets: Greg Monroe
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If it's possible for a team to be too deep, the Denver Nuggets are too deep.
They boast plenty of talent at every position, and it has prevented Brian Shaw from establishing too much continuity in his rotations. Players who deserve to spend time on the court have to sit on the bench, simply because other options are just a bit superior. Now, it's time for the Nuggets to parlay some of that depth into a star player or at least someone who can be close to a star.
There aren't many players who qualify as such on the block right now, but Greg Monroe would be one. He can't be thrilled to be filling a minor role on a struggling Detroit Pistons squad, and he's almost certain to leave this offseason once he's played out the season he agreed to with his qualifying offer.
Detroit might as well get something for him before he hits the road, and the Nuggets have plenty to offer. Not only could they send Timofey Mozgov or JaVale McGee as a true backup center for Andre Drummond, but they also have a bevy of wing players to part with.
Monroe would be an offensive upgrade at the 5, and he's not too shabby as a defender, either. Ideally, he's the first of multiple moves for the Nuggets, but he's a great start even if he remains in the Mile High City.
Detroit Pistons: Wilson Chandler
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See? It works out perfectly!
The Denver Nuggets' ideal acquisition is Greg Monroe, and they have a player on their roster who would be a perfect fit for the Detroit Pistons—Wilson Chandler.
Even though the theme of Stan Van Gundy's first offseason in charge seemed to be surrounding Andre Drummond with shooters, it hasn't worked.
Jodie Meeks has been out with a stress reaction in his lower back, and the rest of the team hasn't been able to pick up the slack. Through 22 games, only three of which were won by the Pistons, the team ranks 20th in three-point percentage and dead last in effective field-goal percentage.
Chandler could help add a bit more shooting to the roster—he's hitting 38.3 percent of his deep looks while taking six per contest—but he also brings some defense along with him. That's what pushes him past the other shooters who could be acquired. He's capable of shutting down his man on the wings, which would only help push the Pistons closer to the realm of elites on the less glamorous end of the court.
Golden State Warriors: Dion Waiters
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Do the Golden State Warriors actually need to make any moves?
Not really, as they're rolling through the league with a sparkling 19-2 record. They've won 14 games in a row, and while the schedule hasn't been too difficult, it's still impressive to get through that many contests without a single blemish. While it's ultimately unsustainable, they're on pace to set the all-time record with a 74-win season.
But let's put aside the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" mantra and attempt to upgrade the team with a minor move.
If the Dubs have an area of weakness, it comes on the bench, where there aren't too many players capable of creating offense for themselves. That's where a guard like Dion Waiters would be perfect, as he could lead the second unit and put up some gaudy scoring numbers while serving as an insurance policy for Klay Thompson.
Waiters would have to accept a full-time move to the bench, but it's easier to deal with such a role when the team is winning. Complaints aren't heard as often when dreams of championships abound.
Houston Rockets: Taj Gibson
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Taj Gibson would be a perfect fit on a Houston Rockets team that suddenly has a defensive identity.
Not only would he have a chance to start consistently for the first time since his rookie season with the Chicago Bulls—which would moving Terrence Jones back to the bench in the process—but he'd form arguably the league's most terrifying defensive tandem alongside Dwight Howard (whenever he's healthy).
Even though James Harden has been playing significantly better defense this season, it's still vital that Houston takes as much pressure off him as possible on that end. What better way to do so than by surrounding him with Patrick Beverley, Trevor Ariza, Gibson and Howard in the starting lineup?
Acquiring this defensive stalwart would be rather difficult for the Rockets, though they're aided by having access to the New Orleans Pelicans' first-round pick in the upcoming draft. A third team might have to get involved, but let's pretend that it all works out.
This is still realistic, even if it's difficult.
Indiana Pacers: Future Assets
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The Indiana Pacers are in a strange situation.
While they're not particularly competitive this season, they also shouldn't have any interest in blowing it up and sending crucial pieces away. After all, they're going to receive a talent infusion when Paul George returns to action next season, and there should still be a firm belief that they can win at a high level with the All-Star swingman, George Hill, David West and Roy Hibbert operating as the centerpieces.
So, they don't need to acquire anyone this year. Just ride out the storm, earn a strong draft pick and make some offseason moves.
But, for the purposes of this article, we have to make a trade.
There's no one player the Pacers should target; instead they should pursue any available future assets, whether that's cap space, a young prospect with some upside or a menial second-round draft pick. Every little bit helps for next season, and that must remain the focus in Indiana.
Los Angeles Clippers: Gerald Green
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See if you can find the outlier, via 82games.com:
| PG | 23.8 | 13.4 | Plus-10.4 |
| SG | 15.6 | 12.0 | Plus-3.5 |
| SF | 10.8 | 15.2 | Minus-4.4 |
| PF | 19.4 | 14.0 | Plus-5.4 |
| C | 18.1 | 18.4 | Minus-0.2 |
Center and small forward are the only negative positions for the Los Angeles Clippers, but it's the 3 that stands out in a big way. Plus, DeAndre Jordan is rounding into form and should help LAC add a fourth position with a positive differential before too long.
Matt Barnes, Chris Douglas-Roberts and the rest of the small forwards on the roster just aren't cutting it. And that's why Gerald Green is the ideal trade target here, as he could help shore up the weak spot in the defense while providing some more three-point shooting and athleticism to the Clippers.
If Los Angeles was already Lob City with Chris Paul throwing alley-oop feeds to Blake Griffin and Jordan, what would it be if Green joined the party? Lob City Extreme?
We need something catchier. Don't let us down, commenters.
Los Angeles Lakers: Brook Lopez
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The Los Angeles Lakers have to think about the future, and there might not be a better chance to acquire an All-Star (when healthy) center. With Brook Lopez firmly on the trading block and the Lakers in position to absorb his contract, they could begin the rebuilding process even sooner than expected.
Los Angeles has plenty of salaries that it could send to Brooklyn in order to make the financial aspects work, and it's not as though either team is starving for trade exceptions. The Nets just want to clear the books, so the Lakers wouldn't even have to mortgage their future in order to get their hands on Lopez.
Are his knees concerning? Absolutely. Is his defense problematic? Certainly. Is the length of his contract—or lack thereof—a bit scary? Definitely.
But beggars can't be choosers.
And right now, the Lakers do indeed qualify as beggars.
Memphis Grizzlies: David Lee
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While explaining a three-team idea, Bleacher Report's Zach Buckley wrote about how David Lee fits with the Memphis Grizzlies:
"Upon first glance, Memphis has no obvious need for Lee. The Grizzlies are already getting a combined 35.2 points and 19.0 rebounds out of Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph.
But Lee, a career 15.2 points-per-game scorer, could be a perfect fit in Memphis' offense. He can shoot or pass from the elbows like Gasol or grind his way to interior buckets like Z-Bo. Lee could play with either big...Lee could also help ease the workloads being shouldered by both Gasol (34.6 minutes) and Randolph (31.0).
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All of that is true, but Lee also helps shore up the rebounding woes of this Memphis squad, surprising as it may be that it's enduring them in the first place. The Grizzlies have been in the middle of the pack on the offensive glass (No. 17 in offensive rebounding percentage), and they've sunk all the way down to No. 25 in defensive rebounding percentage.
Having a threat like Lee, even if he's coming off the bench, would be highly beneficial on the glass.
Miami Heat: Greg Monroe
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The Miami Heat are not a very good team right now, and they need to spend just as much time focusing on the future as they do making it into the Eastern Conference playoffs. There aren't too many long-term pieces, especially with Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade only getting older.
Greg Monroe could help solve all the team's problems, and it wouldn't cost Miami more than a well-paid backup like Chris Andersen and an intriguing young piece. Yes, maybe even James Ennis, attached as the fanbase has already grown to him.
Monroe lets Bosh shift back to his natural position, and it would be hard to see him signing anywhere else this offseason after finally being given a featured role. His passing also takes some of the pressure off the point guards, which is certainly beneficial during the current season.
Are the Heat contenders with a core of Wade, Bosh and Monroe? Probably not, but it's a major step in the right direction—one that potentially allows them to make the leap this coming offseason.
Milwaukee Bucks: Reggie Jackson
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The Milwaukee Bucks could use one more creator on the offensive end. While Brandon Knight has been fantastic during what can only be called a breakout season, the Milwaukee offense still stagnates too often and puts inordinate amounts of pressure on young, inexperienced players.
Reggie Jackson is an adept scorer who thrives when he's putting the ball on the floor and working without the aid of a teammate's assist. Not many players on the Bucks roster can claim the same.
Thus far, Brandon Knight (26.4), Jerryd Bayless (36.6), Kendall Marshall (37.5) and Nate Wolters (44.4) are the only four players who are receiving assists on less than half of their makes from inside the three-point arc. The problem is Knight is averaging 17.5 points per game, and the other three combine to produce 13.4 per contest.
There's just not enough shot-creating production, and Jackson's presence would allow the offense to begin catching up to the excellent defense being played by Jason Kidd's squad. And that would essentially make Milwaukee a lock for the playoffs in the weak Eastern Conference.
Minnesota Timberwolves: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
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As Bleacher Report's Dan Favale masterfully broke down, it's possible to rebuild the Minnesota Timberwolves further without even breaking up the core, and it would only take a pair of deals. But we can only pick one player to target here, and the biggest get of the plan has to be Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.
Can you imagine the potential of Kidd-Gilchrist and Andrew Wiggins on the defensive end of the court, especially with Gorgui Dieng protecting the rim behind them? Favale elaborates:
"Minnesota also gets the rest of this season and next to evaluate Kidd-Gilchrist. He and Wiggins could eventually form the most harrowing defensive wing combination in the league. And the Timberwolves need defense.
Opponents are draining 39.3 percent of their deep balls against Minnesota, the third-highest conversion rate in the league. The team also ranks 29th in points allowed per 100 possessions.
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He might not be a sexy player, even if his jumper is improving. But the Wolves already have so many key pieces in place, and Kidd-Gilchrist would only increase the defensive upside of this roster.
Trades aren't really necessary for this rebuilding squad, but Flip Saunders would be remiss if this wingman was offered to him and he didn't pull the trigger. Assuming, of course, he didn't have to part ways with any of the key pieces for the future. And in the swap Favale suggests, Minnesota doesn't, giving up only Nikola Pekovic, Kevin Martin and Ronny Turiaf in a three-team deal that also involves the Boston Celtics.
New Orleans Pelicans: Wilson Chandler
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The New Orleans Pelicans desperately need help on the wings.
While Anthony Davis and Omer Asik form a dominant frontcourt duo and Jrue Holiday is more than capable of handling point guard responsibilities, the shooting guards and small forwards are holding this team back in a big way. Tyreke Evans is trending in the right direction, but beyond that, there's just not much going on. Especially with Eric Gordon injured, the Pelicans are far too reliant on subpar players without much upside.
That's where Wilson Chandler comes into the picture.
The Denver Nuggets small forward can capably shift over to shooting guard in a pinch, and there's no doubt his shot is capable of stretching the floor for the Pelicans. If you're not sold on him, it shouldn't be hard to change your mind, and I don't even have to talk about Chandler's skills to do so.
According to Rotoworld, NOLA's depth chart has Eric Gordon (injured) and Austin Rivers at shooting guard, then Luke Babbitt and John Salmons at small forward. It's worth noting that the newly acquired Dante Cunningham is spending plenty of time on the wings as well.
But still...enough said.
New York Knicks: DeMarre Carroll
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The New York Knicks don't exactly need to make a play for this season, especially amid reports of infighting—according to Chris Broussard of ESPN The Magazine—and uncertainty over the health of Carmelo Anthony's knee. But if they want to maintain a pretense of trying to compete for the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference, putrid start and all, they should try to sign a three-and-D wing.
Why DeMarre Carroll?
Not only is he a cheap and underrated option who most certainly helps in both necessary categories, but he's an expiring contract. That's the most vital part of all for the Knicks, as they have no desire in taking on salary that will be on the books beyond the current campaign.
Wilson Chandler isn't an unrestricted free agent until 2016. Gerald Green comes off the ledger after this season, but it's hard to see the Knicks having any chips that will tempt the Phoenix Suns into dealing him.
Carroll has to be the choice.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Avery Bradley
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Earlier, I promised you more information on a backcourt member the Boston Celtics could send back to the Oklahoma City Thunder for the right to acquire Reggie Jackson. Well, here you have it.
Now that Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook are back on the court, does OKC actually need Jackson's scoring? He's obviously still a valuable player, but it's not as though he's going to be permitted to spend so much time controlling the rock now that the superstars have returned.
Instead, the Thunder could use a perimeter defender like Avery Bradley, who can team up with Westbrook to create a fearsome point-preventing tandem that will strike fear into the hearts of any opposing backcourt. Bradley's ball-hawking ways are already notorious throughout the league, and it would be terrifying to see what he could do with less offensive responsibility to sap his energy.
Of course, it's not as though his shooting would be a hindrance. While he's slipped to 33.7 percent from beyond the arc this season, the combo guard did knock down 39.5 percent of his deep looks in 2013-14 while taking 3.3 per game.
Orlando Magic: Dion Waiters
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The Orlando Magic have a lot of talent in their backcourt, but they don't have players who can score the ball with frequency and consistency while doing most of the creating for themselves.
Victor Oladipo has looked vastly improved during his sophomore season, but he's averaging only 14.9 points per game on 45.6 percent shooting. He has needed assists on just 23.2 percent of his two-point makes and 76.9 percent of his converted triples, but asking him to keep that up while taking on even more of a scoring burden isn't feasible at this point.
Elfrid Payton isn't even on that level yet. The rookie point guard has shown flashes of brilliance, but he's in no way a scoring threat right now. Not only has he scored only 6.8 points per contest, but he's also done so while shooting below 40 percent from the field and making just three of his 12 three-point attempts.
Then there's Evan Fournier, who has cooled off after his hot start to the season. But while he's an adept scorer and an improved ball-handler, he's not a player who you consistently want putting the ball on the floor.
At this stage of his career, Dion Waiters has a shoddy reputation. He's been inefficient and hasn't shown a willingness to blend in with an offensive system, instead calling his own number quite frequently. But the Syracuse product has had a few fantastic outings, and he's still just 23 years old. There's plenty of time for him to mature.
Right now, he's what the Orlando offense needs.
Philadelphia 76ers: Another Draft Pick
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As if the Philadelphia 76ers would try trading for a player...
We've already seen exactly what general manager Sam Hinkie wants to do this season—lose a lot and acquire more assets. He completed that second goal by trading Brandon Davies to the Brooklyn Nets for Andrei Kirilenko and a second-round pick, per ESPNNewYork.com's Mike Mazzeo, and the Russian small forward was immediately waived.
Who's to stop the Sixers from doing something exactly like that again? Davies was actually playing 19 minutes per game for the league's worst team, so it's not as though Hinkie was just shipping off a fringe roster member for a draft pick.
No one on this roster is safe, but it's not because the GM is targeting players who can contribute in 2014-15. It's all about those future assets, and second-round picks seem to be the asset du jour for this organization.
Phoenix Suns: Greg Monroe
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The Phoenix Suns still don't have a legitimate post-up threat who can take some of the pressure off their three-headed point guard monster. As good as Goran Dragic, Eric Bledsoe and Isaiah Thomas may be, this offense needs a bit more balance in order to reach maximum levels.
And in the Western Conference, a fringe playoff team like this one needs to hit those levels.
Greg Monroe is by no means a back-to-the-basket stalwart, but he's at least a legitimate offensive presence at the 5. He can hold his own against various types of big men, and his passing ability would allow for a new hub in Jeff Hornacek's offense.
The Suns were rumored to be thinking about a pursuit of the man fondly known as "Moose" during the offseason, according to Jordan Schultz of The Huffington Post, but that chase never actually came to fruition. Now, it could, as Monroe has quite clearly been a terrible fit for the Detroit Pistons, comes with a low price tag and would have a few months to prove himself in the desert before any long-term decisions need to be made.
Even though it would cost Phoenix more to acquire him now, it's a better situation for all involved.
Portland Trail Blazers: Kevin Martin
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The Portland Trail Blazers don't have the most promising bench, despite prioritizing upgrading the second unit in the offseason.
According to HoopsStats.com, Rip City is still handing the NBA's fewest minutes to its non-starters, coming in just barely below the Cleveland Cavaliers and Chicago Bulls. High levels of efficiency can often go hand-in-hand with low volume, but that's not the case for these Blazers. They rank No. 21 in offensive efficiency and No. 10 in defensive efficiency, so at least there's some sort of silver lining on the less glamorous end.
Chris Kaman is a decent option at center, and Steve Blake can sometimes hold his own at the point. But beyond that, there's just not much hope for the second unit, which is desperately in need of a go-to scorer.
A scorer like Kevin Martin once he's recovered from wrist surgery, as it happens.
Martin's three-point proclivities would be perfect in Portland, and he'd be allowed to shoot with a constant green light while spelling Wesley Matthews and Nicolas Batum. Someone has to keep those guys healthy throughout the season, and the current options are a bit terrifying—for the Blazers, not their opponents.
If Rip City hopes to keep up its torrid start to the season, depth will inevitably be necessary.
Sacramento Kings: Chris Copeland
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The Sacramento Kings need shooting. Badly.
Along with the Minnesota Timberwolves (98 three-pointers made), they're one of two teams in the NBA that haven't yet cracked the triple-digit barrier on the season. And the Kings have had one extra game on the Wolves but have still only hit 97. Making matters worse is the fact that Sacramento is connecting on only 32 percent of its three-point attempts, better than just the Charlotte Hornets and Philadelphia 76ers.
That's not a good combination.
Chris Copeland isn't exactly a game-changing player, but his resume indicates that he can provide a spark from the outside:
| 2012-13 | 8.7 | 2.5 | 42.1 |
| 2013-14 | 3.7 | 1.9 | 41.8 |
| 2014-1 | 11.0 | 5.6 | 34.1 |
The Kings wouldn't be handing Copeland as many opportunities as the offensively deficient Indiana Pacers have. That means his percentage would likely climb back up near 40 percent, where it's been during the other two seasons of his NBA career.
Any guesses on how many players on the Kings roster are hitting 40 percent or more of their deep looks? Only one: Ben McLemore.
San Antonio Spurs: Marvin Williams
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Gregg Popovich might not let Marvin Williams make three-point goggles, but the coach could certainly use some small forward depth on this San Antonio Spurs roster, particularly when the player in question likes spotting up in the corners.
Williams has struggled to make much of an impact during his first season with the Charlotte Hornets, averaging just 6.4 points and 3.3 rebounds per game while shooting 45.7 percent from the field and 36.8 percent from beyond the arc. But if he were shipped off to the defending champions, bringing back a shooter like Marco Belinelli, it wouldn't be tough to see him improving dramatically.
According to David Aldridge, the Spurs were reportedly interested in acquiring his services over the summer when he was in the free-agent pool, and there's no reason to expect that's changed. As Dan McCarney wrote for MySanAntonio.com in the wake of that rumor, "[Williams] would provide quality frontcourt depth for the Spurs, particularly behind starting small forward Kawhi Leonard."
If there's been one weak spot on the Spurs' roster, it's been the second-unit small forwards. Kyle Anderson isn't quite ready for the show, and the other options all have to shift out of their natural spots in order to play the 3.
Williams may have played a lot of power forward in the past, but he's still more of a natural 3 than anything else.
Toronto Raptors: David West
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The Toronto Raptors, when DeMar DeRozan was healthy and aiding the defense, were the class of the Eastern Conference. But that doesn't mean there's no room for improvement, especially when the team has been struggling to get much production out of its power forwards.
Amir Johnson is playing 26.4 minutes per game and has produced a 17.4 player efficiency rating in his limited role. He's averaging a highly efficient 10.3 points and 5.0 rebounds during the typical contest. Patrick Patterson has a 15.5 PER and hasn't done much to stand out, while Tyler Hansbrough has struggled immensely.
As a whole, the power forward spot is producing a 15.9 PER, which is rather easily the worst mark on the team, via 82games.com. Even more problematically, it's allowing opposing 4s to throw up a 16.5 PER.
Obviously, an upgrade would be useful. How about David West?
The aging big man is a two-way player who can bring even more toughness to this relatively young team. He's a battle-tested veteran who never hesitates to sacrifice his body on either end of the court, and his solid defense and floor-spacing ability would help the Raptors in their pursuit of a No. 1 seed.
West might carry a high asking price, but he'd be a significant upgrade north of the border.
Utah Jazz: Lance Stephenson
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The Utah Jazz have to find a way to stop getting torched by perimeter players. It's the main reason their defense has been so incredibly porous; they have allowed opponents to put up a gaudy 112.6 points per 100 possessions, which beats only the mark produced by the Los Angeles Lakers.
Lance Stephenson, though he's by no means a polished defensive player, could help in this area, bringing his athletic tools and undeniable intensity to Salt Lake City. He'd also be playing on an offense with more options, which might break him of his habit of stopping the ball and turning a free-flowing play into a spontaneous isolation set.
Of course, there would be a trickle-down effect here.
The Jazz already have Trey Burke at point guard, Alec Burks at shooting guard and Dante Exum bouncing between the two positions. Adding a fourth player to the mix wouldn't exactly work, so it would have to lead to one more move. Surely parting with Burks wouldn't be too problematic, though, even if his occasional highlights make him a fun player to watch.
Utah has plenty of quality pieces in place, but defense is always going to be an issue with the current roster. That can't remain true for too long.
Washington Wizards: Marco Belinelli
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The Washington Wizards are leading the league in three-point percentage...except they're taking fewer triples than all but three of the 30 teams in the Association. This roster doesn't have much confidence in its downtown abilities, though Bradley Beal's presence in the lineup should have it trending in the right direction.
Trevor Ariza's shooting stroke is sorely missed, especially with Martell Webster still recovering from his offseason back surgery. And if the Wizards are hoping to elevate all the way up to the top of the Eastern Conference standings, they're going to have to become even more of a complete team.
After all, the shooting woes are holding this squad back in a big way. Despite all the talent on the roster—and part of this is due to the injuries the Wizards endured during the first quarter of the season—Washington is only ranked 17th in offensive rating.
Marco Belinelli would only help, as he's still one of the league's better perimeter snipers.
He's played in just 14 games this season, but he's shooting over 40 percent from beyond the arc once more. If that percentage remains so high, it would be the third time he's broken past 40 percent in his career, and there's no reason to expect regression from a 28-year-old sharpshooter who's only honing his stroke.
Note: All stats, unless otherwise indicated, come from Basketball-Reference.com and are current heading into Dec. 11's games.
