NBA Trade Winds: These Bolstered Contenders Can Beat L.A. Lakers and Celtics
Starting in the New Year, a select few teams believe that a bit of tweaking to their rosters will provide them with the wherewithal to dethrone either the Boston Celtics in the East or the L.A. Lakers in the West and they would not be out of line in their thinking.
In fact, it is these contenders that have made this season so exciting by closing the competitive gap, in their own respective city's quest for that allusive NBA Championship that is all too familiar to just two of the leagues teams.
And while this gap is closing, the Lakers continue to lose games in a continuous show of disconnection to teams that are not even in the top ten, as displayed by their recent loss (a drubbing) to the Memphis Grizzlies who seem to a have the Lakers number memorized.
Both the Lakers and the Celtics are set, from their starting rotations to their deep benches. While the Lakers are suffering from boredom and are counting the days to the start of the playoffs, the Celtics are recovering from injuries to major players. Yet, all looks good in the NBA’s two championship cities and they remain the teams to beat.
But they should not get too comfortable, because their enemies are at the gate, bigger in their numbers, stronger than their former selves, salivating at the smell of blood and gunning for a showdown.
And now that teams are allowed to deal players signed this past summer, the trade market is beginning to open it’s gigantic mouth and the contenders are seeking to arm themselves for battle.
While the NBA is a star driven league and you need elite players to win, you also need a solid supporting cast of players who know and can fill their roles and the eventual champion will have both elite players and efficient role players.
There are a lot of rumors making their way from coast to coast. What trades would improve which of these contenders in their pursuit of claiming Western or Eastern Conference supremacy from the Lakers or the Celtics?
East is a Beast: Knicks Make a Play For Trailblazers' C- Marcus Camby
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Power Ranking
Tenth in NBA; second in Atlantic Division; sixth in Eastern Conference
The Upside
The New York Knicks have been a tremendous surprise this year behind first year Knick Amare Stoudemire and as revealed from their eight game win streak that was eventually stopped by the Boston Celtics. Bouncing back from an abysmal start to the season, the Knicks are no longer Atlantic Division bottom feeders—that distinction belongs to the lowly 76ers, Raptors and Nets.
While the Knicks have yet to beat a top ten team (a Noah-less Bulls squad doesn’t count), they did show that they can go toe-to-toe with the Boston Celtics in a recent loss that easily could have gone the other way.
The Knicks look promising enough to make the playoffs for the first time in seven seasons and their entire starting rotation including: C- Amare Stoudemire (26 PPG, 9 RPG); PG- Raymond Felton (18 PPG, 9 APG); SF- Danilo Gallinari (15 PPG, 4 RPG); SG- Landry Fields (10 PPG, 7 RPG) and PF- Wilson Chandler (17 PPG, 6 RPG) are all having breakout years.
Also, Raymond Felton is showing that he is indeed an elite PG.
The Downside
The East is a “beast” with the likes of the Celtics, Heat, Magic, Bulls and Hawks all power ranked above New York. In addition, the Knicks’ recent losses to the Celtics, Heat and Magic underline their major obstacles in the road out of the East.
The Vital Trade
Amare Stoudemire is playing out of position at the center spot, so if the Knicks can obtain a solid starting center, the Knicks will improve greatly. Enter Portland Trailblazers Marcus Camby, an underrated defensive journeyman that will undoubtedly improve the Knicks presence in the paint by allowing Stoudemire to move over to his natural PF spot moving Wilson Chandler to the Bench.
According to the website, realgm.com, a Knicks trade for Camby appears imminent:
“Marcus Camby wants to remain in Portland, but if the team does trade him he would prefer to be dealt to a contending team. A source says that the veteran will contemplate retirement if moved to a rebuilding club. The Knicks, however, are one team that Camby would approve.”
What it Means
Aquiring Camby gives New York all the talent and size upfront to challenge the beasts in the east and join the Celtics, Magic and Bulls as the only teams in that group with elite players at the center, point guard and forward slots.
Also, a sixth-man in Chandler will provide the Knicks with a Lakers version of Lamar Odom. Chandler is a versatile defender and like Odom, opponents find him difficult to matchup with.
And what about Melo Drama?
The Nuggets are asking way too much and the Knicks have some nice pieces they’d like to hold on to, but when push comes to shove, will Melo end up as a Knick this season? Probably not, but when he becomes a free agent in a couple of years, NY is the the most likely place Melo will call home.
There is a belief that once they feel the pressure to make a move, the most likely result will be to send him to the Knicks. "They will get Carmelo," a league source said, ""one way or another" -Newsday
East is a Beast: Bulls Make a Play for Bobcat’s SG- Stephen Jackson
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Power Ranking
Eighth in NBA; first in Central Division; fourth in Eastern Conference
The Upside
The Chicago Bulls’ tremendous talent has flown under the radar this year as a result of Miami Thrice grabbing most of the attention, but a healthy starting rotation including stars Rose, Noah and Boozer are a dominating combination.
The Bulls have one of the top PGs in Rose, Centers in Noah and PFs in Boozer and just like the Thunder's Durant and Westbrook, the young Rose's and Noah's transcendent talent is rising with experience and a growing maturity. The Bulls are also set at the SF spot with Luol Deng.
The Downside
The East is a “beast” with the likes of the Celtics, Heat and Magic all power ranked above Chicago. In addition, Noah’s short term absence is proving problematic. They are also lacking at the SG spot.
The Vital Trade
The Bulls are set in their starting rotation with the exception of the SG spot and are aggressively trying to fill this hole through a trade.
According to the Chicago Tribune (Dec. 31):
USC coach Kevin O'Neill, a longtime college head coach and NBA assistant has experience with Stephen Jackson and O.J. Mayo, both of whom reportedly on the Bulls radar.
"Jackson is a better shooter and probably is a better fit alongside Rose," O'Neill said. "Mayo is more of a slasher and wants the ball in his hands to take it to the basket, which takes the ball out of Rose's hands. (That's why) Jackson is probably a better complement to Rose."
What it Means
A better SG to compliment Rose’s abilities only makes the Chicago Bulls that much stronger and a threat to the Celtics, Heat and Magic. Stephen Jackson of Charlotte Bobcats is averaging 18 points, 4 assists and 4 rebounds per game.
East is a Beast: Magic Make Play for Marcus Camby, Unsigned Rasheed Wallace
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Power Ranking
Fifth in NBA; second in Southwest Division; third in Eastern Conference
The Upside
The Orlando Magic have pulled off a blockbuster trade that may be one that goes down for the ages and has catapulted them into the NBA’s elite. Gone are the overrated and lazy Carter and Lewis. In comes Gilbert Arenas, the former superstar who is in the midst of reestablishing that elite status. In comes the explosive Jason Richardson who can score and rebound. In comes Hedo Turkoglu, former Magic player who is also reestablishing his star power.
And what do we have? The Magic are a legitimate championship contender that can challenge absolutely anybody in the league.
The Downside
After that blockbuster trade, there is not much downside to the Orlando Magic and they are certainly set in their starting rotation. If improvements can be made on this team, one must look to the bench.
The Vital Trade
The Magic are set in their starting rotation with absolutely no exceptions, but there are indications of acquiring a good center to back up Dwight Howard:
Magic President of Basketball Operations Otis Smith has said the team needs another true center against only maybe five teams. Bigs are at a premium in the NBA, and Smith seems content to wait to acquire the player he wants instead of adding someone who might not be as suited to the Magic's needs. "Otis is always looking," Van Gundy said. "It's a matter of when the guy is available that you like. I think the one thing you don't want to do is just go out and commit to anybody and that takes you out of being able to get somebody who could really help you. So, I think right now we're OK." --Orlando Sentinel
Who will that true center be? Your guess is as good as mine especially since the true big NBA center is a dying breed, but Marcus Camby would surely be as nice a fit in Orlando as he would be in New York. Surely both these teams must be thinking the same thing, but there can only be one winner and it looks like the Camby sweepstakes are about to begin.
There is also speculation of signing PF- Rasheed Wallace, who played for the Celtics last season. If that move transpires, what a nice one it would be. Wallace has lots of length and talent and would be one of the best sixth-men in the league. He most certainly will cause matchup problems for all of the Magic's opponents.
What it Means
The Magic are already a big threat in the East and watching them play out their next games against the NBA’s elite teams will be a treat indeed. This team's talents are as epic and undeniable as their nemesis to the south.
A quality backup center spells quality relief for Dwight Howard and will in turn, reduce the big man’s workhorse like minutes. A sixth man in the likes of Rasheed Wallace would give the Magic a Lakers type sixth-man like Lamar Odom.
East is a Beast: Heat Need to Make a Play for a True Point Guard
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Power Ranking
Fourth in NBA; first in Southeast Division; second in Eastern Conference
The Upside
To the dismay of many NBA fans, the Miami Heat are as dominating as advertised and Miami Thrice has found their intrinsic basketball synergy which seems to be in a constant state of perpetual flow. The Heat have the best player in the NBA in LeBron James, the best SG and top five player in Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh is playing like an all-star. Miami also boasts the most frugal defense in the league and are dominating on both ends of the court.
The Heat have also shown that they can easily bounce back from 20 point deficits.
The Downside
The Heat have only beaten one elite team in the L.A. Lakers who are not playing their best basketball, having dropped to sixth place in the NBA’s power rankings.
While the Heat are certainly capable of beating elite teams such as the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks on paper, they must do it once and for all on the court—and they must do it while these teams are playing their best ball, not while the Celtics are injured or the Lakers are bored.
There is also one other thing: The Orlando Magic have pulled off a blockbuster trade that gives them an elite PG in Gilbert Arenas. That means that all of Miami’s major competition in the east, including the Knicks, Celtics, Bulls and Magic all have elite point guards and the Heat do not.
The Heat must recognize that their enemy upstate is not rolling over and playing dead. In fact, the Magic are primed for the challenge.
The one thing that may stop the Heat from coming out of the east is their glaring weakness at the point guard slot, an issue that has been well documented. And to-date, there seems to be no interest in upgrading that position.
But there is a lot of pressure for the Heat to win this year and it would not be all too surprising for them to begin a pursuit for a true point guard. Miami Thrice is young, so future first round draft picks are expendable and highly sought after by other teams. This is especially true for rebuilding teams such as the Phoenix Suns and Toronto Raptors who both have excellent PGs that can help the Heat push the envelope and win a title. They include the Raptors’ Jose Calderone and the Suns’ Steve Nash, both capable of opening up Miami’s offense and either player represents a significant upgrade.
What it Means
At this point these transactions are not even a rumor in Miami, but should the Heat wake up and pursue the above trades, an NBA title should be in store. Without a good play maker, the Heat’s next games versus the new-look Orlando Magic may expose their glaring weakness at the point guard slot and ditto for the Celtics and Bulls.
Furthermore, if the Knicks can get a good center and move Amare Stoudemire to his natural PF position, the Heat will find themselves behind the eight ball.
West is the Best: Thunder Need to Get Back Into the Conversation
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Power Ranking
Ninth in NBA; Second in Northwest Division; fifth in Western Conference
The Upside
The Oklahoma Thunder are a very young and explosive club full of raw talent and promise. Last year, they put the league on notice when the Lakers barely escaped their clutches in the Western Conference showdown.
Kevin Durant is again leading the league in the scoring race and Russell Westbrook’s unencumbered, lightening play begs for slow-motion replay to be freeze framed in order to catch the slashing blur making a direct line to the rim. And Both Durant and Westbrook are NBA superstars in their own right, providing the Thunder with clout at the SF and the PG slots.
The Downside
Nenad Krstic is an innocuous talent on both the offensive or defensive ends of the court and represents a gaping hole at the center spot. Furthermore, SG- Thabo Sefolosha is also not very productive offensively and a reserve on any other top twenty team, but even as a fringe starter, his above average defense is acceptable for this team.
The Thunder have not followed through with the enormous expectations placed upon them from last season, but they are still a top ten team. In order for them to contend with the likes of the Lakers, Spurs and Mavericks, the Thunder need to bulk up at the center spot immediately.
In addition, Jeff Green is a young PF with lots of upside but has been enduring a month long slump that he must break out of. The failure of the Thunder and Green to negotiate a contract extension makes Green an unrestricted free agent this coming summer, leaving yet another hole to fill.
And these holes must be filled as exhibited by the 101-74 drubbing at the hands of the San Antonio Spurs.
The Vital Trade
Unhappy Jeff Green, future draft picks, money and what ever it takes to the rebuilding Cleveland Cavaliers for PF- Antawn Jamison and Anderson Varejão.
What it Means
In four words—instant NBA finals contender. Varejão’s rebounding and defense at the center position plus Antwans all around game and experience at PF to add to Durant and Westbrook makes this an incredible deal.
West Is the Best: Jazz Need to Get Back Into the Conversation
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Power Ranking
Seventh in NBA; first in Northwest Division; fourth in Western Conference
The Upside
The Utah Jazz have impressed and behind superstar and indispensable starter, PG- Deron Williams, they are proving to be a legitimate contender in the west. They have all the pieces including Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson to cause enough havoc against the best in the west.
The Downside
Jazz center Mehmet Okur (lower back strain) is suffering from nagging injuries including back and Achilles tendon and this old workhorse needs help desperately.
The Vital Trade
The Utah Jazz need a center, simply because Okur’s nagging injuries are unpredictable at this stage in his career. So, in order to make a title run, the Jazz must pursue either Trailblazers' Marcus Camby or Cavaliers' Anderson Varejão and pay whatever it takes.
What it Means
In four words—instant NBA finals contender.
West is Best: Spurs Need an Elite Center
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Power Ranking
Second in NBA; second in Southwest Division; second in Western Conference
The Upside
The San Antonio Spurs have impressed and behind superstar PG- Tony Parker, they are proving to be a legitimate contender in the west with the best record in the entire NBA. Powered by elite PG- Tony Parker, Hall of Famer Tim Duncan and supersonic sixth-man Manu Ginobili, the Spurs are running efficiently on all cylinders.
The Downside
Center, DeJuan Blair is undersized at 6 foot 8 and the Spurs could become even more dominant with an elite center.
The Vital Trade
In order to make a title run, the Spurs must pursue either Trailblazers' Marcus Camby or Cavaliers' Anderson Varejão and pay whatever it takes.
What it Means
In four words—instant NBA finals contender.
West Is The Best: Mavericks Need to Make a Play For PG- Steve Nash
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Power Ranking
First in NBA; first in Southwest Division; first in Western Conference
The Upside
The Dallas Mavericks have one of the deepest benches in the league and led by superstar Dirk Nowitzki, this team needs little in the form of trade upgrades, but a little can go a long way.
PF- Nowitzki is a superstar and Tyson Chandler is a dominant big man in the paint. In addition, the Mavs have a great SF- Caron Butler and PG- Jason Kidd. What else needs to be said?
The Downside
Unfortunately much needs to be said because of a possible season ending injury to Caron Butler as reported by ESPN: Butler recently suffered a partially torn patella tendon in the knee that may force him to miss the rest of the season.
This is a bad break (no pun intended) for the Mavs, but they are so deep that Butler can be easily replaced by the talented and extremely versatile Shawn Marion.
The Vital Trade
In order to make a title run however, Mavs’ owner Marc Cuban must acknowledge the biggest mistake of his life-- and that would be trading away Steve Nash to the Phoenix Suns. By reacquiring the still swift Nash, the Mavs gain a PG that is capable of making all Dallas’ pieces perform better in a way that Jason Kidd could only dream about.
What it Means
In four words—instant NBA finals contender.
East is a Beast: The Boston Celtics Are Still the Team to Beat
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Power Ranking
Third in NBA; first in Atlantic Division; first in Eastern Conference
The Upside
Shaquille O’Neal and Jermaine O’Neal have bolstered a solid Kendrick Perkins at the center spot. Sure these guys are old and way past their awesome primes, but they can be really effective coming off the bench. During the season they will need a lot of rest so that they can help the Celtics win their eighteenth championship.
The Big Three have become the Big Four with Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo.
Rondo is showing us that he is indeed a superstar PG and he is leading the lead in assists.
And a newly motivated Shaq has found perfect symmetry with his new Celtic brothers.
The Downside
The Celtics are suffering from the economic law of diminishing returns, because they are so good and so deep that any trade is likely to have only a marginal benefit.
The Vital Trade
No trade needed.
What it Means
The Boston Celtics are still the team to beat in the east amongst a group of competitive teams that include the Chicago Bulls, Orlando Magic and Miami Heat.
West is the Best: the L.A. Lakers Are Still the Team to Beat
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Power Ranking
Sixth in NBA; first in Pacific Division; third in Western Conference
The Upside
The same unit that won an NBA repeat is back for a three-peat. The bench is even deeper with the addition of Matt Barnes and the solid play of Shannon Brown.
In addition, Andrew Bynum is back from rehab and Lamar Odom has further bolstered the reserve unit by going back to the bench.
The Lakers have a Big Five with Kobe Bryant, Ron Artest, Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom and Andrew Bynum.
Bynum has the potential to be the best two way big man in the league.
The Downside
The Lakers (like the Celtics) are suffering from the economic law of diminishing returns, because they are so good and so deep that any trade is likely to have only a marginal benefit.
The Lakers real struggles have been masked by ultra high expectations and exceptional early results and now they seem to be in a suspended state of reality. A reality that requires change from within to become dominant once more, by building a positive momentum that's driven by their pure talent and ensuing adrenalin.
The Vital Trade
No trade needed.
What it Means
The Lakers are still the team to beat in the West amongst a group of competitive teams that include the San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks, Utah Jazz and Oklahoma City Thunder.
