NBA Trades: Who Benefits?

Trades have been made and everyone is excited about their new acquisitions.  Or are they? 

I'm sure many in Boston would like to have a sit-down with Danny Ainge and Doc Rivers.  Who orchestrated this transaction?  Who will benefit from this trading blunder? 

Wait one minute. 

I think both OKC and Boston will benefit from the deal.  Let me tell you why.

Kendrick Perkins has a meanness that you cannot teach.  He has skill and he provides a real presence in the paint.  However, Boston has had no one that really matches up with LeBron James of Miami.  

Boston realizes to get past Miami in the East they must have someone that can give LeBron problems. 

Notice I didn't say stop because you cannot stop LeBron. 

But you must limit his court effectiveness.  He cannot drop 30-10-10 each contest.  If he is 23-7-5, you have a chance. 

Jeff Green is 6'9" and tough.  He doesn't mind doing the dirty work and he's young.  He can run all day and he provides offense.  He has a high basketball I.Q. and he will work beautifully with the other Boston players. 

Ainge may have something here.  I personally feel Boston will have no problem coming out of the East to face the dreaded Lakers.  But, will it really be the Lakers?

Oklahoma City certainly comes to the forefront by picking up Kendrick Perkins and Nazr Mohammed.  They pushed the Lakers to the brink of elimination last year. 

What will they do with a real presence in the middle? 

Durant and Westbrook don't need much.  Don't give these young men more ammo.  They are ready and willing to pull the trigger.

The other trades, as far as I'm concerned, are pretty much inconsequential.  New York with D'Antoni will prove to be Phoenix of the East.  No defense, but they will score points. 

When is the last time you saw Stoudemire and Anthony play defense?  That's not something they're willing to do and obviously, D'Antoni doesn't care. 

They'll be in the playoffs, but they certainly won't go far.

The teams to beat once again are Boston and L.A.  "Talent wise," L.A. is still the best in the league.  I'm sure Phil realizes "Fish" cannot stay with Westbrook of OKC and he'll make the needed adjustments in the playoffs.  Kobe is Kobe and Odom is Odom and the rest is the rest.  

Lamar Odom is arguably the best player in the N.B.A. 

Stop laughing.   

That man is invaluable.  He does whatever you ask of him and he does it well.  He is the "Swiss Army Knife" of the NBA.  He blocks shots, rebounds, defends, steals, dishes, shoots, scores, and whatever.  He is amazing.  If he were anywhere else...........well I don't know. 

He's been other places and he's always had the talent, but he doesn't care too much about the applause, adulation, and recognition.  I don't think that means much to him because he is not an attention seeker.  Some need that, but Lamar doesn't.

If Lamar were still in Miami with that crew, I don't think anyone would beat them.  If he were in Orlando, I don't believe they would be beatable either.  Odom is just that good and maybe only a few recognize his importance to a team like the Lakers.  I don't care who goes down with injury on the Lakers.  Odom fills in.  He can play positions one through five.  That is one important man.

Once again "after all is said and done"  It will probably come down to two teams. 

Boston and L.A.