NBA Trade Speculation: 10 Players That Would Thrive on a New Team
Sometimes NBA players can find themselves stuck in situations that are somewhat less than desirable. Well, these 10 players might just be better off on new teams.
Whether they're buried on the bench, used as a No. 1 option when they should merely be a sidekick or stuck on teams that don't fit their skill sets, these 10 players would thrive with a new set of teammates. Provided, of course, that the new set of teammates actually fits what needs to be changed.
Having a successful team in professional basketball isn't just about putting together the most talent into one squad, as the Miami Heat proved last season. Team chemistry and a successful blend of skills is just as important.
Please note that I am in no way saying that these players will be traded or even that their names are being tossed around in the trade discussions. I am merely saying that they could thrive on a different team.
D.J. Augustin
1 of 10D.J. Augustin took a step forward in his development as a point guard during his third season in the NBA. The former Texas Longhorn averaged 14.4 points, 2.7 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 0.7 steals per game last year—all career highs.
But because those numbers didn't translate into wins, it seems as though Augustin has worn out his welcome in Charlotte. Add to that the introduction of Kemba Walker to the Bobcats' rotation and Augustin probably won't be able to match his 2010-11 numbers if he stays with the team.
Augustin has a lot of potential still, but he needs to improve his field-goal percentage and cut down on his turnovers. It may take another team to help him fully realize that potential though.
Andrea Bargnani
2 of 10Andrea Bargnani is a fantastic scorer, but he should not be the No. 1 scoring option on any team. Because he plays for the inept Toronto Raptors, the former top overall pick has had to shoulder the scoring load way too many times in meaningless losses.
Although DeMar DeRozan is an up-and-coming young stud, a Derozan and Bargnani duo is still not going to be the answer in Toronto.
Bargnani would be a great Robin to some superstar's Batman. It would be the best opportunity for him to not only win a ring, but also have a valuable place in basketball history—something that every No. 1 pick should have.
Baron Davis
3 of 10Baron Davis is great with motivation and terrible without it. Put him in the right situation and he'll use his skill and athletic ability to make the team much better. Put him in the wrong situation and he'll eat donuts until he can barely make it up and down the court.
Last season, Davis' career was revived when he had a terrific alley-oop option in Blake Griffin. But as soon as he was on the Cleveland Cavaliers, his motivation and production quickly waned.
Now, Davis is only the place-holder until Kyrie Irving is ready to take over the reins at the point guard position. That's not exactly going to give the former star the motivation that he needs to be successful.
All Davis wants is a contending team with some athletic players on it. That's not the situation he finds himself in with the Cavaliers.
Kevin Durant
4 of 10Quick disclaimer: I am in no way saying that Kevin Durant should or will be traded. I am merely saying that he may actually be able to find himself in a better situation than the one he is currently in.
Kevin Durant, the NBA's two-time reigning scoring champion, is the absolute best player in The Association when it comes to putting the ball in the basket. He should undoubtedly be his team's No. 1 scoring option.
But to make the most of his talents, Durant needs for each and every one of his teammates to recognize that fact and fully embrace the fact that he is that top option. On the Oklahoma City Thunder, there's this point guard named Russell Westbrook.
Although Westbrook is one of the better players in the NBA, he has a tendency to hog the ball at times. In fact, my fellow featured columnist Kelly Scaletta used statistics to determine the 10 biggest ball hogs of the three-point era. In this incredible article, one in which you'd rather not appear, Westbrook came in at No. 4.
Imagine just how good Durant would be if every single player deferred to him.
Monta Ellis
5 of 10Monta Ellis is another great scorer, but he needs to be on a team where he can focus his energies exclusively on the offensive end.
Technically, he can do that now in Golden State's video-game-style offense. But the problem is, every other player on the Warriors does so as well, which means that I need to rephrase my original statement.
Monta Ellis is another great scorer, but he needs to be on a team where he's the only one with the right to focus his energies exclusively on the offensive end.
Taj Gibson
6 of 10As Taj Gibson proved during the 2011 NBA playoffs with his SportsCenter-worthy dunks, he can be a very valuable contributor to a basketball team on both ends of the court.
But to be a valuable contributor, you have to actually receive minutes. Those are things that Gibson simply won't be able to attain so long as he's on the same team as two-time All-Star Carlos Boozer.
During his rookie season, the former USC Trojan started 70 games, receiving an average of 26.9 minutes per contest. With that much time on the court, Gibson managed to average 9.0 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. After a year of experience was under his belt, the power forward was supposed to be better during his sophomore campaign.
However, Boozer was brought in during free agency and Gibson's time on the court decreased to 21.8 minutes per game. Likewise, his production went down as he could only muster up 7.1 points and 5.7 boards per game.
Now that his third season is upon us, Gibson could be well-suited with another team that is going to give him a chance to blossom into the flower we all know he can become.
Danny Granger
7 of 10Danny Granger has the game and stats of an NBA superstar, but he isn't treated like one because he doesn't have much of an off-the-court presence and he plays for a small-market team in Indiana without top-tier success.
After all, Granger just put up his third-consecutive season averaging over 20 points per game. Without him, the Pacers would have no shot at all at contending for a playoff position, even with the development of players like Tyler Hansbrough.
But can you imagine how scary Granger could be as the No. 2 player on a contending team?
Chris Paul
8 of 10In The Book of Basketball, Bill Simmons referred to Isiah Thomas as the one who "holds the title of Best Pure Point Guard Ever until Chris Paul officially takes it away."
Scarily enough, Paul may be very close to making Simmons correct.
Even though Derrick Rose is the league's reigning MVP, I still believe that CP3 is the best point guard in the league. His cerebral play is virtually unmatched and he seems content to use his scoring skills only when necessary. If Paul could win games without taking a shot, I don't think he'd hesitate; he just enjoys making his teammates look better.
Now remember that Paul's current projected teammates, at least the starters, are Marco Belinelli, Trevor Ariza, Carl Landry and Emeka Okafor. Can you imagine if he actually had some talent around him to distribute the ball to?
Josh Smith
9 of 10To be perfectly honest, Josh Smith could thrive in almost any system. I just don't want him to be on the Atlanta Hawks anymore.
For a detailed explanation of why, read the following article: Josh Smith and the Atlanta Hawks Need to Part Ways.
Tyrus Thomas
10 of 10Tyrus Thomas is actually a very solid NBA player, but the Charlotte Bobcats simply don't use him like one.
In 21 minutes per contest last season, his first full one with the Bobcats, Thomas averaged 10.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, 0.7 assists, 0.7 steals and 1.6 blocks. The insanely athletic forward plays a very efficient brand of basketball and his skill is reflected in his 18.2 PER from last season.
It boggles my mind that the Bobcats don't utilize his talents more often and instead let him rot on the bench for much less appealing options.
Maybe a different team would actually use him.
Adam Fromal is a syndicated writer and Featured Columnist at Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter.
