Winners/Losers of the NBA Trade Deadline 2016

The BROS give their take on the quiet Trade Deadline and see which teams came out as big winners and which teams chose to stand pat rather than make a splash. If you follow our Instagram page (@SuperBasketballBros) then you’d know that the BROS were on top of all the trades and rumours to the final minute! Here’s what we think!

Winners:

• Detroit Pistons
  • Gave up an aging player in Ersan Ilyasova and an oft-injured guard coming off major Achilles injury for a quality stretch 4 WITHOUT HAVING TO SURRENDER A DRAFT PICK!!
  • Tobias Harris should fit well with the Pistons, who got A LOT younger and better with the additions of Donatas Motiejunas and Marcus Thornton.
    (Update: Pistons have voided the trade for Motiejunas and Thornton)
  • Starting 5: Drummond – Harris – Morris/Johnson – Caldwell-Pope – Jackson… did I mention that they’re all signed long-term and are under 26 years old!
  • The team fits the mold of the type of offence SVG runs, and he likes his perimeter shooters.
• Miami Heat
  • While the Heat didn’t really make a big splash for a free agent, they were able to move some salaries and now sit under both the hard and soft salary caps.
  • If they had remained over the salary cap, they would’ve been had to pay a hefty tax fine for being a repeat offender.
  • Didn’t have to give up any valuable assets or retain a bad contract to move the salary.
• Washington Wizards
  • Great last minute addition of Markieff Morris and they got rid of players who had fallen out of favour with the Wizards in Kris Humpries and Dajuan Blair.
  • Markieff should excel in Washington with players like Alan Anderson and Jared Dudley to mentor him. I think he’ll fit right in, especially with him having a chance at the playoffs.

 

Losers:

• Orlando Magic:
  • Traded Tobias Harris to the Pistons and in returned received…. No quality assets.
  • Tobias should’ve fetched a first rd pick… but the Magic traded him in a move to save money rather than retain future assets.
  • Wonder if the Raptors should’ve just offered their package of a first rd pick + Patrick Patterson. Harris would’ve fit well in TO, but has a hefty contract.
  • They have now created a timeshare between Elfrid Payton, whom the Magic consider a building block for the future, and Brandon Jennings.
• Brooklyn Nets
  • Hired a GM 4 hours before the NBA trade deadline….
  • One of the teams that HAD TO BE ACTIVE during the deadline!
  • They had the right players to trade for a ton of assets: Thaddeus Young and Brook Lopez (potentially).
  • Sean Marks: “I need time to assess the team before making any moves.”
    • Why hire a GM hours before the trade deadline? Why wasn’t this made a priority?
• Toronto Raptors
  • After last year’s EMBARASING first round playoff exit, it would’ve made sense for the Raptors to make a move considering:
    1. The Raptors bench could use another wing defender with DeMarre Carroll and James Johnson out indefinitely without a timeframe.
    2. The Raptors possess FOUR 1^st Rd Draft picks in the next 2 years!
  • Wizards made Dudley available based on a few reports, and with their acquisition of Markieff Morris, I believe they would’ve been more inclined to move Dudley.
  • Raps should’ve pushed hard for a wing player and Dudley would’ve fit nicely with his ability to play the 4.
• Boston Celtics, Atlanta Hawks and Sacramento Kings
  • Had the assets and players to make a big time splash during the deadline, but decided to stand pat.
  • Jeff Teague and Al Horford were made available by the Hawks while the Celtics were reportedly in talks to acquire Dwight Howard.
  • The Kings had reportedly made Ben McLemore, Marco Belinelli and Omri Casspi available. All 3 would’ve fetched a solid pick in return.
  • All 3 teams, including the Toronto Raptors and Brooklyn Nets, chose to stand pat but could be waiting for after the season to make the big move… possibly during the NBA Draft.
    

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-Shrey

The Best of the West: San Antonio Spurs vs. Golden State Warriors

While everyone’s preoccupied with the theatrics of the Curry-led Golden State Warriors, the Spurs have quietly played their way to a 36-6 start. Both teams are currently chasing the all-time single season record of 72-10 by the ‘95-96 Chicago Bulls, with the Warriors holding a slight edge, record-wise, at 39-4. While the Warriors are coming off a week where they lost to the Nuggets and Pistons, they have just begun to get healthier with the return of Harrison Barnes. While the Warriors are heavy favourites to repeat as champions, it’s very easy to see why the Spurs are likely to upend the Warriors in the West with the off-season addition of LaMarcus Aldridge. The Spurs have quietly reeled off a 10 game winning streak and have one of the best defences in the NBA holding opponents to 89.6 points per game. With both teams having championship aspirations and are likely to meet each other come the Western Conference finals *knocks on wood*. Let’s see what they’ll have to do to finish the season strong.

Backcourt Play of Klay Thompson

This is key if Golden State wants to run their fast-paced, 3-point shooting offence, without error. The backcourt duo of Curry and Thompson take the most 3s in the NBA at 20 a game and are hitting 43% of them!! However, in the 4 warriors’ losses, Thompson shot 38% from the field and 28% from 3 point territory. Thompson is a huge part of the Warriors success and having him on the floor gives Curry more space to manoeuvre. With the return of Barnes, who was on FIRE before an ankle sprain cost him over a month, it should take some pressure of Thompson and I wouldn’t be surprised to see more of the old Thompson. (watch this video and you’ll know what I mean: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fT7o2S9SKMk)

Frontcourt Play of LeMarcus Aldridge

The Spurs #1 off-season acquisition has had a tough time finding his role within the Spurs offence but hasn’t let it become a distraction to the team. Despite these early struggles, the Spurs continued to win games with the break-out play of Kawhi Leonard. In the 6 Spurs loses, Aldridge has shot a combined 42% from the field and has had a tough time getting touches in the offence. To add more fuel to the fire, in 5 of those loses the Spurs lost by 6 points or less with 4 games being lost by a margin of 3 points! As of late, LaMarcus has become more assertive within the Spurs offence and usually, when he’s clicking, the Spurs offence is at its best! The Spurs will need a more consistency from Aldridge if they hope to make a big push in the competitive western conference.

Warriors’ Fast-Paced Offence

The Warriors own the NBA’s best offence and score on average 115 points a game. Their offence is focused on setting picks to free up shooters like Curry, Thompson and Barnes. This formula has worked for them as they shoot the most 3s in the NBA and also hit them at the highest rate of 42% (the next closest team hits 37% of 3s!). Now what’s concerning is that in the 4 Warrior loses, the team collectively has shot 34% from beyond the arc. But then again, we are talking about 4 games out of 43 and if not for some of the injuries, Barnes missed all 4 losses and Curry missed 1, the Warriors might still be undefeated. It’s very evident that the Warriors’ success relies on their 3 point efficiency and teams will look to put their best defenders on Thompson and Curry in order to slow down their offence.

Spurs Physical Defence

The Spurs, on the other hand, have earned the distinction as the NBA’s #1 defence, as they are holding opponents to a measly 89 points per game. The Klaw aka Kawhi Leonard has been the biggest reason behind the Spurs success on the defensive end, with averages of 2 steals and a block per game. The Spurs have always relied on a good defensive scheme in the Popovich era and when you have the luxury of starting one of the all-time greatest defensive players in Tim Duncan, you can see why the Spurs continue to have success year-after-year. However, in the 6 losses, the Spurs defence has allowed opponents to score 100 points a game. Mind you, they have lost to some of the tougher teams in the East and West, but if the Spurs want to push for the home-court advantage, they will need to continue their strong defensive play.

Both teams have dominated the NBA this season on different ends of the court and are currently undefeated at home through the mid-way point of the season. With the 2 teams set to meet 4 times, including January 25th, we’ll get a taste of what the conference finals could look like.

• Shrey

The Fall of the The Brooklyn Nets

When Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov purchased the New Jersey Nets in 2010 he promised two things. The team would be moved to Brooklyn, and an NBA championship. Usually hitting on half of your goals isn’t considered an utter failure, but what Prokhorov and Billy King did to the Nets may have just ruined them for several years to come. Below is a quick timeline of what transactions Billy King performed as the GM of the team (with pressure from Prokhorov of course).

July 2010

Billy King hired as New Jersey Nets president and GM

August 2010

Traded Courtney Lee for Troy Murphy
Murphy was later involved in the Deron Williams trade

February 2011

Traded Derrick Favors, Devin Harris , Troy Murphy, Two future 1^st round picks for Deron Williams and Brandan Wright
 

March 2012

Traded Shawne Williams, Mehmet Okur and TWO first round picks to Portland for Gerald Wallace

Wallace had one year left on the contract

Could’ve outright signed him in the summer

The team already had a losing record, and no good players

July 2012

Signed Deron Williams to max contract

Signed Brook Lopez to max contract

Signed Gerald Wallace to $40M contract

Traded Jordan Farmar, Johan Petro, Anthony Morrow, Deshawn Stevenson, Jordan Williams, First round draft pick for Joe Johnson and ability to swap a future first round pick. Joe Johnson had a terrible contract, why even add picks to the deal…they were doing the Hawks a favour
 

July 2013

Traded Gerald Wallace, Kris Humphries, Marshon Brooks, Kris Joseph, 3 UNPROTECTED first-round picks, and pick swap in 2017 for Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Jason Terry and DJ White
4 picks!! For three players that were definitely out of their primes
 

February 2014

Traded Jason Terry and Reggie Evans for Marcus Thornton
Thornton had a top 15 worst contract in the league at the time, and Reggie Evans was actually very solid for the Nets in rebounding and mentoring
 

June 2014

Traded their Coach Jason Kidd to Milwaukee for two second round picks
 

February 2015

Traded Kevin Garnett for Thaddeus Young
Garnett was on a huge decline and wanted to make a return back to the Wolves
 

June 2015

Traded 2018 + 2019 second round picks for Charlotte’s 2^nd round pick (Juan Pablo Vaulet)
Was JPV a must have player that they had to surrender two more picks? Time will tell
 

August 2015

Nets waive Deron Williams (2 years left on his contract)
This costs the Nets $27.5M over the next five years
 

January 2016

• Billy King fired

The Brooklyn Nets could potentially have a core consisting of Brook Lopez, Derrick Favours and Damian Lillard and still have all their picks but due to very irrational win-now moves they don’t. Instead they have paid over $125 million dollars in luxury tax for a roster that looks unlikely to make the playoffs. With King fired, the new management would have to start clean and trade all their assets for picks –if this is not the goal, the franchise is doomed. At least the 76ers have first round picks and can hope that some of them pan out —the Nets have no hope, absolutely none. What would I do? I would trade Joe Johnson, Thadeus Young and Brook Lopez for picks.  The Nets need a clean slate, and they need it now.

General Basketball: Trade Candidates

Welcome basketball fans to another General Basketball blog by the Super Basketball Bros! We’re almost at the half-way point of the NBA season and we’ve had 2 trades go down between the Grizzlies/Heat and the Pelicans/76ers. Both trades have involved key role players that are now paying dividends in Mario Chalmers and Ish Smith. Fortunately for us, the trade season is just upon us and with the trade deadline slowly creeping up, you can bet that teams will begin to reassess their player personnel in preparation. We are about a month away from the Feb 19^th trade deadline, so let’s see who’s potentially on the trading block.

 

NO-BRAINERS

 

TY LAWSON

This should not come as a surprise to ANYONE after the Rockets and Lawson struggled out of the gate this season. Lawson aggravated the issue with his off-court issues, and has been suspended TWICE for separate DUI’s. At this point, the Rockets would love to rid themselves of Lawson, but the real question is… WHO IS WILLING TO TRADE FOR HIM AND HIS BAGGAGE? While it may seem impossible to garner any value for Lawson, there are a few teams out there who are in dire need of a veteran point guard. Lawsons’ attitude and play as of late might make it easier for teams like the Knicks and Nets to give him a second look.

Trade Prediction: I really think that Lawson is a good fit on a Knicks squad run by Phil Jackson and they desperately need an offensive-minded point guard. This could be a low-risk/high reward situation for the Knicks as his trade value is at an all-time low.

 

MARKIEFF MORRIS

Coming into the 2015-2016 off-season, there was a lot of optimism within the Suns organization and a lot of people thought the Suns would challenge for a playoff spot. NO ONE, ABSOLUTELY NO ONE saw this coming. Drama unfolded to start the off-season, as the Suns traded Markieffs’ twin brother Marcus Morris to the Detroit Pistons, and it resulted in Markieff immediately wanting out of Phoenix. Things have cooled off since, but the tension has remained throughout the season. As of now, Jeff Hornacek has removed Markieff from his starting rotation, with all signs pointing at an eventual trade out of town. There have been many suitors for Morris’ services including the Rockets, Raptors and the Pelicans, but can the Suns honestly get any value for Morris at this point? I doubt it but expect a lot of teams to check-in on Markieff at an attempt to low-ball the Suns.

Trade Prediction: Doesn’t get traded; he is too talented a player to be traded for peanuts. Unless, the Suns can get some real value, as in draft picks or a rotation worthy player. The likelihood that the Suns would have to take on a bad contract in order to unload Markieff Morris is very high, so holding on to him makes more sense. Both sides have attempted to reconcile their differences and hopefully they can work it out.

 

PACK YOUR BAGS… JUST IN CASE!

 

KEVIN MARTIN

The Timberwolves are in the midst of a rebuilding season and have made Kevin Martin available in order to free up the SG slot. Kevin Martin has had an up and down season thus far averaging 11.5 ppg, 2.2 rpg, while hitting 1 three-pointer and currently plays about 15-20 minutes at the SG position behind youngsters LaVine and Wiggins. While Martin still has a lot of basketball left in him, his shooting numbers have been the worst of his career at 36% from the field. Regardless, that hasn’t deterred teams like the Chicago Bull and the Memphis Grizzlies from pursuing the sharp-shooter.

Trade Prediction: I expect Martin to be moved, but the real question is where? While there is genuine interest from the Grizzlies, they don’t want to tie up money on Martins’ 2016-2017 player option with Mike Conley set to become a free-agent in the off-season. But with the rising salary cap, could Martin demand more than 7.3 million annually? Will Martin take this risk to help facilitate a move to a title contender?

 

BRANDON JENNINGS

Just like Kevin Martin, Jennings is currently in a logjam for minutes at the PG position next to Reggie Jackson. Jennings came into the 2015-2016 on the IR with a ruptured left Achilles tendon and is still working his way back into game shape in the month of January. So far in 6 games this year, he’s averaging 7 ppg, 3.8 apg while shooting 35% from the field in less than 20 minutes a game. While the 26-year-old is still shaking off the rust, his presence in the Pistons rotation has given the team another boost heading to the half-way point of the season. Even with only 6 games under his belt, the Knicks and Rockets have shown interest in the 26-year-old, who is set to become free-agent in the off-season. While the Pistons can shore up more minutes for their franchise starter in Reggie Jackson by trading Jennings, Stan Van Gundy has made it clear that he’d love to have Jennings back IF he can agree on his role with the team.

Trade Prediction: Even though most people expect Jennings to end up in a Knick uniform, I really like the idea of Lawson in New York. Having said that, I believe Jennings stays put in Detroit in an attempt to strengthen his Achilles and raise his stock heading into free agency.

 

BLOCKBUSTERS!

 

DEMARCUS COUSINS

Now bear with me as I go through this part of my blog because I know most of you are probably thinking I’ve lost it. But honestly, can we continue to ignore the mismanagement taking place within the Kings organization? Do you guys really think that the Kings will return to the glory days under Vivek Ranadive and Vladi Divac?! I for one don’t think so and at this point does DeMarcus Cousins really buy into what the management is doing? With the Kings sitting at a 15-22 record, 9^th best in the ultra-competitive West, and allowing the most points against in the NBA at 108.6, it might be time for Cousins to jump ship. Every team in the NBA would love to have a talent like Cousins and the right organization will steer him in the right direction.

Trade Prediction: I think the Celtics have the best chance at acquiring Cousins while still giving the Kings enough to start over with the first-round picks and young frontcourt in Jared Sullinger and Kelly Olynyk at their expense. I don’t think the Kings could turn down a trade proposal centred around Olynyk/Sullinger + 2 First-Rd picks for Cousins.

 

HASSAN WHITESIDE

Another potential blockbuster could involve Hassan Whiteside of the Miami Heat. Whiteside seamlessly came out of nowhere last year and became the frontcourt fixture in South Beach.  Whiteside has been a HUGE defensive presence averaging a ridiculous 3.8 blocks per game and continues to rebound at a high rate, 11.1 rpg in 28 mpg, in 2015-2016. So most of you are wondering, why would the Heat entertain moving him?! Well, after the money the Clippers threw at DeAndre Jordan, 4yrs at 88mill, Whiteside figures to make the same if not more with the rising salary cap. The Heat can’t afford to pay Whiteside as a max player with Dwyane Wade set to become a free-agent. Unless Whiteside is willing to take a discount to stay with the Heat, it’s very unlikely that Pat Riley breaks the bank to resign Whiteside.

Trade Prediction: There are a lot of teams out there willing to spend big bucks on a big-time Centre and I would put my money on Dallas pulling a trade for Whiteside considering they were willing to give DeAndre Jordan a 5-year max deal and hold several expiring contracts plus trade assets.

 

Like I mentioned before, there’s a lot of time left between now and the February 19^th NBA trade deadline, so let me know what you guys think of my trade candidates and make sure to comment or give the BROS a shout!

Also, another reminder to go out and vote for your favourite NBA All-Stars, as the Ballot will close in 7 DAYS!! If you’re a big-time Raptors fans (or even a band-wagoner) then WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!?! VOTE FOR KYLE LOWRY AND DEMAR DEROZAN! If you don’t know how, then make sure to watch the following video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLuxCocd6PM).

-Shrey

3 Things the LA Lakers Must Do Now!

Now that Kobe Bryant has announced his retirement for after the end of the 2015-2016 NBA season, Lakers’ Management must move quickly to restore the identity of the once historic and storied franchise.

1. Fire Byron Scott and bring in a Head Coach who will work well with the current Youth Movement.

The coaching of Byron Scott has been very troublesome this season. Many people, including myself, have written the Lakers off this season and expect them to be a lottery team with their current roster. While most agree that the Lakers are in rebuild mode, with up-and-coming youngsters like Julius Randle and D’Angelo Russell. Byron Scott has continued to push the notion that the 2015-2016 Los Angeles Lakers are a playoff-worthy team. Someone needs to remind Byron Scott that the highly competitive Western Conference has had many playoff-worthy teams lose out on playoff spots (the 2014-2015 Pelicans and Thunder finished 9^th and 10^th despite a 45-37 record!!). What’s also troubling is that Byron Scott is capping the minutes of the youngsters (Julius Randle: 28mpg, D’Angelo Russell: 27mpg) and isn’t playing them in key situations or in D’Angelo’s case, the 4^th quarter. While all seems lost in Laker Land, they actually have a good crop of budding youngsters, with Julius Randle, D’Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson. With the right Head coach at the helm, the Lakers should be able to compete for a playoff spot within the next 2-3 years.

 

2. Cap Kobes’ minutes at 20-25, Remove him as the teams’ First Scoring Option.

Kobe Bryant is arguably the greatest basketball player to play since Michael Jordan and has many achievements to his name including 5 NBA Championships!! But it has been tough for Kobe to accept a secondary role on a young team, which has attributed to him having the worst shooting numbers of his NBA career. Up to this point, Kobe Bryant is averaging 15.5 ppg on 30% shooting, while taking 17 shots a game. It’s become very apparent that Kobe doesn’t have the legs to play big minutes, yet he averages 31mpg and it has cost him a few back-to-back games this season. The Lakers need to start monitoring Kobes minutes and cap it around 20-25 min. This not only spreads the minutes between Russell and Clarkson, but it would allow the Lakers to roster Kobe in back-to-back sets. With Kobes minutes down, it will force players like D’Angelo Russell to step up in tough situations, something he hasn’t done thus far. I still think Kobe can be a good mentor and being on the court often will be good for the youngsters, as they hope to carry the Lakers franchise after his retirement.

 

3. Hand Over the Reins to the Future – D’Angelo Russell and Julius Randle.

It’s time for Lakers’ Management to realize that their rookies need more of a run. The rookies have been under-utilized in Byron Scotts’ offensive plan and at times are spectators to the Kobe show. D’Angelo should be playing big minutes considering he is the only true point guard on the team, as back-up Lou Williams is a scoring combo guard. Another problem with the Lakers game plan thus far is that Julius Randle has not been provided a lot of looks in the post, which is his bread-and-butter. These errors are being made because the Lakers themselves have created these unreachable expectations and it has come at the expense of the young Lakers.

__

With Kobe’s farewell tour set to kick off through-out the NBA, the Lakers organization will have to begin thinking about life without Kobe. While this season will bring an end to an illustrious career, it will start a new ERA in Laker land. The days where the Lakers could sign any big free agent are over and Lakers management must move fast to adapt to the changing NBA environment. If they act on my 3 ideas, who knows where they will wind up in 2-3 years…

 

Farewell Kobe,

From the SBBros

 

What do you think? Agree with my ideas? Think I forgot something?

Let me know in the comment section below!

• Shrey

Houston we have a problem

The Houston Rockets fired head coach Kevin McHale earlier this morning. The team had come into the season with high expectations but have started with an abysmal  4-7 record. Before I divulge into whether or not I think it was the right decision, let’s take a step back and look at the coaches the Rockets have had over the last decade.

Coach	Tenure	Record	Win %
Jeff Van Gundy	2003-2007	182-146	0.555
Rick Adelman	2007-2011	193-135	0.588
Kevin McHale	2011-2015	229-181	0.559

At a quick glance, it’s easy to see that not one of the coaches above were losing coaches (below .500), frankly they were actually very good—Eastern Conference top 4 good. But they play in the tough  Western Conference  where sometimes a .585 win percentage won’t even get you in the playoffs ( ask the 2013-2014 Phoenix Suns).  It is also noted that the “leash” for each coach was four years, after that it was time to find a new one. But did McHale really deserve to get fired?

Yes, he does!

• The Rockets have dropped from 6th best offense in the league (2014-15′) to the 15th best since adding a stud point guard in Ty Lawson
• Although not known for his defensive coaching, McHale’s Rockets have dropped to the 29th best defensive team in the league this year (second to last)
• The Rockets made key signings in Ty Lawson, Marcus Thorton and drafted solid young players but McHale hasn’t been able to put it all together
• The Rockets have lost four straight games  — including three in a row at home, they currently sit at 11th place in the Western Conference

No, He does not!

• Since McHale has taken over the Rockets, they have improved in all kinds of ways and have moved up the standings from 9th, 8th, 4th, and just last year they finished 2nd!
• With a successful team last year (56-26) as James Harden being the primary ball handler, its going to take more than 11 games to pass that role over to Ty Lawson
• Last year there were several articles insisting that perhaps McHale should win Coach of the Year! (Bleacher Report, Houston Chronicles etc.)
• Terrence Jones was injured for a while and back-up point guard Patrick Beverley is still ailing

My Verdict

This was a straight up panic move by the Rockets, and they should have let the season play out until Christmas at least before making a change —whether it be players or coach.  I think it was the wrong move.  Does the Lil’ B curse live on?

What are your thoughts?

-KAGE