Before the NBA buyout season these are early thoughts on this year’s trades at the deadline:
- The big winner is obviously the Phoenix Suns because they got the best player out there. Right now they have the best starting five in the league. Don’t give them the title just yet because you have to think about their health going forward. Kevin Durant and Chris Paul are older and have had problems with injuries. The other problem is their bench is thin. They should be active in the buyout market.
- The Lakers have improved immeasurably. They now have some depth, something they badly needed. I don’t think they can play with the conference big boys, Denver and Phoenix. However they now become a tough out in the playoffs and are a team that nobody wants to play in the playoffs.
- The Eastern Conference lost some stars in the last few days and it now looks like Milwaukee and Boston are the class of the division. Boston needs the number one seed because Milwaukee, with the addition of Jae Crowder, are the best team in the division. Boston needs the home court to beat them.
- The Nets did well in a bad situation. They now have a group of good three and D players. They need a star to be able to compete with the top teams in the division. At present they look like a play-in team. If Cam Thomas is legit all bets are off.
- It took Minnesota a long time to figure out D’Angelo Russell wasn’t the answer at point guard. Russell thought he was much better than he is, although he’s a good streak shooter. His desire to try to take over games down the stretch was foolish considering the teammates he had. Mike Conley is a good addition because he makes his teammates better. The only problem is his age and the injury problems he had.
- Any prediction on how Dallas will do is just a wild guess. So much hinges on Kyrie and as we have learned time and again it’s impossible to know what he’s thinking. The good news for Dallas is he is in his contract year and should be on good behavior.
- Is that all Utah could get for the three players they dealt?
- Can anyone tell me what the Raptors are thinking when you do, please let me know.
- Jalen McDaniels was a sneaky good pickup by Philadelphia.
- Detroit getting Wiseman is a good risk to take although Saddiq Bey can play. There’s something we don’t know as to why Detroit traded him. The only question I have is how many centers do you need. At present they have Jalen Duren, Nerlens Noel, Marvin Bagley and Isaiah Stewart.
- The Knicks made a good deal in acquiring Josh Hart. The problem is they are loaded with players like him. Quentin Grimes and Miles McBride are nice young players that need playing time to develop. RJ Barrett, Jalen Brunson and Immanuel Quickley are experienced players that are productive. Are there enough minutes to go around.
