I spent some time Friday night watching the Bucks-Lakers game and thinking about the type of team Milwaukee is. The Bucks have missed Michael Redd and Desmond Mason for a significant amount of time due to injury. However, they are twenty-third in the NBA in points per game. Though they lack some depth at the end of the bench, they do have a nice collection of young players who can score from outside.
Often times during TNT's studio show, Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith talk about "what type of team are they?". This is referring to the Suns and Warriors being up-tempo teams, the Mavericks being a tough defensive team, the Nuggets having the ability to score a lot of points in bunches, the Spurs as a versatile type of team.
So the Bucks - what type of team are they? I think this identity needs to follow the Suns and Warriors into the fast break mode. With a group of talented guards (Charlie Bell, Mo Williams, Michael Redd), versatile big men (Yi Jianlian, Charlie Villanueva), and wings that can score in transition (Bobby Simmons, Desmond Mason) they seem to have some important pieces. Unlike the Suns, they are missing that big time post player that can get out and run, but I certainly think they would have more success if they began to push the tempo. As they are currently constructed, they play Yi and Villanueva interchangibly - I would play them together. A lineup of Williams, Bell, Redd, Villanueva, and Yi would certainly be able to score. This group would probably struggle to defend, especially in the post, but I doubt the dropoff from Andrew Bogut would be great. In fact, I would look to move Bogut in the offseason since he would no longer fit with the team's plan.
Kansas State freshman, Michael Beasley, would likely be the missing piece for the Bucks to really succeed in an up-tempo offense. Since the 2002-03 season ended with the departure of George Karl, the Bucks have been stuck in a funk trying to figure out their next move. Bringing in a coach that will push the offense and adding a big man with great athleticism would give the Bucks a new look, and likely, a successful one.
Showing posts with label Charles Barkley. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Charles Barkley. Show all posts
Monday, January 14, 2008
Thursday, November 8, 2007
11/8/07 Bulls vs. Pistons
I'll be leaving thoughts tonight here throughout the game. The Bulls are still looking for their first win and tonight they play the undefeated Detroit Pistons. Tonight's game is apart of a TNT doubleheader.
-In the pregame, Charles Barkley said that it is a "copout" to use distractions of the Kobe Bryant trade rumors as the reason for the Bulls' rough start. I couldn't agree more with Barkley on this.
-The Luol Deng-Tayshaun Prince matchup will be especially interesting. Both are long and versatile players who play tough defense. It will be important for Deng to start out the game strong and continue the momentum from his strong game Tuesday night against the Clippers.
-How come we haven't heard about Chris Webber's plans for this season? He is still a free agent and could be a great fit with the Pistons again this season. Webber brings the passing ability from the post that they do not have from any of their current big men. Amir Johnson, Jason Maxiell, Antonio McDyess, Nazr Mohammed, and Rasheed Wallace is a nice collection of post players, but they lack that extra veteran that Webber would bring. Mohammed is signed to a long-term contract, but he brings very little to the team. The Pistons thought that Mohammed would bring rebounding and shot blocking, but they have not gotten any consistency in either area. Beyond Detroit, you would think Phoenix, Cleveland, Boston, New Jersey, Orlando, and the Lakers were have interest in bringing Webber in.
-Although he's had some character issues in the past and picks up way too many technical fouls, Rasheed Wallace has an incredibly high basketball IQ. He knows exactly how to play basketball and is great at identifying mismatches for himself and others. Wallace simply has a great feel for the game.
-Tyrus Thomas often gets too excited after he makes a great play and does too much. This happens most frequently when he'll steal the ball on one end and then try to bring the ball down himself and turn the ball right back over. Thomas needs to get the ball to a guard and continue down court and try to get rewarded with a dunk or easy basket.
-On a positive note for Thomas, he has shown some moves on offense tonight that he hasn't shown before. On one play early, Thomas recognized a slower defender on him, dribbled hard to the left and finished at the basket. On another play, Thomas caught the ball in the post, crab-dribbled twice and turned and scored on a baby hook. This is the type of offensive development the Bulls need to see from Thomas to become a legitimate starting power in the NBA.
-It is alarming to see the differences between an NBA game called on Comcast versus on TNT. Listening to Kevin Harlan and Doug Collins you actually learn things and they identify things you hadn't seen before. With Johnny "Red" Kerr, Tom Dore, and Stacey King, there is very little analysis and a lot of easy criticism. Everything they talk about is "energy" and "hustle" and basketball, especially in the NBA, is much more complex than that. The TNT broadcast is simply a higher level of thinking and analyzing than the regular Bulls Comcast broadcast.
-The Bulls defensively continue to struggle in doubling in the post and fronting post players. They are not rotating well and get burned on it continually. Tonight, Rasheed Wallace is single handidly carrying the Pistons. In previous games this year, Vince Carter and Michael Redd took advantage of small defenders and set themsevles up in the post and the Bulls struggled to handle this situations effectively.
-Doug Collins said he believes the Bulls' struggles are simply due to "missing shots" and "not finishing games". I couldn't agree with him more. He feels like they could have won three of the four games they've played this season and seems to be optimistic on his thoughts around the Bulls. Outside of the 76ers game where they were outscored in the second half by ten points, they have been right there at the end of each game. In New Jersey, the Bulls couldn't convert on a game winning possession. In Milwaukee, the Bulls were down five points with the ball with just under two minutes left. Against the Clippers, the Bulls were up by four with four minutes left, but then did not make another field goal the rest of the game. Although they are winless, they have not played as bad as some have made them out to have played.
-The Bulls are up six points right now with eight minutes left in the game. For Chicago to hold on and get their first win, they need to defend Rasheed Wallace effectively and rotate well off him. On offense, they need their big three of Hinrich, Gordon, and Deng need to stay aggressive.
-Andres Nocioni's three point attempts during his four years with the Bulls, coming into tonight: 2004-05 - 1.20
2005-06 - 2.90
2006-07 - 3.94
2007-09 - 5.00.
I question why he has become less aggressive going to the basket and has been settling for three point shots. I can understand taking a three off one of the guards' penetration, but a lot of his three point shots have been forced.
-Tonight was Luol Deng's best night scoring from the post position or low block. He has great balance and a large wingspan and really takes advantage of that. One problem thus far has been when the opposition sends a double team he does not recognize it well. This should be corrected as he and the rest of the team becomes more experienced with Deng in that spot. Another reason the Bulls have not had as much success with Deng in the post position is because of difficulty throwing the entry pass. This seems like a fundamental issue to me, but the Bulls have had a handful of turnovers trying to get Deng the ball on the block.
-With four minutes left in the game and the Bulls up five, it's interesting to see that Scott Skiles is going with Joe Smith over Ben Wallace. Smith has been the Bulls' most consistent big man this season and he has a hot hand tonight. Hopefully, he will continue to knock down the midrange shot in the next several minutes and the Bulls will come away with the victory.
-The Bulls came away tonight with the victory because they got big stops when they needed it. It really felt like a playoff atmosphere tonight at the United Center, and I am sure everyone within the organization is relieved to get their first win. However, they can't enjoy it for long because they have to come back and play Toronto on Saturday night before going on the road for six consecutive games.
-In the pregame, Charles Barkley said that it is a "copout" to use distractions of the Kobe Bryant trade rumors as the reason for the Bulls' rough start. I couldn't agree more with Barkley on this.
-The Luol Deng-Tayshaun Prince matchup will be especially interesting. Both are long and versatile players who play tough defense. It will be important for Deng to start out the game strong and continue the momentum from his strong game Tuesday night against the Clippers.
-How come we haven't heard about Chris Webber's plans for this season? He is still a free agent and could be a great fit with the Pistons again this season. Webber brings the passing ability from the post that they do not have from any of their current big men. Amir Johnson, Jason Maxiell, Antonio McDyess, Nazr Mohammed, and Rasheed Wallace is a nice collection of post players, but they lack that extra veteran that Webber would bring. Mohammed is signed to a long-term contract, but he brings very little to the team. The Pistons thought that Mohammed would bring rebounding and shot blocking, but they have not gotten any consistency in either area. Beyond Detroit, you would think Phoenix, Cleveland, Boston, New Jersey, Orlando, and the Lakers were have interest in bringing Webber in.
-Although he's had some character issues in the past and picks up way too many technical fouls, Rasheed Wallace has an incredibly high basketball IQ. He knows exactly how to play basketball and is great at identifying mismatches for himself and others. Wallace simply has a great feel for the game.
-Tyrus Thomas often gets too excited after he makes a great play and does too much. This happens most frequently when he'll steal the ball on one end and then try to bring the ball down himself and turn the ball right back over. Thomas needs to get the ball to a guard and continue down court and try to get rewarded with a dunk or easy basket.
-On a positive note for Thomas, he has shown some moves on offense tonight that he hasn't shown before. On one play early, Thomas recognized a slower defender on him, dribbled hard to the left and finished at the basket. On another play, Thomas caught the ball in the post, crab-dribbled twice and turned and scored on a baby hook. This is the type of offensive development the Bulls need to see from Thomas to become a legitimate starting power in the NBA.
-It is alarming to see the differences between an NBA game called on Comcast versus on TNT. Listening to Kevin Harlan and Doug Collins you actually learn things and they identify things you hadn't seen before. With Johnny "Red" Kerr, Tom Dore, and Stacey King, there is very little analysis and a lot of easy criticism. Everything they talk about is "energy" and "hustle" and basketball, especially in the NBA, is much more complex than that. The TNT broadcast is simply a higher level of thinking and analyzing than the regular Bulls Comcast broadcast.
-The Bulls defensively continue to struggle in doubling in the post and fronting post players. They are not rotating well and get burned on it continually. Tonight, Rasheed Wallace is single handidly carrying the Pistons. In previous games this year, Vince Carter and Michael Redd took advantage of small defenders and set themsevles up in the post and the Bulls struggled to handle this situations effectively.
-Doug Collins said he believes the Bulls' struggles are simply due to "missing shots" and "not finishing games". I couldn't agree with him more. He feels like they could have won three of the four games they've played this season and seems to be optimistic on his thoughts around the Bulls. Outside of the 76ers game where they were outscored in the second half by ten points, they have been right there at the end of each game. In New Jersey, the Bulls couldn't convert on a game winning possession. In Milwaukee, the Bulls were down five points with the ball with just under two minutes left. Against the Clippers, the Bulls were up by four with four minutes left, but then did not make another field goal the rest of the game. Although they are winless, they have not played as bad as some have made them out to have played.
-The Bulls are up six points right now with eight minutes left in the game. For Chicago to hold on and get their first win, they need to defend Rasheed Wallace effectively and rotate well off him. On offense, they need their big three of Hinrich, Gordon, and Deng need to stay aggressive.
-Andres Nocioni's three point attempts during his four years with the Bulls, coming into tonight: 2004-05 - 1.20
2005-06 - 2.90
2006-07 - 3.94
2007-09 - 5.00.
I question why he has become less aggressive going to the basket and has been settling for three point shots. I can understand taking a three off one of the guards' penetration, but a lot of his three point shots have been forced.
-Tonight was Luol Deng's best night scoring from the post position or low block. He has great balance and a large wingspan and really takes advantage of that. One problem thus far has been when the opposition sends a double team he does not recognize it well. This should be corrected as he and the rest of the team becomes more experienced with Deng in that spot. Another reason the Bulls have not had as much success with Deng in the post position is because of difficulty throwing the entry pass. This seems like a fundamental issue to me, but the Bulls have had a handful of turnovers trying to get Deng the ball on the block.
-With four minutes left in the game and the Bulls up five, it's interesting to see that Scott Skiles is going with Joe Smith over Ben Wallace. Smith has been the Bulls' most consistent big man this season and he has a hot hand tonight. Hopefully, he will continue to knock down the midrange shot in the next several minutes and the Bulls will come away with the victory.
-The Bulls came away tonight with the victory because they got big stops when they needed it. It really felt like a playoff atmosphere tonight at the United Center, and I am sure everyone within the organization is relieved to get their first win. However, they can't enjoy it for long because they have to come back and play Toronto on Saturday night before going on the road for six consecutive games.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Is Trading a Superstar Worthwhile?
With so many superstars being rumored to be traded, I wanted to take a look at how this type of acquisition has fared in the past. After examining this, I hope it can be determined based on past history whether the Lakers (Kobe Bryant), Timberwolves (Kevin Garnett), and Pacers (Jermaine O'Neal) should trade their top guys or hold onto them and look to improve the supporting cast.
Let's take a look at the superstars who were traded since 1990:
Charles Barkley
8/19/91: Philadelphia 76ers traded to Phoenix Suns
(Jeff Hornacek, Tim Perry and Andrew Lang)
After the 76ers traded Barkley, they endured five straight seasons of less than 30 wins. It took seven years after trading Barkley for Philadelphia to get back to the playoffs. On the other end, Barkley was the last piece of the puzzle for the Suns. In Barkley's first season in Phoenix, 1992-93, the Suns made it to the NBA finals before losing to the Chicago Bulls. During Barkley's stay in Phoenix, the Suns made it to the playoffs every season. Hornacek only played two seasons with Philadelphia before being traded to Utah. Perry and Lang were non-factors for Philadelphia.
Winner: Phoenix Suns
Jason Kidd
7/18/01: Phoenix Suns to New Jersey Nets
(with Chris Dudley for Stephon Marbury, Johnny Newman, and Soumaila Samake)
Kidd's impact in New Jersey was felt immediately. He teamed with Kenyon Martin, Kerry Kittles, and Richard Jefferson to reach the NBA finals in both the 2001-02 and 2002-03 seasons. During Kidd's stay, the Nets have made the playoffs each year. Marbury's selfish play handcuffed the Suns' franchise, and they only made the playoffs once during his stay there. None of the other players involved in the trade were contributors for their teams.
Winner: New Jersey Nets
Tracy McGrady
6/29/04: Orlando Magic to Houston Rockets
(with Juwan Howard, Reece Gaines, and Tyronn Lue for Steve Francis, Kelvin Cato, and Cuttino Mobley)
At the end of the 2003-04 season, the Magic decided that it needed to move McGrady in order for them to bring in more talent and get past the first round of the playoffs. In a large, blockbuster deal, the Magic moved McGrady along with others to bring in three players that could start for them. Unfortunately, the trade did not work out for the Magic and they went 21-61 in the 2003-04 season. In retrospect, the Magic should have continued to develop players around McGrady and by now, they would probably be competing to be on top of the East. The trade has not worked overly well for the Rockets because of some back injuries to McGrady. However, the Rockets will look to compete for the title this year.
Winner: Houston Rockets
Shaquille O'Neal
7/14/04: Los Angeles Lakers to Miami Heat
(Lamar Odom, Caron Butler, Brian Grant, and one first round draft pick)
O'Neal and the Magic won the NBA title in 2005-06 and are the winners in this trade. Although Odom, Butler, and Grant were key parts to Miami's success, the opportunity to win a title was too much for them to pass up. Although the Heat at this point look like they are beginning a downward trend in their success as O'Neal ages, I'm sure the Heat would still do the trend knowing they would win a title. The Lakers have not been able to truly contend for the championship since making this trade. There chances were increasingly hurt when they traded Caron Butler and Chucky Atkins for Kwame Brown.
Winner: Miami Heat
Vince Carter
12/17/04: Toronto Raptors to New Jersey Nets
(Alonzo Mourning, Aaron Williams, Eric Williams and two first round draft picks)
Although his hand was forced by Carter's public trade demand, Raptors' general manager at-the-time, Rob Babcock, got twenty-five cents on the dollar for Carter. None of the players that the Raptors got in return for Carter were significant contributors for the Raptors. Meanwhile, Carter was only 28 years old when he was traded to the Nets, and has averaged at least 24 points per game during his time with the Nets. The Nets have reached the postseason during Carter's two full years with the Nets, including an Eastern conference semifinals appearance in 2005-06.
Winner: New Jersey Nets
Baron Davis
2/24/05: New Orleans Hornets to Golden State Warriors
(Speedy Claxton and Dale Davis)
The Warriors acquired a 25 year old scoring point guard when they brought Davis in from New Orleans. Although he has been injured frequently during his time with the Warriors, this past season was a huge success the organization. The Hornets saw salary cap relief through this trade, which later allowed them to bring in Peja Stojakovic and Bobby Jackson. However, Davis is clearly the better player of the three, and the Warriors will look to compete for the Western conference title this year.
Winner: Golden State Warriors
Ron Artest
1/25/06: Indiana Pacers to Sacramento Kings
(Peja Stojakovic)
This trade is the hardest to judge because of what it did for each. At the time, the Pacers hand was forced by Artest's negative attitude. They had to trade Artest and the Kings were willing to take a risk with him. Unfortunately, Stojakovic did not help the Pacers get past the first round of the playoffs in 2005-06 and he then left for New Orleans the next offseason. The Pacers only got 40 total games from Stojakovic. They did receive cap relief when Stojakovic left, but they wasted it on Al Harrington, who eventually was traded to Golden State. This trade really was the end of Indiana's strong run as a title contender. In Sacramento, Artest has struggled to stay focused, and the Kings only won 33 games and Artest struggled to coincide with point guard, Mike Bibby. This season will be a pivotal one for Artest's legacy in Sacramento, but the Kings only project to be a fringe playoff team. At this point, I cannot say that either team benefitted from this trade.
Winner: Push
Allen Iverson
12/19/06: Philadelphia 76ers to Denver Nuggets
(Andre Miller, Joe Smith, and two first round draft picks)
76ers general manager, Billy King, most likely missed his chance to gain equal value for Iverson several times during his career. Last season, the 76ers finally decided to pull the trigger and move him for a group not as talented as him. Miller still has over $19,000,000 and two years left on his contract and Smith left this offseason to join the Chicago Bulls. Philadelphia used both picks that they received from Denver this year and came away with Colorado power forward, Jason Smith, and Vanderbilt guard, Derrick Byars. Denver won 45 games this season and lost in the first round of the playoffs. This season is a big year for the Nuggets, but either way, acquiring Iverson certainly made them a better team.
Winner: Denver Nuggets
So when you look back, it appears that the winning team of each trade has not been the team moving the superstar. Although in some cases the team was stuck and had to move their star for off-the-court reasons, this still has not turned out well for them. In the case of Barkley and Carter, these top-of-the-line players publicly demanded a trade, therefore handcuffing their own team. With Kidd, the Suns were concerned with his image after he was arrested for alleged domestic violence. Orlando felt that the team had reached its peak with McGrady, so they moved him for multiple potential starters. O'Neal was move because a well-documented feud with fellow superstar, Kobe Bryant. In the case of Baron Davis, it was believed that he was not getting along with coach Byron Scott and was often injured. In Artest's case, the Pacers felt like he had become such a distraction that they had to move him. With Iverson, the franchise was falling quickly and the 76ers hope to rebuild without their former star.
Two more all-stars were traded since last season when Seattle moved Ray Allen to the Celtics and Portland taded Zach Randolph to the Knicks. It is too early to tell how these moves will turnout, but based on history, the two teams acquiring these players will most likely come out ahead.
After examining the past, it is obvious that the team trading the superstar is never receiving equal value and that squad struggles for the next several seasons. These superstars tend to get traded for less than fifty cents on the dollar and it hurts the franchise for years to come. The Pacers, Timberwolves, and Lakers need to consider this when they are discussing trade O'Neal, Garnett, and Bryant.
Let's take a look at the superstars who were traded since 1990:
Charles Barkley
8/19/91: Philadelphia 76ers traded to Phoenix Suns
(Jeff Hornacek, Tim Perry and Andrew Lang)
After the 76ers traded Barkley, they endured five straight seasons of less than 30 wins. It took seven years after trading Barkley for Philadelphia to get back to the playoffs. On the other end, Barkley was the last piece of the puzzle for the Suns. In Barkley's first season in Phoenix, 1992-93, the Suns made it to the NBA finals before losing to the Chicago Bulls. During Barkley's stay in Phoenix, the Suns made it to the playoffs every season. Hornacek only played two seasons with Philadelphia before being traded to Utah. Perry and Lang were non-factors for Philadelphia.
Winner: Phoenix Suns
Jason Kidd
7/18/01: Phoenix Suns to New Jersey Nets
(with Chris Dudley for Stephon Marbury, Johnny Newman, and Soumaila Samake)
Kidd's impact in New Jersey was felt immediately. He teamed with Kenyon Martin, Kerry Kittles, and Richard Jefferson to reach the NBA finals in both the 2001-02 and 2002-03 seasons. During Kidd's stay, the Nets have made the playoffs each year. Marbury's selfish play handcuffed the Suns' franchise, and they only made the playoffs once during his stay there. None of the other players involved in the trade were contributors for their teams.
Winner: New Jersey Nets
Tracy McGrady
6/29/04: Orlando Magic to Houston Rockets
(with Juwan Howard, Reece Gaines, and Tyronn Lue for Steve Francis, Kelvin Cato, and Cuttino Mobley)
At the end of the 2003-04 season, the Magic decided that it needed to move McGrady in order for them to bring in more talent and get past the first round of the playoffs. In a large, blockbuster deal, the Magic moved McGrady along with others to bring in three players that could start for them. Unfortunately, the trade did not work out for the Magic and they went 21-61 in the 2003-04 season. In retrospect, the Magic should have continued to develop players around McGrady and by now, they would probably be competing to be on top of the East. The trade has not worked overly well for the Rockets because of some back injuries to McGrady. However, the Rockets will look to compete for the title this year.
Winner: Houston Rockets
Shaquille O'Neal
7/14/04: Los Angeles Lakers to Miami Heat
(Lamar Odom, Caron Butler, Brian Grant, and one first round draft pick)
O'Neal and the Magic won the NBA title in 2005-06 and are the winners in this trade. Although Odom, Butler, and Grant were key parts to Miami's success, the opportunity to win a title was too much for them to pass up. Although the Heat at this point look like they are beginning a downward trend in their success as O'Neal ages, I'm sure the Heat would still do the trend knowing they would win a title. The Lakers have not been able to truly contend for the championship since making this trade. There chances were increasingly hurt when they traded Caron Butler and Chucky Atkins for Kwame Brown.
Winner: Miami Heat
Vince Carter
12/17/04: Toronto Raptors to New Jersey Nets
(Alonzo Mourning, Aaron Williams, Eric Williams and two first round draft picks)
Although his hand was forced by Carter's public trade demand, Raptors' general manager at-the-time, Rob Babcock, got twenty-five cents on the dollar for Carter. None of the players that the Raptors got in return for Carter were significant contributors for the Raptors. Meanwhile, Carter was only 28 years old when he was traded to the Nets, and has averaged at least 24 points per game during his time with the Nets. The Nets have reached the postseason during Carter's two full years with the Nets, including an Eastern conference semifinals appearance in 2005-06.
Winner: New Jersey Nets
Baron Davis
2/24/05: New Orleans Hornets to Golden State Warriors
(Speedy Claxton and Dale Davis)
The Warriors acquired a 25 year old scoring point guard when they brought Davis in from New Orleans. Although he has been injured frequently during his time with the Warriors, this past season was a huge success the organization. The Hornets saw salary cap relief through this trade, which later allowed them to bring in Peja Stojakovic and Bobby Jackson. However, Davis is clearly the better player of the three, and the Warriors will look to compete for the Western conference title this year.
Winner: Golden State Warriors
Ron Artest
1/25/06: Indiana Pacers to Sacramento Kings
(Peja Stojakovic)
This trade is the hardest to judge because of what it did for each. At the time, the Pacers hand was forced by Artest's negative attitude. They had to trade Artest and the Kings were willing to take a risk with him. Unfortunately, Stojakovic did not help the Pacers get past the first round of the playoffs in 2005-06 and he then left for New Orleans the next offseason. The Pacers only got 40 total games from Stojakovic. They did receive cap relief when Stojakovic left, but they wasted it on Al Harrington, who eventually was traded to Golden State. This trade really was the end of Indiana's strong run as a title contender. In Sacramento, Artest has struggled to stay focused, and the Kings only won 33 games and Artest struggled to coincide with point guard, Mike Bibby. This season will be a pivotal one for Artest's legacy in Sacramento, but the Kings only project to be a fringe playoff team. At this point, I cannot say that either team benefitted from this trade.
Winner: Push
Allen Iverson
12/19/06: Philadelphia 76ers to Denver Nuggets
(Andre Miller, Joe Smith, and two first round draft picks)
76ers general manager, Billy King, most likely missed his chance to gain equal value for Iverson several times during his career. Last season, the 76ers finally decided to pull the trigger and move him for a group not as talented as him. Miller still has over $19,000,000 and two years left on his contract and Smith left this offseason to join the Chicago Bulls. Philadelphia used both picks that they received from Denver this year and came away with Colorado power forward, Jason Smith, and Vanderbilt guard, Derrick Byars. Denver won 45 games this season and lost in the first round of the playoffs. This season is a big year for the Nuggets, but either way, acquiring Iverson certainly made them a better team.
Winner: Denver Nuggets
So when you look back, it appears that the winning team of each trade has not been the team moving the superstar. Although in some cases the team was stuck and had to move their star for off-the-court reasons, this still has not turned out well for them. In the case of Barkley and Carter, these top-of-the-line players publicly demanded a trade, therefore handcuffing their own team. With Kidd, the Suns were concerned with his image after he was arrested for alleged domestic violence. Orlando felt that the team had reached its peak with McGrady, so they moved him for multiple potential starters. O'Neal was move because a well-documented feud with fellow superstar, Kobe Bryant. In the case of Baron Davis, it was believed that he was not getting along with coach Byron Scott and was often injured. In Artest's case, the Pacers felt like he had become such a distraction that they had to move him. With Iverson, the franchise was falling quickly and the 76ers hope to rebuild without their former star.
Two more all-stars were traded since last season when Seattle moved Ray Allen to the Celtics and Portland taded Zach Randolph to the Knicks. It is too early to tell how these moves will turnout, but based on history, the two teams acquiring these players will most likely come out ahead.
After examining the past, it is obvious that the team trading the superstar is never receiving equal value and that squad struggles for the next several seasons. These superstars tend to get traded for less than fifty cents on the dollar and it hurts the franchise for years to come. The Pacers, Timberwolves, and Lakers need to consider this when they are discussing trade O'Neal, Garnett, and Bryant.
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