Breaking down the NBA Trade Deadline

The NBA was the topic of choice for the last few weeks amidst the many rumors surrounding the trade deadline. Their were several big names floating around such as Shawn Marion, Amare Stoudamire, Chris Bosh and Rasheed Wallace. Sadly, only 1 of the above mentioned names was moved. Fans love to see trades, and new dynamics assembled in the league (Bostons Big 3) which can alter the balance of power from East to West. Here is a look at some trades I like, and some that made no sense.

Rafer Alston to the Orlando Magic

The Magic have lost Jameer Nelson for the season so they were in a dire need for a point guard to keep that high powered offense moving through the playoffs. Enter Skip to my Lou! The trade brings Alston to Orlando in a 3 way deal that sends Kyle Lowery of the Grizz to Houston and Brian Cook and Adonal Foyle go to the Rockets. This trade is a steal for Orlando who gave up 2 bench players for a starting point guard with playoff experience. Houston gets Kyle Lowry who is a better shooter than Alston but not a great passer. I'm not sure who will start Lowry or the quick trigger Brooks who has been great off the bench. The Grizz seem like the clear losers in this trade especially if Mike Conley doesn't step up and earn his starting job.

Shawn Marion to Toronto

The Miami Heat have been dangling Shawn Marion as bait around the league all season long, with no big time takers. Finally they choice to address their low post problem and bring in Jermaine Oneal. Once Marion was traded last season I felt as if Marion's value would drop if he wasn't moved in the off season. Playing in the 7 seconds or less offense has a tendency to make any player look better than they really are, and that's what happened with Marion. With no consistent go-to-move Marion was exposed in the half court offense of the Heat and his value plummeted. I believe had the Heat had moved him as early as July they could have possibly gotten Boozer and another young stud to pair with Wade. Oh well! Now the Heat have to absorb Oneal's massive contract ($23 Million next year) and hope to make a playoff push and keep J.O healthy in the process.

Larry Hughes to the Knicks

The Knicks are always in the mix come deadline team each year, but this year they took the high road and made the small deal instead of trying to hit the home run. They acquired Larry Hughes from the Bulls in exchange for Tim Thomas, Jerome James, and Anthony Roberson. By doing this the Knicks get a true 2 guard, but I'm not sure how he will fit into the 7 seconds or less offense of Mike D'Antoni with limited range on his jump shot. Is it me or does it seem as if the Knicks and Bulls are just loading up on players who will have no impact on their run to the playoffs. Really don't see how this trade is a benefit to either team other than to save some money. Hopefully while they are trimming the payroll, they can keep fans in the seat.

Peace,
Agent 34

"Think with your Dipstick"

This is one of the funniest commercials that I saw on Superbowl Sunday. I'm not sure why I like the little Irish guy running around smacking people with dipsticks, but Castrol was a big winner with this entertaining spot. You be the judge.

N.Y. Swag

Whomever made the schedule for the New York Knicks this season obviously has a grudge on the once proud franchise. Kobe on Monday, LeBron on Wednesday, with a 3-course meal of the Celtics on Friday. Wow! I'm sure the Knicks will be sure to send some courtside tickets to the schedule makers next year. Arguably the 2 best players in the NBA, followed by the defending champions proved to be too much for the Knicks as they went 0-3 during those home games. Not only did they lose the games but records were set in the process. Which one do you think was more impressive?
Kobe set a new Madison Square Garden record by topping Bernard Kings record of 60 points with a 61 point performance; the second highest of his career. It was an almost flawless game from KB24 as he hit difficult shot after difficult shot while doing so in the flow of the game. This great feat was accomplished while playing only 37 mins and going 19-31 from the floor, and 20-20 from the charity stripe. More importantly the fans at MSG gave Kobe a curtain call with chants of MVP, something that NY legend Spike Lee has never seen before...not even from Jordan.
LeBron had a tough act to follow on Wednesday but he is rarely one to disappoint . It was originally thought that he scored 52pts, 11ast, 10rbs, but the league office took away a rebound to leave him one shy of a triple double. That would have put LeBron in elite company as only the second player since Kareem Abdul Jabbar to record a triple double while scoring 50 points. With all that aside his performance was incredible to say the least. LeBron's jump shot seems to always improve when he is playing on the biggest stage in the NBA. He hit two 3 pointers and reeled in 16 free throws along the way.


From a statistical point of view LeBron is the winner, although if you are a student of the game (like me) then you will understand that LeBrons 52 was hard fought and not as seamless as Kobes 61. Talk amongst yourselves and be the judge...who had the better performance?

'Peace
Agent 34