Blockbuster trades raise questions
Because of a couple of blockbuster trades, the balance of power in the NBA’s Western Conference has shifted dramatically the past couple of weeks. That’s also raised a few questions that need answering.
Can Shaquille O’Neal play in the Phoenix Suns’ high-powered, fast-paced offense?
There is not much difference between these Suns and the “Showtime” Los Angeles Lakers for whom Kareem Abdul-Jabbar played in the latter stages of his career. Kareem rebounded and the Lakers ran. He defended and the Lakers ran. When it was a half-court set, the ball went to the Big Fella.
This will be pretty similar for the Suns, who, in the past, could resort to only one play in the half-court: the pick and roll. The Suns became very predictable and very easy to defend, in contrast to the problems they presented opponents in transition.
I’ve also always felt it was easy for older players to play in a quicker-paced setting because the game was played more north to south. Playing side to side, east to west, is what tires you. All-Star games are always played north to south and Shaq hasn’t had any problem in those.
One potential down side to the trade is that it shortens the Suns’ opportunity to win a championship. It’s this season or next season and that’s it. Aware Steve Nash just turned 34, Phoenix needs to be realistic as to how much longer he’ll be the league’s top point guard. Especially with Chris Paul and Deron Williams knocking at the door.
Are the Lakers for real? It’s easy to see what Pau Gasol brings to the team: His skills complement those of Kobe Bryant. Lamar Odom is good and Andrew Bynum is the foundation of the Lakers’ future success, but Gasol will make the difference in this season.
Gasol is a versatile low-post threat. In international play with Spain, he has been arguably the best power forward in the world. He brings what Rasheed Wallace brought to the Detroit Pistons a few years ago – he lets everyone inside and outside the franchise know the Lakers intend to challenge for a championship this season and no longer settle for just making the playoffs.
The Lakers are no longer the underdog; they’re a favorite to win the Western Conference. Mitch Kupchak went from the most maligned GM in the NBA to possibly Executive of the Year.
Can the San Antonio Spurs and Dallas Mavericks not make substantial changes to their rosters and expect to remain legitimate title contenders?
No. The Spurs can’t afford to rely solely on Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili because, even in winning last season’s championship, they weren’t that far ahead of their Western competitors. If Robert Horry doesn’t hip check Nash into the scorer’s table, the Spurs could have been eliminated in the second round.
The Mavericks, meanwhile, are still searching for the number of the train that hit them in the first round of last season’s playoffs. Dirk Nowitzki and his teammates have to prove they can weather the pressure of the postseason, which is one reason why Dallas is rumored to have shown interest in trying to trade for New Jersey Nets point guard Jason Kidd.
The New Orleans Hornets and Utah Jazz might be able to get away without making any other significant roster additions because of their youth. Both teams are still trying to figure out what they actually have and, unlike last season, the Hornets are actually close to healthy.
The Jazz also already made one important trade, acquiring sharp-shooting Kyle Korver from the Philadelphia 76ers. Since arriving, Korver has helped spread the floor for Williams and Carlos Boozer.
