NBA Trade Deadline Roundup – Dissecting Atlantic Division Deals
Toronto Raptors:
Trades/Moves:
Raptors GM Masai Ujiri hasn’t taken a step wrong since returning to the 6ix. He offloaded Rudy Gay in a move that sparked the initial rise of the franchise. When he accomplished the previously thought impossible (moving Andrea Bargnani) and came out ahead with the Knicks unprotected 2016 draft pick, his reputation began to grow in earnest.
By the time he offloaded Greivis Vasquez for Norman Powell and the Clippers’ first-round 2017 draft pick, he cemented his moniker as the Magician.
The latter was paired with Terrence Ross in what can only be deemed a steal to obtain Serge Ibaka. Considering what Orlando Magic, GM Rob Hennigan gave up to acquire Ibaka this trade felt like a steal of gigantic proportions.
Just as the NBA Trade Deadline clock was about to signal “time’s up” Ujiri filled the one hole the Raptors needed to plug with P.J. Tucker. No question, this trade went down to the wire because Phoenix wanted a first-round pick for Tucker, but with no suitors lining up Ryan McDonough accepted Ujiri’s last-second offering.
Trade 1:
Toronto Raptors receive:
PF/C – Serge Ibaka: 15.1 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 1.0 APG, 49.0% FG%, 38.7% 3PFG%, 84.6% FT%, 1.6 BlkPG
Orlando Magic receive:
- SG/SF – Terrence Ross
- 2017 first-round pick (this pick will be the lower of the two Raptors first-round picks, their own or the Clippers obtained in the Vasquez trade)
Trade 2:
Toronto Raptors receive::
SF – P.J. Tucker: 6.5 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 0.6 APG, 40.2% FG%, 30.3% 3PFG%, 79.5% FT%
Phoenix Suns receive:
- PF/C- Jared Sullinger
- 2017 and 2018 second-round picks
The Fit:
Without a doubt, Serge Ibaka fits the Raptors far better than he did the Magic. Given his ability to play both power forward and center he also offers versatility for Dwane Casey on a level, he’s never experienced. And, with Jonas Valanciunas never seizing the opportunity to become the consistent third scoring option, Ibaka’s presence serves to either open that door for J.V. or he can claim it for himself.
While Ibaka fills a hole that’s been empty since the exit of Chris Bosh, arguably Tucker is an even more important addition. The fact Tucker owned a positive 1.6 defensive box differential while playing for the 27th ranked Suns’ defense speaks to his prowess on that end. Tucker fills the hole left in the Ross trade. In fact, the gap felt with the loss of James Johnson this past summer was immediate given his size, grit, and energy. In essence, Tucker provides a combination of what those former small forwards provided.
In their first outing together as Raptors, the benefits became immediately clear. Even without Kyle Lowry (the Raptors best two-way player), Toronto locked down the Celtics in the fourth quarter limiting them to 20 points. Further, the NBA’s leading fourth-quarter points producer (Thomas) scored a mere 4 points (1 via a free throw).
Final Grade: A+
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- Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder
Ultimately the Raptors needed an upgrade at the power forward, depth at small forward, defensive upgrades, and grit. They checked off every single box and in this scribes opinion constructed the most versatile roster in the East.
Although the Warriors have their death lineup, a look at the new Raptors roster showcases a myriad of lineups Casey can utilize. With Patrick Patterson back healthy, fans in the 6ix are salivating over thoughts of how good Lowry, DeRozan, Carroll, Patterson, and Ibaka can be in the clutch.
Certainly, this lineup features defensive upgrades, but consider the fact four of those players shoot over 35% from the perimeter (37.7% average).
How the Atlantic division trades affect the OKC Thunder:
OKC will face Brooklyn and Toronto on the road and host Philly in March. As for long term effects the only teams the Thunder may see beyond that this season would require playoff upsets on both sides of the Conferences. It’s not likely, (nor I’m sure a result Adam Silver is anxious to witness), but it sure would make one Toronto native happy if the Raptors and Thunder met late this Spring.