How trade deadline affects OKC Thunder amid winners and losers

Detroit Pistons:

Although the Pistons sit on the precipice of the Eastern Conference playoff seeds the addition of Blake Griffin has reinvigorated the Pistons. Andre Drummond is reaping massive rewards from the arrival of Griffin. Stanley Johnson who was thought to be a potential trade chip has seemingly rediscovered the form witnessed in his rookie season.

And, all of this is occurring without the services of starting point guard Reggie Jackson who was felled by a third-degree ankle sprain.

To that end, the under the radar move to grab Jameer Nelson was may well prove to pay the biggest dividends. Stan Van Gundy worked with Nelson in Orlando the Piston’s coach is well aware of Nelson’s ability to run a squad or hit a crucial three.  His defensive ability won’t sink the team like Ish Smith and maybe most importantly Nelson is extremely valuable running pick and roll with the bigs or moving the ball. His I.Q. is above par and he’s one of those point guards who simply has the ability to calm the storm.

Secondary Moves:

The other move was the Pistons picked up James Ennis from Memphis sending Brice Johnson (who came over as part of the Griffin trade) plus a second-round pick. Ennis is another low key get who can provide serviceable minutes off the bench.

While many will examine the copious deals made by Cleveland these three players address specific concerns for Detroit.  My gut says they also push the Pistons up the ladder where I suspect they finish in the sixth seed, or possibly higher.

Initially, I felt the Griffin move may be SVG maneuvering to keep his job and put people in the seats of Little Caesars arena which hasn’t exactly been selling out this season. In hindsight, it appears Griffin was just the biggest of his trio of moves.

Effect on OKC Thunder:

Carmelo Anthony might want to send the Clippers a personal thank you letter since he won’t have to line up across from Blake Griffin when the OKC Thunder play their last game versus the Clippers. OKC finished their season series against Detroit already, so Griffin’s addition won’t affect them.