The Ever-Changing NBA

Karan Narwal

Every season the National Basketball Association tends to have its share of noisy trades and not-so-noisy trades. Well after this season’s transactions, let’s just say my ears hurt. There have been blockbuster and power shifting trades to solidify playoff teams this season and only time will tell who has benefitted the most out of the delightful business of athlete. I have my votes for the deadline winners but I also have my reasons for each.

The Dallas Mavericks have gone back to their roots by bringing back Jason Kidd, but much respect must go to the New Jersey Nets for getting their end of the offer. The Nets got Devin Harris, salary tax relief and a few good role players. Maybe General Manager Rod Thorn hasn’t lost his touch from the previous years. Big man Desagna Diop gives the squad some height, but the Nets seem headed for the rebuilding phase starting this offseason.

On Dallas’ side, Mark Cuban’s Mavericks finally have their floor general and plenty of combatants at his side. Kidd give Dallas much needed leadership to take pressure of Dirk Nowitzki and Josh Howard, who will now have it easier on offense. The only thing I question in Dallas is the defense. Will the Mavs improve on the defensive end, because we all know defense wins championships.

Over in Phoenix, the question being asked is: Can Shaquille O’Neal lead the Phoenix Suns to a ring? To be quite honest, the O’Neal trade is one heck of a deal, but it doesn’t seem to register as a progressive trade. Losing Shawn Marion to the Miami Heat has decreased the Suns’ intensity as an up-tempo offense with slower transition defense. Shaq will help the Suns have a great season as they continue to be on the leagues top teams, but having Big Daddy in the middle means a change of circumstance for coach Mike D’Antoni and his cast of players. O’Neal has showed resiliency in his recent games as a Sun but the difference is obvious when plays are in transition. One thing’s for sure, you have to love seeing Shaq dive for loose balls.

To find the winner of the trade season, we must head to La-La land, where the sunny skies are sunnier than ever and Hollywood is smiling about the Los Angeles Lakers. How have they ever become so good? Hellooooo, they got the best trade deal this season by acquiring Pau Gasol, a player who has quite some value and has had the biggest impact on his new team. What’s scary is now the Lakers can win without Kobe Bryant and how Phil Jackson has used his “deep” roster to its full potential. (If Luke Walton and Coby Karl are giving good numbers then somethings going right in Tinsel town.) With a pure shooter in point guard Derek Fisher, Lamar Odom, Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol, many Western Conference teams will have a tough time offensive and defensively come playoff time . Did I forget to mention the Superstar Kobe Bryant? Mr. “Trade Me” might soon be Mr. “Me Going to Win a Ring.”

So the Lakers get my vote for the best upgrade. But you know what? As a youngster I was raised on the thought of respect being given where it was deserved. And when it comes to a deserving franchise, the San Antonio Spurs are still the team to beat. The defending champions are red-hot and Manu Ginobili isn’t cooling down. Tony Parker is back to 100% and they have a deeper roster of forwards and guards. What would be more exciting than a Spurs-Lakers western conference finals matchup? In fact, that’s what my crystal ball says we will see, so don’t be surprised.

And one more thing….Eva Longoria!! Oh Tony!