USA TODAY International Edition
Last chance to make move
76ers, Celtics, Rockets, Clippers are teams to watch at deadline
Last season, the 76ers were a crazy bounce from a potential overtime victory against the Raptors and a spot in the NBA Eastern Conference finals.
Before Tuesday’s games, the Sixers were in sixth place in the East, four games behind the Heat and the Celtics for third place and a half- game behind the Pacers for fifth place.
The team many predicted would reach the NBA Finals, including me, is a long way from doing so. After Monday’s 137106 loss to the Heat, Sixers AllStar guard Ben Simmons said, “We were soft.”
At 31- 20, the 76ers have proved who they are, and it’s not enough to win the East. They need to make a move ahead of Thursday’s 3 p. m. ET trade deadline. Philadelphia isn’t the only team. Let’s take a closer look at teams that need to make a trade to improve their playoff prospects:
76ers
The Sixers are 23rd in 3pointers made per game ( 10.8) and 20th in 3- point percentage ( 34.9), and the loss of J. J. Redick to New Orleans in free agency is glaring. Washington’s Davis Bertans and Sacramento’s Bogdan Bogdanovic are obvious targets, but can Philadelphia put together a package that entices either team? The Sixers have the draft picks to offer to get help for an offense that is average, ranking 20th in points per 100 possessions.
Celtics
The Celtics have been better than expected with their interior defense – fourth in points in the paint allowed per game ( 43.2) and 11th in defensive rebounding percentage ( 73.2). But in a playoff series against bigger and longer teams, the Celtics will want more size. ESPN reported the Celtics had discussions with Houston about center Clint Capela.
Grizzlies
The Grizzlies are another one of the rare teams that are rebuilding and in the playoff hunt.
They have an excellent young core ( Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr.) and would like to trade Andre Iguodala for draft picks and/ or another young player. Memphis team officials have been adamant that they want to trade him and not buy him out.
So the prediction here is that Memphis deals Iguodala before the trade deadline. But they also could decline to move him, meaning he wouldn’t play this season.
Even worse, they could waive him after March 1, making him ineligible for the postseason. That move would be extreme and unlikely for a franchise trying to entice players. So far, the Grizzlies have treated Iguodala well, so expect that to continue.
Rockets
The Rockets acquired Russell Westbrook before the start of the season, and as the trade deadline approaches, they are in fifth place in the Western Conference, closer to seventh place than they are to second. For a team that has championship aspirations with star James Harden, Houston isn’t making the necessary progress.
General manager Daryl Morey will keep trying to improve the roster ( possibly with a 3- and- D wing), as long as the price is right for salary- conscious owner Tilman Fertitta.
Clippers
The Clippers have an aggressive front office, so don’t be surprised if they make a deal. While the Clippers have a deep roster, the front office is looking for more depth. Los Angeles has been intrigued by New York’s Marcus Morris for at least a year. He would add the rugged player who fits in with the Clippers.
Minnesota’s Robert Covington is another sought- after defender and 3- point shooter who would help. Covington, though, has interest from several teams as Minnesota plots its future with KarlAnthony Towns.
Lakers
LeBron James said the Lakers have enough right now. That’s the right answer for the locker room.
But the Lakers could use some help on the perimeter – someone to relieve James of ball- handling/ playmaking duties and on 3- pointers.
One player to watch in a non- trade acquisition for a team with limited assets like the Lakers is free agent Darren Collison. Collison, 32, announced his retirement after last season but is looking to get back in the league. He averaged 11.2 points and six assists and shot 40.7% on 3s last season.
There are wild card teams to watch, too.
Thunder
The Thunder have been accumulating draft picks at a rapid rate with the trades of Westbrook and Paul George. GM Sam Presti would like more firstround picks, but given Oklahoma City’s success this season ( Billy Donovan deserves coach of the year consideration), Presti might be willing to forsake draft picks for proven young players to help speed up an already accelerated rebuild.
Raptors
At the beginning of the season, the defending champions were a team that had expiring contracts to deal for a quick rebuild. In second place in the East, the Raptors could be looking to add talent who helps them make another run at an NBA championship. With president Masai Ujiri and general manager Bobby Webster, Toronto has the ability to pull off something solid.