Top 10 offseason acquisitions: 5-1
The O.C. is back to round off the top ten NBA offseason acquisitions of the summer of 2013. We previously counted down from 10 to 6, now here are the final five…
5. Brooklyn Nets – Trade for Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Jason Terry
This deal is the epitome of the phrase ‘championship-or-bust.’ The trio of my ex-celtics bring a track record of championship pedigree and competitive grit to Brooklyn, albeit in the twilight of their respective careers. While this deal might seem similar to what Indiana did this year (giving up future assets via picks for past their prime vets) the difference is the immense level of commitment Brooklyn has undertaken. Brooklyn gambled picks for the next five years, meaning the price the Nets will have paid for this team will be exacted far after this roster had been dismantled. Anything less than a championship, which realistically has its best shot at happening either this season or next, will probably result in too high a price. Still, the acquisition promises to make a huge impact on the roster from day one.
4. Indiana Pacers – Trade for Luis Scola
While Indiana’s starting five was one of the best in the league last season, its rotation was one of the absolute worst. This lack of bench production not only erodes the positive work done but the starters on a nightly basis (blowing leads), but it also takes its toll on the starters in a cumulative effect: bad bench play makes starters work harder to maintain wins and work longer to keep the bench of the floor. By trading for Scola, the Pacers managed to bring in a savvy frontcourt scoring vet with an extremely affordable contract, an especially important detail for cap-conscious Indiana.
3. Los Angeles Clippers – Acquire J.J. Redick and Jared Dudley
The Clippers used free agency (via sign-and-trade) and trade (giving up Caron Butler, Eric Bledsoe and a second-round pick) to acquire Redick and Dudley. Technically, bringing back Chris Paul was the Clippers’ most impactful move, but you can argue that didn’t really improve the roster so much as maintain it. Redick and Dudley are two proven vets with definable talent – shooting, an area in which the Clippers had the greatest need. They give Paul two reliable targets from beyond the arc, which in turn gives Paul more space to operate in pick-and-roll situations.
2. Golden State Warriors – Acquire (via sign-and-trade) Andre Iguodala
Golden state managed to upgrade its roster with a star-level talent without giving up any of its top five players, which is quite a feat. Iguodala to the Warriors reflects the marriage of compatible needs: a player who needs facilitating talent around him and a team that needs to lift the playmaking burden off its start (Stephen Curry). Golden State will be able to use Iguodala as a de facto backup point guard who also can take the reins while Curry is on the court. Plus, Iguodala improves the defense of a team that wasn’t too bad defensively to begin with. At 29, Iguodala is in the middle of his prime years, meaning that he’ll be able to positively affect Golden State now and in the future.
1. Houston Rockets – Sign free agent Dwight Howard
The Rockets made the proverbial slam dunk move by signing the free-agent of the summer Howard, an elite prospect in the prime years of his career. Howard provides the perfect interior counterbalance to last season’s perimeter-orientated attack, led by All-Star guard James Harden. Moreover, he provides a much-needed defensive anchor and rebounding presence, far beyond what Omer Asik can offer. The cost for acquiring Howard was a maximum allowable contract plus the relinquishing of smaller assets (see Thomas Robinson) to clear cap space. The financial commitment is hefty, but it’s worth it when you know you are bringing in bona fide talent that will make you better today and in the long run.
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