Revisiting the trade deadline
This past February was comparable to an NBA 2K video game, with general manager Koby Altman making four deals involving 10 players and two draft picks. Most notably, the Cavs added Nance Jr. and Clarkson to the fold, becoming younger and more athletic.
The results have shown on the defensive end, as the Cavaliers are ranked 15th in the NBA in defensive rating (107.9) since Feb. 8. George Hill has a seven-foot wingspan, Nance Jr. has a 44-inch vertical and Jordan Clarkson and Rodney Hood are scoring threats who are taller than the average point guard and shooting guard respectively.
The results have also shown for head coach Luke Walton and the Lakers, who enter play with victories in six of their last eight contests dating back to Feb. 23, including a 116-112 win over the Spurs on March 3. Thomas has provided the team with a spark off the bench, tallying double-digit points in 13 of his last 15 games played.
With Thomas and Frye set to be free agents at the end of the season, Los Angeles will also free up cap space and have the money needed to make a run at impending free agents Paul George and/or LeBron James this upcoming summer.
Until then, the organizations will have to play each other and continue to trend in opposite directions, with the Cavs pursuing a fourth straight NBA Finals berth, and the Lakers rebuilding around Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma and Julius Randle.
Recent Comments