So, LeBron, are you happy?
Well, nothing like blowing up your team at the trading deadline.
It sure looks like that's what Cleveland did in the 11-player deal with Chicago and Seattle. Here's what everybody gets:
Cleveland: Ben Wallace, Wally Szczerbiak, Delonte West, Joe Smith and a 2009 second-round pick from Chicago.
Chicago: Larry Hughes, Drew Gooden, Cedric Simmons and Shannon Brown.
Seattle: Ira Newble, Donyell Marshall and Adrian Griffin. (Translation: cap space, cap space, cap space).
While getting Wallace and Szczerbiak may generate the most headlines, Smith and West should be a big help. Smith gives Cleveland someone who has been playing very well of late and in the playoffs can at least pretend to defend Kevin Garnett and Rasheed Wallace away from the basket. West -- who looked like a promising prospect in Boston before languishing in Seattle -- may be invigorated and help a suspect backcourt with his perimeter shooting and defense.
Comments
Nice trade for the Cavs. Lebron now has some decent shooters he can kick out to, and while Big Ben is old and isn't as good as he used to be, he'll still upgrade to their defense and toughness, as Drew Gooden was a softie on the defensive end.
Posted by: Jimmy | February 22, 2008 6:11 AM