This is a list of the top five NBA moves during the last five years. This is about trades, draft picks, and anything else that involves significant strategy and analysis. This is not about picking up free agents. Too much luck is tied to acquiring free agents to give significant credit to a team’s management. Family, situation, lifestyle and even illness push players to certain cities. Also, regarding draft picks, it is important to note that the fruits of late draft picks between one and three or even four years ago are, in large part, yet to be seen, and the best of these late picks will be evidenced in upcoming years, and will be on future “best moves” lists. That being said, here is the list of my top five moves of the last five years, in no particular order.
1. Pau Gasol Trade
The trade gave Pau Gasol to the Lakers for Kwame Brown, Javaris Crittenton, Marc Gasol, and two draft picks. At the time, Greg Popovich made the following comment, “What they did in Memphis is beyond comprehension. There should be a trade committee that can scratch all trades that make no sense.” Kobe does not win his last two championships without Gasol. In many playoff games, Gasol is the best player on the Lakers squad.
Some may be saying, “but Marc Gasol is a good player.” Yeah, that’s just it, he is a “good” player, but that’s all. Pau is a top 10 NBA player. Marc may be considered a top 80 NBA player.
2. Paul Millsap Draft Pick
Paul Millsap was selected 47th overall in the 2006 draft. Now, four summers later, he is a top five player from that draft, along with Aldridge, Roy, Gay, and Rondo. Before his career is over, he will have made the all-star team at least once. As a starter he will be a fairly consistent double double player.
3. Garnett to the Celtics
During the summer of 2007 the Timberwolves traded Kevin Garnett to the Celtics for Al Jefferson, Ryan Gomes, Gerald Green, Sabastian Telfair, Theo Ratliff, two draft picks, and cash. The Celtics transformed from a team rebuilding to a title contender. With Pierce, Garnett, and the acquisition of Ray Allen, the Celtics were able to bring yet another title to Boston. I would not suggest that the Timberwolves were foolish; they received what they wanted to receive which was a young team to begin a rebuilding phase. My question for the Timberwolves is, “when will that rebuilding phase end?”
4. Billups to the Nuggets
This trade was basically as simple as a trade gets. One for one. Billups for Iverson. Antonio McDyess was involved but he was waived by the Nuggets and after 30 days returned to the Pistons. After two consecutive first round exits with Melo and Iverson, the nuggets acquired the 2nd seed in the west with Billups’ first year with the team, and made an exciting playoff run to the western conference finals where they lost to the Lakers in six games. Since the trade Iverson has fallen off the map, and Billups remains as a top 7 NBA point guard.
5. 2005 Trio
My list of five quickly turned into a list of seven. But, if I include three moves at number five, does the list become five again? Doesn’t matter, I’m doing it. Monta Ellis was selected 40th overall in the 2005 draft and with 25.5 points per game in the 2009-10 season, the Warriors are very pleased with their selection. In that same draft, Andray Blatche was selected 49th overall. Blatche is quickly becoming a star in D.C. Blatche averaged 21 ppg and 8 rebounds during the last three months of last season. David Lee was selected 30th in 2005 and averaged 20 ppg and nearly 12 boards last season.
Written by Scott Harris, 8/26/2010
The next report, scheduled for release within the next 10 days, will be discussing the worst moves of the last five years.
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