Even as he has surpassed Jerry Sloan in the list of coaches with most wins in the National Basketball Association (NBA), San Antonio Spurs Coach Gregg Popovich has said that the beauty of the game is gone.
Still, we watch the games and highlights. And when we don’t, we avidly read the stories in between.
Here is a short list of some of the drama that is happening in the NBA as the trade deadline approaches:
1.The end of the Grit-and-Grind era in Memphis.
After so many years, the Memphis Grizzlies team has become open to trading the last holdovers of that era – their cornerstone stars Marc Gasol and Mike Conley. With the Grizzlies again having a disappointing season, rebuilding around their 2018 pick Jaren Jackson, Jr. seems like a good idea.
2. The Jimmy Butler fit in Philly.
The Philadelphia 76ers traded two good starters in Dario Saric and Robert Covington to get Butler, who has an expiring contract and may move again after season’s end. Joel Embiid had voiced discontent on his role upon Butler’s arrival, and there have been signs that Embiid, Butler, and Ben Simmons can’t play all at the same time. If this Philly team fails to advance to the Finals, some people have suggested: Trade Simmons, who has no shot outside the paint.
3. The Carmelo Anthony Waiting Game.
Houston paid cash to send Anthony to Chicago, which will try trading him until the deadline on February 7 before waiving him if there are no takers. Tracy McGrady has advised Melo to retire, but he obviously won’t.
4. The Lakers still in need of an upgrade.
Something’s wrong when the team becomes in danger of missing the playoffs because Lebron James had a groin injury. The Lakers’ best trade asset, their young players and future picks aside, is veteran shooter Kentavious Caldwell –Pope.
5. Enes Kanter’s tale of woe.
Kanter has told the Knicks, which is focusing on developing younger players, to either let him play or let him go.
Some of the above situations may be resolved by the end of the trade deadline. We can only wait and see.
Featured image courtesy of Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Chance Babin:A view of the National advertising seen during the Air Force Reserve Naismith Hall of Fame Tip-Off Tournament featuring Michigan vs. Providence in the championship game at the Mohegan Sun Arena. Air Force Reserve Recruiting Service had recruiters working the games and were featured on ESPN.
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