As NBA teams prepare for the stretch run to the playoffs (and the NBA Draft lottery), many players were added to contenders in a last minute effort to bolster their rosters. Some were questionable moves, others were solid. Here is a recap of what went down and how each player can help/hurt their new teams.
Caron Butler
Old Team – Bucks
New Team – Thunder
It was a little surprising that Butler signed with the Thunder due to his earlier stint with the Heat in his career. Either way, he should be doing cartwheels to get out of the mess in Milwaukee. Butler will bring a veteran presence off the bench for the two and three guard positions. One would wonder if this move will stunt the growth of Jeremy Lamb and limit his opportunities in the playoffs. It might limit his opportunities, but learning from a savvy veteran like Butler can only help him. He will most certainly help the bench scoring. Through 59 games, the Thunder rank 16th in bench points with 31 points. Kevin Durant is a monster, but there’s going to be a few key games where he will be in foul trouble. Someone will have to pick up the slack and Caron Butler can definitely help.
Glen Davis
Old Team – Magic
New Team – Clippers
I would say this is an awesome move if we were talking about the same “Big Baby” of a year ago. Now, he is going to attempt to play with an up tempo team in a big man’s body. He isn’t expected to be nothing more a role player for the Clippers either. He does have a prior relationship with Doc Rivers during their time together with the Celtics, but Davis is still young (28) and can earn a good amount of money. In 2 games with the Clippers, he is averaging 9 minutes and 3.5 points. Even as a starter for the Magic, he only scored 13.7 points and played 28 minutes a game against the top 10 fastest paced teams. Barely playing for the Clippers isn’t going to help his cause. He could have earned a bigger contract if he had signed with the Nets.
Danny Granger
Old Team – Pacers
New Team – Clippers
Granger was reportedly “pissed” about being traded from the Pacers to the horrible 76ers. He didn’t even play in a game for them (sound familiar a la Andrew Bynum?). Granger’s situation is a little more enticing for his situation. J.J. Redick’s back isn’t recovering as expected and the team needs help from scoring on the wing. Granger is only shooting 29% this season on jump shots. The Clippers are definitely taking a chance in incorporating two new teammates and re-incorporating J.J. Redick in the rotation. They have 25 games to do it. Let’s see it.
Jimmer Fredette
Old Team – Kings
New Team – Bulls
Much like the Thunder, the Bulls rank even lower in bench scoring with 27.5 points. Coach Thibs is a stickler for defense so this signing is a little baffling. Fredette can’t guard anybody. He does bring long range, though. The Bulls need help on the wing to help space the floor. Joakim Noah has been a stud, and actually leads his team in assists. The only other center to do that is David Robinson. With all of the attention down low on Noah, the team needs help spacing the floor. Expect Fredette to be in games in spurts. His presence out there will open up lanes due to his long range threat and nothing more probably. As far as him playing defense, well, you can Fredette ’bout it!