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NBA: 15 Eastern Conference Trades That Need To Happen Before The Deadline

By Mason McFee

Jan 3, 2017; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (34) high fives guard Reggie Jackson (1) during the first quarter against the Indiana Pacers at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2017; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (34) high fives guard Reggie Jackson (1) during the first quarter against the Indiana Pacers at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 5, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith (5) reacts to a three point score against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Cleveland Cavaliers won 102-101. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith (5) reacts to a three point score against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Cleveland Cavaliers won 102-101. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Indy Shoots, and Swishes

Who are the Indiana Pacers?

If this question was asked a few years ago, many would answer with some variation of ‘(one of) the best shot to knock out Cleveland’.

The Pacers provided one of the most entertaining playoff series in recent memory against the Cavs, but that was back when Lance Stephenson wasn’t signing 10-day contracts to keep his NBA career alive and was blowing in LeBron’s ear; and Roy Hibbert was the best defensive big in the league.

Now? The Pacers are 29-25 and 6th in the Eastern Conference and their chances of challenging Cleveland are about as existent as my love life (which isn’t a thing) so……

Inter-divisonal trades are even rarer than inter-conference trades, but this is the NBA.

Next to Steph, I think J.R. is the best shot space creator in the league. Period. @ me.

Shooters gonna shoot. When J.R.’s are falling, his confidence is climbing higher than it already is. If the both are in sync, good night. Cleveland 9 times out of 10 is winning when J.R. is on.

Right now though, he is sidelined with a thumb injury so Indiana will be betting on his past production than what he’s been doing recently. (Obviously) Can you imagine though?

‘Teague drives and kicks out to PG who sh- OH WAIT! THE EXTRA PASS AND J.R. SWISH FOR 3! HIS 4TH OF THE 1ST QUARTER!’

Monta Ellis is coming off the bench, and McMillan has been starting C.J. Miles next to Teague and PG-13. While not a bad move, J.R. would be an upgrade in the starting 5 and would be under contract for the next 3 seasons after this one; which could be big when George is a FA.

Cleveland, as recently talked about, is a great team; but it has its flaws. Their biggest is a backup big who can hold their own while Thompson is on the bench. They’ve already added Griffin, and aren’t too concerned with developing young guys. So why not add a veteran big who has made a career out of scoring in Big Al? He would be a  big get for Cleveland, and this trade is a win-win for both squads.

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