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

Rush Hour

Okay, I admit, the heading may not be my best, but I think out of all the trades so far it’s one of the most logical.

The Hawks are very tightly walking the line between NBA purgatory and that almost-contender spot. They are 31-23 and 5th in the Eastern Conference, but have already shipped out veteran sharpshooter Kyle Korver to the defending champs, and rumors have been swirling around veteran forward Paul Millsap.

Obviously only time will tell if they do decide to pull the trigger and tear it all down (or go all in), but if the Korver trade is any indication, I think Atlanta is headed towards a rebuild.

While it’s a shame that Atlanta and Bud are headed in that direction, it makes sense. Longtime starting PG Jeff Teague was traded to Indiana in the offseason to hand the keys to the offense to Dennis Schroder. Al Horford departed for the Celtics. Korver is on the Cavs. The only remaining members of the starting 5 from last season are Millsap and Kent Bazemore, and Bazemore I’m sure could be acquired for the right price.

While Dwight Howard signed to be a part of his hometown team to contend in the East, he may be moved as well. I expect Atlanta to be big sellers at the deadline. If that is indeed the case, then the Hawks need to keep their fanbase somewhat happy or entertained:

Defense for offense is the name of the game. Schroeder and Millsap are great offensive players, and Howard is still a rebounding machine. Bazemore has taken a step back this season (33.9% from 3, 46.3 eFG% compared to 35.7%/51.7 from last season), but still can score in bunches. Outside of that, the Hawks have been trying to rely on guys like Mike Dunleavy and Tim Hardaway to shoulder the offensive load.

While the 31-year old Rush isn’t an offensive superstar, he is only a season removed from shooting 41.4% from 3 coming off the bench for the Warriors. He’s shooting (albeit on a smaller sample) 42.5% from 3 this year, and I think deserves a longer look for a team that’s looking for a veteran scoring presence. He’s on an expiring contract, so if he doesn’t pan out, Atlanta moves on. I think he could start right next to Schroeder and Bazemore just fine.

Sefolosha has always been a stout defender, but holds a career 5.9 PPG average. He’s never been known for his offense, and that ‘offense’ is sporadic at best. Thibs wouldn’t (or shouldn’t) care about that on a young Timberpups team. Thibs has made it public via his time in Chicago/in press conferences this year he wants the tema to get better defensively. What better way to do so by bringing in a guy that who can guard the 2 through 4 and has made a career on defense?