I am going to assess the games of some of the newly traded players like
Jason Kidd
and
Ben Wallace
Were the trades better for them? Are they happier now in their new home? Let’s find out:
1. Ben Wallace, Cleveland Cavaliers, C – Wallace is now in a better position than when he was with the Bulls. The Bulls counted on him to become a big time player in his not-so-prime days.With young players surrounding Wallace, they counted on him for leadership, which he could not bring. Now, all he has to do is do LeBron’s dirty work. The Cavs is a better fit for Wallace because he can concentrate on rebounding, blocking shots, and waiting for putbacks.
2. Jason Kidd, Dallas Mavericks, PG – Kidd was miserable in New Jersey. With that said, I think it shows in his game right now that he is happier now. Kidd‘s numbers went up a bit (including his shooting percentage) but I don’t think he can sustain it the whole season. But still, he is better now in Dallas because he is in a better playing environment for him.
3. Shawn Marion, Miami Heat, SF – Marion is not in a good position right now. Yes he wanted more playing time from Mike D’Antoni in Phoenix, and now he has them in Miami. But Dwyane Wade has quit on this season and Marion‘s inability to carry a team on his own will be exposed. Shawn Marion was never a go-to guy in Phoenix. He had Jason Kidd, or Steve Nash to create for him. So now that Wade is out for the season, Marion has to carry the Heat on his shoulders, which I think he could not do.
4. Mike Bibby, Atlanta Hawks, PG – The Hawks are having another disappointing season despite the playoff push. By trading for Bibby, they improved their roster, mainly for next season. On Bibby‘s part, I think he is enjoying a new system of running with the Hawks. He has had 2 double-digit assist games with the Hawks – something he hasn’t done since 2005. I think Bibby is a good fit for the Hawks especially since the team has just been waiting for a quality point guard for them to become an above average team. I think next season will be more exciting for Bibby.
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