The NBA’s trade deadline came and went this afternoon. While the day was chock-full of action, when the dust settled, UConn’s professional alumni found themselves in the same, or in some cases, worse positions than they were in this morning.
The day’s biggest trade was the deal sending guard, and Rocky IV villain, Goran Dragic from the Suns to the Heat. That should be unwelcome news for Shabazz Napier — pardon — two-time National Champion Shabazz Napier, who has fought his way back into coach Erik Spoelstra’s rotation to claim almost 21 minutes per game. With Dragic now in the fold, Napier’s impact will be further minimized by a Heat team that has never seemed too interested in playing him to begin with. In a touch of good news for Shabazz, fellow guard Norris Cole (24.4 mpg) was jettisoned as part of the Dragic deal before being flipped to New Orleans.
In the West, Oklahoma City was also wheelin’ and dealin’, flipping straw-that-stirs-the-drink Reggie Jackson in a trade that netted them big man Enes Canter among others. Unfortunately, the Thunder did not trade embattled UConn alumnus Jeremy Lamb — pardon — National Champion Jeremy Lamb. Lamb has been mired on OKC’s bench, receiving just 15.6 minutes per game, and becoming more renowned for his handshakes than his jumper. Lamb desperately needs a change of scenery — and an escape from coach Scott Brooks. Hopefully they trade him to greener pastures this offseason.
UConn’s Detroit duo, Andre Drummond and Caron Butler, was the recipient of Jackson from OKC, who will replace the injured Brandon Jennings, now done for the year. Jackson is a decent player, who should see his role expand without Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook to defer to. But he’s not a great passer (4.3 apg) and he’s a terrible three-point shooter (27.8 percent), neither of which benefit Drummond, who struggles to get his own shot and benefits from a spread offense. Overall, an improvement, but probably not enough to boost Drummond’s numbers much.
Injured National Champion Kemba Walker didn’t receive any good news as he recovers from knee surgery. The Hornets are currently in seventh place in the decrepit Eastern Conference, but the best they could muster was a trade for Mo Williams earlier this month.
Rudy Gay was gifted aging point guard, and George Karl’s best friend, Andre Miller today. The Kings are 18-34 on the season, so who cares?
Similarly, Orlando (17-39) is eying the Draft and not the playoffs. Tough news for veteran National Champion Ben Gordon, who deserves to play on the big stage another time or two before his career ends.
Of course, two former UConn greats are still available for a playoff push. Ray Allen has intimated that he may return for the tail end of what would be his 19th season. While rumors of Allen reuniting with LeBron James have been bandied about since the offseason, several other teams have expressed interest. Ray deserves another ring. Also available, maybe, is National Champion Emeka Okafor. Recovering from neck surgery, Okafor has suitors but is mulling sitting out the rest of this season in hopes of coming back healthy next year. Fun fact: Okafor’s current career stat line sits at 12.3 points and 9.9 rebounds per game. Come back and get that career double-double, Mek.
