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NBA Trade Analysis: Celtics-Lakers

 


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/ Aug 7, 2004

As the summer of movement continues in the NBA, another trade was completed yesterday afternoon as the Celtics sent Chucky Atkins, Marcus Banks, a re-signed Chris Mihm and a 2005 second round pick to the Los Angeles Lakers for Gary Payton, Rick Fox, some cash and a future first round pick. Let's break this one down:

Why it works for LA: With Gary Payton aging in dog years last season and with the Lakers expected to run more under Rudy T, LA had to look to get younger this offseason. While Chucky Atkins isn't a rookie, he is just 29 to Payton's 36. He's a natural floor leader, will pass the ball when Kobe tells him to and can hit open shots. Chris Mihm is a big man and the Lakers had a big void to fill with the departure of Shaquille O'Neal. But, it's Marcus Banks who could be the real key for the Lakers. If he takes off, like many in the Celtics organization feel he someday can, then the Lakers have a real player on their hands for years to come. He's lighting quick and with another year under his belt, his decision-making might finally catch up to his body. Also, this completes the dismantling of the Lakers. Now they can go forward and try and build a new dynasty in Los Angeles with none of the bad vibes of last season lingering.

Why it doesn't work for LA: Chris Mihm isn't Shaq. LA needed to find a big man before the start of the season and Mihm is not the answer most Laker fans were hoping for. He'll tease you with his quickness and his natural ability one minute and then make you pull your hair out as Mihm picks up quick, cheap fouls the next. He does have good hands and a nice touch around the rim, but you hardly get to see it when he picks up 5 fouls in 10 minutes.

Why it works for Boston: This could turn out to be a very small gamble with a big reward. If Gary Payton comes in and gives them anything close to what he did last year (Celtics fans would have killed for 15 points per game from the point guard position last year) then this deal is a success. Paul Pierce has only played with an offensive point guard for a few months, back in 2000 when Kenny Anderson was healthy and the team made it to the Eastern Conference finals.And if Payton doesn't work out, he simply comes off the books after next season, as does Rick Fox.

Why it doesn't work for Boston: Generally, it's not wise to trade bigs for smalls and that's what happening here. Decent big men are a rare commodity in the NBA and if you've got one who has shown hints of talent, as Mihm has, then you keep him. Also, they are essentially giving up on Marcus Banks after only one season. Celtic rookies of the recent past (Joe Johnson and Chauncey Billups come to mind) have shown that giving up on players too quickly can come back and haunt you. But Boston was willing to do this because their new crop of rookies look better than Banks.

The Celtics now have a tutor for Delonte West and some cap space after next season. The Lakers have some new young talent, a big man and capable point guard to run the ship.










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