The All-Star break is around the corner in the NBA, which means so is the NBA trade deadline. We are all awaiting moves, with rumors flying everywhere and names been thrown on to the trade chopping block.
So far this season has been a thrill ride. There have been injuries, heroes and busts. There is no doubt that some franchises are already scratching their head asking themselves questions.
Here are a few teams with big burning questions and the question they are facing:
CHICAGO BULLS
QUESTION: What To Do For The Future?
So far, nothing has worked out the way Chicago has planned this season. Once again, Derrick Rose is injured and out for the season. His injury brings a lot of questions to Chicago as they have started looking very questionable on the court. The biggest question they are facing is what to do for the future, especially with their superstar and most counted on player, constantly being sidelined.
The Bulls have a few players to current be in trade rumors, they are Carlos Boozer and Luol Deng. The Bulls are currently 9-13 and have the 8th seed in the Eastern Conference. Now, they have to start thinking about how they can make the future and what they should do long term.
I believe no matter what next year, Derrick Rose will be there but he will be surrounded by new teammates. Rose has openly stated he wants no part in a rebuilding phase as the Bulls plan on moving certain core players. Now, all the pressure and the success of the Bulls’ franchise relies on their management right now.
NEW YORK KNICKS
QUESTION: What To Do For The Future?
Chicago and New York are sort of in similar situations but because of different problems. They both are not where they expected this season. Right now, the Knicks team has been disorganized, dysfunctional and just playing poor basketball. An early injury to Tyson Chandler created many problems and questions for the Knicks.
With Carmelo now looking to test free agency, this season is more important than ever. The Knicks and their front office have got to do something this season impressive, if they can convince Melo to stay in blue and orange. The Knicks are currently 7-16 and further away from creating anything attractive that would want Melo to stay. He has been forced to carry their workload and is not getting any of the proper support.
The Knicks need to look at Mike Woodson and decide if he is their coach for the future. I think they should field some new options because Woodson’s career coaching record is 285-335.
Iman Shumpert, Knicks’ starting small forward, has been recently reported in trade rumors as well, as the Knicks try to put the proper pieces around Carmelo. Even if he leaves, which he most likely will, the Knicks have to think about their future: what they can do to salvage this season and how they can prepare for the years to come, possibly needing a new head coach and new superstar player.
LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
QUESTION: Must Ask Themselves Who They Are? Contenders or Pretenders?
Getting Chris Paul to re-sign was probably the best offseason player move in the NBA. Paul re-signed though because he wants to win a NBA Championship with the Clippers. Blake Griffin says the ‘lob city’ days are over, Charles Barkley says the Clippers are the softest team in the NBA.
Barkley said that they the Clippers will only go as far as Griffin and Jordan can take them and before going into this season, defense in the front court was a big question. Right now, the Clippers need to ask themselves, are they contenders or pretenders? Can they step it up and win championship or are they just a form of entertainment in lob city.
The Clippers could be adjusting to their new head coach Doc Rivers, who many believe escalated their championship potential. A recent signing of Stephen Jackson, could go a long way for the Clippers. They must find their true identity, be tough and stick to it. I’m hoping this is something Doc Rivers can accomplish is Los Angeles. With undeniable talent, a constant identity is what is missing most with the Clippers.
OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER
QUESTION: Westbrook, Durant And Who Else?
Courtesy: Sports Illustrated
Ever since the trade with the Houston Rockets involving James Harden, it seems as if the Thunder have been missing their third, in their ‘big three’. In that trade, the Thunder got Kevin Martin, who is having a great year offensively but not in Oklahoma City.
Right now, I believe that the Thunder are the team to beat in the Western Conference. What they need to ask themselves for the rest of the season is, who will be the guy to step up along side Westbrook and Durant?
Realistically, the Thunder have three options: Serge Ibaka, Reggie Jackson or Jeremy Lamb. All three can provide the third offensive presence Oklahoma City needs. With its one of them, or all three, the Thunder will need great supporting roles along side their dynamite duo to secure the NBA Championship.
BOSTON CELTICS
Question: Will Rondo’s Return Give the C’s Playoff Potential
After the loss to injured Rajon Rondo, loss of their head coach, the loss of their two superstars to trade, the Celtics had everyone betting they would end up in the draft lottery and at the bottom of the totem pole at the end of the season. Right now, they are 12-14 and holding on to the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference.
Rajon Rondo is reportedly close to coming back but that call is in his hands, the big question in Boston: will Rondo get the Celtics into the playoffs. He is a tremendous athlete who has a career average of 11.1points and 8.3assists per game. Before his injury, Rondo was averaging 11.3 assists per game.
When Rondo comes back, he will keep the Boston Celtic’s playoff hopes alive. Thought Rondo might not get a comeback commercial, this will be a huge come back.
All statistics credited to nba.com and basketball reference.com
