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1 Deal Each Team Could Make Before Trade Deadline

By Jake Hyman

Nov 21, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Sacramento Kings forward DeMarcus Cousins (15) looks for a passing lane during the first quarter of a basketball game against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Sacramento Kings forward DeMarcus Cousins (15) looks for a passing lane during the first quarter of a basketball game against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 23, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz center Jeff Withey (24) shoots the ball during the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Oklahoma City won 111-89. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 23, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz center Jeff Withey (24) shoots the ball during the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Oklahoma City won 111-89. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

22. Orlando Magic

Rim protectors are a premium in the modern-day NBA. On the Magic, they’re obsolete. Orlando’s made the jump from lottery staples to playoff contenders, utilizing high-ceiling homegrown talent. Nikola Vucevic, acquired in 2012 via the Dwight Howard trade, has become one of the league’s consistent double-double threats.

However, the 6’10” Vucevic is severely limited in stopping opponents at the rim. Orlando, a team ranks 13th in blocked shots per game (5.3), blocks shots collectively, as Vucevic is averaging just 1.0 per game.

With most of their core already in place, wholesale changes aren’t necessary to expedite their ascension into prominence. Withey has yet to average 1.0 blocks per game in the association, but showed the propensity to reject the opposition during his career at Kansas. He’s long at 7’0″, but doesn’t have the offensive repertoire yet to be labeled a two-way big off the bench.

Rudy Gobert looks like the center for the next 10 years for the Jazz and lives up to the nickname “Stifle Tower.” Without needing another rim protector, Utah can add assets. Shabazz Napier, a heralded combo guard at the University of Connecticut, has yet to effectively gain traction in the NBA.

A career 37 percent shooter from the floor, Napier’s scoring tendencies haven’t translated, but he still serves as a floor general that makes few mistakes.

On a team playing without starting point guard Dante Exum, who suffered a season-ending torn ACL back in August, depth is a problem for the young team playing in Salt Lake City. Utah’s point guards rank near the bottom of the league in points scored per game, offensive efficiency and defensive efficiency.

Napier might not move the needle immensely, but gives head coach Quin Snyder another option.

Next: Hinkie and Morey Deal Again