The Big "WHAT IF": Lets Say These Trades Never Happened

As Draft day approaches the NBA has begun to stir. Many teams looking for that "One Deal" to put them in the Playoffs begin to make phone calls. Many of these calls end up being nothing more than a fishing expedition to help fuel speculation. Some however can shake the foundation of the league for years to come. Many Draft deals have led to Hall of Fame careers and championships. The interesting thing is if you flip the deal, what would happen? I am going to look at 5 draft day deals that led to seismic shifts in NBA history. The deals that many people don't even realize took place or have just forgotten about. Lets just let the imagination run wild.

1. 1993: What happened? Orlando Drafted Chris Webber and traded him to Golden State for Penny Hardaway.


What if Chris Webber stays? If Chris Webber never gets traded, the Orlando Magic may wind up having the best front court in NBA history. The previous year Orlando drafted Shaquille O'Neal, which gave them a cornerstone for the future. By adding Webber, the Magic would've almost certainly dominated the Eastern Conference during the two year absence of Michael Jordan. Both players won Rookie of the Year and if you look at the second year stats for Shaq (29 ppg, 13 rebs, 3 blks) and the Rookie season for Webber (17 ppg, 9 rebs, 2 blks) , things definitely would've looked up. Shaq may have never left Orlando, Webber may have won a championship and the Rockets may have had a tougher time dominating in the absence of Jordan.


2. 1996: What happened? Charlotte Hornets Drafted Kobe Bryant and traded him to the Lakers for Vlade Divac.

What if Kobe Bryant stays? First we need to ask ourselves something, WHAT THE HECK WERE THEY THINKING? I mean, we are talking about Kobe Bryant, heir to the throne of next great ball player. Granted he was selected 13 so I guess you can say; "what were the previous 12 teams thinking", but to be fair some serious talent was drafted at guard prior to Kobe, in fact all future starters and All Stars. Now back to the what if? If Kobe stays in Charlotte and he grows at the same rate, one can argue that once Jordan departs the league Kobe fills the void immediately. The talent was always there, but many believe he didn't reach his full potential until after Shaq was traded to Miami. Charlotte would've been forced to build around the young stud and eventually would have challenged for League wide supremacy.

3. 1996: What happened? Milwaukee Bucks trade Stephon Marbury to Minnesota Timberwolves for Ray Allen.

What if the trade never happens? This becomes a tale of two cities. Lets start with Marbury, who as of now is making a nice living for himself in China. Marbury would've worked well with Glen Robinson and Vin Baker. If you have a quality imagination he may have been enough to put the Bucks in contention with the then mid level teams and eventually upper level teams. Marbury came into the league with Elite everything; speed, handle, jumper and ability to create. The other factor is the EGO component. Neither Vin Baker, nor Glen Robinson were known for being huge ego guys, so Marbury would've had the world in his palm in the way of attention.

On the other end of the trade Ray Allen would've been money next to Kevin Garnett. How do we know this for certain, because we have factual data that proves it. While in Boston together, the pair (Along with Paul Pierce) won a championship. Rewind the clock back to 1996, give them a decade to reach their prime together and we would've witnessed a monumental 1-2 punch. A young feisty Kevin Garnett and a more athletic Ray Allen may have been enough to earn both multiple title runs.

4. 1998: What happened? Dallas Mavericks trade Robert "Tractor" Traylor to Milwaukee Bucks for Dirk Nowitzki

What if Dirk stays with the Bucks? First, lets look at the rest of the roster: Ray Allen, Glen Robinson, Tim Thomas, Terrell Brandon, Sam Cassell and Dell Curry. Of course there are other players, but that group of individuals along with a young up and coming Dirk would've blossomed into a sure fire juggernaut. While Robert Traylor was a good pro (may he rest in peace), he was no Dirk. Imagine a offense with Sam Cassell brining the ball up in his prime, Glen Robinson on the elbow, Ray Allen running the baseline through screens and Dirk in the high post. LETHAL! This would've been majestic.

5. 2006: What happened? Chicago Bulls trade LaMarcus Aldridge to Portland Trailblazers for Tyrus Thomas and Viktor Khryapa.

What would've been? First and foremost the Bulls outright blew this one. A LaMarcus Aldridge and Joakim Noah front court would've been epic. The defensive prowess of Noah, with the offensive poise and skill of Aldridge would've definitely anchored a devastating Bulls team. Throw in the eventual addition of Derrick Rose and now you might have the cure for the Miami Heat.

Tyrus Thomas has never averaged more than 10 points and 6 rebounds per game. LeMarcus Aldridge's career averages are 18 and 8. Thomas has barely played the last 5 seasons, while Aldridge has been freakishly good. Aldridge is an All-Star, Thomas is just lost. Hope I have proved my point. If I haven't, consider this Thomas was actually selected after Aldridge and then they were traded for one another. Lastly, I won't even bother you with the details of Viktor Khryapa. Just know, this was a very, very, very bad trade.

The Draft Fanatic