Spurs, Hawks, and Raptors All Improve Before the NBA Trading Deadline

The NBA trade deadline has come in gone. Teams have made their last efforts to improve themselves to make runs deep into the playoffs. Let's assess three deals that did not involve the big name, but will make a big difference come playoff time.

1) Spurs Acquiring Kurt Thomas from the Super Sonics

The deal between the Spurs in Sonics was as follows: the Spurs acquire Kurt Thomas and the Sonics acquire Francisco Elson, Brent Barry, and the '09 first round draft pick.

The Spurs were in desperate need of adding depth to their frontcourt. While, they have two-time league MVP Tim Duncan, who is averaging 11.3 rebounds per game (according to spurs.com), the Spurs do not have anyone else on the team averaging more than 5.3 rebounds per game. Fabricio Oberto is the player who is recording that stat, and he is currently the Spurs starting center. However, during the 2007-08 season Thomas is averaging 7.5 points and 8.8 rebounds in 25.2 minutes while shooting .513 (139-271) from the field. He has earned 39 starts in 42 games while with Seattle. Thomas is a great addition to the Spurs as he provides an important low post presence to couple with Duncan. Watch out for the Spurs in the Western Conference for the rest of the season.

On a side note, it is nice to see the Sonics acquiring an extra first round pick and the veteran Barry. He provides leadership and a threat from downtown while the pick allows the Sonics to continue their rebuilding phase.

2) Hawks Acquiring Mike Bibby from Sacramento

In a previous article, "Atlanta Hawks Trading Deadline Report" (http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/592305/atlanta_hawks_trading_deadline_report.html), I noted that the Hawks needed to acquire a point guard that could should three pointers. The article breaks down that teams with higher three point shooting percentages are often more successful than teams that don't. The Hawks needed to replace the efficient but poor outside shooter Anthony Johnson, for another point guard that could shoot threes without giving up any of their key starters. Somehow, they were able to do just that. The deal was:

Hawks Get: Mike Bibby