Yes the trade deadline has now come and gone in the NBA, Stern is a happy camper, and teams have positioned themselves for the final quarter of the season. Now let's take a look at what happened and see if anyone was able to separate themselves from the pack.

Trade Winners

•1. 1. Los Angeles Lakers. Based on what Mitch Kupchak did in obtaining Pau Gasol brought back all of my "why I hate the Laker's memories". They give up squat and get an outstanding "piece" to their team, with Gasol moving into the center spot while Bynum rehabs his knee, hoping to be back by playoff time. They have won 7 out of 8 since the trade and look good, scary good, especially if Bynum comes back like he was playing prior to his injury. They look like the team to beat in the West. Someone should ask Kobe if he is glad that Kupchak did not trade him.

•2. 2. Cleveland Cavaliers and Utah Jazz. Both of these are going to make a few of you sit up and say "WHAT", but think about it for a minute. The Jazz after picking up Kyle Carver have went like 20-3, with Carver giving them the outside threat that they were lacking. Anyone who doesn't think that the Jazz are a legitimate threat to win the west just doesn't understand the NBA. While Cleveland got rid of their albatross in Larry Hughes, who was never able to give them what they needed nor was Gooden, who pretty much simply existed in the Cav's starting lineup. With Ben Wallace and Delonte West proving what they have been missing, a "Force inside" and ball control at the point guard spot, allowing James the chance to rest a bit not having to run the offense and score the points. Throw in Larry Szcerbiak providing the outside shooting that Hughes never did, makes them a serious threat in the east once again.

•3. 3. Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs. Neither team landed a stud, that is true, but both were able to add pieces that not only fit into their scheme, but players who are strong in the locker room without being upsetting. The Rockets who have a 12 game streak going added a strong back-up point guard in Bobby Jackson, while ridding themselves of an erratic shooter in Mike James and potential time bomb Bonzi Wells. While the Spurs added a solid playoff proven player in Kurt Thomas, who can play both the power forward and center position, giving Duncan a strong second inside presence.

Trade Losers

•1. 1. Phoenix Suns. The main purpose in obtaining Shaq was to give them a half-court option for the playoffs when the game slows down. The problem is, that while Shaq can play that game, the rest of the team cannot, the pieces just don't fit. The first thing you have to have in a half court offense is outside shooting, and the Suns just don't have it. They also have a second low post presence in Stoudemire, who currently has no idea of where to go on the court when Shaq is in the game. I have seen bits and pieces of the 3 games since the trade and they just don't look comfortable, and I don't believe that it is Shaq who is causing it, maybe time will make it better, but I would not hold my breath. Depending on first round match-ups, look for the Suns to make an early exit once again.

•2. 2. New Orleans Hornets. I guess they figured that with the best record in the West, they did not need to make any significant upgrades in their team, wrong assumption. Since the break they have played and lost 2 games to teams that are chasing them in the division, the Rockets and the Spurs and neither game was a close game. The 2 players they picked up, Mike James and Bonzi Wells are more support/role players and won't supply any of the leadership that this team would need going into the playoffs. I see the Hornets sliding down to the 5^th or 6^th seed come playoff time and exiting the first round.

•3. 3. Dallas Mavericks. Ah the team that everyone loves to beat-up on. They spent the entire month of February leading up to the trade deadline doing everything they possibly could to get Jason Kidd and finally got him. But can a 35 year old point guard, who is neither a good shooter, nor a good half court player on either the offensive or defensive end, make the difference for Dallas in the playoffs? My bet is that no, he will not get Dallas over the hump once again. If they are matched up against the Spurs, Tony Parker will simply abuse Kidd in the half court game, taking him inside over and over. Matched up against, say the Hornets, and the game is probably closer due to the Hornets inexperience, but I would again give Paul the edge over Kidd.

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