John Paxson made it no secret that he was actively attempting to unload Ben Wallace and his 60 million dollar contract. After coming to terms with Ben Wallace on July 4th, 2006, the Wallace signing was praised by many people. The signing was expected to bring the Bulls to the NBA Finals. A year and a half later, all Chicago is overwhelmed that Big Bust was shipped out of town.
What the Sonics got:
The Sonics got nothing more than salary cap relief, something which they have wanted. There's not much more to say but give them an A+ for unloading Wally Szczerbiak's contract.
What the Cavs got:
Dan Ferry received alot of heat for not having been able to complete a trade receiving either Jason Kidd or Mike Bibby. A minute before the trading deadline, Dan Ferry was able to welcome Delonte West, Ben Wallace, Joe Smith, and Wally Szczerbiak to the organization. Now first of all, Delonte West is not a true point guard. He's also shooting it at only 39%, 33% from the arc, and 67% from the charity stripe. Now Szczerbiak is a great shooter, but for every shot he makes, his opposition gets it right back due to his inability to play defense. He is also only 27% from the arc during playoff time. Joe Smith is a good player. He is capable of hitting the mid range jumpshot and is a solid defender. Ben Wallace is more of a substraction than an addition at this point. Even though he works two hours before the game practicing his free throws, he remains the worst free throw shooter of all time in the NBA. In fact, he could very well be the worst all around offensive player in the league. His inability to make a dunk, layup will kill the Cavs. He has also fallen in love with the mid-range fadeaway and running hook, which will make Cav fans rather have Larry Hughes shoot jump shots. Now I've read many people claiming the old Ben Wallace of the Detroit days would be back once he suits up in a Cavalier jersey, but the dude is done. He is an undersized center and has relied with athleticism throughout his career. With his age, he has lost that athleticism and hasnt been able to do much at all on defense. If you play him for over 30 minutes a game, your offense will totally ruined. If you play him for less than 30 minutes, he will be a cancer to the team. Is it a coincidence that a day after Benedict Wallace is no longer with the team, the Bulls offense scores 135 points? Even though they gave up 121, nothing could be done with J.R. Smith jacking up 3's and making them. Is it a coincidence that for the first time this season the entire Bulls team smiled, chest bumped, cheered on the bench, and played with joy? That just proved what kind of cancer Bum Wallace was for the team.
Paxson got rid of Wallass' ugly contract by taking on Larry Hughes' contract, which Cleveland considered just as ugly. Larry Hughes, the oldest player on the Bulls at 29, was plain terrible in Cleveland. Much can be blamed on the way Cleveland utilized him, which Hughes himself, claimed to be the reason he was ineffective. With the Cavaliers, Hughes was expected to be more of a shooter. Hughes best work is without the ball, and slashing to the basket. He was unable to do that with LeBron James on the team. Hughes has also averaged 19 points a game on 44% shooting in February. Even if Hughes is unable to reach my expectations, he will at least not be a cancer to the locker room. John Paxson was able to get Drew Gooden, someone whom he had an eye out for, for quite some time. He is now reunited with 3 year college teammate Kirk Hinrich, and could provide some low post scoring. Shanon Brown and Cedric Simmons could possibly become decent role players. A huge part of the deal for me would be the trade exception we receive. With Gooden's contract expiring next season, Gooden, Nocioni, and the exception could possibly get an Elton Brand or Al Harrington type player.
