Evalutaing The O'Neal for TJ Ford Trade

Blog: 

I like this trade. There are some pros and cons but overall I think both teams will benefit from the deal. Both key players have had their injury woes over the last couple of seasons so both teams are taking chances in that regard.

J.O. is the first piece in making the Raptors a front court monster. They have been know for their 'softness' so this should definitely clear things up. Having Bosh and O'Neal handling the Post and front court will open up their wing players and will certainly intimidate people from coming into the lane.

The Raptors went from having the best 1 - 2 point guard tandem in the league to what I believe is the best 1 - 2 Power Forward/Center tandem. Coloangelo addressed the teams weak interior defense and rebounding with this move and it should pay off in the 08' - 09' season significantly.

On the other side of the coin, the Pacers finally get to move O'neal and his scary Salary that no one would touch. In return they get the #6 player efficiency rating ranked point guard in the league along with a solid veteran center in Rasho Nesterovic. They will also receive the Raptors #17 pick adding to their #11 selection.

This essentially will jump start their rebuilding efforts without having to sacrifice very much in the long run.

A very well thought out and balanced trade that will improve both teams significantly. I wonder what Rob Babcock would have got for TJ and Rasho.....still stings.

News relating to this topic can be found HERE and please feel free to check out the NBA FORUMS section to discuss more about this big trade.