The NBA season is about to return from the All-Star tonight but it’s a busy day for more reasons than that. Today is trade deadline day, which means a number of players could be on the move. Here are six youngsters caught up in the rumors that definitely could use a change of scenery.
Reggie Jackson, Oklahoma City Thunder
This is the foremost player among the relatively younger, non-superstar set in the NBA who needs to find a new team. Jackson is unhappy with his situation in Oklahoma City where his role has been diminished. He has made it plain that he wants to be starter, which he can’t be with the Thunder unless Russell Westbrook is injured. Jackson doesn’t get extended minutes and he doesn’t get to lead a team’s offense under his present circumstances. He’s going to walk as soon as he’s a free agent, so the Thunder may want to get something for him now.
Jeremy Lamb, Oklahoma City Thunder
It is true that Jackson is the main member of the Thunder who needs a new team but Lamb is also buried in this lineup beneath Westbrook, Kevin Durant and even Dion Waiters. Lamb has DNP’s in 12 of his last 24 games and he’s averaging under 16 minutes per game in the game’s he’s played this season. That’s not much of a look for a player who is still just learning how to play. It would seem to be mutually beneficial for both parties if Lamb and the Thunder parted ways.
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Maurice Harkless, Orlando Magic
The point to emphasize here is that Orlando has really not developed much despite a large collection of younger players on its roster. The Magic are too imbalanced to the point that they are almost all dependent on youth as opposed to veteran experience. Put Harkless on a more veteran roster where he can blend in and his career might improve to a considerable degree. He’s getting only 13.8 minutes and has accumulated more DNP’s than games in which he has participated (29 to 27). If he fits in Orlando, the coaching staff sure has a curious way of showing it. He’d be better served somewhere else… and so would the Magic.
Lance Stephenson, Charlotte Hornets
This is a man who needs a new place to play because he’s been a bust in Charlotte after having a productive career at Indiana with the Pacers. His scoring average with Charlotte is down almost five full points from where it was in Indiana (from 13.8 to 9.0) and his field goal percentage has fallen from the 49.1% he shot in Indiana last season (it’s now 37.1). He needs a veteran team to partner with – a team that can accentuate the good things he does instead of wipe them away.
Enes Kanter, Utah Jazz
It is true that Kanter is viewed as a big part of Utah’s plans but the Jazz have Rudy Gobert also in the lineup and Derrick Favors as well. Kanter could get crowded out in terms of minutes. If he’s comfortable with the time he’s getting on the court and if he thinks the Jazz are headed in the right direction, this might not be a problem. However, he views himself as a player on the rise and he’s not going to get the full opportunity to shine in Utah. He’s better off going to a team that’s need for frontcourt talent.
Andrew Nicholson, Orlando Magic
This is another Orlando player who is stuck and has to find a way to escape. Nicholson has played only three games in 2015, which is absurd for someone who so clearly has an NBA body at 6-9 and 250 pounds. He might not be quick but he’s powerful and can carve out space in the low post. He has a decent shot – just not a great one from long distance (28-of-89 last season from three-point range). He needs more of a chance to polish his game and develop, and since the Magic aren’t giving this first-round pick that opportunity, he needs to move on.
