15 May 2023
The NBA is a dynamic and exciting league that has seen some of the most remarkable moves in sports history. From blockbuster trades to shrewd draft picks, NBA teams have made some of the smartest moves of all time. In this article, we will take a look at the 10 smartest NBA moves ever made.
1. The Boston Celtics Trade for Kevin Garnett
In the summer of 2007, the Boston Celtics made a trade that would change the course of the NBA. The Celtics acquired Kevin Garnett from the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Al Jefferson, Ryan Gomes, Gerald Green, Theo Ratliff, Sebastian Telfair, and two first-round draft picks. Garnett helped lead the Celtics to an NBA championship in 2008, and his presence transformed the team’s culture.
2. The Philadelphia 76ers Select Allen Iverson with the First Overall Pick
In 1996, the Philadelphia 76ers selected Allen Iverson as the first overall pick in the NBA draft. Iverson quickly became one of the most electrifying players in the league and helped lead the 76ers to the NBA Finals in 2001. Iverson’s blend of scoring, speed, and agility made him a fan favorite and one of the most iconic players in NBA history.
3. The San Antonio Spurs Draft Tony Parker
In the 2001 NBA draft, the San Antonio Spurs selected Tony Parker with the 28th overall pick. Parker quickly became a vital member of the Spurs’ championship teams, and his combination of speed and ball-handling skills made him one of the best point guards in the league. Parker’s success with the Spurs is a testament to the team’s scouting and player development.
4. The Dallas Mavericks Acquire Dirk Nowitzki
In 1998, the Dallas Mavericks acquired Dirk Nowitzki in a draft-day trade with the Milwaukee Bucks. Nowitzki quickly became the face of the Mavericks franchise and led the team to an NBA championship in 2011. Nowitzki’s unique combination of size, shooting ability, and ball-handling skills made him one of the most versatile players in NBA history.
5. The Detroit Pistons Acquire Rasheed Wallace
In 2004, the Detroit Pistons acquired Rasheed Wallace from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for three players and two draft picks. Wallace was a key piece in the Pistons’ championship team that year, and his toughness and defensive prowess helped transform the team’s identity. The Pistons’ trade for Wallace is a prime example of how a single player can have a significant impact on a team’s success.
6. The Los Angeles Lakers Trade for Kobe Bryant
In 1996, the Los Angeles Lakers acquired Kobe Bryant from the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Vlade Divac. Bryant quickly became one of the most dominant players in the league and helped lead the Lakers to five NBA championships. Bryant’s combination of scoring ability, defensive prowess, and work ethic made him one of the greatest players in NBA history.
7. The Chicago Bulls Draft Michael Jordan
In 1984, the Chicago Bulls selected Michael Jordan with the third overall pick in the NBA draft. Jordan quickly became the face of the Bulls franchise and helped lead the team to six NBA championships. Jordan’s scoring ability, athleticism, and competitive drive made him one of the most iconic players in NBA history and helped elevate the league’s popularity worldwide.
8. The Boston Celtics Draft Larry Bird
In 1978, the Boston Celtics selected Larry Bird with the sixth overall pick in the NBA draft. Bird quickly became the face of the Celtics franchise and helped lead the team to three NBA championships. Bird’s combination of shooting ability, passing skills, and basketball IQ made him one of the most complete players in NBA history.
9. The Golden State Warriors Draft Stephen Curry
In 2009, the Golden State Warriors selected Stephen Curry with the seventh overall pick in the NBA draft. Curry quickly became one of the best shooters in NBA history and helped lead the Warriors to three NBA championships. Curry’s success with the Warriors has helped revolutionize the way the game is played and has influenced a new generation of players.
10. The Miami Heat Sign LeBron James
In 2010, the Miami Heat signed LeBron James in free agency. James quickly became the face of the Heat franchise and helped lead the team to two NBA championships. James’ combination of size, speed, and basketball IQ made him one of the most dominant players in NBA history and helped elevate the Heat to championship contention.
In conclusion, the NBA has seen some of the most remarkable moves in sports history. From blockbuster trades to shrewd draft picks, NBA teams have made some of the smartest moves of all time. The 10 moves listed above are just a few examples of the many great moves made by NBA teams over the years.
