The NBA has become extraordinarily interesting as the trade deadline approaches. Different teams have different needs, and Thursday’s trade deadline is the last opportunity for teams to drastically reshape their rosters until the offseason. Evan Mobley and his Cleveland Cavaliers acquired the Indiana Pacers’ Caris LeVert to give them a boost heading into the playoffs. Despite rumors about the Chicago Bulls looking for center and power forward, it’s difficult for them due to the scarcity of high-quality players. Former Trojans DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic put up strong performances as the Bulls struggled due to injuries.
Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers (3-1)
The Cleveland Cavaliers upgraded their backcourt, trading veteran Ricky Rubio, a lottery-protected 2022 first-round pick and two second-round picks to the Indiana Pacers for Caris LeVert and a 2022 second-round pick via Miami on Sunday.
The 6-foot-6 LeVert is averaging 18.7 points per game this season, which provides this Cleveland team with elite scoring ability alongside their new NBA All-Star: Darius Garland.
After adding another valuable piece in LeVert, the young Cavaliers are ready to contest for the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference.
Though the Cavaliers won three of their four games this week, Evan Mobley struggled on the offensive end. Mobley averaged 12.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, one steal, 1.5 blocks and 2.3 turnovers per game over the last four games, while shooting below 35% from three.
Mobley became hesitant as his shooting regressed. Also, due to a lack of strength, he struggled to score the ball in the paint. When Mobley caught the ball outside, once players with the same size or quick speed kept with his first step, his offensive efficiency dropped dramatically.
During the Cavaliers’ Jan. 31 game against the New Orleans Pelicans, 6-foot-11 athletic forward Jaxson Hayes held Mobley to 1-of-7 from the field. Despite his offensive struggles, Mobley’s defense remained solid. He is averaging 7.3 rebounds, one steal and 1.5 blocks this week.
Mobley had one of his best NBA games Feb. 2 against the Houston Rockets, where he posted a career-high 29 points, 12 rebounds, two assists and one steal. Since 2000, LeBron James is the only Cavaliers rookie to have more points and rebounds in a single game.
DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls (2-2)
The Chicago Bulls are experiencing another big challenge due to the absence of key players Zach LaVine, Lonzo Ball, Alex Caruso and Derrick Jones Jr. Three of those players contributed more than 27 minutes per game when they were healthy.
Particularly, the Bulls’ defense was severely impacted, conceding an average of 119 points over their last four games. Ball and Caruso are two of their best perimeter defenders, averaging a combined 9.3 rebounds, 3.8 steals and 1.3 blocks, and without them, the team has struggled to recover.
Though the Bulls were struggling, DeMar DeRozan elevated his game during the last week, averaging 33.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, 6.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game. DeRozan’s offensive versatility was on full display, especially when the Bulls faced the Philadelphia 76ers. Although the Bulls lost, DeRozan posted 45 points on 18-of-30 shooting in 41 minutes while going 9-for-11 from the free-throw line.
Nikola Vucevic, Chicago Bulls (2-2)
The other Trojan on the Chicago Bulls’ roster, 31-year-old Nikola Vucevic, is having a quiet season compared to DeRozan. After the Bulls added several high-quality players in DeRozan, Ball and Caruso, Vucevic’s impact on the offensive end decreased significantly. His average points and field goal attempts dropped from last season’s 23.4 and 19.9 to this season’s 17.5 and 15.9, respectively. He sacrificed his offensive touches in order to allow other players such as DeRozan and Zach Lavine to be the fulcrums of the Bulls’ offense.
Recently, as the team dealt with injury, Vucevic stepped up when Chicago needed him. Vucevic is averaging 26.8 points, 13.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.8 blocks over his last four games. Shooting from the arc, attacking the rim, protecting the basket, facilitating for his teammates — he proved he can do it all when needed.
With the Bulls and the Cavaliers having the same record, 33-21, their two remaining head-to-head battles this season become even more crucial.
De’Anthony Melton, Memphis Grizzlies (2-1)
The 2021-22 season is 23-year-old De’Anthony Melton’s fourth NBA season, and he has established himself as an important player off the bench for the team with the third best record in the NBA: the Memphis Grizzlies. Melton is averaging 9.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.6 steals per game in 22.9 minutes, cementing himself as the Grizzlies sixth man off the bench.
Melton averaged 11.3 points, five rebounds and two assists over his last three games. When the Grizzlies took on the Orlando Magic on Saturday, Melton posted his first double-double of the season with 16 points, and 10 rebounds.
As the second-youngest team in the league — 23.7 years old — the Grizzlies have surprised everyone with their success. Melton has been a standout off the bench demonstrating his elite defense this season. As long as Melton continuously improves his shooting, his role for the Grizzlies is not only secure but it could grow.