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    • 5 Biggest NBA Draft Day Trades that Changed the Fortunes of the teams

    by admin in NBA | Comments Off on 5 Biggest NBA Draft Day Trades that Changed the Fortunes of the teams

    Draft-day trades are always considered very risky because you are not sure whether the acquired player will be able to deliver at professional level or not. But if the gamble pays off then it brings a lot of success to the team.

    Here, we take a look at some of the biggest draft day trades that changed the fortunes of the teams.

    1. Bill Russell trade to Boston Celtics (1956)

    In 1956, St. Louis Hawks traded Bill Russell to Boston Celtics for Ed McCauley and Cliff Hagan. It turned out to be not simply the trade of a player but the trade of the fortune as it brought success for the Celtics in huge way. Legendry Bill Russell proved his mettle not only as individual but as a team player. He  laid the foundation of Boston Celtics Dynasty and won 11 champions in 13 years with Boston Celtics.

    2. Charlotte Hornets traded Kobe Bryant to Lakers (1996)

    Hornet’s defenetly went wrong in assessing the potential of Kobe Bryant, other wise they would not dare to lose a player of his caliber. Hornet acquired starting center Vlade Divac for Kobe Bryant which was apparently not a bad deal but if they had stayed with Kobe, they might have existed in Charlotte today and perhaps with pride.

    3. Scottie Pippen sent to Chicago Bulls (1989)

    Scottie Pippen was originally selected by the Seattle SuperSonic but they traded his rights to Chicago Bulls in exchange for Olden Polynice. At that time, no one could expect that this player will become one of the best defenders in league’s history and will play a major role in shaping the Chicago Bulls Dynasty. He  alongside Michael Jordan led the team to six NBA championships.

    4. Dirk Nowitzki traded in exchange for Robert Traylor (1998)

    Milwaukee Bucks swapped Dirk Nowitzki for Robert Traylor, a player who battled with weight and injury problems throughout his career. Though, Traylor played two seasons with Bucks but in an unipressive manner, without having any impact on the team. On the other hand, Dirk made his presence felt in the new team. He not only took Mavericks to the 12 playoffs but also won a championsip in 2011.

    5. Moses Malone traded to Buffalo Braves (1976)

    Portland Trail Blazers picked Moses Malone in the 1976 dispersal draft but before he could play a single game for them, they traded him to Buffalo Braves. After playing merely two games, Braves traded him to another team Hoston Rockets, where he spent some of the best years of his career. His most productive year came in 1983 with Philadelphia 76es when he won an NBA championship, Regular Season MVP and Finals MVP awards together in the same year.




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