For years, NBA brass has craved NFL-level parity, the chance to enter a postseason with half a dozen teams (or more) believing they have a legitimate chance at winning a championship. And as we approach the trade deadline, it seems the NBA has its wish.
The Lakers have LeBron, the Clippers Kawhi, Milwaukee is a regular season beast but the field still feels pretty open headed into the All-Star break. Utah is getting its legs (and Mike Conley) under them, while Boston, Toronto and Philadelphia loom as threats to the Bucks in the East.
It’s what makes this year’s trade deadline that much more interesting: A fringe move here or there, an upgrade in shooting off the bench or a rebounding big, that might be enough to push a team into the Finals.