2008 NBA Draft pt 1: A Trade is Made

The NBA Draft is just a couple hours away, the rumor mill is running at full tilt as teams scramble to get the best players to fit their scheme. In addition the first casuality has taken place and a trade has been executed. The Toronto Raptors and the Indiana Pacers have agreed to a deal that will ship one former All-Star out and hopefully spark a team that is in desperate need of a change. The Pacers are sending Jermaine O'Neal to Toronto for T.J. Ford, Rasho Nesterovic and the No. 17 pick. The Raptors will also receive the 41st pick in the draft in exchange for Maceo Baston. On the surface this is simply a trade of two injured players. O'Neal truely has not been the same since the Brawl in the Pallace in 04 and played through knee problem the past two seasons. There is no doubt that he has worn out his welcome in Indy, and a change of scenery could do him well. In addition landing the 17th pick in the draft means the Pacers have a chance to get a solid bigman such as a Roy Hibbert or Darrell Arthur to build around. T.J. Ford is a solid pg when healthy but neck injuries have slowed him since he came into the league. The Raptors gain O'Neal who when paired with Chris Bosh could form a very potent front court. At the very least, they will be one of the largest in the Eastern Conference which could mean a lot in a size defecent conference. This is a solid trade for two teams one looking to start over adn rebuild, while the other is primed to make a push and become a legit player.