NBA: What Every Eastern Conference Team Needs For Christmas

With Christmas just around the corner, we explore what every Eastern Conference NBA team needs this holiday season

‘Tis the season for giving! Whether your team is a contender or two years away from being two years away, we’re giving out one gift to each team in the NBA, starting with the Eastern Conference.

Atlanta Hawks

Wishlist: A True Point Guard

The Hawks are hovering around .500 and are right in the middle of the pack in the Eastern Conference. Dwight Howard has been more productive at the center position than most people thought, and Paul Millsap is still proving to be underappreciated based on his production. But their backcourt has underachieved so far. Starting Dennis Schroder, Kyle Korver, and Kent Bazemore, the Hawks are dead last in the league in turnovers per game.

We’re getting the Hawks a true point guard for Christmas! I don’t know if Schroder is the answer at point guard. He’s an athletic combo guard but obviously needs help running the offense and taking care of the ball (three turnovers per game).

Moving Schroder to the SG and bringing in a young PG via the draft would help the Hawks become younger and allow Korver to come off the bench and be a perimeter spark plug.

Dec 3, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) walks off the court after defeating the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. The Celtics defeated the 76ers 107-106. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Boston Celtics

Wishlist: DeMarcus Cousins

The Celtics are so close to becoming a legitimate threat in the East. Avery Bradley is playing out of his mind this season (18-8) and might be the most underrated player in the NBA. Isaiah Thomas is continuing his all-star caliber play, and Al Horford is now healthy and playing well.

With the Celtics having their own pick and Brooklyn’s pick this offseason, they’re in great shape to develop their young stud Jaylen Brown, as well as all of their draft picks in 2017. However, these picks are also valuable trade bait for what the Celts need the most. A Superstar.

We’re giving the Celtics Boogie Cousins for Christmas! Boogie has been in trade rumors all year and there is no better fit than the Celtics. Instead of having a power forward by committee, Boston can move Horford to the PF position to make room for Boogie at the 5. Happy Holidays, Celtics fans.

Dec 5, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) laughs with guard Nicolas Batum (5) during the second half against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Charlotte Hornets

Wishlist: Center

Charlotte is a solid 15-13 this season with great continued production from Cardiac Kemba and Nic Batum. Kemba is making a serious case for starting Eastern Conference point guard in the All-Star game averaging 22-4-5. Starting him at PG with Batum and Kidd-Gilchrist on the wings makes it extremely difficult for offenses to score due to their length and size.

With Marvin Williams out with injury, Frank Kaminsky has stepped in and done pretty well as a stretch four. Cody Zeller has been continuously improving down low, but he isn’t the long-term answer for the Hornets.

We’re getting Charlotte a two-way center for Christmas! Someone who can apply serious rim protection with also helping out with the scoring load on offense. This addition should make Charlotte an even bigger threat to Cleveland come playoff time.

Nov 15, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson (22) and guard Dwyane Wade (3) and forward Jimmy Butler (21) and guard Jerian Grant (2) react after a dunk by Wade against the Portland Trail Blazers during the third quarter at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Bulls

Wishlist: A Sharpshooter

Chicago is currently sitting at 14-13 and 6th in the Eastern Conference which is quite the surprise to some people around the league. Coming into the season there were question marks about how Wade, Rondo, and Butler were going to fit together, but Butler has let everyone know with his play that this is his team.

Wade has been a great fit as well as a side kick to Jimmy. Taj Gibson at the 4 has been overachieving, averaging 12-7 and has been a machine on the offensive glass.

There is one thing that sticks out while watching the Bulls all season long. They lack perimeter shooting. In a league where three-point shooting is at an all-time high, this isn’t a good trend for Chicago.

We’re getting the Bulls another three-point shooter for Christmas! McDermott and Mirotic were thought to be the Bulls shooters, but they’re shooting 32 and 28 percent, respectively. McDermott has only played in 9 games this season, so they need another perimeter shooting threat to come off the bench and knock down open threes to help with their playoff run.

Dec 5, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) points to where he wants his team mates to move against Toronto Raptors in the first half at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Cleveland Cavaliers

Wishlist: 3-and-D Upgrade

The Cleveland Cavaliers are 19-6 and 1st place in the East. But this is nothing new. The Cavs don’t have a long Christmas list, but there are minor details that stand out when watching them play. I took a look at their six losses, and asked myself what was the reasoning behind their lapses. Part of it was the fact that the best player in the NBA didn’t even play, but another glaring weakness was their perimeter defense.

Starting Kyrie and J.R. Smith, the Cavs do not lack in the scoring department, and are first in the league in three-point shooting. Their liability is on the defensive end with these two. Teams purposely make Kyrie and J.R. switch to guarding the pick and roll ball-handler, forcing the Cavs help defense to scramble and rotate to force mismatches.

We’re giving the Cavs another perimeter defender! Iman Shumpert is a great asset to have off the bench for exactly this reason, but the more the merrier. Look for this defender to be long and athletic to maybe be able to guard the 1-4 positions, but mainly stick to guys on the perimeter to help guard the high pick and roll. They’re going to need it in a 7-game series against Golden State.

Nov 23, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) high fives forward Tobias Harris (34) during the third quarter against the Miami Heat at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Detroit Pistons

Wishlist: Health

If the season ended today, the Pistons would miss the playoffs. The good news is that Reggie Jackson returned from his offseason injury and is healthy. With Jackson at the point, they are a much more dynamic and dangerous team, no question.

KCP and Tobias Harris are solid perimeter scorers who can score in multiple ways, and Marcus Morris has shown more consistency than usual. Detroit has six guys averaging double figures in scoring. Drummond is still being a walking double double averaging 14-14 per game. This team is on the cusp of something great, and Stan Van Gundy has his guys believing exactly that.

For the Detroit Pistons, we’re giving them the gift of 100 percent health for Christmas! Corny I know, but when you think about it Reggie Jackson has had a recent injury. Tobias Harris has had ankle injury problems, and Drummond had that serious vertebrae injury his rookie season. This team has all the pieces to make a run, and with this gift of health, there will be no excuses on why they can’t take the next step.

Oct 6, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) looks on during the game against the Chicago Bulls at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Pacers won 115-108. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Indiana Pacers

Wishlist: Depth

Playing a game of musical chairs with the aforementioned Pistons, the Pacers are currently the 8 seed if the season ended today. They are a very different team with Paul George in the lineup, missing seven games already due to injury. Myles Turner was a steal in the draft and has proven to be a future star in the league. After their core starting five, however, there is a drop off in production and inconsistency.

Al Jefferson was a good pick up as far as depth, but other than that the Pacers are playing Rodney Stuckey, Glenn Robinson III, Aaron Brooks and C.J. Miles in their second unit. Other than the PF position, the Pacers can afford to get deeper at any other position.

Having said that, we’re getting the Pacers a solid backup center or combo guard for Christmas! Myles Turner needs a breather every once in a while, and a big tall body will be good for the Pacers. Thad Young, at 6-foot-8, and Jefferson, at 6-foot-9, aren’t true NBA center size, so look for this backup rim protector to be a true 7-foot big or taller to help maximize Indian’s potential success.

Nov 21, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) at the foul line against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Philadelphia 76ers won 101-94. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Miami Heat

Wishlist: New Face Of The Franchise

After a 9-19 start, it is easy to see where the Heat are as an organization. They’re not a contender. Goran Dragic is a solid starting PG who can score when need be and distribute as well. Hassan Whiteside is an absolute beast down low and is a centerpiece for you team’s defense averaging 18-15 while blocking almost 2.5 shots a game.

I’m sure the Heat wished they would have more production from Justise Winslow by now, but he is definitely not a lost cause yet. With Winslow continuing to develop and getting healthy, a young combo guard in Tyler Johnson off the bench, and Waiters being an average SG to plug-in, the Heat’s main focus should be acquiring a starting PF. No offense to Luke Babbitt, Derrick Williams, or Josh McRoberts, but they’re far from the answer.

We’re giving the Heat Harry Giles for Christmas! With their playoff chances looking slim to none, it’s time to not change anything and keep losing. Giles is the top ranked big man in this year’s draft class and could be selected anywhere in the top 10. Plugging him in alongside Whiteside for the next three years causes problems in the paint for the rest of the league.

Nov 29, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Jason Kidd talks with forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Milwaukee Bucks

Wishlist: A Three-Point Shooter

Greek Freak and the Bucks are starting to make people believe. Jason Kidd is a mad scientist playing around with some Bucks lineups sometimes, but putting Giannis at the PG is brilliant. Due to Khris Middleton being out for the year, Milwaukee has to rotate Tony Snell and Jason “The Jet” Terry in at the 2 all year. Jabari Parker is playing like he was in his Duke days, averaging 19-6 and showing great potential that lacked in the years prior. He finally looks healthy and ready to be a mismatch for opposing power forwards.

With Henson and Monroe swapping minutes at center, the Bucks have one thing on their Christmas list. A three-point shooter. So we’re going to give them one.

Think of how well J.J. Redick would fit in on this team. If only his short stint with the Bucks was four years later. A similar player to Redick would fit really well on this team with Giannis’ ability to play-make, and the length they already have at every position.

Nov 29, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) reacts after hitting a three point shot against the Los Angeles Clippers during the first quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Brooklyn Nets

Wishlist: New Face Of The Franchise

Coming into the season, Brooklyn was picked to finish dead last in almost every preseason ranking system you could ever think of. There were internet memes making fun of their roster about how you couldn’t name one person outside of Jeremy Lin. Having said this, they’re overachieving to some extent. They are not as bad as we thought they’d be, but still miles and miles away from contending for a championship.

Anything can help this team. Brook Lopez is a bright spot at center. Jeremy Lin is a good starting PG for them, and Bogdan Bogdanovic has been a pleasant surprise on the wing. Since their pick in the draft belongs to Boston, they’ll need to make a splash in free agency.

Brooklyn needs a franchise changer. We’re giving them a 20 ppg scorer in free agency this year! Any position except center is on their list. If you’re a bucket getter who can put fans in the seats every night, you’re in the running to be a Brooklyn Net for the holidays. Keep an eye on Rudy Gay this summer.

Dec 19, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) and New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) react after a shot by Porzingis (6) during second half against the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden. The New York Knicks defeated the Chicago Bulls 107-91. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

New York Knicks

Wishlist: Young Robin

It’s hard to point out exactly where the Knicks are so far this season. Currently sitting at 6th in the East, some would consider the Knicks to be doing better than expected. Kristaps Porzingis continues to evolve and becoming a dominant threat from anywhere on the floor. Carmelo has fit in nicely with their key additions this year in Rose and Jennings. With the exception of Kristaps, this team is getting old. This current Knicks roster would be a championship contender if it was 2009.

They need to get younger and build around Porzingis. We’re getting the Knicks a lottery pick this year for Christmas!

Whether they get it via trade, or hit a cold streak down the stretch, the Knicks need a young star to come in and be Robin to Batman Porzingis. Keep an eye on Josh Jackson out of Kansas who would be a great fit on the wing with Melo. Jackson would be able to learn under Melo and develop his game after an elite scorer. Also available in the lottery will be Lonzo Ball out of UCLA. Who knows how healthy Derrick Rose will be and how consistent Brandon Jennings will be. Ball is a playmaking PG with great size who would be loved in New York.

Dec 4, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Orlando Magic guard Evan Fournier (10) reacts after a play with forward Serge Ibaka (7) during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Magic win 98-92. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Orlando Magic

Wishlist: Backcourt Help

One of the true mysteries in the NBA right now is the Magic. Their roster is put together in the opposite way the league is trending. They’re stacked at the PF and center position and are lacking guards and perimeter shooters. They need shooting. They need a slashing wing. They need help everywhere.

We’re giving the Orlando Magic a complete back court swap for Christmas!

This seems like a little more than other teams are getting for Christmas, I know, but the Magic need it. You can’t beat teams with Aaron Gordon playing 26 minutes a game as a SF or DJ Augustine and Elfrid Payton splitting time at point.

Look for the Magic to go after Brandon Knight, who is not getting the minutes he deserves in Phoenix with Bledsoe and Booker playing over him. Knight could really help Orlando get a scorer who can also run the offense.

Instead of forcing a true athletic PF in Aaron Gordon to play the 3, keep an eye on Otto Porter Jr. and Andre Igoudala this offseason. Both will be free agents in the summer of 2017.

Dec 2, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) and center Jahlil Okafor (8) congratulate each other after a score against the Orlando Magic during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia 76ers

Wishlist: Young Backcourt Star

The Sixers are on the rise! Truly one of the more entertaining teams to watch despite how bad they are, you can see the Sixers are on the right track. Trusting the Process with Joel Embiid as your franchise centerpiece is exactly what Philly is doing. Who knows if they get Ben Simmons back this year but they shouldn’t rush anything.

Super Dario Saric has proven to be a good fit as a stretch four next to Embiid down low, and if Ben Simmons could be a playmaking point forward when he comes back, the Sixers main focus should be to bring in a lockdown perimeter defender on the wing, who could also shoot and make open threes.

Playing in the East, to be a contender, you need someone who has the ability to guard LeBron. Whether you like it or not, the Eastern Conference Finals goes through Cleveland. One player comes to mind this year when thinking about guarding on the perimeter and having the ability to make consistent open threes.

We’re giving the Sixers Avery Bradley for Christmas!

Bradley is the ultimate role guy. Having spent six years in the league, he would bring some much-needed experience and leadership to this young Sixers team. Put him on the wing with the ability to guard athletic SG and SF, so Ben Simmons doesn’t have to will help their team defense immensely.

Dec 5, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) reacts to comments from players on the Cleveland Cavaliers bench (not pictured) in the second half at Air Canada Centre. Cleveland won 116-112. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Toronto Raptors

Wishlist: A Stretch Four

The Raptors are the closest threat to the Cavs in the Eastern Conference. Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan are their tag team scorers, while DeMarre Carroll is their designated LeBron “stopper”. Jonas Valanciunas is a steady 12 and 10 guy who gives pretty good rim protection to their defense. They have good depth with Cory Joseph and Terrence Ross coming off the bench and being productive.

One thing that stood out in their series against the Cavs last year in the playoffs was their PF position. They signed Jarred Sulinger this offseason but it wasn’t too long before he came down with another injury, causing him to miss all of this season so far. The Raptors are starting Pascal Siakam, a rookie out of New Mexico State playing 19 minutes a game.

Patrick Patterson comes off the bench and has been effective in his 29 minutes per game. But neither of these guys are the answer if they want to take the next step and take down the Cavs.

We’re giving the Toronto Raptors Serge Ibaka for Christmas!

Orlando already has seven too many post players, and since they gave up their 1st round pick to get Ibaka (11th overall Domantas Sabonis), this trade will give them one right back. Serge is a perfect fit in Toronto with his huge wingspan. He has the ability to rim protect, rebound every ball in a mile radius, and step out and switch pick and rolls on the perimeter. Offensively, he is an upgrade from Patterson shooting the mid range baseline jumper and corner threes.

Nov 16, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) pleads with referee Derrick Stafford (9) during the second half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. The Philadelphia 76ers won 109-102. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Washington Wizards

Wishlist: Nerlens Noel

Why the Wizards are doing as bad as they are is beyond me. They have no excuse to be 12th in the Eastern Conference with their current backcourt. John Wall is a multi-year All-Star talent and a superstar in the NBA. His very public beef with Bradley Beal has been an ongoing concern in Washington. Mix that with Gortat having a bad attitude towards his second unit guys means this locker room is a disaster.

We’re giving the Wizards a fresh start this Christmas by making a blockbuster trade. To improve team chemistry, we’re trading Marcin Gortat to the Sixers for Nerlens Noel and the Sixers second round pick.

Nerlens has been mentioned in countless trade scenarios this season, and this trade gives the Sixers the same depth at the center position. The Wizards gain a true defensive center, while acquiring what will probably be a very close to 1st round draft pick. Not to mention, they gain a player that will have their teammates back in the locker room.