NBA Trade Talk: A rumor circling around the Association is the possibility of the Warriors’ shooting guard Monta Ellis and 76ers’ small forward Andre Iguodala switching places.  Some have talked about this potential trade not making much sense for either team.  I for one, believe both parties would significantly improve their chances if they complete the deal.  Remember, Jerry West has joined the Warriors organization, and he is well-known around the NBA as someone who loves to roll the dice.

Why Philadelphia Makes Move: With the selection of Evan Turner last summer, the Sixers can move on without Iguodala.  Turner showed signs, especially in the team’s Game four first round win over Miami, and will be ready to run the show alongside Jrue Holiday.  Both Turner and Iguodala play the same position and bring the same strengths to the table as multi-faceted point forwards.  Wouldn’t it be wise to trade Andre for a shooting guard, a position where they covet improvement?

I believe in order for Evan Turner to reach his best and show his full arsenal, the team needs to move out Iguodala.  Surely, they will miss his defense, but they won’t miss his woeful shooting.  It’s clear the Sixers lack a shooting guard, as Jodie Meeks started a majority of the games.  Lou Williams is better fit staying as the 6th or 7th man along with Thad Young off the bench.  With the acquisition of Ellis, you instantly upgrade your offense and allow Turner to be himself.

The trade works perfectly because you already have a replacement for Iguodala.  Granted, you miss the all-around play Iggy gives you on a nightly basis, but you can’t pass up on a scoring sensation like Monta.  Now is the time to deal Iguodala, and what a better offer and fit for the team than the Warriors two-guard?  Consistency, explosiveness, and 40-plus minutes per contest of a sure-fire scorer.  The team’s biggest problem this past season was their lack of easy scoring.  This deal fixes that problem.  Also, you have a rising point guard in Jrue Holiday that will contribute to Monta’s ability to score.  His arrival will better Holiday and you can bet Ellis will love having Jrue set him up with nice dishes and dimes.

Philadelphia’s Revised Draft Plans: With the trade you ultimately need to address the frontcourt situation.  The guard spot is taken care of and now you go for Elton Brand’s replacement.  At #16, you have an abundance of choices to choose from, starting with a Morris (Marcus, Markieff) brother or freshmen with similar names; Tristan Thompson (Texas) or Trey Thompkins (Georgia).  Four power forward candidates that the team will consider with its first round pick.  Could you ask for a better situation?

It’s clear that one of those players will be selected by the Sixers, due to their need of a low-post threat.  The pick will depend upon who’s available and I believe all with be there for the taking except Marcus Morris (Kansas).  With the Morris’ brothers, they give you more offensive versatility, being able to stretch the floor with their jumper that pairs with their inside game.  As for Thompson and Thompkins, they are old-school post players, who are strong on the block with the ball and even better as promising shot-blockers defending the goal.   In the second round, I can see the team going with a defensive swingman like Ohio State’s David Lighty or Kentucky’s DeAndre Liggings on the wing.  Also, Tennessee’s Scottie Hopson could be an intriguing pick if he’s still on the board.