So what does everyone think of the trade now? All the experts were saying the trade put them back in the contender conversation and they loved the trade. Well after a 9 game win streak, they are playing .500 ball. They just traded shooters for shooters and shipped out their only defensive player besides Howard. They look like the same team they were before the trade, except they look worse on defense.
They might have to blow it up again before the deadline.
I stand by my original assessment, which is that the trades made Orlando more explosive but also much streakier. They're capable of dropping 120 on just about anyone now, but will also have nights where their erratic shooters are completely off.
In terms of the actual players, Turkoglu has been the best addition, though he's hobbled a bit lately. But he really helps their offensive flow. Richardson has been pretty good as well. And giving Ryan Anderson minutes has paid off too. But Arenas has been pretty terrible for the most part and isn't helping the team. And losing Gortat has removed one of their biggest edges vs Miami.
I don't think the trades bring them any closer to a title, bottom line. They're still the 3-5 seed in the East and not a threat to us.