Who knows?
Maybe if he didn't make the KG trade, he would have made another move that lifted the team up.
I think Danny has shown the patience, understanding of the cap, and ability to think outside the box, that it takes to make a good GM. But like with any GM, you need a little luck. Whether it is a bounce of the pingpong balls, or whether it is having a superstar come on the market, when you have the pieces to make the deal happen.
Also, to suggest Big Al was the only good piece in that deal is incorrect. Ratliff's contract was absolutely crucial to making that deal happen, and they also had a number of draft picks to include to sweeten it, and even guys like Gomes and Green had enough value at that point to make it happen.