D\u0451min would give them a major shooting boost, as it’s clear the system runs through Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. Although a rookie, he’d take some pressure off the stars and draw help from the perimeter, allowing Orlando’s trio to operate better.<\/p>\n
Philadelphia 76ers: Nic Claxton<\/p>\n
Without Joel Embiid, the 76ers have solely relied on Andre Drummond to anchor the paint. While they stole Game 2 and nearly won Game 3, Philadelphia still ranks 13th of 16 playoff teams in rebounds per game. The Boston Celtics also have an offensive rebounding percentage of 38.7% (second).<\/p>\n
Claxton would help anchor the defense while limiting second-chance opportunities. The 6-foot-11 big man played closer to the perimeter with the rebuilding Nets, but at his best, he averaged 9.9 boards and 2.1 blocks a night (2023-24).<\/p>\n
Atlanta Hawks: Ziaire Williams<\/p>\n
The Hawks are playing their best basketball of the season, up 2-1 on the New York Knicks. They don’t necessarily need another ball-dominant player, but rather a defensive-oriented wing to stop New York’s talent. Enter Ziaire Williams.<\/p>\n
Yes, the 24-year-old isn’t as highly-touted as some of Brooklyn’s other wings, but his 6-foot-9 height and 6-foot-11 wingspan are what the Hawks would want against a Knicks unit averaging 14.3 turnovers across three games. He’d build upon their strengths coming off the bench.<\/p>\n
Toronto Raptors: Nic Claxton<\/p>\n
The Raptors managed to rattle off an impressive Game 3 against the Cleveland Cavaliers, but their rebounding numbers have still been disappointing. Toronto ranks among the bottom half of playoff teams in both offensive and defensive rebounding percentage.<\/p>\n
The Raptors are also 13th in defensive rating this playoffs, so Claxton would give a major boost in those departments. Toronto’s only true center is Jakob Poeltl, so this would be more of a depth addition.<\/p>\n
Cleveland Cavaliers: Danny Wolf<\/p>\n
The Cavaliers need more of a boost in the frontcourt with James Harden and Donovan Mitchell running the perimeter, but Wolf can stretch the floor slightly better than Claxton. The 6-foot-11 rookie can do a little of everything for a Cleveland squad that could use another Swiss Army knife, averaging 8.9 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 20.8 minutes this past season.<\/p>\n
Wolf could play alongside Jarrett Allen or Evan Mobley from the perimeter, operating as a ball-handler or screener in pick-and-roll situations. Any team would hesitate to play a late-round rookie in the playoffs, but hypothetically, Wolf could work in Cleveland’s system.<\/p>\n
New York Knicks: Michael Porter Jr.<\/p>\n
The stats don’t tell the whole story, but the Knicks are struggling to get any sort of offense from the perimeter outside of Jalen Brunson. Karl-Anthony Towns has been an efficient center, but New York’s wings are so inconsistent against Atlanta.<\/p>\n
Porter would relieve Brunson of those scoring responsibilities, be able to hit contested shots, and play fast. The 6-foot-11 forward can also defend at a solid level, given his frame. With Mikal Bridges underperforming, anyone would swap him out for Porter, who averaged 24.2 points on 46-36-86 shooting splits this season.<\/p>\n
Boston Celtics: Nic Claxton<\/p>\n
The Celtics went up 2-1 on the 76ers after a gritty Game 3 in Philadelphia, but they clearly have a hole at the center position, even after acquiring Nikola Vu\u010devi\u0107. The veteran big man was blowing coverages and getting taken advantage of in the pick-and-roll.<\/p>\n
Vu\u010devi\u0107’s shooting is a plus, but Boston doesn’t need that more than it requires a paint anchor. Claxton would be a better rebounding and defending option, able to play legitimate help defense.<\/p>\n
Detroit Pistons: Michael Porter Jr.<\/p>\n
As much as the Pistons have been phenomenal at 60-22, Cade Cunningham is clearly the only player who can operate as a high-level, on-ball scorer. Detroit’s supplementary option has been solid, but it’s easy to key in on Cunningham and force the ball into other players’ hands.<\/p>\n
Porter-to-Detroit was a legitimate trade rumor ahead of this year’s deadline, and if the Pistons had him now, they’d unlock another dimension of offense from the perimeter. They’re shooting 27.6% from beyond the arc through two playoff games.<\/p>\n
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