Has the trade really made that much of a positive difference for Orlando and negative difference for Phoenix? If so, why? I ask because I would've expected the opposite result. In any case, how have the personnel changes affected the teams as you see them?
Orlando has played better both offensively and defensively. The reason the trade worked for Orlando and not for the suns is simple. Magic have dwight howard. Howard needed to have players around him that could drive to the hoop and shoot. Lewis and Carter were not performing well this season at all, they were missing their shots and were not getting to the rim. This new trade has made the magic the most lethal offensive team in the NBA. magic have been averaging close to 8 players in double digits every game. That kind of team work and unselfishness can only produce good results on the offensive end. They play ok team defense because Howard clogs up the middle. Suns don't have a powerful center, once they lost Amare it was over for them, and the Vince carter trade was not good for the suns because J rich is much better and athletic at this point in their careers. Not to mention the fact that turk fits into the magic's system better than any other player they got in the trade.