NBA teams, at least the good ones, have back-up plans.
When option A isn't available, they move straight to option B. In the sink or swim world of pro hoops, teams don't have the luxury of getting introspective.
For weeks, the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers had worked feverishly to land Kevin Martin from the Sacramento Kings and Amar'e Stoudemire from the Phoenix Suns before Thursday's deadline.
Both options fell through, so Boston and Cleveland, two of the league's premier organizations, moved to the next best thing -Nate Robinson and Antawn Jamison.
Recent reports indicate the green-and-white pulled Ray Allen off the market. Perhaps, Celtics GM Danny Ainge wanted to give The Big Three a final run at an NBA Title or hold Allen's expiring contract instead of swapping it for Martin.
Whatever the reason, Ainge is actively exploring Option B: sending Eddie House to the New York Knicks for three-time Sprite Slam Dunk champion Nate Robinson.
Robinson would fill two needs for Boston. First, he could spell Rajon Rondo at point guard and, second, he could slide to off guard and provide energy off the bench.
With three Hall of Fame veterans and the personable Doc Rivers manning the sideline, Robinson's infamous ego would be a non factor. Best of all, his contract expires at season's end, which matters in the cap conscious NBA.
Acquiring Stoudemire from the Suns was too complicated, so Cavaliers GM Danny Ferry made Option B a reality: acquiring Antawn Jamison from the struggling Washington Wizards as part of a three-team deal.
Ironically, Jamison may prove a better fit than Stoudemire. As a versatile four-man, he stretches defenses with his range and will quickly gel with Coach Mike Brown's get-stops system. And Jamison, unlike Stoudemire, will have no issue sacrificing minutes, touches, or shots.
Every team has a plan, but Boston and Cleveland, two creme de la creme organizations, also had enticing back-up plans in Robinson and Jamison. In the NBA, this distinguishes great from good and not so good.
Would Robinson work in Boston? And how will Jamison work in Cleveland? Let us know in the comment box below. Photo courtesy of Keith Allison.