NBA: Beast of the East or Beast of the NBA?

By John Nothdurft Sports Central Columnist

The Atlanta Hawks traded Dikembe Mutumbo to the Philadelphia 76ers recently with Roshown McLeod for Theo Ratliff, Toni Kukoc, Nazr Mohammed, and Pepe Sanchez.

The 76ers get the center they've always longed for (giving up Theo was hard, he gave so much effort out there, and even was an all-star this year). Everybody in Philly loves Theo, but there was no possibility of getting Mutumbo for free. The 76ers can now "officially" match up with anyone in the West. He's an older Theo with better stats, especially many more rebounds! For example, look at his all-star stats: 6 points and 22 rebounds - no need for offense with Iverson, Carter, etc. on the team.

The problem that may occur in making this trade is that Mutumbo is a free agent after this year. That means two things. Either the 76ers sign him for next year, or we let him go elsewhere and we have the money to sign a big name free agent such as Chris Webber! If the 76ers can't get someone really good in free agency, they keep Mutumbo, since the front office isn't known for screwing trades up by not at least keeping the guy.

Losing Toni Kukoc won't be horrible for the 76ers. After getting a good contract, hustle-player George Lynch beat him out for the starting spot. Kukoc fell out of favor with Larry Brown from the start almost. Hopefully, Jumaine Jones will see more playing time now. Either way, the 76ers will find a way to handle the loss of Kukoc's 15 minutes per game. Nothing to worry about there for the 76ers.

Don't get me wrong, this trade will also help Atlanta out, too. In return for Mount Mutumbo (who would have left as a free agent at the end of the season anyway), the Hawks receive an all-star in Theo Ratliff, who should be penciled in as either the starting center or power forward for the Hawks when he returns from his injury. Theo leads the league in blocks, and is up there in FG% and some other categories. Toni Kukoc will be able to split the time at the small forward position with DeMarr Johnson. Kukoc can still be a threat in the NBA, and hopefully a change in location will be the cure-all for his game. Also to note: both players have contracts that run for another three or four years minimum.

Nazr Mohammed should get the chance to prove he's capable of being at least a backup center in the NBA. Pepe Sanchez may get some time in Atlanta, or he may get released and come back to Philadelphia. The 76ers have Speedy Claxton coming back from injury next year, and the team had no real need for Sanchez in the long run.

Who got the better part of the trade? The Sixers. Who do you think got the better part of the trade? Go to the NBA Board and sound off!

Article courtesy of Sports Central