On second thought
Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva, Pistons: This is one of many "why now?" scenarios that played out last summer. Just because you have the cap space, does it mean you have to spend it right away? Joe Dumars apparently thought so. Now he is locked into a roster that appears capable of nothing more than remaining on the lottery fringe. It likely will take a Tayshaun Prince trade for Detroit to re-establish any type of playoff identity.

Andre Miller, Trail Blazers: Ditto. Yes, the Blazers were left holding a satchel of cash after Hedo Turkoglu left them holding the bag with his last-minute shift to the Raptors. But did a team that already had Steve Blake and Jerryd Bayless at the position, and increasingly was utilizing Brandon Roy as a primary ballhandler, really need another point guard? The drama that has ensued hardly has been a surprise. This is a case where Dec. 15 very much could prove to be a do-over point.

Marcin Gortat, Magic: No, you never let a quality big man walk for nothing. But by matching the Mavericks' five-year offer sheet, Orlando now cannot move Gortat for a year without his permission, minimizing the impact of Dec. 15. Considering the minimal minutes Gortat is being utilized by coach Stan Van Gundy, this hardly was a cost-effective investment. The ultimate verdict will come down to what the Magic gets for Gortat once his trade restriction is lifted either next summer or before that with his permission.

Sean May, Kings: You can't teach an overweight dog new tricks.

Chris Wilcox, Pistons: Who knew Ben Wallace would step into such a significant role?

Anthony Carter, Nuggets: Both Denver and Carter probably would have benefited by bypassing the minimal deal if they knew Ty Lawson was going to pan out this well.

Still open to debate
Andrea Bargnani, Raptors: It's not that Bargnani doesn't have his value. It's just that in committing to five seasons, the Raptors have essentially committed to five seasons without NBA-quality defense in the middle.

Hedo Turkoglu, Raptors: Another move by Toronto that remains open to debate. So far, it has not worked out very well. One has to wonder if it ever will work without the type of shot-blocking backstop and post-scoring presence that Turkoglu enjoyed in Orlando alongside Dwight Howard. There are rumblings that with Turkoglu hardly in game shape, the Raptors might already want to get out of what could turn into a five-year albatross.

Shawn Marion, Mavericks: Dallas was giddy after completing this sign-and-trade deal with Toronto. But with Marion showing signs of his age, how cost-effective are the returns going to be down the road on this five-year deal?

Paul Millsap, Jazz: By matching Portland's four-year offer sheet, Utah can't trade Millsap for a year without the forward's permission, essentially rendering Dec. 15 moot. In some ways, this entire exercise will be moot for Millsap, until Carlos Boozer moves on at the Feb. 18 trading deadline or next summer as a free agent.

Brandon Bass, Magic: Orlando's glut of riches might prove too rich considering the lack of minutes for Bass, who received four years at $16 million.

Jamario Moon, Cavaliers: Moon has had his alley-oop moments in Cleveland, but it remains to be seen if he will be trusted in big-game moments, especially with such a glut on the perimeter.

Marquis Daniels, Celtics: Hailed as a steal at the start of the season, will Daniels fit into the highly structured Celtics system come playoff time?

Ira Winderman writes regularly for NBCSports.com and covers the Heat and the NBA for the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

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