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Basketballinsiders' Lang Greene writes about four players moved at the Trade Deadline who are contributing to their new teams. Three of his 2015 Trade Deadline's Early Surprises are ex-Trail Blazers..
Blazers fans know Thomas Robinson's road to the Philadelphia 76ers and are familiar with his career struggles since being picked 5th overall in the 2012 draft. Green suggests that after his long journey, T-Rob may have finally found someone who will keep him.
Robinson has averaged 9.5 points and 7.3 rebounds on 47 percent shooting in four games since joining the Sixers. The Sixers' frontcourt will get more crowded with Joel Embiid and Dario Saric looming in the future, but it seems as if Robinson is seizing his opportunity during this auditioning period.
Portland fans are also familiar with Will Barton, currently a member of the Denver Nuggets. Greene thinks that those who were quick to say Portland got the better of the deal may have spoken too soon.
The third year guard, who couldn't get consistent run in Portland, is averaging 14.2 points, five rebounds and two assists per game in six games with Denver.
Barton is currently coming off the bench but is still getting over 26 minutes of court action per game and shooting 48 percent from the floor with the Nuggets.
Former Portland guard Mo Williams was traded by the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Charlotte Hornets. With Kemba Walker injured the Hornets were forced to play Brian Roberts at the point and their offense was struggling as a result. Williams has replaced Roberts to good effect.
In six games with the Hornets, Williams is averaging 22.8 points, eight assists and 3.2 rebounds on 45 percent shooting from the field (42 percent from three-point range). Williams has scored at least 20 points in five of his contests since joining Charlotte and has recorded three double-digit assist games.
Greene's final early surprise is Isaiah Thomas, traded by the Phoenix Suns to the Boston Celtics in a three-team deal.
Do you have any concerns that the Blazers may have given up on one of these players too soon? Anyone else get an itch on the back of their neck when Barton scores 20? Let us know below.