NBA Power Rankings: Boston Celtics and Teams in Need of a Roster Shakeup
The NBA season has hit the quarter mark and there haven’t been too many surprises.
The Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls and Oklahoma City Thunder look like the three best teams in the league, and the Detroit Pistons, Charlotte Bobcats and Washington Wizards could potentially lose to North Carolina.
But that doesn’t mean there aren't some serious surprises sandwiched in-between.
Whether it is the grueling lockout shortened schedule, new players failing to mesh on their new team or just plain old age…here are three teams in desperate need of a trade to infuse some life into what’s quickly becoming a disappointing 2011-2012 season.
17. Boston Celtics
This team is an absolute mess right now. The schedule is murdering their offense. Right now, their 89.4 ppg is 26th in the league. Kevin Garnett is a shell of his former self and Paul Pierce’s ego makes him play like he’s still 26.
Moving one of those two Is essential if the Celtics want to salvage this sinking season. Getting a young player to build around alongside Rajon Rondo should be the top priority. Winning a championship in 2012 sure isn’t.
20. Milwaukee Bucks
There isn’t a more vanilla team in the NBA than the Bucks. They are a below average offense (21st in points) and a mediocre defense (16th) .
A major shakeup is the only way this lifeless team is infused with some sort of energy and identity. Make sure to include Stephen Jackson and Mike Dunleavy in whatever trade you can pull off.
24. Golden State Warriors
The Warriors have talent, but they have a glaring hole in the paint.
Stephen Curry and Monta Ellis are both good players, yet are essentially the same player. The Warriors need major help on defense, considering they're 25th in points allowed (98.9) and losing Kwame Brown didn’t help their case.
Trading one of their stars to allow rookie Klay Thompson to play more minutes while getting a defensive-minded big man would be just what the doctor ordered.
With the right trade, this team is still capable of making a run under first year head coach Mark Jackson.
Eric Ball’s Power Rankings as of Wednesday 1/25
1. Chicago Bulls
2. Oklahoma City Thunder
3. Miami Heat
4. Orlando Magic
5. Denver Nuggets
6. San Antonio Spurs
7. Dallas Mavericks
8. Atlanta Hawks
9. Philadelphia 76ers
10. Portland Trail Blazers
11. LA Clippers
12. Indiana Pacers
13. LA Lakers
14. Utah Jazz
15. Memphis Grizzles
16. Houston Rockets
17. New York Knicks
18. Minnesota Timberwolves
19. Boston Celtics
20. Milwaukee Bucks
21. Phoenix Suns
22. Sacramento Kings
23. Cleveland Cavaliers
24. Golden State Warriors
25. New Jersey Nets
26. Toronto Raptors
27. New Orleans Hornets
28. Detroit Pistons
29. Charlotte Bobcats
30. Washington Wizards
