NBA Power Rankings: New York Knicks and More Teams That Desperately Need a Trade
It’s obvious at this point in the season that some teams simply cannot be considered legitimate contenders for a championship unless they make a deal.
Here’s a look at three teams that could easily move up in the power rankings and become a threat if they swing the right trade.
No. 20: New York Knicks
The Knicks have more problems than anyone could have imagined going into the 2011-12 campaign.
When they added Tyson Chandler, it was widely assumed his defensive presence would allow for Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire to wreak havoc offensively.
If anything, the opposite happened, and the Knicks have taken a step backwards on offense from last season while still not being able to guard anyone.
Look for them to explore a few deals before the trade deadline to try and repair this roster.
No. 16: Orlando Magic
Team chemistry is an important aspect of a winning team, and the Magic completely lost theirs.
Dwight Howard, with his incessant trade demands and ironic call-outs of teammates, needs to find his way out of town before the situation in Orlando gets worse.
They had a good start, but the team is imploding and their superstar is the main culprit.
No. 10: Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles is going to be able to make the postseason with Kobe Bryant jacking shots like a maniac, but they aren’t a real team anymore.
They get little production from the point guard and small forward position and barely any depth on the bench.
The Lakers must figure out a way to change things up, even if that means shipping out Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum or both big men.
Alex Kay’s Power Rankings: Jan. 31, 2012
No. 1: Oklahoma City Thunder
No. 2: Chicago Bulls
No. 3: Miami Heat
No. 4: Indiana Pacers
No. 5: Denver Nuggets
No. 6: Philadelphia 76ers
No. 7: Atlanta Hawks
No. 8: Los Angeles Clippers
No. 9: Dallas Mavericks
No. 10: Los Angeles Lakers
No. 11: Portland Trail Blazers
No. 12: Houston Rockets
No. 13: San Antonio Spurs
No. 14: Minnesota Timberwolves
No. 15: Boston Celtics
No. 16: Orlando Magic
No. 17: Memphis Grizzlies
No. 18: Utah Jazz
No. 19: Cleveland Cavaliers
No. 20: New York Knicks
No. 21: Milwaukee Bucks
No. 22: Golden State Warriors
No. 23: Phoenix Suns
No. 24: Toronto Raptors
No. 25: New Jersey Nets
No. 26: Sacramento Kings
No. 27: New Orleans Hornets
No. 28: Washington Wizards
No. 29: Detroit Pistons
No. 30: Charlotte Bobcats
