Updated NBA Power Rankings, Post-Rudy Gay Trade

The Memphis Grizzlies have sent Rudy Gay to the Toronto Raptors in a three-team deal (via ESPN). In return, the Grizzlies will receive Tayshaun Prince, Ed Davis and Austin Daye.

So how does this shape the NBA's power structure?

For a full summary, the Raptors acquired Gay and Hamed Haddadi. Memphis receives Prince, Davis and Daye, while the Detroit Pistons are now home to Jose Calderon.

Each of these players will alter their respective franchises. The question is, how does it impact the rest of the NBA?

More than you may think.

All stats through January 30 games (NBA.com).

30. Charlotte Bobcats

W-L Record: 11-34

Scoring Offense: 94.5 (24th)

Scoring Defense: 102.9 (28th)

Even at 11-34, the Charlotte Bobcats are far from a lifeless team.

Five of Charlotte's 10 January losses have come by single-digits. Recently, the Cats lost a tough 93-85 game to the Chicago Bulls.

Signs of progress from a young and upside-ridden team.

With Kemba Walker and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist leading the way, this up-tempo team should make noise before the season is over. Although, they're all but eliminated from postseason contention, the Bobcats are always a threat for an upset.

As chemistry builds, the wins will come with it.

29. Orlando Magic

W-L Record: 14-31

Scoring Offense: 95.0 (21st)

Scoring Defense: 99.2 (21st)

The Orlando Magic have lost 18 of their past 20 games.

Thirteen of those 20 losses have come by single-digits, which suggests that Orlando is close to victory.

Unfortunately, these losses have come against the likes of the Charlotte Bobcats, Washington Wizards, Detroit Pistons, Toronto Raptors and New Orleans Hornets.

Not only are the Magic losing games that they should be winning, but they can't seem to win a single one of them.

For what it's worth, their only wins have come against the 33-13 Los Angeles Clippers and 26-19 Indiana Pacers.

There is reason for optimism. Somewhere.

28. Phoenix Suns

W-L Record: 16-30

Scoring Offense: 95.5 (18th)

Scoring Defense: 99.5 (21st)

The Phoenix Suns are 12-11 at home. They're also 4-19 on the road and set to play eight of their next 11 games away from Phoenix.

A turbulent season continues.

The Suns have lost 15 of their past 21 games. Fortunately, they've also won three of five en route to a record of 16-30.

A once promising roster is lacking any form of consistency.

27. Cleveland Cavaliers

W-L Record: 13-33

Scoring Offense: 95.5 (19th)

Scoring Defense: 100.7 (24th)

Kyrie Irving is headed to the 2013 NBA All-Star Game. The Cleveland Cavaliers are on the up-swing with him.

Led by Irving, the Cavs have won four of their past six games. Irving has scored at least 31 points in each of those victories and less than 20 in both losses.

This leads to one very important question—can Irving continue to carry the scoring load? If not, the Cavaliers will struggle.

History tells us that such a level of pressure will lead to an ultimate collapse. Irving happens to be an extraordinary player.

Perhaps this stretch of victories will continue.

26. Washington Wizards

W-L Record: 11-33

Scoring Offense: 91.3 (30th)

Scoring Defense: 96.1 (8th)

The Washington Wizards have won seven of their past 12 games.

The teams they've defeated in that time include the Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets, Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks.

A major reason for this change in pace is the return of point guard John Wall.

For those who believe the Wizards cannot turn their season around, think again. They rank seventh in scoring defense and are certain to see an improvement on offense with Wall back in the rotation.

For what it's worth, Washington is 9.5 games behind the Boston Celtics. With Rajon Rondo out for the season, that may not be an insurmountable deficit.

We can dream, right?

25. Sacramento Kings

W-L Record: 17-30

Scoring Offense: 96.6 (16th)

Scoring Defense: 103.1 (30th)

The Sacramento Kings are 10-13 over their past 23 games.

In that time, they've defeated the likes of the New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors and Portland Trail Blazers.

Unfortunately, they've also lost five of six.

There is no denying that the Kings have off-the-court distractions. Their sale appears imminent and a potential move to Seattle could be around the corner (via Forbes).

Even still, Sacramento is handling its business against the lesser teams of the NBA. The Kings' losses, meanwhile, come against postseason-bound teams.

They're better than the worst and worse than the best. Growing pains.

24. New Orleans Hornets

W-L Record: 15-31

Scoring Offense: 93.6 (25th)

Scoring Defense: 97.4 (16th)

The New Orleans Hornets may be 15-31, but they are one of the toughest teams in the NBA.

Not only are they 10-9 during their past 19 games, but six of those nine losses have come by single-digits. That includes their recent 111-106 slugfest loss at the Los Angeles Lakers.

A major reason for this turnaround has been the return of Eric Gordon.

Without Gordon in the rotation, the Hornets are 7-24. In the 15 games which he has played, however, New Orleans is 8-7.

This is a new team with a powerful confidence. Postseason contenders or not, N.O. is on the rise.

The question is, how far will the soon-to-be Pelicans come in 2013?

23. Minnesota Timberwolves

W-L Record: 17-25

Scoring Offense: 94.6 (22nd)

Scoring Defense: 96.8 (13th)

The Minnesota Timberwolves began the season at 12-9. Since then, they have lost 16 of their past 21 games.

Their reputation may suggest otherwise, but this is a team in ruins.

Once Ricky Rubio finds his stride, the results should improve. Unfortunately, Kevin Love is expected to be out until mid-March or early-April (via The Star Tribune).

Head coach Rick Adelman's return to the sidelines could limit the damage (via The Associated Press).

Until we see an improvement from Minnesota, we can't rank the Wolves any higher. Their record has them just five games out of the postseason, but they've been struggling for more than a month.

A quick turnaround is the only thing that can save their ranking and, potentially, their season.

22. Detroit Pistons

W-L Record: 17-29

Scoring Offense: 94.5 (23rd)

Scoring Defense: 96.7 (11th)

The Detroit Pistons are just 5.5 games behind the Boston Celtics for the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Detroit's issue all season has been their ability to move the ball. The acquisition of Jose Calderon is certain to change that.

Detroit has a borderline elite offensive big man in Greg Monroe. He's presently averaging 15.7 points per game and is likely to see a new area of his repertoire put to work.

The pick-and-roll.

With their offense improved, expect the Pistons to make tremendous strides under Calderon's guidance. Although Tayshaun Prince will be missed, Corey Maggette should fill in adequately.

Detroit will be a team to watch as the Eastern Conference playoff standings take shape.

21. Toronto Raptors

W-L Record: 16-30

Scoring Offense: 97.8 (13th)

Scoring Defense: 99.9 (23rd)

The Toronto Raptors' acquisition of Rudy Gay made this team a threat to post an above .500 record during their final 37 games.

The fact that Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo suffered a torn ACL made Toronto's postseason dreams a legitimate possibility.

Despite beginning this season at 16-30, the Raptors are just 6.5 games behind the injury-ridden Celtics. They have three more games Boston to close out the season: at home on February 6, on the road on March 13 and at home again on April 17.

Don't think for a second that the race is over.

Gay has the raw talent to carry the Raptors to the playoffs. Having Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan as supporting players certainly doesn't hurt.

The question is, will Toronto's future pan out?

After losing 93-92 to the Atlanta Hawks, it appears as if this team is only a star away from success. Gay could be that player.

20. Philadelphia 76ers

W-L Record: 19-26

Scoring Offense: 93.3 (28th)

Scoring Defense: 96.8 (14th)

With Rajon Rondo expected to miss the remainder of the season, the Philadelphia 76ers are in prime position to sneak into the postseason.

Unfortunately, Philly seems to have forgotten that you need to win to capitalize on an injury to an opposing team's star player.

The Sixers are just 5-9 during the month of January.

Even still, Philadelphia is just three-games behind the injury-depleted Boston Celtics. For that reason, we can't count them out just yet.

Not when Andrew Bynum could pop up at any moment.

Should the Sixers improve their quality of play, they will move up on these rankings. Until they do so, this number fits them well.

Let's see if Jrue Holiday's All-Star selection will inspire victories.

19. Dallas Mavericks

W-L Record: 19-26

Scoring Offense: 100.6 (10th)

Scoring Defense: 103.0 (29th)

The Dallas Mavericks are 19-26 and an even 7-7 during the month of January. They've won six of their past nine.

As Dirk Nowitzki continues to find his feet, expect such a trend to continue.

The Mavericks have a high-powered scoring offense. The return of Nowitzki has done nothing but improve their scoring ways.

Perhaps most encouraging of all, Nowitzki scored a season-high 26 points in his most recent outing.

With that being said, until Dallas improves its defense, struggles will continue.

Sitting just five games out of eighth place in the Western Conference is a nice place to be with the Mavs' franchise player back.

18. Los Angeles Lakers

W-L Record: 20-26

Scoring Offense: 102.2 (6th)

Scoring Defense: 100.9 (26th)

The Los Angeles Lakers have lost eight consecutive road games.

The Lakers are 20-26 and winners of three of their past four. That includes victories over the Oklahoma City Thunder and Utah Jazz.

It also includes a loss at the Phoenix Suns.

A primary reason for L.A.'s turnaround has been the new facilitator's mentality that Kobe Bryant has accepted. Averaging 12.0 assists over the past four games proves such for Kobe.

Unfortunately, Dwight Howard appears to have re-aggravated a recurring shoulder injury (via Mike Trudell of TWC SportsNet).

L.A. went 5-11 during January. In turn, there is reason to believe the Lakers will return to their previous ways.

17. Boston Celtics

W-L Record: 22-23

Scoring Offense: 95.2 (20th)

Scoring Defense: 96.1 (9th)

Rajon Rondo is expected to miss the rest of the 2012-13 NBA regular season with a torn ACL.

When news of Rondo's injury broke, many expected the Celtics to collapse. Boston's first game without Rondo came with a 100-98 double-overtime victory over the Miami Heat.

Their second was a 99-81 win over the Sacramento Kings

There is a chance that the Celtics fall apart down the stretch and lose their grasp on the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference. With that being said, this team has an exceptional amount of backcourt depth.

Jason Terry, Courtney Lee, Avery Bradley and Leandro Barbosa should fill in adequately as shooters and defenders.

Unfortunately, the Celtics now lack a true facilitator. To say that they're in trouble would be nothing short of an exaggeration.

Just don't count Doc Rivers, Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce out just yet.

16. Portland Trail Blazers

W-L Record: 23-22

Scoring Offense: 97.1 (14th)

Scoring Defense: 98.9 (18th)

The Portland Trail Blazers' ability to rest at 23-22 is absolutely phenomenal.

Their starting five is one of the best in the NBA, as All-Star LaMarcus Aldridge leads a balanced attack.

Center J.J. Hickson ranks third in the NBA in double-doubles, while point guard Damian Lillard is a front-runner for Rookie of the Year.

Nicolas Batum is rapidly becoming one of the most well-rounded players in the NBA, while Wesley Matthews fits that same bill.

With all of that being said, the Portland Trail Blazers have an absolutely horrendous second unit.

Portland ranks 30th in bench scoring, efficiency and defensive efficiency. The second-worst isn't even close.

Fatigue may be an issue, as the Blazers have gone 3-7 during their past 10 games. With that being said, don't count this team out.

15. Houston Rockets

W-L Record: 25-23

Scoring Offense: 105.0 (2nd)

Scoring Defense: 102.7 (27th)

The Houston Rockets are 25-23. Unfortunately, they're also 9-18 against the Western Conference.

If you want a reason to believe Houston is on the verge of being swept out of the playoffs, there it is.

It's a nice note to add that the Rockets are 16-5 against the East. Unfortunately, Houston doesn't play in the Eastern Conference.

The Rockets can either turn it around quick or watch their above .500 record disappear.

With James Harden scoring 25.9 points per game, the Rockets are likely to be in any game they play. With the league's 27th-ranked scoring defense, however, they're also likely to struggle come playoffs.

The upside is there. Will they realize it?

14. Milwaukee Bucks

W-L Record: 24-20

Scoring Offense: 97.8 (12th)

Scoring Defense: 98.1 (17th)

The Milwaukee Bucks are one of the 2012-13 NBA regular season's most pleasant surprises.

Led by their lightning quick perimeter and stacked interior, the Bucks have overcome the lack of a true small forward with success. They're 24-20 and firmly supplanted as a postseason team.

The only thing that would change that is a rather monumental collapse.

Truth be told, the Bucks are a rather average team.

The Bucks are in every game until the closing minutes, which has opened the door for heroics from Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis.

With Jennings averaging career-bests in assists, steals and three-point field goal percentage, the Bucks have been on the better end of most close encounters.

13. Atlanta Hawks

W-L Record: 26-19

Scoring Offense: 96.7 (15th)

Scoring Defense: 96.0 (7th)

The Atlanta Hawks are a dominant defensive unit with enough offensive firepower to take down any caliber opponent.

Josh Smith is averaging 16.8 points, 8.4 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 2.2 blocks and 1.3 steals per game. Al Horford is dropping in 16.0 points and 9.8 rebounds.

In other words, the Hawks have been able to control the pace of games with their frontcourt.

With Kyle Korver and Anthony Morrow leading the charge, Atlanta can space the floor against anyone. This will enable Smith and Horford to dominate the interior.

Going 7-9 since December 29 just isn't the way to prove that.

12. Utah Jazz

W-L Record: 25-21

Scoring Offense: 98.3 (11th)

Scoring Defense: 99.3 (20th)

The Utah Jazz are 25-21 overall and 16-5 at home.

They're also 9-16 on the road and 13-16 against the Western Conference. Much like the Houston Rockets, going 12-5 against the East does nothing when you play in the West.

Even still, this Utah team is built for postseason success.

Whether or not they will make a trade deadline trade is unclear. Until that transpires, however, they have an elite frontcourt with Al Jefferson, Paul Millsap, Derrick Favors and Enes Kanter.

A major reason why they distribute the ball so well is their much-improved perimeter. With shooters such as Randy Foye and Gordon Hayward, they've finally begun to space the floor.

This is a major reason Utah has gone 10-4 during the month of January.

11. Brooklyn Nets

W-L Record: 27-19

Scoring Offense: 95.8 (17th)

Scoring Defense: 94.7 (5th)

The Brooklyn Nets are 13-5 since head coach Avery Johnson was fired. Take that as you'd like, but it's an improvement, either way.

Unfortunately, they've also lost three of their past four.

The disturbing trend in that their past three losses have come by double-digits. They dropped a 101-77 drubbing at the Memphis Grizzlies, a 119-106 slugfest at the Houston Rockets and a home 105-85 loss against the Miami Heat.

Even still, this Brooklyn team has the look of a contender. The Nets' stars have yet to hit their stride and their defense continues to step up.

As long as they break this recent losing stretch, they should find themselves in the top 10 again.

Until then, however, they're on the outside looking in.

10. Golden State Warriors

W-L Record: 28-17

Scoring Offense: 100.9 (8th)

Scoring Defense: 99.6 (22nd)

The Golden State Warriors are 7-7 during January. Fortunately, they have won five of their past seven.

Unfortunately, Stephen Curry has suffered another ankle injury (via The San Francisco Chronicle).

As we've long known, the Warriors' success relies heavily upon their ability to stay healthy. Thus far, they've been unable to do so as Curry and Andrew Bogut have battled multiple injuries.

Until that trend is broken, their ranking will continue to suffer.

With that being said, the Warriors are one of the most powerful offensive teams in the NBA. With All-Star David Lee leading the charge, GSW has a legitimate low-high attack.

Reserve Carl Landry solidifies the interior, while Jarrett Jack and Klay Thompson are two of the many perimeter threats.

Golden State will be a tough tackle for any postseason team. Where they're ranked come the playoffs relies heavily upon how healthily they can remain.

So far, it's been a far too familiar story.

9. Memphis Grizzlies

W-L Record: 29-15

Scoring Offense: 93.4 (27th)

Scoring Defense: 89.5 (1st)

Tayshaun Prince is likely to improve an already stellar defensive unit. Ed Davis and Austin Daye, meanwhile, are young legs who will contribute to both forward positions.

The question is, how will the Grizzlies improve upon their 27th-ranked scoring offense with Rudy Gay now absent?

Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol are an elite interior offensive tandem. They can carry the scoring load on most nights by working in-and-out.

The pressure, however, rests on point guard Mike Conley Jr. to step up as a facilitator.

With all of this being established, the Grizzlies were already one of the best teams in the NBA. This deal not only saves them money, but improves their depth.

With Prince, a former NBA champion, they also improve their postseason legitimacy.

Look for the new additions to make a big impact down the stretch.

With Memphis an even 5-5 during its past 10 games, fresh faces will be welcomed.

8. Indiana Pacers

W-L Record: 27-19

Scoring Offense: 91.8 (29th)

Scoring Defense: 89.9 (2nd)

The Indiana Pacers are better than this ranking. They just aren't playing like it.

Indiana is 4-5 during its past nine games. That includes three consecutive losses from January 23 to January 28.

With that being said, Indiana has played seven of its past nine games on the road. The Pacers have won 12 straight at home.

Indiana still has it. The Pacers just need to get done with this road stretch.

What may be most encouraging of all about Indiana is that Danny Granger has yet to return from injury. Once he does, the offense is very likely to improve.

A balanced Pacers squad is a scary thought.

7. Denver Nuggets

W-L Record: 28-18

Scoring Offense: 103.8 (4th)

Scoring Defense: 100.5 (25th)

The Denver Nuggets went 12-3 in January.

The teams the Nuggets have defeated in that time include the Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Clippers, Indiana Pacers, Golden State Warriors, Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Lakers.

Denver has long been for real. It's just taken some time for everything to gel.

Andre Iguodala may not be your everyday superstar, but he leads one of the deepest teams in the NBA. Regardless of which position you choose to examine, that moniker holds true.

Youngsters such as Ty Lawson, Danilo Gallinari, Kenneth Faried and JaVale McGee provide the excitement. Veterans Andre Miller and Corey Brewer bring the poise and composure.

This is why they rank fourth in scoring, first in rebounding and second in assists. They're focused and disciplined.

Denver is going to be a team to watch this postseason.

6. Los Angeles Clippers

W-L Record: 34-13

Scoring Offense: 100.9 (7th)

Scoring Defense: 93.3 (4th)

With Chris Paul injured, the Los Angeles Clippers have fallen apart.

The Clippers lost four in a row from January 21 to January 26. They went 9-7 during January.

Even still, L.A. is 34-13 and unquestionably elite when CP3 is on the floor. The question is, how much longer can they survive without him?

To start, the Clippers won two straight games.

The Clippers can keep their head above water without Paul, but that's about as far as they'll go. Blake Griffin may be pushing out monstrous performances, but L.A. is lost without their floor general.

His return could inspire another double-digit winning streak. Until that happens, however, L.A.'s ranking dips.

5. New York Knicks

W-L Record: 28-15

Scoring Offense: 100.7 (9th)

Scoring Defense: 96.3 (8th)

The New York Knicks are a better team than their ranking suggests. With that being said, they deserve to be No. 7.

Going 7-6 in January is a major reason why.

Five of those victories have come against teams that are below .500. Their January 3 victory against the San Antonio Spurs appears to be a distant memory.

Fortunately, injuries are healing and the Knicks are coming back together.

Amar'e Stoudemire, Iman Shumpert and Raymond Felton each made recent returns to the starting lineup. Rasheed Wallace and Marcus Camby have yet to do so, which suggests the Knicks can only go up from here.

Their January struggles are a result of rotational chemistry issues.

The Knicks will move up this list once they start playing in a manner that deserves a higher ranking. Winning five of their past seven is a nice start.

Keep it up.

4. Chicago Bulls

W-L Record: 27-17

Scoring Offense: 93.6 (26th)

Scoring Defense: 90.9 (3rd)

Derrick Rose is taking part in full contact practices (via ESPN Chicago).

With this statement in mind, the Chicago Bulls have emerged as a team which everyone is beginning to watch. Most of the people doing the observing are waiting for Rose to return.

The Bulls are not.

Chicago is 27-17 overall and went 12-4 in January. During that time, they have road wins against the Miami Heat, New York Knicks and Boston Celtics.

Who said they need D-Rose?

Jimmy Butler is emerging as a weapon, while Luol Deng and Joakim Noah are both in All-Star form. Carlos Boozer averaged 19.5 points and 10.1 rebounds in January and ranks fourth in the NBA in double-doubles.

Excited yet?

3. Miami Heat

W-L Record: 29-13

Scoring Offense: 102.7 (5th)

Scoring Defense: 96.7 (12th)

The Miami Heat are just 11-10 on the road.

Fortunately, the Heat are on pace to secure homecourt advantage throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs. At home, they're 18-3.

During January, they went 9-5. It appears as if the inconsistency is finally catching up with Miami.

Or has it?

The Heat are 6-2 over their past eight games. They've secured road victories against the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets.

With LeBron James at the front of it all, Miami remains the team to beat. Their much-improved defense is a major reason why.

Even if they aren't the NBA's top regular season team.

2. Oklahoma City Thunder

W-L Record: 34-11

Scoring Offense: 105.7 (1st)

Scoring Defense: 97.3 (15th)

The Oklahoma City Thunder are 10-5 during January. They're 34-11 overall with a league-best point differential of plus-8.4.

Dropping three of their past five is a major reason they've fallen from No. 1.

Even still, there is no denying how great of a team the Thunder have proven to be. Kevin Durant is the leading scorer in the NBA and Russell Westbrook is averaging 22.5 points and 8.4 assists.

Kevin Martin, meanwhile, is averaging 15.1 points on a slash line of .451/.433/.908.

There's balance, ferocity and star power on this team. The Thunder are as good as they come.

1. San Antonio Spurs

W-L Record: 37-11

Scoring Offense: 104.3 (3rd)

Scoring Defense: 95.9 (6th)

There's a new sheriff in town.

The Oklahoma City Thunder have owned the top record in the NBA for what feels like forever. Quietly, but surely, the San Antonio Spurs have changed that.

Going 12-3 in January is a great way to achieve such a feat.

Since losing 101-98 in overtime to the Memphis Grizzlies, the Spurs have won nine consecutive games.

San Antonio is now on pace to finish atop the Western Conference for the third consecutive regular season.

This has come with both Tim Duncan and Gregg Popovich missing time (via The San Antonio Express). That's a testament to their depth, leadership and teamwork.

At this moment, San Antonio is the best team in the NBA.