NBA Power Rankings: Post-Trade Deadline Edition

Although there were no blockbuster trades at the 2013 NBA trade deadline, role players changed teams and altered the landscape of the NBA.

But how have those moves impacted the NBA's power structure, if at all?

From sharpshooters like J.J. Redick finding new, playoff-contending locations to young big men changing cities, the league has seen a change in scenery. This has been the case from the bottom up, as every team was impacted by trades to some extent.

30. Orlando Magic

W-L Record: 15-39

Scoring Offense: 94.0 (25th)

Scoring Defense: 99.6 (20th)

Last 10 Games: 1-9

J.J. Redick, Josh McRoberts, Gustavo Ayon and Ish Smith were all traded at the deadline (via ESPN).

Coming over to Orlando will be Beno Udrih, Hakim Warrick, Tobias Harris and promising rookie Doron Lamb.

This is a nice way for Orlando to clear cap space, but it's also unlikely to improve the squad in the near future.

A squad, mind you, that has lost 15 of its past 16 games.

The future may be bright, but the present is not. Orlando can't help but start wishing for the top pick in the 2013 NBA draft.

29. Charlotte Bobcats

W-L Record: 13-41

Scoring Offense: 94.1 (23rd)

Scoring Defense: 102.5 (27th)

Last 10 Games: 2-8

The Charlotte Bobcats were active at the trade deadline, trading Hakim Warrick to the Orlando Magic for Josh McRoberts (via NBA.com).

This isn't a franchise-altering decision, but it is one that should shake up the locker room.

To be quite honest, anything helps at this point. Charlotte is 13-41 and has lost nine of its past 11 games.

Fortunately, the Bobcats have gone 2-2 in their past four—one of those wins came against the Orlando Magic, which is why Charlotte is ahead.

One more win and they'll have doubled their win total from 2011-12.

28. Phoenix Suns

W-L Record: 18-37

Scoring Offense: 94.9 (22nd)

Scoring Defense: 100.1 (22nd)

Last 10 Games: 3-7

The Phoenix Suns made two excellent trades.

For starters, they acquired Marcus Morris from the Houston Rockets in exchange for a second-round draft pick (via ESPN). Morris now joins his twin brother Markieff. A brilliant move for locker-room morale.

The Suns then traded backup point guard Sebastian Telfair to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for center Hamed Haddadi and a second-round draft choice.

With that trade, not only did Phoenix essentially reacquire what it lost in the Morris deal, but it opens up minutes for rookie Kendall Marshall.

Everything has a silver lining.

27. Sacramento Kings

W-L Record: 19-36

Scoring Offense: 96.9 (15th)

Scoring Defense: 103.9 (30th)

Last 10 Games: 3-7

The Sacramento Kings traded Thomas Robinson, the fifth overall draft choice in 2012, for "financial purposes" (via Yahoo! Sports).

And that's why they are the worst-run organization in all of professional sports.

Dealing your future away because you can't afford all of the financial mistakes you've made? Now that's bad ownership.

The Kings' on-court product hasn't been much better.

The trade actually improves Sacramento in the short term. The Kings acquired veterans in Patrick Patterson, Cole Aldrich and Toney Douglas. It's just a shame this came at Robinson's expense.

At least Patterson is reuniting with former Kentucky teammate DeMarcus Cousins.

26. Minnesota Timberwolves

W-L Record: 20-31

Scoring Offense: 95.1 (21st)

Scoring Defense: 97.0 (13th)

Last 10 Games: 3-7

The Minnesota Timberwolves are in the midst of yet another difficult season.

Since starting 16-15, the T-Wolves have lost 16 of their past 20 games. A major reason has been the absence of power forward Kevin Love.

At the trade deadline, Minnesota did nothing to improve its stock. With no trades, we will see the same T-Wolves team in the second half of the season as we did the first.

Love can't return soon enough.

25. New Orleans Hornets

W-L Record: 19-36

Scoring Offense: 94.1 (24th)

Scoring Defense: 97.2 (15th)

Last 10 Games: 4-6

The New Orleans Hornets are a team with postseason-caliber upside.

Unfortunately, they're also a team that is far too young to realize that potential at this stage in their collective careers.

With a core of Anthony Davis, Ryan Anderson, Greivis Vasquez and Eric Gordon, however, brighter days are on the horizon.

As for what they did at the trade deadline to improve, the answer is nothing.

I suppose going 4-3 over your past seven games offers reason for encouragement—even if the season is in flux.

24. Washington Wizards

W-L Record: 15-37

Scoring Offense: 91.2 (30th)

Scoring Defense: 95.2 (6th)

Last 10 Games: 4-6

The Washington Wizards have the sixth-ranked scoring defense in the NBA.

Unfortunately, Washington is also dead last in scoring offense. John Wall has helped cure those woes.

Washington has won four of its past six games—all four victories came in consecutive outings. Wall led the charge against the Los Angeles Clippers, New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks.

Unfortunately, Washington has dropped their last two.

Trading Jordan Crawford won't bring over any significant talent, as Leandro Barbosa is injured and Jason Collins is entering a crowded frontcourt (via ESPN).

With that being said, this deal opens up the door for Bradley Beal to truly shine with additional minutes.

Can Washington continue its hot play?

23. Cleveland Cavaliers

W-L Record: 17-37

Scoring Offense: 97.1 (14th)

Scoring Defense: 101.2 (24th)

Last 10 Games: 5-5

The Cleveland Cavaliers may be 17-37 overall, but they're 8-6 over their past 14 games.

In that time, the Cavs have defeated the likes of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks.

If only they didn't start 9-31.

After making a deal in late January, Cleveland stood its ground at the deadline. With the Cavs' recent string of success and an abundance of expiring contracts, why wouldn't they?

This team is hot, and no one wants to face them.

22. Detroit Pistons

W-L Record: 22-34

Scoring Offense: 95.4 (20th)

Scoring Defense: 97.1 (14th)

Last 10 Games: 5-5

The Detroit Pistons were active early, but they appear to be comfortable with the roster they've pieced together.

At least they better be, as Brandon Knight hyperextended his knee and twisted his ankle in the same game.

Fortunately for the Pistons, they're 5-5 during their past 10 games and have won four of their past six. That includes a recent 119-109 victory against the San Antonio Spurs.

As it presently stands, Detroit is 5.5 games back of the stumbling Milwaukee Bucks.

21. Portland Trail Blazers

W-L Record: 25-29

Scoring Offense: 96.7 (17th)

Scoring Defense: 99.7 (21st)

Last 10 Games: 3-7

The Portland Trail Blazers came up huge at the trade deadline, landing point guard Eric Maynor for a trade exception (via ESPN).

This helps to strengthen the statistically worst second unit in all of the NBA.

What worked out best for Portland is that it managed to hold onto double-double machine J.J. Hickson.

In turn, the Trail Blazers kept a postseason-caliber starting five intact while improving one of their most significant weaknesses.

Hopefully this addition of depth can help Portland snap a six-game losing streak.

20. Philadelphia 76ers

W-L Record: 22-30

Scoring Offense: 92.2 (29th)

Scoring Defense: 95.3 (7th)

Last 10 Games: 5-5

Without Andrew Bynum in the middle, the Philadelphia 76ers remain one of the worst offensive teams in the NBA.

This is quite the shame, as they've been absolutely dominant on defense.

In order to improve its scoring, Philadelphia acquired point guard Charles Jenkins from the Golden State Warriors for draft considerations (via ESPN).

Jenkins should offer a significant upgrade as the second-unit point guard. Perhaps this will snap the Sixers' recent funk.

Philly has lost three straight and four of its last five.

19. Milwaukee Bucks

W-L Record: 26-27

Scoring Offense: 97.6 (12th)

Scoring Defense: 98.7 (19th)

Last 10 Games: 2-8

The Milwaukee Bucks have lost eight of their past 10 games.

Fortunately, help is on the way.

The Bucks acquired J.J. Redick, Gustavo Ayon and Ish Smith from the Orlando Magic. They gave up Beno Udrih, Tobias Harris and Doron Lamb.

Could Redick save Milwaukee's season?

There's no denying that consistent shooting will come as a pleasant surprise for the Bucks. With Monta Ellis shooting a career-worst 22.8 percent from three, they need some type of help.

With the Eastern Conference's bottom half growing stronger, Milwaukee is in danger.

18. Dallas Mavericks

W-L Record: 24-29

Scoring Offense: 101.5 (7th)

Scoring Defense: 102.6 (28th)

Last 10 Games: 6-4

With Dirk Nowitzki approaching full strength, the Dallas Mavericks are beginning to heat up.

Dallas has won five of its past seven games, including a 25-point blowout of the Golden State Warriors.

At the trade deadline, the Mavs made a quiet but significant trade by swapping Dahntay Jones for sharpshooter Anthony Morrow (via ESPN).

The pressure on O.J. Mayo to space the floor will decrease. The amount of points Dallas garners from the three-ball will do the opposite.

It's a key trade that we may look back on as the Mavs continue to make their push for the postseason.

They're 4.5 games behind Houston for eighth in the West.

17. Toronto Raptors

W-L Record: 22-33

Scoring Offense: 97.4 (13th)

Scoring Defense: 98.7 (17th)

Last 10 Games: 6-4

The Toronto Raptors are one of the hottest teams in basketball after winning six of their last seven, taking games against the Indiana Pacers, New York Knicks and Denver Nuggets in the process.

Suddenly, Toronto's trade for Rudy Gay is looking like one of the smartest moves all season.

Toronto is just five games back of the struggling Milwaukee Bucks. Much like the Bucks, the Raptors made a potentially key deadline acquisition, picking up Sebastian Telfair from the Phoenix Suns (via ESPN). This should improve the second unit in a significant manner.

A scary thought for a team that is already sweeping through the competition.

16. Atlanta Hawks

W-L Record: 29-23

Scoring Offense: 96.8 (16th)

Scoring Defense: 96.3 (12th)

Last 10 Games: 5-5

For all of the hype surrounding Josh Smith, the Atlanta Hawks ended up making two trades that had nothing to do with the embattled forward.

The Hawks improved their defensive perimeter by trading Anthony Morrow for Dahntay Jones (via The Dallas Morning News). They also picked up athletic big man Jeremy Tyler for draft considerations (via ESPN).

Atlanta needed something, as it has gone 4-5 in its past nine games. Most recently, the Hawks lost 103-90 against the Miami Heat.

Perhaps Jones is the type of player that Atlanta needed, after all.

What will happen when Smith becomes a free agent is unclear. What is clear, however, is that Atlanta needs to turn its season around.

The Hawks are now just two games ahead of the Boston Celtics for sixth place in the Eastern Conference.

15. Houston Rockets

W-L Record: 30-26

Scoring Offense: 106.4 (1st)

Scoring Defense: 103.6 (29th)

Last 10 Games: 6-4

In one of the most unexpected deals from the NBA trade deadline, the Houston Rockets acquired power forward Thomas Robinson from the Sacramento Kings. They also received Francisco Garcia and Tyler Honeycutt.

To get it done, Houston dealt Patrick Patterson, Marcus Morris (to the Suns, the third team in the deal), Toney Douglas and Cole Aldrich.

In the short term, this deal severely damages the Houston Rockets' rotation. Patrick Patterson and Marcus Morris split time at power forward and were relied upon for offensive production. Toney Douglas was the team's second-unit point guard and often closed out games instead of Jeremy Lin.

With this trade, however, Houston improves in the long term—very much so.

The question is, can Houston hold on to fight off the Los Angeles Lakers for the Western Conference's final playoff spot? L.A. is just 3.5 games back.

As impressive as their win over the Oklahoma City Thunder may have been, this is a major roster move that leaves the Rockets weak.

Until they prove capable of overcoming the move in the long term, they drop down these rankings.

14. Los Angeles Lakers

W-L Record: 26-29

Scoring Offense: 101.8 (6th)

Scoring Defense: 100.9 (23rd)

Last 10 Games: 6-4

The Los Angeles Lakers did not make a deal at the 2013 NBA trade deadline.

This comes with good reason, as the Lakers have won nine of their past 13 games. That includes an emotional win over the Boston Celtics on Feb. 20.

Perhaps the tragic death of owner Jerry Buss will be the necessary catalyst to turn their season around.

Through all of the commotion, the Lakers are just 3.5 games behind the Houston Rockets for eighth in the Western Conference.

They play Houston in the last game of the season on April 17—a game we'll all be watching.

13. Golden State Warriors

W-L Record: 31-23

Scoring Offense: 101.1 (8th)

Scoring Defense: 101.4 (26th)

Last 10 Games: 4-6

The Golden State Warriors got a huge victory against the Phoenix Suns, and it snapped a six-game losing streak.

At the trade deadline, they also dealt Jeremy Tyler and Charles Jenkins for draft considerations.

As for the games themselves, the Warriors need to turn things around. Quick.

They're just a half-game ahead of the Utah Jazz for sixth and two games in front of the Houston Rockets.

They also hold a less-than-comfortable 5.5-game lead over the Los Angeles Lakers.

Staying healthy is the key here, as the Warriors did nothing to improve their club in the short term via the trade deadline.

12. Chicago Bulls

W-L Record: 31-23

Scoring Offense: 92.7 (28th)

Scoring Defense: 91.4 (3rd)

Last 10 Games: 4-6

The Chicago Bulls have been struggling as of late, dropping six of their past nine games.

At the trade deadline, they stood by idly as their hopes continue to rest on Derrick Rose returning to game action.

The question is, how much longer can they afford to wait?

Chicago is just one game ahead of the Atlanta Hawks for fifth in the Eastern Conference and is now a 1.5 games behind Brooklyn for fourth.

The Bulls have dropped to two games behind the Indiana Pacers for the division lead.

As we've all learned, it's easier to lose a lead than it is to gain on one.

D-Rose's return could change everything, but will it actually be enough?

11. Boston Celtics

W-L Record: 28-26

Scoring Offense: 95.8 (18th)

Scoring Defense: 96.1 (10th)

Last 10 Games: 7-3

In an attempt to provide depth to an injury-depleted backcourt, the Boston Celtics acquired Jordan Crawford from the Washington Wizards (via Fox Sports).

All they had to give up was Leandro Barbosa's expiring contract and the seldom-used Jason Collins.

This could be the offensive burst that Boston needs, as the Celtics have lost three of their past four games. This comes after an 8-1 start to the post-Rajon Rondo era in which fans analysts labeled the C's as "better without him."

Clearly, they aren't.

Fortunately, Crawford will provide a scoring spark coming off the bench and awaken the veterans around him.

We've always said that the Celtics need youth and athleticism along the perimeter. They just got it for a minimal cost.

10. Utah Jazz

W-L Record: 31-24

Scoring Offense: 98.6 (11th)

Scoring Defense: 98.7 (18th)

Last 10 Games: 7-3

If your favorite team is going to play in Utah, don't bank on them winning.

Thus far in 2012-13, the Jazz are 21-6 at home. That's exactly what has them just a half-game below the Golden State Warriors for sixth in the Western Conference.

Slowly but surely, Utah is making its way up the standings. Although poor on the road, the Jazz have won seven of their past 10 games.

That includes double-digit wins over the Oklahoma City Thunder, Golden State Warriors and Milwaukee Bucks.

Utah is getting hot, but can it win on the road?

9. Brooklyn Nets

W-L Record: 33-22

Scoring Offense: 95.5 (19th)

Scoring Defense: 94.9 (5th)

Last 10 Games: 6-4

No Josh Smith, no nothing.

The Brooklyn Nets did nothing at the trade deadline, holding onto hefty contracts and missing out on an opportunity to land a star.

And so they're back to where they were.

Fortunately for the Nets, where they were isn't such a bad place to be. After all, Brooklyn is 33-22 and in the midst of a four-game winning streak, a stretch that has seen them defeat the Indiana Pacers, Denver Nuggets and Milwaukee Bucks (twice).

Brooklyn is now in sole possession of fourth in the Eastern Conference and sits just one game behind the New York Knicks for first in the Atlantic Division.

Yes, just one game behind the Knicks.

8. New York Knicks

W-L Record: 32-19

Scoring Offense: 100.2 (10th)

Scoring Defense: 96.3 (11th)

Last 10 Games: 6-4

The New York Knicks have lost three consecutive games and four of their past five.

Most recently, they fell 125-91—not a typo—against the rival Indiana Pacers.

New York is now just a half-game ahead of Indiana for second in the conference and one game ahead of the Brooklyn Nets for the division lead.

The division lead. You know, the thing that appeared to be locked up over a month ago.

Oh, how times have changed.

The Knicks did make a move at the trade deadline, trading Ronnie Brewer to the Oklahoma City Thunder. They didn't receive immediate help, however, as all they received in return was a second-round draft choice.

Rough times in the Big Apple.

7. Denver Nuggets

W-L Record: 34-21

Scoring Offense: 104.9 (3rd)

Scoring Defense: 101.3 (25th)

Last 10 Games: 7-3

After going on a nine-game winning streak, the Denver Nuggets have since lost three of their past four.

One loss came in overtime against the Boston Celtics, and the other came on a Rudy Gay game-winner against the Toronto Raptors. Denver exacted revenge on Boston during a Feb. 19 rematch.

What the Nuggets failed to do, however, was make any sort of noise at the trade deadline.

With such a deep roster, it's unlikely that they needed to. Denver is as deep as any team in the NBA.

Unfortunately, dropping three of four when the Memphis Grizzlies are on a five-game winning streak doesn't help their cause.

Home-court advantage could be key to this squad, but they're moving in the wrong direction to attain it.

6. Memphis Grizzlies

W-L Record: 35-18

Scoring Offense: 93.8 (26th)

Scoring Defense: 90.1 (2nd)

Last 10 Games: 7-3

Remember when everyone said that the Memphis Grizzlies wouldn't be able to survive without Rudy Gay? Well, Memphis has won five consecutive games. That includes a road win against, you guessed it, Gay and the Toronto Raptors.

So much for that theory.

The quality of competition hasn't been too reputable during this stretch, but it shows that Memphis is still above the average.

With the second-ranked scoring defense, they're also good enough to compete in and win any postseason series.

The trade for Dexter Pittman won't do much, but Memphis has already done enough to contend.

How far the Grizzlies go simply hinges upon their ability to space the floor with their perimeter players.

5. Indiana Pacers

W-L Record: 33-21

Scoring Offense: 93.4 (27th)

Scoring Defense: 89.9 (1st)

Last 10 Games: 7-3

The Indiana Pacers made a major statement when they blew the New York Knicks out on Feb. 20 by a score of 125-91—a point differential of 34.

Indiana is now just a half-game behind the Knicks for second place in the Eastern Conference. The Pacers have also won seven of their past nine games.

Momentum is on Indiana's side.

At the trade deadline, Indiana failed to execute any deals. With Danny Granger soon to return from injury, it's not hard to see why.

This Pacers team is already dangerous.

4. Oklahoma City Thunder

W-L Record: 39-15

Scoring Offense: 106.3 (2nd)

Scoring Defense: 97.7 (16th)

Last 10 Games: 5-5

The invincible Oklahoma City Thunder have suddenly lost three consecutive games.

Two of those games were blowouts, as the Miami Heat and Utah Jazz flattened OKC. The other loss was at the hands of James Harden and the Houston Rockets. The former Thunder sixth man dropped 45 and led the Rockets in a 122-point outburst.

Trouble in paradise?

The Thunder made two moves at the deadline, trading Eric Maynor to the Blazers and acquiring Ronnie Brewer from the Knicks (via ESPN).

This should improve their defense, but one has to wonder what has happened to the Thunder.

They're now four games behind the San Antonio Spurs.

3. Los Angeles Clippers

W-L Record: 39-18

Scoring Offense: 100.3 (9th)

Scoring Defense: 94.1 (4th)

Last 10 Games: 5-5

When the Los Angeles Clippers lost eight of 11 games, the NBA world appeared ready to write them off as pretenders.

Oh, how premature.

Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, Jamal Crawford and Chauncey Billups have all recovered from injuries at the same time.

Since they've come back, L.A. has won four of its last five—that includes a 102-88 blowout victory at the New York Knicks and a 125-101 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.

So, about that pretender stuff—it's time to take the Clippers seriously.

2. Miami Heat

W-L Record: 38-14

Scoring Offense: 102.9 (5th)

Scoring Defense: 96.1 (9th)

Last 10 Games: 9-1

The Miami Heat have won nine consecutive games and 14 of their past 16 outings.

Most recently, they destroyed the Chicago Bulls by a score of 86-67. They also dominated the Oklahoma City Thunder from start to finish on Feb. 14.

The champs are getting hot.

The Heat did make a trade at the deadline, sending Dexter Pittman and a second-round draft choice to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for the rights to center Ricky Sanchez (via ESPN).

I'll go out on a limb and say that this won't make or break their season—no matter how great of a locker-room guy Pittman was.

1. San Antonio Spurs

W-L Record: 44-12

Scoring Offense: 104.5 (4th)

Scoring Defense: 95.8 (8th)

Last 10 Games: 9-1

You know how people tell you that the San Antonio Spurs are a boring team to watch?

Those people likely only tune into games when it's the fourth quarter—you know, when the game has already been decided.

The Spurs aren't just beating teams; they're demolishing them.

They've won five straight, 16 of 17 and 25 of their past 29 games. In other words, the Spurs haven't been on a roll—they're just better than the rest of the competition.

San Antonio ended up not trading DeJuan Blair and instead will pursue a championship with the roster they have already.

Based off of the Spurs' current results, that's a wise decision.