The NBA All-Star break marked another crucial point in the season not because of what happened during the festivities but because of what happened immediately afterwards. Once the All-Star game was complete, it was announced that the Sacramento Kings had traded DeMarcus Cousins and Omri Casspi to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for Buddy Hield, Tyreke Evans, Langston Galloway, a 2017 first round pick and a 2017 second round pick. The deal came amidst reports that the Kings management rushed the trade because they were afraid ownership would change its mind and decide not to trade Cousins while GM Vlade Divac admitted the following day that he had a better offer on the table days earlier that was pulled after he failed to pull the trigger. The entire spectacle sent shockwaves throughout the league and created a period of uncertainty with the NBA trade deadline right around the corner. Here is a look at the NBA top five power rankings for this week.
1. Golden State Warriors
Last Week: 1
NBA Championship Odds: -165
The Warriors bench has been better than expected this season so there is reason to believe that if they do make a trade before the deadline it will be a small move that adds to the depth they have in place right now. It’s scary to think about what Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green can do together in a playoff series and it’s even scarier when you consider they could be in line to add to their bench. Golden State is the clear NBA championship favorite right now and it isn’t even close.
2. San Antonio Spurs
Last Week: 2
NBA Championship Odds: +850
It’s amazing to think that even without Tim Duncan and with seven new players the Spurs are still the second-best team in the NBA. San Antonio is the second-fastest team to 43 wins this season and while a lot of the credit belongs to Gregg Popovich his players have done an incredible job as well. Kawhi Leonard has emerged as a bonafide star while Patty Mills, Tony Parker and Danny Green have provided just enough to support Leonard, LaMarcus Aldridge and Pau Gasol as the Spurs’ new big three. San Antonio is another team that is in line to add at the trade deadline and it will be interesting to see what they can get done.
3. Cleveland Cavaliers
Last Week: 3
NBA Championship Odds: +350
How interesting would things have become if it were the Cavaliers that landed Cousins? As it stands, Cleveland still owns one of the best rosters in the NBA and they have the potential to add before the trade deadline. Kevin Love is currently sidelined but it might be a blessing in disguise as he rests for the playoff stretch. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers would be smart to concentrate less on securing home court advantage in the Eastern Conference and more on making sure LeBron James and Kyrie Irving stay healthy. LeBron currently leads the NBA in minutes played and that might not be a good thing for a 32-year-old that needs to be at his best for four rounds of playoff basketball.
4. Houston Rockets
Last Week: 4
NBA Championship Odds: +2500
Houston also upgraded after the All-Star break with the addition of veteran shooting guard Lou Williams in exchange for Corey Brewer and a first round pick. Williams will provide another capable scoring guard off the bench and that will make the Rockets that much more dangerous come playoff time. Houston currently ranks secondi n the NBA in scoring and assists with James Harden playing at an MVP level and the combination of Harden, Williams, Eric Gordon and Patrick Beverley makes up an intriguing backcourt. Meanwhile, the Rockets can still stretch the floor with Ryan Anderson but it will be interesting to see if they have one more move to make before the deadline. Houston is still a step behind Golden State and San Antonio in the Western Conference so maybe they aren’t done dealing just yet.
5. Boston Celtics
Last Week: 5
NBA Championship Odds: +2000
The Celtics were among the teams rumored to be in trade talks for Cousins and it would be very interesting if they turned out to be the team that pulled the “better offer” that Divac was referencing off the table. Boston is on the verge of becoming a true championship contender with Isaiah Thomas, Avery Bradley and Al Horford locked in, but the question is what will they do now with rumors swirling about the potential for them to add one more star piece? Carmelo Anthony, Blake Griffin and Jimmy Butler have all been rumored to be on their way to the Celtics and if they are able to pull the trigger on a deal to add another star player then it will really put the rest of the NBA on notice. Boston is already challenging Cleveland for the top spot in the Eastern Conference standings and the addition of one or more key pieces could elevate them to championship contender status.
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