NBA Power Rankings: Silver Linings and Signs of Legitimacy

Jan 5, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) dribbles the ball around Los Angeles Lakers guard Jeremy Lin (17) and guard Wayne Ellington (2) during the fourth quarter of the game at the Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. The Blazers won the game 98-94. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jan 5, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) and Chicago Bulls forward Pau Gasol (16) shake hands after the game at United Center. The Chicago Bulls beat the Houston Rockets 114-105. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports /

The 2014-15 NBA season has been one of extraordinary and unpredictable measures. The MVP race is as wide open as its ever been, perennial contenders have been usurped and fresh faces have taken the league by storm.

For now.

As the league ushers in the New Year, teams are preparing for the second half of the season to begin. What’s happened thus far is both vital and impossible to overlook, but it’s not necessarily indicative of what’s yet to come.

The question is, what can the underachievers hold on to as silver linings for otherwise disappointing seasons? What can the contenders view as signs of legitimacy?

Let’s find out.

Next: There's Always Next Year