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NBA Power Rankings: Hot or Cold Edition

By Maxwell Ogden

Jan 11, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) shows emotion against the Washington Wizards in the second quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) shows emotion against the Washington Wizards in the second quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 9, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Grizzlies 106-95. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Grizzlies 106-95. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Memphis Grizzlies

Previous: No. 6

Record: 26-11

Last Week: 1-3

Verdict: Heating Up

In a slide that coincides with Zach Randolph going down to injury, the Memphis Grizzlies have hit a dry spell. Z-Bo’s return will help to return Memphis to glory, but it’s gone from red hot to ice cold.

The addition of small forward Jeff Green changes everything.

At times, Tayshaun Prince played at a respectable level in 2014-15. Green offers a dramatic improvement.

As it presently stands, Mike Conley offers the only form of consistent perimeter offense. Courtney Lee offers a highly efficient 11.1 points per game and both Tony Allen and Beno Udrih provide a decent supporting scoring punch.

Green, however, is averaging 17.6 points per game.

If Green can come to Memphis and live up to his reputation as a quality scorer, Memphis’ offense will add a new dimension. He’s a skilled player who can handle and pass the ball in transition, and is also an underrated athlete.

Memphis is trending downwards in results, but acquiring Green has them heating up.

Next: Red-Hot Rockets