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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 12, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jared Sullinger (7) leads the celtics onto the floor against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 12, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jared Sullinger (7) leads the celtics onto the floor against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /

26. Boston Celtics

Previous: No. 26

Record: 13-23

Last Week: 2-2

Verdict: Cold

The Boston Celtics have one clear and apparent focus in 2014-15: unload the players who can help them win right now and dump their salaries. It started with Rajon Rondo and its moved on down the line.

The latest Danny Ainge casualty: leading scorer Jeff Green.

Even Jameer Nelson, the leading facilitator since Rondo was dealt, has been traded. The player received, Nate Robinson, will be a salary dump, per Marc J. Spears of Yahoo! Sports.

Chances are, Boston won’t make the playoffs in 2014-15. What they will do, however, is enter draft season with a copious amount of draft picks.

The upside for the Celtics is that they’re developing young players such as Avery Bradley, Jae Crowder, Kelly Olynyk, Marcus Smart, Jared Sullinger and Tyler Zeller. That process helped Boston split four games over the past week.

The immediate upside is limited, but Boston’s gearing up for something massive.

Next: Struggle Today, Thrive Tomorrow