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NBA Power Rankings: Impact of the 2015 Trade Deadline

By Maxwell Ogden

Feb 22, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Reggie Jackson (1) looks on before the game against the Washington Wizards at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 22, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Reggie Jackson (1) looks on before the game against the Washington Wizards at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 20, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Indiana Pacers guard C.J. Miles (0) looks for an opening against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Pacers defeated the 76ers 106-95. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 20, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Indiana Pacers guard C.J. Miles (0) looks for an opening against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Pacers defeated the 76ers 106-95. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

22. Indiana Pacers

Previous: No. 23

Record: 23-34

Last Week: 2-1

Key Acquisitions: N/A

The Indiana Pacers continue to be competitive, with the light at the end of the tunnel being Paul George’s potential return. Despite being 11 games under .500, the Pacers are 1.5 games back of the No. 8 seed and just 2.0 behind the No. 7 team.

Welcome to the Eastern Conference.

Indiana was quiet at the trade deadline, but it didn’t necessarily need to make noise. It’s on pace for a lottery pick, which could potentially net the Pacers a star-caliber prospect to develop alongside George and Roy Hibbert.

Perhaps a long-awaited facilitator or a replacement to Lance Stephenson is on the horizon.

George maintains that he’s uncertain about whether he’ll play in 2014-15, but the odds improve every time Indiana wins. Frank Vogel has kept this team within striking distance and continues to get the most out of perceived underachievers searching for a second chance.

Until they’re mathematically eliminated, Indiana will be at the heart of the race for No. 8—and No. 7.

Next: Committing to a Vision