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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 23, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic (7) dribbles the ball in the second half of a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 119-108. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 23, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic (7) dribbles the ball in the second half of a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 119-108. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports /

18. Miami Heat

Previous: No. 18

Record: 24-31

Last Week: 2-1

Key Acquisitions: Goran Dragic, PG

Originally, I had the Miami Heat moving up this list by a number of spots for their masterful work at the 2015 NBA Trade Deadline. Unfortunately, a season-ending condition to a star contributor makes it tough to determine Miami’s immediate upside.

On the heels of acquiring All-NBA point guard Goran Dragic, the Heat learned that two-time NBA champion Chris Bosh would miss the remainder of the season with blood clots.

We all wish Bosh a full and speedy recovery.

On the basketball front, the Heat will need its star-studded perimeter to step up and lead by example. Dragic and Dwyane Wade are expected to do so, and Hassan Whiteside has been extraordinary down low, but this is about another player.

As Luol Deng goes, so go the Heat.

Miami is 8-0 when Deng scores at least 20 points and 16-31 when he doesn’t. Those are tough numbers to ignore.

Next: The New James Harden?