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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 2, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Eric Gordon (10) shoots over Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) during the fourth quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Hawks 115-100. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 2, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Eric Gordon (10) shoots over Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) during the fourth quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Hawks 115-100. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

15. New Orleans Pelicans

Previous: No. 16

Record: 29-27

Last Week: 2-0

Key Acquisitions: Norris Cole, PG; Toney Douglas, PG; Quincy Pondexter, G/F

The New Orleans Pelicans made a minor move with multiple acquisitions at the 2015 NBA Trade Deadline, but they’ve been active throughout the season. Norris Cole and Toney Douglas improve the second unit tremendously, while Quincy Pondexter has improved in recent weeks.

Perhaps the most significant upgrade in New Orleans has been the resurgence of Eric Gordon.

Gordon is shooting lights out from beyond the arc and has developed as a facilitator. Even without the likes of Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday, the Pelicans have maintained a high level of play.

Nearly three-quarters of the way through the 2014-15 season, New Orleans is above-.500 and at the heart of the race for the No. 8 seed.

If Davis can remain healthy the rest of the way, he’d inevitably improve the Pelicans’ odds of making the playoffs. Per Basketball-Reference.com, New Orleans is plus-5.3 with him on the floor and minus-6.7 when he isn’t—a difference of 12.0 points per 100 possessions.

The question is, which Pelicans team will we see moving forward?

Next: Trading the Catalyst