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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; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Tyler Ennis (11) during the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Milwaukee won 89-81. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 20, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Tyler Ennis (11) during the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Milwaukee won 89-81. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

14. Milwaukee Bucks

Previous: No. 13

Record: 31-25

Last Week: 1-2

Key Acquisitions: Michael Carter-Williams, PG; Tyler Ennis, PG; Miles Plumlee, PF/C

The Milwaukee Bucks have significant upside as a defensive team with extraordinary length. What the Bucks achieved at the 2015 NBA Trade Deadline is combine a defensive improvement with an offensive regression.

Michael Carter-Williams is an excellent facilitator with extraordinary size, but Brandon Knight was Milwaukee’s only form of consistent scoring.

In the three games since trading Knight, the Bucks have scored less than 90 points in every single outing. They’ll break that threshold eventually, but there isn’t a single person on the roster who’s reliable for consistent offense.

Until further notice, it’s going to be elite defense or bust for the 31-25 Bucks.

The good news for Milwaukee is that the defense is indeed powerful and players such as Khris Middleton have been quietly productive. Giannis Antetokounmpo, meanwhile, has found a way to contribute in virtually every area.

The question is, can Carter-Williams lead Milwaukee in the manner Knight proved capable?

Next: Star or Bust