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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; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Tony Snell (20) celebrates with guard Derrick Rose (1) after a shot against the Milwaukee Bucks in the first half during the game at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 23, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Tony Snell (20) celebrates with guard Derrick Rose (1) after a shot against the Milwaukee Bucks in the first half during the game at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports /

12. Chicago Bulls

Previous: No. 10

Record: 36-21

Last Week: 2-1

Key Acquisitions: N/A

Rather than trading the rumored-to-be embattled Taj Gibson, the Chicago Bulls stayed the course. That’s an understandable decision given how deep Chicago’s rotation is.

Whether or not Tom Thibodeau utilizes the full extent of that depth is another conversation entirely.

The Bulls’ starting lineup is championship-caliber with Jimmy Butler, Pau Gasol and Joakim Noah anchoring the group. Mike Dunleavy is an under-appreciated asset for Chicago, while the likes of Aaron Brooks, Gibson, Kirk Hinrich, Nikola Mirotic and Tony Snell round out an elite nine-man rotation.

The reason for Chicago’s plummet: Derrick Rose is injured again.

Another tragic setback for a transcendent talent.

The upside is that Snell is averaging 14.3 points per game in February and has scored in double-figures in eight of his past 14 games. He’s found his 3-point shot and is erupting in transition, which has helped to add a new element to Chicago’s offense.

Rose could potentially return, but until he does, Chicago must play as if he won’t and avoid the, “Rose or bust,” mentality.

Next: Where's the Championship Form?