NBA Power Rankings: Impact of the 2015 Trade Deadline

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 22, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo (5) shoots over Philadelphia 76ers guard Tim Frazier (20) during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 103-98. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 22, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo (5) shoots over Philadelphia 76ers guard Tim Frazier (20) during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 103-98. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

25. Orlando Magic

Previous: No. 27

Record: 19-39

Last Week: 2-0

Key Acquisitions: 

The Orlando Magic recently fired head coach Jacque Vaughn following a stretch of 10 consecutive losses. This isn’t a championship-caliber team, but that type of inconsistency proved to be unforgivable.

Since then, the Magic have won four of six and dominated defensively.

Orlando’s held every opponent it’s faced below 100 points since firing Vaughn on February 4. Before that, it had allowed 14 consecutive teams to score at least 100 points.

On the other end, Nikola Vucevic has been the key.

It doesn’t hurt that Victor Oladipo is simultaneously coming into his own.

Oladipo is averaging 19.4 points per game since January 1. He’s experienced moments of inconsistency, but with Elfrid Payton developing as a facilitator, the Magic have built an intriguing backcourt of the future.

At this rate, Orlando will be one of the teams to watch in 2015-16.

Next: Third Head Coach of the Season