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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 21, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Mo Williams (7) drives to the basket during the second half of the game against the Oklahoma Thunder at Time Warner Cable Arena. Thunder win 110-103. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 21, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Mo Williams (7) drives to the basket during the second half of the game against the Oklahoma Thunder at Time Warner Cable Arena. Thunder win 110-103. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /

23. Charlotte Hornets

Previous: No. 19

Record: 22-32

Last Week: 0-2

Key Acquisitions: Mo Williams, PG

The Charlotte Hornets were quiet at the 2015 NBA Trade Deadline, but they made a big move by acquiring point guard Mo Williams from the Minnesota Timberwolves earlier in the season. This came on the heels of Kemba Walker undergoing knee surgery.

Not only has Williams played well, but he’s one of franchise player Al Jefferson’s closest friends.

Unfortunately, that hasn’t led to many wins.

Charlotte is in the midst of a five-game losing streak and has fallen from the No. 7 seed to No. 9. Walker’s loss is devastating as it’s left the Hornets without a reliable late-game performer.

Someone could potentially rise to the occasion, and that’s part of what Charlotte is paying Lance Stephenson to do. With Stephenson struggling and the star point guard injured, however, a drop-off was expected.

In this top-heavy Eastern Conference, the 22-32 Hornets are still just 1.0 game back of the No. 8 seed and merely 1.5 games behind the No. 7 team.

Next: Preparing for a Star's Return?