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5 Teams In Need Of Major Changes Before Deadline

By Jon Shames

Nov 7, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center Greg Monroe (15) goes for a shot against Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) in the third quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Monroe scored 20 points to help the Bucks beat the Nets 94-86. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center Greg Monroe (15) goes for a shot against Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) in the third quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Monroe scored 20 points to help the Bucks beat the Nets 94-86. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 14, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) during the game against the Washington Wizards at FedExForum. Memphis Grizzlies beats Washington Wizards 112-92. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) during the game against the Washington Wizards at FedExForum. Memphis Grizzlies beats Washington Wizards 112-92. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /

Honorable Mentions

Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies have started to bounce back after a horrendous start to the year, but they haven’t found form as the contender many expected them to be after a promising offseason. The Grizzlies will likely be buyers next month, but may also look to move Jeff Green and/or Zach Randolph to clear up the logjam in the front court.

Washington Wizards

The Wizards have been decimated by injuries this year, but even with a healthy roster, the odds of this team contending were slim. Bradley Beal has returned to the lineup after missing more than a month due to a stress reaction in his leg, and he adds a much-needed punch to Washington’s backcourt, but the Wizards are a veteran-heavy team that simply doesn’t have the talent to contend at the moment. Expect the Wizards to be fielding calls for guys like Ramon Sessions, Gary Neal, and Jared Dudley, come Feb. 18.

Houston Rockets

The Rockets are also beginning to rebound from their slow start, but this team looks nothing like the group that went to the Western Conference Finals last season. With the exception of James Harden, this entire roster has been underwhelming this year (although Dwight Howard is starting to look good). Houston isn’t at the point where a full-blown rebuild is necessary, but they’ll be looking for suitors for Ty Lawson and Terrence Jones.

Charlotte Hornets

The Charlotte Hornets looked like a real playoff team early in the season, but have since fallen off drastically and are now 12th in the East. Charlotte needs a real boost defensively, as consecutive seasons of missing the playoffs as the re-branded Charlotte Hornets would be detrimental to fan disposition. For a fanbase that is apathetic as is (thanks to the Bobcat years), another playoff-less year would be downright cruel. Expect Charlotte to be active buyers at this year’s deadline.

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