NBA Power Rankings Week 14: NBA trade deadline recap

NBA Power Rankings Week 14: Trade deadline recap

ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 23: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball against the Denver Nuggets at Amway Center on March 23, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images) /

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NBA trade deadline (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /

13-32. Previous: 30th. Houston Rockets. 29. team. 169.

Last Week: Lost to Oklahoma City Thunder 114-112, Beat Toronto Raptors 117-99, Lost to Charlotte Hornets 122-97, Lost to Minnesota Timberwolves 107-101, Beat Minnesota Timberwolves 129-107

This Week: 3/29 vs. Memphis Grizzlies, 3/31 at Brooklyn Nets, 4/2 at Boston Celtics

In one of the more depressing trades an organization made this season the Houston Rockets shipped Victor Oladipo to the Miami Heat as the deadline expired for Kelly Olynyk, Avery Bradley and a pick swap. For a team that chose to bring in a former All-Star in the James Harden deal instead of adding young talents Caris LeVert and Jarret Allen turning that player into two expiring contracts two months later is embarrassing.

The Rockets found a way to get no promising players back in return for one of the most dynamic scorers the league has ever seen and will have to rely on the Brooklyn Nets falling apart sometime between now and 2027. Chances are at best one or two of those picks will be decent.

Going forward the Rockets will be betting on the continued growth of Christian Wood, Jae’Sean Tate and Kevin Porter Jr. They will need to hold on to their draft pick this season and add one of the transformational talents projected to go in the top five. This year has been an unmitigated disaster for Tilman Fertitta and Rafael Stone. So far the only thing they have managed to do is fortify their efforts to tank and save money.