The jockeying for position on Tank Rank continues to move in mysterious ways. Just when we thought the Sixers were rounding into tanking form, they go on a four-game win streak. Just when we thought the Celtics were going to push for the Atlantic Division crown, they drop seven of their past eight.
Here's our latest look at where the worst teams in the NBA with a shot at the lottery stand in their quest for the No. 1 pick in the draft.
1. Milwaukee Bucks | Status: Tanking | Record: 7-26 (1-2 past week)
The Bucks are finally starting to field a team that's pretty healthy. John Henson is out, but Larry Sanders and Ersan Ilyasova are back.
That didn't stop Milwaukee from losing to both the Jazz and Suns this week, though. With a very tough schedule through the first half of January, the Bucks still appear to be tightening their grip on the most pingpong balls for the draft lottery. Given the improved play of both the Sixers and Jazz, it's hard to imagine them losing this spot anytime soon.
(Last week: 1 )
2. Orlando Magic | Status: Tanking | Record: 10-23 (past week 0-3)
The Magic lost all three games last week and are heading on a five-game trip to the West. While they play a few of the West's weakest teams (both the Kings and Nuggets are on their slate), it's conceivable the Magic could finish this trip 0-5 and put themselves in position to be the team most likely to pass the Bucks.
(Last week: 5 )
3. Cleveland Cavaliers | Status: Trying | Record: 11-23 (1-3 past week)
The Cavs are in a bit of a death spiral right now. They've lost eight of their past nine, though they've played a number of those games very closely.
With Andrew Bynum trade talk dominating the league, the big question is whether the Cavs should just take back an asset or a player like Pau Gasol who could help them win now. They still have a shot at the playoffs if they make a major upgrade (I'm not convinced Gasol is the answer), but right now they're also in position to have a good shot at the No. 1 pick.
(Last week: 4 )
4. Sacramento Kings | Status: Rebuilding | Record: 10-22 (1-2 last week)
The Kings have made two big trades for Derrick Williams and Rudy Gay and have nothing to really show for it. Yes, there were surprise wins over the Heat and Rockets, but this week they lost home games to both the Sixers and Bobcats -- two teams they should be beating at home. A brutal mid-January trip should squelch any remaining hopes that the Kings can turn it around this season.
The bigger question, now that it appears Gay and Williams can't help this team: Isn't it time to think about a complete restructuring of the team? The chemistry in Sacramento is bad. Adding another piece isn't really going to make a difference.
(Last week: 6 )
5. Philadelphia 76ers | Status: Tanking | Record: 12-21 (3-0 past week)
I'm not sure what to do with the Sixers. They've won four in a row -- all on the road -- including an impressive win over the Blazers on Saturday. Thaddeus Young is averaging 26 PPG in his past five. If there was ever a time for the Sixers to make a trade, now may be it. But Sam Hinkie has to wonder if it's worth keeping Young, who is only 25. If the Sixers deal him, they'd better get a great haul for him. He's pretty good.
(Last week: 2 )
6. Utah Jazz | Status: Tanking | Record: 11-25 (2-1 past week)
The Jazz have been basically playing .500 ball since Dec. 13. They aren't beating anyone special, but they've been super competitive with the worst teams in both the East and West. I don't see them making a move to get better, nor do I see them trading away any of their core young players right now.
The bad news if they play .500 ball the rest of the way? They'll move just out of the running for one of the top five guys in the draft.
(Last week: 3 )
7. Boston Celtics | Status: ??? | Record: 13-21 (0-4 past week)
The Celtics dropped out of Tank Rank for a few weeks, but losing seven of their past eight has them right back in the running. With Rajon Rondo getting closer to a comeback, the moment of decision for the Celtics is coming. The team is just three games ahead of the Magic and Kings for the second-worst record in the league. They also aren't that far away from winning their division and having home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs. Yes, the East is that messed up.
(Last week: NR )
8. L.A. Lakers | Status: Rebuilding | Record: 14-20 (1-2 past week)
The Lakers got their first win in seven games, but considering it was a home win against the Jazz, I'm not sure Lakers fans are doing victory laps. L.A. was then blown out by the Nuggets and begins a tough three-game trip this week.
The Lakers' flirtation with an Andrew Bynum trade gives me hope their front office is finally conceding that the best thing they can do is pack it in for the season, get a high draft pick and start again next season.
(Last week: 10 )
9. Chicago Bulls | Status: Tanking? | Record: 14-18 (3-1 past week)
The Bulls had a great week if they're hoping to get knocked out in the first round of the playoffs. Their wins haven't been all that impressive, but in the weak East a 3-1 week can catapult you from lottery team to sixth seed in the playoffs.
Even if the Bulls want to tank, their schedule might not let them -- there's no one they're playing for the rest of the month that they should necessarily lose to.
(Last week: 8 )
10. Memphis Grizzlies | Status: Trying | Record: 15-18 (2-2 past week)
The Grizzlies' decision to swap Jerryd Bayless for Courtney Lee suggests they are still trying to find a way to stay in the playoff hunt. While Lee isn't a huge upgrade, the Grizzlies need shooting and think Lee can give them that.
I'm still not sold that Lee will be enough to get the Grizzlies a playoff spot in the crowded West, but the move signals what we've been saying all along: The Grizzlies haven't bought into tanking just yet.
(Last week: 9 )
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