Every year, there are some teams that are just truly disappointing about halfway through the season. What's good about that is there's still time to make a change. The trade deadline extends a few days past the NBA All-Star break; this year, that date is February 18. Which five teams need to make drastic changes before that time?
5. Milwaukee Bucks (21-32)
Heading into the 2015-16 NBA season, the dark horse favorites to make some noise in the East were the Bucks without question. This young team forced the Chicago Bulls to a pretty tough six-game series, and added both Greg Monroe (free agent signing) and Jabari Parker (injury) into the mix.
But it was a slow start and things haven't gotten much better. Other than ending the Golden State Warriors' win streak to start the season, they have nothing else to really hang their hats on. Making a move before the deadline should be a must, and trading away someone like Michael Carter-Williams, John Henson or O.J. Mayo (if not all three) may be wise.
4. Sacramento Kings (22-31)
Once holding onto a playoff spot in the West for quite a while, things have fallen apart lately for the Kings. Losers of eight of their last 10, rumors were swirling big time that head coach George Karl was going to be released. I don't think that was the move the team needed, and rightfully, they decided against that. But this roster needs some change for sure. The dysfunction of players like Rajon Rondo, Rudy Gay and DeMarcus Cousins just isn't meant to work -- there are too many nut jobs there.
On their own, they're generally OK, especially if the rest of the team is level-headed. But the Kings don't have leaders, and they need at least one. Trading Rondo or Gay or even Cousins if they can get a big haul back would be a good move.
3. Houston Rockets (27-28)
The Rockets started the year just absolutely terribly. It's crazy that this team that made it all the way to Western Conference Finals a year ago suddenly couldn't keep up with anyone. And then they battled back and spent a little time above .500; The loss tonight put them back under.
A major move needs to be made for this team to reach it's potential. Rumors of Dwight Howard being traded have been spread rampantly, but nothing has come of it yet. Well, maybe the Rockets need to try a little harder to make that happen.
2. Washington Wizards (23-27)
Man, what is wrong with the Wizards? I know they didn't bring back Paul Pierce, but come on.
Yes, it's true that Bradley Beal had his injury issues. But even guys like Nene Hilario and Jared Dudley have been disappointments considering how much playing time they've been getting. This team needs an influx of talent, especially as far as rebounding is concerned.
Marcin Gortat is averaging 9.9 boards per game, but the next three highest rebounders are at 5.3, 4.5 and 4.3; that's not good enough in the NBA. This team needs some serious help in that department if they're going to even make it to the playoffs this season.
1. Chicago Bulls (27-25)
Finally, we reach the team that has been most disappointing in 2015-16. The Bulls, expected to challenge the Cleveland Cavaliers in the East this year to play in the Finals, have been anything but. Fred Hoiberg hasn't gotten nearly as much out of this roster as Tom Thibodeau used to; injuries have played a part once again with Joakim Noah out for the season, Jimmy Butler out for several weeks and Derrick Rose missing the occasional game due to minor injuries and soreness; and the role players on this squad simply haven't been up to par.
Truthfully, the front office is to blame for many of the team's issues at this point, but as for now, making trades and cutting dead weight must be a plus to set themselves up for a very important offseason.
