As New Years rolls around and the 2014 calendar year becomes history, let’s take a look at four NBA teams who are in significantly worse positions now than they were at this time exactly one year ago.
NBA Teams Who Took a Step Back in 2014
New York Knicks
At the conclusion of 2013, the Knicks were still considered a possible playoff team, even though they got off to a rough start. One full year later, the landscape of the Knicks has changed drastically. The 2013-14 season ended in a disappointment, as the Knicks failed to earn a playoff spot. Insert Phil Jackson to the front office and Derek Fisher on the sidelines – what a tremendous job they’ve done so far! (That was sarcasm). The success of the former Lakers’ player-coach combination hasn’t really transferred across the country to New York very well so far. Jackson was able to retain Carmelo Anthony, but now they have $124 committed to him over the next five years, limiting their cap flexibility. As for the product on the court, the Knicks sit at 5-28 entering their New Years Eve matchup against the Clippers. The season has been a disaster, and one could argue the only hope for the lowly Knickerbockers is to get lucky in the lottery and land the #1 overall pick in next June’s draft. Tank for Jahlil Okafor!
Miami Heat
I’m sure Pat Riley and the Heat didn’t expect to be on this list at this time last year. It seemed as if the Heat were in the midst of a dynasty, led by their big 3 of LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh. When the ball dropped in Times Square to celebrate the inauguration of 2014, Miami was anticipating a run at its third straight title. They certainly made a good attempt towards their goal; after winning the East for a fourth consecutive year, the Heat confidently entered an NBA Finals sequel with the San Antonio Spurs. In one of the most one-sided championship series ever, the Heat fell to Tim Duncan and the Spurs in 5 games. in the summer of 2014, the Heat’s reign as NBA champs came to and end, and so did their recognition as one of the premier teams in the league, following LeBron James’s decision to return back to Cleveland. King James is an irreplaceable player, as proven by Miami’s sub .500 start to the 2014-15 campaign. The Heat went from fighting against the San Antonio Spurs for a championship in June, to battling against the Milwaukee Bucks and Orlando Magic for the 8th seed in the playoffs. Times have certainly changed in South Beach.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Last year the T’Wolves were somewhat in the mix for a playoff seed out West. Kevin Love and Ricky Rubio appeared to be an above-average 1-2 punch, and the T’Wolves were entertaining to watch. Fast forward one full calendar year, and Minnesota sits in dead last in the Western Conference with just 5 wins. The mid-summer trade of superstar Kevin Love for young players such as Andrew Wiggins may pay off in the future, but for now the losing will continue in Minnesota. The Wolves knew they would have to take a step back in order to take two steps forward, but boy have they taken one large step back. Last New Years’ Eve they were just 1 game under.500, but now they are 19 games under. Rough days lie ahead in 2015 for Minnesota.
Indiana Pacers
At this time last year, the Pacers and Heat were undoubtedly the 2 best teams in the Eastern Conference. As a defensive powerhouse with budding superstar Paul George at the helm, Indiana looked like a contender for years to come. However, the state of the Indiana franchise took major hits from May to August. The summer months were not kind on the Pacers, beginning with another playoff exit at the hands of the Miami Heat. Unable to beat the Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals for a second straight year, Indiana’s season ended in bitter disappointment. Even worse, Paul George’s gruesome leg injury while playing for Team USA really put a damper on the future of the Pacers. Not only was it a terrible incident to witness as a fan and an unfortunate mishap for a star on the rise, but George’s injury also meant a lackluster season was to come for the Pacers. The loss of Lance Stephenson to Charlotte in free agency further weakened Indiana’s playoff hopes, as they entered the 2014-15 without their two best play makers from the previous season. Entering 2014, the Pacers were 20 games over .500, but now they exit the calendar year sitting at 10 games under .500. Talk about a colossal change.
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