New York Knicks
More like housecleaning mode, but crisis mode nonetheless. Derek Fisher and Phil Jackson have not been able to translate any of their L.A. success to New York. Even with Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire, the Knicks are the worst team in the NBA. They started the season 2-1 and, in the blink of an eye, fell to 5-20. The just recently snapped a 16-game losing streak, which was the longest in franchise history.
Buyer's remorse was the term used earlier in the year to describe the Knicks' feelings of Anthony's new contract and, now, they are left with rebuilding around him. Stoudemire is aging and will likely not be part of the team's future. Phil Jackson is inexperienced as an NBA executive, but is finally starting to get his feet wet. The Anthony re-signing was his first step but, with the season a wash, Jackson has begun to test the trade market.
By dealing Iman Shumpert and J.R. Smith to the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Knicks received a future draft pick while also freeing up space in the salary cap. Reports are also beginning to surface that Jose Calderon and Andrea Bargnani are on the trade block. Bargnani is another hit to the cap that the Knicks would want to waive if they cannot find a sufficient trade for the former first overall pick. There are plenty of areas to address in New York and starting from scratch is the plan of action for a team that is having one of the worst seasons in franchise history. It will take time to find answers, but the question still lingers- what are the Knicks doing?
Brooklyn Nets
Another team in the Atlantic Division that appears to be hopping on the rebuilding bandwagon, the Nets have not found success with big-name talents. While multiple reports have surfaced about the Nets looking to trade Deron Williams, Joe Johnson, and Brook Lopez, a "For Sale" sign has been pitched outside of the Barclays Center. Owner Mikhail Prokhorov did not get the return he expected from investing big money in multiple superstars.
But were the investments even wise in the first place? Are Williams and Johnson worth $21 million and $24 million, annually? At this point in time, the answer is a resounding "no." Williams has missed seven games in a row with rib issues and was even benched in favor of Jarrett Jack on several occasions prior to the injury.
Meanwhile, Johnson leads the team in scoring with 15.9 points per game and has, in no way, shape or form stepped up in the absence of Williams. At 33 years-old, Johnson has basically stolen from the Nets ever since he arrived. He has largely underperformed, making it tough for another team to consider taking on his contract. Lopez, on the other hand, has played well when healthy and may be the only piece that leaves Brooklyn before the season is over. Tough to say a playoff team is in crisis mode but, with a record under .500, they are smart to consider a team makeover.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Underperformance and underachievement. That is often the product of high standards, a result of obtaining the best player in the NBA in the offseason. But this season has been everything but what the Cavaliers had hoped after signing LeBron James and acquiring Kevin Love this past summer. Love has underperformed as well as Kyrie Irving, neither of whom has earned their keep as part of the new "big three." David Blatt is not the right fit and, while James knows his boundaries as a player, it became apparent that there are some internal issues when James shoved his head coach in a verbal altercation with a referee several games ago.
Losing Anderson Varejao was a devastating loss and an unfortunate circumstance that increased the concern in Cleveland. Now, they have entered crisis mode and have largely distanced themselves from the top-seeded Atlanta Hawks in the Eastern Conference. There have been some bright spots this season and, while there is plenty of time to improve, the time is now for a change to keep a streaky team hot. The overarching issue is convincing LBJ to stay in Cleveland.
Although he admitted prior to the season that success will not come easy, Blatt and his players need to make an adjustment, or history could repeat itself.
Philadelphia 76ers
Overshadowed by the Knicks, the 76ers have not escaped the depths of the Eastern Conference. One of just three teams who have yet to reach 10 wins, the Philly Kids have not distanced themselves from the tomato-stained hardwood that was a season ago. A lottery pick did not work out how they hoped (courtesy of a Cleveland Cavaliers executive in Adam Silver's ear), which landed them Joel Embiid with the third overall selection.
Embiid has yet to see action in the NBA as he continues to recover from a foot injury. Reports began to surface recently that the Cameroonian had gained weight as a result of a lazy rehabilitation effort. While Embiid denied the reports, the 76ers sent the 20 year-old home from a road trip several weeks ago. The reason for which, according to head coach Brett Brown, was to put Embiid in a more "structured, stable environment" (csnpilly.com). Weight gain or not, there are clearly issues with the third overall draft pick.
Meanwhile, Nerlens Noel has not dropped any jaws after sitting out all of last season in the wake of a torn ACL. The big man has showcased his skill-level periodically, but defense has been a struggle for the entire team. No to mention they are also dead-last in scoring. Embiid is the key to the crisis in Philadelphia and if his return from injury is in jeopardy, the 76ers' best option is to look ahead to the draft once again. Unfortunately, the upcoming draft class does not have nearly as much potential as 2014.
Los Angeles Lakers
Shut down Kobe Bryant? The Lakers have been inching toward that motive, sitting their Lonestar for what seems to be every other game. Retirement talks have matriculated and Bryant admits to pondering the idea. Frustration has been constant for one of the NBA's most storied franchises and Bryant has been at the center of every hiccup this season.
From verbal jousts at practice to disappointment boiling over on the court, the Lakers are a mess. Nick Young has been the primary blood-boiler for Bryant and the future Hall of Famer seemingly cannot stand to keep tabs on his pet Swaggy P. Sharing the spotlight is not an option, which may be a factor in the Lakers' decision to shut Bryant down. Currently riding a five-game losing streak, having lost 14 of their last 18, concern for the future of the Lakers organization continues to grow. An early injury to Julius Randle made it tough to forecast the roster in coming seasons. For now, Kobe Bryant will continue to be the Lakers' primary focus as they continue to cling to a shadow of one of the best players in NBA history.