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NBA Power Rankings: Spurs on top? Kawhi not

By Brandon Jefferson

Mar 4, 2017; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) drives to the basket as Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Ricky Rubio (9) defends during the first half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) drives to the basket as Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Ricky Rubio (9) defends during the first half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /
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Andrew Bogut
Mar 6, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Andrew Bogut (6) lays on the floor after being injured during the first half against the Miami Heat at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Cleveland Cavaliers 44-22

Last week: 3-5
Last rank: 3rd

As the old saying goes, one central division team’s bought-out contract is another central division team’s treasure. The move to bring in Andrew Bogut didn’t work for Cleveland after the center suffered a season-ending injury just minutes into his debut with the team. Insert Larry Sanders. The former Milwaukee Buck walked away from the game right on the cusp of his prime and is now ready — mentally and physically — to return to the court. If Sanders can get into playing shape in time for the playoffs this move could really sure up Cleveland’s front court that has been particularly thin this season. While Kevin Love was sidelined a bulk of the minutes were being split between Channing Frye and Tristan Thompson. Bringing in a player like Sanders gives them another player like Thompson that can be effective around the rim on both ends of the floor.

Speaking of Love, he and J.R. Smith have both returned to action for the Cavaliers. Being able to get them back into the rotation and playing their normal minutes ahead of the playoffs is a big plus for Cleveland. The Eastern Conference no longer looks like the cake walk that it has been for the Cavaliers the past two years. Both Washington and Boston have put up legitimate fights against LeBron James and co., this year and the Toronto Raptors remain lurking in the shadows as another team that could trip up Cleveland, especially with the new additions they made to their roster at the deadline.

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