July of 2019 will mark the 6-year anniversary of the infamous Nets-Celtics trade, one that saw the Nets cripple their future for a second round exit from the playoffs. If this week's rankings were the only barometer for determining the success of the trade for either side, it would appear as though the Nets actually came out on top. Left for dead after the injury to breakout star Caris LeVert, the Nets have been absolutely shocking since then, currently occupying the sixth seed in the East - right behind the Boston Celtics. With LeVert hopefully rejoining the team on the court this season, the once bleak future of New York's second team now looks bright.
The Miami Heat has been plagued by mediocrity ever since LeBron James took his talents back to Ohio. Despite currently being in the playoff picture in the East, there isn't much to be optimistic about when it comes to the Heat. Josh Richardson is the only player on the team with star talent, but even may not be best suited for carrying a franchise.
Here are the current NBA Power Rankings, as determined by Ric Flair's legendary quote, "To be the man, you gotta beat the man":