The 2024-25 NBA regular season has concluded, and it`s time to assess each of the 30 teams. While some teams are heading to the playoffs, others are already focused on the offseason. This report card evaluates every team`s performance based on their preseason expectations, achievements, and overall season trajectory.
These grades are heavily influenced by preseason expectations. A team that was projected to struggle might receive a high grade for a modest record, whereas a team with championship aspirations could get a lower grade even with a decent win total. Beyond just wins and losses, factors like player development and draft lottery positioning are also considered.
A Grades
Cleveland Cavaliers Grade: A
Despite calls for roster changes, the Cavaliers excelled, leading the Eastern Conference under new coach Kenny Atkinson. They sent three players to the All-Star Game and secured home-court advantage for the entire Eastern Conference playoffs, aiming for their first conference finals appearance without LeBron James since 1992.
Detroit Pistons Grade: A
In a remarkable turnaround, the Pistons went from the NBA`s worst record to a playoff berth in a single season. Newcomers improved their shooting, but the surge was primarily driven by young talent. Cade Cunningham became an All-Star and is a Most Improved Player favorite, while Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson showed significant development under coach J.B. Bickerstaff.
Houston Rockets Grade: A
The Rockets` rebuild accelerated faster than expected. While a playoff appearance seemed possible after a strong finish to the previous season, few predicted they would secure the second seed in the West with a young core. Led by Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson, their playoff performance will be closely watched.
Oklahoma City Thunder Grade: A
The Thunder achieved one of the best winning percentages in NBA history and secured the league`s top record at 68-14. Their dominant season, marked by the highest point differential ever, has Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as an MVP front-runner. Their playoff performance against top Western Conference teams will be the next test.
LA Clippers Grade: A-
Despite expectations of lottery contention after key player departures, the Clippers started strong and improved further with Kawhi Leonard`s return to All-Star form. A strong finish propelled them to the fifth seed.
Boston Celtics Grade: A-
The defending champions sometimes appeared to cruise through the regular season. While dominant against weaker teams, they also performed well against strong teams. With a league-best road record, they remain title co-favorites alongside Oklahoma City.
B Grades
Atlanta Hawks Grade: B+
Atlanta is heading to the play-in tournament for the third time in four years, but expectations were lower this season. A younger team emerged, with Dyson Daniels becoming a standout player. They overcame injuries to key players and showed promise for the future.
Indiana Pacers Grade: B+
Following an unexpected conference finals run, the Pacers achieved their first 50-win season since 2013-14. A strong finish, led by Tyrese Haliburton, secured home-court advantage in the first playoff round.
Los Angeles Lakers Grade: B+
The Lakers exceeded expectations, particularly after a significant midseason trade that impacted their depth. Securing the third seed, their highest since 2020, they outperformed their point differential, suggesting potential playoff overachievement.
Golden State Warriors Grade: B
While missing a chance to avoid the play-in, the Warriors appear to be a dangerous seventh seed. Strong performance with Jimmy Butler III in the lineup and improved net ratings post-All-Star break indicate they could make a playoff impact.
Portland Trail Blazers Grade: B
The Blazers improved through internal development, with Avdija and Camara emerging as key players and Henderson showing progress. Defensive improvements, though partly due to opponent shooting luck, contributed to their better performance.
Washington Wizards Grade: B
The Wizards successfully balanced player development and lottery positioning. Their rookies showed promise, and they remained competitive after acquiring veterans, avoiding the league`s worst record.
New York Knicks Grade: B-
The Knicks achieved their best win total since 2012-13 and secured the third seed despite injuries. However, their struggles against elite teams raise concerns for playoff success.
Utah Jazz Grade: B-
The Jazz secured the league`s worst record and a top-five draft pick, achieving their lottery goals. However, development from existing young players was limited, with rookies facing expected challenges and injuries hindering progress.
C Grades
Chicago Bulls Grade: C+
The Bulls, play-in regulars, missed the playoffs for the third straight year. Despite trading veterans, they maintained a similar record, with young guards showing promise and a rookie stepping into a starting role.
Denver Nuggets Grade: C+
The Nuggets finished as the West`s fourth seed, meeting preseason expectations. However, changes in coaching and management during the season and a mediocre defense raise questions about their championship repeat chances.
Brooklyn Nets Grade: C
The Nets may have overachieved early in the season but faded late. While they exceeded low preseason expectations, they didn`t identify clear long-term core players.
Memphis Grizzlies Grade: C
After a strong first half, the Grizzlies collapsed, leading to a coaching change and a play-in tournament appearance. Their inability to capitalize on earlier success marks a disappointing second half.
Milwaukee Bucks Grade: C
Despite finishing strong, the Bucks underperformed offensively even with star players healthy. Injuries to key players further complicate their playoff outlook.
Minnesota Timberwolves Grade: C
The Timberwolves were inconsistent and underachieved relative to their point differential. Inexplicable losses cost them home-court advantage and highlight their confounding season.
Orlando Magic Grade: C-
Injuries impacted the Magic, but their struggling offense, even with young stars, is concerning. Their offensive woes raise questions about their progress.
San Antonio Spurs Grade: C
The Spurs had positives like Wembanyama`s emergence and Castle`s rookie success. However, questions remain about maximizing Fox`s role after his midseason trade, as his scoring decreased significantly.
Charlotte Hornets Grade: C-
The Hornets were worse than expected, especially without LaMelo Ball. His consistent availability is a major concern moving forward for the franchise.
Miami Heat Grade: C-
While Herro and Ware showed promise, the Heat`s overall season was their worst in years. The Butler trade rumors and team performance decline indicate a challenging season.
Sacramento Kings Grade: C-
The Kings regressed despite offseason moves. Coaching and player changes didn`t yield improvement, and they remained in a similar play-in position as the prior season.
D Grades
Dallas Mavericks Grade: D+
Injuries plagued the Mavericks, but their midseason trades for injured players contributed to their struggles. A play-in game appearance may not salvage their disappointing season, especially with uncertainty around Irving`s return.
Toronto Raptors Grade: D+
The Raptors remained in a mediocre position, failing to compete for the play-in or fully commit to the lottery. While some players developed, key players` progress was hampered by injuries.
New Orleans Pelicans Grade: D
Injuries exposed roster weaknesses, leading to front office changes. The Murray trade backfired, and center depth issues contributed to their struggles. Lottery hopes may be their only consolation.
F Grades
Philadelphia 76ers Grade: F
The 76ers aimed to contend but injuries derailed their season. Embiid`s health issues and George`s decline highlighted roster weaknesses. Even promising developments were cut short by injuries, marking a failed season.
Phoenix Suns Grade: F
The Suns underperformed even at full strength, with coaching and player chemistry issues. Failed trade attempts and rookie bright spots couldn`t salvage their disappointing season.
