The 2024-25 NBA regular season has concluded, and it`s time to assess each of the 30 teams. While playoff contenders and play-in participants continue their seasons, the remaining teams are already focused on the upcoming offseason.
Before the playoffs commence, we`re evaluating the regular season performance of all 30 teams, highlighting those who surpassed expectations and those who underperformed. Several teams with high hopes and significant payrolls struggled and face a crucial offseason to recover.
Team grades are largely based on preseason expectations. A team exceeding low expectations might receive an `A` for the same record that earns a `C` for a championship contender. Evaluation considers wins, losses, player development, and lottery positioning.
A`s | B`s | C`s | D`s | F`s
ATL | BOS | BKN | CHA | CHI | CLE
DAL | DEN | DET | GS | HOU | IND
LAC | LAL | MEM | MIA | MIL | MIN
NO | NY | OKC | ORL | PHI | PHX
POR | SAC | SA | TOR | UTA | WAS
A Grades
Cleveland Cavaliers
Grade: A
After choosing to maintain their core roster, the Cavaliers, under new coach Kenny Atkinson, achieved a top seed in the East. They sent three players to the All-Star Game for the first time in many years. Cleveland now holds home-court advantage in the Eastern Conference playoffs, aiming for their first conference finals appearance without LeBron James since 1992.
Detroit Pistons
Grade: A
The Pistons dramatically improved from the league`s worst record to playoff contention in one season. Improved shooting, particularly from Malik Beasley, contributed, but the surge was mainly driven by young talent. Cade Cunningham became an All-Star and is a candidate for Most Improved Player. Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson also showed significant development under coach J.B. Bickerstaff.
Houston Rockets
Grade: A
The Rockets accelerated their rebuild, exceeding expectations by securing the No. 2 seed in the West. Despite a young roster, with only two players over 23 playing significant minutes, they achieved considerable success. Led by All-Star Alperen Sengun and Defensive Player of the Year contender Amen Thompson, their young core is cause for excitement, regardless of playoff outcomes.
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 dominance was highlighted by the highest point differential ever recorded. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is now a leading MVP candidate. While playoff performance against top West teams remains to be seen, their regular season was exceptional.
LA Clippers
Grade: A-
Despite expectations of lottery contention after losing Paul George and Kawhi Leonard`s injury, the Clippers started strong. Resurgent James Harden and Norman Powell helped them to a solid record without Leonard. With Leonard back at All-Star level, they surged to the fifth seed with a strong finish to the season.
Boston Celtics
Grade: A-
The defending champions sometimes seemed to cruise through the regular season. While dominant against weaker teams, they also performed well against strong teams. Their league-best road record negates any home-court disadvantage concerns. Boston remains a top contender for the NBA title alongside Oklahoma City.
B Grades
Atlanta Hawks
Grade: B+
Atlanta returns to the play-in tournament amidst lower expectations after a previous losing season and the Dejounte Murray trade. The team is younger, with Trae Young as the oldest starter. Dyson Daniels emerged as a strong player, and they overcame injuries to key players like Jalen Johnson.
Indiana Pacers
Grade: B+
Building on last season`s Eastern Conference finals appearance, 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 to secure the No. 3 seed, their highest since 2020, especially considering the midseason trade for Luka Doncic. They outperformed their point differential, reminiscent of LeBron James`s 2017-18 Cavaliers who also overachieved.
Golden State Warriors
Grade: B
Despite missing a chance to avoid the play-in, the Warriors appear dangerous as a No. 7 seed. Their strong record with Jimmy Butler III and post-All-Star break performance indicate they could make a deep playoff run, giving Stephen Curry another chance to shine.
Portland Trail Blazers
Grade: B
The Trail Blazers improved from the bottom of the West to a play-in contender through internal development. Deni Avdija and Toumani Camara emerged as key players, and Scoot Henderson showed progress. Defensive improvements, though partly due to opponent shooting, are a positive sign.
Washington Wizards
Grade: B
The Wizards successfully balanced player development with lottery positioning. They developed their 2024 first-round picks and positioned themselves well for the lottery, even showing competitiveness after acquiring veterans Middleton and Smart.
New York Knicks
Grade: B-
The Knicks achieved their best win total since 2012-13 and secured a No. 3 seed despite Jalen Brunson`s injury absence. However, their record against strong teams is concerning, raising questions about their playoff ceiling, despite being poised to win a third consecutive playoff series.
Utah Jazz
Grade: B-
The Jazz secured the league`s worst record and a top-five pick, achieving their lottery goals. However, progress from young players on the roster was limited, with rookies and 2023 lottery pick Taylor Hendricks facing challenges and injuries.
C Grades
Chicago Bulls
Grade: C+
The Bulls were again eliminated before the playoffs. However, despite trading veterans, they maintained a similar record. Young guards Josh Giddey and Coby White played well, and rookie Matas Buzelis stepped into a starting role, suggesting a slightly better direction.
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 indicate some internal issues. While Nikola Jokic remains an MVP-level player, their defense needs improvement for another deep playoff run.
Brooklyn Nets
Grade: C
The Nets may have overachieved under a new coach, exceeding low preseason win projections. However, despite lottery positioning, they didn`t clearly develop long-term contributors, and a late-season slump raised concerns.
Memphis Grizzlies
Grade: C
The Grizzlies were a top team in the West at the All-Star break but collapsed in the second half, leading to a coaching change. Their performance declined further under the interim coach, jeopardizing their playoff spot and raising questions about their direction.
Milwaukee Bucks
Grade: C
The Bucks secured a fifth seed despite Damian Lillard`s late-season injury. However, their offense was underwhelming even with a healthy Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo playing at a high level, ranking only 10th in the league.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Grade: C
Despite a strong point differential, the Timberwolves barely avoided the play-in tournament. Inconsistency and unexpected losses prevented them from securing expected home-court advantage, making their season somewhat perplexing.
Orlando Magic
Grade: C-
Injuries impacted the Magic, limiting games with their full young core. Their offense struggled significantly without Jalen Suggs, ranking poorly and raising concerns about their offensive capabilities despite promising young stars.
San Antonio Spurs
Grade: C
San Antonio had positives like Victor Wembanyama`s emergence and Stephon Castle`s rookie performance. However, they need to better integrate De`Aaron Fox into the offense after his midseason trade, as his scoring declined significantly.
Charlotte Hornets
Grade: C-
The Hornets were worse than expected, especially when LaMelo Ball was injured. His availability remains a concern, and the team`s performance without him was historically poor, raising questions about their future.
Miami Heat
Grade: C-
Miami`s season tied their worst finish since 2007-08. While Tyler Herro and rookie Kel`el Ware showed promise, the Butler trade rumors and Bam Adebayo`s regression contributed to an overall disappointing season.
Sacramento Kings
Grade: C-
The Kings underperformed after adding DeMar DeRozan, leading to coaching and player changes. Despite a brief improvement under an interim coach, they struggled in the season`s final stretch, remaining in a similar play-in position as last year.
D Grades
Dallas Mavericks
Grade: D+
Despite injuries, the Mavericks` struggles are partly self-inflicted due to midseason trades for injured players. Their season hinges on the play-in tournament, and a playoff run seems unlikely without Kyrie Irving, who is projected to return much later due to injury.
Toronto Raptors
Grade: D+
The Raptors occupied an aimless middle ground, not competing for the play-in or prioritizing the lottery. Despite some player development successes, injuries hampered progress for key players like Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley, leading to a lottery position.
New Orleans Pelicans
Grade: D
Injuries and roster weaknesses led to a front office change for the Pelicans. The Dejounte Murray trade backfired, and inexperience at center contributed to their struggles. They now rely on the lottery for potential improvement.
F Grades
Philadelphia 76ers
Grade: F
The 76ers aimed to conserve energy for the playoffs, but injuries derailed their season. Joel Embiid`s health issues and Paul George`s decline exposed roster weaknesses. Despite some minor successes, injuries ultimately defined their disappointing season.
Phoenix Suns
Grade: F
The Suns underperformed even at full strength, leading to a coaching change after one season. Internal issues, including a failed trade attempt, alienated key players. Rookie performances couldn`t salvage a season deemed a failure.