The 2024-25 NBA regular season has concluded, and it`s time to assess all 30 teams. While 14 teams are heading to the playoffs, and four more are competing for the final two spots, the rest of the league is already preparing for the offseason.
Before the playoffs start, let`s review the regular season and grade each team. Some teams greatly exceeded expectations and will receive high marks. Conversely, some teams with big ambitions and expensive rosters underperformed and have significant work ahead in the summer.
These grades are largely based on preseason expectations. A team that was predicted to struggle might get an `A` for a certain record, while a team aiming for a championship might receive a `C` for the same record. Beyond just wins and losses, factors like player development and draft lottery positioning were also considered.
- `A` Grades
- Cleveland Cavaliers
- Detroit Pistons
- Houston Rockets
- Oklahoma City Thunder
- LA Clippers
- Boston Celtics
- `B` Grades
- Atlanta Hawks
- Indiana Pacers
- Los Angeles Lakers
- Golden State Warriors
- Portland Trail Blazers
- Washington Wizards
- New York Knicks
- Utah Jazz
- `C` Grades
- Chicago Bulls
- Denver Nuggets
- Brooklyn Nets
- Memphis Grizzlies
- Milwaukee Bucks
- Minnesota Timberwolves
- Orlando Magic
- San Antonio Spurs
- Charlotte Hornets
- Miami Heat
- Sacramento Kings
- `D` Grades
- Dallas Mavericks
- Toronto Raptors
- New Orleans Pelicans
- `F` Grades
- Philadelphia 76ers
- Phoenix Suns
`A` Grades
Cleveland Cavaliers
Grade: A
The Cavaliers performed exceptionally well, securing a top spot in the Eastern Conference under their new coach. With three All-Stars, they gained home-court advantage for the entire Eastern playoffs, aiming for their first conference finals appearance without LeBron James since 1992.
Detroit Pistons
Grade: A
The Pistons made a remarkable turnaround, going from the NBA`s worst record to playoff contention in one season. Improved shooting and the growth of young players like Cade Cunningham, who became an All-Star and Most Improved Player candidate, fueled their success.
Houston Rockets
Grade: A
The Rockets accelerated their rebuild, surprisingly securing the No. 2 seed in the West. Their young core, led by All-Star Alperen Sengun and Defensive Player of the Year contender Amen Thompson, exceeded expectations.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Grade: A
The Thunder achieved one of the best winning percentages in NBA history and secured the league`s top record. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a leading MVP candidate, and the team`s dominant performance sets high expectations for the playoffs.
LA Clippers
Grade: A-
Despite initial setbacks, the Clippers rallied to secure a high seed in the West. Strong defense and the contributions of James Harden and Norman Powell helped them overcome challenges and finish strong.
Boston Celtics
Grade: A-
The Celtics, as defending champions, maintained a high level of play throughout the regular season. Their strong road record and status as title co-favorites position them well for the playoffs.
`B` Grades
Atlanta Hawks
Grade: B+
Despite lower expectations, the Hawks are heading to the play-in tournament. The development of younger players like Dyson Daniels and Trae Young`s leadership are positive signs for the team.
Indiana Pacers
Grade: B+
Building on last year`s success, the Pacers achieved their first 50-win season in over a decade. Tyrese Haliburton`s strong finish helped secure home-court advantage in the first round.
Los Angeles Lakers
Grade: B+
The Lakers exceeded expectations after a significant midseason trade, securing a high seed. Despite a modest point differential, they demonstrated their ability to win close games.
Golden State Warriors
Grade: B
Despite some inconsistencies, the Warriors are a dangerous play-in team. Stephen Curry`s continued excellence and strong play after the All-Star break make them a team to watch.
Portland Trail Blazers
Grade: B
The Blazers showed significant internal improvement, with young players like Deni Avdija and Toumani Camara emerging as key pieces. Their defensive progress is a promising development.
Washington Wizards
Grade: B
The Wizards successfully balanced player development with positioning for the lottery. Their young draft picks gained valuable experience, setting the stage for future growth.
New York Knicks
Grade: B-
The Knicks achieved their best win total in years and secured a high seed. However, their struggles against top teams raise concerns about their playoff potential.
Utah Jazz
Grade: B-
The Jazz secured the league`s worst record and a top draft pick, achieving their goal of lottery positioning. However, the development of existing young players was somewhat limited.
`C` Grades
Chicago Bulls
Grade: C+
The Bulls are play-in regulars but were again eliminated before the playoffs. Despite trading veterans, young players showed promise, offering a more positive outlook.
Denver Nuggets
Grade: C+
The Nuggets finished as a fourth seed in the West, meeting preseason expectations. However, some significant front office changes and defensive concerns cloud their championship aspirations.
Brooklyn Nets
Grade: C
The Nets may have overachieved slightly relative to expectations, but they didn`t establish any clear long-term building blocks for the future.
Memphis Grizzlies
Grade: C
After a strong first half, the Grizzlies faltered significantly. Coaching changes and inconsistent performance put their playoff spot in jeopardy.
Milwaukee Bucks
Grade: C
Despite a strong finish, the Bucks` offense was not as potent as expected, even with star players. Damian Lillard`s injury adds uncertainty for the playoffs.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Grade: C
The Timberwolves were inconsistent and underperformed their point differential. Failure to secure home-court advantage was a disappointment.
Orlando Magic
Grade: C-
Injuries hampered the Magic, particularly on offense. Their scoring struggles were a concern despite the potential of their young core.
San Antonio Spurs
Grade: C
Victor Wembanyama`s impressive rookie season and Stephon Castle`s emergence are positives. However, integrating De`Aaron Fox more effectively is still needed.
Charlotte Hornets
Grade: C-
The Hornets struggled significantly without LaMelo Ball. His availability and the team`s overall performance need to improve.
Miami Heat
Grade: C-
Tyler Herro`s All-Star season and Kel`el Ware`s emergence are bright spots. However, the team`s overall performance declined, and the Butler trade rumors were disruptive.
Sacramento Kings
Grade: C-
The Kings underperformed after adding DeMar DeRozan. Coaching and roster changes didn`t lead to the desired improvement, and they remained in a similar play-in position.
`D` Grades
Dallas Mavericks
Grade: D+
Injuries and midseason trades contributed to the Mavericks` struggles. Their playoff hopes are uncertain, especially with Kyrie Irving`s potential long-term injury.
Toronto Raptors
Grade: D+
The Raptors lacked direction, finishing in a no-man`s land in the standings. While some players developed, key players` progress was hampered by injuries.
New Orleans Pelicans
Grade: D
Injuries and roster weaknesses led to a front office change for the Pelicans. The Dejounte Murray trade backfired, and the team`s inexperience was exposed.
`F` Grades
Philadelphia 76ers
Grade: F
Injuries and underperformance plagued the Sixers. Joel Embiid`s health issues and Paul George`s decline highlighted roster weaknesses, leading to a disappointing season.
Phoenix Suns
Grade: F
Even at full strength, the Suns struggled. Coaching changes and failed attempts to add Jimmy Butler created internal issues, resulting in a failed season despite solid rookie performances.
