The NBA postseason is upon us, with the playoff bracket finalized and the Play-In Tournament about to begin. Before the excitement of the playoffs takes over, let`s pause to reflect on the NBA regular season.
The 2024-25 NBA regular season concluded on Sunday, revealing an Eastern Conference playoff picture that differed from preseason expectations. The Cavaliers secured the top seed, while the Pistons emerged as a surprise top-six team, guaranteeing a playoff spot. The Celtics and Knicks demonstrated consistent strength throughout the season. Conversely, the 76ers` season faltered due to Joel Embiid`s knee injury.
Having completed 82 games, we now assess each Eastern Conference team`s performance with regular-season grades.
Atlanta Hawks: B-
- Record: 40-42
- The basics: 17th in offense, 18th in defense, 18th in net rating (-1.1)
Atlanta`s season was marked by streaks, both winning and losing, leading to their fourth consecutive Play-In Tournament appearance. While the overall outcome was typical for Atlanta, the season felt different due to the growth of young players like Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, and Zaccharie Risacher.
Boston Celtics: A
- Record: 61-21
- The basics: 2nd in offense, 4th in defense, 2nd in net rating (+9.4)
The Celtics overcame a midseason slump, finishing strong with 19 wins in their last 22 games, achieving 60+ wins for the second year in a row and a record 15th time in franchise history. As defending champions, they are the first to win 60 games since the 2016 Golden State Warriors. Despite not being the top seed, they are favored to win the East. The main concern is Jaylen Brown`s knee issue.
Brooklyn Nets: C+
- Record: 26-56
- The basics: 28th in offense, 23rd in defense, 26th in net rating (-7.3)
Despite expectations of tanking, the Nets played with notable effort. Coach Jordi Fernandez experimented defensively, and the team showed aggressive play. While their offense limited their grade, and some fans desired a stronger tank for draft positioning, Brooklyn appears to be building a new foundation, offering more optimism than last year. The focus now shifts to their offseason moves with cap space and draft picks.
Charlotte Hornets: C-
- Record: 19-63
- The basics: 29th in offense, 24th in defense, 27th in net rating (-9.1)
Injuries again hampered the Hornets` progress, resulting in a slightly worse record than the previous season. Assessing the team is difficult due to key players being sidelined. However, there`s potential for the future. A healthy Hornets team could contend for a play-in spot, led by LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. The upcoming draft pick will be crucial, but injury concerns remain a significant factor.
Chicago Bulls: C+
- Record: 39-43
- The basics: 20th in offense, 19th in defense, 20th in net rating (-1.6)
The Bulls remain a consistently average, play-in team with limited playoff prospects. Their trades over the past two years have yielded minimal returns. While moving on from Zach LaVine and focusing on Coby White and Josh Giddey has shown some promise, particularly after the All-Star break, this core is unlikely to contend seriously in the East. The Bulls lack a franchise centerpiece, and their future direction remains unclear.
Cleveland Cavaliers: A+
- Record: 64-18
- The basics: 1st in offense, 8th in defense, 3rd in net rating (+9.2)
The Cavaliers achieved their third 60+ win season, with their 64 wins being the second-most in franchise history, just behind the 2008-09 team. They aim to surpass that LeBron James-led team`s Eastern Conference Finals appearance. Donovan Mitchell has integrated well, Evan Mobley has emerged as a Defensive Player of the Year candidate and improved offensively, and Darius Garland excels as a 3-point shooter. Cleveland has been the East`s best regular-season team, and their postseason performance is highly anticipated.
Detroit Pistons: A+
- Record: 44-38
- The basics: 14th in offense, 10th in defense, 12th in net rating (+2.1)
The Pistons dramatically improved from a historically bad season to secure a top-six playoff seed. Cade Cunningham became an All-Star, Malik Beasley is a Sixth Man of the Year candidate, and veterans provided scoring. Coach J.B. Bickerstaff has revitalized the team, leading them to their first playoff appearance since 2019. Their success, despite Jaden Ivey`s injury, makes their future outlook very promising.
Indiana Pacers: B+
- Record: 50-32
- The basics: 9th in offense, 14th in defense, 13th in net rating (+2.1)
Tyrese Haliburton consistently generates high-quality offensive opportunities. While his All-NBA level play was concentrated in the first half of the season, the Pacers significantly improved defensively without major roster changes. Andrew Nembhard and Pascal Siakam deserve credit for solidifying their defense.
Miami Heat: D
- Record: 37-45
- The basics: 21st in offense, 9th in defense, 16th in net rating (+0.4)
The Heat endured a disappointing season, overshadowed by the Jimmy Butler trade. Despite Butler`s limited play before the trade, the team declined further after his departure. A 10-game losing streak and their lowest win total since 2015 marked a tough year. Their play-in tournament entry reflects the Eastern Conference`s weakness, and their playoff prospects against the Cavaliers are bleak.
Milwaukee Bucks: C+
- Record: 48-34
- The basics: 10th in offense, 12th in defense, 11th in net rating (+2.4)
Giannis Antetokounmpo continued his dominant play, achieving his third 30/10/5 season, but the Bucks experienced an inconsistent season. They had poor stretches and winning streaks, and injuries remain a playoff concern for the fourth straight year. Damian Lillard`s potential absence due to injury adds to their playoff uncertainty.
New York Knicks: B+
- Record: 51-31
- The basics: 5th in offense, 13th in defense, 8th in net rating (+4.0)
The Knicks achieved consecutive 50+ win seasons for the first time since Pat Riley`s tenure. Their offense exceeded expectations, especially in the halfcourt with Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. Brunson`s injury led to expanded roles for Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby, enhancing their offensive versatility. However, defensive questions persist, particularly concerning the pairing of Towns and Mitchell Robinson.
Orlando Magic: B-
- Record: 41-41
- The basics: 27th in offense, 2nd in defense, 17th in net rating (-0.2)
The Magic`s strong defense contrasts sharply with their weak offense, despite adding Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Injuries to key players hampered their season. Their strong defense kept them competitive, but their poor 3-point shooting and stagnant offense raise concerns about their playoff effectiveness.
Philadelphia 76ers: F
- Record: 24-58
- The basics: 23rd in offense, 26th in defense, 25th in net rating (-6.3)
The Sixers endured a disastrous season, shifting from Eastern Conference contenders to tanking to protect their draft pick. While the Suns were also disappointing, Philadelphia`s struggles are attributed to injuries, particularly to Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey. Embiid`s knee surgery is intended to restore him to form, but uncertainty remains.
Toronto Raptors: C
- Record: 30-52
- The basics: 26th in offense, 15th in defense, 24th in net rating (-4.1)
From mid-January, the Raptors showed defensive improvement, allowing the third-fewest points per possession, partly due to opponent shooting luck. Their season resembled a tanking effort, reminiscent of their `Tampa Tank` year, which led to drafting Scottie Barnes. The Raptors are rebuilding with young talent but face challenges with an expensive roster and limited draft assets.
Washington Wizards: C
- Record: 18-64
- The basics: 30th in offense, 28th in defense, 30th in net rating (-11.8)
The Wizards focused on acquiring draft capital and improving lottery odds. The development of Alex Sarr is a positive outcome. While no major issues occurred, the lack of significant developmental breakthroughs and the need for a franchise player in the draft define their rebuilding phase.
Jasper Hawthorne