NBA Final Grades

With the curtain drawing on such a terrific regular season, it’s time to hand out the final grades. Bear in mind, for the best teams the regular season is simply a training course for the rigorous exams of the playoffs. Their ultimate grade will be determined in June.
 

Also bear in mind, the grades are not just a reflection of performance, but expectations as well. For example, the Sonics and Timberwolves are taking remedial classes to help them for the future, while the Mavs and Spurs are taking the most rigorous championship-level courses in a quest to become valedictorian.
 

Atlanta Hawks: B+
 
After a decade of futility, the young Hawks have finally learned what it takes to be a playoff team. Joe Johnson and Josh Smith have harnessed their athletic talents while Mike Bibby and Al Horford have filled the various niches that have been empty the last several years. The Hawks are still prone to immaturity and inconsistency but the hope is their playoff berth is just a start.

 
Boston Celtics: A+
 
The Celtics are clearly the best team in the NBA. Doc Rivers has his team playing aggressive, physical basketball at both ends of the court. Paul Pierce has emerged as a complete package while Kevin Garnett has inspired his teammates to play with maximum tenacity. The youngsters play with supreme confidence, the veterans play with total unselfishness, and the whole team plays with unbridled enthusiasm. No team is more prepared to win a championship heading into the postseason.
 

Charlotte Bobcats: F
 
It’s hard to grow as a team when your head coach keeps taking shots at you in the media, which is exactly why the Bobcats have gone in reverse this season. The players have talent, so a new season—with a new coach—could see the Bobcats pointed back in the right direction.
 

Chicago Bulls: F
 
Ben Gordon still fancies himself a superstar even though he’s too small, too defenseless, and too puny a finisher to be anything more than a streak scorer off the bench. It took the Bulls too long to realize that Ben Wallace was washed up and a cancer in the clubhouse. Is it any coincidence that with Andres Nocioni and Joakim Noah given more prominent roles, the Bulls have finally begun to play with heart?
 

Cleveland Cavaliers: D-
 
It’s hard to believe, but after their midseason trade, Cleveland ’s offense has gotten even more LeBron-centric. Delonte West hasn’t been a difference maker, Wally Szczerbiak can’t find the basket with a GPS system, and Ben Wallace has been as old, slow, and decrepit as he’s been the last two years. Plus with Larry Hughes replaced with Wally’s World, the Cavs don’t have the athleticism along the perimeter to stop quickness on defense. It’s going to have to be all LeBron all the time for the Cavs to repeat in the East.
 

Dallas Mavericks: C-
 
Dirk has played tougher than usual (but only at home), Jason Kidd has been integral at pushing Dallas ’ early offense and providing backbone, and Jason Terry’s hot streaks have been more pronounced. Their defense has also improved, albeit marginally. The Mavs still lack the mental toughness to make the majority of critical plays in critical situations and their offense is still too one-on-one oriented. If Terry, Josh Howard, Jerry Stackhouse, and Nowitzki can reverse their collective trend of melting down the stretch, Dallas just might be a dark horse in the race.
 

Denver Nuggets: B+

The Nuggets have played as well as their impulsive, impatient style of play can take them. Carmelo and AI have meshed better this season and J.R. Smith has emerged as a volatile, conscienceless gunner. Still, Denver doesn’t have the defense nor the discipline to advance in the postseason.

Detroit Pistons: A-

The Pistons offense has been far livelier this season compared to last. Credit Flip Saunders for running more sets for Rip Hamilton, for continuing to preach balance, and for liberally utilizing his talented bench. If Rasheed Wallace plays at his maximum level in the postseason, then the Pistons will be the only team in the East that can knock off the Celtics.

Golden State Warriors: C-

The Warriors faded during the stretch drive and proved that their gimmicky version of basketball doesn’t work against elite competition. Over the season’s final four weeks, when every top team in the West was in playoff mode, Golden State went 2-9 against Dallas, Denver, San Antonio, Phoenix, Houston and New Orleans. Baron Davis and Stephen Jackson reverted back to being selfish losers, their defense—respectable at times over the first half—disappeared entirely, and too many times their offense stagnated to nothing more than isolation jumpers. The circus won‘t make a return appearance in the postseason.

Houston Rockets: A

Tracy McGrady is still afraid of contact, Yao Ming is in a suit and tie, the ghost of Dikembe Mutombo is their starting center, none of their other big men besides Luis Scola are taller than 6-6, and still, the Rockets have been able to launch into orbit. Credit Rafer Alston for playing the most level-headed ball of his career, McGrady for staying healthy during the stretch drive, and Shane Battier for meeting each and every challenge head-on.

Indiana Pacers: C

The Pacers have proven that there could be life after Jermaine O’Neal and Jamaal Tinsley because of the improved play of Mike Dunleavy. The team needs a point guard desperately, and can definitely use a talented and healthy post presence. In truth, the Pacers have too many scorers, too little creators and role players.

Los Angeles Clippers: D

Their offense has been punchless all season long, and their defense hasn’t been good enough to make up for it. Chris Kaman’s mediocre second half has revealed that he isn’t suited to being a centerpiece of an offense. Elton Brand risked further injury to play in a handful of meaningless games and Corey Maggette and Mike Dunleavy have never coalesced. The Clippers have gone back to being their dismal, dysfunctional selves.

Los Angeles Lakers: A+

Pau Gasol’s soft hooks, outstanding pass work, and quick mastery of the triangle have given the Lakers offense an extra dimension. Lamar Odom has been athletic, tough, and consistent, Derek Fisher has allowed the whole shebang to run wrinkle free, and Kobe Bryant has played at an MVP-caliber level. Phil Jackson has his troops playing with absolute confidence heading into the second season. Do they have the toughness or the physicality to survive the West?

Memphis Grizzlies: C-

They’re just as bad as many expected them to be, but at least they’ve played hard the entire year. With Pau Gasol gone, will Mike Miller be exiled over the offseason? Will their contingent of young, quick, athletic players ever get stronger, grow up, and learn the nuances of playing in the NBA? And can we now come to the conclusion that Darko Milicic is a complete bust?

Miami Heat: F

An “F” grade doesn’t do justice to how bad the Heat have been. How can they be accused of tanking when they played so miserably when they were trying to win games? Pat Riley has to be relieved of his GM duties (at least) for assembling a roster of toxic waste.

Milwaukee Bucks: D

Despite all the offensive talent on the roster, Milwaukee continues to play the wrong way. The players have mutinied on Larry Krystowiak's triangle offense, opting instead to take the first available shot they can get. Charlie Villanueva is in love with himself, Andrew Bogut is ordinary, and aside from Royal Ivey, nobody on the team wants to defend. With Redd and Villanueva as their two prime offensive pieces, Milwaukee will never achieve more than mediocrity.

Minnesota Timberwolves: C

After dealing away Kevin Garnett, the T-Wolves struggles were to be expected. Still, Al Jefferson is a bona fide star, Sebastian Telfair has matured considerably, and the rest of the young Timberpuppies played with heart night in and night out. When Randy Whitman gets the talent to match the hustle, the T-Wolves will return to being a factor in the Western Conference.


New Jersey Nets: D-

Vince Carter’s athleticism has diminished considerably, so much so that the “big three” has dwindled down to simply Richard Jefferson. The Nets played with a deplorable lack of energy both during and after the Jason Kidd era, and a lack of depth was a huge factor in New Jersey’s disappointing campaign. Will Nenad Kristic ever develop a post up game? Or play defense? It will take the entire offseason to air out the stale smell in the New Jersey swamp.

New Orleans: A+

It seems as if the rest of the league has figured them out but what a season it’s been for the Hornets! Chris Paul is a superstar, David West is a supreme two-way player, and the role players have all done their jobs admirably. Can Chris Paul handle the physicality of postseason play? Will Peja ever play defense or make shots during crunch time? Do the Hornets have a third option? No matter what their postseason result, Byron Scott’s has gotten the absolute most out of his roster.

New York Knicks: F

If any good has come out of this disaster, it’s that Isiah Thomas and Stephon Marbury are almost certain goners. If only Zach Randolph would join them then the team can start some sort of rebuilding process. Jamal Crawford needs a strict disciplinarian to tame his unkempt skills, Eddy Curry needs a pat on the back (and the banishment of Zach Randolph) instead of a kick in the rear, and the Knicks need a defensive minded power forward to offset Eddy Curry’s mistakes, and no, David Lee is not a good defender. Oh wait, the Knicks are hopelessly plagued with horrendous contracts and their cap cure wont come for several years. Congratulations Donnie Walsh, it’s your mess now.

Orlando Magic: B+

They’ve drifted off course as the year has progressed but that was to be expected with a low-caliber point guard and the absence of a power forward. With very limited post skills, Dwight Howard has emerged as the best rebounded in the game and a ferocious dive-cutter. Hedo Turkoglu has evolved into a “jack-of-all-trades, master of everything,” who has carried the Magic on his back. Orlando won’t get past the second round but the infrastructure is starting to be developed.

Philadelphia 76ers: A

Andre Iguodala has blossomed into a lower-tiered star who will drive, finish, pass, and defend. Still, the leadership and court vision of Andre Miller has been the difference in Philly’s second half resurgence. Willie Green and Lou Williams have begun to channel their impressive athletic gifts, Thaddeus Young has played like a tried-and-true veteran, and Reggie Evans has accepted his limitations and played like the rebounding fool Philly needs him to be. With so many youngsters populating the Sixer roster, this season could be just the beginning.

Phoenix Suns: B-

With Shaq on board, the Suns eschewed their “fast break all the time” for a versatile approach capable of going fast, slow, and anywhere in between. Has Shaq fully integrated into the Phoenix offense? And is he the right answer? His missed hooks, botched layups, and clumsy offensive fouls betray his diminishing skills. And will Amare Stoudemire stop complaining about respect and start making timely defensive rotations? The Suns have the right idea but the wrong personnel.

Portland Trail Blazers: A

Brandon Roy has proved that he can be (and already is) a superstar at this level. LeMarcus Aldridge has proved that he can be a talented, finesse-oriented point-producer at the power forward spot. Joel Pryzbilla has proved that he can be a capable banger off the bench. Travis Outlaw has proved that his hot streaks can win games. Jarrett Jack and Steve Blake have proved that they can be legit backups on a successful team. If Greg Oden can prove that he’s a legit franchise center, then a point guard and a shooting guard with unlimited range are all that’s needed for the Blazers to compete with the best in the league.

Sacramento Kings: B

Despite a mismatched roster, the Kings held together and competed right down to the season’s last days. Kevin Martin can score with anybody and Ron Artest is still the best defensive wing in the game when he chooses to be. Still, the Kings need a major influx of athleticism if they want to be more than ordinary.

San Antonio Spurs: C-

Their jump shooting has deteriorated over the second half and Tim Duncan hasn’t been able to save them. Ime Udoka and Fabricio Oberto haven’t been the elite, versatile defenders Greg Popovich craves. On the other hand, Tony Parker has picked up his level of play down the stretch, and Tim Duncan’s defensive rotations are still the best in the business. They’ll only go as far as their jump shooting takes them.

Seattle Supersonics: D+

They picked up their level of play in the second half as their rotation finally started to clear up. Kevin Durant has proved that he can be the raw perimeter scorer every team needs. However, Seattle’s success or failure depends on how prepared they are for next season. Have they settled on Luke Ridnour or Earl Watson? How about Chris Wilcox or Nick Collison? Where does Damien Wilkins fit in? What have they learned about Jeff Green? So many questions, so precious few confident answers.

Toronto Raptors: D-

This is what happens when a franchise cares more about saving face than playing winning players. Why else does T.J. Ford start? And can any of their players besides Chris Bosh create their own shot? Andrea Bargnani was supposed to, but he‘s a total failure. It will be a quick playoff exit.

Utah Jazz: B-

The team’s decision making is two beats slow on the road. Cutters are missed, then passes are forced into well-defended teammates. When Utah can bully their opponents around at home, their fine, but when the calls don’t go their way on the road, they lack a third creative scorer who can finish at the rim. And Mehmet Okur is too slow and too unreliable to be counted on in big games. Game seven’s are always a crapshoot, can they win a game one or game five on the road?

Washington Wizards: B+

They continued to overacheive despite nagging injuries to a host of key players. Caron Butler is a legit two-way force, Antawn Jamison will torch the nets against too-soft, too-slow opponents, and Gilbert Arenas now brings his explosive scoring talents off the bench. More importantly, Antonio Daniels and Deshawn Stevenson have stepped up and been reliable complementary scorers. Still, they don’t have the post presence for a lengthy playoff run.