NBA quarter-season grades for every East team: Pistons earn ‘A+’

Atlanta Hawks: B+
The Atlanta Hawks, currently positioned fifth in the Eastern Conference standings, have demonstrated unexpected resilience, particularly given the prolonged absence of star guard Trae Young, who has appeared in only five games this season. This performance marks a significant departure from previous seasons where the team’s fortunes were heavily tied to Young’s availability. The primary catalyst for Atlanta’s success has been the ascent of Jalen Johnson, who has made a substantial leap into a primary offensive and playmaking role. Johnson is averaging 22.9 points, 9.8 rebounds, 7.3 assists, and 1.6 steals per game, supported by efficient shooting splits of 53.9% from the field, 40.3% from three-point range, and 78.3% from the free-throw line. His emergence has transformed the team’s offensive identity, making it "Johnson’s team." Complementing Johnson’s rise, Nickeil Alexander-Walker has also evolved into a valuable secondary contributor, bolstering the team’s overall offensive production.

While the Hawks are not statistically dominant in either offensive or defensive efficiency rankings, their proficiency in clutch situations has been noteworthy, contributing significantly to their current record. The roster’s depth has also provided consistent contributions. However, two primary concerns persist regarding their long-term playoff aspirations. The first is frontcourt depth; while Onyeka Okongwu has performed admirably, the team’s size is limited, particularly with Kristaps Porziņģis experiencing an inconsistent presence in the lineup due to injury. The second, and potentially more complex, challenge involves the re-integration of Trae Young into a team that has found a successful collective rhythm without him. There exists a possibility that Young’s return could provide a significant boost, elevating the team to a new level. Conversely, if he is unable or unwilling to adapt his play style and cede some offensive control, his return could disrupt the cohesion that has driven their recent success. The coming weeks will be crucial in observing this transition, but the Hawks’ early-season performance validates the optimism that surrounded the team prior to the start of the season.

Boston Celtics: B
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The Boston Celtics maintain a top-five offensive rating despite lower-than-expected shooting percentages from key rotation players Payton Pritchard and Derrick White. The team consistently demonstrates competitiveness, a hallmark of coach Joe Mazzulla’s tenure. Statistical analysis reveals a clear correlation between their three-point shooting efficiency and game outcomes: the Celtics hold an 8-0 record when shooting above the league average of 36% from beyond the arc. This trend suggests that improved shooting percentages from Pritchard and White, who are expected to regress positively toward their career averages, could further enhance their offensive output. The Celtics also exhibit strong ball security, rarely committing turnovers. Excluding the initial three games of the season, which were competitive losses against strong opponents amidst absences from Jayson Tatum and a starting-caliber center, Boston has secured 11 victories in their last 17 contests, including notable wins against Detroit, Orlando, and Cleveland (twice).

However, areas of concern for the Celtics include the unsustainable 60% shooting clip by Jaylen Brown from 15-19 feet, which is likely to normalize. Rebounding remains a significant challenge, with the team ranking last in the league in defensive rebounding percentage and among the bottom three in offensive rebounds allowed per game. Furthermore, the Celtics are in the bottom five for fast-break points and points in the paint, indicating a reliance on tough shot-making rather than easy opportunities. This dependence is highlighted by their 3-8 record when shooting below 36% from three-point range, suggesting a vulnerability when their perimeter shooting falters.

Brooklyn Nets: C
With a 3-16 record entering Monday’s play, the Brooklyn Nets are currently positioned to secure one of the three worst records in the league, maximizing their 14.5% chance of obtaining the No. 1 overall pick in the highly anticipated 2026 draft class. This strategic positioning for the draft appears to be a central theme of their season. In terms of player development, Egor Demin, selected eighth overall in the 2025 draft, has shown promise as a versatile playmaker, drawing comparisons to Josh Giddey but with a more refined and natural shooting stroke early in his career. If his shooting consistency improves and he continues to drive to the basket effectively, his potential remains high. Drake Powell has emerged as a potential elite perimeter defender, while Noah Clowney, at 21 years old, has demonstrated consistent improvement over his three professional seasons, projecting as a capable two-way player. Veteran players such as Michael Porter Jr. and Nic Claxton have performed well, potentially increasing their trade value as assets for future roster construction, particularly with Porter Jr. having only one year remaining on his contract after the current season.

Despite these individual bright spots, a more pessimistic outlook suggests that Demin might be the only one of the five first-round selections from the most recent draft to reach a truly celebrated level of performance. The team’s overall struggles underscore a broader need for future talent acquisition. The upcoming trade deadline will be a critical period for the Nets to explore opportunities to convert veteran assets into additional draft capital or young prospects. For the immediate future, the team’s primary objective appears to be maintaining a position that maximizes their lottery odds.

Charlotte Hornets: D+
The Charlotte Hornets’ season has been marked by the exceptional performance of rookie Kon Knueppel, who has emerged as a strong contender for Rookie of the Year. Knueppel is averaging 18.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game, with impressive shooting splits of 47.0% from the field, 41.3% from three-point range, and 89.8% from the free-throw line in his first 20 games. His immediate impact has provided the Hornets with a foundational talent, fulfilling a long-standing organizational need for a star wing player. The challenge for Charlotte now shifts to constructing a competitive roster around Knueppel, a task that has proven difficult for the franchise over the past decade.

Team defense remains a significant concern, with the Hornets lacking the personnel to consistently perform above average on that end of the floor. While the team is theoretically built for offensive entertainment, their established players, beyond Knueppel, have struggled with efficiency. LaMelo Ball has continued to battle ankle injuries, and his performance in 13 games has been notably inefficient. Miles Bridges, while leading the team in scoring, is doing so on below-average efficiency. Brandon Miller missed 14 games and has exhibited inconsistent play since his return.

This season for the Hornets is primarily an evaluative period, focused on identifying which players fit into the long-term vision alongside Knueppel. While Knueppel has excelled, Miller’s potential remains high, Sion James has shown promise, and Ryan Kalkbrenner has been a solid presence at center. However, questions surrounding LaMelo Ball’s long-term future in Charlotte have intensified, despite his denials of trade rumors, suggesting that a strategic shift in roster construction might be beneficial.

Chicago Bulls: C
The Chicago Bulls’ promising 5-0 start to the season now seems a distant memory. Early November saw Chicago as one of only three undefeated teams, and their victories included strong Eastern Conference contenders like the Pistons, Magic, Hawks, and Knicks, suggesting potential as a playoff contender. However, since that initial streak, the Bulls have compiled a 4-10 record, currently clinging to the final Play-In Tournament position in the East. Their recent struggles include losses to lower-ranked teams such as the Pelicans, Hornets, and Pacers, indicating a broader inconsistency.

Defensive shortcomings have been the most significant issue in recent weeks. The team has held opponents under 100 points only once this season, ranks last in the league in opponent turnover rate (11.9%), 29th in opponent points in the paint per game (55.7), 29th in opponent second-chance points per game (17.4), and 25th in deflections per game (15.2). Following a narrow victory against the Wizards on November 22, Nikola Vučević acknowledged the team’s defensive lapses, stating, "We just didn’t play up to NBA standards. We gave up 41 points in the first quarter… We talk about it, but I don’t think we really understand it’s not sustainable to play this way." Josh Giddey’s individual improvement has been a positive, but it has not been enough to offset the team’s defensive struggles.

Cleveland Cavaliers: C-
The Cleveland Cavaliers, who achieved 64 wins last season before being hampered by injuries in the playoffs, have continued to face significant health challenges this season. Max Strus has yet to play, Darius Garland has been limited to seven appearances, Jarrett Allen has participated in only 14 games, and Sam Merrill, Lonzo Ball, Larry Nance Jr., and De’Andre Hunter have each missed at least four games. The team’s preferred starting lineup of Donovan Mitchell, Garland, Hunter, Evan Mobley, and Allen has played a mere 43 minutes together, severely impacting their ability to establish chemistry and rhythm.

Despite the extensive injury list, the Cavaliers’ struggles extend beyond simple misfortune. The team has exhibited a lack of sharpness and consistency compared to their previous season, failing to project as a legitimate contender thus far. Following their third consecutive loss to the Celtics on Sunday, player Jaylon Tyson’s comments underscored internal issues: "We’re not hungry enough. Toughness, it’s a common theme… I feel like teams want it more than us." While the Cavaliers possess one of the most talented rosters in the Eastern Conference and are expected to improve upon regaining full health, it is evident that the group faces internal challenges that require resolution.

Detroit Pistons: A+
The Detroit Pistons have experienced a remarkable turnaround, marking a significant resurgence for the franchise. Currently, only the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder possess a better record than the Pistons, who have already surpassed their total win count from the entire 2023-24 season. Their outstanding performance includes a 13-game winning streak, which tied a franchise record, and they have secured at least 16 victories in their first 20 games for only the fourth time in team history. Furthermore, the Pistons hold the distinction of being in first place in the Eastern Conference on December 1st for the first time since 2005.

Cade Cunningham has been instrumental in this transformation, achieving career-highs across multiple statistical categories, averaging 28.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 9.4 assists, establishing himself as an early MVP candidate. Jalen Duren has also made a substantial leap in his development, contributing significantly to the team’s success. The Pistons’ identity is built on a "bully-ball" approach, characterized by their dominance on the offensive glass and their ability to consistently draw fouls and get to the free-throw line. This physical style, combined with a top-five defensive rating, underscores their toughness. The team’s depth has also presented a positive challenge for coach J.B. Bickerstaff in managing rotations. While questions may arise regarding the sustainability of their offense, particularly concerning spacing, in a playoff environment, such considerations remain distant. For the present, the Detroit Pistons’ impressive performance provides ample reason for celebration among their fanbase.

Indiana Pacers: D
Preseason projections for the Indiana Pacers were divided, particularly concerning their performance without key players Tyrese Haliburton and Myles Turner. However, a consensus existed that the team’s effort level would ensure competitiveness on most nights, a notion initially supported by their double-overtime loss to the Thunder in a Finals rematch on opening night. Since that game, the Pacers have been severely impacted by a relentless series of injuries, transforming their season into a challenging period. Despite recent victories against the Wizards and Bulls, they currently hold the fourth-worst record in the league.

The extensive injury list includes T.J. McConnell, Bennedict Mathurin, Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith, and Obi Toppin, all of whom have missed significant time. This has necessitated the use of 21 different players in at least one game. Consequently, no five-man unit for the Pacers has played more than 46 minutes together, a statistic shared only with the Philadelphia 76ers across the entire league. While the team is expected to improve as players return to health, the cumulative effect of these injuries has largely rendered this a lost season. The primary silver lining for the Pacers is the increased likelihood of securing a high draft pick in the upcoming draft class.

Miami Heat: A
The Miami Heat have defied external expectations, establishing themselves as a top-four team in the Eastern Conference at this juncture of the season. Head coach Erik Spoelstra continues to validate his reputation as one of the league’s elite strategists. The Heat’s strong start is largely attributable to their elite defensive performance, which ranks among the best outside of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Bam Adebayo anchors this defense, supported by Davion Mitchell, who provides elite point-of-attack defense, and Kel’el Ware, who contributes significant rim protection alongside Adebayo. The team exhibits strong defensive commitment from both veterans and young players.

Offensively, Norman Powell has continued his mid-career resurgence, building on his performance with the Clippers last season, now serving as a leading scorer. Tyler Herro recently returned from injury, showing no signs of rust in his first three games and resuming his role as an All-Star caliber scorer. Early concerns regarding the team’s point guard depth, with Mitchell being the only true point guard on the roster, have been mitigated by exceptional team-oriented play. The Heat rank second in the league in assists, averaging 30.2 per game, demonstrating a commitment to pace and fluid ball movement.

The sustainability of this offensive approach and the maintenance of their elite defensive efficiency with Herro’s full-time re-integration remain questions for the playoffs. However, the Heat’s high defensive floor, engineered by Spoelstra with a roster that few considered a legitimate contender in the East, suggests continued regular-season success.

Milwaukee Bucks: C-
The Milwaukee Bucks, even more so than in prior seasons, have become singularly reliant on the exceptional play of Giannis Antetokounmpo. The two-time MVP is delivering an outstanding statistical season, averaging 30.9 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game on 64.3% shooting from the field. He is on pace to achieve a 30-point, 10-rebound, and 5-assist average for the fourth consecutive season, a feat rarely accomplished in NBA history. Antetokounmpo’s individual brilliance has been undeniable, and he has openly expressed ambitions of challenging LeBron James’ all-time scoring record, albeit with an ambitious timeline.

With Antetokounmpo on the court, the Bucks retain the capability to compete with any team, as evidenced by their 4-1 start to the season. However, the team’s performance deteriorates significantly in his absence. Antetokounmpo has already missed six games, primarily due to a groin strain that sidelined him for nearly two weeks. While the Bucks’ true potential is likely higher than their current record suggests, their inconsistent play raises questions about their standing within the competitive Eastern Conference. Their current position outside of the Play-In Tournament picture, trailing a top-six seed by four games, highlights the challenges they face in maintaining consistency and depth beyond their superstar.

New York Knicks: B
The New York Knicks have established themselves as an elite offensive unit, despite Karl-Anthony Towns experiencing what has been the least efficient scoring and worst shooting season of his career, a trend that is not expected to persist. The team has diversified its offensive system, moving away from an over-reliance on pick-and-rolls and isolations towards a more drive-and-kick oriented approach, resulting in a significant increase in spot-up shooting opportunities. While still early in the season, the Knicks’ two-big lineup configurations have proven highly effective against opponents. Furthermore, rotational adjustments, such as substituting Mitchell Robinson for Josh Hart or Miles McBride for OG Anunoby, have consistently resulted in positive net ratings exceeding 30 points per 100 possessions. The core group of their top seven players continues to perform at a high level.

Conversely, the team’s bench production has not met initial expectations. The offense notably declines when Jordan Clarkson spells Jalen Brunson, and Guerschon Yabusele has not replicated his previous season’s form with Philadelphia. Landry Shamet has been a pleasant surprise, and McBride provides solid contributions. It is important to note that Mitchell Robinson is poised to be a significant factor in the postseason, particularly with his offensive rebounding and rim protection off the bench, which could alter the dynamics of their depth compared to last season. Nevertheless, the Knicks had anticipated a greater impact from their offseason acquisitions.

Orlando Magic: B
After a slow start to the season, the Orlando Magic have found their stride, winning eight of their last 10 games. This recent surge has propelled them into the top 10 in both offensive and defensive efficiency ratings, aligning more closely with preseason expectations for a team projected to contend for a top-four seed in the Eastern Conference.

A particularly intriguing aspect of this recent success is that seven of these victories occurred without Paolo Banchero, who sustained a groin injury during a game against the Knicks on November 11. Banchero had been experiencing a challenging start to the season in terms of shooting efficiency, and his absence appears to have clarified offensive roles, most notably leading to an uptick in performance for Desmond Bane. While Banchero’s eventual return is expected to further bolster the Magic, similar to the situation in Atlanta with Young, questions may arise regarding his willingness to adapt his offensive control for the collective benefit of the team. Some of these concerns could be mitigated by improved individual performance from Banchero in his usual role. However, Orlando’s recent success in his absence offers valuable insights into how the team can operate effectively.

Philadelphia 76ers: B-
Tyrese Maxey has unequivocally established himself as one of the league’s premier scorers, and V.J. Edgecombe appears to be a highly successful draft selection. Following a scorching start to the season, the Philadelphia 76ers have experienced a slight regression. However, for a team that faced significant challenges last season, maintaining an above-.500 record through the first quarter, despite limited playing time from Joel Embiid and Paul George, represents a commendable achievement. In terms of short-term optimism, the familiar narrative persists: if Embiid can maintain health through the playoffs, and if the 76ers successfully secure a playoff berth, the roster possesses considerable talent capable of genuine contention under optimal, though potentially unrealistic, conditions.

A lingering lack of trust regarding the long-term viability of the Embiid era remains. Even when Embiid plays, the team’s defensive efficiency often declines, and his capacity to consistently serve as an offensive focal point has been questioned. Paul George’s limited playing time has prevented a comprehensive evaluation of his impact this season. However, based on his performance last year and the brief glimpses this season, he cannot be reliably expected to consistently perform at an All-Star level; he appears to be functioning as a very expensive 3-and-D player. The financial commitments to Embiid and George, totaling over $275 million over the next three and four years respectively, represent a significant long-term challenge for the franchise.

Toronto Raptors: A
The Toronto Raptors have distinguished themselves with a balanced offensive attack, being one of only two teams in the league to feature at least three players averaging 19 points per game: Brandon Ingram, Scottie Barnes, and R.J. Barrett. Additionally, Immanuel Quickley contributes over 15 points per game, showcasing the team’s diverse scoring options. The Raptors have maintained a position within the top 10 for both offensive and defensive efficiency for the majority of the season, indicating a strong two-way performance. They lead the league in fast-break points per game, playing at an exceptionally high pace. Even in half-court sets, they rank fifth in points per play, according to Cleaning the Glass, demonstrating effectiveness against set defenses. This high-tempo style is coupled with one of the five lowest turnover percentages in the league, a potent combination that suggests sustained success in the regular season, as the team rarely defeats itself.

However, a closer examination reveals that the Raptors’ success may be partially influenced by their schedule. According to ESPN’s metrics, Toronto has faced the second-easiest schedule in the league. Seven of their victories have come against teams like the Pacers, Nets, Wizards, Hornets, and Grizzlies, whose combined record entering Sunday’s play was 23-74. While the Raptors have secured wins against strong opponents and are undeniably a capable team, the ease of their schedule suggests that their current record might slightly overstate their true level of dominance within the league.

Washington Wizards: F
The Washington Wizards entered the season with low expectations, but their performance through the first 18 games has been remarkably dismal. Of their 16 losses, 12 have been by double-digit margins, with eight of those exceeding 20 points. In a season featuring several struggling NBA teams, the Wizards’ net rating is 3.8 points worse than the 29th-ranked team (Brooklyn), underscoring a comprehensive lack of proficiency across all facets of the game.

One of the few positive developments this season has been the play of Alex Sarr. He currently leads the team in scoring, rebounding, and blocks, and ranks third in assists, a statistic that also highlights the deficiencies within their backcourt. Sarr’s shooting percentages have significantly improved from his rookie year, and he appears to be developing into a quality NBA player. This progress is critically important for the Wizards, as they cannot afford for a No. 2 overall draft pick to underperform.

Despite Sarr’s development, the current roster is considerably distant from contending and is in desperate need of a significant influx of star-caliber talent. The team’s current trajectory positions them favorably for a top-four pick in the upcoming draft, which is projected to be rich in talent. For the Wizards, a team arguably in the greatest need of star-upside talent in the league, securing one of these apparent young stars is an absolute necessity; unfavorable lottery luck would represent a significant setback for the franchise.

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