NBA 2015-16 season: Grading every team’s performance

Now that the 2015-16 NBA regular season is over, from the 73-win Golden State Warriors to Kobe Bryant’s Los Angeles Lakers, what grade does each team deserve?

The Golden State Warriors have done it. They wanted 73 wins, and after defeating the San Antonio Spurs twice over the last week and cruising past the Memphis Grizzlies 125-104, they’ve got them. 73 wins to finally end the comparisons to the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls’ regular season and break the record that most would have deemed unbreakable. So, without giving too many of these grades away, the Warriors have fared pretty well. But how about the rest of the NBA?

Below the Warriors and Spurs of the world, there are other contenders who have impressed, from the Toronto Raptors in the East to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the West. Even though they aren’t on the same level, what they’ve achieved this year deserves recognition.

However, the high grades won’t just be handed out to the teams with the best records.

Instead, these grades will be based upon pre-season expectations and whether or not they’ve been matched. If a team shatters low expectations, such as the Portland Trail Blazers, why should they not receive an A?

If teams come up short against expectations, the reverse will obviously happen to their grade. Furthermore, trades made during the season, coaching, player improvement, and whether or not the team has taken a step forward from last season will all be factored into the decision.

Let’s work our way up from the bottom of the Eastern Conference and move towards the best in the NBA. There’s plenty we can talk about as we wait for the playoffs to begin.

Next: Philadelphia 76ers

Philadelphia 76ers (F)

“Trust the process”, they said. “It’ll all be fine”, they said. Well, after a few tank infested seasons that have seen the 76ers desperately fall to the lowest depths of the NBA, GM Sam Hinkie has stepped down and left Philadelphia in no better standing than it was a few years ago.

His intent to rid the team of talent and acquire draft picks and lottery-level talent has landed them Nerlens Noel, Joel Embiid and Jahlil Okafor, but that’s it. Too many big men. Noel is an energetic defender at his best and Okafor possesses rare talent on the low block for a 20-year-old, averaging 17.5 points per game on 50 percent shooting before heading down court to showcase his atrocious defense.

Yet, after the surprise trade to send 2013-14 Rookie of the Year Michael Carter-Williams on his way in 2015, nothing has picked up at all.

There’s no need to explain 76ers basketball this season. If you’ve ever had the unfortunate need or desire to watch one of their games, you’ll know they ranked dead last in offensive efficiency and 23rd in defensive efficiency for good reason. Besides Ish Smith adding some respectability at times, nothing has been good. And even then, “the process” led to them considering trading Smith away at the deadline.

Now, the 76ers are left with all their hope riding on this year’s draft. They’ll have the best chance to get their desperate hands on the number one overall pick, landing them the option to select a rare and unique talent like Ben Simmons or Brandon Ingram. Although, seeing how the 76ers never seem to have any good fortune after a disastrous tanking run, losing the first pick to someone else in the lottery would probably be their luck.

As a destination that no free agent will want to go to, the worst record in the league leaves them with one last chance to get things right in the 2016 draft and no other prospects in their future.

Right now, it’s hard for anyone to trust “the process”.

Next: Brooklyn Nets

Brooklyn Nets (F)

The Nets (21-61) were hardly that much better than the 76ers (10-72) in terms of record, but they’re far worse off in terms of future assets and young talent. Even though Embiid hasn’t managed to get healthy yet and Okafor won’t turn around the franchise by himself, they at least have the best chance to draft the best rookies on offer.

The Nets, meanwhile, have lost all their draft picks and are left watching Danny Ainge and the Celtics having a party over in Boston.

Their 2016 picks are in the hands of the Celtics and Clippers, their 2017 picks are in the hands of the Celtics and Hawks, and their 2018 picks are in the hands of the Celtics (Ainge is just greedy at this point), Hornets and 76ers. Unless the Nets start working hard to trade back into the draft, they’re in a terrible position.

At least, after so many heavy pay checks, Joe Johnson has been bought out.

The highlight of a poor season as the third worst team in the NBA is that there is some notable talent on the roster. Brook Lopez is one of the premier scoring centers in the league and had a highly respectable campaign with 20.6 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game with 51 percent shooting. Thaddeus Young also had a solid season as a defensive, energetic forward, tallying 15.1 points and a career-high nine rebounds per game.

Those two were the standouts, and rookie Rondae Hollis-Jefferson has shown some potential and defensive talent. But that’s essentially where the promise ends, especially after Jarrett Jack was ruled out with an ACL tear back in January.

The worry clouding the Nets isn’t so much the roster they have right now (although it’s still pretty terrible). The worry is that no right-minded player will want to sign with them in free agency and they have no hope of rebuilding anywhere in the draft. Poor management, like the 76ers, has left them stumbling.

Next: New York Knicks

New York Knicks (D-)

Before the 2015-16 NBA season started, there were genuine predictions that the Knicks may actually make the playoffs. Not comfortably, of course, but there seemed like a chance they at least had the potential to sneak in as an 8th seed.

They stocked their roster with some solid talent, such as Arron Afflalo and Robin Lopez, giving the indication that some improvement would be in store. And it was, at least after they had some promising spells midway through the season and finished with almost twice as many wins (32) as last season (17).

Then, Kristaps Porzingis mania swept that nation as he took off with emphatic put-back slams and rejections, finishing the season as a likely runner up for Rookie of the Year behind Karl-Anthony Towns. Porzingis succeeded all expectations by far, and his startling confidence and performance alone (primarily over the first half of the season) helps add some extra marks to the Knicks’ grade and their possible fate for 2016-17. On top of that, the unthinkable happened and Carmelo Anthony actually started passing more as his scoring decreased, averaging a career-high 4.2 assists a night.

However, all this wasn’t enough. Derek Fisher still had that embarrassing feud or “fight” with Matt Barnes and was fired for his showing as head coach, the triangle still isn’t working very well, and ranking 18th in defensive efficiency won’t be enough.

The Knicks’ 2015-16 season should have been better, but with the potential of Porzingis and a better performance than the 17-win 2014-15, they at least don’t deserve a complete fail. Kurt Rambis possibly continuing as head coach and Melo’s discontent and age leave questions at the forefront of the organization that won’t go away after the summer, though.

On top of that, the few wins they put together won’t be enough to solidify New York as a big market with talent for star free agents.

Next: Milwaukee Bucks

Milwaukee Bucks (E)

When thinking of the NBA’s biggest disappointments from 2015-16, the Bucks are right around the top of the list, if not headlining it. So, regardless of the talent they have that makes it seem as though they shouldn’t receive such a poor grade, it’s their shortcomings with those realistic expectations and jump off a cliff defensively that warrants an E.

Last season, the Bucks finished 6th in the East, boasting a 2nd place ranking in defensive efficiency and a roster full of length and imposing presence in the paint. Yet, with Greg Monroe’s far less resilient effort on defense and a bench with a -2.2 net rating (per NBA.com), they fell to 21st in defensive efficiency and lost their identity.

Don’t be too discouraged, though, Bucks fans. As anyone who’s watched them play will see, there are exceptional bright spots on the horizon in Milwaukee.

Giannis Antetokounmpo running the point has been a revelation, both in terms of his freakish talent and the sheer frequency at which he can rack up triple-doubles (4th in the NBA with five). His ability at 6’11” is remarkable. From the way he can charge the length of the floor with just a few dribbles, survey his opponents, and deliver passes with excellent feel and precision for anyone, let alone someone who’s practically 7-foot. If he can add a consistent mid-range jumper, he’ll be deadlier still.

And with Jabari Parker healthy again, showcasing his driving and finishing ability, the Bucks have a couple of young stars to highlight their talent.

The Bucks should be on the rise next season with the likes of Giannis, Parker, Kris Middleton and anyone they can land in free agency. Monroe hasn’t fully worked out, though, and the 2015-16 season that should have been a stepping stone to greater heights has been a setback instead.

Next: Orlando Magic

Orlando Magic (D)

Earlier this season, the Magic looked like they could be one of the more positive surprises in the NBA. Sure, they didn’t have a rookie with the star type talent that Karl-Anthony Towns has, but they have a host of young players who can all make a difference in one way or another. From Aaron Gordon’s jaw-dropping athleticism and Dunk Contest performance to their 5th overall pick from last year’s draft in Mario Hezonja, there was cause for excitement before the season began.

And there’s still cause for excitement going forward. On a talent basis alone, the Magic have a roster that’s hard to go unnoticed. Gordon has the rare athleticism to be a dynamic playmaker from the four, Nikola Vucevic is still one of the better offensive centers in the NBA, Evan Fournier had the best year of his career and may re-sign this summer, Elfrid Payton is a pesky defender and moderate triple-double threat, and Victor Oladipo has real talent despite his fit at times.

The question for this young team is why send Tobias Harris and Channing Frye away at the trade deadline for such little return?

The Magic’s standing at 11th in the East may seem disappointing and rightfully so. After hinting at the potential to possibly steal the 8th seed or at least come closer to it, 11th isn’t anything to boast about. But seeing as this is still a young team without much veteran or star presence, head coach Scott Skiles has done well to take a clear step forward from 25 wins last season.

On top of that, soaring from 27th in defensive efficiency to 16th is an element that can help give the team a little more identity going forward as they try to craft the roster or make the kind of trade to land a star and continue their ascension.

They just need to find a star after losing Harris and Frye at the trade deadline in order to capitalize on otherwise questionable moves.

Next: Washington Wizards

Washington Wizards (E-)

The Wizards made it to the second round of the 2014-15 playoffs, blowing past the Raptors with a first round sweep before having a chance to defeat the 1st seed Hawks in the second round. Washington was once again a notable threat after winning the most games (46) since the new Wizards era began in 1997-98, and at the very least should have maintained similar form this season.

Regardless of Paul Pierce’s departure, leaving fans with no Truth to cheer on for dramatic game-winners, the Wizards shouldn’t have been one of the biggest disappointments in the NBA this season.

But that’s exactly what they’ve been with their 41 wins and nosedive from the 5th seed in 2014-15 to the 10th seed. No matter what talent John Wall and Bradley Beal have together in the backcourt, they aren’t enough to make up for a weaker frontcourt and a bench that struggles to score. And adding Markieff Morris and Marcus Thornton was never going to turn things around.

This is where the main problem lies, as new head coach Randy Wittman has tried to implement a fast-paced, run-and-gun offensive system that relies on constant movement, fluid passing, and three-point shooting. It simply hasn’t worked, though, as the team ranked a mere 21st in offensive efficiency with far too much reliance on Wall to score (career-high 19.9 points per game), spark that movement, and create for others (career-high 10.2 assists per game).

Now, the Wizards need to focus on free agency and keep every finger crossed as they pray Kevin Durant chooses them over everyone else. Because without that change of fortune on the horizon, 2016 has been a complete failure for them.

Next: Chicago Bulls

Chicago Bulls (D-)

On wins and losses and failing to make the playoffs for the first time in nine years, the Bulls’ 2015-16 campaign has been a total disaster. Of course, Derrick Rose hasn’t reached a physical point where he can be his MVP-self and Jimmy Butler can’t do everything, making the barrage of injuries enough to deplete the rest of the team.

The Bulls started the season fairly strong as they routinely do, going 22-12 by January 7 before an onslaught of heath problems came. New head coach Fred Hoiberg was still at the stage of the season where he could be partly excused for early offensive issues, and health wasn’t as troubling.

Once Joakim Noah suffered another dislocated shoulder that sent him out for the season, Butler was ruled out for 15 games through February and March, and Nikola Mirotic missed February, it was clear that a complete roster wouldn’t be on the Bulls’ side. During such times, the up-tempo offense that Hoiberg tried to instil struggled even further and the defense faltered, too.

Once the injuries set in, it was even harder for the changes under Hoiberg to reap much return. The Bulls crawled to a 26th ranking in offensive efficiency, and without much guard talent beyond Butler (when heathy) and a crowded frontcourt rotation that never seemed to work, the defense was far less imposing, too.

Chicago deserves a partial pass after dealing with so many injury problems and losing a key interior defensive presence and emotional leader on the court like Noah. As of late, the team has just lost its fight, though. And no matter what Pau Gasol can do by himself or what sudden poster dunk Doug McDermott can muster, a sometimes uncertain Butler-Rose dynamic (again, partly due to injuries) and no Noah has cost them dearly after the slew of injuries.

Next: Detroit Pistons

Detroit Pistons (B+)

The Pistons started the 2015-16 season strong as Andre Drummond put up the kind of monstrous rebounding numbers that actually made rebounding exciting. He can take over the boards better than anyone in the NBA right now, leading the league with 14.8 per game and becoming a first-time All-Star with 16.2 points per game.

He’s starting to blossom with his connection and pick-and-roll threat with point guard Reggie Jackson, and the latter having a breakout season with 18.6 points and 6.2 assists per game makes the duo that much better. And even though Drummond may lose a certain drive at times and not be the defensive enforcer he can be for every minute he’s on the floor, he’s still emerged as a bruising star by just 22 years old.

Alongside the headline duo of Jackson and Drummond, talent such as Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Marcus Morris fill out the starting lineup with more versatility and reliability on defense, too.

The real way in which the Pistons were able to continue their promising season further was some mastery at the trade deadline, with the steal of Tobias Harris in particular (sacrificing only Brandon Jennings and Ersan Illysova) being an ideal move. The fact he’s under contract for three more seasons just adds to the Pistons’ 2015-16 grade even more.

Since Harris became a starter on February 22, the Pistons have gone 17-9, with another capable scorer (16.6 points per game on 47.7 percent shooting in Detroit) and combo forward who can space the floor to create room for Drummond inside and enhance his pick-and-roll game with Jackson even further.

Let’s see how much more this unit can prove in the first round of the playoffs, because Stan Van Gundy has done incredibly well with them so far.

Next: Indiana Pacers

Indiana Pacers (B)

Like many of the teams in the East who haven’t finished the regular season with glorious grades, the Pacers started well with the emphatic return of Paul George before gradually floating around the bottom of the playoff picture.

George’s complete return to continue from his horrific leg break was one of the most remarkable feel-good stories of the NBA early in the season. It made people take note of the Pacers again and realize just how talented George is at both ends of the floor, thanks to his career-high numbers across the board that continued through the season.

No matter how unrecognisable the Pacers may be in comparison to the 56-win, 2013-14 Eastern Conference Finals team, PG13’s 23.2 points, seven rebounds, four assists and 1.9 steals per game rightfully earned some attention and an All-Star appearance.

As the season went on and the Warriors gradually dominated the NBA’s favorite narratives, the Pacers were an easy team to forget. However, besides George making a huge impact after the loss of Roy Hibbert and David West last summer, the team’s defense has been a good enough trademark to firmly carry them into the playoffs.

First off, Monta Ellis has been a relative disappointment as someone who could have been a fairly dynamic scorer. He’s petered out to a modest 13.7 points per game on 42.7 percent shooting, becoming a player who’s shrunk among the team’s new talent.

Meanwhile, Ian Mahinmi has taken his game to a new level at both ends of the floor, upping his scoring output, passing, and defense in order to become a top candidate for Most Improved Player. Not to mention, rookie center Myles Turner has helped take over frontcourt duties to great effect, too, showcasing his rim protection, smooth mid-range game, and impressive knack as a go-to option in the post.

Frank Vogel has earned more respect after helping his team achieve a 3rd place ranking in defensive efficiency, while George’s comeback at least has the Pacers looking more like an imposing unit that have a star scorer again.

Next: Charlotte Hornets

Charlotte Hornets (A-)

Kemba Walker has upped his scoring by four points per game from last season to 21.1 for 2015-16 with career-highs in field goal percentage (42.8) and three-point percentage (37.4), becoming an efficient scorer with far more effectiveness from range to go along with his driving ability. He’s led this Hornets team in the absence of the team’s best defender, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, and the former star center, Al Jefferson, for much of the season, and everyone else has followed suit.

After pulling off the biggest comeback in the Tim Duncan era to defeat the Spurs 91-88 on March 21, overcoming a 23-point deficit as Linsanity took off, it’s clear that an awful lot is possible for the Hornets.

Beyond Walker’s star power leading the way, head coach Steve Clifford has his team operating to the best of their potential all over the floor. They move the ball and put forward a balanced offensive attack with players such as Courtney Lee (acquired in a deadline week trade), Jeremy Lamb and even Frank Kaminsky at times coming off the bench, while the 2015 free agency addition of Nicolas Batum has added a vital playmaker and defender to the starting lineup.

As for their defense, it’s once again a team effort with resilience at the perimeter thanks to good structure from Clifford and timely, energetic switches and rotations from the players.

Plus, now that Jefferson has returned from injury, they have a talented low-post scorer to add some more diversity off the bench.

The Hornets have dealt with major injuries to major players and have still found a way to swarm towards the upper levels of the Eastern Conference. If that wasn’t enough, they ranked in the top 10 for both offensive and defensive efficiency, too.

They’ve truly proven what personal drive to improve, great coaching and high energy can do, and they’re a dark horse to watch in the first round of the playoffs because of it.

Next: Miami Heat

Miami Heat (B+)

The Heat had a somewhat turbulent regular season in 2015-16, climbing high in the Eastern Conference at times while struggling to stay in the top half of the playoff picture at others. Of course, Dwyane Wade is a talented player, but not quite the terror he once was, leaving more pressure on the rest of the roster to combine together and maintain their identity as an elite defensive unit.

This is where Hassan Whiteside comes into play. Whenever he’s switched on, he’s an absolute force, reigning over helpless opponents with the kind of block based triple-double nature that no one else in the NBA comes close to possessing. He’s the Heat’s new terror when he’s at his best, and that still didn’t make up for questions about his motor enough to remove him from trade rumors.

So much rides on him holding down the paint for them to look the team who ranked 7th in defensive efficiency. And after Chris Bosh suffered with blood clots on multiple occasions that sadly removed him from action, the pressure on Whiteside and everyone else has been even greater. But Whiteside’s lengthy move to the bench helped add more pace to their offense and serious force and defensive presence to their second unit and frontcourt rotations.

The Heat have received some positive additions to help through Bosh’s absence, too. Justise Winslow was a brilliant selection in the 2015 NBA draft, and while he may be a defensive specialist, he has such high overall potential if he can improve his shot. Meanwhile, their second rookie, Josh Richardson, has provided a surprisingly big spark off the bench.

On top of the two young guys, the signing of Joe Johnson in February has thoroughly helped the Heat’s poor perimeter shooting (he’s averaged 13.1 points per game and shot 43 percent from three in Miami so far).

Bosh was having an excellent season that was far too easily overlooked. Perhaps if he was healthy enough to play the entire season, the Heat’s grade and playoff threat would be higher. But without their best player for such a large amount of time and spells of real inconsistency, they have to be graded on positive acquisitions, impressive defensive effort, and a strong finish to the season.

Next: Boston Celtics

Boston Celtics (A)

What more could the Celtics have done this regular season? For a team with no superstars, coming off a 7th seed finish in the East that dealt them a first round playoff exit thanks to a Cavaliers sweep, the Celtics had promise, but not to this extent. Especially after Danny Ainge let the NBA trade deadline go past without making a single blockbuster move, questions arose as to what laid in store for the Celtics and why he didn’t act.

Well, now he, the Celtics, their fans, and anyone who realized that was the right move are laughing. He’s kept his plethora of talented role players and treasure chest of draft picks in tact with a great situation to try to lure in some star free agents this summer.

Plus, to back up Ainge’s decision and emphasize this team’s talent, their performance with no All-Star level talent besides Isaiah Thomas has been remarkable.

Brad Stevens has already earned recognition as one of the top coaches in the NBA, thanks to the way he has a group of underdogs destroying so many expectations while establishing the perfect culture to build a team with. Everyone plays hard, everyone plays for one another, everyone moves the ball, and everyone hustles and plays energetic defense.

As a result, the Celtics ranked 6th in assists per game and created one of the best perimeter defenses in the league with the likes of Avery Bradley, Jae Crowder and Marcus Smart leading the way. And at the other end of the floor, Thomas’ driving ability and shot creation outside sparks the offense while spreading the ball and constant movement opens up opportunities for others.

We’ll have to wait and see how the Celtics fare in the playoffs, but in a first round matchup against the Hawks, there’s no reason they don’t have the ability to advance to the Eastern Conference Semi Finals at least. With their scrappy, nothing-to-lose mindset, they can give anyone in the conference a challenge.

After all, they didn’t become the first team since January of 2015 to beat the Warriors in Oracle Arena for no good reason.

Next: Atlanta Hawks

Atlanta Hawks (B+)

The way the Hawks’ momentum has flowed through this season is almost the exact opposite to last year. In 2014-15, they started like a new team under Mike Budenholzer, with the kind of ball movement and four All-Star players that quickly earned them a few comments as “the next Spurs”. After that hot start, they cooled down towards the end of the season and lost some winnable games on their way to the Eastern Conference Finals.

This season, their performance early on, featuring a few losing spells, would have warranted a slightly lower grade. Their ball movement wasn’t the same, Jeff Teague was underperforming and looked ready to be traded, and their defense wasn’t what it is now.

Yet, it’s their turnaround over the second half of the season that’s helped them surge up the East, albeit in 3rd place rather than the 1st with 60 wins from a year ago.

As 2015-16 began, it was clear the Hawks were off. Part of it was attributed to the loss of DeMarre Carroll, the team’s best perimeter defender and versatile wing, in free agency. He would have been a major loss in most circumstances, but the rise of Kent Bazemore as the new energetic, 3-and-D wing in his place has thoroughly compensated for the loss of Carroll as the season has gone on.

Bazemore has stepped up to start 67 games playing 28 minutes a night, averaging 11.7 points, five rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.3 steals with a 36.2 percent three-point shot.

Beyond Bazemore filling in what should have been a real chink in the Hawks’ armor, the team’s defense has seriously elevated over the course of the season. With the likes of Bazemore, Thabo Sefolosha and Paul Millsap highlighting the excellent play on the perimeter, supported again by Millsap and Al Horford with sound protection of the paint, the Hawks ranked 2nd in the NBA in defensive efficiency.

As the only team besides the Spurs to hold opponents below 100 points per 100 possessions, the Hawks’ defense became the driving force to their 17-10 record since the All-Star break. And more importantly, it’s by far their best weapon for the playoffs.

Next: Toronto Raptors

Toronto Raptors (A)

The Raptors entered this season fresh off being swept in the first round by the Wizards. It’s been the pattern for them the last two years as they’ve followed up the two best seasons in franchise history (48 wins in 2013-14 and 49 in 2014-15) with two first round exits. And even though they haven’t proven that they can definitely break this trend in 2016, it seems far more likely that they can.

Already, the sheer amount of wins should indicate that. 56 is a new franchise best by a mile and the first finish over 50, making the Raptors the clear-cut 2nd seed and far closer to the Cavaliers than most would have expected before the season began. The improved bench, far improved defense, a top five offense, and their two stars taking another step forward has them in a far more reliable position to impress when the postseason rolls around.

Cory Joseph and Bismack Biyombo have both been key additions to the second unit for this season, and DeMarre Carroll would have been huge throughout if not for injury.

The Raptors had been without him since January 3 until he returned just a few games before the playoffs, although their performance in his absence really speaks volumes about the rest of the team. He has such versatility on defense and was a key starter, yet they’ve kept fighting without him.

Although, with Kyle Lowry slimming down last summer and playing with even more energy at both ends of the floor while DeMar DeRozan has improved his mid-range game and shot selection, the deadly duo has been capable of leading better than ever with 45 combined points per game.

The Raptors won’t just need to rely on Lowry and DeRozan anymore. This team can actually hold down the paint now and has a bunch of role players who can contribute, being brought together with the kind of chemistry that the East’s top team doesn’t always have.

This postseason should be different for Dwane Casey’s Raptors, and we won’t have to wait long to see it.

Next: Cleveland Cavaliers

Cleveland Cavaliers (A-)

The Cavaliers receiving an A-, in comparison to the A+ grades that the teams at the top of the West may have received (sorry for the obvious spoilers), seems entirely appropriate for the 2015-16 campaign they’ve put together so far.

First, the firing of David Blatt came as a shock. Head coaches just don’t get fired when their team is at the top of their conference. It’s not usually the kind of situation where you can pass blame for mistakes onto the coach and look elsewhere. However, it’s no secret that Blatt and LeBron James have had respect issues and haven’t always seen eye to eye. And if there was a feeling that Blatt wasn’t the right coach for a championship against the Warriors or Spurs, the decision is more justified.

Nevertheless, whoever is coach, Blatt in the past or now Tyronn Lue, there are still problems in Cleveland that hold them back. There are clear chemistry issues on the floor at times, whether they emerge in the form of Kyrie Irving hogging the ball too much or the team’s wavering effort at times on defense. LeBron then seems to take the issues to social media with his cryptic subtweets, causing more speculation as to what’s not quite right with the Cavs.

Then, when it emerged that LeBron would like to play with Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade and Chris Paul some day, the speculation fire received another heavy douse of fuel as to whether LeBron is going to leave Cleveland again. Or, as for the more immediate matter, whether the Cavs are in the right place mentally to win a championship against two historically dominant teams.

Speculation aside, though, the chemistry clearly hasn’t been perfect and Kevin Love’s woeful defense can’t be forgotten. These are two problems that can be amplified with ease when the stakes and talent of opponents heighten in the playoffs.

By any regular team’s standards, this season would have been a clear A, and that argument can certainly still be made. But with LeBron, Irving, Love and nothing but championship aspirations, the Cavs aren’t any regular team. With clear problems still bothering the team just hours before the playoffs begin, they can’t be praised quite as highly as other first-tier contenders.

Next: Los Angeles Lakers

Los Angeles Lakers (F)

If we grade the Lakers’ season based on Kobe Bryant’s glorious farewell tour and how he dropped a vintage 60-point performance in his last game, they’d receive an A+. Essentially, that’s all this season has been for the Lakers, as the 82-game Kobe goodbye has made its way around the country, gracing other players with signed shoes and fans with glorious memories of the last time they saw the Black Mamba play.

Of course, his performance has been at an all-time low, highlighted by a career-worst 35.2 percent shooting, 8.6 three-point attempts per 36 minutes (made at a 28.2 percent rate) and plenty of airballs. Besides some of the true Vino performances and his final night spectacle, his 2015-16 campaign has largely been a perfect representation of the Lakers’ season.

A lot of the initial problems have stemmed from head coach Byron Scott, whether it’s been his decision to bench D’Angelo Russell and Julius Randle, give their minutes to Kobe instead, or publicly criticize his players. The Lakers simply needed an environment that would embrace youth movement, constant development, and team play, and that hasn’t been instilled by Scott at all.

Beyond their offensive woes that are blindingly obvious, a general lack of effort has been far too common as the team struggled to their worst record in history at 17-67.

And then, as if everything wasn’t bad enough, the Russell-Nick Young video drama came out and the team’s trust in their future franchise point guard was all but destroyed. No more needs to be said on the matter, as it was the final failure in the worst season in the team’s history.

Thankfully, as Kobe walks off into the sunset clad in countless towels and ice packs, the Lakers have a couple of bright spots to hang onto with some of their young players.

Next: Phoenix Suns

Phoenix Suns (F)

Not long ago, the Suns were one of the best surprises in the NBA. In 2013-14, they came out of nowhere with 48 wins after recording only 25 in the previous season, enjoying the breakout year of Goran Dragic who became the Most Improved Player with 20.3 points per game and (when healthy) Eric Bledsoe (17.7 points per game).

Then, last season happened, Dragic and Isaiah Thomas left, and the Suns dropped to 39 wins and fell further from playoff contention.

This season, Thomas has blossomed as a first-time All-Star with the Celtics, Bledsoe enjoyed the start of a career-year before season-ending injury, and the Suns are even further from respectability.

The dismal start to the season led to the firing of head coach Jeff Hornacek by the start of February, placing Earl Watson in his shoes to continue to no avail. Along with the injury of Bledsoe, Brandon Knight missing a 21-game stretch through January and February and having his season ended early by April 2 with a hernia, the Suns have had no one left to pick up the offensive slack besides Devin Booker.

As for their defense, Tyson Chandler hasn’t made the impact they hoped for while the rest of their frontcourt struggles to support a group of largely weak perimeter defenders. In short, they ranked 28th in the NBA for both offensive and defensive efficiency, finishing 27th in net rating with -6.9. What more do you need to know?

They’re a bunch disorganized of players at both ends of the court, with Alex Len and especially Booker to highlight an otherwise dire campaign.

Well, at least there’s one other positive takeaway for fans: the Suns finally got rid of Markieff Morris.

Next: Minnesota Timberwolves

Minnesota Timberwolves (C+)

On April 5, the Timberwolves survived overtime and defeated the Warriors 124-117 in Oracle Arena. As Karl-Anthony Towns recorded 20 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks, Andrew Wiggins added 32 points on 11-of-19 shooting, and Shabazz Muhammad chimed in with 35 points and 9-of-12 shooting, the game was a perfect example of the Timberwolves’ young potential.

With Kevin Love, the team won 40 games in 2013-14, falling dramatically to 16 wins in 2014-15 as Love left and Wiggins arrived with so much hype and expectation on his young shoulders. This season was all about continuing a youth-based trend that started a year ago with Wiggins and Zach LaVine headlining, and the Timberwolves have managed to do that to some extent.

While Sam Mitchell is out the door and a new head coach will be taking over next season, almost doubling their wins (16 to 29) from a year ago has offered more excitement to fans as they move forward.

Existing players such as Muhammad, Gorgui Dieng, and Ricky Rubio — who finally improved his jump shot — have all taken a step forward, giving the young trio of Wiggins, LaVine and Towns a much-needed supporting cast.

One slight disappointment that springs to mind, though, is Wiggins’ perimeter game, which didn’t improve as the team would have hoped. He only made 0.7 threes per game at a 30.3 percent rate, and he had a far too common tendency to take long twos, attempting 24.4 percent of his shots from 16 feet out while making only 35 percent of them.

Overall, the Timberwolves took another step in the right direction this season. Their existing talent improved and Towns arrived with serious emphasis, adding a superstar in the making who isn’t even too far from superstar status at just 20 years old. The future is so bright in Minnesota, and Towns is going to be something special for years to come.

Next: New Orleans Pelicans

New Orleans Pelicans (E)

As for the NBA’s most surprising and emphatic disappointments, the Pelicans may well be at the top of the list for 2015-16. Alvin Gentry’s new fluid offense never worked out, their defense has been abysmal seeing as they have Anthony Davis to hold down the paint, and another injury attack throughout the roster has dismembered the Pelicans’ hopes to be a notable playoff team.

Through all these issues, New Orleans has looked to a total of 21 players and even the enigma that is Jimmer Fredette this season, hoping to find a winning combination with at least some of them. Ish Smith was traded, Ryan Anderson stayed put despite all the rumors, constant changes have been made with the players that have been healthy enough to make the court, and leading the NBA with more than 40 different starting lineups saw the Pelicans fall to 12th in the West.

Gentry hasn’t established the kind of offensive success that he was supposed to anyway, so when adding in countless starting lineups and only three players who reached 70 games played, it’s no surprise this season has fallen apart.

Beyond the obvious problems, though, the Pelican’s inability to protect the paint (ranking 27th in opponent shooting within five feet) and 23rd ranking in defensive efficiency has been the basis of many on-court problems. As much as Davis can do by himself, Omer Asik and Kendrick Perkins haven’t worked out at center.

And once it became known that Davis has been playing through a torn labrum in his left shoulder, slight concerns have come to light over the team’s superstar, due to the worry of whether he’s injury prone after never reaching 70 games in a season through four years and not taking an incredibly high step forward that was asked of him.

After showing such promise with 45 wins in 2014-15, the Pelicans and their fans must be glad to leave 2015-16 behind them.

Next: Sacramento Kings

Sacramento Kings (E)

The Kings’ offensive stats are highly impressive at first glance, ranking among the best in the NBA in most key areas thanks to leading the league in pace (102.1 possessions per game). With so many scoring opportunities, they ranked 3rd in points per game (106.9), 4th in assists (24.5) and 6th in field goal percentage (46.5).

All of which are impressive, especially the accuracy, although a 14th standing in offensive efficiency and their personnel problems reveal more of the reason for their 32 wins.

The duo of DeMarcus Cousins and Rajon Rondo are quick to provide highlights when they take to the court. They’re almost perfect for each other with their brash personas and complacent ways, thankfully having Cousins’ sheer offensive dominance to lead the team. With 26.9 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.4 blocks per game, it’s fairly easy to make a case that he’s the most talented center in the NBA.

As for Rondo, with his six triple-doubles, ridiculous passes, and league-best 11.7 assists per game, he provided more flash than substance, often riding out possessions to maximize his chances for assists and lowering the Kings’ offensive rating while on the floor. Meanwhile, his defense is normally as free-flowing and careless as anything besides his opportunistic steals.

At the root of all the Kings’ struggles and shortcomings to make the playoffs, though, is the dysfunction of the franchise itself. Vivek Ranadive and Vlade Divac are totally lost in the front office, the egos of key players haven’t been controlled, there’s no genuine team culture, and let’s not even get started on the issues with George Karl as head coach (who’s now likely to be fired).

At least, if little else, fans can enjoy Boogie. He’s been the driving force in them winning 30 games for the first time since 2008 this season. That’s the best thing going for them as their organization fails to live up to its potential based on the respectable talent they have in place.

Next: Denver Nuggets

Denver Nuggets (D+)

The Nuggets have had a few highs with their young roster, somehow defeating the Warriors 112-110 on January 13 and winning three more games (33) than last year, so at least that’s (not very much) something. There are bright spots for the future, too, and the Nuggets do have some nice pieces in place. There’s just a lot of work and growth that needs to take place in order for this team to go any further in the Western Conference.

It’s almost hard to believe that the Nuggets were a 57-win team in 2012-13. Since then, they’ve hit reset and have gone about rebuilding to little avail after a few slow seasons hovering around 30 wins. However, they at least have some talent in place, especially when looking at their frontcourt.

Nikola Jokic has been one of the most overlooked rookies in the NBA with his range, gradually improving defense, and excellent passing ability, which has been key while Jusuf Nurkic has struggled so much with injury. On top of that, Danilo Gallinari being ruled out for the season since February 27 hasn’t made matters easier on the young squad, either.

Will Barton has been the other unexpected bright spot, emerging as a top Sixth Man of the Year candidate with his explosion to 14.4 points and 5.9 rebounds in his 28 minutes per game off the bench. As for the younger impact of rookie Emmanuel Mudiay, who has gone through his fare share of struggles and shooting woes (a 9.8 PER is nothing to be proud of), still has talent and just needs more time. He’s at least improved over the latter stages of the season.

Besides the young talent working towards some hopefully high potential, there aren’t many more takeaways. Unless Mudiay magically acquires a great jump shot and turns into Stephen Curry this summer, the Nuggets won’t be any closer to contention next season. There simply aren’t many reasons why a star free agent looking to win would choose them over others.

If players like Jokic, Nurkic, Mudiay and Barton can build on this season going into 2016-17, there’s something for fans to be pleased about after another playoff miss.

Next: Houston Rockets

Houston Rockets (F)

Western Conference Finalists to an 8th seed mess. That’s the dismal trajectory the Rockets have followed over the last year, plummeting from solid defense, higher effort, and efficient star power to a team that has looked ready to go home early in so many games.

The man at the forefront of everything in Houston, as you’ll be well aware, is James Harden. He has incredible offensive ability with the way he can create off the dribble, attack the rim, expressively draw contact, and pass. Over the last 35 games, he’s averaged 30.6 points and 8.2 assists with 45.9 percent shooting for that reason. However, as for his decision making, tendency to hold onto the ball for too long, and atrocious effort and example on defense, he’s only been able to take the Rockets so far.

And that really isn’t very far. Kevin McHale was promptly fired early in the season because of it, taking the fall for the blatant lack of chemistry between Harden and Dwight Howard, not to mention the lacklustre environment that has filled Houston and their defensive ‘endeavours’ all season.

J.B. Bickerstaff came in as the new head coach, dealt the unfortunate responsibility of making a largely small-ball approach around Howard work while trying to change the culture completely. It’s safe to say that, as the embarrassing losses have accumulated, it hasn’t worked.

Then there’s this, which neatly sums up the frequently head scratching, disconnected, frustrated play of the Rockets.

The woes went so far that Michael Beasley was even brought over from China in March in an attempt to add a new piece to ensure a playoff spot. And in his attempt to take as many shots and prove himself as much as possible, he’s actually been a productive scorer, dropping a few 20-point performances off the bench and averaging 25.5 points and 9.7 rebounds per 36 minutes, earning a 22.4 PER in the process.

After the Ty Lawson experimented ended so badly with him being waived in March, why not take a shot with Beasley?

The Rockets have talent and they have a one-way superstar in James Harden; everything has just been used in the wrong manner with the wrong mindset.

Next: Utah Jazz

Utah Jazz (C)

Quin Snyder has done well with the Jazz to take them forward from last season. They only won 38 games in 2014-15 and earned the 11th seed in the West, making their 40-42 record a slight improvement. And seeing as Rudy Gobert only played 61 games and they were without Dante Exum (ACL tear) — the 2014 5th overall pick who they were hoping would take a major step forward — for the entire season, they haven’t fared too badly with Raul Neto, Trey Burker and, most recently, Shelvin Mack (a great acquisition before the deadline) making up their point guard rotation.

There were constant rumors at the NBA trade deadline that the Jazz were pursuing a new starting point guard such as Jeff Teague, so to see them come up short and use this host of players instead is somewhat of a disappointment. However, there have still been positive takeaways from the rest of the roster.

Gordon Hayward continues to prove himself as a poised scorer and playmaker, averaging a career-high 19.8 points per game to lead the Jazz all season. Derrick Favors is an overlooked talent, too, averaging 16.4 points, 8.1 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game. Next to an elite rim protector like Gobert, they’re quite the duo. As for Rodney Hood, he’s shot forward in terms of his overall ability, adding some offense to his already energetic defense by making 2.1 threes a night and averring 14.7 points per game (8.7 last season).

Unfortunately, there have been some blips along the way. In particular, a recent 102-99 loss to the Clippers in Utah on April 8 is one the team and the fans won’t let go for the simple fact that the Clippers sat their four best starters and injuries had depleted them to only nine rotation players. Yet, they took down the Jazz and their playoff hopes.

One solace is that the Jazz weren’t supposed to be a definite playoff team. No one anticipated that the Rockets would collapse as much as they have, and they should have easily surpassed the Jazz all along. With injuries to Gobert, Exum, Favors, and Alec Burks (who’s only played 31 games), health made the Jazz’s mission harder still.

After this end that will cause the team to kick themselves into the offseason, though, a C seems appropriate.

Next: Dallas Mavericks

Dallas Mavericks (B+)

The Mavericks and their fans have an awful lot to thank Dirk Nowitzki and Rick Carlisle for this season. What a surprise. Dirk just keeps rolling along, burying shots from the arc and sending his patented fading jumper through the basket, meanwhile, Carlisle has organized a tight-knit unit as he always does.

As of late, Dirk hasn’t quite been himself. Until a 22-point, 11-rebound game with 7-of-12 shooting against the Jazz on April 11, he’d only shot 32.5 percent over the previous eight games. A cold spell is expected for almost anyone, though, especially a big man who’s almost 38. And more to the point, it’s a rare down spell in a largely excellent season for Dirk — all things considered.

The way he anchors the offense with his shooting and 18.3 points per game has been vital. Combined wit Deron Williams’ respectable contribution, Zaza Pachulia emerging as a new double-double machine, the acquisition of David Lee, rookie Justin Anderson finally getting the minutes he deserves, and J.J. Barea going on a late season tear, the Mavs haven’t been too bad this season.

They certainly haven’t been on par with previous playoff teams, but a strong finish to the season and a 10th place ranking in offensive efficiency is impressive.

When bearing everything in mind, with both Wesley Matthews and Chandler Parsons coming back from major injury (with the latter having his season ended by March 18 for more knee surgery), Carlisle has done well to run a team that has been good enough to contend for a solid playoff seed. After such disappointment with coming up short in free agency last summer and losing out on DeAndre Jordan, they’ve fared well with an ageing roster and players searching for good health and good form.

Through the down spells, the weak backcourt, and the defensive struggles, making the most of a limited team has made the Mavs deserving of a high grade. Carlisle is a wizard.

Next: Memphis Grizzlies

Memphis Grizzlies (C)

The grit ‘n grind days of the Grizzlies are over. Before they were shot down by countless injuries and still kept fighting on, somehow racking up some wins, their defense was far from what it has been in recent years. And once Marc Gasol was ruled out of action at the start of February with a fracture of the navicular bone in his right foot before Mike Conley followed with season-ending tendinitis in his Achilles on March 7, it was abundantly clear that the Grizzlies wouldn’t be playoff dark horses in 2016.

Such injuries are just the start of the Grizzlies’ personnel problems from this season, highlighting the woes of a team that has used 27 different starting lineups and cycled through an absurd total of 28 players (per Basketball Reference).

With their existing decline and a complete absence of stability, it’s no surprise that the Grizzlies stumbled to a uncharacteristically un-gritty ranking of 19th in defensive efficiency.

As they continued through the difficulties and injuries, Memphis put together the NBA’s suicide squad. They assembled the ultimate group of players both mad enough and imposing enough to beat up any of their opponents, headlined by Lance Stephenson, Tony Allen, Zach Randolph, Chris Andersen and Matt Barnes.

The squad tried in their own unique way, playing far more through Randolph, but only finished the season with a 4-16 record to end the season after Conley’s injury.

The Grizzlies deserve a partial pass due to losing their best players in Gasol and Conley at such a bad time. It’s easy to lower their grade when the losses rack up, but what team wouldn’t suffer a few more notches in the loss column after losing their two most important guys?

For fans who loved the grit ‘n grind era, they may have to deal with the Grizzlies blowing everything up to start afresh in the not so distant future.

Next: Portland Trail Blazers

Portland Trail Blazers (A)

Is there any way the Trail Blazers could be doubted enough to not receive flying colors with their 2015-16 regular season grade?

Before the season started, they’d been through pretty much the toughest free agency period a franchise could hope to endure. They lost four starters including their perennial All-Star LaMarcus Aldridge, ridding Damian Lillard of most of the support he had to win 51 games in 2014-15. Once the team had been gutted, leaving only Noah Vonleh and Mason Plumlee in the starting frontcourt, the doubt soon piled up.

Winning 20 games, hovering at the bottom of the Western Conference, and having no chance to make the playoffs were the expectations for the Blazers. And as the season has gone on, they couldn’t have shattered those expectations any more.

With a 44-38 record and 5th place standing in the West, they really couldn’t have shattered their expectations any further with the limited team they had. Head coach Terry Stotts has done an excellent job creating a well-balanced, fast-paced rotation to compensate for the weak frontcourt as much as possible, instead using a combination of Plumlee, Vonleh, Ed Davis (a genuine Sixth Man of the Year candidate with 11.2 points and 12.8 rebounds per 36 minutes) and Meyers Leonard (until his season-ending shoulder injury in mid March).

Of course, that’s not been the driving force to the Blazers’ success. Instead, it’s been Lillard’s aggression and career-highs of 25.1 points and 6.9 assists per game next to C.J. McCollum breaking out that has given the team a new identity, one that was so needed after last summer.

McCollum seems like a lock in many people’s opinion for the NBA’s Most Improved Player after receiving a bunch more playing time and making the jump from 6.8 points to 20.9 per game, shooting 42 percent from three in the process. He’s become a dangerous scorer, and along with Lillard and Stotts keeping everything in check, Portland ranked 7th in offensive efficiency.

The Blazers have gone far above and far beyond every expectation this season.

Next: Los Angeles Clippers

Los Angeles Clippers (B+)

The Clippers’ regular season quickly started with disappointment. The new bench players were clearly taking time to fit in while guys such as Paul Pierce were adding almost nothing, Doc Rivers’ rotations were questionable, the average defense had hardly improved, and a 17-13 record was all they had to show for themselves by Christmas.

Seeing as they needed to overcome blowing that 3-1 series lead they held against the Rockets in the second round of the 2015 playoffs, the Clippers weren’t doing anything to prove themselves. To make matters so much worse, their top player of the season so far, Blake Griffin (potentially having the best season of his career), was ruled out indefinitely with a quadriceps tear.

This should have been where the Clippers hit rock bottom, but the way they performed under the elevated leadership of Chris Paul did so much to raise their grade and current standing in the West.

Forced into adopting small-ball, they found success with improved spacing and shooting without Griffin at the four, instead using a combination of Pierce, Wesley Johnson, and Jeff Green (after the February trade deadline) at power forward. No, they were not upgrades over Griffin, but as the team’s defense came together (up from 15th last year to 5th) and their effort increased, the Clippers went 30-15 in Blake’s absence.

Through the times in which the bench still faltered and terrible rebounding emphasized the team’s loss of Griffin, their performance in his absence was generally impressive. And once he returned, slowly finding form and upping his conditioning, it’s clear how good the Clippers can be when he’s around.

Now, they’re once again faced with as much expectation and doubt as anyone. Paul is a worthy top five MVP candidate and DeAndre Jordan deserves some consideration for making an All-NBA team (given the lack of top centers on winning teams), yet that doesn’t do anything to remove the claims that they’ll never get past the second round unless they prove someone wrong.

At this point, a great deal of pressure is riding on Griffin to be fully healthy and take the Clippers to a new level when it matters most.

Next: Oklahoma City Thunder

Oklahoma City Thunder (A)

The Thunder are the biggest losers in the Western Conference for being an elite team at the worst possible time. Not only are the Spurs ahead of them with the league’s best defense that has been historically dominant, they also have to deal with that Warriors team you’ll have heard a little bit about, the one that became the best regular season team in history with 73 wins.

So, if you’re anyone else, possessing a great team and rare superstar talent, you still can’t be enough in comparison to teams that have excelled on a historic level.

The Thunder fall perfectly into this saddening category, no matter what Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook can do (with the latter recording remarkable averages of 23.5 points, 7.8 rebounds and 10.4 assists a night). They can both be more than worthy as top-five MVP candidates, due to the former’s rare and unique scoring ability and the latter’s all-around impact and tenacity. Westbrook has collected triple-doubles at a historic rate, finishing with 18 to tie Magic Johnson’s 1981-82 mark for the most in a  season since the merger.

And this still isn’t enough.

Enes Kaner, a top Sixth Man of the Year candidate who can take over offensively in limited minutes, isn’t enough to carry a bench that doesn’t come close to those of the Spurs or Warriors. His terrible defense, or lack thereof, will be exposed by such teams in the playoffs, too, adding even more worry to the minds of Thunder fans.

This queues the next problem that OKC deals with: their reliance on Durant and Westbrook.

Both are terrorizing forces in their own right, but ones that can easily fall shy of being terrorizing enough to surpass the best two teams in the West. The Thunder have lost an NBA-high 13 games after having a lead at the start of the fourth quarter this season. And while they only had a one, two, or three-point lead at the start of some of these fourth quarters, their reliance on isolation play from Durant and Westbrook, and questionable decisions late in games has been a very real cause for concern.

Head coach Billy Donovan has made the long-overdue decision to stagger Durant and Westbrook’s minutes apart throughout the game in order to spare the bench of too much pressure, and this is all well and good. Yet, no matter what they can create around the deadly duo, they still don’t match the constant depth, poise, and versatility of their superiors.

Next: San Antonio Spurs

San Antonio Spurs (A+)

When a team wins 67 games, rules the NBA in every key defensive statistic, and goes 39-1 at home, you wouldn’t normally expect them to be regarded as the obvious second-best team in the league. In any normal season, when the Warriors didn’t reach new heights after winning a championship and break the ‘unreachable’ record of Michael Jordan’s 1995-96 Bulls, the Spurs would have been the class of the NBA.

As classy and as dangerous as they are, though, the Spurs have had to settle for second best in 2015-16 so far, picking up the 2nd seed in the West and losing their regular season series to the champs 3-1.

They just haven’t been as dominant on quite the same historic level, at least when it comes to offense and matching the relentless output of Stephen Curry or the versatility of a playmaker like Draymond Green. The Spurs still move the ball, they still play for each other as much as ever, LaMarcus Aldridge has been an ideal fit offensively, and Kawhi Leonard has exploded as an elite scorer and deadly shooter in his own right.

The Spurs have serious weapons, but it’s defense that has been the most impressive element of their season.

They led the NBA in defensive efficiency throughout the season and it hasn’t even been close, finishing with a stifling 96.5 points allowed per 100 possessions ahead of the Hawks in 2nd place at 98.8. On top of that, they allowed the fewest points per game (only 92.9), the lowest three-point percentage (33.2), and came 2nd by 0.1 for opponent field goal percentage within five feet (55.4).

Leonard has likely become the Defensive Player of the Year, Tim Duncan’s never-ending elite presence in the paint has been overlooked (largely thanks to Kawhi stealing the spotlight), Aldridge has played the best defense of his career, and the team has generally played incredibly well at that end of the floor.

Overall, the Spurs were so controlling that they led the league in net rating with 10.7 as well (the 7th highest for a season in NBA history), smoothly surpassing the Warriors by 0.1.

Now, let’s just wait and see what happens in the playoffs. If we’re lucky enough to see the Warriors-Spurs Conference Finals that we all want to see, it’s going to be a series for the ages.

Next: Golden State Warriors

Golden State Warriors (A+++)

Ever since the 1995-96 Bulls set the record with 72 wins in a season, you could ask most NBA coaches, players, experts, and fans alike, and most of them would say that the record would never be broken again. Going through a 82-game season with no more than 10 losses is remarkable, and that Bulls team featured all-time greats such as Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman, with the greatest of all time himself in Michael Jordan.

Like Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point game, it looked like an NBA record that could never be broken. And more than 1,000 three-pointers and countless exhilarating play later, the Warriors have done it.

From Stephen Curry’s record-breaking 392 three-pointers to Andre Iguodala’s impact that goes well beyond numbers, the Warriors had everything necessary to run the league and deservedly win each of those 73 games.

What more can be said that hasn’t been said a thousand times?

We know how rare and impressive this team is. Curry’s expanding range and shooting stroke is unprecedented from the moment he passes half court, while the team plays with the kind of cohesive ball movement, defense, depth, and versatility to handle any kind of opponent. With Green’s emergence as not only the most versatile defender in the game, but a talented playmaker, passer, and triple-double machine, they have another elite weapon on a level that no one saw coming, too.

They took a title-winning recipe from 2015, and made it so, so much sweeter in 2016.

Now, surely, it’s time for them to go forward and win their second consecutive NBA championship. This Warriors dynasty is well underway.