The Eastern Conference features two types of teams the Boston Celtics and everyone else. The Celtics, the reigning NBA Offseason, boast the most balanced starting five in decades and are the benchmark for other teams. Unfortunately, there can only be one Boston Celtics.
All other teams fall into the second category, and their primary goal is to defeat the Celtics. Teams like the Knicks, 76ers, and Bucks are gearing up to challenge the Celtics next season, while others are planning for a longer-term battle. Ultimately, every contender must prepare to face the Celtics, who are set to remain formidable for years to come.
Here are the offseason grades for all 15 Eastern Conference teams, evaluated on how well they’ve positioned themselves to compete with the Celtics:
Philadelphia 76ers: A
The 76ers aced their offseason by signing superstar Paul George without sacrificing assets. The move, which traces back to the James Harden trade to the Clippers, also netted them two future first-round picks. George fits seamlessly with Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid, making this trio possibly the best in the NBA. Daryl Morey further bolstered the roster with savvy signings like Caleb Martin, Kelly Oubre Jr., and Andre Drummond, earning the 76ers top marks.
Brooklyn Nets: A
Trading Mikal Bridges transformed the Nets. Although Bridges is not a star, the Nets acquired five first-round picks and a swap, significantly improving their long-term outlook. They regained their picks from the Rockets, setting the stage for a successful rebuild. With smart extensions and strategic signings, Brooklyn’s future looks bright.
Boston Celtics: B+
Already at the top, the Celtics focused on retaining key players with extensions for Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, and Sam Hauser. Their financial strategy keeps the core together for two more years before making necessary adjustments. However, the impending sale of the team introduces uncertainty, slightly lowering their grade.
New York Knicks: B+
Acquiring Mikal Bridges for five first-round picks and a swap was costly, but his fit with the team and financial advantages justify the move. However, the Knicks need to address their center situation to secure a higher grade.
Cleveland Cavaliers: B-
Securing Donovan Mitchell’s extension was crucial, but the Cavaliers’ conservative approach to trading Jarrett Allen or Darius Garland limits their potential. Despite a coaching upgrade with Kenny Atkinson, significant changes are needed to become true contenders.
Milwaukee Bucks: B-
The Bucks made impressive minimum-salary signings, improving their depth significantly. However, their lack of point-of-attack defense remains a concern. They chose not to make aggressive trades, limiting their overall grade.
Orlando Magic: B-
The Magic made sensible moves, like signing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and retaining key players. However, they failed to address their need for a traditional shot-creating guard or high-volume 3-point shooter, keeping their grade modest.
Indiana Pacers: C+
The Pacers swapped Jalen Smith for James Wiseman and secured Pascal Siakam on a max deal. While maintaining stability was smart, the lack of significant improvements limits their grade.
Atlanta Hawks: C+
Trading Dejounte Murray for valuable picks and players was wise, but the Hawks’ draft decision raises questions. Additionally, they need to move Clint Capela to allow Onyeka Okongwu to start, impacting their overall grade.
Washington Wizards: C
Drafting Alex Sarr over Reed Sheppard might backfire, given Sarr’s poor Summer League showing. Trading Deni Avdija and signing Jonas Valanciunas were reasonable moves, but the Wizards’ rebuilding effort remains uninspired.
Toronto Raptors: C
Re-signing Immanuel Quickley and extending Scottie Barnes were necessary but aggressive moves. The Raptors maintained their core without significant changes, resulting in an average grade.
Charlotte Hornets: C
Acquiring Josh Green for free was a smart move, but overpaying for Miles Bridges, who has yet to prove himself consistently, lowers their grade. The Hornets need more impactful changes to improve.
Comments