ESPN’s season‑end grades arrived as the playoffs opened, ranking every franchise against preseason forecasts. Seven teams earned an A, with the Boston Celtics, San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder topping the list after surpassing lofty expectations. The grading rubric measured whether squads met, exceeded or fell short of their projected win totals, offering a snapshot of league‑wide performance.

Charlotte’s surprise A grade reflected an 18‑9 post‑All‑Star surge that vaulted the Hornets into the play‑in and threatened a first playoff series in a decade. Detroit’s historic 60‑win campaign earned its own A, driven by Cade Cunningham’s MVP‑level play and Jalen Duren’s emergence. Meanwhile, Phoenix and Portland secured B+ marks after exceeding modest forecasts.

Teams that missed the cut, including the Lakers and Raptors, received B‑ and C‑grades, underscoring injuries and roster turnover as key setbacks. The grading exercise reinforces how volatile preseason projections can be, especially with mid‑season trades and health issues reshaping lineups. Fans now eye the bracket, knowing the grades mirror the unpredictable nature of this year’s NBA.

Overall, the grades highlight a league where traditional powerhouses stumbled while smaller markets thrived. Boston’s resurgence, San Antonio’s 62‑win surge and Oklahoma City’s 64‑win consistency illustrate depth across conferences. As the postseason unfolds, these evaluations serve as a benchmark for franchises evaluating coaching decisions, contract extensions and offseason strategies.