NBA Season Grades: Charlotte Hornets Fly High with an A

Assessing the Season: Grades for All 30 NBA Teams

The dust has barely settled on a thrilling NBA regular season, yet it has already given us plenty to talk about. From breakout performances to league-wide surprises, it seems every franchise experienced its own rollercoaster ride.

While teams prepare for the postseason, it's time to assess how each fared in the grueling 82-game journey. For some, the season was about meeting expectations; for others, it was about surpassing them. With that in mind, I'll hand out grades to all 30 teams based on whether they exceeded, met, or fell short of preseason expectations.

The Charlotte Hornets: An Unexpected Success

Charlotte Hornets: A

2025-26 Record: 44-38

The Hornets entered this season with minimal expectations, merely hoping to develop their young stars while staying out of the NBA's tanking conversation. But instead of bottoming out, they thrived, finishing with a solid record and clinching a spot in the play-in tournament.

“The belief leaguewide was that this season would be a stepping stone, but Charlotte rolled into the playoffs instead.”

With a solid second half of the season, they secured a hard-earned playoff berth, demonstrating resilience and growth, the season can genuinely be labeled an unqualified success.

Who else made the cut for an 'A'?

Boston Celtics: A

Record: 56-26 - Forecast: 43-39

Despite tumultuous roster changes—it's remarkable how Boston recalibrated under Joe Mazzulla's leadership. With stars like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown anchoring the squad, they are poised to reclaim their position as Eastern Conference favorites.

Detroit Pistons: A

Record: 60-22 - Forecast: 47-35

The Pistons skyrocketed from a 14-win season to the top of their division. With players like Cade Cunningham becoming MVP candidates, Detroit has transformed into a contender once more.

Phoenix Suns: A

Record: 45-37 - Forecast: 30-52

Against all odds, the Suns proved their critics wrong, flirting with playoff positions throughout the season.

'B' Grades and More Surprises

Portland Trail Blazers: B+

Record: 42-40 - Forecast: 39-43

Amid off-court distractions, the Blazers showcased their strength and resilience, ultimately securing a play-in spot. The emergence of Deni Avdija has been particularly inspiring.

Looking Ahead

As the playoffs loom, franchises that have struggled all season now face pivotal moments—the chance to alter the narrative surrounding their seasons. Conversely, those that excelled will strive to maintain and build on their momentum.

This postseason not only offers a stage for star players but also for the teams that surprised us all, including our very own Charlotte Hornets. Let's tune in for an exhilarating April and beyond!

For the full breakdown of each team's performance, be sure to check out Tim Bontemps' original analysis here.