The Celtics have been labeled one of the most impressive teams of the 21st century. Their average point differential of 11.3 is the highest out of any team in the league and ranks 5th all time. Boston also holds the record for the highest offensive rating by a team in NBA history at 123.2. Most notably, the Celtics hoist an 11.6 net rating, the 4th highest in NBA history. “If Kristaps Porzingis is healthy, they could make it all the way.” Oakdale art teacher Mr. Bill Bingman emphasized. With the best record in the league and a whopping 64 wins, this historic squad is the current favorite to be crowned champions. 

Many know the tragic story of the Pistons’ season. After a 2-1 start in their first 3 games, they broke the record for the longest single-season losing streak with 28 straight losses. The team finished bottom 5 in net rating, defensive rating, and offensive rating this season, and their win percentage was the 12th worst in NBA history. Expectedly, these factors contributed to a measly 14-68 record, and Detroit’s worst season in franchise history.

As the regular season comes to a close, a familiar face has stood out in the MVP race. 2-time MVP Nikola Jokic led the Denver Nuggets to the 2nd seed in the Western Conference. The center finished the season averaging 26.6 points, 12.4 rebounds , and 9 assists per game. Denver’s net rating with Jokic on the court was 20.1 points higher than their net rating with him off the court. That number is the highest for any player this season by a mile, unquestionably making him one of the most impactful players in the NBA. If Jokic were to win the award, he’d become the 9th 3-time MVP ever. 

It’s no secret how sensational Victor Wembanyama’s debut was. The 7 foot 4 inch beast averaged 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.2 steals, and 3.6 blocks per game. The San Antonio Spurs’ net rating was 7.5 points worse with Wembanyama off the floor than with him on the floor, perfectly displaying his immense impact as a 1st-year player. Most shocking is the 20-year old’s 3-point shooting, draining 37.5% of his pull-up and off-the-dribble 3-point shot attempts. After being described as one of the best basketball prospects ever in the offseason, Wembanyama is on the verge of capping off his inaugural season by securing the Rookie of the Year trophy. 

In the past two years the Timberwolves closed their season with a first round playoff exit. Acquiring center Rudy Gobert looked like a huge blunder and the team made little to no progress. Fast forward to today, and the Timberwolves hold the 3rd seed in the Western Conference, achieving their highest win total since 2004 with 56. Shooting guard Anthony Edwards and center Karl-Anthony Towns were each voted as All-Stars and Gobert is the favorite for Defensive Player of the Year, steering the team to a league-leading 109 defensive rating. “I thought they’d be a middle-of-the-pack team. They did exceed my expectations due to Edwards making a jump and Gobert starting to play good again,” Junior Nate Colbert summarized.

Summer of 2023 for the Suns was filled with thrilling decisions, including the acquisition of former All-Star guard Bradley Beal, the hiring of Frank Vogel for head coach, and trading away center Deandre Ayton for a handful of role-players. The new-look lineup with All-Stars Devin Booker and Kevin Durant at the helm was labeled as a serious contender prior to the season. However, Phoenix’s regular season was completely discouraging. The trio of Booker, Beal, and Durant only played 41 games together and the team only earned 49 wins. “They’ll make playoffs, but they won’t go far. They aren’t deep enough,” Bingman commented. “They were major disappointments,” Colbert added.  The group was expected to be a powerhouse, but has now settled for the 6th seed in the Western Conference, far from attaining huge playoff success.