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Mark Giannotto, USA TODAYTue, November 25, 2025 at 11:05 AM UTC·11 min readThe first month of the 2025-26 NBA season is in the books and teams are starting to figure out what's real and what's not on their rosters.
The top of the Western Conference is going according to script, as the Oklahoma City Thunder back up their first NBA championship with another dominating start to the regular season as the Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers lurk as intriguing contenders. But other potential challengers like the Los Angeles Clippers and Dallas Mavericks are struggling and the Eastern Conference is full of surprises so far, with the Detroit Pistons climbing to the top of the standings and better-than-anticipated starts for the Toronto Raptors and Miami Heat.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementEnough results are in now to start taking stock of the teams that got better this offseason, the teams that got worse, the teams that are just as good (or as bad) as expected, and the teams best positioned as the 2025-26 campaign wears on. Some organizations have handled the start to the season well. Just as many have not, though.
Here are grades for all 30 NBA teams through results on Sunday, Nov. 23, based on record, expectations and roster development:
Oct. 26: The Dallas Mavericks' Cooper Flagg dunks the ball past the Toronto Raptors' Sandro Mamukelashvili at the American Airlines Center.
Oct. 26: The Washington Wizards' Cam Whitmore dunks the ball against the Charlotte Hornets at Capital One Arena.
Oct. 26: The Brooklyn Nets' Michael Porter Jr. dunks in front of the San Antonio Spurs' Victor Wembanyama at Frost Bank Center.
Oct. 25: The Denver Nuggets' Christian Braun dunks the ball against the Phoenix Suns' Grayson Allen at Ball Arena.
Oct. 24: The Memphis Grizzlies' Jaren Jackson Jr. dunks against the Miami Heat at FedExForum.
Oct. 24: The Miami Heat's Bam Adebayo dunks over the Memphis Grizzlies' Jaren Jackson Jr. at FedExForum.
Oct. 22: The New York Knicks' OG Anunoby goes up for a reverse dunk against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden.
Oct. 22: The Utah Jazz's Lauri Markkanen dunks against the Los Angeles Clippers at Delta Center.1 / 8Dribble into this collection of dunk photos as NBA stars posterize opponents
Oct. 26: The Dallas Mavericks' Cooper Flagg dunks the ball past the Toronto Raptors' Sandro Mamukelashvili at the American Airlines Center.1 / 8Dribble into this collection of dunk photos as NBA stars posterize opponents
Oct. 26: The Dallas Mavericks' Cooper Flagg dunks the ball past the Toronto Raptors' Sandro Mamukelashvili at the American Airlines Center.2 / 8Dribble into this collection of dunk photos as NBA stars posterize opponents
Oct. 26: The Washington Wizards' Cam Whitmore dunks the ball against the Charlotte Hornets at Capital One Arena.3 / 8Dribble into this collection of dunk photos as NBA stars posterize opponents
Oct. 26: The Brooklyn Nets' Michael Porter Jr. dunks in front of the San Antonio Spurs' Victor Wembanyama at Frost Bank Center.
4 / 8Dribble into this collection of dunk photos as NBA stars posterize opponents
Oct. 25: The Denver Nuggets' Christian Braun dunks the ball against the Phoenix Suns' Grayson Allen at Ball Arena.5 / 8Dribble into this collection of dunk photos as NBA stars posterize opponents
Oct. 24: The Memphis Grizzlies' Jaren Jackson Jr. dunks against the Miami Heat at FedExForum.6 / 8Dribble into this collection of dunk photos as NBA stars posterize opponents
Oct. 24: The Miami Heat's Bam Adebayo dunks over the Memphis Grizzlies' Jaren Jackson Jr. at FedExForum.7 / 8Dribble into this collection of dunk photos as NBA stars posterize opponents
Oct. 22: The New York Knicks' OG Anunoby goes up for a reverse dunk against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden.8 / 8Dribble into this collection of dunk photos as NBA stars posterize opponents
Oct. 22: The Utah Jazz's Lauri Markkanen dunks against the Los Angeles Clippers at Delta Center.NBA POWER RANKINGS: Lakers climbing as LeBron James returns
NBA team grades for 2025-26 season
Records through games played on Sunday, Nov. 23
Oklahoma City Thunder: A+
Record: 17-1, 1st in the West
The defending NBA champions are rolling again despite the absence of injured star Jalen Williams thanks to a defense that’s more than seven points better per 100 possessions than the No. 2-rated defense in the league. Guard Ajay Mitchell has also emerged as yet another offensive weapon for the Thunder in Williams’ place.
Detroit Pistons: A
Record: 14-2, 1st in the East
The Pistons are proving to be no fluke in the midst of a 12-game winning streak. They have a legitimate MVP candidate in Cade Cunningham, an early leader for Most Improved Player with Jalen Duren and the best defense in a weakened Eastern Conference with Boston and Indiana ailing.
Denver Nuggets: A-
Record: 12-4, 3rd in the West
Nikola Jokic is playing more efficiently than ever, notorious slow starter Jamal Murray is averaging a career-best 22.8 points per game and Aaron Gordon was on pace to hit more 3-pointers than he ever has before suffering an injury last Friday. The additions of Tim Hardaway Jr., Bruce Brown and Jonas Valanciunas off the bench have Denver positioned as perhaps OKC’s biggest threat in the west.
Miami Heat: A-
Record: 11-6, 4th in the East
The Heat have gone through a complete transformation from year-to-year, morphing from one of the NBA’s four slowest teams in terms of pace last season to its fastest team through the first month of the 2025-26 season. Norman Powell might be the best free agent acquisition of the offseason, Andrew Wiggins and Jaime Jacquez look revitalized, Bam Adebayo and Kel’el Ware form a fearsome combination inside and Tyler Herro is about to make his season debut after being injured to start.
Magic Johnson college dominance: Led Michigan State to the 1979 NCAA Championship, defeating Larry Bird’s Indiana State. NBA: 5× NBA champion in 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987 and 1988 with the Los Angeles Lakers. 3× NBA Finals MVP in 1980, 1982 and 1987. 3× NBA Most Valuable Player in 1987, 1989 and 1990. 12× NBA All-Star: 1980, 1982-1992. 2× NBA All-Star Game MVP in 1990 and 1992. Inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002.
Carmelo Anthony college dominance: In his lone season (2003), led Syracuse to a national championship and earned Final Four Most Outstanding Player honors. Averaged 22.2 points and 10 rebounds per game as a freshman.NBA: 10× NBA All-Star. 2012–13 NBA scoring champion, averaging 28.7 points per game.
1 / 2Before NBA glory: How Jordan, Bird, Magic and Curry ruled in college
Magic Johnson college dominance: Led Michigan State to the 1979 NCAA Championship, defeating Larry Bird’s Indiana State. NBA: 5× NBA champion in 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987 and 1988 with the Los Angeles Lakers. 3× NBA Finals MVP in 1980, 1982 and 1987. 3× NBA Most Valuable Player in 1987, 1989 and 1990. 12× NBA All-Star: 1980, 1982-1992. 2× NBA All-Star Game MVP in 1990 and 1992. Inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002.
1 / 2Before NBA glory: How Jordan, Bird, Magic and Curry ruled in college
Magic Johnson college dominance: Led Michigan State to the 1979 NCAA Championship, defeating Larry Bird’s Indiana State. NBA: 5× NBA champion in 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987 and 1988 with the Los Angeles Lakers. 3× NBA Finals MVP in 1980, 1982 and 1987. 3× NBA Most Valuable Player in 1987, 1989 and 1990. 12× NBA All-Star: 1980, 1982-1992. 2× NBA All-Star Game MVP in 1990 and 1992. Inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002.
2 / 2Before NBA glory: How Jordan, Bird, Magic and Curry ruled in college
Carmelo Anthony college dominance: In his lone season (2003), led Syracuse to a national championship and earned Final Four Most Outstanding Player honors. Averaged 22.2 points and 10 rebounds per game as a freshman.NBA: 10× NBA All-Star. 2012–13 NBA scoring champion, averaging 28.7 points per game.
Toronto Raptors: A-
Record: 12-5, 2nd in the East
The biggest surprise in the East through the first month might be happening north of the border, where Toronto’s trade for Brandon Ingram last year is starting to pay off. He has provided a needed boost for one of the league’s most improved offenses.
Cleveland Cavaliers: B+
Record: 12-6, 3rd in the East
The Cavaliers haven’t been quite as good as a year ago to start the season, with injuries to Darius Garland, Max Strus and Sam Merrill slowing them down. But Donovan Mitchell continues to be among the league’s top scorers and Cleveland remains in good position in the wide-open East.
Houston Rockets: B+
Record: 10-4, 4th in the West
Reed Shepherd is finding his footing as Fred Van Vleet’s replacement at point guard and Kevin Durant is fitting in well with the Rockets, who have a historic offensive rebounding rate through the season’s first month thanks to big men Alperen Sengun and Steven Adams.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementLos Angeles Lakers: B+
Record: 12-4, 2nd in the West
The Lakers successfully managed an early-season back injury to LeBron James because Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are each scoring at career high rates. With James back, their top three is as good as any in the league. Depth and defense at the rim remain long-term concerns.
LeBron James warms up before the game against the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena.
LeBron James warms up before the game against the Utah Jazz.
A look at the shoes of LeBron James.
LeBron James warms up.
By making his 2025-26 season debut, LeBron James broke the NBA record for most seasons played (23), surpassing the mark he and Hall of Fame guard Vince Carter had held.
LeBron James replaced Marcus Smart in the Lakers' starting lineup and will line up alongside Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Deandre Ayton and Rui Hachimura.1 / 6LeBron James makes 2025-26 NBA season debut as Lakers host Jazz
LeBron James warms up before the game against the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena.1 / 6LeBron James makes 2025-26 NBA season debut as Lakers host Jazz
LeBron James warms up before the game against the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena.2 / 6LeBron James makes 2025-26 NBA season debut as Lakers host Jazz
LeBron James warms up before the game against the Utah Jazz.3 / 6LeBron James makes 2025-26 NBA season debut as Lakers host Jazz
A look at the shoes of LeBron James.4 / 6LeBron James makes 2025-26 NBA season debut as Lakers host Jazz
LeBron James warms up.5 / 6LeBron James makes 2025-26 NBA season debut as Lakers host Jazz
By making his 2025-26 season debut, LeBron James broke the NBA record for most seasons played (23), surpassing the mark he and Hall of Fame guard Vince Carter had held.6 / 6LeBron James makes 2025-26 NBA season debut as Lakers host Jazz
LeBron James replaced Marcus Smart in the Lakers' starting lineup and will line up alongside Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Deandre Ayton and Rui Hachimura.Phoenix Suns: B+
Record: 11-6, 6th in the West
After being one of the NBA’s most disappointing teams last season, Phoenix has been a pleasant surprise during the first month of the 2025-26 campaign. The team’s defense is markedly better with the addition of coach Jordan Ott and offseason acquisitions like Dillon Brooks and Mark Williams.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementSan Antonio Spurs: B+
Record: 11-5, 5th in the West
The Spurs were off to their best start in a decade and Victor Wembanyama had entered the MVP conversation with his early-season performances. But Wembanyama, 2024 NBA Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle and 2025 No. 2 overall pick Dylan Harper are all now sidelined by injuries ‒ just as San Antonio got De’Aaron Fox back from injury ‒ to temper the team’s short-term outlook.
Atlanta Hawks: B
Record: 11-7, 5th in the East
The Trae Young situation could get a little awkward in Atlanta. The Hawks are playing well with Young injured as Jalen Johnson, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Onyeka Ongonkwu fill bigger roles. If Young can meld with the group upon returning, Atlanta will be a dangerous playoff team in the Eastern Conference.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementChicago Bulls: B
Record: 9-7, 7th in the East
The Bulls winning their first five games this season feels more like fool’s gold as the season wears on, but it was indicative that the group picked up where last season’s team left off after a stronger-than-expected finish. Coach Billy Donovan has Chicago’s nucleus led by Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis playing hard, even if their ceiling is still limited and center Nikola Vucevic remains a trade target.
Minnesota Timberwolves: B
Record: 10-6, 7th in the West
Minnesota remains in the mix beneath Oklahoma City, Denver and Houston in the Western Conference with Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle one of only two tandems in the league in which both players average more than 25 points per game. But point guard issues, with 2024 first-round pick Rob Dillingham seemingly not ready to take over for veteran Mike Conley, might need to be addressed.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementNew York Knicks: B
Record: 9-6, 6th in the East
The Knicks are playing faster and more efficiently on offense under new coach Mike Brown and effectively weathered an early injury to Jalen Brunson. New York has eight players averaging at least nine points per game thus far after having just five players reach that mark last season.
Philadelphia 76ers: B
Record: 9-7, 8th in the East
After last year’s debacle, Philadelphia should savor the first month of this season. Tyrese Maxey is emerging as the face of the franchise in the wake of Joel Embiid's ongoing injury concerns and ranks second in the NBA in scoring. Rookie VJ Edgecombe got off to a fast start alongside him. Paul George and Jared McCain also recently returned from injury. Embiid's availability remains in doubt moving forward.
2024 Boston Celtics (18th title)
2023 Denver Nuggets (1st title)
2021 Milwaukee Bucks (2nd title)
2018 Golden State Warriors (6th title)
2016 Cleveland Cavaliers (1st title)
2013 Miami Heat (3rd title)
2008 Boston Celtics (17th title)
2007 San Antonio Spurs (4th title)
2006 Miami Heat (1st title)
2005 San Antonio Spurs (3rd title)
2000 Los Angeles Lakers (12th title)1 / 11Zoom in on 25 years of jaw-dropping NBA championship ring bling
2024 Boston Celtics (18th title)1 / 11Zoom in on 25 years of jaw-dropping NBA championship ring bling
2024 Boston Celtics (18th title)2 / 11Zoom in on 25 years of jaw-dropping NBA championship ring bling
2023 Denver Nuggets (1st title)3 / 11Zoom in on 25 years of jaw-dropping NBA championship ring bling
2021 Milwaukee Bucks (2nd title)4 / 11Zoom in on 25 years of jaw-dropping NBA championship ring bling
2018 Golden State Warriors (6th title)5 / 11Zoom in on 25 years of jaw-dropping NBA championship ring bling
2016 Cleveland Cavaliers (1st title)6 / 11Zoom in on 25 years of jaw-dropping NBA championship ring bling
2013 Miami Heat (3rd title)7 / 11Zoom in on 25 years of jaw-dropping NBA championship ring bling
2008 Boston Celtics (17th title)8 / 11Zoom in on 25 years of jaw-dropping NBA championship ring bling
2007 San Antonio Spurs (4th title)9 / 11Zoom in on 25 years of jaw-dropping NBA championship ring bling
2006 Miami Heat (1st title)10 / 11Zoom in on 25 years of jaw-dropping NBA championship ring bling
2005 San Antonio Spurs (3rd title)11 / 11Zoom in on 25 years of jaw-dropping NBA championship ring bling
2000 Los Angeles Lakers (12th title)Boston Celtics: B-
Record: 9-8, 10th in the East
The Celtics continue to hover around .500 without Jayson Tatum and have launched even more 3-pointers than before under coach Joe Mazzulla this year. But the team is currently in no man’s land, neither bad enough to finish at the bottom of the standings nor good enough to be a serious threat.
Golden State Warriors: B-
Record: 9-9, 8th in the West
The Warriors are enduring some early season headwinds with a road-heavy schedule, the league’s worst turnover rate and the lingering uncertainty surrounding Jonathan Kuminga's role with the franchise. But the trio of Steph Curry, Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler, along with a top-notch defense, has ensured they’re still competitive with the other West contenders chasing the OKC Thunder.
Milwaukee Bucks: C+
Record: 8-9, 11th in the East
The Bucks were off to an intriguing start with some new faces surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo and Antetokounmpo was playing at an MVP level. But he's now out with a groin injury and the team is sliding with losses in five of its past six games before Monday's schedule.
Orlando Magic: C+
Record: 10-8, 9th in the East
It hasn’t been smooth sailing for this team with elevated expectations as offseason trade acquisition Desmond Bane finds his way with Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. The Magic still have one of the league’s best defenses and they had won six of their past seven games before Sunday's loss to Boston on the second night of a back-to-back.
Utah Jazz: C
Record: 5-11, 11th in the West
Lauri Markannen is one of six players in the NBA averaging more than 30 points per game and a huge reason the Jazz are on pace to beat their projected preseason win total after the opening month of games.
Portland Trail Blazers: C
Record: 7-10, 9th in the West
The Trail Blazers got wins over the Thunder, Nuggets and Lakers after losing coach Chauncey Billups in the NBA’s gambling scandal to start this season but are just 3-8 in the month of November.
In a developing story, Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and former NBA player Damon Jones all were arrested on Oct. 23, 2025, for their alleged role in an explosive gambling scandal that has rocked the NBA.
Kawhi Leonard and team owner Steve Ballmer are at the forefront of an investigation into whether the team allegedly helped facilitate a $28 million “no-show” endorsement deal for Leonard with a now-bankrupt sustainability company called Aspiration.
The NBA suspended Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis Jr. on Feb. 20, 2025 for 25 games for testing positive for the painkiller Tramadol, which is an opiate.
The NBA gave Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter a lifetime ban in April 2024 for "disclosing confidential information to sports bettors, limiting his own participation in one or more games for betting purposes, and betting on NBA games."
The NBA banned Donald Sterling for life, forced him to sell the Los Angeles Clippers and fined him $2.5 million in April 2014 after racist comments made by Sterling on a private audio recording were disclosed.
In the 2009-10 season, it was discovered Gilbert Arenas had brought guns into the Wizards locker room and had an alteracation with then-teammate Javaris Crittenton involving firearms in the locker room. The NBA suspended both players indefinitely, and Arenas ended up serving a 50-game suspension.
In 2008, NBA referee Tim Donaghy was sentenced to a 15-month prison term and three years of supervised release for betting on games that he officiated.
Latrell Sprewell was fired from the Golden State Warriors after he choked Warriors coach P.J. Carlesimo during a closed door practice.
1 / 8NBA’s biggest scandals: Betting, violence and racism exposed
In a developing story, Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and former NBA player Damon Jones all were arrested on Oct. 23, 2025, for their alleged role in an explosive gambling scandal that has rocked the NBA.
1 / 8NBA’s biggest scandals: Betting, violence and racism exposed
In a developing story, Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and former NBA player Damon Jones all were arrested on Oct. 23, 2025, for their alleged role in an explosive gambling scandal that has rocked the NBA.
2 / 8NBA’s biggest scandals: Betting, violence and racism exposed
Kawhi Leonard and team owner Steve Ballmer are at the forefront of an investigation into whether the team allegedly helped facilitate a $28 million “no-show” endorsement deal for Leonard with a now-bankrupt sustainability company called Aspiration.
3 / 8NBA’s biggest scandals: Betting, violence and racism exposed
The NBA suspended Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis Jr. on Feb. 20, 2025 for 25 games for testing positive for the painkiller Tramadol, which is an opiate.
4 / 8NBA’s biggest scandals: Betting, violence and racism exposed
The NBA gave Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter a lifetime ban in April 2024 for "disclosing confidential information to sports bettors, limiting his own participation in one or more games for betting purposes, and betting on NBA games."
5 / 8NBA’s biggest scandals: Betting, violence and racism exposed
The NBA banned Donald Sterling for life, forced him to sell the Los Angeles Clippers and fined him $2.5 million in April 2014 after racist comments made by Sterling on a private audio recording were disclosed.
6 / 8NBA’s biggest scandals: Betting, violence and racism exposed
In the 2009-10 season, it was discovered Gilbert Arenas had brought guns into the Wizards locker room and had an alteracation with then-teammate Javaris Crittenton involving firearms in the locker room. The NBA suspended both players indefinitely, and Arenas ended up serving a 50-game suspension.
7 / 8NBA’s biggest scandals: Betting, violence and racism exposed
In 2008, NBA referee Tim Donaghy was sentenced to a 15-month prison term and three years of supervised release for betting on games that he officiated.
8 / 8NBA’s biggest scandals: Betting, violence and racism exposed
Latrell Sprewell was fired from the Golden State Warriors after he choked Warriors coach P.J. Carlesimo during a closed door practice.
Charlotte Hornets: D
Record: 4-13, 12th in the East
The Hornets have the NBA’s best rookie (Kon Knueppel), as well as two more intriguing 2025 second-round picks in their starting lineup (center Ryan Kalkbrenner and guard Sion James), so perhaps another year spent as a lottery team should be expected. But it’s season six with LaMelo Ball and the results are again underwhelming.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIndiana Pacers: D
Record: 2-14, 14th in the East
Nobody expected the Pacers to be contenders with Tyrese Haliburton sidelined and Myles Turner now with the Bucks, but the drop-off has been more dramatic than anticipated so far. Indiana has the second-worst NET rating in the league after additional injuries to Benedict Mathurin, Andrew Nembhard and Obi Toppin. It could be a long year before the defending Eastern Conference champions benefit with strong NBA draft lottery odds.
Memphis Grizzlies: D
Record: 6-11, 10th in the West
The Grizzlies have gone from an emerging Western Conference contender a few years ago to a team discussed mainly within the context of potential trade rumors involving Ja Morant. The Memphis star is hurt again and reportedly clashed with new Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo before the injury occurred. Rookie Cedric Coward has been a bright spot and the return of Zach Edey has helped in recent games.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementNew Orleans Pelicans: D-
Record: 2-15, 15th in the West
The Pelicans were bad enough to start this season that the team already had to fire coach Willie Green. Zion Williamson is already missing games due to injury, but rookies Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears have been a breath of fresh air. Still, the team appears lottery-bound again after trading away this year’s first-round draft pick to take Queen.
Washington Wizards: D-
Record: 1-15, 15th in the East
The Wizards have the worst NET rating in the league so far, and it’s not close. But seeing as next year’s lottery odds seem to carry more weight for the organization than wins, everything is going according to plan. Alex Sarr’s improvement early this season is a development to watch.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBrooklyn Nets: F
Record: 3-13, 13th in the East
The Nets have the NBA’s worst defense and none of their record-setting five first-round draft picks have popped yet in a meaningful way. The objective this season was to again be in position to select a top draft pick, but the lack of foundational pieces makes this situation seem more rudderless than other rebuilding franchises.
Dallas Mavericks: F
Record: 5-13, 13th in the West
The disastrous Luka Doncic trade has come home to roost quickly with Anthony Davis sidelined again by injury and general manager Nico Harrison fired less than 10 months after pulling off the stunning move. Cooper Flagg is starting to round into form, but the Mavericks could be in rebuilding mode because of how poorly the start to this season has gone.
Chris Paul of the LA Clippers dribbles during a 129-102 LA Clippers win over the Phoenix Suns at Intuit Dome on Oct. 24, 2025 in Inglewood, Calif.
Chris Paul of the San Antonio Spurs attempts to control a loose ball during the second half of the Emirates NBA Cup game against the Phoenix Suns on Dec. 03, 2024 in Phoenix.
Victor Wembanyama and Chris Paul prepare to have their photograph taken at the San Antonio Spurs Media Day on Sept. 30, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.
Chris Paul of the Golden State Warriors goes around a pick set by Draymond Green while being guarded by Davion Mitchell of the Sacramento Kings in the first quarter during the Play-In Tournament on April 16, 2024 in Sacramento, Calif.
Chris Paul of the Golden State Warriors reacts to referee Scott Foster during the first half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns on Nov. 22, 2023 in Phoenix.
San Antonio Spurs forward-center Victor Wembanyama attempts to block a shot by Golden State Warriors guard Chris Paul during the NBA preseason game between the San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors in San Francisco on Oct. 20, 2023.
Chris Paul of the Phoenix Suns holds the Western Conference Championship trophy after the Suns defeated the LA Clippers in Game Six of the Western Conference Finals on June 30, 2021 in Los Angeles.
Chris Paul of the Phoenix Suns drives on Kyle Lowry of the Toronto Raptors during a game on March 26, 2021 in Tampa, Fla.
Chris Paul of the LA Clippers makes a pass around LaMarcus Aldridge of the San Antonio Spurs on Feb. 24, 2017 in Los Angeles.
Chris Paul of the Los Angeles Clippers scores off of an inbound steal to Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder as Kevin Durant and Dion Waiters look on during a 100-99 Thunder win on Dec. 21, 2015 in Los Angeles.
Chris Paul of the Los Angeles Clippers brings the ball upcourt against the Houston Rockets on March 29, 2014 in Houston.
Gold medallist Chris Paul of the United States celebrates on the podium during the medal ceremony for the Men's Basketball on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympics Games on Aug. 12, 2012 in London.
Chris Paul of the Sophomore Team dunks over Randy Foye of the Rookie Team during the T-Mobile Rookie Challenge at NBA All-Star Weekend on Feb. 16, 2007 in Las Vegas.
Chris Paul of the USA Basketball Team in action against China during the preliminary round of the 2006 FIBA World Championships on Aug. 20, 2006 in Sapporo, Japan.
Chris Paul of the New Orleans Hornets makes a shot around Lamar Odom of the Los Angeles Lakers on March 8, 2006 in New Orleans.
Chris Paul of Wake Forest drives against Donni McGrath of Providence during the Preseason NITsemifinals on Nov. 24, 2004 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Wake Forest won 79-67.1 / 16See highlights from Chris Paul’s NBA career
Chris Paul of the LA Clippers dribbles during a 129-102 LA Clippers win over the Phoenix Suns at Intuit Dome on Oct. 24, 2025 in Inglewood, Calif.1 / 16See highlights from Chris Paul’s NBA career
Chris Paul of the LA Clippers dribbles during a 129-102 LA Clippers win over the Phoenix Suns at Intuit Dome on Oct. 24, 2025 in Inglewood, Calif.2 / 16See highlights from Chris Paul’s NBA career
Chris Paul of the San Antonio Spurs attempts to control a loose ball during the second half of the Emirates NBA Cup game against the Phoenix Suns on Dec. 03, 2024 in Phoenix.3 / 16See highlights from Chris Paul’s NBA career
Victor Wembanyama and Chris Paul prepare to have their photograph taken at the San Antonio Spurs Media Day on Sept. 30, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.4 / 16See highlights from Chris Paul’s NBA career
Chris Paul of the Golden State Warriors goes around a pick set by Draymond Green while being guarded by Davion Mitchell of the Sacramento Kings in the first quarter during the Play-In Tournament on April 16, 2024 in Sacramento, Calif.5 / 16See highlights from Chris Paul’s NBA career
Chris Paul of the Golden State Warriors reacts to referee Scott Foster during the first half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns on Nov. 22, 2023 in Phoenix.6 / 16See highlights from Chris Paul’s NBA career
San Antonio Spurs forward-center Victor Wembanyama attempts to block a shot by Golden State Warriors guard Chris Paul during the NBA preseason game between the San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors in San Francisco on Oct. 20, 2023.7 / 16See highlights from Chris Paul’s NBA career
Chris Paul of the Phoenix Suns holds the Western Conference Championship trophy after the Suns defeated the LA Clippers in Game Six of the Western Conference Finals on June 30, 2021 in Los Angeles.8 / 16See highlights from Chris Paul’s NBA career
Chris Paul of the Phoenix Suns drives on Kyle Lowry of the Toronto Raptors during a game on March 26, 2021 in Tampa, Fla.9 / 16See highlights from Chris Paul’s NBA career
Chris Paul of the LA Clippers makes a pass around LaMarcus Aldridge of the San Antonio Spurs on Feb. 24, 2017 in Los Angeles.10 / 16See highlights from Chris Paul’s NBA career
Chris Paul of the Los Angeles Clippers scores off of an inbound steal to Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder as Kevin Durant and Dion Waiters look on during a 100-99 Thunder win on Dec. 21, 2015 in Los Angeles.11 / 16See highlights from Chris Paul’s NBA career
Chris Paul of the Los Angeles Clippers brings the ball upcourt against the Houston Rockets on March 29, 2014 in Houston.12 / 16See highlights from Chris Paul’s NBA career
Gold medallist Chris Paul of the United States celebrates on the podium during the medal ceremony for the Men's Basketball on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympics Games on Aug. 12, 2012 in London.13 / 16See highlights from Chris Paul’s NBA career
Chris Paul of the Sophomore Team dunks over Randy Foye of the Rookie Team during the T-Mobile Rookie Challenge at NBA All-Star Weekend on Feb. 16, 2007 in Las Vegas.14 / 16See highlights from Chris Paul’s NBA career
Chris Paul of the USA Basketball Team in action against China during the preliminary round of the 2006 FIBA World Championships on Aug. 20, 2006 in Sapporo, Japan.15 / 16See highlights from Chris Paul’s NBA career
Chris Paul of the New Orleans Hornets makes a shot around Lamar Odom of the Los Angeles Lakers on March 8, 2006 in New Orleans.16 / 16See highlights from Chris Paul’s NBA career
Chris Paul of Wake Forest drives against Donni McGrath of Providence during the Preseason NITsemifinals on Nov. 24, 2004 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Wake Forest won 79-67.Los Angeles Clippers: F
Record: 5-12, 12th in the West
There is perhaps no team underperforming relative to preseason expectations more than the Clippers through the opening month of the NBA season, even as James Harden continues to play at a high level. Kawhi Leonard's availability is as unreliable as ever, the Clippers lost Bradley Beal to a season-ending injury and offseason acquisitions Chris Paul and Brook Lopez haven't made a big impact yet.
Sacramento Kings: F
Record: 4-13, 14th in the West
The Kings have one of the NBA’s five worst offenses and defenses this season with two players making more than $40 million (Zack LaVine and Domantas Sabonis) and another earning $24.5 million (DeMar DeRozan). Unlike many of the teams trending as poorly as Sacramento, the Kings are attempting to be competitive this season. They just haven't been very often so far.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NBA team grades for first month of season: Surprises, disappointments
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