Midseason Grades for All 30 NBA Teams
The halfway mark of the 2026 NBA season has arrived, and with it comes a chance to assess which teams are living up to expectations and which ones are falling short. From surprise contenders to struggling franchises, we're breaking down each team's performance so far this year.Surprise Contenders Emerge
The season has been full of surprises, with several teams defying expectations and making a push for the playoffs. The Portland Trail Blazers, led by Damian Lillard, have been one of the biggest stories, sitting atop the Western Conference standings at midseason. Meanwhile, the Chicago Bulls, who were expected to struggle after losing key players in free agency, have found themselves in the thick of things, thanks to a strong team effort and some savvy trades.
Struggling Franchises Look for Turnaround
On the other end of the spectrum are teams that have struggled to find their footing. The Los Angeles Lakers, once considered title contenders, have been plagued by injuries and inconsistent play, leaving them near the bottom of the Western Conference standings. Similarly, the Brooklyn Nets, who were expected to make a deep playoff run, have been beset by injuries and internal conflicts, causing them to fall far short of expectations.
Coaches Under Fire
As midseason grades go, it's not all about the players. Coaches are also being held accountable for their teams' performances. The New York Knicks' Tom Thibodeau is under fire after a disappointing start to the season, while the Houston Rockets' Stephen Silas is facing criticism for his team's lack of progress despite having a talented young core.
Rising Stars Shine
The midseason mark has also seen some impressive performances from younger players. The Minnesota Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards and the Denver Nuggets' Michael Porter Jr. have been standout performers, earning themselves All-Star nods and cementing their status as future NBA stars.
As we reach the halfway point of the 2026 NBA season, it's clear that there are still many storylines to be written. From surprise contenders to struggling franchises, each team has its own unique narrative unfolding. As the second half of the season gets underway, one thing is certain: anything can happen in the world of professional basketball.
