Roundball Roundtable: Pleasant surprises, wasted seasons
With just three weeks remaining in the regular season, theScore's NBA editors answer some of the biggest questions around the league.
Who/what has been the most pleasant surprise this season?
Detroit Pistons: A year after the Pistons endured an NBA-record 28-game losing streak en route to a league-worst 14 wins, J.B. Bickerstaff has guided the team to a 40-32 record and a top-six spot in his first season. Cade Cunningham has emerged as a bona fide star, Malik Beasley is having a career-defining Sixth Man of the Year push, and young pieces Jaden Ivey, Jalen Duren, and Ausar Thompson have formed a foundational young core. Focusing on the positives - not the $65 million and five years left on ex-head coach Monty Williams' deal or missing out on the No. 1 pick in successive drafts despite finishing bottom of the league - is vital for a franchise trending in the right direction. - Michael J. Chandler
Dyson Daniels: In an era when guard defense can be overshadowed by the versatility of big men, Daniels has reminded people of the importance of perimeter players. Nicknamed the "Great Barrier Thief" based off his play and Australian roots, Daniels has racked up 202 steals this season, becoming the first player since Chris Paul in 2008-09 to record 200. His defensive instincts have improved, as he has more takeaways than personal fouls (159). Daniels' offense has also taken a step in the right direction, as he's increased his scoring by over eight points per game (13.9). The 21-year-old's play has been a bright spot in an otherwise forgettable season for the Atlanta Hawks. - Donald Higney
Cleveland Cavaliers: The Cavs fired Bickerstaff this past offseason after four-and-a-half years and a disappointing 2024 second-round playoff exit, replacing him with Kenny Atkinson. The 57-year-old Atkinson has unlocked this roster. Cleveland sent more players to the All-Star Game (three) than any other club, has racked up three separate double-digit winning streaks - two lasted at least 15 contests - and comfortably sits first in the East with a 57-14 record. With 11 games remaining, Cleveland has a real chance to match its franchise mark of 66 victories set in 2008-09. - Thomas Tittley
Which team's season has been the biggest letdown?
Philadelphia 76ers: The 76ers were believed to be title contenders entering the season. Paul George joined to form a new Big Three with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. However, the trio only appeared in 294 minutes together, with Embiid and George ruled out for the rest of the year. Embiid played in just 19 contests and averaged 10.9 fewer points than last season, while George averaged his fewest points per game (16.2) since his sophomore campaign in 2011-12. The bad injury luck also trickled down to the role players; rookie Jared McCain suffered a torn meniscus in December, and veteran Eric Gordon required wrist surgery in February. Philly should now focus on the draft lottery and retooling for next season. - Joseph Luca Casciaro
Phoenix Suns: When billionaire mortgage peddler Mat Ishbia replaced Robert Sarver as Suns owner in February 2023, there was plenty of hope. Ishbia's first order of business was to ship Mikal Bridges, Cameron Johnson, Jae Crowder and four unprotected first-round picks to the Brooklyn Nets for Kevin Durant, and in an instant, Ishbia mortgaged the team's future for short-term success. Fast-forward to 2024-25, and the top-heavy Suns are battling for a play-in spot. There are several reasons why, not least the league's fifth-worst defense. They also don't appear to care all that much, illustrated by public spats between coach Mike Budenholzer and Devin Booker and Durant. Such a waste for what could become the most expensive team to ever miss the playoffs. - Chandler
New Orleans Pelicans: The injury bug hit the Pelicans like a freight train this season, which has contributed significantly to their disastrous 19-53 record. Outside of rookie Yves Missi, every single rotational player has spent considerable time on the mend, including Zion Williamson. Over a seven-week stretch, New Orleans lost Dejounte Murray, Herb Jones, and Trey Murphy III to season-ending injuries. Making matters worse is the franchise's meager return for Brandon Ingram, landing two competent veterans in Kelly Olynyk and Bruce Brown from the Toronto Raptors but only one future first-round pick in 2026. The Pelicans should spend the upcoming offseason trying to retool around Williamson and their young pieces. - Higney
Which late-lottery team would we like to see land Flagg?
Portland Trail Blazers: Portland's rise since the middle of January has been unexpected. Chauncey Billups' squad is 19-12 since Jan. 19 and has the league's fifth-best net rating (8.2) over its last five games. The Blazers have a chance to win 40 contests for the first time since 2020-21 and are just 2.5 games behind the struggling Suns team for the final play-in spot. This winning streak is largely thanks to the team's core of Shaedon Sharpe, Scoot Henderson, Deni Avdija, Anfernee Simons, Toumani Camara, and Donovan Clingan, all of whom are 25 or younger. Adding a versatile, creative wing/forward who's a monster help defender and big-time self-creator would immediately catapult Portland into consistent postseason contention. - Tittley
Toronto Raptors: The Raptors have pulled off a fairly entertaining tank, with many losses going right down to the wire. The team is nowhere near title contention, but it has begun taking steps toward being far more competitive. Scottie Barnes continues to improve, RJ Barrett has developed into an elite scorer, Jamal Shead plays with so much tenacity, and we have still yet to see Brandon Ingram take the court for Toronto. A defensive and offensive weapon such as Cooper Flagg would fast-track this team's success. Flagg's slashing and driving ability is exactly what the Raptors desperately need. He shoots 62.1% from within 5 feet, while the Raptors are the NBA's third-worst shooting team from that range (60.1%). - Casciaro
San Antonio Spurs: First, Victor Wembanyama was shelved for the season due to deep vein thrombosis in his shoulder. Then, prized acquisition De'Aaron Fox was shut down for surgery on his pinkie. The Spurs are 8-10 since the All-Star break and could have two shots at Flagg, both with their own pick and the one they got from Atlanta in the Dejounte Murray trade. The latter selection is drifting away from the lottery thanks to the Hawks' play of late, but there's a precedent for winning the lottery in successive seasons, and Atlanta picked No. 1 last year despite a 3% chance. The Spurs have also had plenty of luck with landing the top pick when a generational star is up for grabs. - Chandler
Which star has experienced the biggest falloff?
Lauri Markkanen: Not many people are paying attention to the Utah Jazz, which means Markkanen's sour year has gone under the radar. After reaching an All-Star Game and winning Most Improved Player in 2023 and then enjoying a strong follow-up campaign, Markkanen has taken a step back in 2024-25. The-27-year-old is averaging 19 points per game but is shooting a career-worst 42.3% from the field on 14.9 attempts. He's also recording fewer rebounds (5.9) and assists (1.5) than his averages from the last two campaigns. While his downturn shouldn't be permanent, the Warriors look smart for passing on a trade for Markkanen and instead giving up less for Jimmy Butler. The Jazz need the Finn to return to form as part of their plan to compete. - Higney
Paul George: Things aren't going well in Philadelphia, and while people have certainly noticed George's fall from grace, Joel Embiid's disastrous three-year, $193-million max extension has stolen the majority of the headlines. George, who turns 35 in a couple of weeks, will remain sidelined for the remainder of this campaign as he deals with lingering adductor and knee issues. The 14-year veteran still has three seasons and over $162 million remaining on his massive deal. George was only available for 41 contests and averaged the fifth-fewest minutes per game of his career. His counting stats have fallen off a cliff when compared to his last few campaigns. George scored 6.4 fewer points per game than last season while also being one of the Sixers' least efficient shooters; 14 players to appear in at least one game this campaign have a better true shooting percentage than George's 54.3%.- Tittley
Jrue Holiday: Age may finally be catching up with Holiday. The 34-year-old is averaging his fewest points (10.9) since his rookie campaign and is shooting his worst field-goal percentage (44.3%) since 2015-16. The Boston Celtics guard has tied his worst assists-per-game mark (3.8) of his career and is shooting his worst clip from three (33.6%) since 2018-19. His usage rate (15.9%) and assist percentage (17.2%) are also personal lows. Injuries have caused Holiday to miss 17 games, and he's played just 1,649 minutes this season. With Payton Pritchard reaching new heights off the bench, it seems to be a matter of time before he takes Holiday's job in the starting unit. - Casciaro