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Tim Bontemps
With every NBA team having played at least 41 games, it’s time to reflect on the surprises, historic feats, and numerous twists of the 2025-26 season so far. (Yes, even one trade!)
Two young teams—the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder and a revived Detroit Pistons squad—have surged to significant leads in both conferences. Trade discussions involving star forwards Giannis Antetokounmpo and Anthony Davis have led headlines for months. At the same time, the uncertain futures of LeBron James and Chris Paul have shone a light on the league’s emergent talents.
Many other narratives have unfolded in the first half of the season. After talking to various coaches, executives, and scouts around the league this week, let’s delve into what we’ve learned from each team.
Statistics are current through Wednesday’s games.
Jump to a team:
ATL | BOS | BKN | CHA | CHI
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GS
HOU | IND | LAC | LAL | MEM
MIA | MIL | MIN | NOP | NYK
OKC | ORL | PHI | PHX | POR
SAC | SA | TOR | UTAH | WAS
Midseason Insight: Trae Young’s defense wasn’t the sole concern.
Young’s unconventional fit in Atlanta was heavily criticized before he was traded to the Wizards last month. even if the team’s defense struggled in the limited minutes Young played this season, his offensive contributions were clear. With the elite playmaker sidelined for much of the season due to right leg injuries—playing only 10 games—the Hawks’ offense has ranked 25th in the NBA.
Midseason Insight: Neemias Queta may be a starting-caliber center.
With Kristaps Porzingis, Luke Kornet, and Al Horford leaving through trades or free agency this offseason, a significant gap emerged. The Celtics turned to Queta, 26, to step up—and he has responded well. Boston performs 5.4 points per 100 possessions better during his playtime, with a defensive ranking that would sit second in the league when Queta is on the court. The first Portuguese-born player in NBA history, Queta has been instrumental in Boston’s strong first half, even in the absence of injured star Jayson Tatum. “I think he’s a starter,” one Western Conference scout told ESPN. “He does everything you want in a center.”
Midseason Insight: Michael Porter Jr. is becoming a noteworthy trade candidate.
After Brooklyn received a first-round pick from Denver as part of the offseason move to bring Porter aboard, the goal for any team in the Nets’ position should be to convert the forward into another pick before he departs. even with taking on the primary scoring role for a rebuilding franchise, Porter has maintained his efficiency, making him attractive to contending teams as the trade deadline approaches on Feb. 5.
Midseason Insight: LaMelo Ball is contributing positively despite criticism.
Ball has become one of the more divisive players in the league; he’s an electrifying talent but has faced inquiries regarding his overall contribution to winning. This season, the data is revealing: the Hornets improve over six points per 100 possessions when Ball plays, boasting an offense that would rank third in the league with him on the court—compared to 27th when he’s off.
Midseason Insight: Chicago must determine its future direction.
The Bulls are on track for a fourth consecutive season finishing below .500. yet, with many expiring contracts and intriguing young talent, Chicago faces decisions. As the trade deadline nears, the core question becomes whether they will commit to a direction or remain mired in mediocrity. Much attention is on soon-to-be unrestricted free agents Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu as the deadline approaches.
Midseason Insight: Darius Garland is a key player.
The Cavaliers have faced numerous challenges this season, far from their 64-win pace from last year. Garland has been pivotal—both in his availability and the effect he has while on the floor. Compared to last season, when he orchestrated the league’s best offense, Cleveland’s offensive output is more than eight points per 100 possessions worse when he plays. With another toe injury affecting Garland, Cleveland’s chances of reclaiming their previous success hinge on getting their All-Star back in prime form.
Midseason Insight: Cooper Flagg is proving himself.
Initially struggling as a full-time point guard during the early season, Flagg’s shift back to his natural wing position under Mavericks coach Jason Kidd has paid off dramatically: he’s now averaging 20.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.2 steals per game, shooting 48% from the field. Others with such stats this season include Nikola Jokic, Jalen Johnson, and Alperen Sengun.
Midseason Insight: Peyton Watson is making a case for a contract raise.
In light of a spate of injuries in Denver, Watson has positioned himself for a pay increase this summer. Following Nikola Jokic’s knee injury on Dec. 29, Watson’s averages have risen to 22.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 1.2 blocks, with shooting percentages of 49.5% overall and 41.5% from beyond the arc—leading one top executive to estimate he could command a contract near $20 million annually as a restricted free agent.
Midseason Insight: Detroit deserves serious consideration.
A traditional measure of championship-quality teams is ranking within the top 10 for both offense and defense, as well as top five in net rating. Halfway through the season, Detroit is 11th offensively, second defensively, and tied for second in net rating—a remarkable showing from a youthful team still developing synergy. With the trade deadline looming, it will be intriguing to see if Detroit enhances its roster for a title push or chooses to remain patient. Current signals from the front office seem to suggest the latter.
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Stephen A.: Warriors headed for first-round exit without Butler
Stephen A. Smith expresses his concerns about the impact of Jimmy Butler’s season-ending injury, predicting it will result in a first-round playoff exit for the Warriors.
Midseason Insight: De’Anthony Melton has had an underrated impact.
The Warriors’ plans derailed significantly following Jimmy Butler III’s torn ACL last Monday. This injury has overshadowed Golden State’s recent improved performance and Melton’s successful comeback from his own ACL tear suffered early last season. Melton’s scoring has nearly doubled from December to January, as he now shoots 49% from the field and 40.8% from 3 this month, with the Warriors performing 19 points per 100 possessions better when he plays. “He’s been very good. He fits in anywhere,” said an Eastern Conference scout.
Midseason Insight: Reed Sheppard is on the right track.
Sheppard faced scrutiny after struggling on opening night against the tough Oklahoma City defense, raising doubts about his role as a key part of the Rockets’ rotation following Fred VanVleet’s knee injury. yet, Sheppard has rewarded the team’s patience, now averaging 13 points, shooting over 40% from 3, and providing 1.4 steals per game. His impactful performance includes scoring 21 points in a comeback win over San Antonio. “People wrote him off way too soon,” said an East scout. “I think respect for him is growing, but some were too quick to critique his game. He can play.”
Midseason Insight: Things are on track.
The defending Eastern Conference champions have faced a challenging season, holding the second-worst win percentage in the league. Tyrese Haliburton’s absence this season may afford Indiana the opportunity to secure a high lottery pick. yet, insiders report that the Pacers may seek to acquire players before the trade deadline to hasten a return to contention next season.
Midseason Insight: Kawhi Leonard remains a dominant force.
Leonard’s stellar season has flown under the radar amid the Clippers’ rocky start and ongoing investigation into potential salary cap violations. The two-time Finals MVP is averaging a career-best 28.2 points and leads the league with 2.2 steals. Since LA’s 14-3 run began on Dec. 20, no player has averaged more points than Leonard’s 32.7 per game.
0:58
Lakers fortunes turn as Reaves nears return
Dave McMenamin reports on the Lakers’ performance following their victory over the Nuggets.
Midseason Insight: The defense remains inadequate.
The Lakers currently hold a 13-2 record in clutch-time games, the best win percentage in the league. yet, this success has masked deeper issues; they are being outscored across the season, currently ranking 25th in defense, below teams like Brooklyn, New Orleans, Sacramento, Washington, and Utah. This simply isn’t sufficient for a team aiming for the playoffs, prompting expectations of perimeter improvements ahead of the trade deadline.
Midseason Insight: Ja Morant might be on his way out, but his performance isn’t helping.
NBA teams might tolerate a lot from players seen as indispensable, but Memphis’s enduring support for Morant suggests otherwise. The acknowledgment that they might trade him, per ESPN’s Shams Charania, indicates a loss of that tolerance. While glimpses of Morant’s former All-NBA prowess have surfaced—like his brilliant performance in London and a 40-point showing against the 76ers—these have been overshadowed by career-low shooting percentages throughout this challenging season.
Midseason Insight: Miami’s new offense has hit a hurdle.
Miami’s early buzz around a fluid new offensive strategy has devolved into a regression, sinking to 20th in efficiency, mirroring past seasons (21st, 21st, and 25th). Limited availability of All-Star Tyler Herro for just 11 games has contributed to this decline, as the Heat have struggled without a premier offensive talent. They might find themselves in a dire situation were it not for the acquisition of All-Star hopeful Norman Powell, who is averaging 23.7 points per game.
Midseason Insight: No trade will restore the Bucks’ contender status.
It’s often assumed that any roster featuring Giannis Antetokounmpo is a title contender, especially this season in an open Eastern Conference. yet, the Bucks’ reality tells a different story. Historically an Eastern powerhouse due to Antetokounmpo, they have struggled to stay within playoff contention. The Bucks are an abysmal 3-11 when he’s sidelined, and only 15-14 when he plays. With insufficient trade assets at their disposal, a substantial move to reshape the franchise around the two-time MVP appears unlikely. “The Bucks should be tanking this season,” an easterly executive advised. “That would enable them to start their rebuild with a high pick in a robust draft.”
Midseason Insight: Rudy Gobert is back in the Defensive Player of the Year conversation.
Turning 34 in June, Gobert’s dominance as a defender remains evident. Minnesota’s defense improves by 11 points per 100 possessions when he plays. Should Victor Wembanyama fall short of the 65-game threshold for eligibility, Gobert, a four-time DPOY winner, could potentially surpass Ben Wallace and Dikembe Mutombo for the all-time record.
Midseason Insight: Derik Queen is the lone bright spot for the Pelicans.
The draft night trade might have cost New Orleans the No. 1 pick in June, but it has offered them a promising prospect in what’s been a dismal season. Queen’s soft shooting touch and creativity have led to radiant flashes of brilliance, including two triple-doubles. Now averaging 13.4 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 5.4 assists in 33 starts, Queen is a bright future prospect for the team.
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Stephen A. sounds off on Knicks defense: ‘They’re horrible’
Stephen A. Smith and Chris “Mad Dog” Russo analyze the Knicks’ struggles since Christmas.
Midseason Insight: Can the defense be improved?
even with a recent win against their cross-town rivals, the Knicks have ongoing defensive issues that must be addressed before they can be contending teams. Even prior to a 2-9 slump that led to a players-only meeting, the Knicks were performing as the 26th-ranked defense in the league, showing their need for a turnaround.
Midseason Insight: Jalen Williams must regain his health.
Williams’ difficulties returning from offseason wrist surgery may have been underestimated. Now, sidelined for an extended period with a hamstring strain, Williams is facing career-low shooting percentages (47% overall, 30.3% from 3). With reigning MVP Shai-Gilgeous Alexander and star big man Chet Holmgren on the roster, the Thunder’s opportunity for a repeat hinges on Williams regaining the form that led to a stunning 40-point performance in Game 5 of the Finals.
Midseason Insight: The effectiveness of the team is better without Paolo Banchero on the court.
The No. 1 pick in 2022 is an All-Star, boasts a max contract, and represents Team USA. Nevertheless, throughout Banchero’s first four seasons, the Magic have consistently performed better when he is on the bench. (This season, Orlando is about five points per 100 possessions more effective without him.) Enhancing his offensive efficiency should be a priority; Banchero, who sat out 10 games earlier this season due to a groin injury, is experiencing a career-low shooting percentage of 26.9% from 3 and nearly 45% overall for a third consecutive season.
Midseason Insight: VJ Edgecombe was a worthy investment.
In a rare instance for a rookie, Edgecombe has made an immediate impact for a playoff-hopeful team. The 76ers see a 4.6-point improvement per 100 possessions when he’s on the floor. For a player initially questioned regarding his shooting capabilities, Edgecombe is hitting 37.4% of nearly six 3-point attempts nightly. The decision to prioritize the protected 2025 first-round pick looks justified, as Philadelphia seems to have discovered its backcourt for the next decade with Edgecombe and Tyrese Maxey.
Midseason Insight: Dillon Brooks is a culture-setter.
After his tumultuous exit from Memphis in 2023 raised doubts about his viability within a championship framework, Brooks has effectively reset culture for both the young Rockets and, more recently, the Suns—a team few predicted would become a top-six seed in the Western Conference. While Devin Booker and coach Jordan Ott deserve credit for that revival, team insiders point to Brooks’s contributions since his acquisition in the Kevin Durant trade.
Midseason Insight: Donovan Clingan could develop as a 3-point shooter.
Clingan entered the league in 2024 known for his defensive prowess but has since shown unexpected promise in his outside shooting. While it’s early to label Clingan as the next formidable stretch-5, his shooting ability has caught attention around the league. even if he’s currently shooting 31% on approximately three attempts per game, a December stretch of 12-for-23 suggests substantial growth. Hitting closer to 35% would greatly enhance Portland’s long-term prospects, considering Clingan’s defensive skills.
Midseason Insight: No team is further from contention than the Kings.
A year after trading De’Aaron Fox to the Spurs, the Kings find themselves without stars or direction, headed toward an arduous rebuild. They should be positioned to secure a high lottery pick in a loaded 2026 draft, but with veterans bound by multiyear contracts littering the roster, the path ahead seems long. “They’ll just aim for the lottery and hope for a favorable outcome, and that’s likely their best strategy,” noted an eastern executive.
Midseason Insight: Victor Wembanyama is returning to old habits.
Wembanyama is continuing to become the transformative player predicted when he was drafted No. 1 by the Spurs in 2023. yet, after emphasizing his inside game for most of the season, the 7-foot-4 center has recently reverted towards the perimeter. His volume for 3-point and midrange shots has increased while his scoring in the paint has declined since a knee tweak against the Knicks on Dec. 31. Is this favoring opponents? “He’s still perfecting his jump shot. We made him shoot difficult fadeaways. He had a few early shots, but for the majority we forced him to shoot over us. He’s most dangerous when he’s taking layups or dunks,” stated Kevin Durant following Houston’s comeback win on Tuesday.
Midseason Insight: Collin Murray-Boyles is already making a defensive impact.
With center Jakob Poeltl sidelined due to back issues, Murray-Boyles has stepped into a critical role. The ninth pick in the 2025 draft has delivered strong results, with Toronto’s defense performing over four points per 100 possessions better with the rookie on the floor. Expect him, often compared to Draymond Green for his 6-7, 245-pound frame, to remain crucial to coach Darko Rajakovic’s rotation as Toronto strives for a top-four seed. “It’s easy to label him as a poor man’s version of Draymond; if he can become that, it will lead to significant success,” said an eastern scout.
Midseason Insight: Keyonte George has made significant improvements.
Amid a narrative focused on acquiring another young foundational player and a top-eight protected draft pick, George’s striking progress has gone somewhat under the radar. He’s made a tremendous leap in scoring (24.4 points per game, up from 16.8) while also improving his shooting efficiency, hitting at a higher rate on both field goals and free throws.
Midseason Insight: The Wizards’ plan is starting to unfold.
even if the Wizards remain tied for the fewest wins in the NBA this season, a clearer roadmap has emerged compared to prior years. While Trae Young may not debut until next season, his acquisition suggests a plan. Rookie Tre Johnson is showing potential (shooting 39.1% from 3), and center Alex Sarr has been developing alongside what will soon be an elite playmaker in Young. With significant salary cap space this summer and another high lottery pick on the horizon, the upcoming season may represent a notable turning point in their rebuild.
