The 2025-26 NBA season has been underway for a month, and we have already witnessed spectacular moments. The clash between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Houston Rockets, for example, could be considered the best game of the year so far. Although a month is not enough to draw definitive conclusions, it is enough time for narratives to develop that could define the coming months, including the trade deadline in February and the race to the playoffs. With this in mind, and after talking with league insiders across the country over the past week, we analyze a lesson learned for each of the 30 teams.Statistics are updated through Wednesday’s matches.
Contents
Atlanta HawksBoston CelticsBrooklyn NetsCharlotte HornetsChicago BullsCleveland CavaliersDallas MavericksDenver NuggetsDetroit PistonsGolden State WarriorsHouston RocketsIndiana PacersLA ClippersLos Angeles LakersMemphis GrizzliesMiami HeatMilwaukee BucksMinnesota TimberwolvesNew Orleans PelicansNew York Knicks
Atlanta Hawks
Lesson after a month: There could be a plan for the post-[Trae Young](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4277905/trae-young)Trae Young era.What we hear: Young’s knee injury, which will keep him out of the courts for at least four weeks, has given the Hawks the opportunity to evaluate what the team could look like if Young were to leave as a free agent or via a trade next summer, when he has a player option for $48.9 million. The initial results are promising. Atlanta has had a 7-2 record without its star point guard and, more interestingly, ranks fourth in defensive efficiency in that span. Atlanta has never finished better than 18th in Young’s seven NBA seasons.The situation highlights the delicate dynamic between the face of the franchise and a team in possible transition. And, with several more weeks before Young’s return, this stage will only increase interest in whether his long-term future is in Atlanta or elsewhere.“I think Trae Young’s situation is fascinating,” commented an executive from the Western Conference.
An executive from the Western Conference
Boston Celtics
Lesson after a month: The “Mazzulla ball” is not going away.What we hear: With [Jayson Tatum](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4065648/jayson-tatum) Jayson Tatum recovering from an Achilles tendon injury and the departures of [Kristaps Porzingis](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3102531/kristaps-porzingis) Kristaps Porzingis, [Al Horford](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3213/al-horford) Al Horford and [Jrue Holiday](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3995/jrue-holiday) Jrue Holiday, the doubt arose in the league about whether Boston would move away from the focus on three-pointers that it has adopted under coach Joe Mazzulla. The answer has been clear, since Boston, despite having fewer shooters on its roster, is behind Cleveland in terms of three-pointers attempted per game. Mazzulla has remained true to his training philosophy in his short time on the Boston bench. This year’s team is the most recent example.Brooklyn Nets
Lesson after a month: Jordi Fernandez is not fixing things this time.What we heard: League experts praised the way Fernandez kept the Nets competitive during a 26-56 season, which hovered around .500 until last year’s Thanksgiving before falling off. But no coaching skill will be able to boost a roster designed to ensure Brooklyn gets a top-tier prospect in the loaded 2026 draft. Several executives said this is the least talented roster in the league, with mixed results, at best, from the five first-round picks the Nets took in the June draft.Charlotte Hornets
Lesson after a month: Kon Knueppel’s chances of being Rookie of the Year are real.What we hear: The first pick, [Cooper Flagg](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/5041939/cooper-flagg), was expected to easily win the league’s rookie of the year award, but the biggest challenge for the Dallas phenomenon could be his former Duke teammate. Knueppel, with 18.3 points per game, leading the rookie class, and his 40% three-point shooting, has already impressed scouts with his shooting ability and understanding of the game.Chicago Bulls
Lesson after a month: They could be a possible transfer destination.What we hear: The Bulls are in a fascinating intermediate situation. Coach Billy Donovan has done a great job with this group, but the Bulls lack a star to build around. Second-year forward [Matas Buzelis](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4711294/matas-buzelis)Matas Buzelis has shown interesting flashes, and the team has the ability to open up a lot of cap space this summer, but [Coby White](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4395651/coby-white)Coby White and [Nikola Vucevic](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/6478/nikola-vucevic)Nikola Vucevic are about to become free agents. That means the Bulls could go in several directions over the next few months, including adding to the current roster. This has led some to speculate whether Chicago, with more than $80 million in expiring money, could be a suitor for [Anthony Davis](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/6583/anthony-davis)Anthony Davis from Dallas and bring the Windy City native home.“[[Josh] Giddey](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4871145/josh-giddey)Josh] Giddey has worked well with Vucevic, but could use a role player to throw the ball to.”“I could see it,” said an executive from the Western Conference, who recently saw Chicago play.
An executive from the Western Conference
Cleveland Cavaliers
Lesson after a month: The changes of the low season are having an impact, but not a good one at the moment.What we’re hearing: By essentially replacing the 2025 Sixth Man finalist [Ty Jerome](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4065733/ty-jerome)Ty Jerome with [Lonzo Ball](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4066421/lonzo-ball)Lonzo Ball, the Cavaliers knew they were risking a lower ceiling in the regular season in favor of a higher one in the playoffs. That’s exactly what league experts are seeing during the first month of the 2025-26 season. The departure of Jerome and the absence of [Darius Garland](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4396907/darius-garland)Darius Garland, who has played only 73 minutes while dealing with a toe injury, has caused last season’s top-ranked offense to fall out of the top 10.“Are they better [than last year]? Probably not. They’ve always needed [Evan [Mobley](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4432158/evan-mobley)Evan [Mobley] to improve even more, and he’s not there yet.”“They’re not great right now, but they have at least two fewer starters,” said a scout from the West, referring to Garland, [Max Strus](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4065778/max-strus)Max Strus and [Sam Merrill](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4066757/sam-merrill)Sam Merrill, all missing playing time. “Lonzo hasn’t been great.
A scout from the West
Dallas Mavericks
Lesson after a month: A trade for Anthony Davis won’t be easy.What we hear: The Mavericks are expected to explore a trade for Davis between now and the February trade deadline, something rival teams also expect to happen. The problem for the Mavericks is that any potential return will look more like the trade of [Kevin Durant](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3202/kevin-durant)Kevin Durant to Houston, a couple of solid players and a draft pick, than, for example, the trades of [Rudy Gobert](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3032976/rudy-gobert)Rudy Gobert or [Donovan Mitchell](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3908809/donovan-mitchell)Donovan Mitchell out of Utah a couple of years ago, which each obtained for the Jazz control over several first-round picks. “With the lack of picks in the league now, that’s what you should expect for a deal for [Davis],” said a scout from the West. Several other sources had difficulty producing a deep list of suitors for Davis, who is scheduled to earn $54.1 million, $58.4 million, and $62.7 million in the next three seasons.Denver Nuggets
Lesson after a month: Jamal Murray’s end-of-season has arrived early.What we hear: Murray has long been viewed by scouts and opposing executives as a player who adapts slowly to the season. But if the guard’s early games are any indication, Murray could be changing that narrative. The 28-year-old is averaging 22.5 points, the most of his career, a production that Denver will need to continue with [Christian Braun](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4431767/christian-braun)Christian Braun out until around the New Year with a severe sprain in his left ankle.
“He’s moving well, his body looks good… I’m impressed,” said a scout from the Eastern Conference. “It’s been a big part of their good start. They’re in the inner circle of contenders largely because of the work he’s been doing alongside Jokic.”Detroit Pistons
Lesson after a month: Jalen Duren made the right decision.What we heard: Practically no talk of Duren and Detroit reaching an agreement before the league’s rookie extension deadline on October 20th, and sources said at the time that the two sides were quite far apart on price. Duren has responded with the best month of his career, not only with career highs in points (20.6) and rebounds (11.9) per game, but also with significant defensive improvement. Duren, after allowing 62% of shots in the paint last season, is down to 53% this season. That has led league experts to firmly include him in the Most Improved Player race, and to project a good payday when he becomes a restricted free agent in July.Golden State Warriors
Lesson after a month: Kuminga’s situation remains unresolved.What we hear: It wouldn’t be a Warriors season without the drama surrounding Kuminga’s future, who, [as reported by ESPN’s Anthony Slater] remains in limbo with the team. While Kuminga’s role has fluctuated again from starter to substitute before dealing with a knee problem, the same underlying inconsistencies that have followed him during his early years have resurfaced once more.“She has looked better and has been trying to fit in, but she still falls back on her old habits.” The calculation for a possible Kuminga trade remains complicated, as Golden State is not going to get rid of him, and with the Warriors being right up against the second luxury tax apron, there is difficulty in finding value for him and a team that acquires the 23-year-old player. “Who’s going to take it?” said the talent scout. “Are they going to transfer him for things they don’t want, or are they simply going to wait? It’s very difficult to find a transfer that makes sense for everyone.”“He is who he is, even though he is young,” said a scout from the East.
A scout from the East
Houston Rockets
Lesson after a month: Houston has the opportunity to be the best offensive rebounding team in history.What we’re hearing: The Rockets are capturing more than two out of every five missed shots. To put their absurd 40.5% offensive rebound rate in perspective: the difference between Houston and second-place Portland is the same as between the Trail Blazers and the 16th-ranked Nets. No team since 1996-97 has exceeded 38% in a full season. This is how the Rockets have the best offense in the league while being last in terms of 3-point shot volume, being the only team that takes less than 30 per game.Indiana Pacers
Lesson after a month: It’s a good time for a sabbatical.What we heard: Indiana was expected to take a step back with All-Star point guard [Tyrese Haliburton](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4396993/tyrese-haliburton)Tyrese Haliburton out for the season due to a torn Achilles tendon and center [Myles Turner](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3133628/myles-turner)Myles Turner leaving the team to go to Milwaukee as a free agent. But no one could have predicted this start for the current Eastern Conference champions, who have started with a series of injuries beyond Haliburton. The Pacers have the worst offense in the league with the second-worst net rating, just ahead of Washington. The consolation in Indy is that, after reacquiring their 2026 draft pick from New Orleans in June, the Pacers can hope to get an elite prospect next spring.LA Clippers
Lesson after a month: In the NBA, you can get old quickly.What we heard: At the start of the season, the Clippers were seen by many scouts and executives I spoke with as the best team in Los Angeles, praised for essentially replacing [Norman Powell](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/2595516/norman-powell)Norman Powell with [John Collins](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3908845/john-collins)John Collins and [Bradley Beal](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/6580/bradley-beal)Bradley Beal and then signing [Brook Lopez](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3448/brook-lopez)Brook Lopez and [Chris Paul](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/2779/chris-paul)Chris Paul to bolster their depth. But Beal is out for the season due to a hip injury, and Lopez and Paul have proven to be 37 and 40 years old, respectively. All of this has left the Clippers, with [Kawhi Leonard](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/6450/kawhi-leonard)Kawhi Leonard again injured, in a position where they could send an unprotected lottery pick to the Thunder next spring, as the trade of [Paul George](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4251/paul-george)Paul George continues to give to the current champions.
Los Angeles Lakers
Lesson after a month: They are good, but how good?What we hear: It’s been a fascinating opening month in Los Angeles. [Luka Doncic](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3945274/luka-doncic)Luka Doncic and [Austin Reaves](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4066457/austin-reaves)Austin Reaves have posted huge numbers, and [LeBron James](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/1966/lebron-james)LeBron James [has basically missed everything](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/47013794/what-los-angeles-lakers-insiders-monitoring-lebron-james-makes-unprecedented-return)has basically missed everything. [Deandre Ayton](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4278129/deandre-ayton)Deandre Ayton has been productive… but the Lakers are several points better per 100 possessions with him on the bench than with him on the court. Opponents are having fun in the paint, as the Lakers are yielding 69% of shots within 5 feet (the fourth worst in the NBA). While they have an 11-4 record, they have mediocre overall efficiency numbers (11th in offense, 17th in defense, 14th in net rating). Add it all up, and although it has been an impressive opening few weeks in the standings, it is still unclear how high this team’s ceiling really is, which was reflected in this week’s conversations with league sources.“But they are clearly in the top six. Their overall depth isn’t good, but their top-line talent makes them a team you wouldn’t want to see in the playoffs.”“Are they there with Oklahoma City, Denver, and Houston? No,” said a scout from the East.
A scout from the East
A Western scout, however, was much more optimistic: “They’re the top three, for sure. When you have Luka, you’re always going to be in the mix”.
A Western scout
Memphis Grizzlies
Lesson after a month: [Ja Morant](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4279888/ja-morant) Ja Morant is not the same player.What we hear: There is a very simple way to demonstrate the above statement: the percentage of Morant’s shots taken within three feet. That number, according to Basketball Reference, has gone from 39.6% of his shots as a flying rookie to a notable 15.4% this season and has decreased in each of his seven seasons. Since Morant hasn’t improved as a shooter (he had a terrible 10 of 60 in three-pointers before his last calf injury), it’s easy to see why he’s not the same player who electrified the league and seemed to have Memphis on a championship-caliber trajectory a few years ago. Sources expect Memphis to explore [the trade market for Morant](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/46849285/why-was-ja-morant-suspended-next-faq-latest-grizzlies-drama)the trade market for Morant but, like Davis, they believe it will be difficult to get value for him.“I think they’re going to move it,” said a scout from the West.
A scout from the West
Miami Heat
Lesson after a month: Last year was not a coincidence for Norman Powell.What we hear: There has been much discussion about Miami’s new offensive system, but no one has adapted to it better than Powell. When the Clippers decided not to extend him last summer and sent him to Miami in a three-team deal that saw the Heat get him for almost nothing, it was considered a win-win situation. But even the most optimistic Heat supporters would have had a hard time imagining how Powell has adapted to life on the shores of Biscayne Bay, where he averages 25.5 points, the most of his career, with an absurd 46% from the 3-point line and has kept Miami in the top 10 in offense with [Tyler Herro](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4395725/tyler-herro)Tyler Herro still to play this season and [Bam Adebayo](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4066261/bam-adebayo)Bam Adebayo missing a good part of it.Milwaukee Bucks
Lesson after a month: [Giannis Antetokounmpo](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3032977/giannis-antetokounmpo)Giannis Antetokounmpo has been the NBA MVP.What we hear: During the first month of the season, when Antetokounmpo has been on the court, the Bucks have had an offensive rating of 123.5 points per 100 possessions, the equivalent of the best offense in the NBA. However, when he hasn’t been on the court, Milwaukee has had an offensive rating of 102 points per 100 possessions, a couple of points below the league’s number 30 team (Pacers). With Antetokounmpo [out for a maximum of two weeks with a groin strain](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/47014058/sources-giannis-antetokounmpo-1-2-weeks-groin-strain) out for a maximum of two weeks with a groin strain, coach Doc Rivers must devise a system that shores up this group without its star, a path that sources believe will be difficult for them to navigate.“Of course not,” said an executive bluntly when asked if he believed Milwaukee could stay afloat without Antetokounmpo, pointing to the lack of other ball creators on the roster.
An executive
Minnesota Timberwolves
Lesson after a month: [Rob Dillingham](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4684275/rob-dillingham)Rob Dillingham is still a work in progress.What we heard: When Minnesota made a bold move on draft night 2024 to jump to number 8 and take Dillingham, they envisioned the team’s future point guard to replace [Mike Conley](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3195/mike-conley)Mike Conley. But although Conley has moved to the bench this season, it has been in favor of [Donte DiVincenzo](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3934673/donte-divincenzo)Donte DiVincenzo. Dillingham’s minutes have been a struggle. The sophomore guard is shooting 39% overall, 23% from the 3-point line, and is being outscored by 14 points per 100 possessions in the Timberwolves’ 100+ minutes with him on the court, an astonishing 24-point swing with the net rating of 10+ they have in the 500+ minutes with him on the bench.“Maybe things will change, but it’s hard to see.”“I’m not sure that’s ever going to work,” said a scout from the East.
A scout from the East
