Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks never really planned on doing much this season (GM Danny Ferry said publicly “We’re not focused on being the 8th seed.”) but here they are, stumbling their way into the playoffs.

Boston Celtics

The Celtics may have stunk this year, but there is reason for point guard Rajon Rondo and coach Brad Stevens to look forward, cheesily in this case, to the future.

Brooklyn Nets

It took a while for the biggish 3 — Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Deron Williams — to jell, but now that they have, Brooklyn looks dangerous heading into the playoffs.

Charlotte Bobcats

Al Jefferson was a pleasant surprise for the pleasantly surprising Bobcats this season, and also appears to be showing some sass here making fun of Tim Duncan’s camo uniform.

Chicago Bulls

Derrick Rose may have gone down, but Joakim Noah turned into a monster.

Cleveland Cavaliers

Nothing all that great happened this year in Cleveland.

Dallas Mavericks

This season, Dirk Nowitzki found a new sidekick — the suddenly efficient and always electric Monta Ellis.

Denver Nuggets

“Hmm. We’re losing by how much?”

Detroit Pistons

The Pistons had a bunch of talent, and none of it worked very well together. Here are two of them arguing with each other.

Golden State Warriors

Steph Curry made buckets. All year. From everywhere.

Houston Rockets

The experiment appears to be paying off. Dwight Howard appears to be trying to grow a beard with his fingers.

Indiana Pacers

It started unbelievably well. Now there seems to be trouble in paradise. Roy Hibbert is sad.

L.A. Clippers

Lob City became more than just a fun nickname this year.

L.A. Lakers

“Must. Not. Kill. Robert. Sacre.”

Memphis Grizzlies

Memphis stumbled at times this season, but absolutely NO ONE in the West wants to see this team in the playoffs.

Miami Heat

LeBron James continues to be a bad, bad man.

Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks may have been truly putrid this season, but what we will remember is the emergence of Greek rookie Giannis Antetokounmpo, the 6’11” (and growing) energy man who delighted us with his play and his love of smoothies.

Minnesota Timberwolves

“This isn’t fun anymore.”

New Orleans Hornets

Anthony Davis is only 21 years old.

New York Knicks

The Knicks were pretty putrid for a lot of the year, but what we’ll remember looking back on this season was the joining of James Dolan and Phil Jackson, basketball’s most tabloid-friendly odd couple.

Oklahoma City Thunder

Kevin Durant is sunshine on a cloudy day.

Orlando Magic

The Magic weren’t very good, but Victor Oladipo turned out to be a pleasant surprise for the young team. Look at him here, working the ref like a veteran.

Philadelphia 76ers

Everything hurt this year in Philly.

Phoenix Suns

“You may not know any of our names, but we are very, very good.”

Portland Trail Blazers

LaMarcus Aldridge and insane fans with thundersticks. That’s what Portland does.

Sacramento Kings

Poor Boogie. Sweet Boogie.

San Antonio Spurs

The old salty vets keep winning everything.

Toronto Raptors

No one thought the Raptors were going to be very good. GM Masai Ujiri probably didn’t think they’d be very good. They’re good.

Utah Jazz

This is a photo of Gordon Hayward getting smacked in the face by Hedo Turkoglu.

Washington Wizards

John Wall got a new contract and the Wizards finally look decent.