With the NBA season providing a clearer verdict on October’s bold preseason calls, all 30 team-based predictions have been reassessed through the lens of what actually unfolded.
The strongest grade went to the prediction that the New York Knicks would reach the Finals, earning an A+. That mark reflects how closely the preseason forecast aligned with the team’s eventual postseason breakthrough.
Not every projection held up as well. The prediction that Ace Bailey would lead all rookies in scoring received a D, signaling a significant gap between the preseason expectation and the final rookie scoring picture.
Reassessing October Expectations
The exercise offers a team-by-team look at how preseason optimism, riskier projections and emerging storylines compared with the results that followed. Some bold calls proved accurate, while others missed as the season developed in a different direction.
By revisiting the full set of 30 predictions, the grading process underscores the volatility of preseason analysis across the league, where roster changes, player development and team performance can quickly reshape the outlook from training camp to the end of the season.