As we turn the page on the year 2021—a basketball year full of injuries, illnesses and interruptions—we figured it might make sense to go back and list out who and what made the year most gleeful, and what made us grit our teeth at times.
Before the clock strikes midnight, here’s our rundown of The Good, The Bad and the Ugly: NBA Edition.
Best Up-and-Coming Team: Memphis Grizzlies
No one would bat an eye if the choice here was the Cavaliers, who boast the best net rating and point differential in the Eastern Conference despite sitting fifth in the standings.