As I sit down to analyze the 2021 NBA season, I can't help but reflect on how this particular season stood out in basketball history. Having followed the league for over fifteen years, I've witnessed numerous championship runs and rebuilding phases, but the 2021 campaign brought something uniquely compelling to the hardwood. The season unfolded against the backdrop of ongoing pandemic adjustments, creating an environment where teams had to adapt faster than ever before. What struck me most was how quickly certain franchises managed to turn their fortunes around while others, despite promising rosters, failed to meet expectations. Let me walk you through my team-by-team assessment, drawing from both statistical analysis and my observations from watching nearly every team play multiple games throughout the season.
Starting with the championship contenders, the Milwaukee Bucks demonstrated why continuity matters in this league. Having won the title the previous season, they entered with tremendous confidence despite facing what I considered the toughest Eastern Conference in recent memory. Giannis Antetokounmpo's evolution into a complete two-way force was something to behold - his playoff performances, particularly against Brooklyn and Phoenix, showcased a player who had mastered when to dominate and when to facilitate. The supporting cast of Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton provided just enough secondary scoring and defensive versatility to complement their superstar. Out West, the Phoenix Suns surprised me with their resilience. After their finals disappointment, many doubted their ability to bounce back, but Chris Paul's leadership and Devin Booker's scoring prowess created one of the most efficient offensive systems I've seen in modern basketball. Their 64-18 record wasn't just good - it was historically significant, placing them among the elite regular season teams of the past decade.
The middle tier of teams presented what I found to be the most fascinating narratives. The Memphis Grizzlies, in particular, exceeded all my expectations. Ja Morant's leap into superstardom happened faster than I anticipated, and their deep roster allowed them to withstand injuries that would have crippled most teams. I recall watching their January matchup against the Lakers where they won by 25 points despite Morant having an off-night - that's when I knew this team was building something special. The Chicago Bulls' early season surge caught everyone's attention, though I remained skeptical about their defensive capabilities. My concerns proved valid as they struggled against physical opponents later in the season, but Zach LaVine's efficient scoring and DeMar DeRozan's mid-range mastery made them must-watch television. What impressed me most about the mid-tier teams was how the Cleveland Cavaliers rebuilt their identity. After years of struggling post-LeBron, they finally established a defensive-minded approach centered around Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley that made them surprisingly competitive.
Among the struggling franchises, the Los Angeles Lakers' disappointing season stood out as particularly noteworthy. As someone who's analyzed roster construction for years, I found their fit issues fundamentally baffling. LeBron James continued to perform at an elite level - his 30.3 points per game at age 37 defied logic - but the supporting cast never coalesced into a coherent unit. Russell Westbrook's integration problems were more severe than I anticipated, and their lack of perimeter shooting made their offense painfully predictable. Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets' rebuilding phase progressed exactly as I expected - plenty of growing pains but clear development from their young core. Jalen Green's scoring outbursts in the second half showed flashes of future stardom, though his efficiency needs significant improvement before he can lead a competitive team.
The draft class of 2021 brought several impact players who immediately changed their teams' trajectories. I was particularly high on Evan Mobley coming out of USC, and his defensive impact with Cleveland confirmed my assessment that he could become a generational defender. Scottie Barnes in Toronto surprised me with his immediate offensive versatility, though I maintain that Mobley will have the better career long-term. What fascinates me about evaluating young players is how quickly they can adapt to the NBA game, much like we saw with Justine Baltazar's transition after his MPBL championship with Pampanga. Watching players move from different leagues and immediately contribute reminds me why basketball's global growth continues to elevate the NBA's quality.
As the season progressed into the playoffs, the intensity ramped up exactly as I prefer - physical defense, strategic adjustments, and superstar performances. The Boston Celtics' mid-season turnaround was perhaps the most impressive coaching achievement I've witnessed in recent years. Ime Udoka transformed them from a .500 team into defensive juggernauts by emphasizing switching and help defense principles that perfectly utilized their personnel. Jayson Tatum's 46-point Game 6 in Milwaukee stands out as one of the best elimination game performances I've seen in my years covering the league. The Warriors' return to relevance also delighted me, as Stephen Curry's mastery of the offense and Draymond Green's defensive leadership demonstrated how championship habits persist even through roster transitions.
Reflecting on the entire season, what stands out most is how parity has gradually returned to the league. While superteams still exist, the gap between contenders and playoff teams has narrowed considerably. The implementation of the play-in tournament, which I initially questioned, has proven brilliant at maintaining competitive balance through the regular season's final weeks. Teams can no longer coast to the playoffs, and the quality of basketball in March and April has improved dramatically as a result. My biggest takeaway from analyzing all thirty teams is that roster construction has evolved beyond simply accumulating talent - fit, chemistry, and defensive versatility have become equally crucial components for success. The teams that understood this, like Memphis and Boston, exceeded expectations, while those stuck in outdated team-building models struggled regardless of individual talent. As we look toward future seasons, I believe the lessons from 2021 will continue to influence how front offices approach building their rosters and coaching staffs implement their systems.
