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After generously handing out more B's than C's in the Western Conference yesterday, we turn our focus today to the East, home of the only team getting an A+.

We also have another F to award, putting some unfortunate souls in the same sorry company with the Sacramento Kings. So without further ado, the grades are ...


DETROIT PISTONS (24-3)
Inside the record: The three losses were to Dallas, Washington and Utah, with the loss to the Wizards coming at home after Ben Wallace missed a free throw late in regulation that would have won it for the Pistons. The Mavericks loss came on the second night of a back-to-back road set, and the debacle against the Jazz came as Detroit played its third road game in four nights.

Most telling stat: The Pistons are averaging 6.6 more points per game under Flip Saunders than they did last season under Larry Brown, while the defense is yielding only 1.9 more points than it did a year ago. Detroit is 4-0 is games decided by three points or fewer, though Milwaukee (6-0) is even better.

Changes ahead? You'd think Joe Dumars would be satisfied, but he'd make a tweak. "Maybe adding one more guy off the bench, adding one more piece to the bench that would have impact," he told ESPN.com.

The boss says: "Obviously we're happy with the record, but we're pushing our guys as hard as ever because you want to fight any complacency whatsoever. For us, it's not so much about the record. It's about playing for the playoffs."

Trade asset: Somewhere out there might be a team willing to give some serious playing time to Darko Milicic, who will remain a bust at least until he gets some burn.

Grade: A+


CLEVELAND CAVALIERS (17-10)
Inside the record: Have already had winning streaks of eight and six, but their record against above-.500 teams is only 9-7.

Most telling stat: The team with the league's third-best offense can get it done with defense -- Cavs are 11-1 when holding opponents below 50 points in the second half.

Changes ahead? After making major changes over the summer, the most likely tweak would be a minor deal of guards Luke Jackson and/or Sasha Pavlovic. Never got seriously involved in Artest talks.

The boss says: "Coming into the season we knew it would be a work in progress, and things have overall moved in a positive direction," general manager Danny Ferry told ESPN.com.

Trade asset: Knicks coach Larry Brown would love to acquire Eric Snow, who is owed $21 million over the next three seasons, but Cavs like what Snow brings defensively and leadership-wise.

Grade: B


NEW JERSEY NETS (16-12)
Inside the record: The Nets entered the weekend with a seven-game winning streak, tied for fourth-longest in team history.

Most telling stat: Led by Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson, the Nets' scoring is up nearly 10 points per game during the streak.

Changes ahead? The search for a new starting power forward goes on every day, but what really interests the Nets is the remote chance that they can make a run at Kevin Garnett next summer if he asks the Timberwolves to trade him.

The boss says: "Over the last couple weeks we've played much better. Vince has played brilliantly during this stretch, and the bench has settled in after being erratic and inconsistent in our first 8-10 games," team president Rod Thorn told ESPN.com. "You're never satisfied unless you win 90 percent of your games. If you're Detroit, you're satisfied."

Trade asset: Own the right to the Clippers' No. 1 pick in 2006, and have made it known they'd include the pick to get the right deal done.

Grade: B


MIAMI HEAT (17-13)
Inside the record: 6-3 since Pat Riley took over for Stan Van Gundy.

Most telling stats: Shooting only 36 percent from 3-point range after making nearly 38 percent a year ago. Went 9-9 while O'Neal was out with a sprained ankle.

Changes ahead? The last time Pat Riley made a significant in-season trade was 1998, when he dealt Ike Austin and a No. 1 pick for Brent Barry, although he did do the Steve Smith-Malik Allen deal last February.

The boss says: "I do believe at the end of the summer, we got very fortunate to get Gary [Payton], because I think Gary will have the moxie to play against [Chauncey] Billups and maybe Rip [Hamilton], and the experience. And I think maybe in a big-game situation defensively, he can shut people down. When we get to that time when we're going to need that kind of defense, then I think we have enough. And if we don't, then I'm going to keep looking for it," Riley told the Heat's beat writers.

Trade asset: Plenty of teams have interest in Michael Doleac, who is expendable if Alonzo Mourning remains healthy.

Grade: B-



MILWAUKEE BUCKS (15-11)
Inside the record: They'd be a .500 team if not for the late-game heroics of Mo Williams, whose buzzer-beating 3-pointers defeated Indiana and Washington.

Most telling stats: One of only three Eastern teams with a winning road record (7-6). Have lost five times at home, where they have drawn three sellout crowds after having only one all last season.

Changes ahead? General manager Larry Harris told ESPN.com he is almost certainly finished making trades. "Giving up an unprotected first-round pick, which I thought would land somewhere around No. 20, for (Jamaal) Magloire was, to me, a no-brainer. There aren't many 7-footers available out there who can help you get into the second round of the playoffs."

The boss says: "One of the biggest things to me is our seven road wins, which matches or total from last season," Harris said. "We'd still like to try to win 30 home games."

Trade asset: A package of Reece Gaines, Jiri Welsch and Ervin Johnson, all with expiring contracts, could get them a serviceable player on a mid-level exception contract.

Grade: B



INDIANA PACERS (15-11)

Inside the record: Lack of closure to the Artest situation has led to three straight lopsided losses. The patience of the players in the locker room is being tested.

Most telling stat: In the 23 games he played last season and this season, Artest averaged 20.9 points. When the Raptors traded Vince Carter last season, he was averaging 15.9.

Changes ahead? The question is when they'll trade Artest. Denver, Lakers, Minnesota, Golden State, Seattle are all possibilities. Their best option may be to include Austin Croshere in a deal, which would allow them to take on a player or players making anywhere from $11.75 million to $18.5 million.

The boss says: "I'm spending this week in the office, trying to see what's real and what's not real," Walsh told ESPN.com. "I know there are some players we'd like to do deals for, but there always seems to be a problem. I'd say there are 10 teams that would like him, five with strong interest, maybe three that seem to want him to the point where they'd go the extra mile, whether with a player or a draft pick."

Trade asset: Could also include Jonathan Bender, who plans to retire, in an Artest trade. Bender is on the cap for $7.175 million, while Croshere makes $7.9 million.

Grade: C



PHILADELPHIA 76ERS (15-14)
Inside the record: 10-5 at home, where they're drawing only 15,021 fans per game -- third-worst in the league, ahead of only Orlando (14,527) and Portland (13,831).

Most telling stat: Iverson's scoring average of 34.1 is well above his career-high of 31.4 in 2001-02.

Changes ahead? Not willing to take a risk on Artest if it would cost them Andre Iguodala. If the price was merely John Salmons, Steven Hunter and Kevin Ollie, they'd do it.

The boss says: "Last December I didn't think I'd get Chris Webber, so you never know. There are guys who become available in February who aren't available now," general manager Billy King told ESPN.com.

Trade asset: Sixers have a $4.55 million trade exception that doesn't expire until August.

Grade: C+



WASHINGTON WIZARDS (12-15)
Inside the record: Wizards are 0-7 when Gilbert Arenas has been held under 20 points.

Most telling stat: Wizards average exactly 100 points per game, which is also the exact number they allow, making them one of only three teams (Philadelphia, Seattle) averaging triple-digits on offense and defense.

Changes ahead? Chucky Atkins, in the final season of a contract paying him $4.5 million, has requested a trade. He's 7-for-13 on 3-pointers in his last three games.

The boss says: "We've got a lot of new players still getting used to each other, and we've had some good wins and some close losses. We won at Phoenix, at Detroit and beat San Antonio, so those have been nice wins along the way," general manager Ernie Grunfeld told ESPN.com.

Trade asset: Grunfeld's annual willingness to make a deal near the trade deadline. If Atkins isn't dealt first, Michael Ruffin is the next leading contender.

Grade: C-



CHICAGO BULLS (12-16)
Inside the record: A five-game losing streak has undone much of what they accomplished in the first six weeks of the season, and their 0-4 record against division opponents has left them at the bottom of the Central.

Most telling stat: Ranked in the bottom half of the league in every key offensive statistic except 3-point shooting (2nd, .409) and assists (6th, 22.3).

Changes ahead? Not having any luck finding a taker for Tim Thomas, who is sitting at home earning $13.9 million because Bulls coach Scott Skiles doesn't want him around. Lots of teams have interest in Luol Deng, Kirk Hinrich and Ben Gordon.

The boss says: "We're in transition in a lot of ways. We don't have any size, but we have a lot of money ($20 million in cap room) to spend, which also gives us great trade flexibility. I understand our limitations, but we still have a great young core that's interesting," general manager John Paxson told ESPN.com. "We're keeping our options open. A lot will depend on how other teams go forward."

Trade assets: New York's No. 1 pick in 2006, which is unprotected, the option to switch picks with New York in 2007, and New York's second-round picks in 2007 and 2009.

Grade: C-




ORLANDO MAGIC (11-15)
Inside the record: Have already had losing streaks of three, four and five games, and have played an NBA-low 10 road games. That'll change in January, when they have 10 on the road and just five at home.

Most telling stat: Last in the NBA in assists with fewer than 17 per game.

Changes ahead? Kelvin Cato ($8.6 million) and Tony Battie ($5.2 million) are both in the final year of their contracts.

The boss says: "Cato and Battie are also in demand by us. We like what they're giving us," assistant general manager Otis Smith told ESPN.com. "We're starting to find our groove, and we still have a chance of sneaking into the playoffs."

Trade assets: Owns two spare second-round picks, Milwaukee's in 2006 and Cleveland's in 2007.

Grade: C-



BOSTON CELTICS (11-16)
Inside the record: Their 2-10 road record is the league's second-worst, trailing only Atlanta's 2-13.

Most telling stat: Have allowed only 91.7 points in their 11 wins; 105.6 points in their 16 losses.

Changes ahead? Director of basketball operations Danny Ainge said teams have stopped calling to ask about the availability of Paul Pierce.

The boss says: "We haven't been as consistent as I'd have liked. Individually I'm happy with a lot, collectively I'm not. Doc (Rivers) is still trying to establish an identity for the team," Ainge told ESPN.com.

Trade asset: Cleveland's first-round draft pick in 2007, protected for spots 1-10.

Grade: C-



CHARLOTTE BOBCATS (10-19)
Inside the record: 9-9 against the East, 1-10 against the West.

Most telling stat: Emeka Okafor's scoring average has dropped from 15.1 to 12.9, his FG pct has gone from .447 to .407, and he's also down nearly one rebound per game.

Changes ahead? Have offered to broker an Artest trade with their $4 million in salary cap space, but want a first-round pick in return.

The boss says: "We could be facilitators, but ($4 million in cap room) is not a lot when we're talking about the caliber of players being talked about," coach and general manager Bernie Bickerstaff told ESPN.com.

Trade asset: The Bobcats' cap goes up significantly next season after they finish two years of being limited to 75 percent of the cap as part of their expansion agreement. They also own a future first-round pick from Toronto which loses its lottery protection beginning with the 2009 draft.

Grade: C+



ATLANTA HAWKS (7-20)
Inside the record: 5-4 mark in their last nine, including wins over Spurs, Nuggets and Sixers, improved their grade from an F.

Most telling stat: Marvin Williams, the second overall pickoff the 2005 draft, is averaging only 5.8 points and 4.4 rebounds in 22.4 minutes per game. He's stuck behind Al Harrington, who could be moved in a trade.

Changes ahead? Atlanta seems resigned to the inevitability of losing Al Harrington as an unrestricted free agent, and the Hawks need to replace the draft choices they included in the Joe Johnson trade. One of them is a first-rounder that loses its protection beginning with the 2008 draft. In 2007, it's protected only if it's among the first three picks.

The boss says: General manager Billy Knight declined to be interviewed. He has not spoken with reporters since giving a strong vote of confidence to coach Mike Woodson nearly three weeks ago, ending speculation that Woodson would become the first coach fired this season.

Trade asset: Had the rights to the better of the Celtics or Lakers' first-round pick in 2006, but shipped that to Phoenix, too, in the Johnson deal.

Grade: D+



NEW YORK KNICKS (7-20)
Inside the record: Only 2-12 against the East, but 5-8 vs. the West. Their home record (4-8) is the third-worst in the league, trailing only Toronto's and Houston's.

Most telling stat: Stephon Marbury's scoring average has dipped to 17.7 after he had gone eight straight years averaging at least 20. His assists have gone from 8.1 to 6.1.

Changes ahead? Marbury is being booed regularly at Madison Square Garden, the World's Most Famous Misery Den. His contract makes him virtually untradeable, although a case could be made that Atlanta or Toronto might become interested.

The boss says: "He's 0-for-7 shooting with three assists in 41 minutes," Brown said of Marbury after the Knicks loss in Orlando. "He got the ball all the time. I ran as much stuff for him as I have all season. He maybe didn't feel like he had it. He got three assists and no steals. By accident you can get a steal."

Trade assets: The expiring contracts of Antonio Davis ($13.8 million) and Penny Hardaway ($15.7 million), which can be used to bring aboard a whole new collection of overpaid castoffs with several seasons remaining on their deals. Team president Isiah Thomas said rookie Channing Frye is untouchable.

Grade: F



TORONTO RAPTORS (7-22)
Inside the record: One of only four teams with a better road record than home record. Their 0-9 start killed whatever smidgen of confidence that might have existed coming out of training camp.

Most telling stat: Of the 46 centers listed in ESPN.com's Player Efficiency Ratings, No. 46 is Toronto big man Rafael Araujo.

Changes ahead? Before they can do anything long-term, they need to find a way to get rid of Jalen Rose, who is owed $16.9 million next season.

The boss says: "Obviously I'm not pleased with the record, but I'm pleased with the progress we seem to be making every 2-3 weeks. We've got a plan, rebuilding with young guys, and it's what we're following," general manager Rob Babcock told ESPN.com.

Trade asset: Own the rights to Denver's first-round pick in 2006.

Grade: D-

It looks like IT and LB will have to go to Summer School to work on this grade.

I hear they will need tutors for those two and any other teams with failing grades, so here is your chance to tell them how it should be done in the first place.

Posted by Bonn1997:

I wonder what grades all of LB's other teams (which started usually about 7-20) got

Yes, because this situation all of LB's previous team's are exactly alike. Keep spinning baby.

Bonn give it up bro. Come on, why can't you at least ACKNOWLEDGE the negatives on this team. Being positive is one thing, but when you're the worst team in the NBA, have no first round draft pick, the starting coach hates the starting point guard and most-talented player, and signed Jerome James to a multi-year, multi-million dollar contract, I mean, can't you at least say something negative. You lose credibility being so aloof, its outrageous and frustrating.

anyone who doesentthink we deserve an F is a Fool... lmao at chiacago's trade assets

Posted by islesfan:

Posted by Bonn1997:

I wonder what grades all of LB's other teams (which started usually about 7-20) got

Yes, because this situation all of LB's previous team's are exactly alike. Keep spinning baby.

I'll ask again: Can you educate us on what the differences are?

i dont think ur gonna get an answer bonn...a foot in the mouth can have that affect

Posted by islesfan:

I'm not sure what your point is but I find it highly amusing that you would go searching for this thread just for me. Oh wait, I forgot, you had it bookmarked along with all the other threads that you're waiting to bring back when you think you're right about something. But you don't do that, right?

funny thing is you have sooooo much to say when things are the way u 'like them'. When someone calls you on it all of a sudden it's not about what you said anymore, rather you get annoyed with the fact that they brought something up from a few weeks ago lol. Now THAT'S funny

Posted by TheloniusMonk:

Posted by islesfan:

I'm not sure what your point is but I find it highly amusing that you would go searching for this thread just for me. Oh wait, I forgot, you had it bookmarked along with all the other threads that you're waiting to bring back when you think you're right about something. But you don't do that, right?

funny thing is you have sooooo much to say when things are the way u 'like them'. When someone calls you on it all of a sudden it's not about what you said anymore, rather you get annoyed with the fact that they brought something up from a few weeks ago lol. Now THAT'S funny

Who's annoyed? I said "highly amused". Where do you get annoyed out of that? People try to call me out pretty much every day on this board, you should start paying attention.

Seriously Monk, your infatuation with me is REALLY unhealthy. Get over it already.

If you can't figure out the difference between this LB team and all of his others then I don't know what to tell you.

No one said there are no differences. The question is what are the differences that preclude this team from making a typical LB turnaround. No one's talking about this team winning the championship this year, but Larry's had teams that started around 7-21 and played around .500 the rest of the year. Why can't this team make a similar turnaround?