76ers and Hornets top CBS Sports’ East offseason grades

The Philadelphia 76ers and Charlotte Hornets came out on top in CBS Sports’ Eastern Conference offseason report card, with analyst Sam Quinn giving both teams A grades in a summer he said remains unfinished because LeBron James has not signed and a Kawhi Leonard trade is not yet official.

Quinn wrote that the grades were based on what teams did with the resources available to them, rather than rewarding clubs for obvious moves such as landing a top prospect with a top pick.

Sixers get top marks for a bolder swing

Philadelphia earned praise from CBS Sports for turning the No. 22 pick into LaBaron Philon, adding Dean Wade and Anfernee Simons with one nontaxpayer mid-level exception, and flipping Paul George plus two first-round picks for Jaylen Brown.

Quinn noted the risks: Wade’s injury history and limited offense, Simons’ defensive issues, Brown’s contract, Philadelphia’s lack of passing and the unresolved backup center spot. Even so, he judged the Sixers to be younger, deeper and better, adding that their summer has reportedly drawn interest from James.

Charlotte also landed an A after moving LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges. CBS Sports described the Ball return as modest compared with his talent but reasonable given concerns over defense, durability and maturity, while calling the unprotected 2033 first-round pick acquired for Bridges a major win.

Quinn wrote that the Hornets still have Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel as young possible stars, along with strong future draft capital and clean books.

Stars arrive, strings attached

The Miami Heat received a B- after acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo without giving up Bam Adebayo. CBS Sports said that was a clear win in isolation, but Quinn also wrote that Miami gave up most of its tradable draft capital and young talent, while taking on Bobby Portis cost the team the flexibility needed to keep Norman Powell.

Toronto also got a B-, with Quinn assuming the Leonard deal goes through. He wrote that Leonard would fit neatly with Scottie Barnes and could give the Raptors Finals-level upside, while warning that Leonard’s age-35 season, injury history and the draft equity sent out make the bet risky.

Atlanta joined the B- group after adding Aaron Wiggins and Lu Dort from Oklahoma City without surrendering a first-round pick, drafting Kingston Flemings and keeping CJ McCollum and Jock Landale. CBS Sports said the Hawks improved their depth while staying flexible.

Celtics land in the danger zone

The Chicago Bulls and New York Knicks each received C+ grades. Quinn credited Chicago for drafting Caleb Wilson at No. 4 and adding Powell and Nic Claxton on short deals. For New York, he pointed to the loss of Mitchell Robinson, the need for another center and the decision to stay below the second apron, while noting the Knicks kept other key pieces on favorable contracts.

Detroit and Indiana were marked at C. CBS Sports said the Pistons added shooting and frontcourt options but still lack a secondary creator, with Jalen Duren’s restricted free agency unresolved. The Pacers, according to Quinn, replaced Bennedict Mathurin with Kelly Oubre Jr. and Myles Turner with Ivica Zubac, keeping themselves in the East race.

Boston received a C- after trading Brown to Philadelphia. Quinn wrote that the Celtics had reason to rethink paying Brown and Jayson Tatum 70% of the cap, but questioned whether Paul George, Mitchell Robinson and two first-round picks are enough to replace Brown’s defense and rim pressure.

Washington also got a C-. Quinn questioned the Wizards’ $212 million deal for Trae Young after five games with the team, raised fit concerns with AJ Dybantsa, called Deandre Ayton at $8 million a talent play with baggage, and said a possible Anthony Davis decision could reshape the grade later.

This story draws on original reporting from CBS Sports.