NBA 2 Up 2 Down Report (December) 1-1-26
By: Tyrone Montgomery Jr.
Headline Photo Credit: NBA
Up⬆️⬆️
Jalen Johnson (Atlanta Hawks)
Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson has been one of the biggest bright spots of the season, emerging as a true franchise cornerstone. When Trae Young was forced to miss time due to injury, Johnson seized the opportunity and showed just how impactful he can be as a featured player. He didn’t just fill a gap — he elevated the team with his all-around play, sparking conversations around the league and even fueling trade rumors involving Young. Johnson’s value lies in his versatility. He impacts the game on both ends of the floor, scoring efficiently, rebounding at a high level, and making smart plays as a passer. Defensively, his athleticism allows him to guard all five positions, giving Atlanta tremendous flexibility. He also isn’t shy about shooting from beyond the arc, adding another dimension to his offensive game. Johnson has been a walking triple-double this season. In many ways, Johnson is what Ben Simmons was supposed to be — only with confidence as a shooter. If his play continues, he looks like a lock to make his first NBA All-Star team this season.
Detroit Pistons
It’s time to give the Detroit Pistons their flowers. Last season is firmly in the rearview mirror, but it deserves recognition after Detroit shocked the basketball world by making the playoffs ahead of schedule. Instead of regressing, the Pistons have taken another massive leap forward this year. They now look like a lock not only to return to the postseason, but to seriously contend for the Eastern Conference crown. What makes this run even more impressive is how Detroit has handled adversity. Despite missing key starters at various points, the Pistons have stayed consistent and dominant. Cade Cunningham has been the driving force, playing at an MVP-caliber level while growing as both a scorer and a leader with each passing game. He has become the heartbeat of the franchise. Credit also belongs to head coach J.B. Bickerstaff and his staff, who have instilled a defense-first mindset that aligns perfectly with Detroit’s identity. The Pistons are rolling, and this surge feels less like a fluke and more like the beginning of something special.
Down⬇️⬇️
Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks have gone from bad to worse, and the situation continues to spiral. Sometimes, the grass isn’t always greener on the other side, and that lesson has hit Dallas hard. When the Mavericks decided to trade Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis, concerns immediately surfaced across the league. Dallas believed the move would allow them to win now with a more complete roster, and even the appeal of landing the number one overall pick sounded promising at the time. Instead, that plan has backfired in dramatic fashion. The Mavericks now sit with one of the worst records in the league. Anthony Davis has missed a significant portion of the season and is expected to miss even more time moving forward. Kyrie Irving remains sidelined with injury as well, leaving Dallas without its top stars. With no stability, no health, and no clear direction, the Mavericks are stuck in a rough place. Unfortunately for Dallas, there’s little indication that things will improve anytime soon.
Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers may quietly be the worst team in the league this season, and the standings back it up. At this point, they sit with the NBA’s worst record, putting them firmly on track to win the draft lottery and secure the number one overall pick. While that may offer hope for the future, it does little to soften what has been a brutal and deflating season. The Pacers are still reeling from a devastating loss in the NBA Finals, but the bigger blow has been losing their leader and captain, Tyrese Haliburton. Without him on the floor, Indiana has lacked direction, confidence, and offensive identity. His absence has exposed just how dependent the team is on his playmaking and leadership. Unfortunately, this feels like how the season will continue to unfold. As long as Haliburton remains sidelined, the Pacers appear stuck in survival mode rather than competing. It’s shaping up to be a lost season, with the draft lottery standing as their lone silver lining.
