NBA Watchability Rankings: The bottom 15
If expected success was the only reason to watch an NBA team, only a handful of squads would be popular views. In a highlight-heavy world like the Association, even long shots provide plenty of entertainment. With that in mind, here's our ranking of how watchable all 30 teams are, beginning with the bottom 15.
30. San Antonio Spurs
With several rookies on the roster, San Antonio is poised to be a prime contender in the Victor Wembanyama sweepstakes. Unfortunately for Spurs fans, the NBA standings might be the only thing worth watching this season.
29. Utah Jazz
Well ... at least Utah still has gifted scorer Jordan Clarkson (for now) alongside the recently added Collin Sexton. But the Jazz's summer teardown suggests this year will be a slog for fans.
28. Washington Wizards
Kristaps Porzingis could be the co-star that Bradley Beal and the Wizards have been looking for. However, both have struggled to stay healthy in recent years. At least their City Edition jerseys look fresh.
27. Portland Trail Blazers
After his breakout season, Anfernee Simons starting next to a healthy Damian Lillard gives Portland an intriguing new-look backcourt. But, aside from enigmatic rookie Shaedon Sharpe, it's tough to get excited about the rest of the roster.
26. Sacramento Kings
Sacramento's offense could be fun to watch. De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis have the potential to be a solid pick-and-roll tandem, while rookie Keegan Murray has shown some promise.
25. New York Knicks
Jalen Brunson is the point guard the Knicks have been clamoring for. While he will make them better, don't expect many neutrals to rush to watch Tom Thibodeau's squad on League Pass.
24. Oklahoma City Thunder
Chet Holmgren's season-ending foot injury knocked the Thunder down quite a few spots in our rankings. Still, a healthy Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey could form quite the potent playmaking tandem.
23. Indiana Pacers
Indiana feels like an entirely different team than the one that started last season. Don't overlook explosive rookie wing Bennedict Mathurin, who will acclimate to the NBA alongside the smooth play of Tyrese Haliburton.
22. Miami Heat
While Kyle Lowry won't shy away from tossing full-court transition dimes, Miami prefers to operate at a slower pace overall. Erik Spoelstra's half-court offense is predicated on off-ball screens and cuts to the basket.
21. Orlando Magic
No longer are the Magic a totally forgettable team in the East. They've got several injury issues to navigate early on, but No. 1 pick Paolo Banchero makes them interesting in the meantime.
20. Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets will likely take a step back this year, but LaMelo Ball alone makes them worth watching. Drafting athletic 7-foot-2 big man Mark Williams didn't hurt them in the entertainment department either.
19. Houston Rockets
Jalen Green and Jabari Smith are a youthful mix of pure talent and athleticism that any franchise would dream of building around. Don't expect a ton of wins in Houston at this point, but jaw-dropping highlights are a safe bet.
18. Detroit Pistons
Keep an eye on Detroit's young talent. Cade Cunningham has elite size and playmaking at the point, Jalen Duren is an athletic freak, and Jaden Ivey is as explosive as they come off the bounce.
17. Milwaukee Bucks
Giannis Antetokounmpo's mix of skills is truly unique for a player of his size. But outside of the Greek Freak, most of the roster is filled with veterans simply looking to play their roles.
16. Toronto Raptors
Toronto's "small" core, headlined by Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes and two-time All-NBAer Pascal Siakam, maintains their status as an enthralling viewing option this season. Their positionless style will frustrate opponents while being easy on the eyes.