NBA Watchability Rankings: The bottom 15
If expected success was the lone reason to watch an NBA team, only a handful of squads would make for must-see TV. In a highlight-heavy world, even long shots provide plenty of entertainment. With that in mind, here's our ranking of how watchable all 30 teams are, starting with the bottom 15.
30. Chicago Bulls
This is effectively the same Bulls squad from last year that underperformed to another disappointing result. It feels like a mediocre movie we've now seen multiple times - one that likely won't send anyone rushing to League Pass.
29. Detroit Pistons
Cade Cunningham's return is enough reason to tune into the Pistons this season. The former No. 1 overall pick dazzled as a rookie, showcasing his shot-making, playmaking, and defensive versatility. Look for Cunningham to pick up from where he left off.
28. Washington Wizards
The Wizards will likely be bad, but not necessarily impossible to watch. At the very least, Jordan Poole and Kyle Kuzma are an entertaining duo, and seventh overall pick Bilal Coulibaly might wow some with his athleticism.
27. Utah Jazz
Utah surprised many last season with a 37-win campaign despite trading away franchise cornerstones Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert in the offseason. While the future is certainly bright, the old-school game of Walker Kessler and the smooth shooting of Lauri Markkanen aren't exactly bringing droves to arenas.
26. Toronto Raptors
New coach Darko Rajakovic pledged to modify the playing style that garnered the Raptors just two playoff wins over the last three seasons. But pessimism about the aesthetics will be tough to shake with a mostly unchanged core and multiple pending free agents.
25. Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets will be much more entertaining with LaMelo Ball back leading their up-tempo attack. Few players in the league can pass and handle the rock like Ball can at his size. He'll have another offensive weapon at his disposal with No. 2 overall pick Brandon Miller joining the squad on the wing.
24. Orlando Magic
Like the Bulls, it feels like the Magic are treading water in the East, and they brought back much of the same personnel. At least Orlando has exciting rising talent like Franz Wagner and reigning Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero.
23. New York Knicks
The Knicks weren't the most visually appealing team last season despite tying for third in offensive efficiency. New York has operated at a slow pace under Tom Thibodeau and starts two iso-heavy players in Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson.
22. Miami Heat
Miami will be must-watch basketball after finally swinging a long-awaited trade for Damian Lillard and ... Oh. Wait. They didn't trade for Lillard? Josh Richardson ended up being the Heat's top offseason addition, and the club lost two members of its playoff starting five? Well, that's not nearly as exciting.
21. Brooklyn Nets
Brooklyn's young core could get the Nets back on track sooner rather than later. Head coach Jacque Vaughn unlocked Mikal Bridges' offensive potential and had Nic Claxton playing at an elite level defensively last season. If Brooklyn can get something out of Ben Simmons, it'll be much more fun to watch this campaign on both ends.
20. Portland Trail Blazers
Losing franchise star Lillard sucks, but the Blazers' watchability might not take that much of a hit after selecting hard-to-contain Scoot Henderson with the No. 3 overall pick and opening up more time for high-flying wing Shaedon Sharpe.
19. Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta's offense remains must-see basketball. Few players are better in the pick-and-roll than Trae Young, as he's got unlimited shooting range and vertical lob threats in Clint Capela and Onyeka Okongwu. Meanwhile, Dejounte Murray was lethal in the mid-range and kept the Hawks' offense rolling when Young sat.
18. Houston Rockets
Dillon Brooks' antics will draw eyeballs regardless. However, the Rockets boast an intriguing squad make-up, with Brooks and fellow new signing Fred VanVleet serving as established vets to a talented but very young contingent led by Jalen Green.
17. Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavs have a little bit of everything for every fan. Mitchell is a handful when he gets going downhill and can finish with authority above the rim. Backcourt mate Darius Garland has emerged as one of the NBA's top playmakers. On the defensive end, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen are a rim-protecting force.
16. Los Angeles Clippers
"Ifs" will again command a lot of the preseason and postseason expectations for the Clippers. But if Kawhi Leonard and Paul George can stay healthy, the team should be fun to watch.