NBA Watchability Rankings: The top 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, culminating with the top 15.
Check out the bottom 15 here.
15. Indiana Pacers
Don't be surprised if the Pacers return to the postseason. Tyrese Haliburton is already among the Association's top floor generals. Bennedict Mathurin brought some much-needed athleticism and scoring punch off the bench as a rookie. Meanwhile, the high-flying Obi Toppin should fit like a glove in the club's up-tempo offense.
14. Oklahoma City Thunder
Don't look now, but the Thunder are ... a little scary? Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's summer with Canada only boosted his star power, and OKC finally gets to add a healthy Chet Holmgren to its already enticing nucleus of Lu Dort, Jalen Williams, and Josh Giddey.
13. Sacramento Kings
Sacramento was the feel-good story of the 2022-23 campaign. The De'Aaron Fox-Domantas Sabonis tandem powered the most efficient offense in NBA history. Sabonis frequently teamed up with Kevin Huerter in dribble handoffs, while Keegan Murray provided an elite floor-spacing option off Fox's drives.
12. Minnesota Timberwolves
Anthony Edwards' time with USA Basketball acclimatized the rising Timberwolves star to a more dominant role. If that results in a more confident Edwards in Minnesota, then everyone wins (except his opponents).
11. Memphis Grizzlies
Ja Morant is a one-man highlight reel with his fearless attacks to the rim, passing ability, and overly confident persona. Jaren Jackson Jr.'s premier rim protection is the perfect complement to Marcus Smart's tenacious perimeter defense. Few players have a sweeter-looking stroke than Desmond Bane.
10. Philadelphia 76ers
Led by reigning MVP Joel Embiid and new head coach Nick Nurse, the 76ers will be one of the must-watch sides this year. That's whether or not James Harden remains with Philadelphia.
9. Golden State Warriors
Appreciate the Warriors while you still can. The Stephen Curry-Draymond Green two-man game is poetry in motion, Klay Thompson can still go off on any given night, and Kevon Looney is relentless on the glass. Don't forget about Chris Paul either, as he remains a sublime playmaker and mid-range assassin at age 38.
8. New Orleans Pelicans
New Orleans' toughest challenge of the last four seasons has arguably been staying healthy. However, all signs point to a rejuvenated Zion Williamson finally being able to pulverize NBA rims over an entire campaign.
7. Boston Celtics
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown arguably remain the top two-way wing tandem in the Association. Despite Smart's departure, the Celtics' perimeter defense is still formidable with Jrue Holiday joining Derrick White in the backcourt. Kristaps Porzingis' outside shooting adds another dimension to the offense.
6. Los Angeles Lakers
There's never a dull moment with the purple and gold. After flirting with the notion of suddenly retiring, LeBron James reversed course and plans to be back for Year 21. With a revamped supporting cast, you can't help but watch to see how it goes for the Lakers.
5. Dallas Mavericks
The chemistry between Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving will only improve with a full training camp under their belt. That's bad news for opposing teams as they'll be tasked with simultaneously stopping two of the NBA's dynamic offensive threats.
4. San Antonio Spurs
We don't have to tell you the huge, 7-foot-3.5-inch-tall reason to tune in to Spurs basketball this season. But just in case, here's San Antonio-based mariachi band Campanas de America to make sure you never forget:
3. Milwaukee Bucks
Bucks fans have plenty of reasons to be excited about Damian Lillard. The seven-time All-Star's unlimited shooting range will prevent teams from loading up the paint against Giannis Antetokounmpo's drives. Lillard's pick-and-roll proficiency also unlocks more offensive possibilities with Antetokounmpo.
2. Denver Nuggets
Nikola Jokic is almost certainly going to wow us again with his all-encompassing style of play, though we've never seen him do it as a reigning NBA champion. Watching him and the Nuggets adjust to life at the top will be one of the main stories of the entire season.
1. Phoenix Suns
Is there any other team with more eyes on it? The pressure is on in Phoenix after the front office went all-in on a Kevin Durant-Devin Booker-Bradley Beal core. Whether the Suns sink or swim, fans will be tuned in all season long.