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.
It's not that the Nets will be unwatchable per se; it's that their hodgepodge of talent won't have you rushing to League Pass in mid-January. The front office probably doesn't expect you to anyway; getting the club's own 2025 first-rounder back in the Mikal Bridges swap was a strong indicator they plan to be very ... not good.
Watching the Bulls this season will probably be like going to the movies to see the re-release of an old cult favorite, but for some reason they removed two of the best scenes. Getting Lonzo Ball back is a great story, but the Bulls will be a tough sell if he and Zach LaVine can't stay healthy.
The Wizards aren't projected to be great, but you can bet your bottom dollar they'll be entertaining. A poor Summer League display aside, second overall pick and 7-footer Alex Sarr should breathe new life into the Wizards' starting lineup alongside Jordan Poole and Kyle Kuzma.
After their debacle of a 2023-24 campaign, it should be a little easier to stomach Pistons basketball this year. Newcomers Tobias Harris and Tim Hardaway Jr. are ideal vets to better coordinate Cade Cunningham and Co. on the court. Will they win it all? No. But will they lose 28 straight again? For the fan base's sake, we hope not.
Jakob Poeltl perhaps said it best during media day: "It makes no sense for us to try and win every single game as much as we can and sacrifice development in turn of that." Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley, and Gradey Dick can be an enjoyable trio, but watch the 2024-25 Raptors at your own peril.
Well-regarded longtime assistant Charles Lee will make his head coaching debut leading a young Hornets squad that features of the league's most exciting 23-and-under backcourt pairings in LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. It could go exceedingly well or horribly wrong, but it will be worth a watch nonetheless.
There's a lot to like about this young Jazz roster, which added crafty and high-flying wing Cody Williams out of Colorado with the 10th pick. With Lauri Markkanen now tied down long term and a more comfortable Keyonte George in Year 2, Utah could be more fun than many are expecting.
OK, so the Clippers don't have two-way superstar Paul George anymore, but Derrick Jones Jr.'s liveliness and athleticism should make him a fan favorite much like he was in Dallas. Now, if only we could get some clarity on Kawhi Leonard's troublesome knee.
A healthy Heat squad combined with its usual heavy dosage of clutch games should make for an entertaining season in South Beach. Miami's stagnant offense could get a lot more visually appealing if Bam Adebayo's newfound 3-point shooting continues.
As long as Trae Young is around, the Hawks will always be an enjoyable watch. The 6-foot-1 guard's unlimited shooting range, willingness to play the heel, and endless lobs to bigs make for quite the show.
There are plenty of reasons to tune into a Rockets game. You've got Alperen Sengun's passing wizardry, Jalen Green's high-flying acts, Fred VanVleet's scrappy defense, and the ultimate wild card in Dillon Brooks.
It's always a treat watching Sacramento's up-tempo offense. Few players go end-to-end faster than De'Aaron Fox, while Domantas Sabonis is a walking triple-double. Plus, who doesn't love seeing the Kings light the beam after each home win?
The electric backcourt of Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland is the headlining act in Cleveland, but don't forget about Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley. Few teams boast a pair of bigs that are both elite rim-protectors and passers for their position.
Portland's young guns will keep fans invested as the club continues its rebuild. Scoot Henderson is a one-man show in transition, Shaedon Sharpe - when healthy - is usually good for a highlight-reel dunk or two each night, and 7-foot-2 rookie Donovan Clingan should have his share of blocks.
Joel Embiid's combination of power and finesse is unmatched at his position. But it'll be fascinating to see how the 2023 NBA MVP meshes with marquee free-agent signing Paul George, while Tyrese Maxey continues to grow into one of the NBA's more electrifying guards.