We’re in the midst of the fourth week of the NBA season. Here are all 30 teams ranked worst to first.
30. Washington Wizards (2-8)
The Wizards have been horrific on defense so far, with a league-worst 118.9 DEFRTG. That makes since given their roster, which has some of the worst defensive players in the league. Rookie Alexander Sarr has shown flashes, but has a ways to go.
29. Toronto Raptors (2-10)
The Raptors look to have a long rebuild ahead of them. It’s no surprise that the team got worse after acquiring RJ Barrett last season. Barrett was one of the least efficient players in the league as a New York Knicks
28. Utah Jazz (3-8)
The league’s worst offense isn’t much better at the defensive end, either. Thankfully, Utah fans have a new NHL team to them occupied this winter. The big question is whether Lauri Markkanen will be traded at some point this season.
27. New Orleans Pelicans (3-9)
Injuries have decimated the Pelicans. Over half of the rotation, including Zion Williamson and Dejounte Murray, is out of the lineup right now. It’s been a nightmare start in New Orleans.
26. Philadelphia 76ers (2-9)
The Sixers struggled mightily as Joel Embiid missed the team’s first nine games. Now, Embiid is back but Tyrese Maxey is out, meaning the big three of Paul George, Embiid, and Maxey have yet to share the court.
25. Portland Trail Blazers (5-8)
The Blazers appear to be much more competitive than last year. That’s a low bar, but the young core is showing signs of improvement. The future could be bright in Portland.
24. Charlotte Hornets (4-7)
LaMelo Ball is healthy, but Brandon Miller has taken a huge stpe back in terms of efficiency in his second season. Will this franchise ever get it together?
23. Atlanta Hawks (5-7)
The Hawks were lucky winners of the NBA Draft Lottery despite low odds, and first-overall pick Zacharie Risacher has shown huge flashes, including a great game against the Knicks.
22. Milwaukee Bucks (4-8)
Getty Image / stacy revere
The Bucks have started to turn things around in recent days, as two monster Giannis Antetekounmpo performances have helped them win two in a row. But, this team looks incredibly dysfunctional and has dug themselves quite the hole.
21. Brooklyn Nets (5-7)
The Nets are supposed to be tanking this season in hopes of snagging one of the top prospects in what’s supposed to be a very good draft. Right now, they’re winning too many games to maximize those lottery odds. Cam Thomas continues to impress.
20. Detroit Pistons (5-8)
The Pistons have been the worst franchise in the league in recent years. But, they may be starting to turn the corner towards respectability. Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey have both made strides early this season.
19. Chicago Bulls (5-7)
The Bulls are definitely better than the bottom of the league, but this core isn’t good enough to really contend. They need to start trying to trade away assets like Zach Lavine and start a rebuild.
18. Miami Heat (4-6)
Is this the year where the Heat finally don’t overachieve? It looks that way in the early going, as a lackluster offense is once again holding them back.
17. Indiana Pacers (5-6)
Tyrese Haliburton has been up-and-down in the early going. The Pacers go as he goes, and he needs to be more consistent.
16. San Antonio Spurs (6-6)
After a slow start, Victor Wembanyama has caught fire. He has 24, 34, and 50 points in his last three games, making 20 total threes.
15. Los Angeles Clippers (6-6)
No Kawhi Leonard, no problem. Norm Powell is having a career year by leaps and bounds so far, and the Clippers have played quality defense to stay afloat while they wait for their star to return
14. Minnesota Timberwolves (6-6)
The Timberwolves have to get more efficient on offense if they want to contend for a championship once again. Right now, new acquisitions Julius Randle and Donte Divincenzo haven’t quite fit in yet.
13. Sacramento Kings (7-5)
Key acquisition DeMar DeRozan has played excellent basketball, and a big improvement on defense so far has the Kings off to a solid start.
12. New York Knicks (5-6)
The Knicks will be much better when Mitchell Robinson returns from injury, as interior defense is lacking. That being said, analytics say that the Knics are playing much better than their record so far. There’s plenty of time for this new-look team to gel before games start truly mattering.
11. Orlando Magic (7-6)
Paolo Banchero was playing like an MVP candidate before getting injured. But, after struggling right after his injury, they’ve won four straight, including three blowouts. Stellar defense is getting it done.
10. Dallas Mavericks (5-7)
Getty Image / Tyler Schank
For a Luka Doncic-led offense, the Mavericks are pretty inefficient so far. I wouldn’t expect for that to continue. The defense has been a bright spot.
9. Memphis Grizzlies (7-5)
When Ja Morant is staying out of trouble and on the floor, the Grizzlies are one of the best teams in the NBA. Good enough to be a real title contender, in fact.
8. Houston Rockets (8-4)
This young core looks dangerous a year or two ahead of schedule, thanks to sensational defense. Amen Thompson looks like he could be a perennial All-Defense selection.
7. Los Angeles Lakers (7-4)
What LeBron James is doing on a nightly basis in his age-40 season simply defies logic. It helps when Anthony Davis is playing MVP-caliber basketball, as well. The Lakers will go as far as the two stars take them.
6. Denver Nuggets (7-3)
After a slow start, the Nuggets have won five in a row. Nikola Jokic continues to look otherworldly, and is back on top of the NBA MVP odds.
5. Phoenix Suns (9-3)
Last year, the Suns never really got in a groove. That’s not been the case this year, as they’ve hit the ground running, especially in crunch time. Kevin Durant could have another 50/40/90 season.
4. Golden State Warriors (9-2)
Just when you think the Warriors are getting close to a rebuild, Steve Kerr finds a way to make them one of the best teams in the league once again. No team in the league is getting contributions from up and down the roster like the Warriors are.
3. Oklahoma City Thunder (10-2)
The future is so bright in Oklahoma City, but the title window is definitely open now. Chet Holmgren is going to miss significant time with a hip injury, but Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and company will have enough firepower to be just fine in his absence. Their defense has been the league’s best by a significant marign.
2. Boston Celtics (10-3)
The defending champions have given no inclination that they can’t do it again, as the offense is tops in the league so far. The defense isn’t quite where it was when they were at their best last year. But, we know they can get back to that level on the defensive end again.
1. Cleveland Cavaliers (13-0)
Can’t do any better than 13-0, folks. After sporting a below-average offense last season, Cleveland has the second-best offense in the league this year. A lot of that has to do with a more assertive Evan Mobley.