It’s nearly time for tip off.
The 2023-24 NBA season is getting closer, which means we’re going to see if the Denver Nuggets can repeat, or if a new champion will be crowned.
So with that in mind, we turn our attention to another year of NBA watchability rankings: Which teams would you rather see on TV than others?
What’s our grading system here? It’s a very unscientific combination of star power, how much fun it is to watch said team and even some “I’ve got to tune in to see if this is gonna be a train wreck” mixed in.
So let’s break each squad down, starting from last to first.
30
Washington Wizards
Look, I’m with the rest of you: I think Jordan Poole is going to compete for the NBA scoring title this year. And Tyus Jones starting intrigues me, as does the beginning of Bilal Coulibaly’s career.
But this team is going to be BAD. Like, REALLY BAD.
29
Charlotte Hornets
Sure, I’ll tune in for some LaMelo Ball games. Maybe Brandon Miller shows right away why he was the No. 2 pick in the 2023 draft. But otherwise? I’ll check back in with them in a few years when the young core gels.
28
Chicago Bulls
There’s talent here, with Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic, plus young Patrick Williams. But just because there’s talent doesn’t mean they’re the most watchable team, especially if the Bulls decide to make some deals and tank.
27
Toronto Raptors
Maybe that’s the face you’re making with how low this is, and I get that! But this team is just … I don’t know. It’s a mishmash, led by Scottie Barnes and Pascal Siakam doing his thing. Maybe this needs to be higher when Gradey Dick scores more.
26
Utah Jazz
A feisty team that maybe got feistier by adding John Collins. Lauri Markkanen is great at basketball. That’s about it.
25
Portland Trail Blazers
Maybe they should be slightly higher after the Dame trade. After all, I think Scoot Henderson has the chance to be special, I’m curious about Deandre Ayton away from the Suns, and I love Shaedon Sharpe jumping like 20 feet every time he dunks on someone.
But I just think they’ll be more fun to watch when it all comes together.
24
Brooklyn Nets
A LOT to take in with this team. Maybe Mikal Bridges is the guy. Maybe Ben Simmons finally looks like he once did. Maybe Cameron Johnson is a 20 ppg scorer. I’m intrigued.
23
Indiana Pacers
We know Tyrese Haliburton is a star, but will he take another step forward? Will youngsters like Bennedict Mathurin, Obi Toppin and Jarace Walker be good? Not quite fully watchable, but getting there.
22
Detroit Pistons
A healthy Cade Cunningham helps a lot, as does Ausar Thompson.
21
Orlando Magic
Something cool is happening in Orlando, with Paolo Banchero looking like the real deal, Franz Wagner appearing to be a great No. 2, and some young names up and down the lineup who could take a step up. Among the rebuilders, it feels like they’re forming one of the more fun cores.
20
Houston Rockets
This is very much a “train wreck or might be fun” pick.
Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr. could be stars, Alperen Sengun is awesome, and now they’ve got Fred VanVleet running the point.
And then we get to Dillon Brooks doing Dillon Brooks things and … well, yeah, this could be a weird year. But more watchable than last season!
19
Minnesota Timberwolves
We’ve reached the tier of “we kind of know what we’re getting here, and while that doesn’t mean bad, it means there’s mixed stuff here.”
Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert didn’t exactly work out great last year, although I will tune in to see Anthony Edwards reach superstardom.
18
Cleveland Cavaliers
Like I said, mixed bag — the Cavs are pretty good with their Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell backcourt, plus another year of Evan Mobley. But how good are they? And does that make them totally watchable?
17
New York Knicks
Good hoops is back at Madison Square Garden. This is a team that has less watchable moments, though — like, is Julius Randle going to slow the offense down again in the postseason? Will RJ Barrett be more consistent? At least watching Jalen Brunson is always a blast.
16
Atlanta Hawks
Maybe Year 2 of Trae Young and Dejounte Murray is better. If not, this could become a very unwatchable mess until it gets sorted out.
15
Sacramento Kings
LIGHT THE BEAM! This team is so much fun. Maybe I underrated them. Sorry. There are more interesting storylines ahead.
14
New Orleans Pelicans
This is all about that guy above. If Zion Williamson is healthy and focused and back to what he was when he came out of Duke, this ranking might actually be too low.
But that’s a big if.
13
Memphis Grizzlies
This is tricky. You’ve got Jaren Jackson Jr. and his explosion as a two-way threat, Desmond Bane as an underrated star, the addition of Marcus Smart to add even more defensive fuel to a team with plenty of it …
And then we have to talk about Ja Morant. My hope is that he’s focused and ready to go when he returns from suspension. A team to watch either way.
12
Los Angeles Clippers
Kind of seems low for a team with Paul George, Kawhi Leonard and Russell Westbrook, but it also feels like it’s an incomplete ranking until we see if they deal for James Harden. Then they’d be top-10 watchable, easily.
11
Miami Heat
Given how watchable Jimmy Butler is every night on and off the court and how we might get a Tyler Herro bounceback season, could this be low?
10
Philadelphia 76ers
A team with an MVP with some James Harden drama on the side. I think they could be even more watchable than where I’ve ranked them.
9
Dallas Mavericks
Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving together is SO watchable, either because they’ll really figure it out together … or they’ll combust.
8
San Antonio Spurs
For the record: I had them higher than this before I thought about it for a while.
That said, we’re talking about Victor Wembanyama here. His preseason games were must-watch. His highlight reel of blocks, ball-handling, three-pointers, shots with ease over shorter defenders, etc, are just absurd.
I want to watch every Wemby game, and you should too.
7
Golden State Warriors
The same cast of characters we all know and love, PLUS Chris Paul trying to win that elusive ring. I’m in!
6
Los Angeles Lakers
Bron and The Brow try again, plus Austin Reaves is so fun to watch. But this is more about my message to you: Watch as much LeBron as you can before he retires someday.
5
Oklahoma City Thunder
Too high? Absolutely not. This team is my pick for the most fun watch of 2023-24, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander becoming a superstar, Josh Giddey doing it all and the other tall guy who can do otherworldly things in Chet Holmgren. Also, Jalen Williams is a budding star. What more do you want?
4
Phoenix Suns
Well, this should be an interesting season in the desert.
The combo of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal form one of the best starting trios in all of hoops. But you’re tuning in to see if it’ll actually work, and whether defense will be an issue.
3
Denver Nuggets
Why aren’t the defending champs at the top here? Well, you already saw what they can do. There are two other teams that are more watch-worthy.
2
Boston Celtics
The additions of Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday might unlock all sorts of things for this squad that was already packed with talent. Also: Is Jaylen Brown going to bounce back from the playoffs?
1
Milwaukee Bucks
Could it be any other team? No. Because Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard together might make this team unstoppable.
