The NBA has 30 teams that are all fun to watch, to varying degrees. Aesthetics are subjective, as beauty is in the eye of the beholder, etc. After more than a quarter of the season, it’s safe to say that some teams are way more entertaining than we expected, and some are not.
So without further ado, here are my updated 2021-2022 NBA League Pass Rankings, from least watchable to appointment viewing. Which NBA team is the most fun to watch?
It’s important to note that this year seems to have very, very few total dogs, but very few must-watch teams, too. I’ve tried to grade based on the bigger picture and not get weighed down by the short-term implications of a rash of injuries and COVID-related absences.
This is a forward-looking ranking, which explains why some teams like the Pelicans are higher than you would expect based on their performance so far.
NBA League Pass Power Rankings: 30. Indiana Pacers
The recent report that the Pacers are finally, finally going to trade away some core pieces is a breath of fresh air for a moribund franchise. The Pacers are by no means the worst team in the league, but outside of the occasional Myles Turner block or clever Sabonis pass from the high post, there is just nothing to recommend this team to a neutral fan.
Even T.J. McConnell, whose backcourt thievery last season was the best thing about the Pacers, has been boring (he’s averaging a career-low in steals per 36 minutes). Hopefully, some of their rumored trades come to fruition because this team needs some excitement.
NBA League Pass Power Rankings: 29. San Antonio Spurs
I loved watching the early-to-mid 2010s Spurs. They prototyped the sort of whizz-bang, “everyone eats” passing that Steve Kerr’s Warriors have since perfected.
Unfortunately, those days are long gone. Even the jerseys are boring (even the Miami Vice-evoking Fiesta duds), the broadcasters are unabashed homers, and the playstyle features a heaping helping of mid-range jumpers from undeserving shooters. Dejounte Murray deserves better, but it’s tough to justify putting them above anyone.