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.
Whether or not the 76ers are an enjoyable watch depends on if they can stay healthy. On paper, Joel Embiid and Paul George are the perfect vets to complement their electric group of young guards, including rookie V.J. Edgecombe. But neither Embiid nor George have featured at all in preseason after offseason knee surgeries, suggesting Philadelphia will again have to rely on stopgap solutions that won't have the entertainment factor of their best possible lineups.
Zion Williamson's court vision, power, and athleticism make him an explosive force in transition. Injuries haven't diminished his strengths in the half court either - Williamson can still attack one-on-one off the bounce, outmuscle opposing players in the post, and initiate the offense. Trey Murphy III has proven to be more than just a 3-and-D role player, while Herb Jones constantly wreaks havoc on the defensive end. For better or worse, there won't be a dull moment when Jordan Poole's on the floor.
While the reigning champs' chemistry can lead to hilarious postgame moments, their play style can be a bit of a slog at times. With the ball in his hands, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's unmatched shiftiness makes him one of the most difficult scorers for defenders to contain, but his overt reliance on free throws - his league-leading 601 makes last season were 104 more than James Harden in second - is a tedious though undeniably effective strategy.
Memphis isn't giving fans many reasons to tune in early on, but the Grizzlies will be a popular League Pass team once they have their full complement of players. Ja Morant isn't afraid to poster anybody or talk smack. Few centers have the sweet-shooting stroke and shot-blocking ability of Jaren Jackson Jr. His frontcourt partner, Zach Edey, is a behemoth at 7-foot-4 and didn't back down from anybody as a rookie last season.
Loads of eyes will be on this year's Clippers, who've surrounded Kawhi Leonard with a consortium of high-profile vets that are all hunting their first title. With personnel like James Harden, Bradley Beal, and Chris Paul, Tyronn Lue's squad could be among the NBA's most entertaining, but they could also be an incredibly frustrating aesthetic experience if their talent fails to mesh properly.
There's some real excitement in the Motor City after the Pistons snapped their six-year playoff drought last season. Cade Cunningham made the leap to All-NBA talent, punishing opposing guards in the post with his size advantage and developing pick-and-roll chemistry with Jalen Duren. Ausar Thompson is just as athletic as his twin brother, Amen, with the ability to handle the rock and force turnovers. Jaden Ivey boasts an explosive first step and an improving 3-point stroke.
The two-man game between Trae Young and Kristaps Porzingis should be enough on its own to make the on-court product more entertaining than last season. The Hawks are also getting back dynamic young forward Jalen Johnson, who was having a breakout year before a torn shoulder labrum ended his season after 36 games. Factor in Dyson Daniels stealing every ball in his vicinity and Zaccharie Risacher building off a solid rookie year, and Atlanta should be fun to watch.
Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns are two of the top offensive players at their respective positions. Brunson's an efficient three-level scorer who thrives in isolation and was dependable whenever the game was on the line. Meanwhile, Towns formed a deadly two-man tandem with Brunson, often rolling to the basket after setting a screen or popping out from beyond the arc. Josh Hart's constant hustle and OG Anunoby's perimeter defense always bring The Garden faithful to their feet.
What's not to like about Anthony Edwards essentially guaranteeing a couple vicious posters every year? The high-flying guard hit career-best marks in scoring (27.6) and 3-point percentage (39.5%) in 2024-25, adding another dimension to his already wildly entertaining style. The Wolves also added another exciting young talent in 18-year-old Joan Beringer, a near-7-footer out of France who impressed in his Summer League debut by putting up seven blocks against the Pelicans.
Stephen Curry has delivered his share of signature moments over 16 seasons with the Warriors. No player has been more prolific from long distance than the 11-time All-Star. It's a sight to behold when Curry's dialed in, as he makes the game look effortless. Draymond Green is never too far away from the spotlight with his tenacious defense and tendency to agitate his foes. Jimmy Butler has taken a step back offensively, but he continues to be an impact defender.
The Nuggets reloaded over the summer, and the roster's overall quality now arguably rivals that of the 2023 championship squad. But the core of what makes Denver so fun to spectate is Nikola Jokic, who we can expect to stupefy observers again after averaging a triple-double last season on 29.6 points per game. Posters from Christian Braun and Aaron Gordon, plus Jamal Murray's heroics in the clutch, only add to the Nuggets' aesthetic appeal.
Dallas became appointment television when it won the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes. Flagg can do all sorts of things on any given night. Whether it's guarding multiple positions or protecting the rim, the Duke product is capable of taking over a game with his defense. Flagg is just as versatile on the offensive end as a three-level scorer and point forward. The Mavs also have no shortage of lob options between Flagg, Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II, and Daniel Gafford.
LeBron James rubbed some the wrong way when his big "decision" tease amounted to an ad, but all eyes remain on the future Hall of Famer and whether 2025-26 will be his final NBA season. That's only part of what makes the Lakers a must-watch this year; jaw-dropping Luka Doncic highlights will be on the menu again, and the Slovenian should look even more comfortable after participating in a full camp with the team.
Kevin Durant is one of the greatest scorers in NBA history. The 37-year-old remains an elite three-level threat, so enjoy whatever is left of his career. It'll be fun to see how Durant meshes with the Rockets' young talent. Alperen Sengun is arguably the best passing big after Jokic, and Amen Thompson puts on a one-man show with his outstanding two-way play and freakish athleticism.
Victor Wembanyama spent 10 days at a Shaolin temple in China this offseason, is now officially listed at 7-foot-5, and recently brushed aside fellow giant Luke Kornet during a team scrimmage like he was made of paper. With a couple of NBA seasons under his belt, the French star's ongoing evolution continues to make him one of the most exciting talents to watch in the entire league - and, by extension, makes the Spurs must-see TV.
