1st Annual League Pass Rankings

 

1. [SIZE=12pt]Cleveland Cavaliers – They have arguably the best and most entertaining point guard in the league in Kyrie Irving. He’s a guy who at times looks like an elite streetballer dropped in an NBA game. They’ve surrounded him with athletic wings and a few lob catching big men. It also doesn’t hurt they have Jayson Tatum who is a throwback to the inefficient Kobe era.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]1.[/SIZE]  Cleveland Cavaliers - Who else could it be? The defending champs are a must-watch, featuring the reigning MVP Kyrie Irving, top 2 player Avery Bradley, ROTY contender Jayson Tatum, perennial disappointment Nicolas Batum, and countless other superstar castoffs. With GM/Coach Jimmy in control, the only way this team would be more exciting (and more efficient) is if he subbed in as SG on his own.
 
 
[SIZE=12pt]              2.New York Knicks – The most exciting thing about this team is that you don’t know if you’re going to see a prison fight break                        out or a blowout win. Either way we’re tuned into what happens next in New York always.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]2.[/SIZE] [SIZE=10.5pt]Phoenix Suns - If you don't love watching 58 year old stars coming off the bench, you don't love NBA basketball. The meme team is sure to keep fans on edge all season long as they chase a third consecutive finals loss. With huge names such as George Hill, Marcin Gortat, and Marcus Thornton leading the way, it's easy to see why any casual fan would value this team's group of big names. There's also an added bonus in watching this team nightly - the odds of half the roster moving at any given time are exceptionally high.This is a value pick of value picks, as you'll have a chance to watch 93 different Phoenix Suns players over the course of the season. [/SIZE]
 
 
[SIZE=12pt]             3 .Indiana Pacers – There might not be a better backcourt to watch on a nightly basis than Harden and Westbrook. The                               dichotomy between the raw intensity and ferociousness Westbrook plays and the skill and grace Harden plays with is a nice                       contrast to watch any night.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]3.[/SIZE] [SIZE=10.5pt]New York Knicks - The Goon Squad has fully assembled in New York, and it's the kind of painful dominance that's hard to look away from. In a league full of cupcake offense-only teams, the Knicks are not afraid to score 7 points and win by 6. Expect a few shutouts and maybe even a no-hitter from this group as their defense and bully ball dominates a very weak Eastern Conference. The league's best Boogie also resides here, which automatically guarantees a top 28 ranking. [/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=12pt]                  4.  Philadelphia 76ers – Zach Lavine has arguably been the most exciting dunker to watch on a fast break since he’s been in        the league. Combining him with one of the league’s flashiest ball handlers in Deron has made Philadelphia a must watch this season.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]4.[/SIZE]   [SIZE=12pt]Dallas Mavericks - If this league wasn't rigged enough already, does anyone else feel it's awfully suspicious that the NBA Commissioner both coaches and GMs a team that's under .500 and leading their division? Everyone will be well-served to keep an eye on this fishy division leader, as they attempt to go .300 and take home the 2 seed in the historically powerful Western Conference. Led by Bobby Boucher and Bobe Bryant, they have all the necessary pieces to accomplish just that.[/SIZE]
 
 
[SIZE=12pt]5. Sacramento Kings – Boasting both John Wall and Tyreke Evans in the backcourt we routinely hope the Kings just decide to ice out their big men and iso all game. That’s how exciting they are. Not to mention they have some great lob catching bigs on their team. Sac fans always know they’re getting a show when this team plays.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]5. Los Angeles Lakers - Unibrows aside, this roster is built upon a tasteful mix of disappointment and over-achievement. Eric Gordon looks like a legit superstar on paper, the #1 pick looks like a 2nd rounder, and the other top 10 picks are playing well. I'm not sure what to expect from this team going forward, and despite rumors that their GM would waive the entire roster, there's no reason to believe this is even remotely close to the truth. I'm watching this team closely because it could either be a train wreck or a beautiful coming-of-age story.[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=12pt]                 6.Atlanta Hawks – Steph Curry pulling up from 30 feet and shoulder shimmying is deflating for opponents but it’s incredibly                    entertaining to fans. We’ve also become big proponents of the Giannis stare down after dunks this year.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]6.[/SIZE] [SIZE=12pt]Sacramento Kings - A team that's been questioned for generations, the Kings are no longer under commissioner control and have spread their wings immediately. John Calipari would be proud of this backcourt of Wall and Evans, which has produced numbers that can only be matched by our next team's guard duo. They've got a lot to like, and their story under a first year GM is one to feel good about.[/SIZE]
                                  
                            
 
                              The Steph Shimmy is the most entertaining celebration in the league.
 
[SIZE=12pt]                 7.     Los Angeles Clippers – They have a lot of known names in this league. You never know what you’re going to get from                             this team but you can almost guarantee a show rather it’s a win or loss.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]7.[/SIZE]  [SIZE=12pt]Indiana Pacers - It's hard to imagine a Westbrook/Harden backcourt falling off, and with some reasonable depth around these guys there's no reason to believe this team won't hang around and produce a ton of highlights all season long. The only thing holding this team back from being higher on the League Pass rankings is that we've seen this before, and it's a bit of a stagnant group right now. While that may be a good thing in terms of wins and losses, cohesion doesn't add drama (a key factor in these rankings).[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=12pt]                   8. Milwaukee Bucks – Kevin Love alone makes them a must watch team. He’s putting up video game numbers this season          while showing the repertoire of  Kevin McHale in the post with the range of Dirk. Young guard D’angelo Russell is a treat to watch                on the fast break as well with his love of no look passes.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]8.[/SIZE] [SIZE=12pt]Philadelphia 76ers - Whenever a team stops tanking and flips the switch, it's always worth seeing how their pieces will finally jell when it comes time to win. This is also primed to be the breakout season for KP, who has been a big topic of discussion and a centerpiece in many trades, although he's still not quite Zizic. If you like defense, Rudy Gobert is your man. If you like offense, the Deron/Zach/Tobias outside trio will excite you. If you like unicorns, that's your problem.[/SIZE]
 
 
[SIZE=12pt]         9. Orlando Magic – Yeah there’s nothing else that needs to be said other than they have LeBron.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]9. Detroit Pistons - A reigning Eastern Conference Finalist with a winning record could easily be higher on this list, especially with another fantastic offense/defense combo in "Blowjob Brandon" Jennings and Serge Ibaka. There's just something about Jeff Green, Trevor Booker, and Carl Landry that doesn't excite me. This is a good team that I'd be okay watching, but wouldn't change the channel for in most cases.[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=12pt]  10. Detroit Pistons -Brandon Jennings surrounded by shooters and athletic wings make Detroit a nightly watch worth a ticket every night.[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=12pt]10.[/SIZE] [SIZE=12pt]Milwaukee Bucks - Can we first congratulate the Bucks on looking like they'll finally squeeze their way into the playoffs? Kevin Love is on pace to average 78 points and 34 rebounds per game, all while giving up the same amount to opposing forwards. That's what I call entertainment. There's a mix of shooters and inside bullies on this team, so their lack of lockdown defense can be made up for with their adjustable focus on the other end. This team will make the playoffs and will be a feel-good story, with or without a Kevin Love MVP award.[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=12pt]                11. OKC Thunder – They have a similar situation to the pacers the difference between their star backcourt make them a team    you’re always hoping to catch a glimpse of. Keep an eye out for Jaylen Brown as well he’s a great dunker on the break.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]11.[/SIZE] [SIZE=12pt]Los Angeles Clippers - LA's best team is complete and efficient on both ends. They've got some name value with Conley/Booker/Kawhi/Smoove/Blowpez, but the consistency of this group with last year's roster lowers their must-watch rating a bit. Their GM has made the headlines on numerous occasions, but they're never basketball-related. I'd place GM "Mexi" #1 on the Twitter value rankings, as he's guaranteed to post some content that can't be ignored, but on these rankings this is just a really solid team that's not particularly demanding of viewership[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=12pt]              12. Phoenix Suns – The sure uncertainty of who is on this team and who might not be in 24 hours make them one of my favorite teams to watch. Vegas should let you put money down on which sun will be moved next. This organization and team will never be confused for being boring[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=12pt]12.[/SIZE] [SIZE=12pt]Orlando Magic - LeBron James is LeBron James, please tune in this Sunday on ABC.[/SIZE]
 
 
[SIZE=12pt]                 13. Los Angeles Lakers – The premier franchise in LA has always been known for putting an entertaining product on the floor and this team is no different. Star guards Eric Gordon and Donovan Mitchell continuously bring the stars to the Staples Center.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]13.[/SIZE] [SIZE=12pt]Minnesota Timberwolves - We've reached the early disappointments section of our rankings, where preseason playoff pick Minnesota checks in. There's a lot of shooting ability and post defense on this roster, but the possibility that there are too many similar players and not enough variety is starting to become clear. This team looks primed to make a free agency splash in the offseason, but barring any big moves it looks like they've mailed it in this year. It'll be worth watching to see if they can surge to .400 and win the Midwest division.[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=12pt]14.  Houston Rockets – The fans are routinely treated to Blake Griffin dunks and meltdowns to officials as well as Demar Derozan dunks and Kobe Bryant impersonations. The only show better in Houston is V Live.[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=12pt]14.[/SIZE] [SIZE=12pt]Houston Rockets - What happened to this reigning Western Conference Finalist? Every season is a rollercoaster in Houston, but this has been particularly strange after a year of finally seeing what this core could become. Seemingly positive offseason moves have led to a projected lotto season, and for the time being, it seems this roster lacks offensive volume top to bottom with the exception of Blake Griffin. If you don't love Kia, you don't love NBA basketball though.[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=12pt]                  15. Denver Nuggets – This team is full of guys who some believe should be considered past their prime but yet routinely their vets put up “wow I didn’t know he could still do that” plays. This team reminds us father time can be defeated for moments. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]15.[/SIZE] [SIZE=12pt]Memphis Grizzlies - ANTE. ZIZIC. The league's most watchable player is surrounded by young talent that's been better than expected thus far. Malik Beasley is the league's most improved player, and Jarrett Allen looks like the rookie of the year. This is a group that's very effective together and may be outperforming their talent level, but that's exactly what people tend to root for in a young group.[/SIZE]
 
 
[SIZE=12pt]                 16.Portland Trailblazers – Goran Dragic pushing the pace with Aaron Gordon running the wings has been one of the most exciting things in the league this year. If it’s not too late we recommend catching a game or two this year.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]           16.[/SIZE] [SIZE=12pt]Denver Nuggets - Hide your AARP cards, but with an average age of 89.4, the Denver Nougats have played very average basketball so far and have a moderately interesting storyline to follow. They've got some really exciting players despite their aging core, plus everyone loves to cheer for guys like Iguodala, Wade and Gay on their last dance. At 7-9, they may actually be favorites in the Midwest.[/SIZE]
 
 
[SIZE=12pt]           17. Toronto Raptors – There probably has never been a team with better one on one guys than this roster. Kevin Durant has a case for the league’s Goat and pair him with Carmelo Anthony. We bet they could beat half the league in two on two games.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]17.[/SIZE] [SIZE=12pt]Washington Wizards - The league's biggest disappointment so far is likely in DC. With a starting unit featuring two former All Stars and other legitimate pieces, they should be much better than they have been and I wouldn't except this to continue. Given the implications of their record on the famed Ante Zizic deal, the league will be wide-eyed if this continues going forward.[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=12pt]             18. Washington Wizards – Derrick Rose alone puts them in the top 20. Really nothing else more needs to be said.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]18.[/SIZE] [SIZE=12pt]Toronto Raptors - The Slim Reaper has been a rebounding force so far, and his offense is coming along as expected. There's a lot to like on this roster, but outside of Melo and Jokic there aren't any role players that I'd be anxious to see. If you love iso ball, this is a great team to watch as their wing duo pounds the ball into the parquet from the perimeter.[/SIZE]
 
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[SIZE=12pt]             19. Brooklyn Nets – This team is full of high leapers and a guy or two with absurdly high ego’s but that makes Brooklyn a fun team to watch. You’re not sure whether Justise Winslow is going to call your star player a bitch or embarrass him defensively. Either way it makes Barclay’s entertaining nightly.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]19.[/SIZE] [SIZE=12pt]Atlanta Hawks - The people said this was Steph, Al and Giannis' team. The people didn't respect DJ Augustin. This group is producing in some very peculiar ways, and while I wouldn't expect DJ to be their MVP all year long, there's a lot of unheralded production going on here alongside their known stars. Definitely worth viewing, but again this team is one that's been together for a while and isn't particularly new and exciting.[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=12pt]                   20. Utah Jazz – Kemba practicing his moves for Dyckman and Jimmy Butler berating teammates nightly make them a must view for west coast fans.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]20.[/SIZE] [SIZE=12pt]Portland Trailblazers - Our most unwatchable projected playoff team, the Blazers have been a model of stability and consistency but there are no eye-popping talents on this team. Dragic has played very well, and Aldridge has consistently been a go-to scorer in the post, but this isn't the brand of basketball that the average viewer is particularly interested in. This list is completely pointless though, so I'm sure Portland's quiet-but-effective GM won't mind.[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=12pt]                  21. Boston Celtics – This team probably could be moved up a few slots. But we’re already here so let’s go with it.  Between the rocking TD garden and Dame embarrassing opponents and letting them know what time it is there is no better show in Boston. Sorry Tom.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]21.[/SIZE] [SIZE=12pt]Oklahoma City Thunder - The Oladipo/McCollum backcourt duo is one of the most intriguing in the league, especially considering they both just got paid in free agency and were somewhat questioned in terms of their ceilings and offseason growth. They've both produced, but there's not a single player on this roster besides them that demands attention. When Nene is your third leading scorer, it's time to re-evaluate which pieces you have surrounding the future.[/SIZE]
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[SIZE=12pt]                  22. Miami Heat – If it was possible for a team to only be must watch in transition and unwatchable in halfcourt it’s probably this team. But during fast breaks with a 6’10 PF leading the break in Ben Simmons they make the unusual seem normal.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]22.[/SIZE] [SIZE=12pt]Utah Jazz - The old Heat duo of Butler and Walker is fitting in well alongside breakout performers Jordan Clarkson and Clint Capela, but there's not a lot of upside for this group currently as they build for the future. Not a bad rebuilder to watch on a quiet night, but the lack of a true star makes this a pretty mediocre group. The depth of the West makes them interesting though.[/SIZE]
 
 
[SIZE=12pt]                  23. San Antonio Spurs – We only watch this team at this point to solely see if Andrew Wiggins or Harry Giles dunk on somebody and to be frank those two rarely let us down in that category. But outside of that it’s not an easy watch in the Alamo.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]23.[/SIZE] [SIZE=12pt]Miami Heat - Miami has had a swift fall from the top third of the East following the loss of Love, Butler, Walker, and Batum. It's a new era in Miami, and it's hard to blame them after losing their franchise centerpiece. The games aren't particularly exciting to watch now, but Kyle Lowry gives us some semblance of star power to keep an eye on.[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=12pt]                24. Charlotte Hornets – The Hornets are here because of their exciting young core led by De’Aaron Fox who may honestly be the fastest player in the league. If track is your thing you want to watch this guy play.[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=12pt]24.[/SIZE] [SIZE=12pt]San Antonio Spurs - On surface value, there's some names to be excited by including Andrew Wiggins and a collection of other young players with everything to prove and nothing to lose. On court, however, there's a lack of excitement as the Monroe/Bosh/Hayward trio creates the majority of the offense via 1976 NBA motions and post-ups. This isn't a complete sleeper squad, but the hope of watching a dunk contest on any given fastbreak is diminishing.[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=12pt]                 25. Chicago Bulls – Dwight catching lobs is still one of the most enjoyable past times in the league. Outside of that and the occasional Ben McLemore slam there’s not much for a casual fan to get excited about.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]25.[/SIZE] [SIZE=12pt]Brooklyn Nets - Justise Winslow broke Bradley Beal's nose, Myles Turner has been an animal on both ends, and Ricky Rubio is proving why he's not worth his contract but is worth a roster spot on a good team. There's a lot more going right for this team than most would probably expect, so their record will be something to keep an eye on moving forward.[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=12pt]                 26. Minnesota Timberwolves – Not much to get excited about this is a group of no nonsense guys but that doesn’t always make for an entertaining watch.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]26.Charlotte Hornets - The future of this roster is somewhat exciting, with Fox/Ingram/Okafor and whoever they can add in the upcoming draft, but there's little substance apart from this trio. With Ingram in the G-League, the on-court product leaves much to be desired.[/SIZE]
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[SIZE=12pt]               27. Memphis Grizzlies – We’re all witnesses to the Zizic show.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]27.[/SIZE] [SIZE=12pt]Chicago Bulls - If this team could find some minutes for Ben McLemore, they might be the most watchable group in the league. Until then, Dwight Howard provides a little bit of intrigue but there isn't much else to look for out of this group. Josh Richardson is the next man up after DH12[/SIZE][SIZE=10.5pt], [/SIZE][SIZE=10.5pt]which is not a good thing when you're trying to attract an audience.[/SIZE]
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[SIZE=12pt]                  28. Dallas Mavericks – They’ve been dominant in this league for years but outside of watching Chris Paul putting on dribbling displays                         they aren’t a team you’re rushing home to watch.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]             28.[/SIZE] [SIZE=12pt]Golden State Warriors - Somebody please cut my eyeballs out.[/SIZE]
 
 
[SIZE=12pt]            29. Golden State Warriors – You might as well just watch Luka Doncic games because that’s who they’re aiming for. More enjoyable times are coming Warriors fans.[/SIZE]
            29. Boston Celtics - There's really nobody worth watching on this roster, and to a casual NBA fan there aren't any recognizable names either. They run a slow pace and score very few points, all while their defense leaves a lot to be desired. I wouldn't watch this team at all unless I had to (which I do) but the bright side is that their draft pick will likely be #1. If only they didn't trade it away.
 

Warriors fans are dreaming of Luka to cement a rise in the league pass power rankings.

FeelsBadMan

Wizards will climb (maybe), just wait on it

Good look on the rankings fellas .. we try to keep it spicy

good article men. appreciate the love. nice to see a new set of rankings

Good read, and good to see some activity in the article section.

Good stuff fellas. I cant argue with my ranking since were basically the irl Heat right now (Dragic, Whiteside, Ryno lol)

kdogg said:

Good stuff fellas. I cant argue with my ranking since were basically the irl Heat right now (Dragic, Whiteside, Ryno lol)

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I love how many of the teams are ranked based off of completely different takes between TYO and I lol. This one is a prime example

Great read, though Im guessing this was done before I traded for Lance. Still cant argue with top 10 spots in both rankings

$4 each

CameronCrazy06 said:

$4 each

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thank you for your service

solid content guys. would probably be a roller coaster ride watching melo and kd on the same team tbh.