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NBA League Pass Power Rankings: Which team is the most fun to watch?

By Michael Shearer

Nov 29, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (2) and Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball (2) hug after the game at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (2) and Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball (2) hug after the game at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /
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NBA Power Rankings
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 29: Reggie Jackson #1 of the LA Clippers falls against Jonas Valanciunas #17 of the New Orleans Pelicans in the fourth quarter at Staples Center on November 29, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

NBA League Pass Power Rankings: 24. New Orleans Pelicans

If this was a ranking based purely on performance to date, these guys would be 31st in a league with 30 teams. It was disheartening to hear that Zion Williamson would be missing so much of the season, but the lack of development from most of the young guys on the roster really hurts, too.

Jonas “Dirk: Valanciunas has provided some spark, and Brandon Ingram (when healthy) has a smooth game that translates through the TV well. The broadcast crew (especially Antonio Daniels) is fun and energetic, particularly given the often lackluster product.

But the only reason they rank this high is that I’m assuming Zion comes back at some point this season. Otherwise, sink these guys to the bottom.

NBA League Pass Power Rankings: 23. Houston Rockets

This team was unwatchable at times earlier in the year, but a recent winning streak has buoyed them into respectability. Eric Gordon’s slow, muscular drives are a joy. Jalen Green has shown flashes of the athletic phenom we expected. Really, though, the only reason they’re even this high is Alperen Sengun:

https://twitter.com/HoustonRockets/status/1464778059832250372

He regularly attempts some of the most audacious passes this side of Nikola Jokic, and even when they don’t work, they’re still breathtaking. If he starts to get 25+ minutes per game, this team will be in the top half of the rankings for Sengun alone, no matter how many contested bricks the guards throw up.

NBA League Pass Power Rankings: 22. Orlando Magic

The starting lineup has been surprisingly competitive, and the revival of big men Mo Bamba and Wendell Carter Jr. has been great to watch. Cole Anthony rebounds like a power forward, and he gives some of the best post-game interview quotes around.

Franz Wagner will occasionally dunk on entire teams, which is always awesome. This team just isn’t very good when anybody except the starting five is on the court. Markelle Fultz and Jonathan Isaac’s eventual returns do add some drama, though.

NBA League Pass Power Rankings: 21. Los Angeles Clippers

Paul George is great, and he plays elite two-way basketball almost every night, but when he’s off, this team’s offense really sputters. Ty Lue is a masterful coach, and the defense is ferocious, but there just isn’t much here in terms of viewing spectacle.

Brandon Boston Jr. might change that if he can earn consistent minutes, and there’s always the looming specter of Kawhi’s potential return at the end of the season, but it’s difficult to recommend the Clippers to a casual fan as a viewing experience.