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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
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MARCH 31: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks directs his team while being defended by Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on March 31, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Mavericks defeat the Celtics 113-108. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

NBA League Pass Power Rankings: 20. Washington Wizards

I am surprised to find the spicy Wizards this low. Montrezl Harrell was somehow a legit MVP candidate for the first month of the season, Kyle Kuzma has been grabbing rebounds with a new ferocity, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has been playing some of the best basketball of his life.

The Wiz are 15-11 and firmly in the hunt for a top-six seed. And yet, they just aren’t really exciting to watch most nights. Bradley Beal has been off to a slow start, as has Spencer Dinwiddie.

They’ve cooled off in the last two weeks, and some of the underlying statistics suggest that they are a middle-of-the-pack team at best. I think they’ll pull it together and stay in the playoff mix, but a return to form for their starting guards would boost this team’s League Pass ranking.

NBA League Pass Power Rankings: 19. Boston Celtics

This is about as low as any team with stars like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown could rank. Those two players each have the capability to pop off for 40+ on any given night. Marcus Smart defends like hell and throws his body around with abandon.

Time Lord Robert Williams has been an ideal rim-running, shot-blocking center with underrated passing vision. And yet, something about this team leaves the viewer cold. Their offense feels mechanical.

They take a lot of mid-range shots that don’t go in often. The players just seem like they’re doing a job, instead of playing a game, and that lack of enthusiasm seeps through the screen. On the plus side, they have some of the best jerseys in the league.

NBA League Pass Power Rankings: 18. New York Knicks

The Knicks would be lower if it weren’t for the birth of the “Bing Bong” video. Similar to the Celtics, this team has just felt a little off all year. A mixture of too-high expectations and some disappointing free-agent additions (sorry, Kemba) has led to a team that is plummeting down the standings in both real life and in the League Pass Rankings.

The offense hasn’t gotten much better, the defense is significantly worse, and coach Thibodeau can’t seem to unlock the right starting lineup. Madison Square Garden is still the most beautiful court in the league, and the Knicks have at least played mostly competitive games without too many blowouts. Obi Toppin is a one-man fast break.

NBA League Pass Power Rankings: 17. Dallas Mavericks

Luka Doncic carries them to an average-ish League Pass ranking. Although he’s clearly playing his way into shape, he still offers an insane mix of shotmaking and passing that is beautiful when it’s clicking. His penchant for late-game heroics is incredible:

Kristaps Porzingis has been improved this year and plays a unique style that sets him apart from any of his peers. I always chuckle when Maxi Kleber blocks a surprised opponent. The occasional Boban sighting is always a delight, too.