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

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PHOENIX, ARIZONA – MARCH 15: Dillon Brooks #24 of the Memphis Grizzlies drives the ball past Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns during the NBA game at Phoenix Suns Arena on March 15, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Grizzlies 122-99. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

NBA League Pass Power Rankings: 8. Miami Heat

Bam Adebayo’s diagnosis was a brutal break for a Miami team that’s been scuffling under a heavy injury burden. At their best, this is a top-five team: physical, switching, angry defense with enough passing intelligence and all-around skill to excite any viewer.

However, they’ve struggled to find a groove, and Bam’s extended absence makes it less likely they find one in the immediate future. Eric Reid’s understated “Kaboom!” after Miami threes is a signature phrase, and while people have mixed feelings on the court and uniforms, they’re always visually interesting.

This is a higher ranking than the Heat have deserved thus far, but the flashes we’ve seen have convinced me that they will be a prime League Pass team once everyone’s back on the court.

NBA League Pass Power Rankings: 7. Phoenix Suns

A sneaky fact about the NBA – Chris Paul teams are never that exciting to watch. He always plays at a snail’s pace, doesn’t turn it over (fewer fast breaks = fewer highlights), and rarely showcases the flashy handles and passes that we know he has in his bag in favor of a workmanlike dedication to making the mathematically-best play every time down the court.

This year is different:

https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/1460076300530438153

The Suns are pushing the ball with abandon, playing crazy good basketball on both sides of the court, and somehow look better than last year’s runner-up squad despite changing few pieces.

Mikal Bridges might be a Steph-stopper on defense, Deandre Ayton has been playing to earn a max contract, and Devin Booker’s having the best long-range shooting season of his career.

NBA League Pass Power Rankings: 6. Memphis Grizzlies

Ja Morant’s absence hasn’t quelled the joy from a Memphis team trying to prove it’s taken a step forward. Morant remains the gas that fuels this team’s fire, and he brings an infectious cheer that can brighten up anyone’s day.

In an age where most NBA stars snarl and scowl to show their tough-guy superiority, Morant’s constant smiles and laughter at his own amazingness are a ray of sunshine.

Dillon Brooks has returned to talk immense amounts of trash, Jaren Jackson Jr. is finally looking like “The Unicorn Who Was Promised”, and Desmond Bane has taken a leap in his second season. The uniforms and colors are top-notch.

(Plus, my wife walked by the TV the other day, stopped, and asked “Who is that handsome man?” in reference to Bane. So, he’s got that going for him, as well).

NBA League Pass Power Rankings: 5. Los Angeles Lakers

Injuries have sapped this squad of some of their early-season interest, but watching Frank Vogel try to maximize the LeBron-AD-Westbrook lineups is fascinating. Whatever you want to say about Westbrook, he’s always been a must-watch player.

LeBron and Davis are still finding their way, but the sheer star power on this team is always a draw. They haven’t looked great yet, but I’m anticipating a big run sometime in the second half of the season once the health has returned and the frictions of new teammates and styles have been overcome. The return of “Showtime” isn’t far away.