With the NBA season set to tip off Tuesday, Sports Illustrated is unveiling its entertainment rankings for the 2023–24 season. The rankings are based on a proprietary blend of star power, offensive output, vibes, pace and a bunch of other unnameable intangibles that give me the right to put teams where I see fit. If your favorite team is too low, it’s either because I despise watching them or because the league is actually kind of deep with interesting teams. At the end of the day, consider this a guide for when you’re scrolling League Pass and wondering which game would be the most fun to throw on.
Check out Part 1 of the rankings here.
15. Magic
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Don’t sleep on the Magic! Franz Wagner can not only hoop, he also has a not-so-subtle mean streak to his game that I think most casual fans are unaware of. Meanwhile, Paolo Banchero has the potential to be the league’s next great scorer. Get in on the ground floor.
14. Hawks
Even if the Hawks are better as a team this year, they won’t necessarily be a better watch.
13. Timberwolves
This is probably too low for the expected Anthony Edwards breakout season, and yet I can’t get myself excited for Year 2 of the Karl-Anthony Towns–Rudy Gobert frontcourt. I think this team will move higher up on this list once it’s fully the Ant show.
12. Mavericks
This ranking comes entirely on the strength of Luka Dončić, who is a drop-everything-you’re-doing-and-change-the-channel superstar when he’s having an unstoppable offensive night. And if you can somehow manage to not be exhausted by the umpteenth off-court controversy (and if you can, please tell me how), Kyrie Irving’s game is undoubtedly aesthetically pleasing.
11. Clippers
This team would be firmly top 10 if we knew that Paul George and Kawhi Leonard could play together regularly. They are both good and fun. Russell Westbrook adds a nice jolt of unpredictable electricity here as well.
10. Lakers
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Even if LeBron James manages to play 25 years, he has more basketball games behind him than ahead of him at this point. So enjoy the show while you can.
9. Thunder
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s game is silky smooth, plus add the creativity of Josh Giddey and the intrigue of Chet Holmgren, who clearly wants to own the lanky rookie championship belt this year.
8. Spurs
Victor Wembanyama. That’s it. That’s the blurb.
7. Pelicans
I cannot quit Zion Williamson. As long as there’s a chance he’s healthy and able to go, this team will be in my top 10. Add in the pretentious person’s favorite player in Herbert Jones plus Jose “Grand Theft” Alvarado, and this team is typically fun no matter the combination of players available.
6. Celtics
They have star power and they are going to score the heck out of the basketball. Jayson Tatum probably has a great chance at capturing MVP this year.
5. Kings
The Kings play fast, they get buckets and they light a purple beam that seemingly shoots miles into the atmosphere. If you can’t get behind that, that’s your problem.
4. Warriors
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If I’ve been kidnapped, you’ll know because I put the Warriors outside the top five of my entertainment rankings. Stephen Curry will always be worth the price of admission, and once again this group has something to prove. Mix in a Chris Paul wild card, and this should be a fun Golden State year.
3. Bucks
Immaculate vibes in Milwaukee right now. I’m also surprised how many people aren’t picking the Bucks to win the conference. I’m expecting MVP-level ball from Giannis Antetokounmpo and a classic Dame season. This duo is being referred to as Freak Time for a reason.
2. Suns
I have no idea how seriously to take this team as a championship contender, but I love buckets too much to have the Suns any lower than the second spot. This will be pure hoops.
1. Nuggets
Not only is Nikola Jokić the best player in basketball, he’s also the most fun to watch. Whether it’s the passing, the circus shots or dominating with an annoyed look on his face, you will never regret choosing to watch him play.
