Damian Lillard responded to a Tweet today referencing the recent article published by ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski:
&nbsp;

Damian Lillard responded to a Tweet today referencing the recent article published by ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Can&rsquo;t say I&rsquo;m surprised. <a href="https://t.co/AwOUKOfGQv">https://t.co/AwOUKOfGQv</a>
&mdash; Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dame_Lillard/status/1468351201443938304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2021</a></blockquote>

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&nbsp;

Damian Lillard responded to a Tweet today referencing the recent article published by ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Can&rsquo;t say I&rsquo;m surprised. <a href="https://t.co/AwOUKOfGQv">https://t.co/AwOUKOfGQv</a>
&mdash; Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dame_Lillard/status/1468351201443938304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

Wojnarowski reo

Damian Lillard responded to a Tweet today referencing the recent article published by ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, suggesting that former general manager Neil Olshey may have contributed some of the information in the report:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Can&rsquo;t say I&rsquo;m surprised. <a href="https://t.co/AwOUKOfGQv">https://t.co/AwOUKOfGQv</a>
&mdash; Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dame_Lillard/status/1468351201443938304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

Wojnarowski wrote that Lillard is seeking a massive two-year extension to his current contract, which is making some prospective GM candidates wary of taking the job. Olshey was recently fired by the team after they conducted an investigation into Olshey and the Blazers' workplace culture.

Lillard responded to a Tweet that suggested Olshey leaked info to Adrian Wojnarowski.

Damian Lillard suggests Neil Olshey leaked information for ESPN story

[Damian] Lillard wants a two-year, $107 million extension in July, and he and his agent need the next general manager to sell ownership on the idea.
...Among several top-level GM candidates who fit the profile of Portland's applicant pool, there's no enthusiasm to grant Lillard his massive extension contract through the 2026-27 season. In fact, several executives told ESPN they would be far more interested in the Blazers job with ownership's blessing to move Lillard sooner than later.
Source: <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/32813413/the-portland-trail-blazers-gm-search-shape-future-franchise-damian-lillard" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Adrian Wojnarowski/ESPN</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;Lillard's desired extension would tack onto his current contract that runs through 2024-25 and would pay him up to $55.3 million in 2027.&nbsp;

[Damian] Lillard wants a two-year, $107 million extension in July, and he and his agent need the next general manager to sell ownership on the idea.
...Among several top-level GM candidates who fit the profile of Portland's applicant pool, there's no enthusiasm to grant Lillard his massive extension contract through the 2026-27 season. In fact, several executives told ESPN they would be far more interested in the Blazers job with ownership's blessing to move Lillard sooner than later.
Source: <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/32813413/the-portland-trail-blazers-gm-search-shape-future-franchise-damian-lillard" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Adrian Wojnarowski/ESPN</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;Lillard's desired extension would tack onto his current contract that runs through 2024-25 and would pay him up to $55.3 million in 2027. But as Wojnarowski writes, Lillard would be 36 at that point and well into the twilight of his career.
&nbsp;

[Damian] Lillard wants a two-year, $107 million extension in July, and he and his agent need the next general manager to sell ownership on the idea.
...Among several top-level GM candidates who fit the profile of Portland's applicant pool, there's no enthusiasm to grant Lillard his massive extension contract through the 2026-27 season. In fact, several executives told ESPN they would be far more interested in the Blazers job with ownership's blessing to move Lillard sooner than later.
Source: <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/32813413/the-portland-trail-blazers-gm-search-shape-future-franchise-damian-lillard" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Adrian Wojnarowski/ESPN</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;Lillard's desired extension would tack onto his current contract that runs through 2024-25 and would pay him up to $55.3 million in 2027. But as Wojnarowski writes, Lillard would be 36 at that point and well into the twilight of his career. Still, Wojnarowski writes:
"Now, Lillard's group is privately selling the idea of trading his veteran teammates with value and rebuilding around him -- on that extension."
The article also reports that the Philadelphia 76ers made an unspecified trade offer for Damian Lillard, while the New York Knicks have not sent any offer to Portland.
&nbsp;

[Damian] Lillard wants a two-year, $107 million extension in July, and he and his agent need the next general manager to sell ownership on the idea.
...Among several top-level GM candidates who fit the profile of Portland's applicant pool, there's no enthusiasm to grant Lillard his massive extension contract through the 2026-27 season. In fact, several executives told ESPN they would be far more interested in the Blazers job with ownership's blessing to move Lillard sooner than later.
Source: <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/32813413/the-portland-trail-blazers-gm-search-shape-future-franchise-damian-lillard" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Adrian Wojnarowski/ESPN</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;Lillard's desired extension would tack onto his current contract that runs through 2024-25 and would pay him up to $55.3 million in 2027. But as Wojnarowski writes, Lillard would be 36 at that point and well into the twilight of his career. Still, Wojnarowski writes:
"Now, Lillard's group is privately selling the idea of trading his veteran teammates with value and rebuilding around him -- on that extension."
The article also reports that the Philadelphia 76ers made an unspecified trade offer for Damian Lillard, while the New York Knicks have not sent any offer to Portland. It adds that three anonymous teams are waiting for a hopeful offseason trade demand before starting trade conversations with the Trail Blazers.
&nbsp;

[Damian] Lillard wants a two-year, $107 million extension in July, and he and his agent need the next general manager to sell ownership on the idea.
...Among several top-level GM candidates who fit the profile of Portland's applicant pool, there's no enthusiasm to grant Lillard his massive extension contract through the 2026-27 season. In fact, several executives told ESPN they would be far more interested in the Blazers job with ownership's blessing to move Lillard sooner than later.
Source: <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/32813413/the-portland-trail-blazers-gm-search-shape-future-franchise-damian-lillard" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Adrian Wojnarowski/ESPN</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;Lillard's desired extension would tack onto his current contract that runs through 2024-25 and would pay him up to $55.3 million in 2027. But as Wojnarowski writes, Lillard would be 36 at that point and well into the twilight of his career. Still, Wojnarowski writes:
"Now, Lillard's group is privately selling the idea of trading his veteran teammates with value and rebuilding around him -- on that extension."
The article also reports that the Philadelphia 76ers made an unspecified trade offer for Damian Lillard, while the New York Knicks have not sent any offer to Portland. It adds that three anonymous teams are waiting for a hopeful offseason trade demand before starting trade conversations with the Trail Blazers.&nbsp;
"Some candidates initially believed that Lillard's reps would have input with ownership on the next GM, but that has faded quickly.
&nbsp;

[Damian] Lillard wants a two-year, $107 million extension in July, and he and his agent need the next general manager to sell ownership on the idea.
...Among several top-level GM candidates who fit the profile of Portland's applicant pool, there's no enthusiasm to grant Lillard his massive extension contract through the 2026-27 season. In fact, several executives told ESPN they would be far more interested in the Blazers job with ownership's blessing to move Lillard sooner than later.
Source: <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/32813413/the-portland-trail-blazers-gm-search-shape-future-franchise-damian-lillard" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Adrian Wojnarowski/ESPN</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;Lillard's desired extension would tack onto his current contract that runs through 2024-25 and would pay him up to $55.3 million in 2027. But as Wojnarowski writes, Lillard would be 36 at that point and well into the twilight of his career. Still, Wojnarowski writes:
"Now, Lillard's group is privately selling the idea of trading his veteran teammates with value and rebuilding around him -- on that extension."
The article also reports that the Philadelphia 76ers made an unspecified trade offer for Damian Lillard, while the New York Knicks have not sent any offer to Portland. It adds that three anonymous teams are waiting for a hopeful offseason trade demand before starting trade conversations with the Trail Blazers. Lastly, it appears that Lillard's star power won't sway who becomes the next general manager of the franchise.
"Some candidates initially believed that Lillard's reps would have input with ownership on the next GM, but that has faded quickly," Wojnarowski writes.
&nbsp;

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski wrote an in-depth report that highlighted the Portland Trail Blazers' general manager search and Damian Lillard's potential future with the franchise. Importantly, Wojnarowski reports that Lillard is seeking a massive contract extension when he is eligible for it this summer.
[Damian] Lillard wants a two-year, $107 million extension in July, and he and his agent need the next general manager to sell ownership on the idea.
...Among several top-level GM candidates who fit the profile of Portland's applicant pool, there's no enthusiasm to grant Lillard his massive extension contract through the 2026-27 season. In fact, several executives told ESPN they would be far more interested in the Blazers job with ownership's blessing to move Lillard sooner than later.
Lillard's desired extension would tack onto his current contract that runs through 2024-25 and would pay him up to $55.3 million in 2027. But as Wojnarowski writes, Lillard would be 36 at that point and well into the twilight of his career. Still, Wojnarowski writes:
"Now, Lillard's group is privately selling the idea of trading his veteran teammates with value and rebuilding around him -- on that extension."
The article also reports that the Philadelphia 76ers made an unspecified trade offer for Damian Lillard, while the New York Knicks have not sent any offer to Portland. It adds that three anonymous teams are waiting for a hopeful offseason trade demand before starting trade conversations with the Trail Blazers. Lastly, it appears that Lillard's star power won't sway who becomes the next general manager of the franchise.
"Some candidates initially believed that Lillard's reps would have input with ownership on the next GM, but that has faded quickly," Wojnarowski writes.
&nbsp;

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski wrote an in-depth report that highlighted the Portland Trail Blazers' general manager search and Damian Lillard's potential future with the franchise. Importantly, Wojnarowski reports that Lillard is seeking a massive contract extension when he is eligible for it this summer.
"Lillard wants a two-year, $107 million extension in July, and he and his agent need the next general manager to sell ownership on the idea.
...Among several top-level GM candidates who fit the profile of Portland's applicant pool, there's no enthusiasm to grant Lillard his massive extension contract through the 2026-27 season. In fact, several executives told ESPN they would be far more interested in the Blazers job with ownership's blessing to move Lillard sooner than later."
Lillard's desired extension would tack onto his current contract that runs through 2024-25 and would pay him up to $55.3 million in 2027. But as Wojnarowski writes, Lillard would be 36 at that point and well into the twilight of his career. Still, Wojnarowski writes:
"Now, Lillard's group is privately selling the idea of trading his veteran teammates with value and rebuilding around him -- on that extension."
The article also reports that the Philadelphia 76ers made an unspecified trade offer for Damian Lillard, while the New York Knicks have not sent any offer to Portland. It adds that three anonymous teams are waiting for a hopeful offseason trade demand before starting trade conversations with the Trail Blazers. Lastly, it appears that Lillard's star power won't sway who becomes the next general manager of the franchise.
"Some candidates initially believed that Lillard's reps would have input with ownership on the next GM, but that has faded quickly," Wojnarowski writes.
&nbsp;

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski wrote an in-depth report that highlighted the Portland Trail Blazers' general manager search and Damian Lillard's potential future with the franchise. Importantly, Wojnarowski reports that Lillard is seeking a massive contract extension when he is eligible for it this summer.
"Lillard wants a two-year, $107 million extension in July, and he and his agent need the next general manager to sell ownership on the idea.
...Among several top-level GM candidates who fit the profile of Portland's applicant pool, there's no enthusiasm to grant Lillard his massive extension contract through the 2026-27 season. In fact, several executives told ESPN they would be far more interested in the Blazers job with ownership's blessing to move Lillard sooner than later," Wojnarowski wrote.
Lillard's desired extension would tack onto his current contract that runs through 2024-25 and would pay him up to $55.3 million in 2027. But as Wojnarowski writes, Lillard would be 36 at that point and well into the twilight of his career. Still, Wojnarowski writes:
"Now, Lillard's group is privately selling the idea of trading his veteran teammates with value and rebuilding around him -- on that extension."
The article also reports that the Philadelphia 76ers made an unspecified trade offer for Damian Lillard, while the New York Knicks have not sent any offer to Portland. It adds that three anonymous teams are waiting for a hopeful offseason trade demand before starting trade conversations with the Trail Blazers. Lastly, it appears that Lillard's star power won't sway who becomes the next general manager of the franchise.
"Some candidates initially believed that Lillard's reps would have input with ownership on the next GM, but that has faded quickly," Wojnarowski writes.
&nbsp;

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski wrote an in-depth report that highlighted the Portland Trail Blazers' general manager search and Damian Lillard's potential future with the franchise. Importantly, Wojnarowski reports that Lillard is seeking a massive contract extension when he is eligible for it this summer.
"Lillard wants a two-year, $107 million extension in July, and he and his agent need the next general manager to sell ownership on the idea.
...Among several top-level GM candidates who fit the profile of Portland's applicant pool, there's no enthusiasm to grant Lillard his massive extension contract through the 2026-27 season. In fact, several executives told ESPN they would be far more interested in the Blazers job with ownership's blessing to move Lillard sooner than later," Wojnarowski wrote.
Lillard's desired extension would tack onto his current contract that runs through 2024-25 and would pay him up to $55.3 million in 2027. But as Wojnarowski writes, Lillard would be 36 at that point and well into the twilight of his career. Still, Wojnarowski writes:
"Now, Lillard's group is privately selling the idea of trading his veteran teammates with value and rebuilding around him -- on that extension."
The article also reports that the Philadelphia 76ers made an unspecified trade offer for Damian Lillard, while the New York Knicks have not sent any offer to Portland. It adds that three anonymous teams are waiting for a hopeful offseason trade demand before starting trade conversations with the Trail Blazers. Lastly, it appears that Lillard's star power won't sway who becomes the next general manager of the franchise.
"Some candidates initially believed that Lillard's reps would have input with ownership on the next GM, but that has faded quickly," Wojnarowski writes.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski, prospective GM candidates are hesitant to agree to such an extension.

Damian Lillard wants 2-year extension, which could shape Blazers GM search

What if I told you the Houston Rockets now have the longest active winning streak in the NBA, and that the New Orleans Pelicans have won more over their last 10 games than many playoff contenders?
We've hit the holiday season with a bizarre stretch of basketball, where it truly seems like any non-Oklahoma City Thunder team can win on any given night. But with every surprise winner somes a disappointed loser, and as the .500-ish squads stack up, many fans are growing increasingly frustrated.
These are prime conditions for a much-needed Sour Rankings shakeup. Over half of this week's field is comprised of previously-unranked teams.
If you're new to the Sour Rankings, here's a refresher: Unlike the typical "power rankings" that repeat themselves throughout sports media, Sour Rankings are a bizarro-world counter. These rankings highlight the top-10 most frustrating NBA franchises throughout the season, and they will be updated every week to match the twists and turns of the league.&nbsp;
This is not merely a bottom-10 of your typical best-to-worst power rankings. You will see championship contenders and playoff hopefuls mixed in with struggling squads. Teams well under .500 may never touch the Sour Rankings because they are on track with their respective processes. Injuries, drama, transactions and generally underwhelming play will earn you a spot on this list.
The central question is ultimately this: How good should you feel about the direction of each franchise? Let's get going:
Escaping the Sour Rankings:&nbsp;Cleveland is officially back with Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen has been playing at an All-Star level lately. Even the losses have been of good quality. The Philadelphia 76ers went 2-1 this past week and beat the Atlanta Hawks on national TV behind Joel Embiid's return to his normal self. Pascal Siakam's 31-point game in Toronto's win on Sunday inspired enough confidence in his return to push the Raptors out of these rankings.
Houston also makes the most impressive escape of the season to date. Its six-game winning streak propels the team out of our No. 2 spot. Meanwhile, New Orleans is a respectable 5-5 in the last 10 games and breaks out after holding the No. 1 ranking for most of the early weeks. Good on the Pels.
10. Miami Heat (14-10)
Bam Adebayo is down for an extended period due to thumb surgery, and the Heat have won just one game in his absence against the rudderless Indiana Pacers. They were hit by two crushing losses to the Cavaliers and Milwaukee Bucks who, not coincidentally, have some dominant interior presences. In the defeat to Milwaukee, Miami rolled with a Dewayne Dedmon/PJ Tucker/Max Strus/Omer Yurtseven frontcourt rotation. They're fine players, but none bring the combination of defensive acumen and offensive playmaking of Adebayo.
(Last week: Unranked)
9. Detroit Pistons (4-18)
The Pistons are tied for the longest winless streak and worst record in the NBA &mdash; not exactly coveted crowns. Things have still been touch-and-go for most of the young prospects, but Cade Cunningham does appear to be growing into his role as the offensive hub of the franchise. Cunningham dropped 26 points, 7 rebounds and 3 blocks against the Trail Blazers, and then 19 points and 5 assists vs. Phoenix.&nbsp;
(Last week: 8)
8. Sacramento Kings (10-14)
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Marvin Bagley III (<a href="https://twitter.com/MB3FIVE?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MB3FIVE</a>) in the Kings last 3 wins 20 MINS vs Clippers 12 PTS, 11 REB, 67% FG 35 MINS vs Lakers 13 PTS, 7 REB, 4 AST, 100% FG 19 MINS vs Blazers 10 PTS, 8 REB, 2 3PTS, 67% FG<a href="https://t.co/RbwXyg4woi">pic.twitter.com/RbwXyg4woi</a>
&mdash; Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ballislife/status/1467520387697287168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

A solid week for Sacramento, who rebounded from a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers by sweeping the L.A. Clippers in a two-game series. Terence Davis logged two outings of 20-plus points to help grab that win, and Marvin Bagley III chipped in a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds in the second victory over LAC. The Kings are in the midst of a pretty odd stretch, having played just one game in five days. Hopefully that's given interim head coach Alvin Gentry some time to stabilize things.
(Last week: 6)
7. Oklahoma City Thunder (6-16)
Look, I'm still a massive believer in the overall franchise direction of the OKC Thunder franchise. And a young team is going to take its lumps as part of the rebuilding process. But a 73-point loss is a 73-point loss, and an eight-game losing streak is an eight-game losing streak. OKC has to find some way to play meaningful, competitive hoops for the sake of learning and development. Nine of the team's 16 defeats have been by double digits.
(Last week: Unranked)
6. Dallas Mavericks (11-11)
The Mavericks are 2-7 in their last nine games, with those wins coming against the Clippers and Pelicans. They missed Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis on Saturday and lost to a Ja Morant-less Memphis Grizzlies squad in a contest that was not as close as the final score indicates. In this nine-game stretch, the once-high-octane Mavs offense cleared 110 points just three times.
Dallas fans had to watch with longing as Texas native Desmond Bane, who the team passed on in favor of Josh Green inthe 2020 NBA Draft, lit up the court. Green has played 54 minutes this season.
(Last week: Unranked)
5. Portland Trail Blazers (11-13)
So Neil Olshey is finally out as general manager, and based on the reports of his workplace culture (and the team's perpetual mediocrity), that seems like a long overdue move. But the act of firing a GM midseason should never make you feel good about the team &mdash; it's just an obvious sign that things are not going well. <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/report-damian-lillard-wants-to-play-with-ben-simmons" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Damian Lillard wants to play with Ben Simmons</a>, but would this theoretically pairing be enough to drastically alter Portland's ceiling?&nbsp;
Meanwhile, Lillard is out with an abdominal injury, and the Blazers are 1-5 in their last six games.
(Last week: Unranked)
4. Denver Nuggets (11-11)
Nikola Jokic returned and yanked Denver out of the No. 1 ranking with his 32-point performance in a win over the Knicks. The Nuggets did still drop one to the lowly Orlando Magic, and now Bones Hyland, Austin Rivers and Bol Bol are all in the league's health and safety protocols. We'll see how this ragtag rotation does with four games in the next six days.
(Last week: 1)
3. Los Angeles Lakers (12-12)
The Lakers have played one contest in six days &mdash; a loss to the Clippers. Frank Vogel has now labeled Dwight Howard as the only center in the rotation, which is most notable because it means he still won't label Anthony Davis a center. L.A. gives up the fifth-most turnovers in the league and allows the fourth-most opposing offensive rebounds, so teams receive plenty of chances to score. Next up is a pivotal rivalry rematch against the Celtics on Tuesday.
(Last week: 3)
2. New York Knicks (11-12)
Shaking up the rotation hasn't changed the results. The Knicks are on a three-game losing streak and got trounced by the injury-plagued Nuggets this weekend. Julius Randle sporadically flips from All-NBA superstar to two-way negative, and RJ Barrett still cannot buy a consistent jump shot. New York got shredded by Denver's bench, consisting of Facundo Campazzo, Zeke Nnaji, Vlatko Cancar, JaMychal Green and recently-signed Davon Reed.
(Last week: 4)
1. Indiana Pacers (9-16)
Indy Cornrows' Caitlin Cooper wrote an excellent analysis of just <a href="https://www.indycornrows.com/2021/12/5/22815853/how-crunch-time-defines-the-current-state-of-the-pacers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">how bad the Pacers are when crunch time comes</a>. Our own <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/pacers-must-accept-new-reality-and-become-sellers-at-trade-deadline" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Evan Sidery slammed the franchise</a> for languishing in mediocrity well past due. Indiana is 9-16 and on the thin edge of the playoff race. Altogether, that alone should explain why the Pacers have plummeted to the No. 1 spot in these rankings.
(Last week: Unranked)

What if I told you the Houston Rockets now have the longest active winning streak in the NBA, and that the New Orleans Pelicans have won more over their last 10 games than many playoff contenders?
We've hit the holiday season with a bizarre stretch of basketball, where it truly seems like any non-Oklahoma City Thunder team can win on any given night. But with every surprise winner somes a disappointed loser, and as the .500-ish squads stack up, many fans are growing increasingly frustrated.
These are prime conditions for a much-needed Sour Rankings shakeup. Over half of this week's field is comprised of previously-unranked teams.
If you're new to the Sour Rankings, here's a refresher: Unlike the typical "power rankings" that repeat themselves throughout sports media, Sour Rankings are a bizarro-world counter. These rankings highlight the top-10 most frustrating NBA franchises throughout the season, and they will be updated every week to match the twists and turns of the league.&nbsp;
This is not merely a bottom-10 of your typical best-to-worst power rankings. You will see championship contenders and playoff hopefuls mixed in with struggling squads. Teams well under .500 may never touch the Sour Rankings because they are on track with their respective processes. Injuries, drama, transactions and generally underwhelming play will earn you a spot on this list.
The central question is ultimately this: How good should you feel about the direction of each franchise? Let's get going:
Escaping the Sour Rankings:&nbsp;Cleveland is officially back with Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen has been playing at an All-Star level lately. Even the losses have been of good quality. The Philadelphia 76ers went 2-1 this past week and beat the Atlanta Hawks on national TV behind Joel Embiid's return to his normal self. Pascal Siakam's 31-point game in Toronto's win on Sunday inspired enough confidence in his return to push the Raptors out of these rankings.
Houston also makes the most impressive escape of the season to date. Its six-game winning streak propels the team out of our No. 2 spot. Meanwhile, New Orleans is a respectable 5-5 in the last 10 games and breaks out after holding the No. 1 ranking for most of the early weeks. Good on the Pels.
10. Miami Heat (14-10)
Bam Adebayo is down for an extended period due to thumb surgery, and the Heat have won just one game in his absence against the rudderless Indiana Pacers. They were hit by two crushing losses to the Cavaliers and Milwaukee Bucks who, not coincidentally, have some dominant interior presences. In the defeat to Milwaukee, Miami rolled with a Dewayne Dedmon/PJ Tucker/Max Strus/Omer Yurtseven frontcourt rotation. They're fine players, but none bring the combination of defensive acumen and offensive playmaking of Adebayo.
(Last week: Unranked)
9. Detroit Pistons (4-18)
The Pistons are tied for the longest winless streak and worst record in the NBA &mdash; not exactly coveted crowns. Things have still been touch-and-go for most of the young prospects, but Cade Cunningham does appear to be growing into his role as the offensive hub of the franchise. Cunningham dropped 26 points, 7 rebounds and 3 blocks against the Trail Blazers, and then 19 points and 5 assists vs. Phoenix.&nbsp;
(Last week: 8)
8. Sacramento Kings (10-14)
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Marvin Bagley III (<a href="https://twitter.com/MB3FIVE?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MB3FIVE</a>) in the Kings last 3 wins 20 MINS vs Clippers 12 PTS, 11 REB, 67% FG 35 MINS vs Lakers 13 PTS, 7 REB, 4 AST, 100% FG 19 MINS vs Blazers 10 PTS, 8 REB, 2 3PTS, 67% FG<a href="https://t.co/RbwXyg4woi">pic.twitter.com/RbwXyg4woi</a>
&mdash; Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ballislife/status/1467520387697287168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

A solid week for Sacramento, who rebounded from a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers by sweeping the L.A. Clippers in a two-game series. Terence Davis logged two outings of 20-plus points to help grab that win, and Marvin Bagley III chipped in a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds in the second victory over LAC. The Kings are in the midst of a pretty odd stretch, having played just one game in five days. Hopefully that's given interim head coach Alvin Gentry some time to stabilize things.
(Last week: 6)
7. Oklahoma City Thunder (6-16)
Look, I'm still a massive believer in the overall franchise direction of the OKC Thunder franchise. And a young team is going to take its lumps as part of the rebuilding process. But a 73-point loss is a 73-point loss, and an eight-game losing streak is an eight-game losing streak. OKC has to find some way to play meaningful, competitive hoops for the sake of learning and development. Nine of the team's 16 defeats have been by double digits.
(Last week: Unranked)
6. Dallas Mavericks (11-11)
The Mavericks are 2-7 in their last nine games, with those wins coming against the Clippers and Pelicans. They missed Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis on Saturday and lost to a Ja Morant-less Memphis Grizzlies squad in a contest that was not as close as the final score indicates. In this nine-game stretch, the once-high-octane Mavs offense has cleared 110 points just three times.
Dallas fans had to watch with longing as Texas native Desmond Bane, who the team passed on in favor of Josh Green inthe 2020 NBA Draft, lit up the court. Green has played 54 minutes this season.
(Last week: Unranked)
5. Portland Trail Blazers (11-13)
So Neil Olshey is finally out as general manager, and based on the reports of his workplace culture (and the team's perpetual mediocrity), that seems like a long overdue move. But the act of firing a GM midseason should never make you feel good about the team &mdash; it's just an obvious sign that things are not going well. <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/report-damian-lillard-wants-to-play-with-ben-simmons" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Damian Lillard wants to play with Ben Simmons</a>, but would this theoretically pairing be enough to drastically alter Portland's ceiling?&nbsp;
Meanwhile, Lillard is out with an abdominal injury, and the Blazers are 1-5 in their last six games.
(Last week: Unranked)
4. Denver Nuggets (11-11)
Nikola Jokic returned and yanked Denver out of the No. 1 ranking with his 32-point performance in a win over the Knicks. The Nuggets did still drop one to the lowly Orlando Magic, and now Bones Hyland, Austin Rivers and Bol Bol are all in the league's health and safety protocols. We'll see how this ragtag rotation does with four games in the next six days.
(Last week: 1)
3. Los Angeles Lakers (12-12)
The Lakers have played one contest in six days &mdash; a loss to the Clippers. Frank Vogel has now labeled Dwight Howard as the only center in the rotation, which is most notable because it means he still won't label Anthony Davis a center. L.A. gives up the fifth-most turnovers in the league and allows the fourth-most opposing offensive rebounds, so teams receive plenty of chances to score. Next up is a pivotal rivalry rematch against the Celtics on Tuesday.
(Last week: 3)
2. New York Knicks (11-12)
Shaking up the rotation hasn't changed the results. The Knicks are on a three-game losing streak and got trounced by the injury-plagued Nuggets this weekend. Julius Randle sporadically flips from All-NBA superstar to two-way negative, and RJ Barrett still cannot buy a consistent jump shot. New York got shredded by Denver's bench, consisting of Facundo Campazzo, Zeke Nnaji, Vlatko Cancar, JaMychal Green and recently-signed Davon Reed.
(Last week: 4)
1. Indiana Pacers (9-16)
Indy Cornrows' Caitlin Cooper wrote an excellent analysis of just <a href="https://www.indycornrows.com/2021/12/5/22815853/how-crunch-time-defines-the-current-state-of-the-pacers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">how bad the Pacers are when crunch time comes</a>. Our own <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/pacers-must-accept-new-reality-and-become-sellers-at-trade-deadline" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Evan Sidery slammed the franchise</a> for languishing in mediocrity well past due. Indiana is 9-16 and on the thin edge of the playoff race. Altogether, that alone should explain why the Pacers have plummeted to the No. 1 spot in these rankings.
(Last week: Unranked)

What if I told you the Houston Rockets now have the longest active winning streak in the NBA, and that the New Orleans Pelicans have won more over their last 10 games than many playoff contenders?
We've hit the holiday season with a bizarre stretch of basketball, where it truly seems like any non-Oklahoma City Thunder team can win on any given night. But with every surprise winner somes a disappointed loser, and as the .500-ish squads stack up, many fans are growing increasingly frustrated.
These are prime conditions for a much-needed Sour Rankings shakeup. Over half of this week's field is comprised of previously-unranked teams.
If you're new to the Sour Rankings, here's a refresher: Unlike the typical "power rankings" that repeat themselves throughout sports media, Sour Rankings are a bizarro-world counter. These rankings highlight the top-10 most frustrating NBA franchises throughout the season, and they will be updated every week to match the twists and turns of the league.&nbsp;
This is not merely a bottom-10 of your typical best-to-worst power rankings. You will see championship contenders and playoff hopefuls mixed in with struggling squads. Teams well under .500 may never touch the Sour Rankings because they are on track with their respective processes. Injuries, drama, transactions and generally underwhelming play will earn you a spot on this list.
The central question is ultimately this: How good should you feel about the direction of each franchise? Let's get going:
Escaping the Sour Rankings:&nbsp;Cleveland is officially back with Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen has been playing at an All-Star level lately. Even the losses have been of good quality. The Philadelphia 76ers went 2-1 this past week and beat the Atlanta Hawks on national TV behind Joel Embiid's return to his normal self. Pascal Siakam's 31-point game in Toronto's win on Sunday inspired enough confidence in his return to push the Raptors out of these rankings.
Houston also makes the most impressive escape of the season to date. Its six-game winning streak propels the team out of our No. 2 spot. Meanwhile, New Orleans is a respectable 5-5 in the last 10 games and breaks out after holding the No. 1 ranking for most of the early weeks. Good on the Pels.
10. Miami Heat (14-10)
Bam Adebayo is down for an extended period due to thumb surgery, and the Heat have won just one game in his absence against the rudderless Indiana Pacers. They were hit by two crushing losses to the Cavaliers and Milwaukee Bucks who, not coincidentally, have some dominant interior presences. In the defeat to Milwaukee, Miami rolled with a Dewayne Dedmon/PJ Tucker/Max Strus/Omer Yurtseven frontcourt rotation. They're fine players, but none bring the combination of defensive acumen and offensive playmaking of Adebayo.
(Last week: Unranked)
9. Detroit Pistons (4-18)
The Pistons are tied for the longest winless streak and worst record in the NBA &mdash; not exactly coveted crowns. Things have still been touch-and-go for most of the young prospects, but Cade Cunningham does appear to be growing into his role as the offensive hub of the franchise. Cunningham dropped 26 points, 7 rebounds and 3 blocks against the Trail Blazers, and then 19 points and 5 assists vs. Phoenix.&nbsp;
(Last week: 8)
8. Sacramento Kings (10-14)
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Marvin Bagley III (<a href="https://twitter.com/MB3FIVE?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MB3FIVE</a>) in the Kings last 3 wins 20 MINS vs Clippers 12 PTS, 11 REB, 67% FG 35 MINS vs Lakers 13 PTS, 7 REB, 4 AST, 100% FG 19 MINS vs Blazers 10 PTS, 8 REB, 2 3PTS, 67% FG<a href="https://t.co/RbwXyg4woi">pic.twitter.com/RbwXyg4woi</a>
&mdash; Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ballislife/status/1467520387697287168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

A solid week for Sacramento, who rebounded from a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers by sweeping the L.A. Clippers in a two-game series. Terence Davis logged two outings of 20-plus points to help grab that win, and Marvin Bagley III chipped in a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds in the second victory over LAC. The Kings are in the midst of a pretty odd stretch, having played just one game in five days. Hopefully that's given interim head coach Alvin Gentry some time to stabilize things.
(Last week: 6)
7. Oklahoma City Thunder (6-16)
Look, I'm still a massive believer in the overall franchise direction of the OKC Thunder franchise. And a young team is going to take its lumps as part of the rebuilding process. But a 73-point loss is a 73-point loss, and an eight-game losing streak is an eight-game losing streak. OKC has to find some way to play meaningful, competitive hoops for the sake of learning and development. Nine of the team's 16 defeats have been by double digits.
(Last week: Unranked)
6. Dallas Mavericks (11-11)
The Mavericks are 2-7 in their last nine games, with those wins coming against the Clippers and Pelicans. They missed Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis on Saturday and lost to a Ja Morant-less Memphis Grizzlies squad in a contest that was not as close as the final score indicates. In this nine-game stretch, the once-high-octane Mavs offense has cleared 110 points just three times.
Dallas fans had to watch with longing as Texas native Desmond Bane, who the team passed on in favor of Josh Green in the 2020 NBA Draft, lit up the court. Green has played 54 minutes this season.
(Last week: Unranked)
5. Portland Trail Blazers (11-13)
So Neil Olshey is finally out as general manager, and based on the reports of his workplace culture (and the team's perpetual mediocrity), that seems like a long overdue move. But the act of firing a GM midseason should never make you feel good about the team &mdash; it's just an obvious sign that things are not going well. <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/report-damian-lillard-wants-to-play-with-ben-simmons" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Damian Lillard wants to play with Ben Simmons</a>, but would this theoretically pairing be enough to drastically alter Portland's ceiling?&nbsp;
Meanwhile, Lillard is out with an abdominal injury, and the Blazers are 1-5 in their last six games.
(Last week: Unranked)
4. Denver Nuggets (11-11)
Nikola Jokic returned and yanked Denver out of the No. 1 ranking with his 32-point performance in a win over the Knicks. The Nuggets did still drop one to the lowly Orlando Magic, and now Bones Hyland, Austin Rivers and Bol Bol are all in the league's health and safety protocols. We'll see how this ragtag rotation does with four games in the next six days.
(Last week: 1)
3. Los Angeles Lakers (12-12)
The Lakers have played one contest in six days &mdash; a loss to the Clippers. Frank Vogel has now labeled Dwight Howard as the only center in the rotation, which is most notable because it means he still won't label Anthony Davis a center. L.A. gives up the fifth-most turnovers in the league and allows the fourth-most opposing offensive rebounds, so teams receive plenty of chances to score. Next up is a pivotal rivalry rematch against the Celtics on Tuesday.
(Last week: 3)
2. New York Knicks (11-12)
Shaking up the rotation hasn't changed the results. The Knicks are on a three-game losing streak and got trounced by the injury-plagued Nuggets this weekend. Julius Randle sporadically flips from All-NBA superstar to two-way negative, and RJ Barrett still cannot buy a consistent jump shot. New York got shredded by Denver's bench, consisting of Facundo Campazzo, Zeke Nnaji, Vlatko Cancar, JaMychal Green and recently-signed Davon Reed.
(Last week: 4)
1. Indiana Pacers (9-16)
Indy Cornrows' Caitlin Cooper wrote an excellent analysis of just <a href="https://www.indycornrows.com/2021/12/5/22815853/how-crunch-time-defines-the-current-state-of-the-pacers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">how bad the Pacers are when crunch time comes</a>. Our own <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/pacers-must-accept-new-reality-and-become-sellers-at-trade-deadline" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Evan Sidery slammed the franchise</a> for languishing in mediocrity well past due. Indiana is 9-16 and on the thin edge of the playoff race. Altogether, that alone should explain why the Pacers have plummeted to the No. 1 spot in these rankings.
(Last week: Unranked)

What if I told you the Houston Rockets now have the longest active winning streak in the NBA, and that the New Orleans Pelicans have won more over their last 10 games than many playoff contenders?
We've hit the holiday season with a bizarre stretch of basketball, where it truly seems like any non-Oklahoma City Thunder team can win on any given night. But with every surprise winner somes a disappointed loser, and as the .500-ish squads stack up, many fans are growing increasingly frustrated.
These are prime conditions for a much-needed Sour Rankings shakeup. Over half of this week's field is comprised of previously-unranked teams.
If you're new to the Sour Rankings, here's a refresher: Unlike the typical "power rankings" that repeat themselves throughout sports media, Sour Rankings are a bizarro-world counter. These rankings highlight the top-10 most frustrating NBA franchises throughout the season, and they will be updated every week to match the twists and turns of the league.&nbsp;
This is not merely a bottom-10 of your typical best-to-worst power rankings. You will see championship contenders and playoff hopefuls mixed in with struggling squads. Teams well under .500 may never touch the Sour Rankings because they are on track with their respective processes. Injuries, drama, transactions and generally underwhelming play will earn you a spot on this list.
The central question is ultimately this: How good should you feel about the direction of each franchise? Let's get going:
Escaping the Sour Rankings:&nbsp;Cleveland is officially back with Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen has been playing at an All-Star level lately. Even the losses have been of good quality. The Philadelphia 76ers went 2-1 this past week and beat the Atlanta Hawks on national TV behind Joel Embiid's return to his normal self. Pascal Siakam's 31-point game in Toronto's win on Sunday inspired enough confidence in his return to push the Raptors out of these rankings.
Houston also makes the most impressive escape of the season to date. Its six-game winning streak propels the team out of our No. 2 spot. Meanwhile, New Orleans is a respectable 5-5 in the last 10 games and breaks out after holding the No. 1 ranking for most of the early weeks. Good on the Pels.
10. Miami Heat (14-10)
Bam Adebayo is down for an extended period due to thumb surgery, and the Heat have won just one game in his absence against the rudderless Indiana Pacers. They were hit by two crushing losses to the Cavaliers and Milwaukee Bucks who, not coincidentally, have some dominant interior presences. In the defeat to Milwaukee, Miami rolled with a Dewayne Dedmon/PJ Tucker/Max Strus/Omer Yurtseven frontcourt rotation. They're fine players, but none bring the combination of defensive acumen and offensive playmaking of Adebayo.
(Last week: Unranked)
9. Detroit Pistons (4-18)
The Pistons are tied for the longest winless streak and worst record in the NBA &mdash; not exactly coveted crowns. Things have still been touch-and-go for most of the young prospects, but Cade Cunningham does appear to be growing into his role as the offensive hub of the franchise. Cunningham dropped 26 points, 7 rebounds and 3 blocks against the Trail Blazers, and then 19 points and 5 assists vs. Phoenix.&nbsp;
(Last week: 8)
8. Sacramento Kings (10-14)
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Marvin Bagley III (<a href="https://twitter.com/MB3FIVE?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MB3FIVE</a>) in the Kings last 3 wins 20 MINS vs Clippers 12 PTS, 11 REB, 67% FG 35 MINS vs Lakers 13 PTS, 7 REB, 4 AST, 100% FG 19 MINS vs Blazers 10 PTS, 8 REB, 2 3PTS, 67% FG<a href="https://t.co/RbwXyg4woi">pic.twitter.com/RbwXyg4woi</a>
&mdash; Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ballislife/status/1467520387697287168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

A solid week for Sacramento, who rebounded from a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers by sweeping the L.A. Clippers in a two-game series. Terence Davis logged two outings of 20-plus points to help grab that win, and Marvin Bagley III chipped in a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds in the second victory over LAC. The Kings are in the midst of a pretty odd stretch, having played just one game in five days. Hopefully that's given interim head coach Alvin Gentry some time to stabilize things.
(Last week: 6)
7. Oklahoma City Thunder (6-16)
Look, I'm still a massive believer in the overall franchise direction of the OKC Thunder franchise. And a young team is going to take its lumps as part of the rebuilding process. But a 73-point loss is a 73-point loss, and an eight-game losing streak is an eight-game losing streak. OKC has to find some way to play meaningful, competitive hoops for the sake of learning and development. Nine of the team's 16 defeats have been by double digits.
(Last week: Unranked)
6. Dallas Mavericks (11-11)
The Mavericks are 2-7 in their last nine games, with those wins coming against the Clippers and Pelicans. They missed Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis on Saturday and lost to a Ja Morant-less Memphis Grizzlies squad in a contest that was not as close as the final score indicates. In this nine-game stretch, the once-high-octane Mavs offense has cleared 110 points just three times.
Dallas fans had to watch with longing as Texas native Desmond Bane, who the team passed on in favor of Josh Green in the 2020 NBA Draft, lit up the court. Green has played 54 minutes this season.
(Last week: Unranked)
5. Portland Trail Blazers (11-13)
So Neil Olshey is finally out as general manager, and based on the reports of his workplace culture (and the team's perpetual mediocrity), that seems like a long overdue move. But the act of firing a general manager midseason should never make you feel good about the team &mdash; it's just an obvious sign that things are not going well. <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/report-damian-lillard-wants-to-play-with-ben-simmons" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Damian Lillard wants to play with Ben Simmons</a>, but would this theoretically pairing be enough to drastically alter Portland's ceiling?&nbsp;
Meanwhile, Lillard is out with an abdominal injury, and the Blazers are 1-5 in their last six games.
(Last week: Unranked)
4. Denver Nuggets (11-11)
Nikola Jokic returned and yanked Denver out of the No. 1 ranking with his 32-point performance in a win over the Knicks. The Nuggets did still drop one to the lowly Orlando Magic, and now Bones Hyland, Austin Rivers and Bol Bol are all in the league's health and safety protocols. We'll see how this ragtag rotation does with four games in the next six days.
(Last week: 1)
3. Los Angeles Lakers (12-12)
The Lakers have played one contest in six days &mdash; a loss to the Clippers. Frank Vogel has now labeled Dwight Howard as the only center in the rotation, which is most notable because it means he still won't label Anthony Davis a center. L.A. gives up the fifth-most turnovers in the league and allows the fourth-most opposing offensive rebounds, so teams receive plenty of chances to score. Next up is a pivotal rivalry rematch against the Celtics on Tuesday.
(Last week: 3)
2. New York Knicks (11-12)
Shaking up the rotation hasn't changed the results. The Knicks are on a three-game losing streak and got trounced by the injury-plagued Nuggets this weekend. Julius Randle sporadically flips from All-NBA superstar to two-way negative, and RJ Barrett still cannot buy a consistent jump shot. New York got shredded by Denver's bench, consisting of Facundo Campazzo, Zeke Nnaji, Vlatko Cancar, JaMychal Green and recently-signed Davon Reed.
(Last week: 4)
1. Indiana Pacers (9-16)
Indy Cornrows' Caitlin Cooper wrote an excellent analysis of just <a href="https://www.indycornrows.com/2021/12/5/22815853/how-crunch-time-defines-the-current-state-of-the-pacers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">how bad the Pacers are when crunch time comes</a>. Our own <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/pacers-must-accept-new-reality-and-become-sellers-at-trade-deadline" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Evan Sidery slammed the franchise</a> for languishing in mediocrity well past due. Indiana is 9-16 and on the thin edge of the playoff race. Altogether, that alone should explain why the Pacers have plummeted to the No. 1 spot in these rankings.
(Last week: Unranked)

What if I told you the Houston Rockets now have the longest active winning streak in the NBA, and that the New Orleans Pelicans have won more over their last 10 games than many playoff contenders?
We've hit the holiday season with a bizarre stretch of basketball, where it truly seems like any non-Oklahoma City Thunder team can win on any given night. But with every surprise winner somes a disappointed loser, and as the .500-ish squads stack up, many fans are growing increasingly frustrated.
These are prime conditions for a much-needed Sour Rankings shakeup. Over half of this week's field is comprised of previously-unranked teams.
If you're new to the Sour Rankings, here's a refresher: Unlike the typical "power rankings" that repeat themselves throughout sports media, Sour Rankings are a bizarro-world counter. These rankings highlight the top-10 most frustrating NBA franchises throughout the season, and they will be updated every week to match the twists and turns of the league.&nbsp;
This is not merely a bottom-10 of your typical best-to-worst power rankings. You will see championship contenders and playoff hopefuls mixed in with struggling squads. Teams well under .500 may never touch the Sour Rankings because they are on track with their respective processes. Injuries, drama, transactions and generally underwhelming play will earn you a spot on this list.
The central question is ultimately this: How good should you feel about the direction of each franchise? Let's get going:
Escaping the Sour Rankings:&nbsp;Cleveland is officially back with Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen has been playing at an All-Star level lately. Even the losses have been of good quality. The Philadelphia 76ers went 2-1 this past week and beat the Atlanta Hawks on national TV behind Joel Embiid's return to his normal self. Pascal Siakam's 31-point game in Toronto's win on Sunday inspired enough confidence in his return to push the Raptors out of these rankings.
Houston also makes the most impressive escape of the season to date. Its six-game winning streak propels the team out of our No. 2 spot. Meanwhile, New Orleans is a respectable 5-5 in the last 10 games and breaks out after holding the No. 1 ranking for most of the early weeks. Good on the Pels.
10. Miami Heat (14-10)
Bam Adebayo is down for an extended period due to thumb surgery, and the Heat have won just one game in his absence against the rudderless Indiana Pacers. They were hit by two crushing losses to the Cavaliers and Milwaukee Bucks who, not coincidentally, have some dominant interior presences. In the defeat to Milwaukee, Miami rolled with a Dewayne Dedmon/PJ Tucker/Max Strus/Omer Yurtseven frontcourt rotation. They're fine players, but none bring the combination of defensive acumen and offensive playmaking of Adebayo.
(Last week: Unranked)
9. Detroit Pistons (4-18)
The Pistons are tied for the longest winless streak and worst record in the NBA &mdash; not exactly coveted crowns. Things have still been touch-and-go for most of the young prospects, but Cade Cunningham does appear to be growing into his role as the offensive hub of the franchise. Cunningham dropped 26 points, 7 rebounds and 3 blocks against the Trail Blazers, and then 19 points and 5 assists vs. Phoenix.&nbsp;
(Last week: 8)
8. Sacramento Kings (10-14)
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Marvin Bagley III (<a href="https://twitter.com/MB3FIVE?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MB3FIVE</a>) in the Kings last 3 wins 20 MINS vs Clippers 12 PTS, 11 REB, 67% FG 35 MINS vs Lakers 13 PTS, 7 REB, 4 AST, 100% FG 19 MINS vs Blazers 10 PTS, 8 REB, 2 3PTS, 67% FG<a href="https://t.co/RbwXyg4woi">pic.twitter.com/RbwXyg4woi</a>
&mdash; Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ballislife/status/1467520387697287168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

A solid week for Sacramento, who rebounded from a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers by sweeping the L.A. Clippers in a two-game series. Terence Davis logged two outings of 20-plus points to help grab that win, and Marvin Bagley III chipped in a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds in the second victory over LAC. The Kings are in the midst of a pretty odd stretch, having played just one game in five days. Hopefully that's given interim head coach Alvin Gentry some time to stabilize things.
(Last week: 6)
7. Oklahoma City Thunder (6-16)
Look, I'm still a massive believer in the overall franchise direction of the OKC Thunder franchise. And a young team is going to take its lumps as part of the rebuilding process. But a 73-point loss is a 73-point loss, and an eight-game losing streak is an eight-game losing streak. OKC has to find some way to play meaningful, competitive hoops for the sake of learning and development. Nine of the team's 16 defeats have been by double digits.
(Last week: Unranked)
6. Dallas Mavericks (11-11)
The Mavericks are 2-7 in their last nine games, with those wins coming against the Clippers and Pelicans. They missed Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis on Saturday and lost to a Ja Morant-less Memphis Grizzlies squad in a contest that was not as close as the final score indicates. In this nine-game stretch, the once-high-octane Mavs offense has cleared 110 points just three times.
Dallas fans had to watch with longing as Texas native Desmond Bane, who the team passed on in favor of Josh Green in the 2020 NBA Draft, lit up the court. Green has played 54 minutes this season.
(Last week: Unranked)
5. Portland Trail Blazers (11-13)
So Neil Olshey is finally out as general manager, and based on the reports of his workplace culture (and the team's perpetual mediocrity), that seems like a long overdue move. But the act of firing a general manager midseason should never make you feel good about the team &mdash; it's just an obvious sign that things are not going well. <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/report-damian-lillard-wants-to-play-with-ben-simmons" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Damian Lillard wants to play with Ben Simmons</a>, but would this theoretical pairing be enough to drastically alter Portland's ceiling?&nbsp;
Meanwhile, Lillard is out with an abdominal injury, and the Blazers are 1-5 in their last six games.
(Last week: Unranked)
4. Denver Nuggets (11-11)
Nikola Jokic returned and yanked Denver out of the No. 1 ranking with his 32-point performance in a win over the Knicks. The Nuggets did still drop one to the lowly Orlando Magic, and now Bones Hyland, Austin Rivers and Bol Bol are all in the league's health and safety protocols. We'll see how this ragtag rotation does with four games in the next six days.
(Last week: 1)
3. Los Angeles Lakers (12-12)
The Lakers have played one contest in six days &mdash; a loss to the Clippers. Frank Vogel has now labeled Dwight Howard as the only center in the rotation, which is most notable because it means he still won't label Anthony Davis a center. L.A. gives up the fifth-most turnovers in the league and allows the fourth-most opposing offensive rebounds, so teams receive plenty of chances to score. Next up is a pivotal rivalry rematch against the Celtics on Tuesday.
(Last week: 3)
2. New York Knicks (11-12)
Shaking up the rotation hasn't changed the results. The Knicks are on a three-game losing streak and got trounced by the injury-plagued Nuggets this weekend. Julius Randle sporadically flips from All-NBA superstar to two-way negative, and RJ Barrett still cannot buy a consistent jump shot. New York got shredded by Denver's bench, consisting of Facundo Campazzo, Zeke Nnaji, Vlatko Cancar, JaMychal Green and recently-signed Davon Reed.
(Last week: 4)
1. Indiana Pacers (9-16)
Indy Cornrows' Caitlin Cooper wrote an excellent analysis of just <a href="https://www.indycornrows.com/2021/12/5/22815853/how-crunch-time-defines-the-current-state-of-the-pacers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">how bad the Pacers are when crunch time comes</a>. Our own <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/pacers-must-accept-new-reality-and-become-sellers-at-trade-deadline" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Evan Sidery slammed the franchise</a> for languishing in mediocrity well past due. Indiana is 9-16 and on the thin edge of the playoff race. Altogether, that alone should explain why the Pacers have plummeted to the No. 1 spot in these rankings.
(Last week: Unranked)

What if I told you the Houston Rockets now have the longest active winning streak in the NBA, and that the New Orleans Pelicans have won more over their last 10 games than many playoff contenders?
We've hit the holiday season with a bizarre stretch of basketball, where it truly seems like any non-Oklahoma City Thunder team can win on any given night. But with every surprise winner somes a disappointed loser, and as the .500-ish squads stack up, many fans are growing increasingly frustrated.
These are prime conditions for a much-needed Sour Rankings shakeup. Over half of this week's field is comprised of previously-unranked teams.
If you're new to the Sour Rankings, here's a refresher: Unlike the typical "power rankings" that repeat themselves throughout sports media, Sour Rankings are a bizarro-world counter. These rankings highlight the top-10 most frustrating NBA franchises throughout the season, and they will be updated every week to match the twists and turns of the league.&nbsp;
This is not merely a bottom-10 of your typical best-to-worst power rankings. You will see championship contenders and playoff hopefuls mixed in with struggling squads. Teams well under .500 may never touch the Sour Rankings because they are on track with their respective processes. Injuries, drama, transactions and generally underwhelming play will earn you a spot on this list.
The central question is ultimately this: How good should you feel about the direction of each franchise? Let's get going:
Escaping the Sour Rankings:&nbsp;Cleveland is officially back with Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen has been playing at an All-Star level lately. Even the losses have been of good quality. The Philadelphia 76ers went 2-1 this past week and beat the Atlanta Hawks on national TV behind Joel Embiid's return to his normal self. Pascal Siakam's 31-point game in Toronto's win on Sunday inspired enough confidence in his return to push the Raptors out of these rankings.
Houston also makes the most impressive escape of the season to date. Its six-game winning streak propels the team out of our No. 2 spot. Meanwhile, New Orleans is a respectable 5-5 in the last 10 games and breaks out after holding the No. 1 ranking for most of the early weeks. Good on the Pels.
10. Miami Heat (14-10)
Bam Adebayo is down for an extended period due to thumb surgery, and the Heat have won just one game in his absence against the rudderless Indiana Pacers. They were hit by two crushing losses to the Cavaliers and Milwaukee Bucks who, not coincidentally, have some dominant interior presences. In the defeat to Milwaukee, Miami rolled with a Dewayne Dedmon/PJ Tucker/Max Strus/Omer Yurtseven frontcourt rotation. They're fine players, but none bring the combination of defensive acumen and offensive playmaking of Adebayo.
(Last week: Unranked)
9. Detroit Pistons (4-18)
The Pistons are tied for the longest winless streak and worst record in the NBA &mdash; not exactly coveted crowns. Things have still been touch-and-go for most of the young prospects, but Cade Cunningham does appear to be growing into his role as the offensive hub of the franchise. Cunningham dropped 26 points, 7 rebounds and 3 blocks against the Trail Blazers, and then 19 points and 5 assists vs. Phoenix.&nbsp;
(Last week: 8)
8. Sacramento Kings (10-14)
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Marvin Bagley III (<a href="https://twitter.com/MB3FIVE?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MB3FIVE</a>) in the Kings last 3 wins 20 MINS vs Clippers 12 PTS, 11 REB, 67% FG 35 MINS vs Lakers 13 PTS, 7 REB, 4 AST, 100% FG 19 MINS vs Blazers 10 PTS, 8 REB, 2 3PTS, 67% FG<a href="https://t.co/RbwXyg4woi">pic.twitter.com/RbwXyg4woi</a>
&mdash; Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ballislife/status/1467520387697287168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

A solid week for Sacramento, who rebounded from a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers by sweeping the L.A. Clippers in a two-game series. Terence Davis logged two outings of 20-plus points to help grab that win, and Marvin Bagley III chipped in a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds in the second victory over LAC. The Kings are in the midst of a pretty odd stretch, having played just one game in five days. Hopefully that's given interim head coach Alvin Gentry some time to stabilize things.
(Last week: 6)
7. Oklahoma City Thunder (6-16)
Look, I'm still a massive believer in the overall franchise direction of the OKC Thunder franchise. And a young team is going to take its lumps as part of the rebuilding process. But a 73-point loss is a 73-point loss, and an eight-game losing streak is an eight-game losing streak. OKC has to find some way to play meaningful, competitive hoops for the sake of learning and development. Nine of the team's 16 defeats have been by double digits.
(Last week: Unranked)
6. Dallas Mavericks (11-11)
The Mavericks are 2-7 in their last nine games, with those wins coming against the Clippers and Pelicans. They missed Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis on Saturday and lost to a Ja Morant-less Memphis Grizzlies squad in a contest that was not as close as the final score indicates. In this nine-game stretch, the once-high-octane Mavs offense has cleared 110 points just three times.
Dallas fans had to watch with longing as Texas native Desmond Bane, who the team passed on in favor of Josh Green in the 2020 NBA Draft, lit up the court. Green has played 54 minutes this season.
(Last week: Unranked)
5. Portland Trail Blazers (11-13)
So Neil Olshey is finally out as general manager, and based on the reports of his workplace culture (and the team's perpetual mediocrity), that seems like a long overdue move. But the act of firing a general manager midseason should never make you feel good about the team &mdash; it's just an obvious sign that things are not going well. <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/report-damian-lillard-wants-to-play-with-ben-simmons" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Damian Lillard wants to play with Ben Simmons</a>, but would this theoretical pairing be enough to drastically alter Portland's ceiling?&nbsp;
Meanwhile, Lillard is out with an abdominal injury, and the Blazers are 1-5 in their last six games.
(Last week: Unranked)
4. Denver Nuggets (11-11)
&nbsp;
Nikola Jokic returned and yanked Denver out of the No. 1 ranking with his 32-point performance in a win over the Knicks. The Nuggets did still drop one to the lowly Orlando Magic, and now Bones Hyland, Austin Rivers and Bol Bol are all in the league's health and safety protocols. We'll see how this ragtag rotation does with four games in the next six days.
(Last week: 1)
3. Los Angeles Lakers (12-12)
The Lakers have played one contest in six days &mdash; a loss to the Clippers. Frank Vogel has now labeled Dwight Howard as the only center in the rotation, which is most notable because it means he still won't label Anthony Davis a center. L.A. gives up the fifth-most turnovers in the league and allows the fourth-most opposing offensive rebounds, so teams receive plenty of chances to score. Next up is a pivotal rivalry rematch against the Celtics on Tuesday.
(Last week: 3)
2. New York Knicks (11-12)
Shaking up the rotation hasn't changed the results. The Knicks are on a three-game losing streak and got trounced by the injury-plagued Nuggets this weekend. Julius Randle sporadically flips from All-NBA superstar to two-way negative, and RJ Barrett still cannot buy a consistent jump shot. New York got shredded by Denver's bench, consisting of Facundo Campazzo, Zeke Nnaji, Vlatko Cancar, JaMychal Green and recently-signed Davon Reed.
(Last week: 4)
1. Indiana Pacers (9-16)
Indy Cornrows' Caitlin Cooper wrote an excellent analysis of just <a href="https://www.indycornrows.com/2021/12/5/22815853/how-crunch-time-defines-the-current-state-of-the-pacers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">how bad the Pacers are when crunch time comes</a>. Our own <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/pacers-must-accept-new-reality-and-become-sellers-at-trade-deadline" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Evan Sidery slammed the franchise</a> for languishing in mediocrity well past due. Indiana is 9-16 and on the thin edge of the playoff race. Altogether, that alone should explain why the Pacers have plummeted to the No. 1 spot in these rankings.
(Last week: Unranked)

What if I told you the Houston Rockets now have the longest active winning streak in the NBA, and that the New Orleans Pelicans have won more over their last 10 games than many playoff contenders?
We've hit the holiday season with a bizarre stretch of basketball, where it truly seems like any non-Oklahoma City Thunder team can win on any given night. But with every surprise winner somes a disappointed loser, and as the .500-ish squads stack up, many fans are growing increasingly frustrated.
These are prime conditions for a much-needed Sour Rankings shakeup. Over half of this week's field is comprised of previously-unranked teams.
If you're new to the Sour Rankings, here's a refresher: Unlike the typical "power rankings" that repeat themselves throughout sports media, Sour Rankings are a bizarro-world counter. These rankings highlight the top-10 most frustrating NBA franchises throughout the season, and they will be updated every week to match the twists and turns of the league.&nbsp;
This is not merely a bottom-10 of your typical best-to-worst power rankings. You will see championship contenders and playoff hopefuls mixed in with struggling squads. Teams well under .500 may never touch the Sour Rankings because they are on track with their respective processes. Injuries, drama, transactions and generally underwhelming play will earn you a spot on this list.
The central question is ultimately this: How good should you feel about the direction of each franchise? Let's get going:
Escaping the Sour Rankings:&nbsp;Cleveland is officially back with Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen has been playing at an All-Star level lately. Even the losses have been of good quality. The Philadelphia 76ers went 2-1 this past week and beat the Atlanta Hawks on national TV behind Joel Embiid's return to his normal self. Pascal Siakam's 31-point game in Toronto's win on Sunday inspired enough confidence in his return to push the Raptors out of these rankings.
Houston also makes the most impressive escape of the season to date. Its six-game winning streak propels the team out of our No. 2 spot. Meanwhile, New Orleans is a respectable 5-5 in the last 10 games and breaks out after holding the No. 1 ranking for most of the early weeks. Good on the Pels.
10. Miami Heat (14-10)
Bam Adebayo is down for an extended period due to thumb surgery, and the Heat have won just one game in his absence against the rudderless Indiana Pacers. They were hit by two crushing losses to the Cavaliers and Milwaukee Bucks who, not coincidentally, have some dominant interior presences. In the defeat to Milwaukee, Miami rolled with a Dewayne Dedmon/PJ Tucker/Max Strus/Omer Yurtseven frontcourt rotation. They're fine players, but none bring the combination of defensive acumen and offensive playmaking of Adebayo.
(Last week: Unranked)
9. Detroit Pistons (4-18)
The Pistons are tied for the longest winless streak and worst record in the NBA &mdash; not exactly coveted crowns. Things have still been touch-and-go for most of the young prospects, but Cade Cunningham does appear to be growing into his role as the offensive hub of the franchise. Cunningham dropped 26 points, 7 rebounds and 3 blocks against the Trail Blazers, and then 19 points and 5 assists vs. Phoenix.&nbsp;
(Last week: 8)
8. Sacramento Kings (10-14)
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Marvin Bagley III (<a href="https://twitter.com/MB3FIVE?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MB3FIVE</a>) in the Kings last 3 wins 20 MINS vs Clippers 12 PTS, 11 REB, 67% FG 35 MINS vs Lakers 13 PTS, 7 REB, 4 AST, 100% FG 19 MINS vs Blazers 10 PTS, 8 REB, 2 3PTS, 67% FG<a href="https://t.co/RbwXyg4woi">pic.twitter.com/RbwXyg4woi</a>
&mdash; Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ballislife/status/1467520387697287168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

A solid week for Sacramento, who rebounded from a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers by sweeping the L.A. Clippers in a two-game series. Terence Davis logged two outings of 20-plus points to help grab that win, and Marvin Bagley III chipped in a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds in the second victory over LAC. The Kings are in the midst of a pretty odd stretch, having played just one game in five days. Hopefully that's given interim head coach Alvin Gentry some time to stabilize things.
(Last week: 6)
7. Oklahoma City Thunder (6-16)
Look, I'm still a massive believer in the overall franchise direction of the OKC Thunder franchise. And a young team is going to take its lumps as part of the rebuilding process. But a 73-point loss is a 73-point loss, and an eight-game losing streak is an eight-game losing streak. OKC has to find some way to play meaningful, competitive hoops for the sake of learning and development. Nine of the team's 16 defeats have been by double digits.
(Last week: Unranked)
6. Dallas Mavericks (11-11)
The Mavericks are 2-7 in their last nine games, with those wins coming against the Clippers and Pelicans. They missed Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis on Saturday and lost to a Ja Morant-less Memphis Grizzlies squad in a contest that was not as close as the final score indicates. In this nine-game stretch, the once-high-octane Mavs offense has cleared 110 points just three times.
Dallas fans had to watch with longing as Texas native Desmond Bane, who the team passed on in favor of Josh Green in the 2020 NBA Draft, lit up the court. Green has played 54 minutes this season.
(Last week: Unranked)
5. Portland Trail Blazers (11-13)
So Neil Olshey is finally out as general manager, and based on the reports of his workplace culture (and the team's perpetual mediocrity), that seems like a long overdue move. But the act of firing a general manager midseason should never make you feel good about the team &mdash; it's just an obvious sign that things are not going well. <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/report-damian-lillard-wants-to-play-with-ben-simmons" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Damian Lillard wants to play with Ben Simmons</a>, but would this theoretical pairing be enough to drastically alter Portland's ceiling?&nbsp;
Meanwhile, Lillard is out with an abdominal injury, and the Blazers are 1-5 in their last six games.
(Last week: Unranked)
4. Denver Nuggets (11-11)
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Joker leads the way 🃏 Nikola Jokic goes for 32 PTS, 11 REB and 5 AST in 27 minutes as the <a href="https://twitter.com/nuggets?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nuggets</a> pick up the win in NYC! <a href="https://t.co/uLvOrnFDIn">pic.twitter.com/uLvOrnFDIn</a>
&mdash; NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1467233497051926530?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

Nikola Jokic returned and yanked Denver out of the No. 1 ranking with his 32-point performance in a win over the Knicks. The Nuggets did still drop one to the lowly Orlando Magic, and now Bones Hyland, Austin Rivers and Bol Bol are all in the league's health and safety protocols. We'll see how this ragtag rotation does with four games in the next six days.
(Last week: 1)
3. Los Angeles Lakers (12-12)
The Lakers have played one contest in six days &mdash; a loss to the Clippers. Frank Vogel has now labeled Dwight Howard as the only center in the rotation, which is most notable because it means he still won't label Anthony Davis a center. L.A. gives up the fifth-most turnovers in the league and allows the fourth-most opposing offensive rebounds, so teams receive plenty of chances to score. Next up is a pivotal rivalry rematch against the Celtics on Tuesday.
(Last week: 3)
2. New York Knicks (11-12)
Shaking up the rotation hasn't changed the results. The Knicks are on a three-game losing streak and got trounced by the injury-plagued Nuggets this weekend. Julius Randle sporadically flips from All-NBA superstar to two-way negative, and RJ Barrett still cannot buy a consistent jump shot. New York got shredded by Denver's bench, consisting of Facundo Campazzo, Zeke Nnaji, Vlatko Cancar, JaMychal Green and recently-signed Davon Reed.
(Last week: 4)
1. Indiana Pacers (9-16)
Indy Cornrows' Caitlin Cooper wrote an excellent analysis of just <a href="https://www.indycornrows.com/2021/12/5/22815853/how-crunch-time-defines-the-current-state-of-the-pacers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">how bad the Pacers are when crunch time comes</a>. Our own <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/pacers-must-accept-new-reality-and-become-sellers-at-trade-deadline" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Evan Sidery slammed the franchise</a> for languishing in mediocrity well past due. Indiana is 9-16 and on the thin edge of the playoff race. Altogether, that alone should explain why the Pacers have plummeted to the No. 1 spot in these rankings.
(Last week: Unranked)

What if I told you the Houston Rockets now have the longest active winning streak in the NBA, and that the New Orleans Pelicans have won more over their last 10 games than many playoff contenders?
We've hit the holiday season with a bizarre stretch of basketball, where it truly seems like any non-Oklahoma City Thunder team can win on any given night. But with every surprise winner somes a disappointed loser, and as the .500-ish squads stack up, many fans are growing increasingly frustrated.
These are prime conditions for a much-needed Sour Rankings shakeup. Over half of this week's field is comprised of previously-unranked teams.
If you're new to the Sour Rankings, here's a refresher: Unlike the typical "power rankings" that repeat themselves throughout sports media, Sour Rankings are a bizarro-world counter. These rankings highlight the top-10 most frustrating NBA franchises throughout the season, and they will be updated every week to match the twists and turns of the league.&nbsp;
This is not merely a bottom-10 of your typical best-to-worst power rankings. You will see championship contenders and playoff hopefuls mixed in with struggling squads. Teams well under .500 may never touch the Sour Rankings because they are on track with their respective processes. Injuries, drama, transactions and generally underwhelming play will earn you a spot on this list.
The central question is ultimately this: How good should you feel about the direction of each franchise? Let's get going:
Escaping the Sour Rankings:&nbsp;Cleveland is officially back with Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen has been playing at an All-Star level lately. Even the losses have been of good quality. The Philadelphia 76ers went 2-1 this past week and beat the Atlanta Hawks on national TV behind Joel Embiid's return to his normal self. Pascal Siakam's 31-point game in Toronto's win on Sunday inspired enough confidence in his return to push the Raptors out of these rankings.
Houston also makes the most impressive escape of the season to date. Its six-game winning streak propels the team out of our No. 2 spot. Meanwhile, New Orleans is a respectable 5-5 in the last 10 games and breaks out after holding the No. 1 ranking for most of the early weeks. Good on the Pels.
10. Miami Heat (14-10)
Bam Adebayo is down for an extended period due to thumb surgery, and the Heat have won just one game in his absence against the rudderless Indiana Pacers. They were hit by two crushing losses to the Cavaliers and Milwaukee Bucks who, not coincidentally, have some dominant interior presences. In the defeat to Milwaukee, Miami rolled with a Dewayne Dedmon/PJ Tucker/Max Strus/Omer Yurtseven frontcourt rotation. They're fine players, but none bring the combination of defensive acumen and offensive playmaking of Adebayo.
(Last week: Unranked)
9. Detroit Pistons (4-18)
The Pistons are tied for the longest winless streak and worst record in the NBA &mdash; not exactly coveted crowns. Things have still been touch-and-go for most of the young prospects, but Cade Cunningham does appear to be growing into his role as the offensive hub of the franchise. Cunningham dropped 26 points, 7 rebounds and 3 blocks against the Trail Blazers, and then 19 points and 5 assists vs. Phoenix.&nbsp;
(Last week: 8)
8. Sacramento Kings (10-14)
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Marvin Bagley III (<a href="https://twitter.com/MB3FIVE?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MB3FIVE</a>) in the Kings last 3 wins 20 MINS vs Clippers 12 PTS, 11 REB, 67% FG 35 MINS vs Lakers 13 PTS, 7 REB, 4 AST, 100% FG 19 MINS vs Blazers 10 PTS, 8 REB, 2 3PTS, 67% FG<a href="https://t.co/RbwXyg4woi">pic.twitter.com/RbwXyg4woi</a>
&mdash; Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ballislife/status/1467520387697287168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

A solid week for Sacramento, who rebounded from a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers by sweeping the L.A. Clippers in a two-game series. Terence Davis logged two outings of 20-plus points to help grab that win, and Marvin Bagley III chipped in a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds in the second victory over LAC. The Kings are in the midst of a pretty odd stretch, having played just one game in five days. Hopefully that's given interim head coach Alvin Gentry some time to stabilize things.
(Last week: 6)
7. Oklahoma City Thunder (6-16)
Look, I'm still a massive believer in the overall franchise direction of the OKC Thunder franchise. And a young team is going to take its lumps as part of the rebuilding process. But a 73-point loss is a 73-point loss, and an eight-game losing streak is an eight-game losing streak. OKC has to find some way to play meaningful, competitive hoops for the sake of learning and development. Nine of the team's 16 defeats have been by double digits.
(Last week: Unranked)
6. Dallas Mavericks (11-11)
The Mavericks are 2-7 in their last nine games, with those wins coming against the Clippers and Pelicans. They missed Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis on Saturday and lost to a Ja Morant-less Memphis Grizzlies squad in a contest that was not as close as the final score indicates. In this nine-game stretch, the once-high-octane Mavs offense has cleared 110 points just three times.
Dallas fans had to watch with longing as Texas native Desmond Bane, who the team passed on in favor of Josh Green in the 2020 NBA Draft, lit up the court. Green has played 54 minutes this season.
(Last week: Unranked)
5. Portland Trail Blazers (11-13)
So Neil Olshey is finally out as general manager, and based on the reports of his workplace culture (and the team's perpetual mediocrity), that seems like a long overdue move. But the act of firing a general manager midseason should never make you feel good about the team &mdash; it's just an obvious sign that things are not going well. <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/report-damian-lillard-wants-to-play-with-ben-simmons" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Damian Lillard wants to play with Ben Simmons</a>, but would this theoretical pairing be enough to drastically alter Portland's ceiling?&nbsp;
Meanwhile, Lillard is out with an abdominal injury, and the Blazers are 1-5 in their last six games.
(Last week: Unranked)
4. Denver Nuggets (11-11)
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Joker leads the way 🃏 Nikola Jokic goes for 32 PTS, 11 REB and 5 AST in 27 minutes as the <a href="https://twitter.com/nuggets?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nuggets</a> pick up the win in NYC! <a href="https://t.co/uLvOrnFDIn">pic.twitter.com/uLvOrnFDIn</a>
&mdash; NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1467233497051926530?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

Nikola Jokic returned and yanked Denver out of the No. 1 ranking with his 32-point performance in a win over the Knicks. The Nuggets did still drop one to the lowly Orlando Magic, and now Bones Hyland, Austin Rivers and Bol Bol are all in the league's health and safety protocols. We'll see how this ragtag rotation does with four games in the next six days.
(Last week: 1)
3. Los Angeles Lakers (12-12)
The Lakers have played one contest in six days &mdash; a loss to the Clippers. Frank Vogel has now labeled Dwight Howard as the only center in the rotation, which is most notable because it means he still won't label Anthony Davis a center. L.A. gives up the fifth-most turnovers in the league and allows the fourth-most opposing offensive rebounds, so teams receive plenty of chances to score. Next up is a pivotal rivalry rematch against the Boston Celtics on Tuesday.
(Last week: 3)
2. New York Knicks (11-12)
Shaking up the rotation hasn't changed the results. The Knicks are on a three-game losing streak and got trounced by the injury-plagued Nuggets this weekend. Julius Randle sporadically flips from All-NBA superstar to two-way negative, and RJ Barrett still cannot buy a consistent jump shot. New York got shredded by Denver's bench, consisting of Facundo Campazzo, Zeke Nnaji, Vlatko Cancar, JaMychal Green and recently-signed Davon Reed.
(Last week: 4)
1. Indiana Pacers (9-16)
Indy Cornrows' Caitlin Cooper wrote an excellent analysis of just <a href="https://www.indycornrows.com/2021/12/5/22815853/how-crunch-time-defines-the-current-state-of-the-pacers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">how bad the Pacers are when crunch time comes</a>. Our own <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/pacers-must-accept-new-reality-and-become-sellers-at-trade-deadline" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Evan Sidery slammed the franchise</a> for languishing in mediocrity well past due. Indiana is 9-16 and on the thin edge of the playoff race. Altogether, that alone should explain why the Pacers have plummeted to the No. 1 spot in these rankings.
(Last week: Unranked)

What if I told you the Houston Rockets now have the longest active winning streak in the NBA, and that the New Orleans Pelicans have won more over their last 10 games than many playoff contenders?
We've hit the holiday season with a bizarre stretch of basketball, where it truly seems like any non-Oklahoma City Thunder team can win on any given night. But with every surprise winner somes a disappointed loser, and as the .500-ish squads stack up, many fans are growing increasingly frustrated.
These are prime conditions for a much-needed Sour Rankings shakeup. Over half of this week's field is comprised of previously-unranked teams.
If you're new to the Sour Rankings, here's a refresher: Unlike the typical "power rankings" that repeat themselves throughout sports media, Sour Rankings are a bizarro-world counter. These rankings highlight the top-10 most frustrating NBA franchises throughout the season, and they will be updated every week to match the twists and turns of the league.&nbsp;
This is not merely a bottom-10 of your typical best-to-worst power rankings. You will see championship contenders and playoff hopefuls mixed in with struggling squads. Teams well under .500 may never touch the Sour Rankings because they are on track with their respective processes. Injuries, drama, transactions and generally underwhelming play will earn you a spot on this list.
The central question is ultimately this: How good should you feel about the direction of each franchise? Let's get going:
Escaping the Sour Rankings:&nbsp;Cleveland is officially back with Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen has been playing at an All-Star level lately. Even the losses have been of good quality. The Philadelphia 76ers went 2-1 this past week and beat the Atlanta Hawks on national TV behind Joel Embiid's return to his normal self. Pascal Siakam's 31-point game in Toronto's win on Sunday inspired enough confidence in his return to push the Raptors out of these rankings.
Houston also makes the most impressive escape of the season to date. Its six-game winning streak propels the team out of our No. 2 spot. Meanwhile, New Orleans is a respectable 5-5 in the last 10 games and breaks out after holding the No. 1 ranking for most of the early weeks. Good on the Pels.
10. Miami Heat (14-10)
Bam Adebayo is down for an extended period due to thumb surgery, and the Heat have won just one game in his absence against the rudderless Indiana Pacers. They were hit by two crushing losses to the Cavaliers and Milwaukee Bucks who, not coincidentally, have some dominant interior presences. In the defeat to Milwaukee, Miami rolled with a Dewayne Dedmon/PJ Tucker/Max Strus/Omer Yurtseven frontcourt rotation. They're fine players, but none bring the combination of defensive acumen and offensive playmaking of Adebayo.
(Last week: Unranked)
9. Detroit Pistons (4-18)
The Pistons are tied for the longest winless streak and worst record in the NBA &mdash; not exactly coveted crowns. Things have still been touch-and-go for most of the young prospects, but Cade Cunningham does appear to be growing into his role as the offensive hub of the franchise. Cunningham dropped 26 points, 7 rebounds and 3 blocks against the Trail Blazers, and then 19 points and 5 assists vs. Phoenix.&nbsp;
(Last week: 8)
8. Sacramento Kings (10-14)
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Marvin Bagley III (<a href="https://twitter.com/MB3FIVE?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MB3FIVE</a>) in the Kings last 3 wins 20 MINS vs Clippers 12 PTS, 11 REB, 67% FG 35 MINS vs Lakers 13 PTS, 7 REB, 4 AST, 100% FG 19 MINS vs Blazers 10 PTS, 8 REB, 2 3PTS, 67% FG<a href="https://t.co/RbwXyg4woi">pic.twitter.com/RbwXyg4woi</a>
&mdash; Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ballislife/status/1467520387697287168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

A solid week for Sacramento, who rebounded from a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers by sweeping the L.A. Clippers in a two-game series. Terence Davis logged two outings of 20-plus points to help grab that win, and Marvin Bagley III chipped in a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds in the second victory over LAC. The Kings are in the midst of a pretty odd stretch, having played just one game in five days. Hopefully that's given interim head coach Alvin Gentry some time to stabilize things.
(Last week: 6)
7. Oklahoma City Thunder (6-16)
Look, I'm still a massive believer in the overall franchise direction of the OKC Thunder franchise. And a young team is going to take its lumps as part of the rebuilding process. But a 73-point loss is a 73-point loss, and an eight-game losing streak is an eight-game losing streak. OKC has to find some way to play meaningful, competitive hoops for the sake of learning and development. Nine of the team's 16 defeats have been by double digits.
(Last week: Unranked)
6. Dallas Mavericks (11-11)
The Mavericks are 2-7 in their last nine games, with those wins coming against the Clippers and Pelicans. They missed Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis on Saturday and lost to a Ja Morant-less Memphis Grizzlies squad in a contest that was not as close as the final score indicates. In this nine-game stretch, the once-high-octane Mavs offense has cleared 110 points just three times.
Dallas fans had to watch with longing as Texas native Desmond Bane, who the team passed on in favor of Josh Green in the 2020 NBA Draft, lit up the court. Green has played 54 minutes this season.
(Last week: Unranked)
5. Portland Trail Blazers (11-13)
So Neil Olshey is finally out as general manager, and based on the reports of his workplace culture (and the team's perpetual mediocrity), that seems like a long overdue move. But the act of firing a general manager midseason should never make you feel good about the team &mdash; it's just an obvious sign that things are not going well. <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/report-damian-lillard-wants-to-play-with-ben-simmons" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Damian Lillard wants to play with Ben Simmons</a>, but would this theoretical pairing be enough to drastically alter Portland's ceiling?&nbsp;
Meanwhile, Lillard is out with an abdominal injury, and the Blazers are 1-5 in their last six games.
(Last week: Unranked)
4. Denver Nuggets (11-11)
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Joker leads the way 🃏 Nikola Jokic goes for 32 PTS, 11 REB and 5 AST in 27 minutes as the <a href="https://twitter.com/nuggets?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nuggets</a> pick up the win in NYC! <a href="https://t.co/uLvOrnFDIn">pic.twitter.com/uLvOrnFDIn</a>
&mdash; NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1467233497051926530?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

Nikola Jokic returned and yanked Denver out of the No. 1 ranking with his 32-point performance in a win over the Knicks. The Nuggets did still drop one to the lowly Orlando Magic, and now Bones Hyland, Austin Rivers and Bol Bol are all in the league's health and safety protocols. We'll see how this ragtag rotation does with four games in the next six days.
(Last week: 1)
3. Los Angeles Lakers (12-12)
The Lakers have played one contest in six days &mdash; a loss to the Clippers. Frank Vogel has now labeled Dwight Howard as the only center in the rotation, which is most notable because it means he still won't label Anthony Davis a center. L.A. gives up the fifth-most turnovers in the league and allows the fourth-most opposing offensive rebounds, so teams receive plenty of chances to score. Next up is a pivotal rivalry rematch against the Boston Celtics on Tuesday.
(Last week: 3)
2. New York Knicks (11-12)
Shaking up the rotation hasn't changed the results. The Knicks are on a three-game losing streak, and got trounced by the injury-plagued Nuggets this weekend. Julius Randle sporadically flips from All-NBA superstar to two-way negative, and RJ Barrett still cannot buy a consistent jump shot. New York got shredded by Denver's bench, consisting of Facundo Campazzo, Zeke Nnaji, Vlatko Cancar, JaMychal Green and recently-signed Davon Reed.
(Last week: 4)
1. Indiana Pacers (9-16)
Indy Cornrows' Caitlin Cooper wrote an excellent analysis of just <a href="https://www.indycornrows.com/2021/12/5/22815853/how-crunch-time-defines-the-current-state-of-the-pacers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">how bad the Pacers are when crunch time comes</a>. Our own <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/pacers-must-accept-new-reality-and-become-sellers-at-trade-deadline" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Evan Sidery slammed the franchise</a> for languishing in mediocrity well past due. Indiana is 9-16 and on the thin edge of the playoff race. Altogether, that alone should explain why the Pacers have plummeted to the No. 1 spot in these rankings.
(Last week: Unranked)

What if I told you the Houston Rockets now have the longest active winning streak in the NBA, and that the New Orleans Pelicans have won more over their last 10 games than many playoff contenders?
We've hit the holiday season with a bizarre stretch of basketball, where it truly seems like any non-Oklahoma City Thunder team can win on any given night. But with every surprise winner somes a disappointed loser, and as the .500-ish squads stack up, many fans are growing increasingly frustrated.
These are prime conditions for a much-needed Sour Rankings shakeup. Over half of this week's field is comprised of previously-unranked teams.
If you're new to the Sour Rankings, here's a refresher: Unlike the typical "power rankings" that repeat themselves throughout sports media, Sour Rankings are a bizarro-world counter. These rankings highlight the top-10 most frustrating NBA franchises throughout the season, and they will be updated every week to match the twists and turns of the league.&nbsp;
This is not merely a bottom-10 of your typical best-to-worst power rankings. You will see championship contenders and playoff hopefuls mixed in with struggling squads. Teams well under .500 may never touch the Sour Rankings because they are on track with their respective processes. Injuries, drama, transactions and generally underwhelming play will earn you a spot on this list.
The central question is ultimately this: How good should you feel about the direction of each franchise? Let's get going:
Escaping the Sour Rankings:&nbsp;Cleveland is officially back with Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen has been playing at an All-Star level lately. Even the losses have been of good quality. The Philadelphia 76ers went 2-1 this past week and beat the Atlanta Hawks on national TV behind Joel Embiid's return to his normal self. Pascal Siakam's 31-point game in Toronto's win on Sunday inspired enough confidence in his return to push the Raptors out of these rankings.
Houston also makes the most impressive escape of the season to date. Its six-game winning streak propels the team out of our No. 2 spot. Meanwhile, New Orleans is a respectable 5-5 in the last 10 games and breaks out after holding the No. 1 ranking for most of the early weeks. Good on the Pels.
10. Miami Heat (14-10)
Bam Adebayo is down for an extended period due to thumb surgery, and the Heat have won just one game in his absence against the rudderless Indiana Pacers. They were hit by two crushing losses to the Cavaliers and Milwaukee Bucks who, not coincidentally, have some dominant interior presences. In the defeat to Milwaukee, Miami rolled with a Dewayne Dedmon/PJ Tucker/Max Strus/Omer Yurtseven frontcourt rotation. They're fine players, but none bring the combination of defensive acumen and offensive playmaking of Adebayo.
(Last week: Unranked)
9. Detroit Pistons (4-18)
The Pistons are tied for the longest winless streak and worst record in the NBA &mdash; not exactly coveted crowns. Things have still been touch-and-go for most of the young prospects, but Cade Cunningham does appear to be growing into his role as the offensive hub of the franchise. Cunningham dropped 26 points, 7 rebounds and 3 blocks against the Trail Blazers, and then 19 points and 5 assists vs. Phoenix.&nbsp;
(Last week: 8)
8. Sacramento Kings (10-14)
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Marvin Bagley III (<a href="https://twitter.com/MB3FIVE?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MB3FIVE</a>) in the Kings last 3 wins 20 MINS vs Clippers 12 PTS, 11 REB, 67% FG 35 MINS vs Lakers 13 PTS, 7 REB, 4 AST, 100% FG 19 MINS vs Blazers 10 PTS, 8 REB, 2 3PTS, 67% FG<a href="https://t.co/RbwXyg4woi">pic.twitter.com/RbwXyg4woi</a>
&mdash; Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ballislife/status/1467520387697287168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

A solid week for Sacramento, who rebounded from a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers by sweeping the L.A. Clippers in a two-game series. Terence Davis logged two outings of 20-plus points to help grab that win, and Marvin Bagley III chipped in a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds in the second victory over LAC. The Kings are in the midst of a pretty odd stretch, having played just one game in five days. Hopefully that's given interim head coach Alvin Gentry some time to stabilize things.
(Last week: 6)
7. Oklahoma City Thunder (6-16)
Look, I'm still a massive believer in the overall franchise direction of the OKC Thunder franchise. And a young team is going to take its lumps as part of the rebuilding process. But a 73-point loss is a 73-point loss, and an eight-game losing streak is an eight-game losing streak. OKC has to find some way to play meaningful, competitive hoops for the sake of learning and development. Nine of the team's 16 defeats have been by double digits.
(Last week: Unranked)
6. Dallas Mavericks (11-11)
The Mavericks are 2-7 in their last nine games, with those wins coming against the Clippers and Pelicans. They missed Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis on Saturday and lost to a Ja Morant-less Memphis Grizzlies squad in a contest that was not as close as the final score indicates. In this nine-game stretch, the once-high-octane Mavs offense has cleared 110 points just three times.
Dallas fans had to watch with longing as Texas native Desmond Bane, who the team passed on in favor of Josh Green in the 2020 NBA Draft, lit up the court. Green has played 54 minutes this season.
(Last week: Unranked)
5. Portland Trail Blazers (11-13)
So Neil Olshey is finally out as general manager, and based on the reports of his workplace culture (and the team's perpetual mediocrity), that seems like a long overdue move. But the act of firing a general manager midseason should never make you feel good about the team &mdash; it's just an obvious sign that things are not going well. <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/report-damian-lillard-wants-to-play-with-ben-simmons" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Damian Lillard wants to play with Ben Simmons</a>, but would this theoretical pairing be enough to drastically alter Portland's ceiling?&nbsp;
Meanwhile, Lillard is out with an abdominal injury, and the Blazers are 1-5 in their last six games.
(Last week: Unranked)
4. Denver Nuggets (11-11)
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Joker leads the way 🃏 Nikola Jokic goes for 32 PTS, 11 REB and 5 AST in 27 minutes as the <a href="https://twitter.com/nuggets?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nuggets</a> pick up the win in NYC! <a href="https://t.co/uLvOrnFDIn">pic.twitter.com/uLvOrnFDIn</a>
&mdash; NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1467233497051926530?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

Nikola Jokic returned and yanked Denver out of the No. 1 ranking with his 32-point performance in a win over the Knicks. The Nuggets did still drop one to the lowly Orlando Magic, and now Bones Hyland, Austin Rivers and Bol Bol are all in the league's health and safety protocols. We'll see how this ragtag rotation does with four games in the next six days.
(Last week: 1)
3. Los Angeles Lakers (12-12)
The Lakers have played one contest in six days &mdash; a loss to the Clippers. Frank Vogel has now labeled Dwight Howard as the only center in the rotation, which is most notable because it means he still won't label Anthony Davis a center. L.A. gives up the fifth-most turnovers in the league and allows the fourth-most opposing offensive rebounds, so teams receive plenty of chances to score. Next up is a pivotal rivalry rematch against the Boston Celtics on Tuesday.
(Last week: 3)
2. New York Knicks (11-12)
Shaking up the rotation hasn't changed the results. The Knicks are on a three-game losing streak, and got trounced by the injury-plagued Nuggets this weekend. Julius Randle sporadically flips from All-NBA superstar to two-way negative, and RJ Barrett still cannot buy a consistent jump shot. New York got shredded by Denver's bench, consisting of Facundo Campazzo, Zeke Nnaji, Vlatko Cancar, JaMychal Green and the recently-signed Davon Reed.
(Last week: 4)
1. Indiana Pacers (9-16)
Indy Cornrows' Caitlin Cooper wrote an excellent analysis of just <a href="https://www.indycornrows.com/2021/12/5/22815853/how-crunch-time-defines-the-current-state-of-the-pacers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">how bad the Pacers are when crunch time comes</a>. Our own <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/pacers-must-accept-new-reality-and-become-sellers-at-trade-deadline" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Evan Sidery slammed the franchise</a> for languishing in mediocrity well past due. Indiana is 9-16 and on the thin edge of the playoff race. Altogether, that alone should explain why the Pacers have plummeted to the No. 1 spot in these rankings.
(Last week: Unranked)

Five new teams appear in the Sour Rankings after some major shakeup.

NBA Sour Rankings: With losers winning, the rankings turn upside down

Most people know the general philosophy of analytics-driven NBA basketball by now: shoot threes and layups, and don't give up threes and layups.&nbsp;
That's a lot easier said than done in a league with rapidly-evolving offensive and defensive schemes. One could argue that today's NBA is filled with the most versatile rosters of long-range bigs, switchable guards and do-it-all wings ever. The three-and-dunk approach looks simple enough on paper, but executing it with regularity against an opponent who knows the endgame is a whole different task.
So which teams are better at getting the most efficient shots, and which teams are best at holding opponents to the dreaded long two-pointer? And how much is that even affecting their overall success? That's the subject of this week's Stats Notebook, and we'll start on defense with a great graphic from Nylon Calculus contributor Tom Bassine.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Opponent shot distributions, through games played on Dec. 1. The Wizards, Jazz, Pacers, and Warriors are tending to give up the right types of shots. <a href="https://t.co/7XEMalWLSH">pic.twitter.com/7XEMalWLSH</a>
&mdash; Tom Bassine (@tvbassine) <a href="https://twitter.com/tvbassine/status/1466404382799380489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

Bassine has this table arranged in descending order by what teams give up a high frequency of two-point shots away from the rim &mdash; that's the sweet spot for defenses, since they go in at a low percentage with a lower value compared to a three-pointer. The Washington Wizards, Utah Jazz, Indiana Pacers, Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks and Boston Celtics all force over 40% of their opponents' shots to that range. Washington, Utah, Indiana and Dallas in particular have done a great job of keeping opponents off the three-point line.&nbsp;
Now, here are those squads' defensive ratings, from best to worst, per Cleaning the Glass: Golden State (1st in the NBA), Boston (4th), Utah (6th), Washington (11th), Indiana (13th), Dallas (22nd). Five of the six teams have an overall defense in the top half of the league, and while there are obviously many more factors involved in defensive success, opponent shot types seem to play a major role.&nbsp;
What about the Mavericks? Well, teams simply have made their shots. Opponents are shooting 66.9% in the restricted area against the Mavs (fifth-highest in the NBA) and 43.7% on corner threes (fourth-highest). It's unclear if this is merely an unlucky hot streak against Dallas, or a more worrisome flaw that teams have yet to capitalize on.
Let's shift to the offensive side of the ball, where the numbers get extremely interesting.
Cleaning the Glass tracks team shot frequency in different zones. I'm going to focus on the "long mid-range" zone, which is theoretically the least efficient zone on the court. The teams leading in long mid-range frequency are: the Chicago Bulls (16.5% of their shots come here), Los Angeles Lakers (16.0%), Brooklyn Nets (14.6%), Phoenix Suns (14.4%), and the Clippers (13.1%). These are small slices of the pie compared to other zones, but every possession can matter in the NBA.
How do those teams stack up in offensive rating? Phoenix, Brooklyn and Chicago are sixth, seventh and eighth-best, respectively. But the Lakers are 23rd and the Clippers are 25th. How is there such a chasm?
The answers is pretty plain: personnel. Kevin Durant is one of the greatest scorers in the game's history and is on an absolute heater in the mid-range. About 60% of his shot attempts are mid-range looks, and he's making them at an absurd 56% clip. In fact, Durant's 4.8 three-point attempts per game are his fewest since 2012-13. But his shot diet won't be a problem if he's this automatic.
The Bulls and Suns have two similar mid-range maestros in DeMar DeRozan and Chris Paul. They're each taking over 60% of their shots from that area, and both are shooting at least 48% from the zone. All three teams are in the top-seven for overall mid-range FG%.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, the Clippers and Lakers struggle because they simply don't have those types of players on the roster. Russell Westbrook and Paul George, for example, both take a ton of mid-range shots. But they hit them at around league-average. The Clippers are 15th in mid-range FG%, while the Lakers are 22nd. In these cases, the shot selection is dragging down the offenses.
So the conclusion is: maximize your strengths. Relying on less "efficient" shot zones might be a bit riskier, but trying to force players out of their hotspots is a greater gamble during the season. Defensively, the objective is always to limit the opposition's possible points &mdash; but there's a lot more involved than herding shooters into mid-range looks.
THE OUTLIERS (a.k.a. other random interesting numbers I find in the void):
<ul>
<li>Herbert Jones led all rookies with 3.0 deflections per game in the month of November and is averaging 2.8 steals per game over his last five contests. He recently moved into the Pelicans' starting lineup, and I'm intrigued.</li>
<li>The Milwaukee Bucks are back in their groove with most of the roster healthy. They have the best defensive rating and third-best offensive rating over the past two weeks, in which they've won seven straight games as part of their current eight-game winning streak.</li>
<li>Tyrese Haliburton led the league with 2.2 steals per game in November. He also shot 40.7% from beyond the arc and dished out five assists per game. Then he started December with a 12-point, 11-assist performance last night.</li>
</ul>

Most people know the general philosophy of analytics-driven NBA basketball by now: shoot threes and layups, and don't give up threes and layups.&nbsp;
That's a lot easier said than done in a league with rapidly-evolving offensive and defensive schemes. One could argue that today's NBA is filled with the most versatile rosters of long-range bigs, switchable guards and do-it-all wings ever. The three-and-dunk approach looks simple enough on paper, but executing it with regularity against an opponent who knows the endgame is a whole different task.
So which teams are better at getting the most efficient shots, and which teams are best at holding opponents to the dreaded long two-pointer? And how much is that even affecting their overall success? That's the subject of this week's Stats Notebook, and we'll start on defense with a great graphic from Nylon Calculus contributor Tom Bassine.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Opponent shot distributions, through games played on Dec. 1. The Wizards, Jazz, Pacers, and Warriors are tending to give up the right types of shots. <a href="https://t.co/7XEMalWLSH">pic.twitter.com/7XEMalWLSH</a>
&mdash; Tom Bassine (@tvbassine) <a href="https://twitter.com/tvbassine/status/1466404382799380489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

Bassine has this table arranged in descending order by what teams give up a high frequency of two-point shots away from the rim &mdash; that's the sweet spot for defenses, since they go in at a low percentage with a lower value compared to a three-pointer. The Washington Wizards, Utah Jazz, Indiana Pacers, Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks and Boston Celtics all force over 40% of their opponents' shots to that range. Washington, Utah, Indiana and Dallas in particular have done a great job of keeping opponents off the three-point line.&nbsp;
Now, here are those squads' defensive ratings, from best to worst, per Cleaning the Glass: Golden State (1st in the NBA), Boston (4th), Utah (6th), Washington (11th), Indiana (13th), Dallas (22nd). Five of the six teams have an overall defense in the top half of the league, and while there are obviously many more factors involved in defensive success, opponent shot types seem to play a major role.&nbsp;
What about the Mavericks? Well, teams simply have made their shots. Opponents are shooting 66.9% in the restricted area against the Mavs (fifth-highest in the NBA) and 43.7% on corner threes (fourth-highest). It's unclear if this is merely an unlucky hot streak against Dallas, or a more worrisome flaw that teams have yet to capitalize on.
Let's shift to the offensive side of the ball, where the numbers get extremely interesting.
Cleaning the Glass tracks team shot frequency in different zones. I'm going to focus on the "long mid-range" zone, which is theoretically the least efficient zone on the court. The teams leading in long mid-range frequency are: the Chicago Bulls (16.5% of their shots come here), Los Angeles Lakers (16.0%), Brooklyn Nets (14.6%), Phoenix Suns (14.4%), and L.A. Clippers (13.1%). These are small slices of the pie compared to other zones, but every possession can matter in the NBA.
How do those teams stack up in offensive rating? Phoenix, Brooklyn and Chicago are sixth, seventh and eighth-best, respectively. But the Lakers are 23rd and the Clippers are 25th. How is there such a chasm?
The answers is pretty plain: personnel. Kevin Durant is one of the greatest scorers in the game's history and is on an absolute heater in the mid-range. About 60% of his shot attempts are mid-range looks, and he's making them at an absurd 56% clip. In fact, Durant's 4.8 three-point attempts per game are his fewest since 2012-13. But his shot diet won't be a problem if he's this automatic.
The Bulls and Suns have two similar mid-range maestros in DeMar DeRozan and Chris Paul. They're each taking over 60% of their shots from that area, and both are shooting at least 48% from the zone. All three teams are in the top-seven for overall mid-range FG%.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, the Clippers and Lakers struggle because they simply don't have those types of players on the roster. Russell Westbrook and Paul George, for example, both take a ton of mid-range shots. But they hit them at around league-average. The Clippers are 15th in mid-range FG%, while the Lakers are 22nd. In these cases, the shot selection is dragging down the offenses.
So the conclusion is: maximize your strengths. Relying on less "efficient" shot zones might be a bit riskier, but trying to force players out of their hotspots is a greater gamble during the season. Defensively, the objective is always to limit the opposition's possible points &mdash; but there's a lot more involved than herding shooters into mid-range looks.
THE OUTLIERS (a.k.a. other random interesting numbers I find in the void):
<ul>
<li>Herbert Jones led all rookies with 3.0 deflections per game in the month of November and is averaging 2.8 steals per game over his last five contests. He recently moved into the Pelicans' starting lineup, and I'm intrigued.</li>
<li>The Milwaukee Bucks are back in their groove with most of the roster healthy. They have the best defensive rating and third-best offensive rating over the past two weeks, in which they've won seven straight games as part of their current eight-game winning streak.</li>
<li>Tyrese Haliburton led the league with 2.2 steals per game in November. He also shot 40.7% from beyond the arc and dished out five assists per game. Then he started December with a 12-point, 11-assist performance last night.</li>
</ul>

Most people know the general philosophy of analytics-driven NBA basketball by now: shoot threes and layups, and don't give up threes and layups.&nbsp;
That's a lot easier said than done in a league with rapidly-evolving offensive and defensive schemes. One could argue that today's NBA is filled with the most versatile rosters of long-range bigs, switchable guards and do-it-all wings ever. The three-and-dunk approach looks simple enough on paper, but executing it with regularity against an opponent who knows the endgame is a whole different task.
So which teams are better at getting the most efficient shots, and which teams are best at holding opponents to the dreaded long two-pointer? And how much is that even affecting their overall success? That's the subject of this week's Stats Notebook, and we'll start on defense with a great graphic from Nylon Calculus contributor Tom Bassine.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Opponent shot distributions, through games played on Dec. 1. The Wizards, Jazz, Pacers, and Warriors are tending to give up the right types of shots. <a href="https://t.co/7XEMalWLSH">pic.twitter.com/7XEMalWLSH</a>
&mdash; Tom Bassine (@tvbassine) <a href="https://twitter.com/tvbassine/status/1466404382799380489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

Bassine has this table arranged in descending order by what teams give up a high frequency of two-point shots away from the rim &mdash; that's the sweet spot for defenses, since they go in at a low percentage with a lower value compared to a three-pointer. The Washington Wizards, Utah Jazz, Indiana Pacers, Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks and Boston Celtics all force over 40% of their opponents' shots to that range. Washington, Utah, Indiana and Dallas in particular have done a great job of keeping opponents off the three-point line.&nbsp;
Now, here are those squads' defensive ratings, from best to worst, per Cleaning the Glass: Golden State (1st in the NBA), Boston (4th), Utah (6th), Washington (11th), Indiana (13th), Dallas (22nd). Five of the six teams have an overall defense in the top half of the league, and while there are obviously many more factors involved in defensive success, opponent shot types seem to play a major role.&nbsp;
What about the Mavericks? Well, teams simply have made their shots. Opponents are shooting 66.9% in the restricted area against the Mavs (fifth-highest in the NBA) and 43.7% on corner threes (fourth-highest). It's unclear if this is merely an unlucky hot streak against Dallas, or a more worrisome flaw that teams have yet to capitalize on.
Let's shift to the offensive side of the ball, where the numbers get extremely interesting.
Cleaning the Glass tracks team shot frequency in different zones. I'm going to focus on the "long mid-range" zone, which is theoretically the least efficient zone on the court. The teams leading in long mid-range frequency are: the Chicago Bulls (16.5% of their shots come here), Los Angeles Lakers (16.0%), Brooklyn Nets (14.6%), Phoenix Suns (14.4%), and L.A. Clippers (13.1%). These are small slices of the pie compared to other zones, but every possession can matter in the NBA.
How do those teams stack up in offensive rating? Phoenix, Brooklyn and Chicago are the sixth, seventh and eighth-best, respectively. But the Lakers are 23rd and the Clippers are 25th. How is there such a chasm?
The answers is pretty plain: personnel. Kevin Durant is one of the greatest scorers in the game's history and is on an absolute heater in the mid-range. About 60% of his shot attempts are mid-range looks, and he's making them at an absurd 56% clip. In fact, Durant's 4.8 three-point attempts per game are his fewest since 2012-13. But his shot diet won't be a problem if he's this automatic.
The Bulls and Suns have two similar mid-range maestros in DeMar DeRozan and Chris Paul. They're each taking over 60% of their shots from that area, and both are shooting at least 48% from the zone. All three teams are in the top-seven for overall mid-range FG%.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, the Clippers and Lakers struggle because they simply don't have those types of players on the roster. Russell Westbrook and Paul George, for example, both take a ton of mid-range shots. But they hit them at around league-average. The Clippers are 15th in mid-range FG%, while the Lakers are 22nd. In these cases, the shot selection is dragging down the offenses.
So the conclusion is: maximize your strengths. Relying on less "efficient" shot zones might be a bit riskier, but trying to force players out of their hotspots is a greater gamble during the season. Defensively, the objective is always to limit the opposition's possible points &mdash; but there's a lot more involved than herding shooters into mid-range looks.
THE OUTLIERS (a.k.a. other random interesting numbers I find in the void):
<ul>
<li>Herbert Jones led all rookies with 3.0 deflections per game in the month of November and is averaging 2.8 steals per game over his last five contests. He recently moved into the Pelicans' starting lineup, and I'm intrigued.</li>
<li>The Milwaukee Bucks are back in their groove with most of the roster healthy. They have the best defensive rating and third-best offensive rating over the past two weeks, in which they've won seven straight games as part of their current eight-game winning streak.</li>
<li>Tyrese Haliburton led the league with 2.2 steals per game in November. He also shot 40.7% from beyond the arc and dished out five assists per game. Then he started December with a 12-point, 11-assist performance last night.</li>
</ul>

Most people know the general philosophy of analytics-driven NBA basketball by now: shoot threes and layups, and don't give up threes and layups.&nbsp;
That's a lot easier said than done in a league with rapidly-evolving offensive and defensive schemes. One could argue that today's NBA is filled with the most versatile rosters of long-range bigs, switchable guards and do-it-all wings ever. The three-and-dunk approach looks simple enough on paper, but executing it with regularity against an opponent who knows the endgame is a whole different task.
So which teams are better at getting the most efficient shots, and which teams are best at holding opponents to the dreaded long two-pointer? And how much is that even affecting their overall success? That's the subject of this week's Stats Notebook, and we'll start on defense with a great graphic from Nylon Calculus contributor Tom Bassine.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Opponent shot distributions, through games played on Dec. 1. The Wizards, Jazz, Pacers, and Warriors are tending to give up the right types of shots. <a href="https://t.co/7XEMalWLSH">pic.twitter.com/7XEMalWLSH</a>
&mdash; Tom Bassine (@tvbassine) <a href="https://twitter.com/tvbassine/status/1466404382799380489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

Bassine has this table arranged in descending order by what teams give up a high frequency of two-point shots away from the rim &mdash; that's the sweet spot for defenses, since they go in at a low percentage with a lower value compared to a three-pointer. The Washington Wizards, Utah Jazz, Indiana Pacers, Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks and Boston Celtics all force over 40% of their opponents' shots to that range. Washington, Utah, Indiana and Dallas in particular have done a great job of keeping opponents off the three-point line.&nbsp;
Now, here are those squads' defensive ratings, from best to worst, per Cleaning the Glass: Golden State (1st in the NBA), Boston (4th), Utah (6th), Washington (11th), Indiana (13th), Dallas (22nd). Five of the six teams have an overall defense in the top half of the league, and while there are obviously many more factors involved in defensive success, opponent shot types seem to play a major role.&nbsp;
What about the Mavericks? Well, teams simply have made their shots. Opponents are shooting 66.9% in the restricted area against the Mavs (fifth-highest in the NBA) and 43.7% on corner threes (fourth-highest). It's unclear if this is merely an unlucky hot streak against Dallas, or a more worrisome flaw that teams have yet to capitalize on.
Let's shift to the offensive side of the ball, where the numbers get extremely interesting.
Cleaning the Glass tracks team shot frequency in different zones. I'm going to focus on the "long mid-range" zone, which is theoretically the least efficient zone on the court. The teams leading in long mid-range frequency are: the Chicago Bulls (16.5% of their shots come here), Los Angeles Lakers (16.0%), Brooklyn Nets (14.6%), Phoenix Suns (14.4%), and L.A. Clippers (13.1%). These are small slices of the pie compared to other zones, but every possession can matter in the NBA.
How do those teams stack up in offensive rating? Phoenix, Brooklyn and Chicago are the sixth, seventh and eighth-best, respectively. But the Lakers are 23rd and the Clippers are 25th. How is there such a chasm?
The answers is pretty plain: personnel. Kevin Durant is one of the greatest scorers in the game's history, and is on an absolute heater in the mid-range. About 60% of his shot attempts are mid-range looks, and he's making them at an absurd 56% clip. In fact, Durant's 4.8 three-point attempts per game are his fewest since 2012-13. But his shot diet won't be a problem if he's this automatic.
The Bulls and Suns have two similar mid-range maestros in DeMar DeRozan and Chris Paul. They're each taking over 60% of their shots from that area, and both are shooting at least 48% from the zone. All three teams are in the top-seven for overall mid-range FG%.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, the Clippers and Lakers struggle because they simply don't have those types of players on the roster. Russell Westbrook and Paul George, for example, both take a ton of mid-range shots. But they hit them at around league-average. The Clippers are 15th in mid-range FG%, while the Lakers are 22nd. In these cases, the shot selection is dragging down the offenses.
So the conclusion is: maximize your strengths. Relying on less "efficient" shot zones might be a bit riskier, but trying to force players out of their hotspots is a greater gamble during the season. Defensively, the objective is always to limit the opposition's possible points &mdash; but there's a lot more involved than herding shooters into mid-range looks.
THE OUTLIERS (a.k.a. other random interesting numbers I find in the void):
<ul>
<li>Herbert Jones led all rookies with 3.0 deflections per game in the month of November and is averaging 2.8 steals per game over his last five contests. He recently moved into the Pelicans' starting lineup, and I'm intrigued.</li>
<li>The Milwaukee Bucks are back in their groove with most of the roster healthy. They have the best defensive rating and third-best offensive rating over the past two weeks, in which they've won seven straight games as part of their current eight-game winning streak.</li>
<li>Tyrese Haliburton led the league with 2.2 steals per game in November. He also shot 40.7% from beyond the arc and dished out five assists per game. Then he started December with a 12-point, 11-assist performance last night.</li>
</ul>

Most people know the general philosophy of analytics-driven NBA basketball by now: shoot threes and layups, and don't give up threes and layups.&nbsp;
That's a lot easier said than done in a league with rapidly-evolving offensive and defensive schemes. One could argue that today's NBA is filled with the most versatile rosters of long-range bigs, switchable guards and do-it-all wings ever. The three-and-dunk approach looks simple enough on paper, but executing it with regularity against an opponent who knows the endgame is a whole different task.
So which teams are better at getting the most efficient shots, and which teams are best at holding opponents to the dreaded long two-pointer? And how much is that even affecting their overall success? That's the subject of this week's Stats Notebook, and we'll start on defense with a great graphic from Nylon Calculus contributor Tom Bassine.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Opponent shot distributions, through games played on Dec. 1. The Wizards, Jazz, Pacers, and Warriors are tending to give up the right types of shots. <a href="https://t.co/7XEMalWLSH">pic.twitter.com/7XEMalWLSH</a>
&mdash; Tom Bassine (@tvbassine) <a href="https://twitter.com/tvbassine/status/1466404382799380489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

Bassine has this table arranged in descending order by what teams give up a high frequency of two-point shots away from the rim &mdash; that's the sweet spot for defenses, since they go in at a low percentage with a lower value compared to a three-pointer. The Washington Wizards, Utah Jazz, Indiana Pacers, Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks and Boston Celtics all force over 40% of their opponents' shots to that range. Washington, Utah, Indiana and Dallas in particular have done a great job of keeping opponents off the three-point line.&nbsp;
Now, here are those squads' defensive ratings, from best to worst, per Cleaning the Glass: Golden State (1st in the NBA), Boston (4th), Utah (6th), Washington (11th), Indiana (13th), Dallas (22nd). Five of the six teams have an overall defense in the top half of the league, and while there are obviously many more factors involved in defensive success, opponent shot types seem to play a major role.&nbsp;
What about the Mavericks? Well, teams simply have made their shots. Opponents are shooting 66.9% in the restricted area against the Mavs (fifth-highest in the NBA) and 43.7% on corner threes (fourth-highest). It's unclear if this is merely an unlucky hot streak against Dallas, or a more worrisome flaw that teams have been capitalizing on.
Let's shift to the offensive side of the ball, where the numbers get extremely interesting.
Cleaning the Glass tracks team shot frequency in different zones. I'm going to focus on the "long mid-range" zone, which is theoretically the least efficient zone on the court. The teams leading in long mid-range frequency are: the Chicago Bulls (16.5% of their shots come here), Los Angeles Lakers (16.0%), Brooklyn Nets (14.6%), Phoenix Suns (14.4%), and L.A. Clippers (13.1%). These are small slices of the pie compared to other zones, but every possession can matter in the NBA.
How do those teams stack up in offensive rating? Phoenix, Brooklyn and Chicago are the sixth, seventh and eighth-best, respectively. But the Lakers are 23rd and the Clippers are 25th. How is there such a chasm?
The answers is pretty plain: personnel. Kevin Durant is one of the greatest scorers in the game's history, and is on an absolute heater in the mid-range. About 60% of his shot attempts are mid-range looks, and he's making them at an absurd 56% clip. In fact, Durant's 4.8 three-point attempts per game are his fewest since 2012-13. But his shot diet won't be a problem if he's this automatic.
The Bulls and Suns have two similar mid-range maestros in DeMar DeRozan and Chris Paul. They're each taking over 60% of their shots from that area, and both are shooting at least 48% from the zone. All three teams are in the top-seven for overall mid-range field goal percentage.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, the Clippers and Lakers struggle because they simply don't have those types of players on the roster. Russell Westbrook and Paul George, for example, both take a ton of mid-range shots. But they hit them at around league-average. The Clippers are 15th in mid-range FG%, while the Lakers are 22nd. In these cases, the shot selection is dragging down the offenses.
So the conclusion is: maximize your strengths. Relying on less "efficient" shot zones might be a bit riskier, but trying to force players out of their hotspots is a greater gamble during the season. Defensively, the objective is always to limit the opposition's possible points &mdash; but there's a lot more involved than herding shooters into mid-range looks.
THE OUTLIERS (a.k.a. other random interesting numbers I find in the void):
<ul>
<li>Herbert Jones led all rookies with 3.0 deflections per game in the month of November and is averaging 2.8 steals per game over his last five contests. He recently moved into the Pelicans' starting lineup, and I'm intrigued.</li>
<li>The Milwaukee Bucks are back in their groove with most of the roster healthy. They have the best defensive rating and third-best offensive rating over the past two weeks, in which they've won seven straight games as part of their current eight-game winning streak.</li>
<li>Tyrese Haliburton led the league with 2.2 steals per game in November. He also shot 40.7% from beyond the arc and dished out five assists per game. Then he started December with a 12-point, 11-assist performance last night.</li>
</ul>

Most people know the general philosophy of analytics-driven NBA basketball by now: shoot threes and layups, and don't give up threes and layups.&nbsp;
That's a lot easier said than done in a league with rapidly-evolving offensive and defensive schemes. One could argue that today's NBA is filled with the most versatile rosters of long-range bigs, switchable guards and do-it-all wings ever. The three-and-dunk approach looks simple enough on paper, but executing it with regularity against an opponent who knows the endgame is a whole different task.
So which teams are better at getting the most efficient shots, and which teams are best at holding opponents to the dreaded long two-pointer? And how much is that even affecting their overall success? That's the subject of this week's Stats Notebook, and we'll start on defense with a great graphic from Nylon Calculus contributor Tom Bassine.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Opponent shot distributions, through games played on Dec. 1. The Wizards, Jazz, Pacers, and Warriors are tending to give up the right types of shots. <a href="https://t.co/7XEMalWLSH">pic.twitter.com/7XEMalWLSH</a>
&mdash; Tom Bassine (@tvbassine) <a href="https://twitter.com/tvbassine/status/1466404382799380489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

Bassine has this table arranged in descending order by what teams give up a high frequency of two-point shots away from the rim &mdash; that's the sweet spot for defenses, since they go in at a low percentage with a lower value compared to a three-pointer. The Washington Wizards, Utah Jazz, Indiana Pacers, Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks and Boston Celtics all force over 40% of their opponents' shots to that range. Washington, Utah, Indiana and Dallas in particular have done a great job of keeping opponents off the three-point line.&nbsp;
Now, here are those squads' defensive ratings, from best to worst, per Cleaning the Glass: Golden State (1st in the NBA), Boston (4th), Utah (6th), Washington (11th), Indiana (13th), Dallas (22nd). Five of the six teams have an overall defense in the top half of the league, and while there are obviously many more factors involved in defensive success, opponent shot types seem to play a major role.&nbsp;
What about the Mavericks? Well, teams simply have made their shots. Opponents are shooting 66.9% in the restricted area against the Mavs (fifth-highest in the NBA) and 43.7% on corner threes (fourth-highest). It's unclear if this is merely an unlucky hot streak against Dallas, or a more worrisome flaw that teams have been capitalizing on.
Let's shift to the offensive side of the ball, where the numbers get extremely interesting.
Cleaning the Glass tracks team shot frequency in different zones. I'm going to focus on the "long mid-range" zone, which is theoretically the least efficient zone on the court. The teams leading in long mid-range frequency are: the Chicago Bulls (16.5% of their shots come here), Los Angeles Lakers (16.0%), Brooklyn Nets (14.6%), Phoenix Suns (14.4%), and L.A. Clippers (13.1%). These are small slices of the pie compared to other zones, but every possession can matter in the NBA.
How do those teams stack up in offensive rating? Phoenix, Brooklyn and Chicago are the sixth, seventh and eighth-best, respectively. But the Lakers are 23rd and the Clippers are 25th. How is there such a chasm?
The answers is pretty plain: personnel. Kevin Durant is one of the greatest scorers in the game's history, and is on an absolute heater in the mid-range. About 60% of his shot attempts are mid-range looks, and he's making them at an absurd 56% clip. In fact, Durant's 4.8 three-point attempts per game are his fewest since 2012-13. But his shot diet won't be a problem if he's this automatic.
The Bulls and Suns have two similar mid-range maestros in DeMar DeRozan and Chris Paul. They're each taking over 60% of their shots from that area, and both are shooting at least 48% from the zone. All three teams are in the top-seven for overall mid-range field goal percentage.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, the Clippers and Lakers struggle because they simply don't have those types of players on the roster. Russell Westbrook and Paul George, for example, both take a ton of mid-range shots. But they hit them at around league-average. The Clippers are 15th in mid-range field goal percentage, while the Lakers are 22nd. In these cases, the shot selection is dragging down the offenses.
So the conclusion is: maximize your strengths. Relying on less "efficient" shot zones might be a bit riskier, but trying to force players out of their hotspots is a greater gamble during the season. Defensively, the objective is always to limit the opposition's possible points &mdash; but there's a lot more involved than herding shooters into mid-range looks.
THE OUTLIERS (a.k.a. other random interesting numbers I find in the void):
<ul>
<li>Herbert Jones led all rookies with 3.0 deflections per game in the month of November and is averaging 2.8 steals per game over his last five contests. He recently moved into the Pelicans' starting lineup, and I'm intrigued.</li>
<li>The Milwaukee Bucks are back in their groove with most of the roster healthy. They have the best defensive rating and third-best offensive rating over the past two weeks, in which they've won seven straight games as part of their current eight-game winning streak.</li>
<li>Tyrese Haliburton led the league with 2.2 steals per game in November. He also shot 40.7% from beyond the arc and dished out five assists per game. Then he started December with a 12-point, 11-assist performance last night.</li>
</ul>

Most people know the general philosophy of analytics-driven NBA basketball by now: shoot threes and layups, and don't give up threes and layups.&nbsp;
That's a lot easier said than done in a league with rapidly-evolving offensive and defensive schemes. One could argue that today's NBA is filled with the most versatile rosters of long-range bigs, switchable guards and do-it-all wings ever. The three-and-dunk approach looks simple enough on paper, but executing it with regularity against an opponent who knows the endgame is a whole different task.
So which teams are better at getting the most efficient shots, and which teams are best at holding opponents to the dreaded long two-pointer? And how much is that even affecting their overall success? That's the subject of this week's Stats Notebook, and we'll start on defense with a great graphic from Nylon Calculus contributor Tom Bassine.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Opponent shot distributions, through games played on Dec. 1. The Wizards, Jazz, Pacers, and Warriors are tending to give up the right types of shots. <a href="https://t.co/7XEMalWLSH">pic.twitter.com/7XEMalWLSH</a>
&mdash; Tom Bassine (@tvbassine) <a href="https://twitter.com/tvbassine/status/1466404382799380489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

Bassine has this table arranged in descending order by what teams give up a high frequency of two-point shots away from the rim &mdash; that's the sweet spot for defenses, since they go in at a low percentage with a lower value compared to a three-pointer. The Washington Wizards, Utah Jazz, Indiana Pacers, Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks and Boston Celtics all force over 40% of their opponents' shots to that range. Washington, Utah, Indiana and Dallas in particular have done a great job of keeping opponents off the three-point line.&nbsp;
Now, here are those squads' defensive ratings, from best to worst, per Cleaning the Glass: Golden State (1st in the NBA), Boston (4th), Utah (6th), Washington (11th), Indiana (13th), Dallas (22nd). Five of the six teams have an overall defense in the top half of the league, and while there are obviously many more factors involved in defensive success, opponent shot types seem to play a major role.&nbsp;
What about the Mavericks? Well, teams simply have made their shots. Opponents are shooting 66.9% in the restricted area against the Mavs (fifth-highest in the NBA) and 43.7% on corner threes (fourth-highest). It's unclear if this is merely an unlucky hot streak against Dallas, or a more worrisome flaw that teams have been capitalizing on.
Let's shift to the offensive side of the ball, where the numbers get extremely interesting.
Cleaning the Glass tracks team shot frequency in different zones. I'm going to focus on the "long mid-range" zone, which is theoretically the least efficient zone on the court. The teams leading in long mid-range frequency are: the Chicago Bulls (16.5% of their shots come here), Los Angeles Lakers (16.0%), Brooklyn Nets (14.6%), Phoenix Suns (14.4%), and L.A. Clippers (13.1%). These are small slices of the pie compared to other zones, but every possession can matter in the NBA.
How do those teams stack up in offensive rating? Phoenix, Brooklyn and Chicago are the sixth, seventh and eighth-best, respectively. But the Lakers are 23rd and the Clippers are 25th. How is there such a chasm?
The answers is pretty plain: Personnel. Kevin Durant is one of the greatest scorers in the game's history, and is on an absolute heater in the mid-range. About 60% of his shot attempts are mid-range looks, and he's making them at an absurd 56% clip. In fact, Durant's 4.8 three-point attempts per game are his fewest since 2012-13. But his shot diet won't be a problem if he's this automatic.
The Bulls and Suns have two similar mid-range maestros in DeMar DeRozan and Chris Paul. They're each taking over 60% of their shots from that area, and both are shooting at least 48% from the zone. All three teams are in the top-seven for overall mid-range field goal percentage.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, the Clippers and Lakers struggle because they simply don't have those types of players on the roster. Russell Westbrook and Paul George, for example, both take a ton of mid-range shots. But they hit them at around league-average. The Clippers are 15th in mid-range field goal percentage, while the Lakers are 22nd. In these cases, the shot selection is dragging down the offenses.
So, the conclusion is: Maximize your strengths. Relying on less "efficient" shot zones might be a bit riskier, but trying to force players out of their hotspots is a greater gamble during the season. Defensively, the objective is always to limit the opposition's possible points &mdash; but there's a lot more involved than herding shooters into mid-range looks.
THE OUTLIERS (a.k.a. other random interesting numbers I find in the void):
<ul>
<li>Herbert Jones led all rookies with 3.0 deflections per game in the month of November and is averaging 2.8 steals per game over his last five contests. He recently moved into the Pelicans' starting lineup, and I'm intrigued.</li>
<li>The Milwaukee Bucks are back in their groove with most of the roster healthy. They have the best defensive rating and third-best offensive rating over the past two weeks, in which they've won seven straight games as part of their current eight-game winning streak.</li>
<li>Tyrese Haliburton led the league with 2.2 steals per game in November. He also shot 40.7% from beyond the arc and dished out five assists per game. Then he started December with a 12-point, 11-assist performance last night.</li>
</ul>

Most people know the general philosophy of analytics-driven NBA basketball by now: shoot threes and layups, and don't give up threes and layups.&nbsp;
That's a lot easier said than done in a league with rapidly-evolving offensive and defensive schemes. One could argue that today's NBA is filled with the most versatile rosters of long-range bigs, switchable guards and do-it-all wings ever. The three-and-dunk approach looks simple enough on paper, but executing it with regularity against an opponent who knows the endgame is a whole different task.
So which teams are better at getting the most efficient shots, and which teams are best at holding opponents to the dreaded long two-pointer? And how much is that even affecting their overall success? That's the subject of this week's Stats Notebook, and we'll start on defense with a great graphic from Nylon Calculus contributor Tom Bassine.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Opponent shot distributions, through games played on Dec. 1. The Wizards, Jazz, Pacers, and Warriors are tending to give up the right types of shots. <a href="https://t.co/7XEMalWLSH">pic.twitter.com/7XEMalWLSH</a>
&mdash; Tom Bassine (@tvbassine) <a href="https://twitter.com/tvbassine/status/1466404382799380489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

Bassine has this table arranged in descending order by what teams give up a high frequency of two-point shots away from the rim &mdash; that's the sweet spot for defenses, since they go in at a low percentage with a lower value compared to a three-pointer. The Washington Wizards, Utah Jazz, Indiana Pacers, Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks and Boston Celtics all force over 40% of their opponents' shots to that range. Washington, Utah, Indiana and Dallas in particular have done a great job of keeping opponents off the three-point line.&nbsp;
Now, here are those squads' defensive ratings, from best to worst, per Cleaning the Glass: Golden State (1st in the NBA), Boston (4th), Utah (6th), Washington (11th), Indiana (13th), Dallas (22nd). Five of the six teams have an overall defense in the top half of the league, and while there are obviously many more factors involved in defensive success, opponent shot types seem to play a major role.&nbsp;
What about the Mavericks? Well, teams simply have made their shots. Opponents are shooting 66.9% in the restricted area against the Mavs (fifth-highest in the NBA) and 43.7% on corner threes (fourth-highest). It's unclear if this is merely an unlucky hot streak against Dallas, or a more worrisome flaw that teams have been capitalizing on.
Let's shift to the offensive side of the ball, where the numbers get extremely interesting.
Cleaning the Glass tracks team shot frequency in different zones. I'm going to focus on the "long mid-range" zone, which is theoretically the least efficient zone on the court. The teams leading in long mid-range frequency are: the Chicago Bulls (16.5% of their shots come here), Los Angeles Lakers (16.0%), Brooklyn Nets (14.6%), Phoenix Suns (14.4%), and L.A. Clippers (13.1%). These are small slices of the pie compared to other zones, but every possession can matter in the NBA.
How do those teams stack up in offensive rating? Phoenix, Brooklyn and Chicago are the sixth, seventh and eighth-best, respectively. But the Lakers are 23rd and the Clippers are 25th. How is there such a chasm?
The answers is pretty plain: Personnel. Kevin Durant is one of the greatest scorers in the game's history, and is on an absolute heater in the mid-range. About 60% of his shot attempts are mid-range looks, and he's making them at an absurd 56% clip. In fact, Durant's 4.8 three-point attempts per game are his fewest since 2012-13. But his shot diet won't be a problem if he's this automatic.
The Bulls and Suns have two similar mid-range maestros in DeMar DeRozan and Chris Paul. They're each taking over 60% of their shots from that area, and both are shooting at least 48% from the zone. All three teams are in the top-seven for overall mid-range field goal percentage.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, the Clippers and Lakers struggle because they simply don't have those types of players on the roster. Russell Westbrook and Paul George, for example, both take a ton of mid-range shots. But they hit them at around league-average. The Clippers are 15th in mid-range field goal percentage, while the Lakers are 22nd. In these cases, the shot selection is dragging down the offenses.
So, the conclusion is: Maximize your strengths. Relying on less "efficient" shot zones might be a bit riskier, but trying to force players out of their hotspots is a greater gamble during the season. Defensively, the objective is always to limit the opposition's possible points &mdash; but there's a lot more involved than herding shooters into mid-range looks.
THE OUTLIERS (a.k.a. other random interesting numbers I find in the void):
<ul>
<li>Herbert Jones led all rookies with 3.0 deflections per game in the month of November, and is averaging 2.8 steals per game over his last five contests. He recently moved into the Pelicans' starting lineup, and I'm intrigued.</li>
<li>The Milwaukee Bucks are back in their groove with most of the roster healthy. They have the best defensive rating and third-best offensive rating over the past two weeks, in which they've won seven straight games as part of their current eight-game winning streak.</li>
<li>Tyrese Haliburton led the league with 2.2 steals per game in November. He also shot 40.7% from beyond the arc and dished out five assists per game. Then he started December with a 12-point, 11-assist performance last night.</li>
</ul>

Most people know the general philosophy of analytics-driven NBA basketball by now: shoot threes and layups, and don't give up threes and layups.&nbsp;
That's a lot easier said than done in a league with rapidly-evolving offensive and defensive schemes. One could argue that today's NBA is filled with the most versatile rosters of long-range bigs, switchable guards and do-it-all wings ever. The three-and-dunk approach looks simple enough on paper, but executing it with regularity against an opponent who knows the endgame is a whole different task.
So which teams are better at getting the most efficient shots, and which teams are best at holding opponents to the dreaded long two-pointer? And how much is that even affecting their overall success? That's the subject of this week's Stats Notebook, and we'll start on defense with a great graphic from Nylon Calculus contributor Tom Bassine.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Opponent shot distributions, through games played on Dec. 1. The Wizards, Jazz, Pacers, and Warriors are tending to give up the right types of shots. <a href="https://t.co/7XEMalWLSH">pic.twitter.com/7XEMalWLSH</a>
&mdash; Tom Bassine (@tvbassine) <a href="https://twitter.com/tvbassine/status/1466404382799380489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

Bassine has this table arranged in descending order by what teams give up a high frequency of two-point shots away from the rim &mdash; that's the sweet spot for defenses, since they go in at a low percentage with a lower value compared to a three-pointer. The Washington Wizards, Utah Jazz, Indiana Pacers, Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks and Boston Celtics all force over 40% of their opponents' shots to that range. Washington, Utah, Indiana and Dallas in particular have done a great job of keeping opponents off the three-point line.&nbsp;
Now, here are those squads' defensive ratings, from best to worst, per Cleaning the Glass: Golden State (1st in the NBA), Boston (4th), Utah (6th), Washington (11th), Indiana (13th), Dallas (22nd). Five of the six teams have an overall defense in the top half of the league, and while there are obviously many more factors involved in defensive success, opponent shot types seem to play a major role.&nbsp;
What about the Mavericks? Well, teams simply have made their shots. Opponents are shooting 66.9% in the restricted area against the Mavs (fifth-highest in the NBA) and 43.7% on corner threes (fourth-highest). It's unclear if this is merely an unlucky hot streak against Dallas, or a more worrisome flaw that teams have been capitalizing on.
Let's shift to the offensive side of the ball, where the numbers get extremely interesting.
Cleaning the Glass tracks team shot frequency in different zones. I'm going to focus on the "long mid-range" zone, which is theoretically the least efficient zone on the court. The teams leading in long mid-range frequency are: the Chicago Bulls (16.5% of their shots come here), Los Angeles Lakers (16.0%), Brooklyn Nets (14.6%), Phoenix Suns (14.4%), and L.A. Clippers (13.1%). These are small slices of the pie compared to other zones, but every possession can matter in the NBA.
How do those teams stack up in offensive rating? Phoenix, Brooklyn and Chicago are the sixth, seventh and eighth-best, respectively. But the Lakers are 23rd and the Clippers are 25th. How is there such a chasm?
The answers is pretty plain: Personnel. Kevin Durant is one of the greatest scorers in the game's history, and is on an absolute heater in the mid-range. About 60% of his shot attempts are mid-range looks, and he's making them at an absurd 56% clip. In fact, Durant's 4.8 three-point attempts per game are his fewest since 2012-13. But his shot diet won't be a problem if he's this automatic.
The Bulls and Suns have two similar mid-range maestros in DeMar DeRozan and Chris Paul. They're each taking over 60% of their shots from that area, and both are shooting at least 48% from the zone. All three teams are in the top-seven for overall mid-range field goal percentage.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, the Clippers and Lakers struggle because they simply don't have those types of players on the roster. Russell Westbrook and Paul George, for example, both take a ton of mid-range shots. But they hit them at around league-average. The Clippers are 15th in mid-range field goal percentage, while the Lakers are 22nd. In these cases, the shot selection is dragging down the offenses.
So, the conclusion is: Maximize your strengths. Relying on less "efficient" shot zones might be a bit riskier, but trying to force players out of their hotspots is a greater gamble during the season. Defensively, the objective is always to limit the opposition's possible points &mdash; but there's a lot more involved than herding shooters into mid-range looks.
THE OUTLIERS (a.k.a. other random interesting numbers I find in the void):
<ul>
<li>Herbert Jones led all rookies with 3.0 deflections per game in the month of November, and is averaging 2.8 steals per game over his last five contests. He recently moved into the Pelicans' starting lineup, and I'm intrigued.</li>
<li>The Milwaukee Bucks are back in their groove with most of the roster healthy. They have the best defensive rating and third-best offensive rating over the past two weeks, in which they've won seven straight games as part of their current eight-game winning streak.</li>
<li>Tyrese Haliburton led the league with 2.2 steals per game in November. He also shot 40.7% from beyond the arc and dished out 5 assists per game. Then he started December with a 12-point, 11-assist performance last night.</li>
</ul>

Most people know the general philosophy of analytics-driven NBA basketball by now: shoot threes and layups, and don't give up threes and layups.&nbsp;
That's a lot easier said than done in a league with rapidly-evolving offensive and defensive schemes. One could argue that today's NBA is filled with the most versatile rosters of long-range bigs, switchable guards and do-it-all wings ever. The three-and-dunk approach looks simple enough on paper, but executing it with regularity against an opponent who knows the endgame is a whole different task.
So which teams are better at getting the most efficient shots, and which teams are best at holding opponents to the dreaded long two-pointer? And how much is that even affecting their overall success? That's the subject of this week's Stats Notebook, and we'll start on defense with a great graphic from Nylon Calculus contributor Tom Bassine.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Opponent shot distributions, through games played on Dec. 1. The Wizards, Jazz, Pacers, and Warriors are tending to give up the right types of shots. <a href="https://t.co/7XEMalWLSH">pic.twitter.com/7XEMalWLSH</a>
&mdash; Tom Bassine (@tvbassine) <a href="https://twitter.com/tvbassine/status/1466404382799380489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

Bassine has this table arranged in descending order by what teams give up a high frequency of two-point shots away from the rim &mdash; that's the sweet spot for defenses, since they go in at a low percentage with a lower value compared to a three-pointer. The Washington Wizards, Utah Jazz, Indiana Pacers, Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks and Boston Celtics all force over 40% of their opponents' shots to that range. Washington, Utah, Indiana and Dallas in particular have done a great job of keeping opponents off the three-point line.&nbsp;
Now, here are those squads' defensive ratings, from best to worst, per Cleaning the Glass: Golden State (1st in the NBA), Boston (4th), Utah (6th), Washington (11th), Indiana (13th), Dallas (22nd). Five of the six teams have an overall defense in the top half of the league, and while there are obviously many more factors involved in defensive success, opponent shot types seem to play a major role.&nbsp;
What about the Mavericks? Well, teams simply have made their shots. Opponents are shooting 66.9% in the restricted area against the Mavs (fifth-highest in the NBA) and 43.7% on corner threes (fourth-highest). It's unclear if this is merely an unlucky hot streak against Dallas, or a more worrisome flaw that teams have been capitalizing on.
Let's shift to the offensive side of the ball, where the numbers get extremely interesting.
Cleaning the Glass tracks team shot frequency in different zones. I'm going to focus on the "long mid-range" zone, which is theoretically the least efficient zone on the court. The teams leading in long mid-range frequency are: the Chicago Bulls (16.5% of their shots come here), Los Angeles Lakers (16.0%), Brooklyn Nets (14.6%), Phoenix Suns (14.4%), and L.A. Clippers (13.1%). These are small slices of the pie compared to other zones, but every possession can matter in the NBA.
How do those teams stack up in offensive rating? Phoenix, Brooklyn and Chicago are the sixth, seventh and eighth-best, respectively. But the Lakers are 23rd and the Clippers are 25th. How is there such a chasm?
The answers is pretty plain: Personnel. Kevin Durant is one of the greatest scorers in the game's history, and is on an absolute heater in the mid-range. About 60% of his shot attempts are mid-range looks, and he's making them at an absurd 56% clip. In fact, Durant's 4.8 three-point attempts per game are his fewest since 2012-13. But his shot diet won't be a problem if he's this automatic.
The Bulls and Suns have two similar mid-range maestros in DeMar DeRozan and Chris Paul. They're each taking over 60% of their shots from that area, and both are shooting at least 48% from the zone. All three teams are in the top-seven for overall mid-range field goal percentage.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, the Clippers and Lakers struggle because they simply don't have those types of players on the roster. Russell Westbrook and Paul George, for example, both take a ton of mid-range shots. But they hit them at around league-average. The Clippers are 15th in mid-range field goal percentage, while the Lakers are 22nd. In these cases, the shot selection is dragging down the offenses.
So, the conclusion is: Maximize your strengths. Relying on less "efficient" shot zones might be a bit riskier, but trying to force players out of their hotspots is a greater gamble during the season. Defensively, the objective is always to limit the opposition's possible points &mdash; but there's a lot more involved than herding shooters into mid-range looks.
THE OUTLIERS (a.k.a. other random interesting numbers I find in the void):
<ul>
<li>Herbert Jones led all rookies with 3.0 deflections per game in the month of November, and is averaging 2.8 steals per game over his last five contests. He recently moved into the Pelicans' starting lineup, and I'm intrigued.</li>
<li>The Milwaukee Bucks are back in their groove with most of the roster healthy. They have the best defensive rating and third-best offensive rating over the past two weeks, in which they've won seven straight games as part of their current eight-game winning streak.</li>
<li>Tyrese Haliburton led the league with 2.2 steals per game in November. He also shot 40.7% from beyond the arc and dished out 5 assists per game. Then, he started December with a 12-point, 11-assist performance Wednesday night.</li>
</ul>

Ethan Fuller takes a look at what shots teams are taking and allowing, and examines how that affects success.

Stats Notebook: What can shot distribution tell us about team success?

The first calendar month of NCAA action is drawing to a close, and there were no shortage of prospect fireworks throughout the early nonconference slate.&nbsp;
Freshmen like Jabari Smith and Kendall Brown have consistently turned heads with their play, while returning stars such as Jaden Ivey showed tremendous growth. Of course, Paolo Banchero and Chet Holmgren also dominate the conversation, culminating with their thrilling matchup on Nov. 26 in Las Vegas.
Matt Babcock was on hand for that game and many others. He and his scouting team recently updated <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/draft" target="_blank" rel="noopener">our 2022 NBA Draft Big Board</a>. Babcock answered a few of my questions about his board and his observations so far.
What has Paolo Banchero done to solidify his No. 1 ranking on your Big Board?
Matt Babcock: I have seen Banchero in-person twice this season &mdash; on opening night in New York at the State Farm Champions Classic, and then just recently in Las Vegas versus Gonzaga. He was terrific in both games. The main thing for me that gives Banchero an edge over Jabari Smith and Chet Holmgren is his ability to create offense on his own. Don&rsquo;t get me wrong, he has a well-rounded game, but his ability to get buckets is something teams can build around. I envision Banchero being a big-time scorer in the NBA.&nbsp;
What has inspired you to move Jabari Smith up to second on your Big Board?
Matt Babcock: I recently watched Jabari Smith in Tampa, Florida when Auburn played South Florida. He didn&rsquo;t even have a great game, but he showed his talent and I was blown away. He does just about everything I&rsquo;d want from a versatile stretch four. He shoots the ball extremely well with range. He&rsquo;s teased his ability to score on three levels, and I think he has the potential to become an elite switchable defender. From an upside standpoint, Jabari Smith might have the highest ceiling of any prospect this year.
Aside from Banchero and Holmgren, who else stood out to you from the Duke vs. Gonzaga matchup?
Matt Babcock: That game was unbelievable! I feel lucky to have been in the building. From a scouting standpoint, it was almost overwhelming because between the two teams, there were so many NBA prospects. However, one player that really stood out was Wendell Moore from Duke. I&rsquo;ve watched Moore since he was in high school. He&rsquo;s gotten so much better. I initially thought he was just a tough, slashing player. In that game in Las Vegas, he showed so much more versatility than he has in the past. He actually showed some point guard skills, which surprised me. It was also very clear that he is the leader of that team. I have a lot of confidence in Moore right now. We decided to include him on our most updated Big Board as an early second-round pick.&nbsp;
Duke&rsquo;s sophomore center, Mark Williams, made a major impact in that game, too. He&rsquo;s so big and really uses his length to be a great defensive anchor and finisher around the rim. He&rsquo;s trending up in my book for sure.
I also thought Gonzaga&rsquo;s point guard, Andrew Nembhard, showed well. He isn&rsquo;t the quickest player, but he has good size and is just a solid floor general. I think he&rsquo;s improved quite a bit.
What makes Kendall Brown one of the hottest early risers in the class so far?
Matt Babcock: I&rsquo;m very high on Kendall Brown. He has positional size and is about as good of an athlete as I&rsquo;ve ever seen. He&rsquo;s already producing at a high level as a freshman for a very good Baylor team. I don&rsquo;t think he&rsquo;s ever going to be a guy that&rsquo;s going to create a ton of offense on his own, but his elite athleticism and motor allow for him to make plays all over the court.
Which other freshmen have made significant impressions early in the season?
Matt Babcock: There are a lot of talented freshmen. Of course there are the players that we expected to be near the top of the draft, like Banchero, Smith, Holmgren, and Duren, but a few guys that have really caught my attention early on have been Moussa Diabate from Michigan, Max Christie from Michigan State, Matthew Cleveland from Florida State, and Bryce McGowens from Nebraska.
Which collegiate returners have shown significant growth from last year?
Matt Babcock: Coincidentally, the two names that come to mind first are both from the Big Ten: Jaden Ivey from Purdue and Keegan Murray from Iowa.
Ivey is a dynamic guard who is so athletic. He&rsquo;s a hawk on the ball defensively and is constantly attacking the rim with the ball in his hands. He&rsquo;s really improved as a playmaker, too. He&rsquo;s really an exciting player. Keep an eye out for his highlights.
As for Keegan Murray, he doesn&rsquo;t do one thing that blows you away, as his game is pretty simple. He&rsquo;s a stretch four who has a non-stop motor. The guy just makes things happen all game long by playing smart and hard. He&rsquo;s having an incredible season so far for the Hawkeyes. Murray is averaging over 25 points, eight rebounds, two blocks and a steal per game. At this point, I have a hard time envisioning him slipping too far in the draft, as I think a lot of teams could use him.
I was actually planning to see both of these players in-person later this week when their teams play each other Friday night at Purdue, but I couldn&rsquo;t fit it into my schedule, unfortunately. I need to lock in a couple of dates so I can see both of them sometime soon.
Who's a player you would like to see more from before conference play gets started?
Matt Babcock: My schedule really came together nicely this season. I&rsquo;ll have seen most of the real high-priority prospects by the New Year. I&rsquo;d say the area where I feel least confident, at the moment, is with international prospects. I&rsquo;m heading out to Europe for a couple of weeks in January, though, so I will have an opportunity to see a lot of top guys then. There are also some prospects playing in Australia, whose league is just getting going right now. I likely won&rsquo;t be traveling there this season. I don&rsquo;t even know if I could go if I wanted to. But it will be nice to get some fresh film to watch and get caught up on those prospects.
What other non-NCAA prospects have made strong statements recently?
Matt Babcock: I think G League Ignite players Dyson Daniels, MarJon Beauchamp and Michael Foster are all doing a nice job. Jaden Hardy hasn&rsquo;t been playing as well as I had hoped he would, but I think it&rsquo;s just a matter of time for him to work through the kinks and become more comfortable. Also, Scoot Henderson has been incredible since he came back from an injury. He&rsquo;s not draft eligible this year, but next year, watch out &mdash; he&rsquo;s coming!&nbsp;
I&rsquo;m also planning to go to Atlanta in the next couple of weeks to see Jean Montero and the rest of the players with Overtime Elite. I worked for Overtime Elite as a scouting advisor for about six months. I helped get their scouting operations in order and their initial group of players set. So in addition to seeing Montero and the rest of the players there, I&rsquo;m looking forward to seeing all of my former co-workers and their brand new arena.

The first calendar month of NCAA action is drawing to a close, and there were no shortage of prospect fireworks throughout the early nonconference slate.&nbsp;
Freshmen like Jabari Smith and Kendall Brown have consistently turned heads with their play, while returning stars such as Jaden Ivey showed tremendous growth. Of course, Paolo Banchero and Chet Holmgren also dominate the conversation, culminating with their thrilling matchup on Nov. 26 in Las Vegas.
Matt Babcock was on hand for that game and many others. He and his scouting team recently updated <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/draft" target="_blank" rel="noopener">our 2022 NBA Draft Big Board</a>. Babcock answered a few of my questions about his board and his observations so far.
&nbsp;
What has Paolo Banchero done to solidify his No. 1 ranking on your Big Board?
Matt Babcock: I have seen Banchero in-person twice this season &mdash; on opening night in New York at the State Farm Champions Classic, and then just recently in Las Vegas versus Gonzaga. He was terrific in both games. The main thing for me that gives Banchero an edge over Jabari Smith and Chet Holmgren is his ability to create offense on his own. Don&rsquo;t get me wrong, he has a well-rounded game, but his ability to get buckets is something teams can build around. I envision Banchero being a big-time scorer in the NBA.&nbsp;
What has inspired you to move Jabari Smith up to second on your Big Board?
Matt Babcock: I recently watched Jabari Smith in Tampa, Florida when Auburn played South Florida. He didn&rsquo;t even have a great game, but he showed his talent and I was blown away. He does just about everything I&rsquo;d want from a versatile stretch four. He shoots the ball extremely well with range. He&rsquo;s teased his ability to score on three levels, and I think he has the potential to become an elite switchable defender. From an upside standpoint, Jabari Smith might have the highest ceiling of any prospect this year.
Aside from Banchero and Holmgren, who else stood out to you from the Duke vs. Gonzaga matchup?
Matt Babcock: That game was unbelievable! I feel lucky to have been in the building. From a scouting standpoint, it was almost overwhelming because between the two teams, there were so many NBA prospects. However, one player that really stood out was Wendell Moore from Duke. I&rsquo;ve watched Moore since he was in high school. He&rsquo;s gotten so much better. I initially thought he was just a tough, slashing player. In that game in Las Vegas, he showed so much more versatility than he has in the past. He actually showed some point guard skills, which surprised me. It was also very clear that he is the leader of that team. I have a lot of confidence in Moore right now. We decided to include him on our most updated Big Board as an early second-round pick.&nbsp;
Duke&rsquo;s sophomore center, Mark Williams, made a major impact in that game, too. He&rsquo;s so big and really uses his length to be a great defensive anchor and finisher around the rim. He&rsquo;s trending up in my book for sure.
I also thought Gonzaga&rsquo;s point guard, Andrew Nembhard, showed well. He isn&rsquo;t the quickest player, but he has good size and is just a solid floor general. I think he&rsquo;s improved quite a bit.
What makes Kendall Brown one of the hottest early risers in the class so far?
Matt Babcock: I&rsquo;m very high on Kendall Brown. He has positional size and is about as good of an athlete as I&rsquo;ve ever seen. He&rsquo;s already producing at a high level as a freshman for a very good Baylor team. I don&rsquo;t think he&rsquo;s ever going to be a guy that&rsquo;s going to create a ton of offense on his own, but his elite athleticism and motor allow for him to make plays all over the court.
Which other freshmen have made significant impressions early in the season?
Matt Babcock: There are a lot of talented freshmen. Of course there are the players that we expected to be near the top of the draft, like Banchero, Smith, Holmgren, and Duren, but a few guys that have really caught my attention early on have been Moussa Diabate from Michigan, Max Christie from Michigan State, Matthew Cleveland from Florida State, and Bryce McGowens from Nebraska.
Which collegiate returners have shown significant growth from last year?
Matt Babcock: Coincidentally, the two names that come to mind first are both from the Big Ten: Jaden Ivey from Purdue and Keegan Murray from Iowa.
Ivey is a dynamic guard who is so athletic. He&rsquo;s a hawk on the ball defensively and is constantly attacking the rim with the ball in his hands. He&rsquo;s really improved as a playmaker, too. He&rsquo;s really an exciting player. Keep an eye out for his highlights.
As for Keegan Murray, he doesn&rsquo;t do one thing that blows you away, as his game is pretty simple. He&rsquo;s a stretch four who has a non-stop motor. The guy just makes things happen all game long by playing smart and hard. He&rsquo;s having an incredible season so far for the Hawkeyes. Murray is averaging over 25 points, eight rebounds, two blocks and a steal per game. At this point, I have a hard time envisioning him slipping too far in the draft, as I think a lot of teams could use him.
I was actually planning to see both of these players in-person later this week when their teams play each other Friday night at Purdue, but I couldn&rsquo;t fit it into my schedule, unfortunately. I need to lock in a couple of dates so I can see both of them sometime soon.
Who's a player you would like to see more from before conference play gets started?
Matt Babcock: My schedule really came together nicely this season. I&rsquo;ll have seen most of the real high-priority prospects by the New Year. I&rsquo;d say the area where I feel least confident, at the moment, is with international prospects. I&rsquo;m heading out to Europe for a couple of weeks in January, though, so I will have an opportunity to see a lot of top guys then. There are also some prospects playing in Australia, whose league is just getting going right now. I likely won&rsquo;t be traveling there this season. I don&rsquo;t even know if I could go if I wanted to. But it will be nice to get some fresh film to watch and get caught up on those prospects.
What other non-NCAA prospects have made strong statements recently?
Matt Babcock: I think G League Ignite players Dyson Daniels, MarJon Beauchamp and Michael Foster are all doing a nice job. Jaden Hardy hasn&rsquo;t been playing as well as I had hoped he would, but I think it&rsquo;s just a matter of time for him to work through the kinks and become more comfortable. Also, Scoot Henderson has been incredible since he came back from an injury. He&rsquo;s not draft eligible this year, but next year, watch out &mdash; he&rsquo;s coming!&nbsp;
I&rsquo;m also planning to go to Atlanta in the next couple of weeks to see Jean Montero and the rest of the players with Overtime Elite. I worked for Overtime Elite as a scouting advisor for about six months. I helped get their scouting operations in order and their initial group of players set. So in addition to seeing Montero and the rest of the players there, I&rsquo;m looking forward to seeing all of my former co-workers and their brand new arena.

The first calendar month of NCAA action is drawing to a close, and there were no shortage of prospect fireworks throughout the early nonconference slate.&nbsp;
Freshmen like Jabari Smith and Kendall Brown have consistently turned heads with their play, while returning stars such as Jaden Ivey showed tremendous growth. Of course, Paolo Banchero and Chet Holmgren also dominate the conversation, culminating with their thrilling matchup on Nov. 26 in Las Vegas.
Matt Babcock was on hand for that game and many others. He and his scouting team recently updated <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/draft" target="_blank" rel="noopener">our 2022 NBA Draft Big Board</a>. Babcock answered a few of my questions about his board and his observations so far.
<iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0lmkDF_Axiw" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
What has Paolo Banchero done to solidify his No. 1 ranking on your Big Board?
Matt Babcock: I have seen Banchero in-person twice this season &mdash; on opening night in New York at the State Farm Champions Classic, and then just recently in Las Vegas versus Gonzaga. He was terrific in both games. The main thing for me that gives Banchero an edge over Jabari Smith and Chet Holmgren is his ability to create offense on his own. Don&rsquo;t get me wrong, he has a well-rounded game, but his ability to get buckets is something teams can build around. I envision Banchero being a big-time scorer in the NBA.&nbsp;
What has inspired you to move Jabari Smith up to second on your Big Board?
Matt Babcock: I recently watched Jabari Smith in Tampa, Florida when Auburn played South Florida. He didn&rsquo;t even have a great game, but he showed his talent and I was blown away. He does just about everything I&rsquo;d want from a versatile stretch four. He shoots the ball extremely well with range. He&rsquo;s teased his ability to score on three levels, and I think he has the potential to become an elite switchable defender. From an upside standpoint, Jabari Smith might have the highest ceiling of any prospect this year.
Aside from Banchero and Holmgren, who else stood out to you from the Duke vs. Gonzaga matchup?
Matt Babcock: That game was unbelievable! I feel lucky to have been in the building. From a scouting standpoint, it was almost overwhelming because between the two teams, there were so many NBA prospects. However, one player that really stood out was Wendell Moore from Duke. I&rsquo;ve watched Moore since he was in high school. He&rsquo;s gotten so much better. I initially thought he was just a tough, slashing player. In that game in Las Vegas, he showed so much more versatility than he has in the past. He actually showed some point guard skills, which surprised me. It was also very clear that he is the leader of that team. I have a lot of confidence in Moore right now. We decided to include him on our most updated Big Board as an early second-round pick.&nbsp;
Duke&rsquo;s sophomore center, Mark Williams, made a major impact in that game, too. He&rsquo;s so big and really uses his length to be a great defensive anchor and finisher around the rim. He&rsquo;s trending up in my book for sure.
I also thought Gonzaga&rsquo;s point guard, Andrew Nembhard, showed well. He isn&rsquo;t the quickest player, but he has good size and is just a solid floor general. I think he&rsquo;s improved quite a bit.
What makes Kendall Brown one of the hottest early risers in the class so far?
Matt Babcock: I&rsquo;m very high on Kendall Brown. He has positional size and is about as good of an athlete as I&rsquo;ve ever seen. He&rsquo;s already producing at a high level as a freshman for a very good Baylor team. I don&rsquo;t think he&rsquo;s ever going to be a guy that&rsquo;s going to create a ton of offense on his own, but his elite athleticism and motor allow for him to make plays all over the court.
Which other freshmen have made significant impressions early in the season?
Matt Babcock: There are a lot of talented freshmen. Of course there are the players that we expected to be near the top of the draft, like Banchero, Smith, Holmgren, and Duren, but a few guys that have really caught my attention early on have been Moussa Diabate from Michigan, Max Christie from Michigan State, Matthew Cleveland from Florida State, and Bryce McGowens from Nebraska.
Which collegiate returners have shown significant growth from last year?
Matt Babcock: Coincidentally, the two names that come to mind first are both from the Big Ten: Jaden Ivey from Purdue and Keegan Murray from Iowa.
Ivey is a dynamic guard who is so athletic. He&rsquo;s a hawk on the ball defensively and is constantly attacking the rim with the ball in his hands. He&rsquo;s really improved as a playmaker, too. He&rsquo;s really an exciting player. Keep an eye out for his highlights.
As for Keegan Murray, he doesn&rsquo;t do one thing that blows you away, as his game is pretty simple. He&rsquo;s a stretch four who has a non-stop motor. The guy just makes things happen all game long by playing smart and hard. He&rsquo;s having an incredible season so far for the Hawkeyes. Murray is averaging over 25 points, eight rebounds, two blocks and a steal per game. At this point, I have a hard time envisioning him slipping too far in the draft, as I think a lot of teams could use him.
I was actually planning to see both of these players in-person later this week when their teams play each other Friday night at Purdue, but I couldn&rsquo;t fit it into my schedule, unfortunately. I need to lock in a couple of dates so I can see both of them sometime soon.
Who's a player you would like to see more from before conference play gets started?
Matt Babcock: My schedule really came together nicely this season. I&rsquo;ll have seen most of the real high-priority prospects by the New Year. I&rsquo;d say the area where I feel least confident, at the moment, is with international prospects. I&rsquo;m heading out to Europe for a couple of weeks in January, though, so I will have an opportunity to see a lot of top guys then. There are also some prospects playing in Australia, whose league is just getting going right now. I likely won&rsquo;t be traveling there this season. I don&rsquo;t even know if I could go if I wanted to. But it will be nice to get some fresh film to watch and get caught up on those prospects.
What other non-NCAA prospects have made strong statements recently?
Matt Babcock: I think G League Ignite players Dyson Daniels, MarJon Beauchamp and Michael Foster are all doing a nice job. Jaden Hardy hasn&rsquo;t been playing as well as I had hoped he would, but I think it&rsquo;s just a matter of time for him to work through the kinks and become more comfortable. Also, Scoot Henderson has been incredible since he came back from an injury. He&rsquo;s not draft eligible this year, but next year, watch out &mdash; he&rsquo;s coming!&nbsp;
I&rsquo;m also planning to go to Atlanta in the next couple of weeks to see Jean Montero and the rest of the players with Overtime Elite. I worked for Overtime Elite as a scouting advisor for about six months. I helped get their scouting operations in order and their initial group of players set. So in addition to seeing Montero and the rest of the players there, I&rsquo;m looking forward to seeing all of my former co-workers and their brand new arena.

The first calendar month of NCAA action is drawing to a close, and there were no shortage of prospect fireworks throughout the early nonconference slate.&nbsp;
Freshmen like Jabari Smith and Kendall Brown have consistently turned heads with their play, while returning stars such as Jaden Ivey showed tremendous growth. Of course, Paolo Banchero and Chet Holmgren also dominate the conversation, culminating with their thrilling matchup on Nov. 26 in Las Vegas.
Matt Babcock was on hand for that game and many others. He and his scouting team recently updated <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/draft" target="_blank" rel="noopener">our 2022 NBA Draft Big Board</a>. Babcock answered a few of my questions about his board and his observations so far.
<iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0lmkDF_Axiw" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
What has Paolo Banchero done to solidify his No. 1 ranking on your Big Board?
Matt Babcock: I have seen Banchero in-person twice this season &mdash; on opening night in New York at the State Farm Champions Classic, and then just recently in Las Vegas versus Gonzaga. He was terrific in both games. The main thing for me that gives Banchero an edge over Jabari Smith and Chet Holmgren is his ability to create offense on his own. Don&rsquo;t get me wrong, he has a well-rounded game, but his ability to get buckets is something teams can build around. I envision Banchero being a big-time scorer in the NBA.&nbsp;
What has inspired you to move Jabari Smith up to second on your Big Board?
Matt Babcock: I recently watched Jabari Smith in Tampa, Florida when Auburn played South Florida. He didn&rsquo;t even have a great game, but he showed his talent and I was blown away. He does just about everything I&rsquo;d want from a versatile stretch four. He shoots the ball extremely well with range. He&rsquo;s teased his ability to score on three levels, and I think he has the potential to become an elite switchable defender. From an upside standpoint, Jabari Smith might have the highest ceiling of any prospect this year.
Aside from Banchero and Holmgren, who else stood out to you from the Duke vs. Gonzaga matchup?
Matt Babcock: That game was unbelievable! I feel lucky to have been in the building. From a scouting standpoint, it was almost overwhelming because between the two teams, there were so many NBA prospects. However, one player that really stood out was Wendell Moore from Duke. I&rsquo;ve watched Moore since he was in high school. He&rsquo;s gotten so much better. I initially thought he was just a tough, slashing player. In that game in Las Vegas, he showed so much more versatility than he has in the past. He actually showed some point guard skills, which surprised me. It was also very clear that he is the leader of that team. I have a lot of confidence in Moore right now. We decided to include him on our most updated Big Board as an early second-round pick.&nbsp;
Duke&rsquo;s sophomore center, Mark Williams, made a major impact in that game, too. He&rsquo;s so big and really uses his length to be a great defensive anchor and finisher around the rim. He&rsquo;s trending up in my book for sure.
I also thought Gonzaga&rsquo;s point guard, Andrew Nembhard, showed well. He isn&rsquo;t the quickest player, but he has good size and is just a solid floor general. I think he&rsquo;s improved quite a bit.
What makes Kendall Brown one of the hottest early risers in the class so far?
Matt Babcock: I&rsquo;m very high on Kendall Brown. He has positional size and is about as good of an athlete as I&rsquo;ve ever seen. He&rsquo;s already producing at a high level as a freshman for a very good Baylor team. I don&rsquo;t think he&rsquo;s ever going to be a guy that&rsquo;s going to create a ton of offense on his own, but his elite athleticism and motor allow for him to make plays all over the court.
Which other freshmen have made significant impressions early in the season?
Matt Babcock: There are a lot of talented freshmen. Of course there are the players that we expected to be near the top of the draft, like Banchero, Smith, Holmgren, and Duren, but a few guys that have really caught my attention early on have been Moussa Diabate from Michigan, Max Christie from Michigan State, Matthew Cleveland from Florida State, and Bryce McGowens from Nebraska.
Which collegiate returners have shown significant growth from last year?
Matt Babcock: Coincidentally, the two names that come to mind first are both from the Big Ten: Jaden Ivey from Purdue and Keegan Murray from Iowa.
Ivey is a dynamic guard who is so athletic. He&rsquo;s a hawk on the ball defensively and is constantly attacking the rim with the ball in his hands. He&rsquo;s really improved as a playmaker, too. He&rsquo;s really an exciting player. Keep an eye out for his highlights.
As for Keegan Murray, he doesn&rsquo;t do one thing that blows you away, as his game is pretty simple. He&rsquo;s a stretch four who has a non-stop motor. The guy just makes things happen all game long by playing smart and hard. He&rsquo;s having an incredible season so far for the Hawkeyes. Murray is averaging over 25 points, eight rebounds, two blocks and a steal per game. At this point, I have a hard time envisioning him slipping too far in the draft, as I think a lot of teams could use him.
I was actually planning to see both of these players in-person later this week when their teams play each other Friday night at Purdue, but I couldn&rsquo;t fit it into my schedule, unfortunately. I need to lock in a couple of dates so I can see both of them sometime soon.
Who's a player you would like to see more from before conference play gets started?
Matt Babcock: My schedule really came together nicely this season. I&rsquo;ll have seen most of the real high-priority prospects by the New Year. I&rsquo;d say the area where I feel least confident, at the moment, is with international prospects. I&rsquo;m heading out to Europe for a couple of weeks in January, though, so I will have an opportunity to see a lot of top guys then. There are also some prospects playing in Australia, whose league is just getting going right now. I likely won&rsquo;t be traveling there this season. I don&rsquo;t even know if I could go if I wanted to. But it will be nice to get some fresh film to watch and get caught up on those prospects.
What other non-NCAA prospects have made strong statements recently?
Matt Babcock: I think G League Ignite players Dyson Daniels, MarJon Beauchamp and Michael Foster are all doing a nice job. Jaden Hardy hasn&rsquo;t been playing as well as I had hoped he would, but I think it&rsquo;s just a matter of time for him to work through the kinks and become more comfortable. Also, Scoot Henderson has been incredible since he came back from an injury. He&rsquo;s not draft eligible this year, but next year, watch out &mdash; he&rsquo;s coming!&nbsp;
I&rsquo;m also planning to go to Atlanta in the next couple of weeks to see Jean Montero and the rest of the players with Overtime Elite. I worked for Overtime Elite as a scouting advisor for about six months. I helped get their scouting operations in order and their initial group of players set. So in addition to seeing Montero and the rest of the players there, I&rsquo;m looking forward to seeing all of my former co-workers and their brand new arena.

The first calendar month of NCAA action is drawing to a close, and there were no shortage of prospect fireworks throughout the early nonconference slate.&nbsp;
Freshmen like Jabari Smith and Kendall Brown have consistently turned heads with their play, while returning stars such as Jaden Ivey showed tremendous growth. Of course, Paolo Banchero and Chet Holmgren also dominate the conversation, culminating with their thrilling matchup on Nov. 26 in Las Vegas.
Matt Babcock was on hand for that game and many others. He and his scouting team recently updated <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/draft" target="_blank" rel="noopener">our 2022 NBA Draft Big Board</a>. Babcock answered a few of my questions about his board and his observations so far.
<iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0lmkDF_Axiw" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
What has Paolo Banchero done to solidify his No. 1 ranking on your Big Board?
Matt Babcock: I have seen Banchero in-person twice this season &mdash; on opening night in New York at the State Farm Champions Classic, and then just recently in Las Vegas versus Gonzaga. He was terrific in both games. The main thing for me that gives Banchero an edge over Jabari Smith and Chet Holmgren is his ability to create offense on his own. Don&rsquo;t get me wrong, he has a well-rounded game, but his ability to get buckets is something teams can build around. I envision Banchero being a big-time scorer in the NBA.&nbsp;
What has inspired you to move Jabari Smith up to second on your Big Board?
Matt Babcock: I recently watched Jabari Smith in Tampa, Florida when Auburn played South Florida. He didn&rsquo;t even have a great game, but he showed his talent and I was blown away. He does just about everything I&rsquo;d want from a versatile stretch four. He shoots the ball extremely well with range. He&rsquo;s teased his ability to score on three levels, and I think he has the potential to become an elite switchable defender. From an upside standpoint, Jabari Smith might have the highest ceiling of any prospect this year.
Aside from Banchero and Holmgren, who else stood out to you from the Duke vs. Gonzaga matchup?
Matt Babcock: That game was unbelievable! I feel lucky to have been in the building. From a scouting standpoint, it was almost overwhelming because between the two teams, there were so many NBA prospects. However, one player that really stood out was Wendell Moore from Duke. I&rsquo;ve watched Moore since he was in high school. He&rsquo;s gotten so much better. I initially thought he was just a tough, slashing player. In that game in Las Vegas, he showed so much more versatility than he has in the past. He actually showed some point guard skills, which surprised me. It was also very clear that he is the leader of that team. I have a lot of confidence in Moore right now. We decided to include him on our most updated Big Board as an early second-round pick.&nbsp;
Duke&rsquo;s sophomore center, Mark Williams, made a major impact in that game, too. He&rsquo;s so big and really uses his length to be a great defensive anchor and finisher around the rim. He&rsquo;s trending up in my book for sure.
I also thought Gonzaga&rsquo;s point guard, Andrew Nembhard, showed well. He isn&rsquo;t the quickest player, but he has good size and is just a solid floor general. I think he&rsquo;s improved quite a bit.
What makes Kendall Brown one of the hottest early risers in the class so far?
Matt Babcock: I&rsquo;m very high on Kendall Brown. He has positional size and is about as good of an athlete as I&rsquo;ve ever seen. He&rsquo;s already producing at a high level as a freshman for a very good Baylor team. I don&rsquo;t think he&rsquo;s ever going to be a guy that&rsquo;s going to create a ton of offense on his own, but his elite athleticism and motor allow for him to make plays all over the court.
Which other freshmen have made significant impressions early in the season?
Matt Babcock: There are a lot of talented freshmen. Of course there are the players that we expected to be near the top of the draft, like Banchero, Smith, Holmgren, and Duren, but a few guys that have really caught my attention early on have been Moussa Diabate from Michigan, Max Christie from Michigan State, Matthew Cleveland from Florida State, and Bryce McGowens from Nebraska.
Which collegiate returners have shown significant growth from last year?
Matt Babcock: Coincidentally, the two names that come to mind first are both from the Big Ten: Jaden Ivey from Purdue and Keegan Murray from Iowa.
Ivey is a dynamic guard who is so athletic. He&rsquo;s a hawk on the ball defensively and is constantly attacking the rim with the ball in his hands. He&rsquo;s really improved as a playmaker, too. He&rsquo;s really an exciting player. Keep an eye out for his highlights.
As for Keegan Murray, he doesn&rsquo;t do one thing that blows you away, as his game is pretty simple. He&rsquo;s a stretch four who has a non-stop motor. The guy just makes things happen all game long by playing smart and hard. He&rsquo;s having an incredible season so far for the Hawkeyes. Murray is averaging over 25 points, eight rebounds, two blocks and a steal per game. At this point, I have a hard time envisioning him slipping too far in the draft, as I think a lot of teams could use him.
I was actually planning to see both of these players in-person later this week when their teams play each other Friday night at Purdue, but I couldn&rsquo;t fit it into my schedule, unfortunately. I need to lock in a couple of dates so I can see both of them sometime soon.
Who's a player you would like to see more from before conference play gets started?
Matt Babcock: My schedule really came together nicely this season. I&rsquo;ll have seen most of the real high-priority prospects by the New Year. I&rsquo;d say the area where I feel least confident, at the moment, is with international prospects. I&rsquo;m heading out to Europe for a couple of weeks in January, though, so I will have an opportunity to see a lot of top guys then. There are also some prospects playing in Australia, whose league is just getting going right now. I likely won&rsquo;t be traveling there this season. I don&rsquo;t even know if I could go if I wanted to. But it will be nice to get some fresh film to watch and get caught up on those prospects.
What other non-NCAA prospects have made strong statements recently?
Matt Babcock: I think G League Ignite players Dyson Daniels, MarJon Beauchamp and Michael Foster are all doing a nice job. Jaden Hardy hasn&rsquo;t been playing as well as I had hoped he would, but I think it&rsquo;s just a matter of time for him to work through the kinks and become more comfortable. Also, Scoot Henderson has been incredible since he came back from an injury. He&rsquo;s not draft eligible this year, but next year, watch out &mdash; he&rsquo;s coming!&nbsp;
I&rsquo;m also planning to go to Atlanta in the next couple of weeks to see Jean Montero and the rest of the players with Overtime Elite. I worked for Overtime Elite as a scouting advisor for about six months. I helped get their scouting operations in order and their initial group of players set. So in addition to seeing Montero and the rest of the players there, I&rsquo;m looking forward to seeing all of my former co-workers and their brand new arena.

The first calendar month of NCAA action is drawing to a close, and there were no shortage of prospect fireworks throughout the early nonconference slate.&nbsp;
Freshmen like Jabari Smith and Kendall Brown have consistently turned heads with their play, while returning stars such as Jaden Ivey showed tremendous growth. Of course, Paolo Banchero and Chet Holmgren also dominate the conversation, culminating with their thrilling matchup on Nov. 26 in Las Vegas.
Matt Babcock was on hand for that game and many others. He and his scouting team recently updated <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/draft" target="_blank" rel="noopener">our 2022 NBA Draft Big Board</a>. Babcock answered a few of my questions about his board and his observations so far.
&nbsp;
What has Paolo Banchero done to solidify his No. 1 ranking on your Big Board?
Matt Babcock: I have seen Banchero in-person twice this season &mdash; on opening night in New York at the State Farm Champions Classic, and then just recently in Las Vegas versus Gonzaga. He was terrific in both games. The main thing for me that gives Banchero an edge over Jabari Smith and Chet Holmgren is his ability to create offense on his own. Don&rsquo;t get me wrong, he has a well-rounded game, but his ability to get buckets is something teams can build around. I envision Banchero being a big-time scorer in the NBA.&nbsp;
What has inspired you to move Jabari Smith up to second on your Big Board?
Matt Babcock: I recently watched Jabari Smith in Tampa, Florida when Auburn played South Florida. He didn&rsquo;t even have a great game, but he showed his talent and I was blown away. He does just about everything I&rsquo;d want from a versatile stretch four. He shoots the ball extremely well with range. He&rsquo;s teased his ability to score on three levels, and I think he has the potential to become an elite switchable defender. From an upside standpoint, Jabari Smith might have the highest ceiling of any prospect this year.
Aside from Banchero and Holmgren, who else stood out to you from the Duke vs. Gonzaga matchup?
Matt Babcock: That game was unbelievable! I feel lucky to have been in the building. From a scouting standpoint, it was almost overwhelming because between the two teams, there were so many NBA prospects. However, one player that really stood out was Wendell Moore from Duke. I&rsquo;ve watched Moore since he was in high school. He&rsquo;s gotten so much better. I initially thought he was just a tough, slashing player. In that game in Las Vegas, he showed so much more versatility than he has in the past. He actually showed some point guard skills, which surprised me. It was also very clear that he is the leader of that team. I have a lot of confidence in Moore right now. We decided to include him on our most updated Big Board as an early second-round pick.&nbsp;
Duke&rsquo;s sophomore center, Mark Williams, made a major impact in that game, too. He&rsquo;s so big and really uses his length to be a great defensive anchor and finisher around the rim. He&rsquo;s trending up in my book for sure.
I also thought Gonzaga&rsquo;s point guard, Andrew Nembhard, showed well. He isn&rsquo;t the quickest player, but he has good size and is just a solid floor general. I think he&rsquo;s improved quite a bit.
What makes Kendall Brown one of the hottest early risers in the class so far?
Matt Babcock: I&rsquo;m very high on Kendall Brown. He has positional size and is about as good of an athlete as I&rsquo;ve ever seen. He&rsquo;s already producing at a high level as a freshman for a very good Baylor team. I don&rsquo;t think he&rsquo;s ever going to be a guy that&rsquo;s going to create a ton of offense on his own, but his elite athleticism and motor allow for him to make plays all over the court.
Which other freshmen have made significant impressions early in the season?
Matt Babcock: There are a lot of talented freshmen. Of course there are the players that we expected to be near the top of the draft, like Banchero, Smith, Holmgren, and Duren, but a few guys that have really caught my attention early on have been Moussa Diabate from Michigan, Max Christie from Michigan State, Matthew Cleveland from Florida State, and Bryce McGowens from Nebraska.
Which collegiate returners have shown significant growth from last year?
Matt Babcock: Coincidentally, the two names that come to mind first are both from the Big Ten: Jaden Ivey from Purdue and Keegan Murray from Iowa.
Ivey is a dynamic guard who is so athletic. He&rsquo;s a hawk on the ball defensively and is constantly attacking the rim with the ball in his hands. He&rsquo;s really improved as a playmaker, too. He&rsquo;s really an exciting player. Keep an eye out for his highlights.
As for Keegan Murray, he doesn&rsquo;t do one thing that blows you away, as his game is pretty simple. He&rsquo;s a stretch four who has a non-stop motor. The guy just makes things happen all game long by playing smart and hard. He&rsquo;s having an incredible season so far for the Hawkeyes. Murray is averaging over 25 points, eight rebounds, two blocks and a steal per game. At this point, I have a hard time envisioning him slipping too far in the draft, as I think a lot of teams could use him.
I was actually planning to see both of these players in-person later this week when their teams play each other Friday night at Purdue, but I couldn&rsquo;t fit it into my schedule, unfortunately. I need to lock in a couple of dates so I can see both of them sometime soon.
Who's a player you would like to see more from before conference play gets started?
Matt Babcock: My schedule really came together nicely this season. I&rsquo;ll have seen most of the real high-priority prospects by the New Year. I&rsquo;d say the area where I feel least confident, at the moment, is with international prospects. I&rsquo;m heading out to Europe for a couple of weeks in January, though, so I will have an opportunity to see a lot of top guys then. There are also some prospects playing in Australia, whose league is just getting going right now. I likely won&rsquo;t be traveling there this season. I don&rsquo;t even know if I could go if I wanted to. But it will be nice to get some fresh film to watch and get caught up on those prospects.
What other non-NCAA prospects have made strong statements recently?
Matt Babcock: I think G League Ignite players Dyson Daniels, MarJon Beauchamp and Michael Foster are all doing a nice job. Jaden Hardy hasn&rsquo;t been playing as well as I had hoped he would, but I think it&rsquo;s just a matter of time for him to work through the kinks and become more comfortable. Also, Scoot Henderson has been incredible since he came back from an injury. He&rsquo;s not draft eligible this year, but next year, watch out &mdash; he&rsquo;s coming!&nbsp;
I&rsquo;m also planning to go to Atlanta in the next couple of weeks to see Jean Montero and the rest of the players with Overtime Elite. I worked for Overtime Elite as a scouting advisor for about six months. I helped get their scouting operations in order and their initial group of players set. So in addition to seeing Montero and the rest of the players there, I&rsquo;m looking forward to seeing all of my former co-workers and their brand new arena.

The first calendar month of NCAA action is drawing to a close, and there were no shortage of prospect fireworks throughout the early nonconference slate.&nbsp;
Freshmen like Jabari Smith and Kendall Brown have consistently turned heads with their play, while returning stars such as Jaden Ivey showed tremendous growth. Of course, Paolo Banchero and Chet Holmgren also dominate the conversation, culminating with their thrilling matchup on Nov. 26 in Las Vegas.
Matt Babcock was on hand for that game and many others. He and his scouting team recently updated <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/draft" target="_blank" rel="noopener">our 2022 NBA Draft Big Board</a>. Babcock answered a few of my questions about his board and his observations so far.
<iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0lmkDF_Axiw" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
What has Paolo Banchero done to solidify his No. 1 ranking on your Big Board?
Matt Babcock: I have seen Banchero in-person twice this season &mdash; on opening night in New York at the State Farm Champions Classic, and then just recently in Las Vegas versus Gonzaga. He was terrific in both games. The main thing for me that gives Banchero an edge over Jabari Smith and Chet Holmgren is his ability to create offense on his own. Don&rsquo;t get me wrong, he has a well-rounded game, but his ability to get buckets is something teams can build around. I envision Banchero being a big-time scorer in the NBA.&nbsp;
What has inspired you to move Jabari Smith up to second on your Big Board?
Matt Babcock: I recently watched Jabari Smith in Tampa, Florida when Auburn played South Florida. He didn&rsquo;t even have a great game, but he showed his talent and I was blown away. He does just about everything I&rsquo;d want from a versatile stretch four. He shoots the ball extremely well with range. He&rsquo;s teased his ability to score on three levels, and I think he has the potential to become an elite switchable defender. From an upside standpoint, Jabari Smith might have the highest ceiling of any prospect this year.
Aside from Banchero and Holmgren, who else stood out to you from the Duke vs. Gonzaga matchup?
Matt Babcock: That game was unbelievable! I feel lucky to have been in the building. From a scouting standpoint, it was almost overwhelming because between the two teams, there were so many NBA prospects. However, one player that really stood out was Wendell Moore from Duke. I&rsquo;ve watched Moore since he was in high school. He&rsquo;s gotten so much better. I initially thought he was just a tough, slashing player. In that game in Las Vegas, he showed so much more versatility than he has in the past. He actually showed some point guard skills, which surprised me. It was also very clear that he is the leader of that team. I have a lot of confidence in Moore right now. We decided to include him on our most updated Big Board as an early second-round pick.&nbsp;
Duke&rsquo;s sophomore center, Mark Williams, made a major impact in that game, too. He&rsquo;s so big and really uses his length to be a great defensive anchor and finisher around the rim. He&rsquo;s trending up in my book for sure.
I also thought Gonzaga&rsquo;s point guard, Andrew Nembhard, showed well. He isn&rsquo;t the quickest player, but he has good size and is just a solid floor general. I think he&rsquo;s improved quite a bit.
What makes Kendall Brown one of the hottest early risers in the class so far?
Matt Babcock: I&rsquo;m very high on Kendall Brown. He has positional size and is about as good of an athlete as I&rsquo;ve ever seen. He&rsquo;s already producing at a high level as a freshman for a very good Baylor team. I don&rsquo;t think he&rsquo;s ever going to be a guy that&rsquo;s going to create a ton of offense on his own, but his elite athleticism and motor allow for him to make plays all over the court.
Which other freshmen have made significant impressions early in the season?
Matt Babcock: There are a lot of talented freshmen. Of course there are the players that we expected to be near the top of the draft, like Banchero, Smith, Holmgren, and Duren, but a few guys that have really caught my attention early on have been Moussa Diabate from Michigan, Max Christie from Michigan State, Matthew Cleveland from Florida State, and Bryce McGowens from Nebraska.
Which collegiate returners have shown significant growth from last year?
Matt Babcock: Coincidentally, the two names that come to mind first are both from the Big Ten: Jaden Ivey from Purdue and Keegan Murray from Iowa.
Ivey is a dynamic guard who is so athletic. He&rsquo;s a hawk on the ball defensively and is constantly attacking the rim with the ball in his hands. He&rsquo;s really improved as a playmaker, too. He&rsquo;s really an exciting player. Keep an eye out for his highlights.
As for Keegan Murray, he doesn&rsquo;t do one thing that blows you away, as his game is pretty simple. He&rsquo;s a stretch four who has a non-stop motor. The guy just makes things happen all game long by playing smart and hard. He&rsquo;s having an incredible season so far for the Hawkeyes. Murray is averaging over 25 points, eight rebounds, two blocks and a steal per game. At this point, I have a hard time envisioning him slipping too far in the draft, as I think a lot of teams could use him.
I was actually planning to see both of these players in-person later this week when their teams play each other Friday night at Purdue, but I couldn&rsquo;t fit it into my schedule, unfortunately. I need to lock in a couple of dates so I can see both of them sometime soon.
Who's a player you would like to see more from before conference play gets started?
Matt Babcock: My schedule really came together nicely this season. I&rsquo;ll have seen most of the real high-priority prospects by the New Year. I&rsquo;d say the area where I feel least confident, at the moment, is with international prospects. I&rsquo;m heading out to Europe for a couple of weeks in January, though, so I will have an opportunity to see a lot of top guys then. There are also some prospects playing in Australia, whose league is just getting going right now. I likely won&rsquo;t be traveling there this season. I don&rsquo;t even know if I could go if I wanted to. But it will be nice to get some fresh film to watch and get caught up on those prospects.
What other non-NCAA prospects have made strong statements recently?
Matt Babcock: I think G League Ignite players Dyson Daniels, MarJon Beauchamp and Michael Foster are all doing a nice job. Jaden Hardy hasn&rsquo;t been playing as well as I had hoped he would, but I think it&rsquo;s just a matter of time for him to work through the kinks and become more comfortable. Also, Scoot Henderson has been incredible since he came back from an injury. He&rsquo;s not draft eligible this year, but next year, watch out &mdash; he&rsquo;s coming!&nbsp;
I&rsquo;m also planning to go to Atlanta in the next couple of weeks to see Jean Montero and the rest of the players with Overtime Elite. I worked for Overtime Elite as a scouting advisor for about six months. I helped get their scouting operations in order and their initial group of players set. So in addition to seeing Montero and the rest of the players there, I&rsquo;m looking forward to seeing all of my former co-workers and their brand new arena.

Matt Babcock explains some of the updates to his Big Board and highlights some of the top prospects he's scouted.

2022 NBA Draft: Q&A with Matt Babcock on early-season risers

At the approximately one-quarter mark of the NBA season, I would have expected we'd get a clearer picture of the league hierarchy.
That is not so.
First place and 13th place in the Eastern Conference are separated by just six games. Fourth place to 10th place in the Western Conference are just a game-and-a-half apart. So many franchises have been hit with obstacles in such a short time that, aside from a handful of bottom-feeders, it's tough to discern the contenders from the pretenders leaguewide. However, that doesn't mean there isn't a tier of "most chaotic" teams that fill up our rankings.
If you're new to the Sour Rankings, here's a refresher: Unlike the typical "power rankings" that repeat themselves throughout sports media, Sour Rankings are a bizarro-world counter. These rankings highlight the top-10 most frustrating NBA franchises throughout the season, and they will be updated every week to match the twists and turns of the league.&nbsp;
This is not merely a bottom-10 of your typical best-to-worst power rankings. You will see championship contenders and playoff hopefuls mixed in with struggling squads. Teams well under .500 may never touch the Sour Rankings because they are on track with their respective processes. Injuries, drama, transactions and generally underwhelming play will earn you a spot on this list.
The central question is ultimately this: How good should you feel about the direction of each franchise? Let's get going:
Escaping the Sour Rankings:&nbsp;The Atlanta Hawks, Minnesota Timberwolves and Memphis Grizzlies continued to build on positive consecutive weeks. They're all back to .500 or better with some statement wins, and thus, sneak out in lieu of some falling squads.
10. Cleveland Cavaliers (10-10)
After finally ending a five-game losing streak with a nice win over the lowly Orlando Magic, Cleveland gets a chance to turn the tide back around with Evan Mobley healthy.&nbsp;
(Last week: 10)
9. Philadephia 76ers (10-10)
Philly went 2-7 in the stretch Joel Embiid missed while he was recovering from COVID-19. In his return, Embiid dropped 42 points, but the 76ers still lost in double-overtime against the (rival?) Timberwolves. It's certainly great to have Embiid back, and the 76ers will no doubt return to winning soon, but the skid was a sobering reminder that this team does not have the depth to sustain injuries or other absences to its stars.
(Last week: Unranked)
8. Detroit Pistons (4-16)
This is not meant as a dig toward Cade Cunningham; the No. 1 pick is still woefully inefficient as a shooter, but has shown plenty of other promising flashes so far. The problem is little else jumps out as exciting across the roster &mdash; aside from <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/killian-hayes-is-finding-his-way-playing-off-cade-cunningham-detroit-pistons" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Killian Hayes' catch-and-shoot threes</a>. The Pistons have lost six in a row with a roster that really isn't super young. Zero players on the league's worst offense shoot over 37% from long range. Among the bottom-dwellers, this has been one of the uglier rebuilding seasons.
(Last week: Unranked)
7. Toronto Raptors (9-12)
<iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yNa8qb0_-fE" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
All that talk about Toronto's length-fueled defensive juggernaut has yet to translate, as the Raptors have the NBA's second-worst defense over the past two weeks. After taking down the Grizzlies, the Raptors lost twice by double digits to the Indiana Pacers and Boston Celtics &mdash; two squads in the same apparent tier of playoff contention. Should the playoffs even be the focus for a young team rebuilding on the fly? That's up for debate, but if you're expecting a postseason appearance, things currently look grim.
(Last week: Unranked)
6. Sacramento Kings (8-13)
Beating the Los Angeles Lakers in a triple-overtime thriller sure feels great for Kings fans, but that got nullified pretty quickly when Sacramento gave up 128 points to a Ja Morant-less Grizzlies team. The Kings forced just nine Memphis turnovers and got outrebounded 68-49 in the blowout loss. Opponents have scored 120 or more points in 4 of the last 5 contests. For interim head coach Alvin Gentry, that's the first task: get something out of a traditionally inept defense.
(Last week: 5)
5. New Orleans Pelicans (5-17)
How about the Pelicans? A 2-2 week with wins over the Washington Wizards and Utah Jazz is nothing to sneeze at. Devonte' Graham's game-winner against Utah gave NOLA fans their highlight of the season, and we're starting to get promising flashes from young players like Kira Lewis Jr. and Herb Jones. Jones, in particular, has been a defensive revelation as a second-round rookie who now starts; he has three or more steals in each of his last three games.
(Last week: 1)
4. New York Knicks (11-9)
Tom Thibodeau said Monday that <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/kemba-walker-no-longer-in-knicks-rotation-alec-burks-will-start-vs-nets" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kemba Walker would not be part of the Knicks' rotation</a> for the time being and that Alec Burks would start at point guard on Tuesday against the Nets. Regardless of how you feel about the recent 2-1 stretch, that's a pretty rough look for one of the marquee additions of the offseason. New York has had the 21st-ranked offense through the past two weeks as RJ Barrett continues to flounder.&nbsp;
(Last week: 4)
3. Los Angeles Lakers (11-11)
The Lakers should sure be glad they played Detroit on Sunday night. Things were looking ugly after the fully healthy squad lost to the Kings to fall back under .500. L.A. is one of the worst rebounding teams in basketball; they're 27th in offensive rebound percentage, per Cleaning the Glass, and sixth-worst in opposing offensive rebound percentage. With a mediocre offense and a below-average defense, second-chance opportunities become even more devastating.
(Last week: 3)
2. Houston Rockets (3-16)
The Rockets have a nice little winning streak going after snapping their 15-game slide with narrow victories over the Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets. Christian Wood dropped 33 points and 16 rebounds, and Kevin Porter Jr. put up 23 points and 12 assists, in the wild overtime win over Charlotte.
That's nice and all, but I need to see more from more young players to consider moving the Rockets &mdash; especially with the drama surfacing about <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/whats-wrong-with-the-houston-rockets" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stephen Silas on the hot seat</a> and <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/john-wall-will-continue-to-sit-games-after-meeting-with-rockets-front-office" target="_blank" rel="noopener">John Wall asking for (and not getting) playing time</a>.
(Last week: 2)
1. Denver Nuggets (9-10)
Denver is riding a six-game losing streak with the worst defense and worst point differential in the NBA over the past two weeks. The team lost PJ Dozier for the season due to a torn ACL and are reportedly losing Michael Porter Jr. for the year as well as he undergoes a third back surgery in his short career. No need to dive much deeper; it's pretty obvious the Nuggets are in a tailspin.&nbsp;
(Last week: 6)

At the approximately one-quarter mark of the NBA season, I would have expected we'd get a clearer picture of the league hierarchy.
That is not so.
First place and 13th place in the Eastern Conference are separated by just six games. Fourth place to 10th place in the Western Conference are just a game-and-a-half apart. So many franchises have been hit with obstacles in such a short time that, aside from a handful of bottom-feeders, it's tough to discern the contenders from the pretenders leaguewide. However, that doesn't mean there isn't a tier of "most chaotic" teams that fill up our rankings.
If you're new to the Sour Rankings, here's a refresher: Unlike the typical "power rankings" that repeat themselves throughout sports media, Sour Rankings are a bizarro-world counter. These rankings highlight the top-10 most frustrating NBA franchises throughout the season, and they will be updated every week to match the twists and turns of the league.&nbsp;
This is not merely a bottom-10 of your typical best-to-worst power rankings. You will see championship contenders and playoff hopefuls mixed in with struggling squads. Teams well under .500 may never touch the Sour Rankings because they are on track with their respective processes. Injuries, drama, transactions and generally underwhelming play will earn you a spot on this list.
The central question is ultimately this: How good should you feel about the direction of each franchise? Let's get going:
Escaping the Sour Rankings:&nbsp;The Atlanta Hawks, Minnesota Timberwolves and Memphis Grizzlies continued to build on positive consecutive weeks. They're all back to .500 or better with some statement wins, and thus, sneak out in lieu of some falling squads.
10. Cleveland Cavaliers (10-10)
After finally ending a five-game losing streak with a nice win over the lowly Orlando Magic, Cleveland gets a chance to turn the tide back around with Evan Mobley healthy.&nbsp;
(Last week: 10)
9. Philadephia 76ers (10-10)
Philly went 2-7 in the stretch Joel Embiid missed while he was recovering from COVID-19. In his return, Embiid dropped 42 points, but the 76ers still lost in double-overtime against the (rival?) Timberwolves. It's certainly great to have Embiid back, and the 76ers will no doubt return to winning soon, but the skid was a sobering reminder that this team does not have the depth to sustain injuries or other absences to its stars.
(Last week: Unranked)
8. Detroit Pistons (4-16)
This is not meant as a dig toward Cade Cunningham; the No. 1 pick is still woefully inefficient as a shooter, but has shown plenty of other promising flashes so far. The problem is little else jumps out as exciting across the roster &mdash; aside from <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/killian-hayes-is-finding-his-way-playing-off-cade-cunningham-detroit-pistons" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Killian Hayes' catch-and-shoot threes</a>. The Pistons have lost six in a row with a roster that really isn't super young. Zero players on the league's worst offense shoot over 37% from long range. Among the bottom-dwellers, this has been one of the uglier rebuilding seasons.
(Last week: Unranked)
7. Toronto Raptors (9-12)
<iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yNa8qb0_-fE" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
All that talk about Toronto's length-fueled defensive juggernaut has yet to translate, as the Raptors have the NBA's second-worst defense over the past two weeks. After taking down the Grizzlies, the Raptors lost twice by double digits to the Indiana Pacers and Boston Celtics &mdash; two squads in the same apparent tier of playoff contention. Should the playoffs even be the focus for a young team rebuilding on the fly? That's up for debate, but if you're expecting a postseason appearance, things currently look grim.
(Last week: Unranked)
6. Sacramento Kings (8-13)
Beating the Los Angeles Lakers in a triple-overtime thriller sure feels great for Kings fans, but that got nullified pretty quickly when Sacramento gave up 128 points to a Ja Morant-less Grizzlies team. The Kings forced just nine Memphis turnovers and got outrebounded 68-49 in the blowout loss. Opponents have scored 120 or more points in 4 of the last 5 contests. For interim head coach Alvin Gentry, that's the first task: get something out of a traditionally inept defense.
(Last week: 5)
5. New Orleans Pelicans (5-17)
How about the Pelicans? A 2-2 week with wins over the Washington Wizards and Utah Jazz is nothing to sneeze at. Devonte' Graham's game-winner against Utah gave NOLA fans their highlight of the season, and we're starting to get promising flashes from young players like Kira Lewis Jr. and Herb Jones. Jones, in particular, has been a defensive revelation as a second-round rookie who now starts; he has three or more steals in each of his last three games.
(Last week: 1)
4. New York Knicks (11-9)
Tom Thibodeau said Monday that <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/kemba-walker-no-longer-in-knicks-rotation-alec-burks-will-start-vs-nets" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kemba Walker will not be part of the Knicks' rotation</a> for the time being and that Alec Burks would start at point guard on Tuesday against the Nets. Regardless of how you feel about the recent 2-1 stretch, that's a pretty rough look for one of the marquee additions of the offseason. New York has had the 21st-ranked offense through the past two weeks as RJ Barrett continues to flounder.&nbsp;
(Last week: 4)
3. Los Angeles Lakers (11-11)
The Lakers should sure be glad they played Detroit on Sunday night. Things were looking ugly after the fully healthy squad lost to the Kings to fall back under .500. L.A. is one of the worst rebounding teams in basketball; they're 27th in offensive rebound percentage, per Cleaning the Glass, and sixth-worst in opposing offensive rebound percentage. With a mediocre offense and a below-average defense, second-chance opportunities become even more devastating.
(Last week: 3)
2. Houston Rockets (3-16)
The Rockets have a nice little winning streak going after snapping their 15-game slide with narrow victories over the Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets. Christian Wood dropped 33 points and 16 rebounds, and Kevin Porter Jr. put up 23 points and 12 assists, in the wild overtime win over Charlotte.
That's nice and all, but I need to see more from more young players to consider moving the Rockets &mdash; especially with the drama surfacing about <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/whats-wrong-with-the-houston-rockets" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stephen Silas on the hot seat</a> and <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/john-wall-will-continue-to-sit-games-after-meeting-with-rockets-front-office" target="_blank" rel="noopener">John Wall asking for (and not getting) playing time</a>.
(Last week: 2)
1. Denver Nuggets (9-10)
Denver is riding a six-game losing streak with the worst defense and worst point differential in the NBA over the past two weeks. The team lost PJ Dozier for the season due to a torn ACL and are reportedly losing Michael Porter Jr. for the year as well as he undergoes a third back surgery in his short career. No need to dive much deeper; it's pretty obvious the Nuggets are in a tailspin.&nbsp;
(Last week: 6)

At the approximately one-quarter mark of the NBA season, I would have expected we'd get a clearer picture of the league hierarchy.
That is not so.
First place and 13th place in the Eastern Conference are separated by just six games. Fourth place to 10th place in the Western Conference are just a game-and-a-half apart. So many franchises have been hit with obstacles in such a short time that, aside from a handful of bottom-feeders, it's tough to discern the contenders from the pretenders leaguewide. However, that doesn't mean there isn't a tier of "most chaotic" teams that fill up our rankings.
If you're new to the Sour Rankings, here's a refresher: Unlike the typical "power rankings" that repeat themselves throughout sports media, Sour Rankings are a bizarro-world counter. These rankings highlight the top-10 most frustrating NBA franchises throughout the season, and they will be updated every week to match the twists and turns of the league.&nbsp;
This is not merely a bottom-10 of your typical best-to-worst power rankings. You will see championship contenders and playoff hopefuls mixed in with struggling squads. Teams well under .500 may never touch the Sour Rankings because they are on track with their respective processes. Injuries, drama, transactions and generally underwhelming play will earn you a spot on this list.
The central question is ultimately this: How good should you feel about the direction of each franchise? Let's get going:
Escaping the Sour Rankings:&nbsp;The Atlanta Hawks, Minnesota Timberwolves and Memphis Grizzlies continued to build on positive consecutive weeks. They're all back to .500 or better with some statement wins, and thus, sneak out in lieu of some falling squads.
10. Cleveland Cavaliers (10-10)
After finally ending a five-game losing streak with a nice win over the lowly Orlando Magic, Cleveland gets a chance to turn the tide back around with Evan Mobley healthy.&nbsp;
(Last week: 10)
9. Philadephia 76ers (10-10)
Philly went 2-7 in the stretch Joel Embiid missed while he was recovering from COVID-19. In his return, Embiid dropped 42 points, but the 76ers still lost in double-overtime against the (rival?) Timberwolves. It's certainly great to have Embiid back, and the 76ers will no doubt return to winning soon, but the skid was a sobering reminder that this team does not have the depth to sustain injuries or other absences to its stars.
(Last week: Unranked)
8. Detroit Pistons (4-16)
This is not meant as a dig toward Cade Cunningham; the No. 1 pick is still woefully inefficient as a shooter, but has shown plenty of other promising flashes so far. The problem is little else jumps out as exciting across the roster &mdash; aside from <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/killian-hayes-is-finding-his-way-playing-off-cade-cunningham-detroit-pistons" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Killian Hayes' catch-and-shoot threes</a>. The Pistons have lost six in a row with a roster that really isn't super young. Zero players on the league's worst offense shoot over 37% from long range. Among the bottom-dwellers, this has been one of the uglier rebuilding seasons.
(Last week: Unranked)
7. Toronto Raptors (9-12)
<iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yNa8qb0_-fE" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
All that talk about Toronto's length-fueled defensive juggernaut has yet to translate, as the Raptors have the NBA's second-worst defense over the past two weeks. After taking down the Grizzlies, the Raptors lost twice by double digits to the Indiana Pacers and Boston Celtics &mdash; two squads in the same apparent tier of playoff contention. Should the playoffs even be the focus for a young team rebuilding on the fly? That's up for debate, but if you're expecting a postseason appearance, things currently look grim.
(Last week: Unranked)
6. Sacramento Kings (8-13)
Beating the Los Angeles Lakers in a triple-overtime thriller sure feels great for Kings fans, but that got nullified pretty quickly when Sacramento gave up 128 points to a Ja Morant-less Grizzlies team. The Kings forced just nine Memphis turnovers and got outrebounded 68-49 in the blowout loss. Opponents have scored 120 or more points in 4 of the last 5 contests. For interim head coach Alvin Gentry, that's the first task: get something out of a traditionally inept defense.
(Last week: 5)
5. New Orleans Pelicans (5-17)
How about the Pelicans? A 2-2 week with wins over the Washington Wizards and Utah Jazz is nothing to sneeze at. Devonte' Graham's game-winner against Utah gave NOLA fans their highlight of the season, and we're starting to get promising flashes from young players like Kira Lewis Jr. and Herb Jones. Jones, in particular, has been a defensive revelation as a second-round rookie who now starts; he has three or more steals in each of his last three games.
(Last week: 1)
4. New York Knicks (11-9)
Tom Thibodeau said Monday that <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/kemba-walker-no-longer-in-knicks-rotation-alec-burks-will-start-vs-nets" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kemba Walker will not be part of the Knicks' rotation</a> for the time being, and Alec Burks will start at point guard on Tuesday against the Nets. Regardless of how you feel about the recent 2-1 stretch, that's a pretty rough look for one of the marquee additions of the offseason. New York has had the 21st-ranked offense through the past two weeks as RJ Barrett continues to flounder.&nbsp;
(Last week: 4)
3. Los Angeles Lakers (11-11)
The Lakers should sure be glad they played Detroit on Sunday night. Things were looking ugly after the fully healthy squad lost to the Kings to fall back under .500. L.A. is one of the worst rebounding teams in basketball; they're 27th in offensive rebound percentage, per Cleaning the Glass, and sixth-worst in opposing offensive rebound percentage. With a mediocre offense and a below-average defense, second-chance opportunities become even more devastating.
(Last week: 3)
2. Houston Rockets (3-16)
The Rockets have a nice little winning streak going after snapping their 15-game slide with narrow victories over the Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets. Christian Wood dropped 33 points and 16 rebounds, and Kevin Porter Jr. put up 23 points and 12 assists, in the wild overtime win over Charlotte.
That's nice and all, but I need to see more from more young players to consider moving the Rockets &mdash; especially with the drama surfacing about <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/whats-wrong-with-the-houston-rockets" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stephen Silas on the hot seat</a> and <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/john-wall-will-continue-to-sit-games-after-meeting-with-rockets-front-office" target="_blank" rel="noopener">John Wall asking for (and not getting) playing time</a>.
(Last week: 2)
1. Denver Nuggets (9-10)
Denver is riding a six-game losing streak with the worst defense and worst point differential in the NBA over the past two weeks. The team lost PJ Dozier for the season due to a torn ACL and are reportedly losing Michael Porter Jr. for the year as well as he undergoes a third back surgery in his short career. No need to dive much deeper; it's pretty obvious the Nuggets are in a tailspin.&nbsp;
(Last week: 6)

At the approximately one-quarter mark of the NBA season, I would have expected we'd get a clearer picture of the league hierarchy.
That is not so.
First place and 13th place in the Eastern Conference are separated by just six games. Fourth place to 10th place in the Western Conference are just a game-and-a-half apart. So many franchises have been hit with obstacles in such a short time that, aside from a handful of bottom-feeders, it's tough to discern the contenders from the pretenders leaguewide. However, that doesn't mean there isn't a tier of "most chaotic" teams that fill up our rankings.
If you're new to the Sour Rankings, here's a refresher: Unlike the typical "power rankings" that repeat themselves throughout sports media, Sour Rankings are a bizarro-world counter. These rankings highlight the top-10 most frustrating NBA franchises throughout the season, and they will be updated every week to match the twists and turns of the league.&nbsp;
This is not merely a bottom-10 of your typical best-to-worst power rankings. You will see championship contenders and playoff hopefuls mixed in with struggling squads. Teams well under .500 may never touch the Sour Rankings because they are on track with their respective processes. Injuries, drama, transactions and generally underwhelming play will earn you a spot on this list.
The central question is ultimately this: How good should you feel about the direction of each franchise? Let's get going:
Escaping the Sour Rankings:&nbsp;The Atlanta Hawks, Minnesota Timberwolves and Memphis Grizzlies continued to build on positive consecutive weeks. They're all back to .500 or better with some statement wins, and thus, sneak out in lieu of some falling squads.
10. Cleveland Cavaliers (10-10)
After finally ending a five-game losing streak with a nice win over the lowly Orlando Magic, Cleveland gets a chance to turn the tide back around with Evan Mobley healthy.&nbsp;
(Last week: 10)
9. Philadephia 76ers (10-10)
Philly went 2-7 in the stretch Joel Embiid missed while he was recovering from COVID-19. In his return, Embiid dropped 42 points, but the 76ers still lost in double-overtime against the (rival?) Timberwolves. It's certainly great to have Embiid back, and the 76ers will no doubt return to winning soon, but the skid was a sobering reminder that this team does not have the depth to sustain injuries or other absences to its stars.
(Last week: Unranked)
8. Detroit Pistons (4-16)
This is not meant as a dig toward Cade Cunningham; the No. 1 pick is still woefully inefficient as a shooter, but has shown plenty of other promising flashes so far. The problem is little else jumps out as exciting across the roster &mdash; aside from <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/killian-hayes-is-finding-his-way-playing-off-cade-cunningham-detroit-pistons" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Killian Hayes' catch-and-shoot threes</a>. The Pistons have lost six in a row with a roster that really isn't super young. Zero players on the league's worst offense shoot over 37% from long range. Among the bottom-dwellers, this has been one of the uglier rebuilding seasons.
(Last week: Unranked)
7. Toronto Raptors (9-12)
<iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yNa8qb0_-fE" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
All that talk about Toronto's length-fueled defensive juggernaut has yet to translate, as the Raptors have the NBA's second-worst defense over the past two weeks. After taking down the Grizzlies, the Raptors lost twice by double digits to the Indiana Pacers and Boston Celtics &mdash; two squads in the same apparent tier of playoff contention. Should the playoffs even be the focus for a young team rebuilding on the fly? That's up for debate, but if you're expecting a postseason appearance, things currently look grim.
(Last week: Unranked)
6. Sacramento Kings (8-13)
Beating the Los Angeles Lakers in a triple-overtime thriller sure feels great for Kings fans, but that got nullified pretty quickly when Sacramento gave up 128 points to a Ja Morant-less Grizzlies team. The Kings forced just nine Memphis turnovers and got outrebounded 68-49 in the blowout loss. Opponents have scored 120 or more points in 4 of the last 5 contests. For interim head coach Alvin Gentry, that's the first task: get something out of a traditionally inept defense.
(Last week: 5)
5. New Orleans Pelicans (5-17)
How about the Pelicans? A 2-2 week with wins over the Washington Wizards and Utah Jazz is nothing to sneeze at. Devonte' Graham's game-winner against Utah gave NOLA fans their highlight of the season, and we're starting to get promising flashes from young players like Kira Lewis Jr. and Herb Jones. Jones, in particular, has been a defensive revelation as a second-round rookie who now starts; he has three or more steals in each of his last three games.
(Last week: 1)
4. New York Knicks (11-9)
Tom Thibodeau said Monday that <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/kemba-walker-no-longer-in-knicks-rotation-alec-burks-will-start-vs-nets" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kemba Walker will not be part of the Knicks' rotation</a> for the time being, and Alec Burks will start at point guard on Tuesday against the Nets. Regardless of how you feel about the recent 2-1 stretch, that's a pretty rough look for one of the marquee additions of the offseason. New York has had the 21st-ranked offense through the past two weeks as RJ Barrett continues to flounder.&nbsp;
(Last week: 4)
3. Los Angeles Lakers (11-11)
&nbsp;
The Lakers should sure be glad they played Detroit on Sunday night. Things were looking ugly after the fully healthy squad lost to the Kings to fall back under .500. L.A. is one of the worst rebounding teams in basketball; they're 27th in offensive rebound percentage, per Cleaning the Glass, and sixth-worst in opposing offensive rebound percentage. With a mediocre offense and a below-average defense, second-chance opportunities become even more devastating.
(Last week: 3)
2. Houston Rockets (3-16)
The Rockets have a nice little winning streak going after snapping their 15-game slide with narrow victories over the Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets. Christian Wood dropped 33 points and 16 rebounds, and Kevin Porter Jr. put up 23 points and 12 assists, in the wild overtime win over Charlotte.
That's nice and all, but I need to see more from more young players to consider moving the Rockets &mdash; especially with the drama surfacing about <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/whats-wrong-with-the-houston-rockets" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stephen Silas on the hot seat</a> and <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/john-wall-will-continue-to-sit-games-after-meeting-with-rockets-front-office" target="_blank" rel="noopener">John Wall asking for (and not getting) playing time</a>.
(Last week: 2)
1. Denver Nuggets (9-10)
Denver is riding a six-game losing streak with the worst defense and worst point differential in the NBA over the past two weeks. The team lost PJ Dozier for the season due to a torn ACL and are reportedly losing Michael Porter Jr. for the year as well as he undergoes a third back surgery in his short career. No need to dive much deeper; it's pretty obvious the Nuggets are in a tailspin.&nbsp;
(Last week: 6)

At the approximately one-quarter mark of the NBA season, I would have expected we'd get a clearer picture of the league hierarchy.
That is not so.
First place and 13th place in the Eastern Conference are separated by just six games. Fourth place to 10th place in the Western Conference are just a game-and-a-half apart. So many franchises have been hit with obstacles in such a short time that, aside from a handful of bottom-feeders, it's tough to discern the contenders from the pretenders leaguewide. However, that doesn't mean there isn't a tier of "most chaotic" teams that fill up our rankings.
If you're new to the Sour Rankings, here's a refresher: Unlike the typical "power rankings" that repeat themselves throughout sports media, Sour Rankings are a bizarro-world counter. These rankings highlight the top-10 most frustrating NBA franchises throughout the season, and they will be updated every week to match the twists and turns of the league.&nbsp;
This is not merely a bottom-10 of your typical best-to-worst power rankings. You will see championship contenders and playoff hopefuls mixed in with struggling squads. Teams well under .500 may never touch the Sour Rankings because they are on track with their respective processes. Injuries, drama, transactions and generally underwhelming play will earn you a spot on this list.
The central question is ultimately this: How good should you feel about the direction of each franchise? Let's get going:
Escaping the Sour Rankings:&nbsp;The Atlanta Hawks, Minnesota Timberwolves and Memphis Grizzlies continued to build on positive consecutive weeks. They're all back to .500 or better with some statement wins, and thus, sneak out in lieu of some falling squads.
10. Cleveland Cavaliers (10-10)
After finally ending a five-game losing streak with a nice win over the lowly Orlando Magic, Cleveland gets a chance to turn the tide back around with Evan Mobley healthy.&nbsp;
(Last week: 10)
9. Philadephia 76ers (10-10)
Philly went 2-7 in the stretch Joel Embiid missed while he was recovering from COVID-19. In his return, Embiid dropped 42 points, but the 76ers still lost in double-overtime against the (rival?) Timberwolves. It's certainly great to have Embiid back, and the 76ers will no doubt return to winning soon, but the skid was a sobering reminder that this team does not have the depth to sustain injuries or other absences to its stars.
(Last week: Unranked)
8. Detroit Pistons (4-16)
This is not meant as a dig toward Cade Cunningham; the No. 1 pick is still woefully inefficient as a shooter, but has shown plenty of other promising flashes so far. The problem is little else jumps out as exciting across the roster &mdash; aside from <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/killian-hayes-is-finding-his-way-playing-off-cade-cunningham-detroit-pistons" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Killian Hayes' catch-and-shoot threes</a>. The Pistons have lost six in a row with a roster that really isn't super young. Zero players on the league's worst offense shoot over 37% from long range. Among the bottom-dwellers, this has been one of the uglier rebuilding seasons.
(Last week: Unranked)
7. Toronto Raptors (9-12)
<iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yNa8qb0_-fE" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
All that talk about Toronto's length-fueled defensive juggernaut has yet to translate, as the Raptors have the NBA's second-worst defense over the past two weeks. After taking down the Grizzlies, the Raptors lost twice by double digits to the Indiana Pacers and Boston Celtics &mdash; two squads in the same apparent tier of playoff contention. Should the playoffs even be the focus for a young team rebuilding on the fly? That's up for debate, but if you're expecting a postseason appearance, things currently look grim.
(Last week: Unranked)
6. Sacramento Kings (8-13)
Beating the Los Angeles Lakers in a triple-overtime thriller sure feels great for Kings fans, but that got nullified pretty quickly when Sacramento gave up 128 points to a Ja Morant-less Grizzlies team. The Kings forced just nine Memphis turnovers and got outrebounded 68-49 in the blowout loss. Opponents have scored 120 or more points in 4 of the last 5 contests. For interim head coach Alvin Gentry, that's the first task: get something out of a traditionally inept defense.
(Last week: 5)
5. New Orleans Pelicans (5-17)
How about the Pelicans? A 2-2 week with wins over the Washington Wizards and Utah Jazz is nothing to sneeze at. Devonte' Graham's game-winner against Utah gave NOLA fans their highlight of the season, and we're starting to get promising flashes from young players like Kira Lewis Jr. and Herb Jones. Jones, in particular, has been a defensive revelation as a second-round rookie who now starts; he has three or more steals in each of his last three games.
(Last week: 1)
4. New York Knicks (11-9)
Tom Thibodeau said Monday that <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/kemba-walker-no-longer-in-knicks-rotation-alec-burks-will-start-vs-nets" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kemba Walker will not be part of the Knicks' rotation</a> for the time being, and Alec Burks will start at point guard on Tuesday against the Nets. Regardless of how you feel about the recent 2-1 stretch, that's a pretty rough look for one of the marquee additions of the offseason. New York has had the 21st-ranked offense through the past two weeks as RJ Barrett continues to flounder.&nbsp;
(Last week: 4)
3. Los Angeles Lakers (11-11)
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
The Silencer is Back <a href="https://t.co/qfJogU4rhx">pic.twitter.com/qfJogU4rhx</a>
&mdash; Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Lakers/status/1463710318714966018?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

The Lakers should sure be glad they played Detroit on Sunday night. Things were looking ugly after the fully healthy squad lost to the Kings to fall back under .500. L.A. is one of the worst rebounding teams in basketball; they're 27th in offensive rebound percentage, per Cleaning the Glass, and sixth-worst in opposing offensive rebound percentage. With a mediocre offense and a below-average defense, second-chance opportunities become even more devastating.
(Last week: 3)
2. Houston Rockets (3-16)
The Rockets have a nice little winning streak going after snapping their 15-game slide with narrow victories over the Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets. Christian Wood dropped 33 points and 16 rebounds, and Kevin Porter Jr. put up 23 points and 12 assists, in the wild overtime win over Charlotte.
That's nice and all, but I need to see more from more young players to consider moving the Rockets &mdash; especially with the drama surfacing about <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/whats-wrong-with-the-houston-rockets" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stephen Silas on the hot seat</a> and <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/john-wall-will-continue-to-sit-games-after-meeting-with-rockets-front-office" target="_blank" rel="noopener">John Wall asking for (and not getting) playing time</a>.
(Last week: 2)
1. Denver Nuggets (9-10)
Denver is riding a six-game losing streak with the worst defense and worst point differential in the NBA over the past two weeks. The team lost PJ Dozier for the season due to a torn ACL and are reportedly losing Michael Porter Jr. for the year as well as he undergoes a third back surgery in his short career. No need to dive much deeper; it's pretty obvious the Nuggets are in a tailspin.&nbsp;
(Last week: 6)

At the approximately one-quarter mark of the NBA season, I would have expected we'd get a clearer picture of the league hierarchy.
That is not so.
First place and 13th place in the Eastern Conference are separated by just six games. Fourth place to 10th place in the Western Conference are just a game-and-a-half apart. So many franchises have been hit with obstacles in such a short time that, aside from a handful of bottom-feeders, it's tough to discern the contenders from the pretenders leaguewide. However, that doesn't mean there isn't a tier of "most chaotic" teams that fill up our rankings.
If you're new to the Sour Rankings, here's a refresher: Unlike the typical "power rankings" that repeat themselves throughout sports media, Sour Rankings are a bizarro-world counter. These rankings highlight the top-10 most frustrating NBA franchises throughout the season, and they will be updated every week to match the twists and turns of the league.&nbsp;
This is not merely a bottom-10 of your typical best-to-worst power rankings. You will see championship contenders and playoff hopefuls mixed in with struggling squads. Teams well under .500 may never touch the Sour Rankings because they are on track with their respective processes. Injuries, drama, transactions and generally underwhelming play will earn you a spot on this list.
The central question is ultimately this: How good should you feel about the direction of each franchise? Let's get going:
Escaping the Sour Rankings:&nbsp;The Atlanta Hawks, Minnesota Timberwolves and Memphis Grizzlies continued to build on positive consecutive weeks. They're all back to .500 or better with some statement wins, and thus, sneak out in lieu of some falling squads.
10. Cleveland Cavaliers (10-10)
After finally ending a five-game losing streak with a nice win over the lowly Orlando Magic, Cleveland gets a chance to turn the tide back around with Evan Mobley healthy.&nbsp;
(Last week: 10)
9. Philadephia 76ers (10-10)
Philly went 2-7 in the stretch Joel Embiid missed while he was recovering from COVID-19. In his return, Embiid dropped 42 points, but the 76ers still lost in double-overtime against the (rival?) Timberwolves. It's certainly great to have Embiid back, and the 76ers will no doubt return to winning soon, but the skid was a sobering reminder that this team does not have the depth to sustain injuries or other absences to its stars.
(Last week: Unranked)
8. Detroit Pistons (4-16)
This is not meant as a dig toward Cade Cunningham; the No. 1 pick is still woefully inefficient as a shooter, but has shown plenty of other promising flashes so far. The problem is little else jumps out as exciting across the roster &mdash; aside from <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/killian-hayes-is-finding-his-way-playing-off-cade-cunningham-detroit-pistons" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Killian Hayes' catch-and-shoot threes</a>. The Pistons have lost six in a row with a roster that really isn't super young. Zero players on the league's worst offense shoot over 37% from long range. Among the bottom-dwellers, this has been one of the uglier rebuilding seasons.
(Last week: Unranked)
7. Toronto Raptors (9-12)
<iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yNa8qb0_-fE" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
All that talk about Toronto's length-fueled defensive juggernaut has yet to translate, as the Raptors have the NBA's second-worst defense over the past two weeks. After taking down the Grizzlies, the Raptors lost twice by double digits to the Indiana Pacers and Boston Celtics &mdash; two squads in the same apparent tier of playoff contention. Should the playoffs even be the focus for a young team rebuilding on the fly? That's up for debate, but if you're expecting a postseason appearance, things currently look grim.
(Last week: Unranked)
6. Sacramento Kings (8-13)
Beating the Los Angeles Lakers in a triple-overtime thriller sure feels great for Kings fans, but that got nullified pretty quickly when Sacramento gave up 128 points to a Ja Morant-less Grizzlies team. The Kings forced just nine Memphis turnovers and got outrebounded 68-49 in the blowout loss. Opponents have scored 120 or more points in 4 of the last 5 contests. For interim head coach Alvin Gentry, that's the first task: get something out of a traditionally inept defense.
(Last week: 5)
5. New Orleans Pelicans (5-17)
How about the Pelicans? A 2-2 week with wins over the Washington Wizards and Utah Jazz is nothing to sneeze at. Devonte' Graham's game-winner against Utah gave NOLA fans their highlight of the season, and we're starting to get promising flashes from young players like Kira Lewis Jr. and Herb Jones. Jones, in particular, has been a defensive revelation as a second-round rookie who now starts; he has three or more steals in each of his last three games.
(Last week: 1)
4. New York Knicks (11-9)
Tom Thibodeau said Monday that <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/kemba-walker-no-longer-in-knicks-rotation-alec-burks-will-start-vs-nets" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kemba Walker will not be part of the Knicks' rotation</a> for the time being, and Alec Burks will start at point guard on Tuesday against the Nets. Regardless of how you feel about the recent 2-1 stretch, that's a pretty rough look for one of the marquee additions of the offseason. New York has had the 21st-ranked offense through the past two weeks as RJ Barrett continues to flounder.&nbsp;
(Last week: 4)
3. Los Angeles Lakers (11-11)
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
The Silencer is Back <a href="https://t.co/qfJogU4rhx">pic.twitter.com/qfJogU4rhx</a>
&mdash; Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Lakers/status/1463710318714966018?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

Despite winning the night before ThanksgivingThe Lakers should sure be glad they played Detroit on Sunday night. Things were looking ugly after the fully healthy squad lost to the Kings to fall back under .500. L.A. is one of the worst rebounding teams in basketball; they're 27th in offensive rebound percentage, per Cleaning the Glass, and sixth-worst in opposing offensive rebound percentage. With a mediocre offense and a below-average defense, second-chance opportunities become even more devastating.
(Last week: 3)
2. Houston Rockets (3-16)
The Rockets have a nice little winning streak going after snapping their 15-game slide with narrow victories over the Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets. Christian Wood dropped 33 points and 16 rebounds, and Kevin Porter Jr. put up 23 points and 12 assists, in the wild overtime win over Charlotte.
That's nice and all, but I need to see more from more young players to consider moving the Rockets &mdash; especially with the drama surfacing about <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/whats-wrong-with-the-houston-rockets" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stephen Silas on the hot seat</a> and <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/john-wall-will-continue-to-sit-games-after-meeting-with-rockets-front-office" target="_blank" rel="noopener">John Wall asking for (and not getting) playing time</a>.
(Last week: 2)
1. Denver Nuggets (9-10)
Denver is riding a six-game losing streak with the worst defense and worst point differential in the NBA over the past two weeks. The team lost PJ Dozier for the season due to a torn ACL and are reportedly losing Michael Porter Jr. for the year as well as he undergoes a third back surgery in his short career. No need to dive much deeper; it's pretty obvious the Nuggets are in a tailspin.&nbsp;
(Last week: 6)

At the approximately one-quarter mark of the NBA season, I would have expected we'd get a clearer picture of the league hierarchy.
That is not so.
First place and 13th place in the Eastern Conference are separated by just six games. Fourth place to 10th place in the Western Conference are just a game-and-a-half apart. So many franchises have been hit with obstacles in such a short time that, aside from a handful of bottom-feeders, it's tough to discern the contenders from the pretenders leaguewide. However, that doesn't mean there isn't a tier of "most chaotic" teams that fill up our rankings.
If you're new to the Sour Rankings, here's a refresher: Unlike the typical "power rankings" that repeat themselves throughout sports media, Sour Rankings are a bizarro-world counter. These rankings highlight the top-10 most frustrating NBA franchises throughout the season, and they will be updated every week to match the twists and turns of the league.&nbsp;
This is not merely a bottom-10 of your typical best-to-worst power rankings. You will see championship contenders and playoff hopefuls mixed in with struggling squads. Teams well under .500 may never touch the Sour Rankings because they are on track with their respective processes. Injuries, drama, transactions and generally underwhelming play will earn you a spot on this list.
The central question is ultimately this: How good should you feel about the direction of each franchise? Let's get going:
Escaping the Sour Rankings:&nbsp;The Atlanta Hawks, Minnesota Timberwolves and Memphis Grizzlies continued to build on positive consecutive weeks. They're all back to .500 or better with some statement wins, and thus, sneak out in lieu of some falling squads.
10. Cleveland Cavaliers (10-10)
After finally ending a five-game losing streak with a nice win over the lowly Orlando Magic, Cleveland gets a chance to turn the tide back around with Evan Mobley healthy.&nbsp;
(Last week: 10)
9. Philadephia 76ers (10-10)
Philly went 2-7 in the stretch Joel Embiid missed while he was recovering from COVID-19. In his return, Embiid dropped 42 points, but the 76ers still lost in double-overtime against the (rival?) Timberwolves. It's certainly great to have Embiid back, and the 76ers will no doubt return to winning soon, but the skid was a sobering reminder that this team does not have the depth to sustain injuries or other absences to its stars.
(Last week: Unranked)
8. Detroit Pistons (4-16)
This is not meant as a dig toward Cade Cunningham; the No. 1 pick is still woefully inefficient as a shooter, but has shown plenty of other promising flashes so far. The problem is little else jumps out as exciting across the roster &mdash; aside from <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/killian-hayes-is-finding-his-way-playing-off-cade-cunningham-detroit-pistons" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Killian Hayes' catch-and-shoot threes</a>. The Pistons have lost six in a row with a roster that really isn't super young. Zero players on the league's worst offense shoot over 37% from long range. Among the bottom-dwellers, this has been one of the uglier rebuilding seasons.
(Last week: Unranked)
7. Toronto Raptors (9-12)
<iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yNa8qb0_-fE" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
All that talk about Toronto's length-fueled defensive juggernaut has yet to translate, as the Raptors have the NBA's second-worst defense over the past two weeks. After taking down the Grizzlies, the Raptors lost twice by double digits to the Indiana Pacers and Boston Celtics &mdash; two squads in the same apparent tier of playoff contention. Should the playoffs even be the focus for a young team rebuilding on the fly? That's up for debate, but if you're expecting a postseason appearance, things currently look grim.
(Last week: Unranked)
6. Sacramento Kings (8-13)
Beating the Los Angeles Lakers in a triple-overtime thriller sure feels great for Kings fans, but that got nullified pretty quickly when Sacramento gave up 128 points to a Ja Morant-less Grizzlies team. The Kings forced just nine Memphis turnovers and got outrebounded 68-49 in the blowout loss. Opponents have scored 120 or more points in 4 of the last 5 contests. For interim head coach Alvin Gentry, that's the first task: get something out of a traditionally inept defense.
(Last week: 5)
5. New Orleans Pelicans (5-17)
How about the Pelicans? A 2-2 week with wins over the Washington Wizards and Utah Jazz is nothing to sneeze at. Devonte' Graham's game-winner against Utah gave NOLA fans their highlight of the season, and we're starting to get promising flashes from young players like Kira Lewis Jr. and Herb Jones. Jones, in particular, has been a defensive revelation as a second-round rookie who now starts; he has three or more steals in each of his last three games.
(Last week: 1)
4. New York Knicks (11-9)
Tom Thibodeau said Monday that <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/kemba-walker-no-longer-in-knicks-rotation-alec-burks-will-start-vs-nets" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kemba Walker will not be part of the Knicks' rotation</a> for the time being, and Alec Burks will start at point guard on Tuesday against the Nets. Regardless of how you feel about the recent 2-1 stretch, that's a pretty rough look for one of the marquee additions of the offseason. New York has had the 21st-ranked offense through the past two weeks as RJ Barrett continues to flounder.&nbsp;
(Last week: 4)
3. Los Angeles Lakers (11-11)
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
The Silencer is Back <a href="https://t.co/qfJogU4rhx">pic.twitter.com/qfJogU4rhx</a>
&mdash; Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Lakers/status/1463710318714966018?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

Despite winning the night before Thanksgiving, The Lakers should sure be glad they played Detroit on Sunday night. Things were looking ugly after the fully healthy squad lost to the Kings to fall back under .500. L.A. is one of the worst rebounding teams in basketball; they're 27th in offensive rebound percentage, per Cleaning the Glass, and sixth-worst in opposing offensive rebound percentage. With a mediocre offense and a below-average defense, second-chance opportunities become even more devastating.
(Last week: 3)
2. Houston Rockets (3-16)
The Rockets have a nice little winning streak going after snapping their 15-game slide with narrow victories over the Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets. Christian Wood dropped 33 points and 16 rebounds, and Kevin Porter Jr. put up 23 points and 12 assists, in the wild overtime win over Charlotte.
That's nice and all, but I need to see more from more young players to consider moving the Rockets &mdash; especially with the drama surfacing about <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/whats-wrong-with-the-houston-rockets" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stephen Silas on the hot seat</a> and <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/john-wall-will-continue-to-sit-games-after-meeting-with-rockets-front-office" target="_blank" rel="noopener">John Wall asking for (and not getting) playing time</a>.
(Last week: 2)
1. Denver Nuggets (9-10)
Denver is riding a six-game losing streak with the worst defense and worst point differential in the NBA over the past two weeks. The team lost PJ Dozier for the season due to a torn ACL and are reportedly losing Michael Porter Jr. for the year as well as he undergoes a third back surgery in his short career. No need to dive much deeper; it's pretty obvious the Nuggets are in a tailspin.&nbsp;
(Last week: 6)

At the approximately one-quarter mark of the NBA season, I would have expected we'd get a clearer picture of the league hierarchy.
That is not so.
First place and 13th place in the Eastern Conference are separated by just six games. Fourth place to 10th place in the Western Conference are just a game-and-a-half apart. So many franchises have been hit with obstacles in such a short time that, aside from a handful of bottom-feeders, it's tough to discern the contenders from the pretenders leaguewide. However, that doesn't mean there isn't a tier of "most chaotic" teams that fill up our rankings.
If you're new to the Sour Rankings, here's a refresher: Unlike the typical "power rankings" that repeat themselves throughout sports media, Sour Rankings are a bizarro-world counter. These rankings highlight the top-10 most frustrating NBA franchises throughout the season, and they will be updated every week to match the twists and turns of the league.&nbsp;
This is not merely a bottom-10 of your typical best-to-worst power rankings. You will see championship contenders and playoff hopefuls mixed in with struggling squads. Teams well under .500 may never touch the Sour Rankings because they are on track with their respective processes. Injuries, drama, transactions and generally underwhelming play will earn you a spot on this list.
The central question is ultimately this: How good should you feel about the direction of each franchise? Let's get going:
Escaping the Sour Rankings:&nbsp;The Atlanta Hawks, Minnesota Timberwolves and Memphis Grizzlies continued to build on positive consecutive weeks. They're all back to .500 or better with some statement wins, and thus, sneak out in lieu of some falling squads.
10. Cleveland Cavaliers (10-10)
After finally ending a five-game losing streak with a nice win over the lowly Orlando Magic, Cleveland gets a chance to turn the tide back around with Evan Mobley healthy.&nbsp;
(Last week: 10)
9. Philadephia 76ers (10-10)
Philly went 2-7 in the stretch Joel Embiid missed while he was recovering from COVID-19. In his return, Embiid dropped 42 points, but the 76ers still lost in double-overtime against the (rival?) Timberwolves. It's certainly great to have Embiid back, and the 76ers will no doubt return to winning soon, but the skid was a sobering reminder that this team does not have the depth to sustain injuries or other absences to its stars.
(Last week: Unranked)
8. Detroit Pistons (4-16)
This is not meant as a dig toward Cade Cunningham; the No. 1 pick is still woefully inefficient as a shooter, but has shown plenty of other promising flashes so far. The problem is little else jumps out as exciting across the roster &mdash; aside from <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/killian-hayes-is-finding-his-way-playing-off-cade-cunningham-detroit-pistons" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Killian Hayes' catch-and-shoot threes</a>. The Pistons have lost six in a row with a roster that really isn't super young. Zero players on the league's worst offense shoot over 37% from long range. Among the bottom-dwellers, this has been one of the uglier rebuilding seasons.
(Last week: Unranked)
7. Toronto Raptors (9-12)
<iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yNa8qb0_-fE" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
All that talk about Toronto's length-fueled defensive juggernaut has yet to translate, as the Raptors have the NBA's second-worst defense over the past two weeks. After taking down the Grizzlies, the Raptors lost twice by double digits to the Indiana Pacers and Boston Celtics &mdash; two squads in the same apparent tier of playoff contention. Should the playoffs even be the focus for a young team rebuilding on the fly? That's up for debate, but if you're expecting a postseason appearance, things currently look grim.
(Last week: Unranked)
6. Sacramento Kings (8-13)
Beating the Los Angeles Lakers in a triple-overtime thriller sure feels great for Kings fans, but that got nullified pretty quickly when Sacramento gave up 128 points to a Ja Morant-less Grizzlies team. The Kings forced just nine Memphis turnovers and got outrebounded 68-49 in the blowout loss. Opponents have scored 120 or more points in 4 of the last 5 contests. For interim head coach Alvin Gentry, that's the first task: get something out of a traditionally inept defense.
(Last week: 5)
5. New Orleans Pelicans (5-17)
How about the Pelicans? A 2-2 week with wins over the Washington Wizards and Utah Jazz is nothing to sneeze at. Devonte' Graham's game-winner against Utah gave NOLA fans their highlight of the season, and we're starting to get promising flashes from young players like Kira Lewis Jr. and Herb Jones. Jones, in particular, has been a defensive revelation as a second-round rookie who now starts; he has three or more steals in each of his last three games.
(Last week: 1)
4. New York Knicks (11-9)
Tom Thibodeau said Monday that <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/kemba-walker-no-longer-in-knicks-rotation-alec-burks-will-start-vs-nets" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kemba Walker will not be part of the Knicks' rotation</a> for the time being, and Alec Burks will start at point guard on Tuesday against the Nets. Regardless of how you feel about the recent 2-1 stretch, that's a pretty rough look for one of the marquee additions of the offseason. New York has had the 21st-ranked offense through the past two weeks as RJ Barrett continues to flounder.&nbsp;
(Last week: 4)
3. Los Angeles Lakers (11-11)
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
The Silencer is Back <a href="https://t.co/qfJogU4rhx">pic.twitter.com/qfJogU4rhx</a>
&mdash; Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Lakers/status/1463710318714966018?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

Despite winning the night before Thanksgiving, the Lakers should sure be glad they played Detroit on Sunday night. Things were looking ugly after the fully healthy squad lost to the Kings to fall back under .500. L.A. is one of the worst rebounding teams in basketball; they're 27th in offensive-rebound percentage, per Cleaning the Glass, and sixth-worst in opposing offensive rebound percentage. With a mediocre offense and a below-average defense, second-chance opportunities become even more devastating.
(Last week: 3)
2. Houston Rockets (3-16)
The Rockets have a nice little winning streak going after snapping their 15-game slide with narrow victories over the Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets. Christian Wood dropped 33 points and 16 rebounds, and Kevin Porter Jr. put up 23 points and 12 assists, in the wild overtime win over Charlotte.
That's nice and all, but I need to see more from more young players to consider moving the Rockets &mdash; especially with the drama surfacing about <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/whats-wrong-with-the-houston-rockets" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stephen Silas on the hot seat</a> and <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/john-wall-will-continue-to-sit-games-after-meeting-with-rockets-front-office" target="_blank" rel="noopener">John Wall asking for (and not getting) playing time</a>.
(Last week: 2)
1. Denver Nuggets (9-10)
Denver is riding a six-game losing streak with the worst defense and worst point differential in the NBA over the past two weeks. The team lost PJ Dozier for the season due to a torn ACL, and are reportedly losing Michael Porter Jr. for the year as well as he undergoes a third back surgery in his short career. No need to dive much deeper; it's pretty obvious the Nuggets are in a tailspin.&nbsp;
(Last week: 6)

At the approximately one-quarter mark of the NBA season, I would have expected we'd get a clearer picture of the league hierarchy.
That is not so.
First place and 13th place in the Eastern Conference are separated by just six games. Fourth place to 10th place in the Western Conference are just a game-and-a-half apart. So many franchises have been hit with obstacles in such a short time that, aside from a handful of bottom-feeders, it's tough to discern the contenders from the pretenders leaguewide. However, that doesn't mean there isn't a tier of "most chaotic" teams that fill up our rankings.
If you're new to the Sour Rankings, here's a refresher: Unlike the typical "power rankings" that repeat themselves throughout sports media, Sour Rankings are a bizarro-world counter. These rankings highlight the top-10 most frustrating NBA franchises throughout the season, and they will be updated every week to match the twists and turns of the league.&nbsp;
This is not merely a bottom-10 of your typical best-to-worst power rankings. You will see championship contenders and playoff hopefuls mixed in with struggling squads. Teams well under .500 may never touch the Sour Rankings because they are on track with their respective processes. Injuries, drama, transactions and generally underwhelming play will earn you a spot on this list.
The central question is ultimately this: How good should you feel about the direction of each franchise? Let's get going:
Escaping the Sour Rankings:&nbsp;The Atlanta Hawks, Minnesota Timberwolves and Memphis Grizzlies continued to build on positive consecutive weeks. They're all back to .500 or better with some statement wins, and thus, sneak out in lieu of some falling squads.
10. Cleveland Cavaliers (10-10)
After finally ending a five-game losing streak with a nice win over the lowly Orlando Magic, Cleveland gets a chance to turn the tide back around with Evan Mobley healthy.&nbsp;
(Last week: 10)
9. Philadephia 76ers (10-10)
Philly went 2-7 in the stretch Joel Embiid missed while he was recovering from COVID-19. In his return, Embiid dropped 42 points, but the 76ers still lost in double-overtime against the (rival?) Timberwolves. It's certainly great to have Embiid back, and the 76ers will no doubt return to winning soon, but the skid was a sobering reminder that this team does not have the depth to sustain injuries or other absences to its stars.
(Last week: Unranked)
8. Detroit Pistons (4-16)
This is not meant as a dig toward Cade Cunningham; the No. 1 pick is still woefully inefficient as a shooter, but has shown plenty of other promising flashes so far. The problem is little else jumps out as exciting across the roster &mdash; aside from <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/killian-hayes-is-finding-his-way-playing-off-cade-cunningham-detroit-pistons" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Killian Hayes' catch-and-shoot threes</a>. The Pistons have lost six in a row with a roster that really isn't super young. Zero players on the league's worst offense shoot over 37% from long range. Among the bottom-dwellers, this has been one of the uglier rebuilding seasons.
(Last week: Unranked)
7. Toronto Raptors (9-12)
<iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yNa8qb0_-fE" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
All that talk about Toronto's length-fueled defensive juggernaut has yet to translate, as the Raptors have the NBA's second-worst defense over the past two weeks. After taking down the Grizzlies, the Raptors lost twice by double digits to the Indiana Pacers and Boston Celtics &mdash; two squads in the same apparent tier of playoff contention. Should the playoffs even be the focus for a young team rebuilding on the fly? That's up for debate, but if you're expecting a postseason appearance, things currently look grim.
(Last week: Unranked)
6. Sacramento Kings (8-13)
Beating the Los Angeles Lakers in a triple-overtime thriller sure feels great for Kings fans, but that got nullified pretty quickly when Sacramento gave up 128 points to a Ja Morant-less Grizzlies team. The Kings forced just nine Memphis turnovers and got outrebounded 68-49 in the blowout loss. Opponents have scored 120 or more points in 4 of the last 5 contests. For interim head coach Alvin Gentry, that's the first task: get something out of a traditionally inept defense.
(Last week: 5)
5. New Orleans Pelicans (5-17)
How about the Pelicans? A 2-2 week with wins over the Washington Wizards and Utah Jazz is nothing to sneeze at. Devonte' Graham's game-winner against Utah gave NOLA fans their highlight of the season, and we're starting to get promising flashes from young players like Kira Lewis Jr. and Herb Jones. Jones, in particular, has been a defensive revelation as a second-round rookie who now starts; he has three or more steals in each of his last three games.
(Last week: 1)
4. New York Knicks (11-9)
Tom Thibodeau said Monday that <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/kemba-walker-no-longer-in-knicks-rotation-alec-burks-will-start-vs-nets" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kemba Walker will not be part of the Knicks' rotation</a> for the time being, and Alec Burks will start at point guard on Tuesday against the Nets. Regardless of how you feel about the recent 2-1 stretch, that's a pretty rough look for one of the marquee additions of the offseason. New York has had the 21st-ranked offense through the past two weeks as RJ Barrett continues to flounder.&nbsp;
(Last week: 4)
3. Los Angeles Lakers (11-11)
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
The Silencer is Back <a href="https://t.co/qfJogU4rhx">pic.twitter.com/qfJogU4rhx</a>
&mdash; Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Lakers/status/1463710318714966018?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2021</a></blockquote>

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Despite winning the night before Thanksgiving, the Lakers should sure be glad they played Detroit on Sunday night. Things were looking ugly after the fully healthy squad lost to the Kings to fall back under .500. L.A. is one of the worst rebounding teams in basketball; they're 27th in offensive-rebound percentage, per Cleaning the Glass, and sixth-worst in opposing offensive rebound percentage. With a mediocre offense and a below-average defense, second-chance opportunities become even more devastating.
(Last week: 3)
2. Houston Rockets (3-16)
The Rockets have a nice little winning streak going after snapping their 15-game slide with narrow victories over the Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets. Christian Wood dropped 33 points and 16 rebounds, and Kevin Porter Jr. put up 23 points and 12 assists, in the wild overtime win over Charlotte.
That's nice and all, but I need to see more from more young players to consider moving the Rockets &mdash; especially with the drama surfacing about <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/whats-wrong-with-the-houston-rockets" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stephen Silas on the hot seat</a> and <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/john-wall-will-continue-to-sit-games-after-meeting-with-rockets-front-office" target="_blank" rel="noopener">John Wall asking for (and not getting) playing time</a>.
(Last week: 2)
1. Denver Nuggets (9-10)
Denver is riding a six-game losing streak with the worst defense and worst point differential in the NBA over the past two weeks. The team lost PJ Dozier for the season due to a torn ACL, and are reportedly losing Michael Porter Jr. for the year as well as he <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/michael-porter-jr-to-undergo-potential-season-ending-back-surgery" target="_blank" rel="noopener">undergoes the third back surgery</a> in his short career. No need to dive much deeper; it's pretty obvious the Nuggets are in a tailspin.&nbsp;
(Last week: 6)

At the approximately one-quarter mark of the NBA season, I would have expected we'd get a clearer picture of the league hierarchy.
That is not so.
First place and 13th place in the Eastern Conference are separated by just six games. Fourth place to 10th place in the Western Conference are just a game-and-a-half apart. So many franchises have been hit with obstacles in such a short time that, aside from a handful of bottom-feeders, it's tough to discern the contenders from the pretenders leaguewide. However, that doesn't mean there isn't a tier of "most chaotic" teams that fill up our rankings.
If you're new to the Sour Rankings, here's a refresher: Unlike the typical "power rankings" that repeat themselves throughout sports media, Sour Rankings are a bizarro-world counter. These rankings highlight the top-10 most frustrating NBA franchises throughout the season, and they will be updated every week to match the twists and turns of the league.&nbsp;
This is not merely a bottom-10 of your typical best-to-worst power rankings. You will see championship contenders and playoff hopefuls mixed in with struggling squads. Teams well under .500 may never touch the Sour Rankings because they are on track with their respective processes. Injuries, drama, transactions and generally underwhelming play will earn you a spot on this list.
The central question is ultimately this: How good should you feel about the direction of each franchise? Let's get going:
Escaping the Sour Rankings:&nbsp;The Atlanta Hawks, Minnesota Timberwolves and Memphis Grizzlies continued to build on positive consecutive weeks. They're all back to .500 or better with some statement wins, and thus, sneak out in lieu of some falling squads.
10. Cleveland Cavaliers (10-10)
After finally ending a five-game losing streak with a nice win over the lowly Orlando Magic, Cleveland gets a chance to turn the tide back around with Evan Mobley healthy.&nbsp;
(Last week: 10)
9. Philadephia 76ers (10-10)
Philly went 2-7 in the stretch Joel Embiid missed while he was recovering from COVID-19. In his return, Embiid dropped 42 points, but the 76ers still lost in double-overtime against the (rival?) Timberwolves. It's certainly great to have Embiid back, and the 76ers will no doubt return to winning soon, but the skid was a sobering reminder that this team does not have the depth to sustain injuries or other absences to its stars.
(Last week: Unranked)
8. Detroit Pistons (4-16)
This is not meant as a dig toward Cade Cunningham; the No. 1 pick is still woefully inefficient as a shooter, but has shown plenty of other promising flashes so far. The problem is little else jumps out as exciting across the roster &mdash; aside from <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/killian-hayes-is-finding-his-way-playing-off-cade-cunningham-detroit-pistons" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Killian Hayes' catch-and-shoot threes</a>. The Pistons have lost six in a row with a roster that really isn't super young. Zero players on the league's worst offense shoot over 37% from long range. Among the bottom-dwellers, this has been one of the uglier rebuilding seasons.
(Last week: Unranked)
7. Toronto Raptors (9-12)
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All that talk about Toronto's length-fueled defensive juggernaut has yet to translate, as the Raptors have the NBA's second-worst defense over the past two weeks. After taking down the Grizzlies, the Raptors lost twice by double digits to the Indiana Pacers and Boston Celtics &mdash; two squads in the same apparent tier of playoff contention. Should the playoffs even be the focus for a young team rebuilding on the fly? That's up for debate, but if you're expecting a postseason appearance, things currently look grim.
(Last week: Unranked)
6. Sacramento Kings (8-13)
Beating the Los Angeles Lakers in a triple-overtime thriller sure feels great for Kings fans, but that got nullified pretty quickly when Sacramento gave up 128 points to a Ja Morant-less Grizzlies team. The Kings forced just nine Memphis turnovers and got outrebounded 68-49 in the blowout loss. Opponents have scored 120 or more points in 4 of the last 5 contests. For interim head coach Alvin Gentry, that's the first task: get something out of a traditionally inept defense.
(Last week: 5)
5. New Orleans Pelicans (5-17)
How about the Pelicans? A 2-2 week with wins over the Washington Wizards and Utah Jazz is nothing to sneeze at. Devonte' Graham's game-winner against Utah gave NOLA fans their highlight of the season, and we're starting to get promising flashes from young players like Kira Lewis Jr. and Herb Jones. Jones, in particular, has been a defensive revelation as a second-round rookie who now starts; he has three or more steals in each of his last three games.
(Last week: 1)
4. New York Knicks (11-9)
Tom Thibodeau said Monday that <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/kemba-walker-no-longer-in-knicks-rotation-alec-burks-will-start-vs-nets" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kemba Walker will not be part of the Knicks' rotation</a> for the time being, and Alec Burks will start at point guard on Tuesday against the Nets. Regardless of how you feel about the recent 2-1 stretch, that's a pretty rough look for one of the marquee additions of the offseason. New York has had the 21st-ranked offense through the past two weeks as RJ Barrett continues to flounder.&nbsp;
(Last week: 4)
3. Los Angeles Lakers (11-11)
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
The Silencer is Back <a href="https://t.co/qfJogU4rhx">pic.twitter.com/qfJogU4rhx</a>
&mdash; Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Lakers/status/1463710318714966018?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2021</a></blockquote>

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Despite winning the night before Thanksgiving, the Lakers should sure be glad they played Detroit on Sunday night. Things were looking ugly after the fully healthy squad lost to the Kings to fall back under .500. L.A. is one of the worst rebounding teams in basketball; they're 27th in offensive-rebound percentage, per Cleaning the Glass, and sixth-worst in opposing offensive rebound percentage. With a mediocre offense and a below-average defense, second-chance opportunities become even more devastating.
(Last week: 3)
2. Houston Rockets (3-16)
The Rockets have a nice little winning streak going after snapping their 15-game slide with narrow victories over the Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets. Christian Wood dropped 33 points and 16 rebounds, and Kevin Porter Jr. put up 23 points and 12 assists, in the wild overtime win over Charlotte.
That's nice and all, but I need to see more from more young players to consider moving the Rockets &mdash; especially with the drama surfacing about <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/whats-wrong-with-the-houston-rockets" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stephen Silas on the hot seat</a> and <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/john-wall-will-continue-to-sit-games-after-meeting-with-rockets-front-office" target="_blank" rel="noopener">John Wall asking for (and not getting) playing time</a>.
(Last week: 2)
1. Denver Nuggets (9-10)
Denver is riding a six-game losing streak with the worst defense and worst point differential in the NBA over the past two weeks. The team lost PJ Dozier for the season due to a torn ACL, and are reportedly losing Michael Porter Jr. for the year as well when <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/michael-porter-jr-to-undergo-potential-season-ending-back-surgery" target="_blank" rel="noopener">undergoes the third back surgery</a> in his short career. No need to dive much deeper; it's pretty obvious the Nuggets are in a tailspin.&nbsp;
(Last week: 6)

The Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks also continue to underwhelm.

NBA Sour Rankings: Injury-plagued Nuggets tumble to No. 1

Passing, as with most basketball attributes, is woefully oversimplified by the box score.&nbsp;
A simple assist count doesn't do justice to the array of dishes and swishes that make up NBA scoring. Assists in themselves are a two-way street, requiring both the passer and scorer to connect on a given play.
How many quality dimes go unrequited because of a missed shot? How many low-quality passes become assists due to a fortunate make? While assists are a great starting point &mdash; they are the most directly valuable pass in the game &mdash; an average does not tell the whole story. No stat can perfectly pinpoint the best passer in the NBA, but I'm going to use a few to try and highlight some of the elite and underrated.
The NBA's official stats database has some nifty tracking numbers for passing. It, of course logs assists, but also total passes, secondary assists (or passes leading to an assist), adjusted assists (assists + secondary assists + passes leading to free throws) and more.&nbsp;
Potential assists are passes that lead to a shot attempt, regardless of a make or miss. Chris Paul, who leads the NBA with 10.4 assists per game, also leads the league with 18.5 potential assists per game. However, this category can highlight some players that might be getting the short end of the stick from their teammates.&nbsp;
My ballpark estimate is that assists make up about 50-60% of potential assists for most NBA players. But let's look at Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He averages only 4.4 assists per game (tied for 48th in the NBA) but is 19th in potential assists with 11.8! Only 37.2% of his potential assists are actually converted by the shooter. SGA has dished out the same total number of assists this year as Domantas Sabonis and Alex Caruso, but it's taken 67 more potential assists to get him there.
Anthony Edwards is in a similar boat. Just 37.4% of his 9.1 potential assists per game actually turn into assists. He may only be averaging 3.4 assists per game, but that does not accurately reflect his passing involvement. The top five in potential assists are:
<ol>
<li>Chris Paul &mdash; 18.5 per game&nbsp;</li>
<li>James Harden &mdash; 18.0 per game</li>
<li>Luka Doncic &mdash; 16.9 per game</li>
<li>Russell Westbrook &mdash; 16.0 per game</li>
<li>Trae Young &mdash; 15.9 per game</li>
</ol>
Assists can also inflate those who take on a larger offensive burden. Players who have the ball in their hands more are bound to make more passes, and likely, rack up more assists. There's a neat stat called "adjusted assists to pass percentage." That's a mouthful, but it's basically asking: What percent of a player's total passes lead to an assist, a secondary assist or free throws?
Paul once again leads in this category; 21.6% of his 56.9 total passes per game become an adjusted assist. Interestingly, right behind him is a Phoenix Suns teammate. Devin Booker may pass the ball less than half as much as CP3, but 20.7% of his passes become an adjusted assist. That's an extremely fun backcourt duo. Your top five in adjusted assists to pass percentage:
<ol>
<li>Chris Paul &mdash; 21.6%</li>
<li>Devin Booker &mdash; 20.7%</li>
<li>Trae Young &mdash; 20.5%</li>
<li>Damian Lillard &mdash; 19.3%</li>
<li>Stephen Curry &mdash; 18.1%</li>
</ol>
There's another variable to consider. Is the passer hitting the shooter in their optimal spot? For an extreme example, Trae Young hitting Kevin Huerter for a three-point attempt is much more valuable than him dishing it to Clint Capela for a three.
To break this down, we're going to check out <a href="https://shotquality.com/player-stats" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shot Quality</a>, which was created recently by Colgate (shout out Patriot League!) student Simon Gerszberg. Shot Quality basically measures the "quality" of a shot attempt based on a player's prior percentage, the shot value, and <a href="https://shotquality.com/stats-explained" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tons of other variables</a>. I want to focus on a passing metric.
"Shot Quality Assists per Game" is what it sounds like: how many theoretical assists should a player get per game based on the shot quality of the shooters? Here's the top five, with their standard assists per game in parentheses:
<ol>
<li>Chris Paul &mdash; 11.2 (10.4)</li>
<li>James Harden &mdash; 10.7 (9.2)</li>
<li>Luka Doncic &mdash; 10.1 (8.0)</li>
<li>Trae Young &mdash; 9.8 (9.1)</li>
<li>(tie) Dejounte Murray, Russell Westbrook &mdash; 8.4 (Murray has 8.1 assists per game, Westbrook has 8.6)</li>
</ol>
Once again, Paul is at the top. Notice Luka Doncic's SQ assists per game hint that he's getting seriously robbed of some higher-quality setups; the same goes for James Harden. It's rare for the difference between the two metrics to be wider than a whole assist. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is again in the same boat, with his 4.4 APG lagging behind his 5.4 SQ APG.&nbsp;
These three stats reach a pretty convincing conclusion: the Point God is most definitely the best passer in the NBA. But don't sleep on a few other names with low assist numbers, particularly SGA and Devin Booker.&nbsp;
I did not include any turnover-based statistics like assist-to-turnover ratio. That's a helpful stat when thinking about general on-ball results. However, it's not good for purely assessing passing; turnovers account for&nbsp;all&nbsp;turnovers (like travels, fouls, etc.) and not just passing turnovers. It includes irrelevant data.
And still, even all the stats in the world don't account for the degrees of difficulty and highlight-reel aspects of some passes. Nikola Jokic may be a tier below some of the stat leaders mentioned, but watch his film and then try to tell someone he's not an absolutely elite passer.&nbsp;
The moral of the story is: don't let assists dictate your discourse. There's a lot more that goes into assessing NBA passing, both in the numbers and on tape.

Passing, as with most basketball attributes, is woefully oversimplified by the box score.&nbsp;
A simple assist count doesn't do justice to the array of dishes and swishes that make up NBA scoring. Assists in themselves are a two-way street, requiring both the passer and scorer to connect on a given play.
How many quality dimes go unrequited because of a missed shot? How many low-quality passes become assists due to a fortunate make? While assists are a great starting point &mdash; they are the most directly valuable pass in the game &mdash; an average does not tell the whole story. No stat can perfectly pinpoint the best passer in the NBA, but I'm going to use a few to try and highlight some of the elite and underrated.
The NBA's official stats database has some nifty tracking numbers for passing. It, of course logs assists, but also total passes, secondary assists (or passes leading to an assist), adjusted assists (assists + secondary assists + passes leading to free throws) and more.&nbsp;
Potential assists are passes that lead to a shot attempt, regardless of a make or miss. Chris Paul, who leads the NBA with 10.4 assists per game, also leads the league with 18.5 potential assists per game. However, this category can highlight some players that might be getting the short end of the stick from their teammates.&nbsp;
My ballpark estimate is that assists make up about 50-60% of potential assists for most NBA players. But let's look at Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He averages only 4.4 assists per game (tied for 48th in the NBA) but is 19th in potential assists with 11.8! Only 37.2% of his potential assists are actually converted by the shooter. SGA has dished out the same total number of assists this year as Domantas Sabonis and Alex Caruso, but it's taken 67 more potential assists to get him there.
Anthony Edwards is in a similar boat. Just 37.4% of his 9.1 potential assists per game actually turn into assists. He may only be averaging 3.4 assists per game, but that does not accurately reflect his passing involvement. The top five in potential assists are:
<ol>
<li>Chris Paul &mdash; 18.5 per game&nbsp;</li>
<li>James Harden &mdash; 18.0 per game</li>
<li>Luka Doncic &mdash; 16.9 per game</li>
<li>Russell Westbrook &mdash; 16.0 per game</li>
<li>Trae Young &mdash; 15.9 per game</li>
</ol>
Assists can also inflate those who take on a larger offensive burden. Players who have the ball in their hands more are bound to make more passes, and likely, rack up more assists. There's a neat stat called "adjusted assists to pass percentage." That's a mouthful, but it's basically asking: What percent of a player's total passes lead to an assist, a secondary assist or free throws?
Paul once again leads in this category; 21.6% of his 56.9 total passes per game become an adjusted assist. Interestingly, right behind him is a Phoenix Suns teammate. Devin Booker may pass the ball less than half as much as CP3, but 20.7% of his passes become an adjusted assist. That's an extremely fun backcourt duo. Your top five in adjusted assists to pass percentage:
<ol>
<li>Chris Paul &mdash; 21.6%</li>
<li>Devin Booker &mdash; 20.7%</li>
<li>Trae Young &mdash; 20.5%</li>
<li>Damian Lillard &mdash; 19.3%</li>
<li>Stephen Curry &mdash; 18.1%</li>
</ol>
There's another variable to consider. Is the passer hitting the shooter in their optimal spot? For an extreme example, Trae Young hitting Kevin Huerter for a three-point attempt is much more valuable than him dishing it to Clint Capela for a three.
To break this down, we're going to check out <a href="https://shotquality.com/player-stats" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shot Quality</a>, which was created recently by Colgate (shout out Patriot League!) student Simon Gerszberg. Shot Quality basically measures the "quality" of a shot attempt based on a player's prior percentage, the shot value, and <a href="https://shotquality.com/stats-explained" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tons of other variables</a>. I want to focus on a passing metric.
"Shot Quality Assists per Game" is what it sounds like: how many theoretical assists should a player get per game based on the shot quality of the shooters? Here's the top five, with their standard assists per game in parentheses:
<ol>
<li>Chris Paul &mdash; 11.2 (10.4)</li>
<li>James Harden &mdash; 10.7 (9.2)</li>
<li>Luka Doncic &mdash; 10.1 (8.0)</li>
<li>Trae Young &mdash; 9.8 (9.1)</li>
<li>Dejounte Murray, Russell Westbrook &mdash; 8.4 (Murray has 8.1 assists per game, Westbrook has 8.6)</li>
</ol>
Once again, Paul is at the top. Notice Luka Doncic's SQ assists per game hint that he's getting seriously robbed of some higher-quality setups; the same goes for James Harden. It's rare for the difference between the two metrics to be wider than a whole assist. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is again in the same boat, with his 4.4 APG lagging behind his 5.4 SQ APG.&nbsp;
These three stats reach a pretty convincing conclusion: the Point God is most definitely the best passer in the NBA. But don't sleep on a few other names with low assist numbers, particularly SGA and Devin Booker.&nbsp;
I did not include any turnover-based statistics like assist-to-turnover ratio. That's a helpful stat when thinking about general on-ball results. However, it's not good for purely assessing passing; turnovers account for&nbsp;all&nbsp;turnovers (like travels, fouls, etc.) and not just passing turnovers. It includes irrelevant data.
And still, even all the stats in the world don't account for the degrees of difficulty and highlight-reel aspects of some passes. Nikola Jokic may be a tier below some of the stat leaders mentioned, but watch his film and then try to tell someone he's not an absolutely elite passer.&nbsp;
The moral of the story is: don't let assists dictate your discourse. There's a lot more that goes into assessing NBA passing, both in the numbers and on tape.

Passing, as with most basketball attributes, is woefully oversimplified by the box score.&nbsp;
A simple assist count doesn't do justice to the array of dishes and swishes that make up NBA scoring. Assists in themselves are a two-way street, requiring both the passer and scorer to connect on a given play.
How many quality dimes go unrequited because of a missed shot? How many low-quality passes become assists due to a fortunate make? While assists are a great starting point &mdash; they are the most directly valuable pass in the game &mdash; an average does not tell the whole story. No stat can perfectly pinpoint the best passer in the NBA, but I'm going to use a few to try and highlight some of the elite and underrated.
The NBA's official stats database has some nifty tracking numbers for passing. It, of course logs assists, but also total passes, secondary assists (or passes leading to an assist), adjusted assists (assists + secondary assists + passes leading to free throws) and more.&nbsp;
Potential assists are passes that lead to a shot attempt, regardless of a make or miss. Chris Paul, who leads the NBA with 10.4 assists per game, also leads the league with 18.5 potential assists per game. However, this category can highlight some players that might be getting the short end of the stick from their teammates.&nbsp;
My ballpark estimate is that assists make up about 50-60% of potential assists for most NBA players. But let's look at Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He averages only 4.4 assists per game (tied for 48th in the NBA) but is 19th in potential assists with 11.8! Only 37.2% of his potential assists are actually converted by the shooter. SGA has dished out the same total number of assists this year as Domantas Sabonis and Alex Caruso, but it's taken 67 more potential assists to get him there.
Anthony Edwards is in a similar boat. Just 37.4% of his 9.1 potential assists per game actually turn into assists. He may only be averaging 3.4 assists per game, but that does not accurately reflect his passing involvement. The top five in potential assists are:
<ol>
<li>Chris Paul &mdash; 18.5 per game&nbsp;</li>
<li>James Harden &mdash; 18.0 per game</li>
<li>Luka Doncic &mdash; 16.9 per game</li>
<li>Russell Westbrook &mdash; 16.0 per game</li>
<li>Trae Young &mdash; 15.9 per game</li>
</ol>
Assists can also inflate those who take on a larger offensive burden. Players who have the ball in their hands more are bound to make more passes, and likely, rack up more assists. There's a neat stat called "adjusted assists to pass percentage." That's a mouthful, but it's basically asking: What percent of a player's total passes lead to an assist, a secondary assist or free throws?
Paul once again leads in this category; 21.6% of his 56.9 total passes per game become an adjusted assist. Interestingly, right behind him is a Phoenix Suns teammate. Devin Booker may pass the ball less than half as much as CP3, but 20.7% of his passes become an adjusted assist. That's an extremely fun backcourt duo. Your top five in adjusted assists to pass percentage:
<ol>
<li>Chris Paul &mdash; 21.6%</li>
<li>Devin Booker &mdash; 20.7%</li>
<li>Trae Young &mdash; 20.5%</li>
<li>Damian Lillard &mdash; 19.3%</li>
<li>Stephen Curry &mdash; 18.1%</li>
</ol>
There's another variable to consider. Is the passer hitting the shooter in their optimal spot? For an extreme example, Trae Young hitting Kevin Huerter for a three-point attempt is much more valuable than him dishing it to Clint Capela for a three.
To break this down, we're going to check out <a href="https://shotquality.com/player-stats" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shot Quality</a>, which was created recently by Colgate (shout out Patriot League!) student Simon Gerszberg. Shot Quality basically measures the "quality" of a shot attempt based on a player's prior percentage, the shot value, and <a href="https://shotquality.com/stats-explained" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tons of other variables</a>. I want to focus on a passing metric.
"Shot Quality Assists per Game" is what it sounds like: how many theoretical assists should a player get per game based on the shot quality of the shooters? Here's the top five, with their standard assists per game in parentheses:
<ol>
<li>Chris Paul &mdash; 11.2 (10.4)</li>
<li>James Harden &mdash; 10.7 (9.2)</li>
<li>Luka Doncic &mdash; 10.1 (8.0)</li>
<li>Trae Young &mdash; 9.8 (9.1)</li>
<li>Dejounte Murray, Russell Westbrook &mdash; 8.4 (Murray has 8.1 assists per game, Westbrook has 8.6)</li>
</ol>
Once again, Paul is at the top. Notice Luka Doncic's SQ assists per game hint that he's getting seriously robbed of some higher-quality setups; the same goes for James Harden. It's rare for the difference between the two metrics to be wider than a whole assist. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is again in the same boat, with his 4.4 APG lagging behind his 5.4 SQ APG.&nbsp;
These three stats reach a pretty convincing conclusion: the Point God is most definitely the best passer in the NBA. But don't sleep on a few other names with low assist numbers, particularly SGA and Devin Booker.&nbsp;
I did not include any turnover-based statistics like assist-to-turnover ratio. That's a helpful stat when thinking about general on-ball results. However, it's not good for purely assessing passing; turnovers account for&nbsp;all&nbsp;turnovers (like travels, fouls, etc.) and not just passing turnovers. It includes irrelevant data.
And still, even all the stats in the world don't account for the degrees of difficulty and highlight-reel aspects of some passes. Nikola Jokic may be a tier below some of the stat leaders mentioned, but watch his film and then try to tell someone he's not an absolutely elite passer.&nbsp;
The moral of the story is: don't let assists dictate your discourse. There's a lot more that goes into assessing NBA passing, both in the numbers and on tape.

Passing, as with most basketball attributes, is woefully oversimplified by the box score.&nbsp;
A simple assist count doesn't do justice to the array of dishes and swishes that make up NBA scoring. Assists in themselves are a two-way street, requiring both the passer and scorer to connect on a given play.
How many quality dimes go unrequited because of a missed shot? How many low-quality passes become assists due to a fortunate make? While assists are a great starting point &mdash; they are the most directly valuable pass in the game &mdash; an average does not tell the whole story. No stat can perfectly pinpoint the best passer in the NBA, but I'm going to use a few to try and highlight some of the elite and underrated.
The NBA's official stats database has some nifty tracking numbers for passing. It, of course logs assists, but also total passes, secondary assists (or passes leading to an assist), adjusted assists (assists + secondary assists + passes leading to free throws) and more.&nbsp;
Potential assists are passes that lead to a shot attempt, regardless of a make or miss. Chris Paul, who leads the NBA with 10.4 assists per game, also leads the league with 18.5 potential assists per game. However, this category can highlight some players that might be getting the short end of the stick from their teammates.&nbsp;
My ballpark estimate is that assists make up about 50-60% of potential assists for most NBA players. But let's look at Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He averages only 4.4 assists per game (tied for 48th in the NBA) but is 19th in potential assists with 11.8! Only 37.2% of his potential assists are actually converted by the shooter. SGA has dished out the same total number of assists this year as Domantas Sabonis and Alex Caruso, but it's taken 67 more potential assists to get him there.
Anthony Edwards is in a similar boat. Just 37.4% of his 9.1 potential assists per game actually turn into assists. He may only be averaging 3.4 assists per game, but that does not accurately reflect his passing involvement. The top five in potential assists are:
<ol>
<li>Chris Paul &mdash; 18.5 per game&nbsp;</li>
<li>James Harden &mdash; 18.0 per game</li>
<li>Luka Doncic &mdash; 16.9 per game</li>
<li>Russell Westbrook &mdash; 16.0 per game</li>
<li>Trae Young &mdash; 15.9 per game</li>
</ol>
Assists can also inflate those who take on a larger offensive burden. Players who have the ball in their hands more are bound to make more passes, and likely, rack up more assists. There's a neat stat called "adjusted assists to pass percentage." That's a mouthful, but it's basically asking: What percent of a player's total passes lead to an assist, a secondary assist or free throws?
Paul once again leads in this category; 21.6% of his 56.9 total passes per game become an adjusted assist. Interestingly, right behind him is a Phoenix Suns teammate. Devin Booker may pass the ball less than half as much as CP3, but 20.7% of his passes become an adjusted assist. That's an extremely fun backcourt duo. Your top five in adjusted assists to pass percentage:
<ol>
<li>Chris Paul &mdash; 21.6%</li>
<li>Devin Booker &mdash; 20.7%</li>
<li>Trae Young &mdash; 20.5%</li>
<li>Damian Lillard &mdash; 19.3%</li>
<li>Stephen Curry &mdash; 18.1%</li>
</ol>
There's another variable to consider. Is the passer hitting the shooter in the optimal spot? For an extreme example, Trae Young hitting Kevin Huerter for a three-point attempt is much more valuable than him dishing it to Clint Capela for a three.
To break this down, we're going to check out <a href="https://shotquality.com/player-stats" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shot Quality</a>, which was created recently by Colgate (shout out Patriot League!) student Simon Gerszberg. Shot Quality basically measures the "quality" of a shot attempt based on a player's prior percentage, the shot value, and <a href="https://shotquality.com/stats-explained" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tons of other variables</a>. I want to focus on a passing metric.
"Shot Quality Assists per Game" is what it sounds like: how many theoretical assists should a player get per game based on the shot quality of the shooters? Here's the top five, with their standard assists per game in parentheses:
<ol>
<li>Chris Paul &mdash; 11.2 (10.4)</li>
<li>James Harden &mdash; 10.7 (9.2)</li>
<li>Luka Doncic &mdash; 10.1 (8.0)</li>
<li>Trae Young &mdash; 9.8 (9.1)</li>
<li>Dejounte Murray, Russell Westbrook &mdash; 8.4 (Murray has 8.1 assists per game, Westbrook has 8.6)</li>
</ol>
Once again, Paul is at the top. Notice Luka Doncic's SQ assists per game hint that he's getting seriously robbed of some higher-quality setups; the same goes for James Harden. It's rare for the difference between the two metrics to be wider than a whole assist. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is again in the same boat, with his 4.4 APG lagging behind his 5.4 SQ APG.&nbsp;
These three stats reach a pretty convincing conclusion: the Point God is most definitely the best passer in the NBA. But don't sleep on a few other names with low assist numbers, particularly SGA and Devin Booker.&nbsp;
I did not include any turnover-based statistics like assist-to-turnover ratio. That's a helpful stat when thinking about general on-ball results. However, it's not good for purely assessing passing; turnovers account for&nbsp;all&nbsp;turnovers (like travels, fouls, etc.) and not just passing turnovers. It includes irrelevant data.
And still, even all the stats in the world don't account for the degrees of difficulty and highlight-reel aspects of some passes. Nikola Jokic may be a tier below some of the stat leaders mentioned, but watch his film and then try to tell someone he's not an absolutely elite passer.&nbsp;
The moral of the story is: don't let assists dictate your discourse. There's a lot more that goes into assessing NBA passing, both in the numbers and on tape.

Passing, as with most basketball attributes, is woefully oversimplified by the box score.&nbsp;
A simple assist count doesn't do justice to the array of dishes and swishes that make up NBA scoring. Assists in themselves are a two-way street, requiring both the passer and scorer to connect on a given play.
How many quality dimes go unrequited because of a missed shot? How many low-quality passes become assists due to a fortunate make? While assists are a great starting point &mdash; they are the most directly valuable pass in the game &mdash; an average does not tell the whole story. No stat can perfectly pinpoint the best passer in the NBA, but I'm going to use a few to try and highlight some of the elite and underrated.
The NBA's official stats database has some nifty tracking numbers for passing. It, of course logs assists, but also total passes, secondary assists (or passes leading to an assist), adjusted assists (assists + secondary assists + passes leading to free throws) and more.&nbsp;
Potential assists are passes that lead to a shot attempt, regardless of a make or miss. Chris Paul, who leads the NBA with 10.4 assists per game, also leads the league with 18.5 potential assists per game. However, this category can highlight some players that might be getting the short end of the stick from their teammates.&nbsp;
My ballpark estimate is that assists make up about 50-60% of potential assists for most NBA players. But let's look at Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He averages only 4.4 assists per game (tied for 48th in the NBA) but is 19th in potential assists with 11.8! Only 37.2% of his potential assists are actually converted by the shooter. SGA has dished out the same total number of assists this year as Domantas Sabonis and Alex Caruso, but it's taken 67 more potential assists to get him there.
Anthony Edwards is in a similar boat. Just 37.4% of his 9.1 potential assists per game actually turn into assists. He may only be averaging 3.4 assists per game, but that does not accurately reflect his passing involvement. The top five in potential assists are:
<ol>
<li>Chris Paul &mdash; 18.5 per game&nbsp;</li>
<li>James Harden &mdash; 18.0 per game</li>
<li>Luka Doncic &mdash; 16.9 per game</li>
<li>Russell Westbrook &mdash; 16.0 per game</li>
<li>Trae Young &mdash; 15.9 per game</li>
</ol>
Assists can also inflate those who take on a larger offensive burden. Players who have the ball in their hands more are bound to make more passes, and likely, rack up more assists. There's a neat stat called "adjusted assists to pass percentage." That's a mouthful, but it's basically asking: What percent of a player's total passes lead to an assist, a secondary assist or free throws?
Paul once again leads in this category; 21.6% of his 56.9 total passes per game become an adjusted assist. Interestingly, right behind him is a Phoenix Suns teammate. Devin Booker may pass the ball less than half as much as CP3, but 20.7% of his passes become an adjusted assist. That's an extremely fun backcourt duo. Your top five in adjusted assists to pass percentage:
<ol>
<li>Chris Paul &mdash; 21.6%</li>
<li>Devin Booker &mdash; 20.7%</li>
<li>Trae Young &mdash; 20.5%</li>
<li>Damian Lillard &mdash; 19.3%</li>
<li>Stephen Curry &mdash; 18.1%</li>
</ol>
There's another variable to consider. Is the passer hitting the shooter in the optimal spot? For an extreme example, Trae Young hitting Kevin Huerter for a three-point attempt is much more valuable than him dishing it to Clint Capela for a three.
To break this down, we're going to check out <a href="https://shotquality.com/player-stats" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shot Quality</a>, which was created recently by Colgate (shout out Patriot League!) student Simon Gerszberg. Shot Quality basically measures the "quality" of a shot attempt based on a player's prior percentage, the shot value, and <a href="https://shotquality.com/stats-explained" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tons of other variables</a>. I want to focus on a passing metric.
"Shot Quality Assists per Game" is what it sounds like: how many theoretical assists should a player get per game based on the shot quality of the shooters? Here's the top-five, with standard assists per game in parentheses:
<ol>
<li>Chris Paul &mdash; 11.2 (10.4)</li>
<li>James Harden &mdash; 10.7 (9.2)</li>
<li>Luka Doncic &mdash; 10.1 (8.0)</li>
<li>Trae Young &mdash; 9.8 (9.1)</li>
<li>Dejounte Murray, Russell Westbrook &mdash; 8.4 (Murray has 8.1 assists per game, Westbrook has 8.6)</li>
</ol>
Once again, Paul is at the top. Notice Luka's SQ assists per game hint that he's getting seriously robbed of some higher-quality setups; the same goes for James Harden. It's rare for the difference between the two metrics to be wider than a whole assist. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is again in the same boat, with his 4.4 APG lagging behind his 5.4 SQ APG.&nbsp;
These three stats reach a pretty convincing conclusion: the Point God is most definitely the best passer in the NBA. But don't sleep on a few other names with low assist numbers, particularly SGA and Devin Booker.&nbsp;
I did not include any turnover-based statistics like assist-to-turnover ratio. That's a helpful stat when thinking about general on-ball results. However, it's not good for purely assessing passing; turnovers account for&nbsp;all&nbsp;turnovers (like travels, fouls, etc.) and not just passing turnovers. It includes irrelevant data.
And still, even all the stats in the world don't account for the degrees of difficulty and highlight-reel aspects of some passes. Nikola Jokic may be a tier below some of the stat leaders mentioned, but watch his film and then try to tell someone he's not an absolutely elite passer.&nbsp;
The moral of the story is: don't let assists dictate your discourse. There's a lot more that goes into assessing NBA passing, both in the numbers and on tape.

Passing, as with most basketball attributes, is woefully oversimplified by the box score.&nbsp;
A simple assist count doesn't do justice to the array of dishes and swishes that make up NBA scoring. Assists in themselves are a two-way street, requiring both the passer and scorer to connect on a given play.
How many quality dimes go unrequited because of a missed shot? How many low-quality passes become assists due to a fortunate make? While assists are a great starting point &mdash; they are the most directly valuable pass in the game &mdash; an average does not tell the whole story. No stat can perfectly pinpoint the best passer in the NBA, but I'm going to use a few to try and highlight some of the elite and underrated.
The NBA's official stats database has some nifty tracking numbers for passing. It, of course logs assists, but also total passes, secondary assists (or passes leading to an assist), adjusted assists (assists + secondary assists + passes leading to free throws) and more.&nbsp;
Potential assists are passes that lead to a shot attempt, regardless of a make or miss. Chris Paul, who leads the NBA with 10.4 assists per game, also leads the league with 18.5 potential assists per game. However, this category can highlight some players that might be getting the short end of the stick from their teammates.&nbsp;
My ballpark estimate is that assists make up about 50-60% of potential assists for most NBA players. But let's look at Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He averages only 4.4 assists per game (tied for 48th in the NBA) but is 19th in potential assists with 11.8! Only 37.2% of his potential assists are actually converted by the shooter. SGA has dished out the same total number of assists this year as Domantas Sabonis and Alex Caruso, but it's taken 67 more potential assists to get him there.
Anthony Edwards is in a similar boat. Just 37.4% of his 9.1 potential assists per game actually turn into assists. He may only be averaging 3.4 assists per game, but that does not accurately reflect his passing involvement. The top five in potential assists are:
<ol>
<li>Chris Paul &mdash; 18.5 per game&nbsp;</li>
<li>James Harden &mdash; 18.0 per game</li>
<li>Luka Doncic &mdash; 16.9 per game</li>
<li>Russell Westbrook &mdash; 16.0 per game</li>
<li>Trae Young &mdash; 15.9 per game</li>
</ol>
Assists can also inflate those who take on a larger offensive burden. Players who have the ball in their hands more are bound to make more passes, and likely, rack up more assists. There's a neat stat called "adjusted assists to pass percentage." That's a mouthful, but it's basically asking: What percent of a player's total passes lead to an assist, a secondary assist or free throws?
Paul once again leads in this category; 21.6% of his 56.9 total passes per game become an adjusted assist. Interestingly, right behind him is a Phoenix Suns teammate. Devin Booker may pass the ball less than half as much as CP3, but 20.7% of his passes become an adjusted assist. That's an extremely fun backcourt duo. Your top five in adjusted assists to pass percentage:
<ol>
<li>Chris Paul &mdash; 21.6%</li>
<li>Devin Booker &mdash; 20.7%</li>
<li>Trae Young &mdash; 20.5%</li>
<li>Damian Lillard &mdash; 19.3%</li>
<li>Stephen Curry &mdash; 18.1%</li>
</ol>
There's another variable to consider. Is the passer hitting the shooter in the optimal spot? For an extreme example, Trae Young hitting Kevin Huerter for a three-point attempt is much more valuable than him dishing it to Clint Capela for a three.
To break this down, we're going to check out <a href="https://shotquality.com/player-stats" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shot Quality</a>, which was created recently by Colgate (shout out Patriot League!) student Simon Gerszberg. Shot Quality basically measures the "quality" of a shot attempt based on a player's prior percentage, the shot value, and <a href="https://shotquality.com/stats-explained" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tons of other variables</a>. I want to focus on a passing metric.
"Shot Quality Assists per Game" is what it sounds like: how many theoretical assists should a player get per game based on the shot quality of the shooters? Here's the top-five, with standard assists per game in parentheses:
<ol>
<li>Chris Paul &mdash; 11.2 (10.4)</li>
<li>James Harden &mdash; 10.7 (9.2)</li>
<li>Luka Doncic &mdash; 10.1 (8.0)</li>
<li>Trae Young &mdash; 9.8 (9.1)</li>
<li>Dejounte Murray, Russell Westbrook &mdash; 8.4 (Murray has 8.1 assists per game, Westbrook has 8.6)</li>
</ol>
Once again, Paul is at the top. Notice Luka's SQ assists per game &mdash; it hints that he's getting seriously robbed of some higher-quality setups; the same goes for James Harden. It's rare for the difference between the two metrics to be wider than a whole assist. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is again in the same boat, with his 4.4 APG lagging behind his 5.4 SQ APG.&nbsp;
These three stats reach a pretty convincing conclusion: the Point God is most definitely the best passer in the NBA. But don't sleep on a few other names with low assist numbers, particularly SGA and Devin Booker.&nbsp;
I did not include any turnover-based statistics like assist-to-turnover ratio. That's a helpful stat when thinking about general on-ball results. However, it's not good for purely assessing passing; turnovers account for&nbsp;all&nbsp;turnovers (like travels, fouls, etc.) and not just passing turnovers. It includes irrelevant data.
And still, even all the stats in the world don't account for the degrees of difficulty and highlight-reel aspects of some passes. Nikola Jokic may be a tier below some of the stat leaders mentioned, but watch his film and then try to tell someone he's not an absolutely elite passer.&nbsp;
The moral of the story is: don't let assists dictate your discourse. There's a lot more that goes into assessing NBA passing, both in the numbers and on tape.

Passing, as with most basketball attributes, is woefully oversimplified by the box score.&nbsp;
A simple assist count doesn't do justice to the array of dishes and swishes that make up NBA scoring. Assists in themselves are a two-way street, requiring both the passer and scorer to connect on a given play.
How many quality dimes go unrequited because of a missed shot? How many low-quality passes become assists due to a fortunate make? While assists are a great starting point &mdash; they are the most directly valuable pass in the game &mdash; an average does not tell the whole story. No stat can perfectly pinpoint the best passer in the NBA, but I'm going to use a few to try and highlight some of the elite and underrated.
The NBA's official stats database has some nifty tracking numbers for passing. It, of course logs assists, but also total passes, secondary assists (or passes leading to an assist), adjusted assists (assists + secondary assists + passes leading to free throws) and more.&nbsp;
Potential assists are passes that lead to a shot attempt, regardless of a make or miss. Chris Paul, who leads the NBA with 10.4 assists per game, also leads the league with 18.5 potential assists per game. However, this category can highlight some players that might be getting the short end of the stick from their teammates.&nbsp;
My ballpark estimate is that assists make up about 50-60% of potential assists for most NBA players. But let's look at Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He averages only 4.4 assists per game (tied for 48th in the NBA) but is 19th in potential assists with 11.8! Only 37.2% of his potential assists are actually converted by the shooter. SGA has dished out the same total number of assists this year as Domantas Sabonis and Alex Caruso, but it's taken 67 more potential assists to get him there.
Anthony Edwards is in a similar boat. Just 37.4% of his 9.1 potential assists per game actually turn into assists. He may only be averaging 3.4 assists per game, but that does not accurately reflect his passing involvement. The top five in potential assists are:
<ol>
<li>Chris Paul &mdash; 18.5 per game&nbsp;</li>
<li>James Harden &mdash; 18.0 per game</li>
<li>Luka Doncic &mdash; 16.9 per game</li>
<li>Russell Westbrook &mdash; 16.0 per game</li>
<li>Trae Young &mdash; 15.9 per game</li>
</ol>
Assists can also inflate those who take on a larger offensive burden. Players who have the ball in their hands more are bound to make more passes, and likely, rack up more assists. There's a neat stat called "adjusted assists to pass percentage." That's a mouthful, but it's basically asking: What percent of a player's total passes lead to an assist, a secondary assist or free throws?
Paul once again leads in this category; 21.6% of his 56.9 total passes per game become an adjusted assist. Interestingly, right behind him is a Phoenix Suns teammate. Devin Booker may pass the ball less than half as much as CP3, but 20.7% of his passes become an adjusted assist. That's an extremely fun backcourt duo. Your top five in adjusted assists to pass percentage:
<ol>
<li>Chris Paul &mdash; 21.6%</li>
<li>Devin Booker &mdash; 20.7%</li>
<li>Trae Young &mdash; 20.5%</li>
<li>Damian Lillard &mdash; 19.3%</li>
<li>Stephen Curry &mdash; 18.1%</li>
</ol>
There's another variable to consider. Is the passer hitting the shooter in the optimal spot? For an extreme example, Trae Young hitting Kevin Huerter for a three-point attempt is much more valuable than him dishing it to Clint Capela for a three.
To break this down, we're going to check out <a href="https://shotquality.com/player-stats" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shot Quality</a>, which was created recently by Colgate (shout out Patriot League!) student Simon Gerszberg. Shot Quality basically measures the "quality" of a shot attempt based on a player's prior percentage, the shot value, and <a href="https://shotquality.com/stats-explained" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tons of other variables</a>. I want to focus on a passing metric.
"Shot Quality Assists per Game" is what it sounds like: how many theoretical assists should a player get per game based on the shot quality of the shooters? Here's the top-five, with standard assists per game in parentheses:
<ol>
<li>Chris Paul &mdash; 11.2 (10.4)</li>
<li>James Harden &mdash; 10.7 (9.2)</li>
<li>Luka Doncic &mdash; 10.1 (8.0)</li>
<li>Trae Young &mdash; 9.8 (9.1)</li>
<li>Dejounte Murray, Russell Westbrook &mdash; 8.4 (Murray has 8.1 assists per game, Westbrook has 8.6)</li>
</ol>
Once again, Paul is at the top. Notice Luka's SQ assists per game &mdash; the figure hints that he's getting seriously robbed of some higher-quality setups; the same goes for James Harden. It's rare for the difference between the two metrics to be wider than a whole assist. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is again in the same boat, with his 4.4 APG lagging behind his 5.4 SQ APG.&nbsp;
These three stats reach a pretty convincing conclusion: the Point God is most definitely the best passer in the NBA. But don't sleep on a few other names with low assist numbers, particularly SGA and Devin Booker.&nbsp;
I did not include any turnover-based statistics like assist-to-turnover ratio. That's a helpful stat when thinking about general on-ball results. However, it's not good for purely assessing passing; turnovers account for&nbsp;all&nbsp;turnovers (like travels, fouls, etc.) and not just passing turnovers. It includes irrelevant data.
And still, even all the stats in the world don't account for the degrees of difficulty and highlight-reel aspects of some passes. Nikola Jokic may be a tier below some of the stat leaders mentioned, but watch his film and then try to tell someone he's not an absolutely elite passer.&nbsp;
The moral of the story is: don't let assists dictate your discourse. There's a lot more that goes into assessing NBA passing, both in the numbers and on tape.

Passing, as with most basketball attributes, is woefully oversimplified by the box score.&nbsp;
A simple assist count doesn't do justice to the array of dishes and swishes that make up NBA scoring. Assists in themselves are a two-way street, requiring both the passer and scorer to connect on a given play.
How many quality dimes go unrequited because of a missed shot? How many low-quality passes become assists due to a fortunate make? While assists are a great starting point &mdash; they are the most directly valuable pass in the game &mdash; an average does not tell the whole story. No stat can perfectly pinpoint the best passer in the NBA, but I'm going to use a few to try and highlight some of the elite and underrated.
The NBA's official stats database has some nifty tracking numbers for passing. It, of course logs assists, but also total passes, secondary assists (or passes leading to an assist), adjusted assists (assists + secondary assists + passes leading to free throws) and more.&nbsp;
Potential assists are passes that lead to a shot attempt, regardless of a make or miss. Chris Paul, who leads the NBA with 10.4 assists per game, also leads the league with 18.5 potential assists per game. However, this category can highlight some players that might be getting the short end of the stick from their teammates.&nbsp;
My ballpark estimate is that assists make up about 50-60% of potential assists for most NBA players. But let's look at Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He averages only 4.4 assists per game (tied for 48th in the NBA) but is 19th in potential assists with 11.8! Only 37.2% of his potential assists are actually converted by the shooter. SGA has dished out the same total number of assists this year as Domantas Sabonis and Alex Caruso, but it's taken 67 more potential assists to get him there.
Anthony Edwards is in a similar boat. Just 37.4% of his 9.1 potential assists per game actually turn into assists. He may only be averaging 3.4 assists per game, but that does not accurately reflect his passing involvement. The top five in potential assists are:
<ol>
<li>Chris Paul &mdash; 18.5 per game&nbsp;</li>
<li>James Harden &mdash; 18.0 per game</li>
<li>Luka Doncic &mdash; 16.9 per game</li>
<li>Russell Westbrook &mdash; 16.0 per game</li>
<li>Trae Young &mdash; 15.9 per game</li>
</ol>
Assists can also inflate those who take on a larger offensive burden. Players who have the ball in their hands more are bound to make more passes, and likely, rack up more assists. There's a neat stat called "adjusted assists to pass percentage." That's a mouthful, but it's basically asking: What percent of a player's total passes lead to an assist, a secondary assist or free throws?
Paul once again leads in this category; 21.6% of his 56.9 total passes per game become an adjusted assist. Interestingly, right behind him is a Phoenix Suns teammate. Devin Booker may pass the ball less than half as much as CP3, but 20.7% of his passes become an adjusted assist. That's an extremely fun backcourt duo. Your top five in adjusted assists to pass percentage:
<ol>
<li>Chris Paul &mdash; 21.6%</li>
<li>Devin Booker &mdash; 20.7%</li>
<li>Trae Young &mdash; 20.5%</li>
<li>Damian Lillard &mdash; 19.3%</li>
<li>Stephen Curry &mdash; 18.1%</li>
</ol>
There's another variable to consider. Is the passer hitting the shooter in the optimal spot? For an extreme example, Trae Young hitting Kevin Huerter for a three-point attempt is much more valuable than him dishing it to Clint Capela for a three.
To break this down, we're going to check out <a href="https://shotquality.com/player-stats" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shot Quality</a>, which was created recently by Colgate (shout out Patriot League!) student Simon Gerszberg. Shot Quality basically measures the "quality" of a shot attempt based on a player's prior percentage, the shot value, and <a href="https://shotquality.com/stats-explained" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tons of other variables</a>. I want to focus on a passing metric.
"Shot Quality Assists per Game" is what it sounds like: how many theoretical assists should a player get per game based on the shot quality of the shooters? Here's the top-five, with standard assists per game in parentheses:
<ol>
<li>Chris Paul &mdash; 11.2 (10.4)</li>
<li>James Harden &mdash; 10.7 (9.2)</li>
<li>Luka Doncic &mdash; 10.1 (8.0)</li>
<li>Trae Young &mdash; 9.8 (9.1)</li>
<li>Dejounte Murray, Russell Westbrook &mdash; 8.4 (Murray has 8.1 assists per game, Westbrook has 8.6)</li>
</ol>
Once again, Paul is at the top. Notice Luka's SQ assists per game &mdash; the figure hints that he's getting seriously robbed of some higher-quality setups; the same goes for Harden. It's rare for the difference between the two metrics to be wider than a whole assist. Gilgeous-Alexander is again in the same boat, with his 4.4 APG lagging behind his 5.4 SQ APG.&nbsp;
These three stats reach a pretty convincing conclusion: the Point God is most definitely the best passer in the NBA. But don't sleep on a few other names with low assist numbers, particularly SGA and Devin Booker.&nbsp;
I did not include any turnover-based statistics like assist-to-turnover ratio. That's a helpful stat when thinking about general on-ball results. However, it's not good for purely assessing passing; turnovers account for&nbsp;all&nbsp;turnovers (like travels, fouls, etc.) and not just passing turnovers. It includes irrelevant data.
And still, even all the stats in the world don't account for the degrees of difficulty and highlight-reel aspects of some passes. Nikola Jokic may be a tier below some of the stat leaders mentioned, but watch his film and then try to tell someone he's not an absolutely elite passer.&nbsp;
The moral of the story is: don't let assists dictate your discourse. There's a lot more that goes into assessing NBA passing, both in the numbers and on tape.

Passing, as with most basketball attributes, is woefully oversimplified by the box score.&nbsp;
A simple assist count doesn't do justice to the array of dishes and swishes that make up NBA scoring. Assists in themselves are a two-way street, requiring both the passer and scorer to connect on a given play.
How many quality dimes go unrequited because of a missed shot? How many low-quality passes become assists due to a fortunate make? While assists are a great starting point &mdash; they are the most directly valuable pass in the game &mdash; an average does not tell the whole story. No stat can perfectly pinpoint the best passer in the NBA, but I'm going to use a few to try and highlight some of the elite and underrated.
The NBA's official stats database has some nifty tracking numbers for passing. It, of course logs assists, but also total passes, secondary assists (or passes leading to an assist), adjusted assists (assists + secondary assists + passes leading to free throws) and more.&nbsp;
Potential assists are passes that lead to a shot attempt, regardless of a make or miss. Chris Paul, who leads the NBA with 10.4 assists per game, also leads the league with 18.5 potential assists per game. However, this category can highlight some players that might be getting the short end of the stick from their teammates.&nbsp;
My ballpark estimate is that assists make up about 50-60% of potential assists for most NBA players. But let's look at Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He averages only 4.4 assists per game (tied for 48th in the NBA) but is 19th in potential assists with 11.8! Only 37.2% of his potential assists are actually converted by the shooter. SGA has dished out the same total number of assists this year as Domantas Sabonis and Alex Caruso, but it's taken 67 more potential assists to get him there.
Anthony Edwards is in a similar boat. Just 37.4% of his 9.1 potential assists per game actually turn into assists. He may only be averaging 3.4 assists per game, but that does not accurately reflect his passing involvement. The top five in potential assists are:
<ol>
<li>Chris Paul &mdash; 18.5 per game&nbsp;</li>
<li>James Harden &mdash; 18.0 per game</li>
<li>Luka Doncic &mdash; 16.9 per game</li>
<li>Russell Westbrook &mdash; 16.0 per game</li>
<li>Trae Young &mdash; 15.9 per game</li>
</ol>
Assists can also inflate those who take on a larger offensive burden. Players who have the ball in their hands more are bound to make more passes, and likely, rack up more assists. There's a neat stat called "adjusted assists to pass percentage." That's a mouthful, but it's basically asking: What percent of a player's total passes lead to an assist, a secondary assist or free throws?
Paul once again leads in this category; 21.6% of his 56.9 total passes per game become an adjusted assist. Interestingly, right behind him is a Phoenix Suns teammate. Devin Booker may pass the ball less than half as much as CP3, but 20.7% of his passes become an adjusted assist. That's an extremely fun backcourt duo. Your top five in adjusted assists to pass percentage:
<ol>
<li>Chris Paul &mdash; 21.6%</li>
<li>Devin Booker &mdash; 20.7%</li>
<li>Trae Young &mdash; 20.5%</li>
<li>Damian Lillard &mdash; 19.3%</li>
<li>Stephen Curry &mdash; 18.1%</li>
</ol>
There's another variable to consider. Is the passer hitting the shooter in the optimal spot? For an extreme example, Trae Young hitting Kevin Huerter for a three-point attempt is much more valuable than him dishing it to Clint Capela for a three.
To break this down, we're going to check out <a href="https://shotquality.com/player-stats" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shot Quality</a>, which was created recently by Colgate (shout out Patriot League!) student Simon Gerszberg. Shot Quality basically measures the "quality" of a shot attempt based on a player's prior percentage, the shot value, and <a href="https://shotquality.com/stats-explained" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tons of other variables</a>. I want to focus on a passing metric.
"Shot Quality Assists per Game" is what it sounds like: how many theoretical assists should a player get per game based on the shot quality of the shooters? Here's the top-five, with standard assists per game in parentheses:
<ol>
<li>Chris Paul &mdash; 11.2 (10.4)</li>
<li>James Harden &mdash; 10.7 (9.2)</li>
<li>Luka Doncic &mdash; 10.1 (8.0)</li>
<li>Trae Young &mdash; 9.8 (9.1)</li>
<li>Dejounte Murray, Russell Westbrook &mdash; 8.4 (Murray has 8.1 assists per game, Westbrook has 8.6)</li>
</ol>
Once again, Paul is at the top. Notice Luka's SQ assists per game &mdash; the figure hints that he's getting seriously robbed of some higher-quality setups; the same goes for Harden. It's rare for the difference between the two metrics to be wider than a whole assist. Gilgeous-Alexander is again in the same boat, with his 4.4 APG lagging behind his 5.4 SQ APG.&nbsp;
These three stats reach a pretty convincing conclusion: the Point God is most definitely the best passer in the NBA. But don't sleep on a few other names with low assist numbers, particularly SGA and Devin Booker.&nbsp;
I did not include any turnover-based statistics like assist-to-turnover ratio. That's a helpful stat when thinking about general on-ball results. However, it's not good for purely assessing passing; turnovers account for&nbsp;all&nbsp;turnovers (like travels, fouls, etc.) and not just passing turnovers. It includes irrelevant data.
And still, even all the stats in the world don't account for the degrees of difficulty and highlight-reel aspects of some passes. Nikola Jokic may be a tier below some of the stat leaders mentioned, but watch his film and then try to tell someone he's not an absolutely elite passer.&nbsp;
The moral of the story? Don't let assists dictate your discourse. There's a lot more that goes into assessing NBA passing, both in the numbers and on tape.

Passing, as with most basketball attributes, is woefully oversimplified by the box score.&nbsp;
A simple assist count doesn't do justice to the array of dishes and swishes that make up NBA scoring. Assists in themselves are a two-way street, requiring both the passer and scorer to connect on a given play.
How many quality dimes go unrequited because of a missed shot? How many low-quality passes become assists due to a fortunate make? While assists are a great starting point &mdash; they are the most directly valuable pass in the game &mdash; an average does not tell the whole story. No stat can perfectly pinpoint the best passer in the NBA, but I'm going to use a few to try and highlight some of the elite and underrated.
The NBA's official stats database has some nifty tracking numbers for passing. It, of course logs assists, but also total passes, secondary assists (or passes leading to an assist), adjusted assists (assists + secondary assists + passes leading to free throws) and more.&nbsp;
Potential assists are passes that lead to a shot attempt, regardless of a make or miss. Chris Paul, who leads the NBA with 10.4 assists per game, also leads the league with 18.5 potential assists per game. However, this category can highlight some players that might be getting the short end of the stick from their teammates.&nbsp;
My ballpark estimate is that assists make up about 50-60% of potential assists for most NBA players. But let's look at Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He averages only 4.4 assists per game (tied for 48th in the NBA) but is 19th in potential assists with 11.8! Only 37.2% of his potential assists are actually converted by the shooter. SGA has dished out the same total number of assists this year as Domantas Sabonis and Alex Caruso, but it's taken 67 more potential assists to get him there.
Anthony Edwards is in a similar boat. Just 37.4% of his 9.1 potential assists per game actually turn into assists. He may only be averaging 3.4 assists per game, but that does not accurately reflect his passing involvement. The top five in potential assists are:
<ol>
<li>Chris Paul &mdash; 18.5 per game&nbsp;</li>
<li>James Harden &mdash; 18.0 per game</li>
<li>Luka Doncic &mdash; 16.9 per game</li>
<li>Russell Westbrook &mdash; 16.0 per game</li>
<li>Trae Young &mdash; 15.9 per game</li>
</ol>
Assists can also inflate those who take on a larger offensive burden. Players who have the ball in their hands more are bound to make more passes, and likely, rack up more assists. There's a neat stat called "adjusted assists to pass percentage." That's a mouthful, but it's basically asking: What percent of a player's total passes lead to an assist, a secondary assist or free throws?
Paul once again leads in this category; 21.6% of his 56.9 total passes per game become an adjusted assist. Interestingly, right behind him is a Phoenix Suns teammate. Devin Booker may pass the ball less than half as much as CP3, but 20.7% of his passes become an adjusted assist. That's an extremely fun backcourt duo. Your top five in adjusted assists to pass percentage:
<ol>
<li>Chris Paul &mdash; 21.6%</li>
<li>Devin Booker &mdash; 20.7%</li>
<li>Trae Young &mdash; 20.5%</li>
<li>Damian Lillard &mdash; 19.3%</li>
<li>Stephen Curry &mdash; 18.1%</li>
</ol>
There's another variable to consider. Is the passer hitting the shooter in the optimal spot? For an extreme example, Trae Young hitting Kevin Huerter for a three-point attempt is much more valuable than him dishing it to Clint Capela for a three.
To break this down, we're going to check out <a href="https://shotquality.com/player-stats" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shot Quality</a>, which was created recently by Colgate (shout out Patriot League!) student Simon Gerszberg. Shot Quality basically measures the "quality" of a shot attempt based on a player's prior percentage, the shot value, and <a href="https://shotquality.com/stats-explained" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tons of other variables</a>. I want to focus on a passing metric.
"Shot Quality Assists per Game" is what it sounds like: how many theoretical assists should a player get per game based on the shot quality of the shooters? Here's the top-five, with standard assists per game in parentheses:
<ol>
<li>Chris Paul &mdash; 11.2 (10.4)</li>
<li>James Harden &mdash; 10.7 (9.2)</li>
<li>Luka Doncic &mdash; 10.1 (8.0)</li>
<li>Trae Young &mdash; 9.8 (9.1)</li>
<li>Dejounte Murray, Russell Westbrook &mdash; 8.4 (Murray has 8.1 assists per game, Westbrook has 8.6)</li>
</ol>
Once again, Paul is at the top. Notice Luka's SQ assists per game &mdash; the figure hints that he's getting seriously robbed of some higher-quality setups; the same goes for Harden. It's rare for the difference between the two metrics to be wider than a whole assist. Gilgeous-Alexander is again in the same boat, with his 4.4 APG lagging behind his 5.4 SQ APG.&nbsp;
These three stats reach a pretty convincing conclusion: the Point God is most definitely the best passer in the NBA. But don't sleep on a few other names with low assist numbers, particularly SGA and Devin Booker.&nbsp;
I did not include any turnover-based statistics like assist-to-turnover ratio. That's a helpful stat when thinking about general on-ball results. However, it's not good for purely assessing passing; turnovers account for&nbsp;all&nbsp;turnovers (like travels, fouls, etc.) and not just passing turnovers. It includes irrelevant data.
And still, even all the stats in the world don't account for the degrees of difficulty and highlight-reel aspects of some passes. Nikola Jokic may be a tier below some of the stat leaders mentioned, but watch his film and then try to tell someone he's not an absolutely elite passer.&nbsp;
The moral of the story? Don't let assists dictate your discourse. There's a lot more that goes into assessing NBA passing&nbsp; both in the numbers and on tape.

Ethan Fuller takes a look at stats that reveal the best passers in the NBA.

Stats Notebook: Journeying to find the NBA's best passers

Only two new teams join the Sour Rankings this week, and they're a couple of squads who have recently been ransacked by the injury bug.
The Cleveland Cavaliers and Denver Nuggets have already battled minor ailments across parts of the roster, but the loss of Collin Sexton and potential long-term loss of Michael Porter Jr. loom large for both franchises. The two teams got off to fantastic starts this season, but as is the case in the NBA, things suddenly feel very different from two weeks ago.
If you're new to the Sour Rankings, here's a refresher: Unlike the typical "power rankings" that repeat themselves throughout sports media, Sour Rankings are a bizarro-world counter. These rankings highlight the top-10 most frustrating NBA franchises throughout the season, and they will be updated every week to match the twists and turns of the league.&nbsp;
This is not merely a bottom-10 of your typical best-to-worst power rankings. You will see championship contenders and playoff hopefuls mixed in with struggling squads. Teams well under .500 may never touch the Sour Rankings because they are on track with their respective processes. Injuries, drama, transactions and generally underwhelming play will earn you a spot on this list.
The central question is ultimately this: How good should you feel about the direction of each franchise? Some teams value wins this season and are pursuing a title, while others are looking down the road at long-term pieces. Let's get going:
Escaping the Sour Rankings:&nbsp;It should surprise absolutely no one that the Milwaukee Bucks have won three straight as their roster finally gets close to full health. The Celtics also break free of the rankings by showing some sustained defensive improvement. They're back up over .500 and are 7-3 in their last 10 games.&nbsp;
10. Cleveland Cavaliers (9-8)
Collin Sexton is going to miss the rest of the season after having surgery on his left meniscus. That's a brutal blow for Sexton, who will enter next summer as a restricted free agent, and the Cavs, who have needed him to bolster an offense that ranks 29th in the league over the past two weeks. Cleveland lost three tough matchups against the Celtics, Nets and Warriors this past week, but the Cavs now have to regroup without their best scorer.
(Last week: Unranked)
9. Atlanta Hawks (8-9)
Winners of their last four, the Hawks have created some solid momentum ahead of a three-game Western Conference road trip. They put up at least 110 points in all three of last week's wins over the Magic, Celtics and Hornets, and now have the third-best offensive rating in the NBA over the past two weeks (per Cleaning the Glass). It's not enough to get them out of the Sour Rankings yet. But with games against the Thunder, Spurs, Grizzlies and Knicks upcoming, Atlanta can really hit the gas pedal.
(Last week: 3)
8. Minnesota Timberwolves (7-9)
Last week felt very, very important for the Timberwolves, who went 3-1 with their lone loss coming in a respectable 99-96 defeat to the red-hot Suns. Minnesota held every single one of its opponents under 100 points in a much-needed defensive resurgence.
Jarred Vanderbilt has started the last six games next to Karl-Anthony Towns in the frontcourt. Minnesota is 4-2 in those contests, with the lone serious blemish being a 27-point loss to the Clippers. Vanderbilt is an awesome player and a great fit so far.
(Last week: 2)
7. Memphis Grizzlies (8-8)
Here's another squad that has appeared to somewhat right the ship after tumbling down the Sour Rankings last week. Memphis rolled through the Rockets and Clippers before getting steamrolled themselves in a 138-95 loss to Minnesota. That loss underscores the persistent defensive woes. The Grizzlies didn't exactly lock up Houston and LAC, and when their offense went cold, the Wolves trampled them. Memphis is last in opponent Effective Field Goal percentage (56.3%) this season.
(Last week: 4)
6. Denver Nuggets (9-8)
Denver has lost four straight contests, and is scrambling to find some consistent offensive help for Nikola Jokic. But the far bigger worry is the recent report of Michael Porter Jr.'s potentially season-ending nerve problem in his back. According to The Denver Post's Mike Singer, Porter could be lined up for his third surgery in five years. It's a sobering reminder of why the talented wing fell so far in the 2018 NBA Draft.
(Last week: Unranked)
5. Sacramento Kings (6-11)
We have our first head coach ousting of the season! <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/kings-fire-head-coach-luke-walton" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Luke Walton is gone</a> and Alvin Gentry is his interim replacement, and I would actually be surprised if Kings fans were upset by all of this. Outside of his fill-in run with the Warriors, Walton has never coached an NBA team to a winning season. He finished 68-93 in Sacramento. Still, any midseason firing is a clear sign that said NBA franchise is in the wrong place.
(Last week: 5)
4. New York Knicks (9-8)
The Knicks may have gone 2-2, but those weren't exactly inspiring wins against the Pacers and Rockets, and they also lost to the Magic and Bulls. New York has the 26th-ranked offense in the league over the last two weeks. RJ Barrett is still searching for his lost jumper, and has lagged on the defensive end. Kemba Walker sat out the closing minutes against Chicago, and rightfully so, given his struggles on defense. This team has a lot to figure out, and they'll have time with just one game before Thanksgiving.
(Last week: 7)
3. Los Angeles Lakers (9-9)
LeBron James was ejected last night for the elbow he threw on Isaiah Stewart. That storyline veered off from the game itself &mdash; the Lakers barely hung on to beat the lowly Pistons &mdash; but it's pretty symbolic of the frustrating year to date. L.A. lost a close contest to the Bucks and was blown out by Boston in the 1-2 week, even with LeBron making his return.
The biggest, bright spot seems to be Talen Horton-Tucker right now, and as fun as he is, that's not a good sign for an alleged championship contender. L.A. is 26th in net rating over the past two weeks.
(Last week: 6)
2. Houston Rockets (1-15)
At a certain point, winning does count toward building a culture on a young team. That's simply not happening for the Rockets, who are losers of their last 14 contests. While the prospects are enduring their learning curves, the veteran talent hasn't exactly helped out, either. According to NBA Stats, Houston has given up the most wide open shots per game this season (where a defender is no closer than six feet away).
Offensively, the Rockets aren't shooting well from anywhere on the court, even with Eric Gordon making 43.1% of his threes. This is just a miserable team to watch without nearly enough upside shining through.
(Last week: 8)
1. New Orleans Pelicans (3-15)
The Pelicans pulled off a rare win in a 94-81 grind against the Los Angeles Clippers this week. That didn't stop them from going 1-3 in depressing fashion. Not much has changed here.
I'll throw in a positive: Herb Jones has been a very solid contributor as a second-round rookie. The 23-year-old has picked up a steal and a block in each of his last three games. He's made 61.8% of his shots inside of three feet from the hoop and is 5-for-14 from long range (35.7%).&nbsp;
(Last week: 1)

Only two new teams join the Sour Rankings this week, and they're a couple of squads who have recently been ransacked by the injury bug.
The Cleveland Cavaliers and Denver Nuggets have already battled minor ailments across parts of the roster, but the loss of Collin Sexton and potential long-term loss of Michael Porter Jr. loom large for both franchises. The two teams got off to fantastic starts this season, but as is the case in the NBA, things suddenly feel very different from two weeks ago.
If you're new to the Sour Rankings, here's a refresher: Unlike the typical "power rankings" that repeat themselves throughout sports media, Sour Rankings are a bizarro-world counter. These rankings highlight the top-10 most frustrating NBA franchises throughout the season, and they will be updated every week to match the twists and turns of the league.&nbsp;
This is not merely a bottom-10 of your typical best-to-worst power rankings. You will see championship contenders and playoff hopefuls mixed in with struggling squads. Teams well under .500 may never touch the Sour Rankings because they are on track with their respective processes. Injuries, drama, transactions and generally underwhelming play will earn you a spot on this list.
The central question is ultimately this: How good should you feel about the direction of each franchise? Some teams value wins this season and are in pursuit of a title, while others are looking down the road at long-term pieces. Let's get going:
Escaping the Sour Rankings:&nbsp;It should surprise absolutely no one that the Milwaukee Bucks have won three straight as their roster finally gets close to full health. The Celtics also break free of the rankings by showing some sustained defensive improvement. They're back up over .500 and are 7-3 in their last 10 games.&nbsp;
10. Cleveland Cavaliers (9-8)
Collin Sexton is going to miss the rest of the season after having surgery on his left meniscus. That's a brutal blow for Sexton, who will enter next summer as a restricted free agent, and the Cavs, who have needed him to bolster an offense that ranks 29th in the league over the past two weeks. Cleveland lost three tough matchups against the Celtics, Nets and Warriors this past week, but the Cavs now have to regroup without their best scorer.
(Last week: Unranked)
9. Atlanta Hawks (8-9)
Winners of their last four, the Hawks have created some solid momentum ahead of a three-game Western Conference road trip. They put up at least 110 points in all three of last week's wins over the Magic, Celtics and Hornets, and now have the third-best offensive rating in the NBA over the past two weeks (per Cleaning the Glass). It's not enough to get them out of the Sour Rankings yet. But with games against the Thunder, Spurs, Grizzlies and Knicks upcoming, Atlanta can really hit the gas pedal.
(Last week: 3)
8. Minnesota Timberwolves (7-9)
Last week felt very, very important for the Timberwolves, who went 3-1 with their lone loss coming in a respectable 99-96 defeat to the red-hot Suns. Minnesota held every single one of its opponents under 100 points in a much-needed defensive resurgence.
Jarred Vanderbilt has started the last six games next to Karl-Anthony Towns in the frontcourt. Minnesota is 4-2 in those contests, with the lone serious blemish being a 27-point loss to the Clippers. Vanderbilt is an awesome player and a great fit so far.
(Last week: 2)
7. Memphis Grizzlies (8-8)
Here's another squad that has appeared to somewhat right the ship after tumbling down the Sour Rankings last week. Memphis rolled through the Rockets and Clippers before getting steamrolled themselves in a 138-95 loss to Minnesota. That loss underscores the persistent defensive woes. The Grizzlies didn't exactly lock up Houston and LAC, and when their offense went cold, the Wolves trampled them. Memphis is last in opponent Effective Field Goal percentage (56.3%) this season.
(Last week: 4)
6. Denver Nuggets (9-8)
Denver has lost four straight contests, and is scrambling to find some consistent offensive help for Nikola Jokic. But the far bigger worry is the recent report of Michael Porter Jr.'s potentially season-ending nerve problem in his back. According to The Denver Post's Mike Singer, Porter could be lined up for his third surgery in five years. It's a sobering reminder of why the talented wing fell so far in the 2018 NBA Draft.
(Last week: Unranked)
5. Sacramento Kings (6-11)
We have our first head coach ousting of the season! <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/kings-fire-head-coach-luke-walton" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Luke Walton is gone</a> and Alvin Gentry is his interim replacement, and I would actually be surprised if Kings fans were upset by all of this. Outside of his fill-in run with the Warriors, Walton has never coached an NBA team to a winning season. He finished 68-93 in Sacramento. Still, any midseason firing is a clear sign that said NBA franchise is in the wrong place.
(Last week: 5)
4. New York Knicks (9-8)
The Knicks may have gone 2-2, but those weren't exactly inspiring wins against the Pacers and Rockets, and they also lost to the Magic and Bulls. New York has the 26th-ranked offense in the league over the last two weeks. RJ Barrett is still searching for his lost jumper, and has lagged on the defensive end. Kemba Walker sat out the closing minutes against Chicago, and rightfully so, given his struggles on defense. This team has a lot to figure out, and they'll have time with just one game before Thanksgiving.
(Last week: 7)
3. Los Angeles Lakers (9-9)
LeBron James was ejected last night for the elbow he threw on Isaiah Stewart. That storyline veered off from the game itself &mdash; the Lakers barely hung on to beat the lowly Pistons &mdash; but it's pretty symbolic of the frustrating year to date. L.A. lost a close contest to the Bucks and was blown out by Boston in the 1-2 week, even with LeBron making his return.
The biggest, bright spot seems to be Talen Horton-Tucker right now, and as fun as he is, that's not a good sign for an alleged championship contender. L.A. is 26th in net rating over the past two weeks.
(Last week: 6)
2. Houston Rockets (1-15)
At a certain point, winning does count toward building a culture on a young team. That's simply not happening for the Rockets, who are losers of their last 14 contests. While the prospects are enduring their learning curves, the veteran talent hasn't exactly helped out, either. According to NBA Stats, Houston has given up the most wide open shots per game this season (where a defender is no closer than six feet away).
Offensively, the Rockets aren't shooting well from anywhere on the court, even with Eric Gordon making 43.1% of his threes. This is just a miserable team to watch without nearly enough upside shining through.
(Last week: 8)
1. New Orleans Pelicans (3-15)
The Pelicans pulled off a rare win in a 94-81 grind against the Los Angeles Clippers this week. That didn't stop them from going 1-3 in depressing fashion. Not much has changed here.
I'll throw in a positive: Herb Jones has been a very solid contributor as a second-round rookie. The 23-year-old has picked up a steal and a block in each of his last three games. He's made 61.8% of his shots inside of three feet from the hoop and is 5-for-14 from long range (35.7%).&nbsp;
(Last week: 1)

Only two new teams join the Sour Rankings this week, and they're a couple of squads who have recently been ransacked by the injury bug.
The Cleveland Cavaliers and Denver Nuggets have already battled minor ailments across parts of the roster, but the loss of Collin Sexton and potential long-term loss of Michael Porter Jr. loom large for both franchises. The two teams got off to fantastic starts this season, but as is the case in the NBA, things suddenly feel very different from two weeks ago.
If you're new to the Sour Rankings, here's a refresher: Unlike the typical "power rankings" that repeat themselves throughout sports media, Sour Rankings are a bizarro-world counter. These rankings highlight the top-10 most frustrating NBA franchises throughout the season, and they will be updated every week to match the twists and turns of the league.&nbsp;
This is not merely a bottom-10 of your typical best-to-worst power rankings. You will see championship contenders and playoff hopefuls mixed in with struggling squads. Teams well under .500 may never touch the Sour Rankings because they are on track with their respective processes. Injuries, drama, transactions and generally underwhelming play will earn you a spot on this list.
The central question is ultimately this: How good should you feel about the direction of each franchise? Let's get going:
Escaping the Sour Rankings:&nbsp;It should surprise absolutely no one that the Milwaukee Bucks have won three straight as their roster finally gets close to full health. The Celtics also break free of the rankings by showing some sustained defensive improvement. They're back up over .500 and are 7-3 in their last 10 games.&nbsp;
10. Cleveland Cavaliers (9-8)
Collin Sexton is going to miss the rest of the season after having surgery on his left meniscus. That's a brutal blow for Sexton, who will enter next summer as a restricted free agent, and the Cavs, who have needed him to bolster an offense that ranks 29th in the league over the past two weeks. Cleveland lost three tough matchups against the Celtics, Nets and Warriors this past week, but the Cavs now have to regroup without their best scorer.
(Last week: Unranked)
9. Atlanta Hawks (8-9)
Winners of their last four, the Hawks have created some solid momentum ahead of a three-game Western Conference road trip. They put up at least 110 points in all three of last week's wins over the Magic, Celtics and Hornets, and now have the third-best offensive rating in the NBA over the past two weeks (per Cleaning the Glass). It's not enough to get them out of the Sour Rankings yet. But with games against the Thunder, Spurs, Grizzlies and Knicks upcoming, Atlanta can really hit the gas pedal.
(Last week: 3)
8. Minnesota Timberwolves (7-9)
Last week felt very, very important for the Timberwolves, who went 3-1 with their lone loss coming in a respectable 99-96 defeat to the red-hot Suns. Minnesota held every single one of its opponents under 100 points in a much-needed defensive resurgence.
Jarred Vanderbilt has started the last six games next to Karl-Anthony Towns in the frontcourt. Minnesota is 4-2 in those contests, with the lone serious blemish being a 27-point loss to the Clippers. Vanderbilt is an awesome player and a great fit so far.
(Last week: 2)
7. Memphis Grizzlies (8-8)
Here's another squad that has appeared to somewhat right the ship after tumbling down the Sour Rankings last week. Memphis rolled through the Rockets and Clippers before getting steamrolled themselves in a 138-95 loss to Minnesota. That loss underscores the persistent defensive woes. The Grizzlies didn't exactly lock up Houston and LAC, and when their offense went cold, the Wolves trampled them. Memphis is last in opponent Effective Field Goal percentage (56.3%) this season.
(Last week: 4)
6. Denver Nuggets (9-8)
Denver has lost four straight contests, and is scrambling to find some consistent offensive help for Nikola Jokic. But the far bigger worry is the recent report of Michael Porter Jr.'s potentially season-ending nerve problem in his back. According to The Denver Post's Mike Singer, Porter could be lined up for his third surgery in five years. It's a sobering reminder of why the talented wing fell so far in the 2018 NBA Draft.
(Last week: Unranked)
5. Sacramento Kings (6-11)
We have our first head coach ousting of the season! <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/kings-fire-head-coach-luke-walton" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Luke Walton is gone</a> and Alvin Gentry is his interim replacement, and I would actually be surprised if Kings fans were upset by all of this. Outside of his fill-in run with the Warriors, Walton has never coached an NBA team to a winning season. He finished 68-93 in Sacramento. Still, any midseason firing is a clear sign that said NBA franchise is in the wrong place.
(Last week: 5)
4. New York Knicks (9-8)
The Knicks may have gone 2-2, but those weren't exactly inspiring wins against the Pacers and Rockets, and they also lost to the Magic and Bulls. New York has the 26th-ranked offense in the league over the last two weeks. RJ Barrett is still searching for his lost jumper, and has lagged on the defensive end. Kemba Walker sat out the closing minutes against Chicago, and rightfully so, given his struggles on defense. This team has a lot to figure out, and they'll have time with just one game before Thanksgiving.
(Last week: 7)
3. Los Angeles Lakers (9-9)
LeBron James was ejected last night for the elbow he threw on Isaiah Stewart. That storyline veered off from the game itself &mdash; the Lakers barely hung on to beat the lowly Pistons &mdash; but it's pretty symbolic of the frustrating year to date. L.A. lost a close contest to the Bucks and was blown out by Boston in the 1-2 week, even with LeBron making his return.
The biggest, bright spot seems to be Talen Horton-Tucker right now, and as fun as he is, that's not a good sign for an alleged championship contender. L.A. is 26th in net rating over the past two weeks.
(Last week: 6)
2. Houston Rockets (1-15)
At a certain point, winning does count toward building a culture on a young team. That's simply not happening for the Rockets, who are losers of their last 14 contests. While the prospects are enduring their learning curves, the veteran talent hasn't exactly helped out, either. According to NBA Stats, Houston has given up the most wide open shots per game this season (where a defender is no closer than six feet away).
Offensively, the Rockets aren't shooting well from anywhere on the court, even with Eric Gordon making 43.1% of his threes. This is just a miserable team to watch without nearly enough upside shining through.
(Last week: 8)
1. New Orleans Pelicans (3-15)
The Pelicans pulled off a rare win in a 94-81 grind against the Los Angeles Clippers this week. That didn't stop them from going 1-3 in depressing fashion. Not much has changed here.
I'll throw in a positive: Herb Jones has been a very solid contributor as a second-round rookie. The 23-year-old has picked up a steal and a block in each of his last three games. He's made 61.8% of his shots inside of three feet from the hoop and is 5-for-14 from long range (35.7%).&nbsp;
(Last week: 1)

Only two new teams join the Sour Rankings this week, and they're a couple of squads who have recently been ransacked by the injury bug.
The Cleveland Cavaliers and Denver Nuggets have already battled minor ailments across parts of the roster, but the loss of Collin Sexton and potential long-term loss of Michael Porter Jr. loom large for both franchises. The two teams got off to fantastic starts this season, but as is the case in the NBA, things suddenly feel very different from two weeks ago.
If you're new to the Sour Rankings, here's a refresher: Unlike the typical "power rankings" that repeat themselves throughout sports media, Sour Rankings are a bizarro-world counter. These rankings highlight the top-10 most frustrating NBA franchises throughout the season, and they will be updated every week to match the twists and turns of the league.&nbsp;
This is not merely a bottom-10 of your typical best-to-worst power rankings. You will see championship contenders and playoff hopefuls mixed in with struggling squads. Teams well under .500 may never touch the Sour Rankings because they are on track with their respective processes. Injuries, drama, transactions and generally underwhelming play will earn you a spot on this list.
The central question is ultimately this: How good should you feel about the direction of each franchise? Let's get going:
Escaping the Sour Rankings:&nbsp;It should surprise absolutely no one that the Milwaukee Bucks have won three-straight as their roster finally gets close to full health. The Boston Celtics also break free of the rankings by showing some sustained defensive improvement. They're back up over .500 and are 7-3 in their last 10 games.&nbsp;
10. Cleveland Cavaliers (9-8)
Collin Sexton is going to miss the rest of the season after having surgery on his left meniscus. That's a brutal blow for Sexton, who will enter next summer as a restricted free agent, and the Cavs, who have needed him to bolster an offense that ranks 29th in the league over the past two weeks. Cleveland lost three tough matchups against the Celtics, Nets and Warriors this past week, but the Cavs now have to regroup without their best scorer.
(Last week: Unranked)
9. Atlanta Hawks (8-9)
Winners of their last four, the Hawks have created some solid momentum ahead of a three-game Western Conference road trip. They put up at least 110 points in all three of last week's wins over the Magic, Celtics and Hornets, and now have the third-best offensive rating in the NBA over the past two weeks (per Cleaning the Glass). It's not enough to get them out of the Sour Rankings yet. But with games against the Thunder, Spurs, Grizzlies and Knicks upcoming, Atlanta can really hit the gas pedal.
(Last week: 3)
8. Minnesota Timberwolves (7-9)
Last week felt very, very important for the Timberwolves, who went 3-1 with their lone loss coming in a respectable 99-96 defeat to the red-hot Suns. Minnesota held every single one of its opponents under 100 points in a much-needed defensive resurgence.
Jarred Vanderbilt has started the last six games next to Karl-Anthony Towns in the frontcourt. Minnesota is 4-2 in those contests, with the lone serious blemish being a 27-point loss to the Clippers. Vanderbilt is an awesome player and a great fit so far.
(Last week: 2)
7. Memphis Grizzlies (8-8)
Here's another squad that has appeared to somewhat right the ship after tumbling down the Sour Rankings last week. Memphis rolled through the Rockets and Clippers before getting steamrolled themselves in a 138-95 loss to Minnesota. That loss underscores the persistent defensive woes. The Grizzlies didn't exactly lock up Houston and LAC, and when their offense went cold, the Wolves trampled them. Memphis is last in opponent Effective Field Goal percentage (56.3%) this season.
(Last week: 4)
6. Denver Nuggets (9-8)
Denver has lost four straight contests, and is scrambling to find some consistent offensive help for Nikola Jokic. But the far bigger worry is the recent report of Michael Porter Jr.'s potentially season-ending nerve problem in his back. According to The Denver Post's Mike Singer, Porter could be lined up for his third surgery in five years. It's a sobering reminder of why the talented wing fell so far in the 2018 NBA Draft.
(Last week: Unranked)
5. Sacramento Kings (6-11)
We have our first head coach ousting of the season! <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/kings-fire-head-coach-luke-walton" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Luke Walton is gone</a> and Alvin Gentry is his interim replacement, and I would actually be surprised if Kings fans were upset by all of this. Outside of his fill-in run with the Warriors, Walton has never coached an NBA team to a winning season. He finished 68-93 in Sacramento. Still, any midseason firing is a clear sign that said NBA franchise is in the wrong place.
(Last week: 5)
4. New York Knicks (9-8)
The Knicks may have gone 2-2, but those weren't exactly inspiring wins against the Pacers and Rockets, and they also lost to the Magic and Bulls. New York has the 26th-ranked offense in the league over the last two weeks. RJ Barrett is still searching for his lost jumper, and has lagged on the defensive end. Kemba Walker sat out the closing minutes against Chicago, and rightfully so, given his struggles on defense. This team has a lot to figure out, and they'll have time with just one game before Thanksgiving.
(Last week: 7)
3. Los Angeles Lakers (9-9)
LeBron James was ejected last night for the elbow he threw on Isaiah Stewart. That storyline veered off from the game itself &mdash; the Lakers barely hung on to beat the lowly Pistons &mdash; but it's pretty symbolic of the frustrating year to date. L.A. lost a close contest to the Bucks and was blown out by Boston in the 1-2 week, even with LeBron making his return.
The biggest, bright spot seems to be Talen Horton-Tucker right now, and as fun as he is, that's not a good sign for an alleged championship contender. L.A. is 26th in net rating over the past two weeks.
(Last week: 6)
2. Houston Rockets (1-15)
At a certain point, winning does count toward building a culture on a young team. That's simply not happening for the Rockets, who are losers of their last 14 contests. While the prospects are enduring their learning curves, the veteran talent hasn't exactly helped out, either. According to NBA Stats, Houston has given up the most wide open shots per game this season (where a defender is no closer than six feet away).
Offensively, the Rockets aren't shooting well from anywhere on the court, even with Eric Gordon making 43.1% of his threes. This is just a miserable team to watch without nearly enough upside shining through.
(Last week: 8)
1. New Orleans Pelicans (3-15)
The Pelicans pulled off a rare win in a 94-81 grind against the Los Angeles Clippers this week. That didn't stop them from going 1-3 in depressing fashion. Not much has changed here.
I'll throw in a positive: Herb Jones has been a very solid contributor as a second-round rookie. The 23-year-old has picked up a steal and a block in each of his last three games. He's made 61.8% of his shots inside of three feet from the hoop and is 5-for-14 from long range (35.7%).&nbsp;
(Last week: 1)

Only two new teams join the Sour Rankings this week, and they're a couple of squads who have recently been ransacked by the injury bug.
The Cleveland Cavaliers and Denver Nuggets have already battled minor ailments across parts of the roster, but the loss of Collin Sexton and potential long-term loss of Michael Porter Jr. loom large for both franchises. The two teams got off to fantastic starts this season, but as is the case in the NBA, things suddenly feel very different from two weeks ago.
If you're new to the Sour Rankings, here's a refresher: Unlike the typical "power rankings" that repeat themselves throughout sports media, Sour Rankings are a bizarro-world counter. These rankings highlight the top-10 most frustrating NBA franchises throughout the season, and they will be updated every week to match the twists and turns of the league.&nbsp;
This is not merely a bottom-10 of your typical best-to-worst power rankings. You will see championship contenders and playoff hopefuls mixed in with struggling squads. Teams well under .500 may never touch the Sour Rankings because they are on track with their respective processes. Injuries, drama, transactions and generally underwhelming play will earn you a spot on this list.
The central question is ultimately this: How good should you feel about the direction of each franchise? Let's get going:
Escaping the Sour Rankings:&nbsp;It should surprise absolutely no one that the Milwaukee Bucks have won three-straight as their roster finally gets close to full health. The Boston Celtics also break free of the rankings by showing some sustained defensive improvement. They're back up over .500 and are 7-3 in their last 10 games.&nbsp;
10. Cleveland Cavaliers (9-8)
Collin Sexton is going to miss the rest of the season after having surgery on his left meniscus. That's a brutal blow for Sexton, who will enter next summer as a restricted free agent, and the Cavs, who have needed him to bolster an offense that ranks 29th in the league over the past two weeks. Cleveland lost three tough matchups against the Celtics, Nets and Warriors this past week, but the Cavs now have to regroup without their best scorer.
(Last week: Unranked)
9. Atlanta Hawks (8-9)
Winners of their last four, the Hawks have created some solid momentum ahead of a three-game Western Conference road trip. They put up at least 110 points in all three of last week's wins over the Magic, Celtics and Hornets, and now have the third-best offensive rating in the NBA over the past two weeks (per Cleaning the Glass). It's not enough to get them out of the Sour Rankings yet. But with games against the Thunder, Spurs, Grizzlies and Knicks upcoming, Atlanta can really hit the gas pedal.
(Last week: 3)
8. Minnesota Timberwolves (7-9)
Last week felt very, very important for the Timberwolves, who went 3-1 with their lone loss coming in a respectable 99-96 defeat to the red-hot Suns. Minnesota held every single one of its opponents under 100 points in a much-needed defensive resurgence.
Jarred Vanderbilt has started the last six games next to Karl-Anthony Towns in the frontcourt and Minnesota is 4-2 in those contests, with the lone serious blemish being a 27-point loss to the Clippers. Vanderbilt is an awesome player and a great fit so far.
(Last week: 2)
7. Memphis Grizzlies (8-8)
Here's another squad that has appeared to somewhat right the ship after tumbling down the Sour Rankings last week. Memphis rolled through the Rockets and Clippers before getting steamrolled themselves in a 138-95 loss to Minnesota. That loss underscores the persistent defensive woes. The Grizzlies didn't exactly lock up Houston and LAC, and when their offense went cold, the Wolves trampled them. Memphis is last in opponent Effective Field Goal percentage (56.3%) this season.
(Last week: 4)
6. Denver Nuggets (9-8)
Denver has lost four straight contests, and is scrambling to find some consistent offensive help for Nikola Jokic. But the far bigger worry is the recent report of Michael Porter Jr.'s potentially season-ending nerve problem in his back. According to The Denver Post's Mike Singer, Porter could be lined up for his third surgery in five years. It's a sobering reminder of why the talented wing fell so far in the 2018 NBA Draft.
(Last week: Unranked)
5. Sacramento Kings (6-11)
We have our first head coach ousting of the season! <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/kings-fire-head-coach-luke-walton" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Luke Walton is gone</a> and Alvin Gentry is his interim replacement, and I would actually be surprised if Kings fans were upset by all of this. Outside of his fill-in run with the Warriors, Walton has never coached an NBA team to a winning season. He finished 68-93 in Sacramento. Still, any midseason firing is a clear sign that said NBA franchise is in the wrong place.
(Last week: 5)
4. New York Knicks (9-8)
The Knicks may have gone 2-2, but those weren't exactly inspiring wins against the Pacers and Rockets, and they also lost to the Magic and Bulls. New York has the 26th-ranked offense in the league over the last two weeks. RJ Barrett is still searching for his lost jumper, and has lagged on the defensive end. Kemba Walker sat out the closing minutes against Chicago, and rightfully so, given his struggles on defense. This team has a lot to figure out, and they'll have time with just one game before Thanksgiving.
(Last week: 7)
3. Los Angeles Lakers (9-9)
LeBron James was ejected last night for the elbow he threw on Isaiah Stewart. That storyline veered off from the game itself &mdash; the Lakers barely hung on to beat the lowly Pistons &mdash; but it's pretty symbolic of the frustrating year to date. L.A. lost a close contest to the Bucks and was blown out by Boston in the 1-2 week, even with LeBron making his return.
The biggest, bright spot seems to be Talen Horton-Tucker right now, and as fun as he is, that's not a good sign for an alleged championship contender. L.A. is 26th in net rating over the past two weeks.
(Last week: 6)
2. Houston Rockets (1-15)
At a certain point, winning does count toward building a culture on a young team. That's simply not happening for the Rockets, who are losers of their last 14 contests. While the prospects are enduring their learning curves, the veteran talent hasn't exactly helped out, either. According to NBA Stats, Houston has given up the most wide open shots per game this season (where a defender is no closer than six feet away).
Offensively, the Rockets aren't shooting well from anywhere on the court, even with Eric Gordon making 43.1% of his threes. This is just a miserable team to watch without nearly enough upside shining through.
(Last week: 8)
1. New Orleans Pelicans (3-15)
The Pelicans pulled off a rare win in a 94-81 grind against the Los Angeles Clippers this week. That didn't stop them from going 1-3 in depressing fashion. Not much has changed here.
I'll throw in a positive: Herb Jones has been a very solid contributor as a second-round rookie. The 23-year-old has picked up a steal and a block in each of his last three games. He's made 61.8% of his shots inside of three feet from the hoop and is 5-for-14 from long range (35.7%).&nbsp;
(Last week: 1)

Only two new teams join the Sour Rankings this week, and they're a couple of squads who have recently been ransacked by the injury bug.
The Cleveland Cavaliers and Denver Nuggets have already battled minor ailments across parts of the roster, but the loss of Collin Sexton and potential long-term loss of Michael Porter Jr. loom large for both franchises. The two teams got off to fantastic starts this season, but as is the case in the NBA, things suddenly feel very different from two weeks ago.
If you're new to the Sour Rankings, here's a refresher: Unlike the typical "power rankings" that repeat themselves throughout sports media, Sour Rankings are a bizarro-world counter. These rankings highlight the top-10 most frustrating NBA franchises throughout the season, and they will be updated every week to match the twists and turns of the league.&nbsp;
This is not merely a bottom-10 of your typical best-to-worst power rankings. You will see championship contenders and playoff hopefuls mixed in with struggling squads. Teams well under .500 may never touch the Sour Rankings because they are on track with their respective processes. Injuries, drama, transactions and generally underwhelming play will earn you a spot on this list.
The central question is ultimately this: How good should you feel about the direction of each franchise? Let's get going:
Escaping the Sour Rankings:&nbsp;It should surprise absolutely no one that the Milwaukee Bucks have won three-straight as their roster finally gets close to full health. The Boston Celtics also break free of the rankings by showing some sustained defensive improvement. They're back up over .500 and are 7-3 in their last 10 games.&nbsp;
10. Cleveland Cavaliers (9-8)
Collin Sexton is going to miss the rest of the season after having surgery on his left meniscus. That's a brutal blow for Sexton, who will enter next summer as a restricted free agent, and the Cavs, who have needed him to bolster an offense that ranks 29th in the league over the past two weeks. Cleveland lost three tough matchups against the Celtics, Nets and Warriors this past week, but the Cavs now have to regroup without their best scorer.
(Last week: Unranked)
9. Atlanta Hawks (8-9)
Winners of their last four, the Hawks have created some solid momentum ahead of a three-game Western Conference road trip. They put up at least 110 points in all three of last week's wins over the Magic, Celtics and Hornets, and now have the third-best offensive rating in the NBA over the past two weeks (per Cleaning the Glass). It's not enough to get them out of the Sour Rankings yet. But with games against the Thunder, Spurs, Grizzlies and Knicks upcoming, Atlanta can really hit the gas pedal.
(Last week: 3)
8. Minnesota Timberwolves (7-9)
Last week felt very, very important for the Timberwolves, who went 3-1 with their lone loss coming in a respectable 99-96 defeat to the red-hot Suns. Minnesota held every single one of its opponents under 100 points in a much-needed defensive resurgence.
Jarred Vanderbilt has started the last six games next to Karl-Anthony Towns in the frontcourt and Minnesota is 4-2 in those contests, with the lone serious blemish being a 27-point loss to the Clippers. Vanderbilt is an awesome player and a great fit in the starting lineup so far.
(Last week: 2)
7. Memphis Grizzlies (8-8)
Here's another squad that has appeared to somewhat right the ship after tumbling down the Sour Rankings last week. Memphis rolled through the Rockets and Clippers before getting steamrolled themselves in a 138-95 loss to Minnesota. That loss underscores the persistent defensive woes. The Grizzlies didn't exactly lock up Houston and LAC, and when their offense went cold, the Wolves trampled them. Memphis is last in opponent Effective Field Goal percentage (56.3%) this season.
(Last week: 4)
6. Denver Nuggets (9-8)
Denver has lost four straight contests, and is scrambling to find some consistent offensive help for Nikola Jokic. But the far bigger worry is the recent report of Michael Porter Jr.'s potentially season-ending nerve problem in his back. According to The Denver Post's Mike Singer, Porter could be lined up for his third surgery in five years. It's a sobering reminder of why the talented wing fell so far in the 2018 NBA Draft.
(Last week: Unranked)
5. Sacramento Kings (6-11)
We have our first head coach ousting of the season! <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/kings-fire-head-coach-luke-walton" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Luke Walton is gone</a> and Alvin Gentry is his interim replacement, and I would actually be surprised if Kings fans were upset by all of this. Outside of his fill-in run with the Warriors, Walton has never coached an NBA team to a winning season. He finished 68-93 in Sacramento. Still, any midseason firing is a clear sign that said NBA franchise is in the wrong place.
(Last week: 5)
4. New York Knicks (9-8)
The Knicks may have gone 2-2, but those weren't exactly inspiring wins against the Pacers and Rockets, and they also lost to the Magic and Bulls. New York has the 26th-ranked offense in the league over the last two weeks. RJ Barrett is still searching for his lost jumper, and has lagged on the defensive end. Kemba Walker sat out the closing minutes against Chicago, and rightfully so, given his struggles on defense. This team has a lot to figure out, and they'll have time with just one game before Thanksgiving.
(Last week: 7)
3. Los Angeles Lakers (9-9)
LeBron James was ejected last night for the elbow he threw on Isaiah Stewart. That storyline veered off from the game itself &mdash; the Lakers barely hung on to beat the lowly Pistons &mdash; but it's pretty symbolic of the frustrating year to date. L.A. lost a close contest to the Bucks and was blown out by Boston in the 1-2 week, even with LeBron making his return.
The biggest, bright spot seems to be Talen Horton-Tucker right now, and as fun as he is, that's not a good sign for an alleged championship contender. L.A. is 26th in net rating over the past two weeks.
(Last week: 6)
2. Houston Rockets (1-15)
At a certain point, winning does count toward building a culture on a young team. That's simply not happening for the Rockets, who are losers of their last 14 contests. While the prospects are enduring their learning curves, the veteran talent hasn't exactly helped out, either. According to NBA Stats, Houston has given up the most wide open shots per game this season (where a defender is no closer than six feet away).
Offensively, the Rockets aren't shooting well from anywhere on the court, even with Eric Gordon making 43.1% of his threes. This is just a miserable team to watch without nearly enough upside shining through.
(Last week: 8)
1. New Orleans Pelicans (3-15)
The Pelicans pulled off a rare win in a 94-81 grind against the Los Angeles Clippers this week. That didn't stop them from going 1-3 in depressing fashion. Not much has changed here.
I'll throw in a positive: Herb Jones has been a very solid contributor as a second-round rookie. The 23-year-old has picked up a steal and a block in each of his last three games. He's made 61.8% of his shots inside of three feet from the hoop and is 5-for-14 from long range (35.7%).&nbsp;
(Last week: 1)

Only two new teams join the Sour Rankings this week, and they're a couple of squads who have recently been ransacked by the injury bug.
The Cleveland Cavaliers and Denver Nuggets have already battled minor ailments across parts of the roster, but the loss of Collin Sexton and potential long-term loss of Michael Porter Jr. loom large for both franchises. The two teams got off to fantastic starts this season, but as is the case in the NBA, things suddenly feel very different from two weeks ago.
If you're new to the Sour Rankings, here's a refresher: Unlike the typical "power rankings" that repeat themselves throughout sports media, Sour Rankings are a bizarro-world counter. These rankings highlight the top-10 most frustrating NBA franchises throughout the season, and they will be updated every week to match the twists and turns of the league.&nbsp;
This is not merely a bottom-10 of your typical best-to-worst power rankings. You will see championship contenders and playoff hopefuls mixed in with struggling squads. Teams well under .500 may never touch the Sour Rankings because they are on track with their respective processes. Injuries, drama, transactions and generally underwhelming play will earn you a spot on this list.
The central question is ultimately this: How good should you feel about the direction of each franchise? Let's get going:
Escaping the Sour Rankings:&nbsp;It should surprise absolutely no one that the Milwaukee Bucks have won three-straight as their roster finally gets close to full health. The Boston Celtics also break free of the rankings by showing some sustained defensive improvement. They're back up over .500 and are 7-3 in their last 10 games.&nbsp;
10. Cleveland Cavaliers (9-8)
Collin Sexton is going to miss the rest of the season after having surgery on his left meniscus. That's a brutal blow for Sexton, who will enter next summer as a restricted free agent, and the Cavs, who have needed him to bolster an offense that ranks 29th in the league over the past two weeks. Cleveland lost three tough matchups against the Celtics, Nets and Warriors this past week, but the Cavs now have to regroup without their best scorer.
(Last week: Unranked)
9. Atlanta Hawks (8-9)
Winners of their last four, the Hawks have created some solid momentum ahead of a three-game Western Conference road trip. They put up at least 110 points in all three of last week's wins over the Magic, Celtics and Hornets, and now have the third-best offensive rating in the NBA over the past two weeks (per Cleaning the Glass). It's not enough to get them out of the Sour Rankings yet. But with games against the Thunder, Spurs, Grizzlies and Knicks upcoming, Atlanta can really hit the gas pedal.
(Last week: 3)
8. Minnesota Timberwolves (7-9)
Last week felt very, very important for the Timberwolves, who went 3-1 with their lone loss coming in a respectable 99-96 defeat to the red-hot Suns. Minnesota held every single one of its opponents under 100 points in a much-needed defensive resurgence.
Jarred Vanderbilt has started the last six games next to Karl-Anthony Towns in the frontcourt and Minnesota is 4-2 in those contests, with the lone serious blemish being a 27-point loss to the Clippers. Vanderbilt is an awesome player and a great fit in the starting lineup so far.
(Last week: 2)
7. Memphis Grizzlies (8-8)
Here's another squad that has appeared to somewhat right the ship after tumbling down the Sour Rankings last week. Memphis rolled through the Rockets and Clippers before getting steamrolled themselves in a 138-95 loss to Minnesota. That loss underscores the persistent defensive woes. The Grizzlies didn't exactly lock up Houston and LAC, and when their offense went cold, the Wolves trampled them. Memphis is last in opponent Effective Field Goal percentage (56.3%) this season.
(Last week: 4)
6. Denver Nuggets (9-8)
Denver has lost four-straight contests and is scrambling to find some consistent offensive help for Nikola Jokic. But the far bigger worry is the recent report of Michael Porter Jr.'s potentially season-ending nerve problem in his back. According to The Denver Post's Mike Singer, Porter could be lined up for his third surgery in five years. It's a sobering reminder of why the talented wing fell so far in the 2018 NBA Draft.
(Last week: Unranked)
5. Sacramento Kings (6-11)
We have our first head coach ousting of the season! <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/kings-fire-head-coach-luke-walton" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Luke Walton is gone</a> and Alvin Gentry is his interim replacement, and I would actually be surprised if Kings fans were upset by all of this. Outside of his fill-in run with the Warriors, Walton has never coached an NBA team to a winning season. He finished 68-93 in Sacramento. Still, any midseason firing is a clear sign that said NBA franchise is in the wrong place.
(Last week: 5)
4. New York Knicks (9-8)
The Knicks may have gone 2-2, but those weren't exactly inspiring wins against the Pacers and Rockets, and they also lost to the Magic and Bulls. New York has the 26th-ranked offense in the league over the last two weeks. RJ Barrett is still searching for his lost jumper, and has lagged on the defensive end. Kemba Walker sat out the closing minutes against Chicago, and rightfully so, given his struggles on defense. This team has a lot to figure out, and they'll have time with just one game before Thanksgiving.
(Last week: 7)
3. Los Angeles Lakers (9-9)
LeBron James was ejected last night for the elbow he threw on Isaiah Stewart. That storyline veered off from the game itself &mdash; the Lakers barely hung on to beat the lowly Pistons &mdash; but it's pretty symbolic of the frustrating year to date. L.A. lost a close contest to the Bucks and was blown out by Boston in the 1-2 week, even with LeBron making his return.
The biggest, bright spot seems to be Talen Horton-Tucker right now, and as fun as he is, that's not a good sign for an alleged championship contender. L.A. is 26th in net rating over the past two weeks.
(Last week: 6)
2. Houston Rockets (1-15)
At a certain point, winning does count toward building a culture on a young team. That's simply not happening for the Rockets, who are losers of their last 14 contests. While the prospects are enduring their learning curves, the veteran talent hasn't exactly helped out, either. According to NBA Stats, Houston has given up the most wide open shots per game this season (where a defender is no closer than six feet away).
Offensively, the Rockets aren't shooting well from anywhere on the court, even with Eric Gordon making 43.1% of his threes. This is just a miserable team to watch without nearly enough upside shining through.
(Last week: 8)
1. New Orleans Pelicans (3-15)
The Pelicans pulled off a rare win in a 94-81 grind against the Los Angeles Clippers this week. That didn't stop them from going 1-3 in depressing fashion. Not much has changed here.
I'll throw in a positive: Herb Jones has been a very solid contributor as a second-round rookie. The 23-year-old has picked up a steal and a block in each of his last three games. He's made 61.8% of his shots inside of three feet from the hoop and is 5-for-14 from long range (35.7%).&nbsp;
(Last week: 1)

Only two new teams join the Sour Rankings this week, and they're a couple of squads who have recently been ransacked by the injury bug.
The Cleveland Cavaliers and Denver Nuggets have already battled minor ailments across parts of the roster, but the loss of Collin Sexton and potential long-term loss of Michael Porter Jr. loom large for both franchises. The two teams got off to fantastic starts this season, but as is the case in the NBA, things suddenly feel very different from two weeks ago.
If you're new to the Sour Rankings, here's a refresher: Unlike the typical "power rankings" that repeat themselves throughout sports media, Sour Rankings are a bizarro-world counter. These rankings highlight the top-10 most frustrating NBA franchises throughout the season, and they will be updated every week to match the twists and turns of the league.&nbsp;
This is not merely a bottom-10 of your typical best-to-worst power rankings. You will see championship contenders and playoff hopefuls mixed in with struggling squads. Teams well under .500 may never touch the Sour Rankings because they are on track with their respective processes. Injuries, drama, transactions and generally underwhelming play will earn you a spot on this list.
The central question is ultimately this: How good should you feel about the direction of each franchise? Let's get going:
Escaping the Sour Rankings:&nbsp;It should surprise absolutely no one that the Milwaukee Bucks have won three-straight as their roster finally gets close to full health. The Boston Celtics also break free of the rankings by showing some sustained defensive improvement. They're back up over .500 and are 7-3 in their last 10 games.&nbsp;
10. Cleveland Cavaliers (9-8)
Collin Sexton is going to miss the rest of the season after having surgery on his left meniscus. That's a brutal blow for Sexton, who will enter next summer as a restricted free agent, and the Cavs, who have needed him to bolster an offense that ranks 29th in the league over the past two weeks. Cleveland lost three tough matchups against the Celtics, Nets and Warriors this past week, but the Cavs now have to regroup without their best scorer.
(Last week: Unranked)
9. Atlanta Hawks (8-9)
Winners of their last four, the Hawks have created some solid momentum ahead of a three-game Western Conference road trip. They put up at least 110 points in all three of last week's wins over the Magic, Celtics and Hornets, and now have the third-best offensive rating in the NBA over the past two weeks (per Cleaning the Glass). It's not enough to get them out of the Sour Rankings yet. But with games against the Thunder, Spurs, Grizzlies and Knicks upcoming, Atlanta can really hit the gas pedal.
(Last week: 3)
8. Minnesota Timberwolves (7-9)
Last week felt very, very important for the Timberwolves, who went 3-1 with their lone loss coming in a respectable 99-96 defeat to the red-hot Suns. Minnesota held every single one of its opponents under 100 points in a much-needed defensive resurgence.
Jarred Vanderbilt has started the last six games next to Karl-Anthony Towns in the frontcourt and Minnesota is 4-2 in those contests, with the lone serious blemish being a 27-point loss to the Clippers. Vanderbilt is an awesome player and a great fit in the starting lineup so far.
(Last week: 2)
7. Memphis Grizzlies (8-8)
Here's another squad that has appeared to somewhat right the ship after tumbling down the Sour Rankings last week. Memphis rolled through the Rockets and Clippers before getting steamrolled themselves in a 138-95 loss to Minnesota. That loss underscores the persistent defensive woes. The Grizzlies didn't exactly lock up Houston and LAC, and when their offense went cold, the Wolves trampled them. Memphis is last in opponent Effective Field Goal percentage (56.3%) this season.
(Last week: 4)
6. Denver Nuggets (9-8)
Denver has lost four-straight contests and is scrambling to find some consistent offensive help for Nikola Jokic. But the far bigger worry is the <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/michael-porter-jrs-season-in-jeopardy-due-to-potential-nerve-issue" target="_blank" rel="noopener">recent report</a> of Michael Porter Jr.'s potentially season-ending nerve problem in his back. According to The Denver Post's Mike Singer, Porter could be lined up for his third surgery in five years. It's a sobering reminder of why the talented wing fell so far in the 2018 NBA Draft.
(Last week: Unranked)
5. Sacramento Kings (6-11)
We have our first head coach ousting of the season! <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/kings-fire-head-coach-luke-walton" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Luke Walton is gone</a> and Alvin Gentry is his interim replacement, and I would actually be surprised if Kings fans were upset by all of this. Outside of his fill-in run with the Warriors, Walton has never coached an NBA team to a winning season. He finished 68-93 in Sacramento. Still, any midseason firing is a clear sign that said NBA franchise is in the wrong place.
(Last week: 5)
4. New York Knicks (9-8)
The Knicks may have gone 2-2, but those weren't exactly inspiring wins against the Pacers and Rockets, and they also lost to the Magic and Bulls. New York has the 26th-ranked offense in the league over the last two weeks. RJ Barrett is still searching for his lost jumper, and has lagged on the defensive end. Kemba Walker sat out the closing minutes against Chicago, and rightfully so, given his struggles on defense. This team has a lot to figure out, and they'll have time with just one game before Thanksgiving.
(Last week: 7)
3. Los Angeles Lakers (9-9)
LeBron James was ejected last night for the elbow he threw on Isaiah Stewart. That storyline veered off from the game itself &mdash; the Lakers barely hung on to beat the lowly Pistons &mdash; but it's pretty symbolic of the frustrating year to date. L.A. lost a close contest to the Bucks and was blown out by Boston in the 1-2 week, even with LeBron making his return.
The biggest, bright spot seems to be Talen Horton-Tucker right now, and as fun as he is, that's not a good sign for an alleged championship contender. L.A. is 26th in net rating over the past two weeks.
(Last week: 6)
2. Houston Rockets (1-15)
At a certain point, winning does count toward building a culture on a young team. That's simply not happening for the Rockets, who are losers of their last 14 contests. While the prospects are enduring their learning curves, the veteran talent hasn't exactly helped out, either. According to NBA Stats, Houston has given up the most wide open shots per game this season (where a defender is no closer than six feet away).
Offensively, the Rockets aren't shooting well from anywhere on the court, even with Eric Gordon making 43.1% of his threes. This is just a miserable team to watch without nearly enough upside shining through.
(Last week: 8)
1. New Orleans Pelicans (3-15)
The Pelicans pulled off a rare win in a 94-81 grind against the Los Angeles Clippers this week. That didn't stop them from going 1-3 in depressing fashion. Not much has changed here.
I'll throw in a positive: Herb Jones has been a very solid contributor as a second-round rookie. The 23-year-old has picked up a steal and a block in each of his last three games. He's made 61.8% of his shots inside of three feet from the hoop and is 5-for-14 from long range (35.7%).&nbsp;
(Last week: 1)

Only two new teams join the Sour Rankings this week, and they're a couple of squads who have recently been ransacked by the injury bug.
The Cleveland Cavaliers and Denver Nuggets have already battled minor ailments across parts of the roster, but the loss of Collin Sexton and potential long-term loss of Michael Porter Jr. loom large for both franchises. The two teams got off to fantastic starts this season, but as is the case in the NBA, things suddenly feel very different from two weeks ago.
If you're new to the Sour Rankings, here's a refresher: Unlike the typical "power rankings" that repeat themselves throughout sports media, Sour Rankings are a bizarro-world counter. These rankings highlight the top-10 most frustrating NBA franchises throughout the season, and they will be updated every week to match the twists and turns of the league.&nbsp;
This is not merely a bottom-10 of your typical best-to-worst power rankings. You will see championship contenders and playoff hopefuls mixed in with struggling squads. Teams well under .500 may never touch the Sour Rankings because they are on track with their respective processes. Injuries, drama, transactions and generally underwhelming play will earn you a spot on this list.
The central question is ultimately this: How good should you feel about the direction of each franchise? Let's get going:
Escaping the Sour Rankings:&nbsp;It should surprise absolutely no one that the Milwaukee Bucks have won three-straight as their roster finally gets close to full health. The Boston Celtics also break free of the rankings by showing some sustained defensive improvement. They're back up over .500 and are 7-3 in their last 10 games.&nbsp;
10. Cleveland Cavaliers (9-8)
Collin Sexton is going to miss the rest of the season after having surgery on his left meniscus. That's a brutal blow for Sexton, who will enter next summer as a restricted free agent, and the Cavs, who have needed him to bolster an offense that ranks 29th in the league over the past two weeks. Cleveland lost three tough matchups against the Celtics, Nets and Warriors this past week, but the Cavs now have to regroup without their best scorer.
(Last week: Unranked)
9. Atlanta Hawks (8-9)
Winners of their last four, the Hawks have created some solid momentum ahead of a three-game Western Conference road trip. They put up at least 110 points in all three of last week's wins over the Magic, Celtics and Hornets, and now have the third-best offensive rating in the NBA over the past two weeks (per Cleaning the Glass). It's not enough to get them out of the Sour Rankings yet. But with games against the Thunder, Spurs, Grizzlies and Knicks upcoming, Atlanta can really hit the gas pedal.
(Last week: 3)
8. Minnesota Timberwolves (7-9)
Last week felt very, very important for the Timberwolves, who went 3-1 with their lone loss coming in a respectable 99-96 defeat to the red-hot Suns. Minnesota held every single one of its opponents under 100 points in a much-needed defensive resurgence.
Jarred Vanderbilt has started the last six games next to Karl-Anthony Towns in the frontcourt and Minnesota is 4-2 in those contests, with the lone serious blemish being a 27-point loss to the Clippers. Vanderbilt is an awesome player and a great fit in the starting lineup so far.
(Last week: 2)
7. Memphis Grizzlies (8-8)
Here's another squad that has appeared to somewhat right the ship after tumbling down the Sour Rankings last week. Memphis rolled through the Rockets and Clippers before getting steamrolled themselves in a 138-95 loss to Minnesota. That loss underscores the persistent defensive woes. The Grizzlies didn't exactly lock up Houston and LAC, and when their offense went cold, the Wolves trampled them. Memphis is last in opponent Effective Field Goal percentage (56.3%) this season.
(Last week: 4)
6. Denver Nuggets (9-8)
Denver has lost four-straight contests and is scrambling to find some consistent offensive help for Nikola Jokic. But the far bigger worry is the <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/michael-porter-jrs-season-in-jeopardy-due-to-potential-nerve-issue" target="_blank" rel="noopener">recent report</a> of Michael Porter Jr.'s potentially season-ending nerve issue in his back. According to The Denver Post's Mike Singer, Porter could be lined up for his third surgery in five years. It's a sobering reminder of why the talented wing fell so far in the 2018 NBA Draft.
(Last week: Unranked)
5. Sacramento Kings (6-11)
We have our first head coach ousting of the season! <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/kings-fire-head-coach-luke-walton" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Luke Walton is gone</a> and Alvin Gentry is his interim replacement, and I would actually be surprised if Kings fans were upset by all of this. Outside of his fill-in run with the Warriors, Walton has never coached an NBA team to a winning season. He finished 68-93 in Sacramento. Still, any midseason firing is a clear sign that said NBA franchise is in the wrong place.
(Last week: 5)
4. New York Knicks (9-8)
The Knicks may have gone 2-2, but those weren't exactly inspiring wins against the Pacers and Rockets, and they also lost to the Magic and Bulls. New York has the 26th-ranked offense in the league over the last two weeks. RJ Barrett is still searching for his lost jumper, and has lagged on the defensive end. Kemba Walker sat out the closing minutes against Chicago, and rightfully so, given his struggles on defense. This team has a lot to figure out, and they'll have time with just one game before Thanksgiving.
(Last week: 7)
3. Los Angeles Lakers (9-9)
LeBron James was ejected last night for the elbow he threw on Isaiah Stewart. That storyline veered off from the game itself &mdash; the Lakers barely hung on to beat the lowly Pistons &mdash; but it's pretty symbolic of the frustrating year to date. L.A. lost a close contest to the Bucks and was blown out by Boston in the 1-2 week, even with LeBron making his return.
The biggest, bright spot seems to be Talen Horton-Tucker right now, and as fun as he is, that's not a good sign for an alleged championship contender. L.A. is 26th in net rating over the past two weeks.
(Last week: 6)
2. Houston Rockets (1-15)
At a certain point, winning does count toward building a culture on a young team. That's simply not happening for the Rockets, who are losers of their last 14 contests. While the prospects are enduring their learning curves, the veteran talent hasn't exactly helped out, either. According to NBA Stats, Houston has given up the most wide open shots per game this season (where a defender is no closer than six feet away).
Offensively, the Rockets aren't shooting well from anywhere on the court, even with Eric Gordon making 43.1% of his threes. This is just a miserable team to watch without nearly enough upside shining through.
(Last week: 8)
1. New Orleans Pelicans (3-15)
The Pelicans pulled off a rare win in a 94-81 grind against the Los Angeles Clippers this week. That didn't stop them from going 1-3 in depressing fashion. Not much has changed here.
I'll throw in a positive: Herb Jones has been a very solid contributor as a second-round rookie. The 23-year-old has picked up a steal and a block in each of his last three games. He's made 61.8% of his shots inside of three feet from the hoop and is 5-for-14 from long range (35.7%).&nbsp;
(Last week: 1)

Only two new teams join the Sour Rankings this week, and they're a couple of squads who have recently been ransacked by the injury bug.
The Cleveland Cavaliers and Denver Nuggets have already battled minor ailments across parts of the roster, but the loss of Collin Sexton and potential long-term loss of Michael Porter Jr. loom large for both franchises. The two teams got off to fantastic starts this season, but as is the case in the NBA, things suddenly feel very different from two weeks ago.
If you're new to the Sour Rankings, here's a refresher: Unlike the typical "power rankings" that repeat themselves throughout sports media, Sour Rankings are a bizarro-world counter. These rankings highlight the top-10 most frustrating NBA franchises throughout the season, and they will be updated every week to match the twists and turns of the league.&nbsp;
This is not merely a bottom-10 of your typical best-to-worst power rankings. You will see championship contenders and playoff hopefuls mixed in with struggling squads. Teams well under .500 may never touch the Sour Rankings because they are on track with their respective processes. Injuries, drama, transactions and generally underwhelming play will earn you a spot on this list.
The central question is ultimately this: How good should you feel about the direction of each franchise? Let's get going:
Escaping the Sour Rankings:&nbsp;It should surprise absolutely no one that the Milwaukee Bucks have won three-straight as their roster finally gets close to full health. The Boston Celtics also break free of the rankings by showing some sustained defensive improvement. They're back up over .500 and are 7-3 in their last 10 games.&nbsp;
10. Cleveland Cavaliers (9-8)
Collin Sexton is going to miss the rest of the season after having surgery on his left meniscus. That's a brutal blow for Sexton, who will enter next summer as a restricted free agent, and the Cavs, who have needed him to bolster an offense that ranks 29th in the league over the past two weeks. Cleveland lost three tough matchups against the Celtics, Nets and Warriors this past week, but the Cavs now have to regroup without their best scorer.
(Last week: Unranked)
9. Atlanta Hawks (8-9)
Winners of their last four, the Hawks have created some solid momentum ahead of a three-game Western Conference road trip. They put up at least 110 points in all three of last week's wins over the Magic, Celtics and Hornets, and now have the third-best offensive rating in the NBA over the past two weeks (per Cleaning the Glass). It's not enough to get them out of the Sour Rankings yet. But with games against the Thunder, Spurs, Grizzlies and Knicks upcoming, Atlanta can really hit the gas pedal.
(Last week: 3)
8. Minnesota Timberwolves (7-9)
Last week felt very, very important for the Timberwolves, who went 3-1 with their lone loss coming in a respectable 99-96 defeat to the red-hot Suns. Minnesota held every single one of its opponents under 100 points in a much-needed defensive resurgence.
Jarred Vanderbilt has started the last six games next to Karl-Anthony Towns in the frontcourt and Minnesota is 4-2 in those contests, with the lone serious blemish being a 27-point loss to the Clippers. Vanderbilt is an awesome player and a great fit in the starting lineup so far.
(Last week: 2)
7. Memphis Grizzlies (8-8)
Here's another squad that has appeared to somewhat right the ship after tumbling down the Sour Rankings last week. Memphis rolled through the Rockets and Clippers before getting steamrolled themselves in a 138-95 loss to Minnesota. That loss underscores the persistent defensive woes. The Grizzlies didn't exactly lock up Houston and LAC, and when their offense went cold, the Wolves trampled them. Memphis is last in opponent Effective Field Goal percentage (56.3%) this season.
(Last week: 4)
6. Denver Nuggets (9-8)
Denver has lost four-straight contests and is scrambling to find some consistent offensive help for Nikola Jokic. But the far bigger worry is the <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/michael-porter-jrs-season-in-jeopardy-due-to-potential-nerve-issue" target="_blank" rel="noopener">recent report</a> of Michael Porter Jr.'s potentially season-ending nerve issue in his back. According to The Denver Post's Mike Singer, Porter could be lined up for his third surgery in five years. It's a sobering reminder of why the talented wing fell so far in the 2018 NBA Draft.
(Last week: Unranked)
5. Sacramento Kings (6-11)
We have our first head coach ousting of the season! <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/kings-fire-head-coach-luke-walton" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Luke Walton is gone</a> and Alvin Gentry is his interim replacement, and I would actually be surprised if Kings fans were upset by all of this. Outside of his fill-in run with the Warriors, Walton has never coached an NBA team to a winning season. He finished 68-93 in Sacramento. Still, any midseason firing is a clear sign that said NBA franchise is in the wrong place.
(Last week: 5)
4. New York Knicks (9-8)
The Knicks may have gone 2-2, but those weren't exactly inspiring wins against the Pacers and Rockets, and they also lost to the Magic and Bulls. New York has the 26th-ranked offense in the league over the last two weeks. RJ Barrett is still searching for his lost jumper, and has lagged on the defensive end. Kemba Walker sat out the closing minutes against Chicago, and rightfully so, given his struggles on defense. This team has a lot to figure out, and they'll have time with just one game before Thanksgiving.
(Last week: 7)
3. Los Angeles Lakers (9-9)
LeBron James was ejected last night for the elbow he threw on Isaiah Stewart. That storyline veered off from the game itself &mdash; the Lakers barely hung on to beat the lowly Pistons &mdash; but it's pretty symbolic of the frustrating year to date. L.A. lost a close contest to the Bucks and was blown out by Boston in the 1-2 week, even with LeBron making his return.
The biggest, bright spot seems to be Talen Horton-Tucker right now, and as fun as he is, that's not a good sign for an alleged championship contender. L.A. is 26th in net rating over the past two weeks.
(Last week: 6)
2. Houston Rockets (1-15)
At a certain point, winning does count toward building a culture on a young team. That's simply not happening for the Rockets, who are losers of their last 14 contests. While the prospects are enduring their learning curves, the veteran talent hasn't exactly helped out, either. According to NBA Stats, Houston has given up the most wide open shots per game this season (where a defender is no closer than six feet away).
Offensively, the Rockets aren't shooting well from anywhere on the court, even with Eric Gordon making 43.1% of his threes. This is just a miserable team to watch without nearly enough upside shining through.
(Last week: 8)
1. New Orleans Pelicans (3-15)
The Pelicans pulled off a rare win in a 94-81 grind against the Los Angeles Clippers this week. That didn't stop them from going 1-3 in depressing fashion. Not much has changed here.
I'll throw in a positive: Herb Jones has been a very solid contributor as a second-round rookie. The 23-year-old has picked up a steal and a block in each of his last three games. He's made 61.8% of his shots inside of three feet of the hoop and is 5-for-14 from long range (35.7%).&nbsp;
(Last week: 1)

Ethan Fuller ranks the most dire situations in the NBA, with injury-plagued teams beginning to feel the toll.

NBA Sour Rankings: Lakers in turmoil, Cavs and Nuggets in injury peril

It's hard to maintain your place in the Sour Rankings.
Most teams come and go throughout the season, making spot appearances as they experience a slump or stumble into your run-of-the-mill NBA drama. The New York Knicks are making their first appearance in the Sour Rankings this week, but time will tell if the current underachievement is a blip or a theme.
The true stalwarts, however, are trapped in severe on-court disappointment and off-court turmoil. Our top (or bottom, depending on your point of view) squad holds down the fort for a third consecutive week. That's not an easy feat, and it's not exactly the recognition the franchise wants 14 games into the season.
If you're new to the Sour Rankings, here's a refresher. Unlike the typical "power rankings" that repeat themselves throughout sports media, Sour Rankings are a bizarro-world counter. These rankings highlight the top-10 most frustrating NBA franchises throughout the season, and they will be updated every week to match the twists and turns of the league.&nbsp;
This is not merely a bottom-10 of your typical best-to-worst power rankings. You will see championship contenders and playoff hopefuls mixed in with struggling squads. Teams well-under .500 may never touch the Sour Rankings because they are on track with their respective processes. Injuries, drama, transactions and generally underwhelming play will all be considered.
The central question is ultimately this: How good should you feel about the direction of each franchise? Some teams value wins this season and paths to a title, while others are looking down the road at long-term pieces. Let's get going:
Escaping the Sour Rankings:&nbsp;Four teams broke free this week. The Indiana Pacers and Phoenix Suns are riding serious hot streaks, and have gone a combined 13-2 over the last two weeks. The Pistons may be losing, but Cade Cunningham's 20-point outing against the Rockets and 2021 No. 2 pick Jalen Green should inspire some confidence.
The Hornets also jumped back out after a thrilling 106-102 win against the Golden State Warriors. That alone is a feather in the cap for such a young team.
10. Milwaukee Bucks (6-8)
Honestly, I don't know how to feel about placing Milwaukee in here. Bucks fans shouldn't be panicking; the team is still working its way through injuries to Brook Lopez and George Hill, as well as Khris Middleton's COVID-related absence and Donte DiVincenzo's long-term injury. But Milwaukee is under .500 and has struggled to generate positive momentum in the early season. The Bucks wield an 18th-ranked offense and 22nd-ranked defense. It's just been a slog to start.
(Last week: Unranked)
9. Boston Celtics (6-7)
The Celtics have rather quietly locked down with the league's third-best defensive rating (102.3, per Cleaning the Glass) over the past two weeks. That comes without Jaylen Brown for most of the stretch, and also some missed time between Al Horford and Josh Richardson. The streaky shooting and general offensive inconsistencies are still confounding. But Ime Udoka has overhauled the defense in his first year as head coach, and things seem to be clicking into place relatively early.&nbsp;
(Last week: 3)
8. Houston Rockets (1-12)
Houston remains in about the same place as the past two weeks: a very bad basketball team with some, but not enough (yet) flashes of promise. The Rockets have lost 11 in a row, and it's tough to think about how the agreement to sit John Wall is costing the young players some on-court stability from a veteran.
Alperen Sengun has been a bright spot off the bench. He's 6-of-14 from three-point range to start the year, and recently had a 10-point, 10-rebound, 4-assist performance in Sunday's loss to Phoenix.
(Last week: 9)
7. New York Knicks (7-6)
<a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/knicks-to-begin-an-important-three-game-home-stand" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tommy Beer has aptly summed up</a> the complete derailment of New York's defense and starting lineup. In general, the team's shooters have hit a massive dry spell. The Knicks are hitting 26.8% of their corner threes. RJ Barrett is 7-for-32 from long range in his last six games. Evan Fournier is 8-for-35 since the start of the month. There's reason to believe in positive regression, but that only takes the Knicks so far with a below-average defense.
(Last week: Unranked)
6. Los Angeles Lakers (8-6)
Anthony Davis <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/anthony-davis-rips-76-lakers-a-championship-team-not-us-right-now" target="_blank" rel="noopener">kept things pretty real</a> after a 107-83 loss to the Timberwolves last Friday:
&ldquo;We gotta decide who we want to be. A championship team? That's not us right now,&rdquo; Davis said.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
AD ... to AD! 🤯 <a href="https://t.co/eSKsNJDv1x">pic.twitter.com/eSKsNJDv1x</a>
&mdash; Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Lakers/status/1459987246044512259?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

L.A. did go 3-1 last week, narrowly beating the Charlotte Hornets, Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs. Davis himself put up 34 points and 15 rebounds in the most recent victory over San Antonio. We'll see if his words and actions generate some meaningful change over the next week; the Lakers still have a bottom-five offense over the past two weeks.
(Last week: 6)
5. Sacramento Kings (5-8)
We have our first report of a coaching job in jeopardy! <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/kings-losing-streak-could-have-luke-walton-on-hot-seat" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shams Charania of The Athletic reports</a> that Luke Walton could be on the hot seat if the Kings keep adding to their four-game losing streak. In fairness, the current skid includes defeats of five points or less to the Pacers, Suns and Thunder. Sacramento has two very winnable games against the Pistons and Timberwolves coming up. At least for Walton's future, those matchups are becoming inflection points in the season.
(Last week: Unranked)
4. Memphis Grizzlies (6-7)
This might be the greatest free-fall of any NBA team right now. Last week, Memphis lost to the Hornets and Pelicans by 10 and the Suns by 25. Over the last two weeks, the Grizzlies are one of three NBA teams in the bottom-10 of both offensive and defensive ratings (you'll see the other two shortly). Opponents are shooting a league-high 41.3% from deep against the Grizzlies and 51.2% from the corners (?!?!) on the season.
Memphis is also second in transition frequency, but 24th in points per transition play. The team gives up the most points per play in the halfcourt among any NBA team. The more I research, the worse it gets...
(Last week: Unranked)
3. Atlanta Hawks (5-9)
We arrive at the worst defensive team in the NBA over the last two weeks, and it just lost one of its better defenders in De'Andre Hunter for two months due to wrist surgery. The Hawks are giving up 118.2 points per 100 possessions since November began, which is far and away the worst mark in the NBA. They also force the fewest turnovers per game.
A 42-point barrage from Trae Young helped Atlanta finally end its six-game losing streak on Sunday against the Bucks.
(Last week: 5)
2. Minnesota Timberwolves (4-8)
Remember that eye-popping Timberwolves defense? Me neither; Minnesota is 27th in defensive rating over the last two weeks. The Wolves randomly crushed the Lakers but are 1-7 in their past eight games.
Amazingly, they not only get to the line at the third-worst rate in the league, but also give up the most free throws per 100 shots in the entire league. Malik Beasley has a horrendous 43.2% True Shooting percentage. Things are bad. But at least Minnesota got the front office drama out of the way before the season, unlike our No. 1 team.
(Last week: 4)
1. New Orleans Pelicans (2-12)
Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report wrote last week that <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/pelicans-exec-david-griffin-on-hot-seat-after-slow-start-altercation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">David Griffin is on the hot seat in New Orleans</a>, and that the team's president of basketball operations got into a physical altercation with former head coach Alvin Gentry. Zion Williamson is still without a timetable on his injury recovery pathway. The Pelicans are one of the worst teams in the NBA and are demonstrating little in the way of prospect promise. And that, folks, is how you lock up the No. 1 spot in the Sour Rankings for a third straight week!
(Last week: 1)

It's hard to maintain your place in the Sour Rankings.
Most teams come and go throughout the season, making spot appearances as they experience a slump or stumble into your run-of-the-mill NBA drama. The New York Knicks are making their first appearance in the Sour Rankings this week, but time will tell if the current underachievement is a blip or a theme.
The true stalwarts, however, are trapped in severe on-court disappointment and off-court turmoil. Our top (or bottom, depending on your point of view) squad holds down the fort for a third consecutive week. That's not an easy feat, and it's not exactly the recognition the franchise wants 14 games into the season.
If you're new to the Sour Rankings, here's a refresher. Unlike the typical "power rankings" that repeat themselves throughout sports media, Sour Rankings are a bizarro-world counter. These rankings highlight the top-10 most frustrating NBA franchises throughout the season, and they will be updated every week to match the twists and turns of the league.&nbsp;
This is not merely a bottom-10 of your typical best-to-worst power rankings. You will see championship contenders and playoff hopefuls mixed in with struggling squads. Teams well-under .500 may never touch the Sour Rankings because they are on track with their respective processes. Injuries, drama, transactions and generally underwhelming play will all be considered.
The central question is ultimately this: How good should you feel about the direction of each franchise? Some teams value wins this season and paths to a title, while others are looking down the road at long-term pieces. Let's get going:
Escaping the Sour Rankings:&nbsp;Four teams broke free this week. The Indiana Pacers and Phoenix Suns are riding serious hot streaks, and have gone a combined 13-2 over the last two weeks. The Pistons may be losing, but Cade Cunningham's 20-point outing against the Rockets and 2021 No. 2 pick Jalen Green should inspire some confidence.
The Hornets also jumped back out after a thrilling 106-102 win against the Golden State Warriors. That alone is a feather in the cap for such a young team.
10. Milwaukee Bucks (6-8)
Honestly, I don't know how to feel about placing Milwaukee in here. Bucks fans shouldn't be panicking; the team is still working its way through injuries to Brook Lopez and George Hill, as well as Khris Middleton's COVID-related absence and Donte DiVincenzo's long-term injury. But Milwaukee is under .500 and has struggled to generate positive momentum in the early season. The Bucks wield an 18th-ranked offense and 22nd-ranked defense. It's just been a slog to start.
(Last week: Unranked)
9. Boston Celtics (6-7)
The Celtics have rather quietly locked down with the league's third-best defensive rating (102.3, per Cleaning the Glass) over the past two weeks. That comes without Jaylen Brown for most of the stretch, and also some missed time between Al Horford and Josh Richardson. The streaky shooting and general offensive inconsistencies are still confounding. But Ime Udoka has overhauled the defense in his first year as head coach, and things seem to be clicking into place relatively early.&nbsp;
(Last week: 3)
8. Houston Rockets (1-12)
Houston remains in about the same place as the past two weeks: a very bad basketball team with some, but not enough (yet) flashes of promise. The Rockets have lost 11 in a row, and it's tough to think about how the agreement to sit John Wall is costing the young players some on-court stability from a veteran.
Alperen Sengun has been a bright spot off the bench. He's 6-of-14 from three-point range to start the year, and recently had a 10-point, 10-rebound, 4-assist performance in Sunday's loss to Phoenix.
(Last week: 9)
7. New York Knicks (7-6)
<a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/knicks-to-begin-an-important-three-game-home-stand" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tommy Beer has aptly summed up</a> the complete derailment of New York's defense and starting lineup. In general, the team's shooters have hit a massive dry spell. The Knicks are hitting 26.8% of their corner threes. RJ Barrett is 7-for-32 from long range in his last six games. Evan Fournier is 8-for-35 since the start of the month. There's reason to believe in positive regression, but that only takes the Knicks so far with a below-average defense.
(Last week: Unranked)
6. Los Angeles Lakers (8-6)
Anthony Davis <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/anthony-davis-rips-76-lakers-a-championship-team-not-us-right-now" target="_blank" rel="noopener">kept things pretty real</a> after a 107-83 loss to the Timberwolves last Friday:
&ldquo;We gotta decide who we want to be. A championship team? That's not us right now,&rdquo; Davis said.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
AD ... to AD! 🤯 <a href="https://t.co/eSKsNJDv1x">pic.twitter.com/eSKsNJDv1x</a>
&mdash; Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Lakers/status/1459987246044512259?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

L.A. did go 3-1 last week, narrowly beating the Charlotte Hornets, Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs. Davis himself put up 34 points and 15 rebounds in the most recent victory over San Antonio. We'll see if his words and actions generate some meaningful change over the next week; the Lakers still have a bottom-five offense over the past two weeks.
(Last week: 6)
5. Sacramento Kings (5-8)
We have our first report of a coaching job in jeopardy! <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/kings-losing-streak-could-have-luke-walton-on-hot-seat" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shams Charania of The Athletic reports</a> that Luke Walton could be on the hot seat if the Kings keep adding to their four-game losing streak. In fairness, the current skid includes defeats of five points or less to the Pacers, Suns and Thunder. Sacramento has two very winnable games against the Pistons and Timberwolves coming up. At least for Walton's future, those matchups are becoming inflection points in the season.
(Last week: Unranked)
4. Memphis Grizzlies (6-7)
This might be the greatest free-fall of any NBA team right now. Last week, Memphis lost to the Hornets and Pelicans by 10 and the Suns by 25. Over the last two weeks, the Grizzlies are one of three NBA teams in the bottom-10 of both offensive and defensive ratings (you'll see the other two shortly). Opponents are shooting a league-high 41.3% from deep against the Grizzlies and 51.2% from the corners (?!?!) on the season.
Memphis is also second in transition frequency, but 24th in points per transition play. The team gives up the most points per play in the halfcourt among all its peers. The more I research, the worse it gets...
(Last week: Unranked)
3. Atlanta Hawks (5-9)
We arrive at the worst defensive team in the NBA over the last two weeks, and it just lost one of its better defenders in De'Andre Hunter for two months due to wrist surgery. The Hawks are giving up 118.2 points per 100 possessions since November began, which is far and away the worst mark in the NBA. They also force the fewest turnovers per game.
A 42-point barrage from Trae Young helped Atlanta finally end its six-game losing streak on Sunday against the Bucks.
(Last week: 5)
2. Minnesota Timberwolves (4-8)
Remember that eye-popping Timberwolves defense? Me neither; Minnesota is 27th in defensive rating over the last two weeks. The Wolves randomly crushed the Lakers but are 1-7 in their past eight games.
Amazingly, they not only get to the line at the third-worst rate in the league, but also give up the most free throws per 100 shots in the entire league. Malik Beasley has a horrendous 43.2% True Shooting percentage. Things are bad. But at least Minnesota got the front office drama out of the way before the season, unlike our No. 1 team.
(Last week: 4)
1. New Orleans Pelicans (2-12)
Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report wrote last week that <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/pelicans-exec-david-griffin-on-hot-seat-after-slow-start-altercation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">David Griffin is on the hot seat in New Orleans</a>, and that the team's president of basketball operations got into a physical altercation with former head coach Alvin Gentry. Zion Williamson is still without a timetable on his injury recovery pathway. The Pelicans are one of the worst teams in the NBA and are demonstrating little in the way of prospect promise. And that, folks, is how you lock up the No. 1 spot in the Sour Rankings for a third straight week!
(Last week: 1)

It's hard to maintain your place in the Sour Rankings.
Most teams come and go throughout the season, making spot appearances as they experience a slump or stumble into your run-of-the-mill NBA drama. The New York Knicks are making their first appearance in the Sour Rankings this week, but time will tell if the current underachievement is a blip or a theme.
The true stalwarts, however, are trapped in severe on-court disappointment and off-court turmoil. Our top (or bottom, depending on your point of view) squad holds down the fort for a third consecutive week. That's not an easy feat, and it's not exactly the recognition the franchise wants 14 games into the season.
If you're new to the Sour Rankings, here's a refresher. Unlike the typical "power rankings" that repeat themselves throughout sports media, Sour Rankings are a bizarro-world counter. These rankings highlight the top-10 most frustrating NBA franchises throughout the season, and they will be updated every week to match the twists and turns of the league.&nbsp;
This is not merely a bottom-10 of your typical best-to-worst power rankings. You will see championship contenders and playoff hopefuls mixed in with struggling squads. Teams well-under .500 may never touch the Sour Rankings because they are on track with their respective processes. Injuries, drama, transactions and generally underwhelming play will all be considered.
The central question is ultimately this: How good should you feel about the direction of each franchise? Some teams value wins this season and paths to a title, while others are looking down the road at long-term pieces. Let's get going:
Escaping the Sour Rankings:&nbsp;Four teams broke free this week. The Indiana Pacers and Phoenix Suns are riding serious hot streaks, and have gone a combined 13-2 over the last two weeks. The Pistons may be losing, but Cade Cunningham's 20-point outing against the Rockets and 2021 No. 2 pick Jalen Green should inspire some confidence.
The Hornets also jumped back out after a thrilling 106-102 win against the Golden State Warriors. That alone is a feather in the cap for such a young team.
10. Milwaukee Bucks (6-8)
Honestly, I don't know how to feel about placing Milwaukee in here. Bucks fans shouldn't be panicking; the team is still working its way through injuries to Brook Lopez and George Hill, as well as Khris Middleton's COVID-related absence and Donte DiVincenzo's long-term injury. But Milwaukee is under .500 and has struggled to generate positive momentum in the early season. The Bucks wield an 18th-ranked offense and 22nd-ranked defense. It's just been a slog to start.
(Last week: Unranked)
9. Boston Celtics (6-7)
The Celtics have rather quietly locked down with the league's third-best defensive rating (102.3, per Cleaning the Glass) over the past two weeks. That comes without Jaylen Brown for most of the stretch, and also some missed time between Al Horford and Josh Richardson. The streaky shooting and general offensive inconsistencies are still confounding. But Ime Udoka has overhauled the defense in his first year as head coach, and things seem to be clicking into place relatively early.&nbsp;
(Last week: 3)
8. Houston Rockets (1-12)
Houston remains in about the same place as the past two weeks: a very bad basketball team with some, but not enough (yet) flashes of promise. The Rockets have lost 11 in a row, and it's tough to think about how the agreement to sit John Wall is costing the young players some on-court stability from a veteran.
Alperen Sengun has been a bright spot off the bench. He's 6-of-14 from three-point range to start the year, and recently had a 10-point, 10-rebound, 4-assist performance in Sunday's loss to Phoenix.
(Last week: 9)
7. New York Knicks (7-6)
<a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/knicks-to-begin-an-important-three-game-home-stand" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tommy Beer has aptly summed up</a> the complete derailment of New York's defense and starting lineup. In general, the team's shooters have hit a massive dry spell. The Knicks are hitting 26.8% of their corner threes. RJ Barrett is 7-for-32 from long range in his last six games. Evan Fournier is 8-for-35 since the start of the month. There's reason to believe in positive regression, but that only takes the Knicks so far with a below-average defense.
(Last week: Unranked)
6. Los Angeles Lakers (8-6)
Anthony Davis <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/anthony-davis-rips-76-lakers-a-championship-team-not-us-right-now" target="_blank" rel="noopener">kept things pretty real</a> after a 107-83 loss to the Timberwolves last Friday:
&ldquo;We gotta decide who we want to be. A championship team? That's not us right now,&rdquo; Davis said.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
AD ... to AD! 🤯 <a href="https://t.co/eSKsNJDv1x">pic.twitter.com/eSKsNJDv1x</a>
&mdash; Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Lakers/status/1459987246044512259?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

L.A. did go 3-1 last week, narrowly beating the Charlotte Hornets, Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs. Davis himself put up 34 points and 15 rebounds in the most recent victory over San Antonio. We'll see if his words and actions generate some meaningful change over the next week; the Lakers still have a bottom-five offense over the past two weeks.
(Last week: 6)
5. Sacramento Kings (5-8)
We have our first report of a coaching job in jeopardy! <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/kings-losing-streak-could-have-luke-walton-on-hot-seat" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shams Charania of The Athletic reports</a> that Luke Walton could be on the hot seat if the Kings keep adding to their four-game losing streak. In fairness, the current skid includes defeats of five points or less to the Pacers, Suns and Thunder. Sacramento has two very winnable games against the Pistons and Timberwolves coming up. At least for Walton's future, those matchups are becoming inflection points in the season.
(Last week: Unranked)
4. Memphis Grizzlies (6-7)
This might be the greatest free-fall of any NBA team right now. Last week, Memphis lost to the Hornets and Pelicans by 10 and the Suns by 25. Over the last two weeks, the Grizzlies are one of three NBA teams in the bottom-10 of both offensive and defensive ratings (you'll see the other two shortly). Opponents are shooting a league-high 41.3% from deep against the Grizzlies and 51.2% from the corners (?!?!) on the season.
Memphis is also second in transition frequency, but 24th in points per transition play. The team gives up the most points per play in the halfcourt among all its peers. The more I research, the worse it gets...
(Last week: Unranked)
3. Atlanta Hawks (5-9)
We arrive at the worst defensive team in the NBA over the last two weeks, and it just lost one of its better defenders in De'Andre Hunter for two months due to wrist surgery. The Hawks are giving up 118.2 points per 100 possessions since November began, which is far and away the worst mark in the NBA. They also force the fewest turnovers per game.
A 42-point barrage from Trae Young helped Atlanta finally end its six-game losing streak on Sunday against the Bucks.
(Last week: 5)
2. Minnesota Timberwolves (4-8)
Remember that eye-popping Timberwolves defense? Me neither; Minnesota is 27th in defensive rating over the last two weeks. The Wolves randomly crushed the Lakers, but are 1-7 in their past eight games.
Amazingly, they not only get to the line at the third-worst rate in the league, but also give up the most free throws per 100 shots in the entire league. Malik Beasley has a horrendous 43.2% True Shooting percentage. Things are bad. But at least Minnesota got the front office drama out of the way before the season, unlike our No. 1 team.
(Last week: 4)
1. New Orleans Pelicans (2-12)
Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report wrote last week that <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/pelicans-exec-david-griffin-on-hot-seat-after-slow-start-altercation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">David Griffin is on the hot seat in New Orleans</a>, and that the team's president of basketball operations got into a physical altercation with former head coach Alvin Gentry. Zion Williamson is still without a timetable on his injury recovery pathway. The Pelicans are one of the worst teams in the NBA and are demonstrating little in the way of prospect promise. And that, folks, is how you lock up the No. 1 spot in the Sour Rankings for a third straight week!
(Last week: 1)

It's hard to maintain your place in the Sour Rankings.
Most teams come and go throughout the season, making spot appearances as they experience a slump or stumble into your run-of-the-mill NBA drama. The New York Knicks are making their first appearance in the Sour Rankings this week, but time will tell if the current underachievement is a blip or a theme.
The true stalwarts, however, are trapped in severe on-court disappointment and off-court turmoil. Our top (or bottom, depending on your point of view) squad holds down the fort for a third consecutive week. That's not an easy feat, and it's not exactly the recognition the franchise wants 14 games into the season.
If you're new to the Sour Rankings, here's a refresher. Unlike the typical "power rankings" that repeat themselves throughout sports media, Sour Rankings are a bizarro-world counter. These rankings highlight the top-10 most frustrating NBA franchises throughout the season, and they will be updated every week to match the twists and turns of the league.&nbsp;
This is not merely a bottom-10 of your typical best-to-worst power rankings. You will see championship contenders and playoff hopefuls mixed in with struggling squads. Teams well-under .500 may never touch the Sour Rankings because they are on track with their respective processes. Injuries, drama, transactions and generally underwhelming play will all be considered.
The central question is ultimately this: How good should you feel about the direction of each franchise? Some teams value wins this season and paths to a title, while others are looking down the road at long-term pieces. Let's get going:
Escaping the Sour Rankings:&nbsp;Four teams broke free this week. The Indiana Pacers and Phoenix Suns are riding serious hot streaks, and have gone a combined 13-2 over the last two weeks. The Pistons may be losing, but Cade Cunningham's 20-point outing against the Rockets and 2021 No. 2 pick Jalen Green should inspire some confidence.
The Hornets also jumped back out after a thrilling 106-102 win against the Golden State Warriors. That alone is a feather in the cap for such a young team.
10. Milwaukee Bucks (6-8)
Honestly, I don't know how to feel about placing Milwaukee in here. Bucks fans shouldn't be panicking; the team is still working its way through injuries to Brook Lopez and George Hill, as well as Khris Middleton's COVID-related absence and Donte DiVincenzo's long-term injury. But Milwaukee is under .500 and has struggled to generate positive momentum in the early season. The Bucks wield an 18th-ranked offense and 22nd-ranked defense. It's just been a slog to start.
(Last week: Unranked)
9. Boston Celtics (6-7)
The Celtics have rather quietly locked down with the league's third-best defensive rating (102.3, per Cleaning the Glass) over the past two weeks. That comes without Jaylen Brown for most of the stretch, and also some missed time between Al Horford and Josh Richardson. The streaky shooting and general offensive inconsistencies are still confounding. But Ime Udoka has overhauled the defense in his first year as head coach, and things seem to be clicking into place relatively early.&nbsp;
(Last week: 3)
8. Houston Rockets (1-12)
Houston remains in about the same place as the past two weeks: a very bad basketball team with some, but not enough (yet) flashes of promise. The Rockets have lost 11 in a row, and it's tough to think about how the agreement to sit John Wall is costing the young players some on-court stability from a veteran.
Alperen Sengun has been a bright spot off the bench. He's 6-of-14 from three-point range to start the year, and recently had a 10-point, 10-rebound, 4-assist performance in Sunday's loss to Phoenix.
(Last week: 9)
7. New York Knicks (7-6)
<a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/knicks-to-begin-an-important-three-game-home-stand" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tommy Beer has aptly summed up</a> the complete derailment of New York's defense and starting lineup. In general, the team's shooters have hit a massive dry spell. The Knicks are hitting 26.8% of their corner threes. RJ Barrett is 7-for-32 from long range in his last six games. Evan Fournier is 8-for-35 since the start of the month. There's reason to believe in positive regression, but that only takes the Knicks so far with a below-average defense.
(Last week: Unranked)
6. Los Angeles Lakers (8-6)
Anthony Davis <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/anthony-davis-rips-76-lakers-a-championship-team-not-us-right-now" target="_blank" rel="noopener">kept things pretty real</a> after a 107-83 loss to the Timberwolves last Friday:
&ldquo;We gotta decide who we want to be. A championship team? That's not us right now,&rdquo; Davis said.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
AD ... to AD! 🤯 <a href="https://t.co/eSKsNJDv1x">pic.twitter.com/eSKsNJDv1x</a>
&mdash; Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Lakers/status/1459987246044512259?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

L.A. did go 3-1 last week, narrowly beating the Charlotte Hornets, Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs. Davis himself put up 34 points and 15 rebounds in the most recent victory over San Antonio. We'll see if his words and actions generate some meaningful change over the next week; the Lakers still have a bottom-five offense over the past two weeks.
(Last week: 6)
5. Sacramento Kings (5-8)
We have our first report of a coaching job in jeopardy! <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/kings-losing-streak-could-have-luke-walton-on-hot-seat" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shams Charania of The Athletic reports</a> that Luke Walton could be on the hot seat if the Kings keep adding to their four-game losing streak. In fairness, the current skid includes defeats of five points or less to the Pacers, Suns and Thunder. Sacramento has two very winnable games against the Pistons and Timberwolves coming up. At least for Walton's future, those matchups are becoming inflection points in the season.
(Last week: Unranked)
4. Memphis Grizzlies (6-7)
This might be the greatest free-fall of any NBA team right now. Last week, Memphis lost to the Hornets and Pelicans by 10 and the Suns by 25. Over the last two weeks, the Grizzlies are one of three NBA teams in the bottom-10 of both offensive and defensive ratings (you'll see the other two shortly). Opponents are shooting a league-high 41.3% from deep against the Grizzlies and 51.2% from the corners (?!?!) on the season.
Memphis is also second in transition frequency, but 24th in points per transition play. The team gives up the most points per play in the halfcourt among all its peers. The more I research, the worse it gets...
(Last week: Unranked)
3. Atlanta Hawks (5-9)
We arrive at the worst defensive team in the NBA over the last two weeks, and it just lost one of its better defenders in De'Andre Hunter for two months due to wrist surgery. The Hawks are giving up 118.2 points per 100 possessions since November began, which is far and away the worst mark in the NBA. They also force the fewest turnovers per game.
A 42-point barrage from Trae Young helped Atlanta finally end its six-game losing streak on Sunday against the Bucks.
(Last week: 5)
2. Minnesota Timberwolves (4-8)
Remember that eye-popping Timberwolves defense? Me neither; Minnesota is 27th in defensive rating over the last two weeks. The Wolves randomly crushed the Lakers, but are 1-7 in their past eight games.
Amazingly, they not only get to the line at the third-worst rate in the league, but also give up the most free throws per 100 shots in the entire league. Malik Beasley has a horrendous 43.2% True Shooting percentage. Things are bad. But at least Minnesota got the front office drama out of the way before the season, unlike our No. 1 team.
(Last week: 4)
1. New Orleans Pelicans (2-12)
Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report wrote last week that <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/pelicans-exec-david-griffin-on-hot-seat-after-slow-start-altercation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">David Griffin is on the hot seat in New Orleans</a>, and that the team's president of basketball operations got into a physical altercation with former head coach Alvin Gentry. Zion Williamson is still without a timetable on his injury recovery pathway. The Pelicans are one of the worst teams in the NBA and are demonstrating little in the way of prospect promise.
&nbsp;
And that, folks, is how you lock up the No. 1 spot in the Sour Rankings for a third straight week!
(Last week: 1)

It's hard to maintain your place in the Sour Rankings.
Most teams come and go throughout the season, making spot appearances as they experience a slump or stumble into your run-of-the-mill NBA drama. The New York Knicks are making their first appearance in the Sour Rankings this week, but time will tell if the current underachievement is a blip or a theme.
The true stalwarts, however, are trapped in severe on-court disappointment and off-court turmoil. Our top (or bottom, depending on your point of view) squad holds down the fort for a third consecutive week. That's not an easy feat, and it's not exactly the recognition the franchise wants 14 games into the season.
If you're new to the Sour Rankings, here's a refresher. Unlike the typical "power rankings" that repeat themselves throughout sports media, Sour Rankings are a bizarro-world counter. These rankings highlight the top-10 most frustrating NBA franchises throughout the season, and they will be updated every week to match the twists and turns of the league.&nbsp;
This is not merely a bottom-10 of your typical best-to-worst power rankings. You will see championship contenders and playoff hopefuls mixed in with struggling squads. Teams well-under .500 may never touch the Sour Rankings because they are on track with their respective processes. Injuries, drama, transactions and generally underwhelming play will all be considered.
The central question is ultimately this: How good should you feel about the direction of each franchise? Some teams value wins this season and paths to a title, while others are looking down the road at long-term pieces. Let's get going:
Escaping the Sour Rankings:&nbsp;Four teams broke free this week. The Indiana Pacers and Phoenix Suns are riding serious hot streaks, and have gone a combined 13-2 over the last two weeks. The Pistons may be losing, but Cade Cunningham's 20-point outing against the Rockets and 2021 No. 2 pick Jalen Green should inspire some confidence.
The Hornets also jumped back out after a thrilling 106-102 win against the Golden State Warriors. That alone is a feather in the cap for such a young team.
10. Milwaukee Bucks (6-8)
Honestly, I don't know how to feel about placing Milwaukee in here. Bucks fans shouldn't be panicking; the team is still working its way through injuries to Brook Lopez and George Hill, as well as Khris Middleton's COVID-related absence and Donte DiVincenzo's long-term injury. But Milwaukee is under .500 and has struggled to generate positive momentum in the early season. The Bucks wield an 18th-ranked offense and 22nd-ranked defense. It's just been a slog to start.
(Last week: Unranked)
9. Boston Celtics (6-7)
The Celtics have rather quietly locked down with the league's third-best defensive rating (102.3, per Cleaning the Glass) over the past two weeks. That comes without Jaylen Brown for most of the stretch, and also some missed time between Al Horford and Josh Richardson. The streaky shooting and general offensive inconsistencies are still confounding. But Ime Udoka has overhauled the defense in his first year as head coach, and things seem to be clicking into place relatively early.&nbsp;
(Last week: 3)
8. Houston Rockets (1-12)
Houston remains in about the same place as the past two weeks: a very bad basketball team with some, but not enough (yet) flashes of promise. The Rockets have lost 11 in a row, and it's tough to think about how the agreement to sit John Wall is costing the young players some on-court stability from a veteran.
Alperen Sengun has been a bright spot off the bench. He's 6-of-14 from three-point range to start the year, and recently had a 10-point, 10-rebound, 4-assist performance in Sunday's loss to Phoenix.
(Last week: 9)
7. New York Knicks (7-6)
<a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/knicks-to-begin-an-important-three-game-home-stand" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tommy Beer has aptly summed up</a> the complete derailment of New York's defense and starting lineup. In general, the team's shooters have hit a massive dry spell. The Knicks are hitting 26.8% of their corner threes. RJ Barrett is 7-for-32 from long range in his last six games. Evan Fournier is 8-for-35 since the start of the month. There's reason to believe in positive regression, but that only takes the Knicks so far with a below-average defense.
(Last week: Unranked)
6. Los Angeles Lakers (8-6)
Anthony Davis <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/anthony-davis-rips-76-lakers-a-championship-team-not-us-right-now" target="_blank" rel="noopener">kept things pretty real</a> after a 107-83 loss to the Timberwolves last Friday:
&ldquo;We gotta decide who we want to be. A championship team? That's not us right now,&rdquo; Davis said.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
AD ... to AD! 🤯 <a href="https://t.co/eSKsNJDv1x">pic.twitter.com/eSKsNJDv1x</a>
&mdash; Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Lakers/status/1459987246044512259?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

L.A. did go 3-1 last week, narrowly beating the Charlotte Hornets, Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs. Davis himself put up 34 points and 15 rebounds in the most recent victory over San Antonio. We'll see if his words and actions generate some meaningful change over the next week; the Lakers still have a bottom-five offense over the past two weeks.
(Last week: 6)
5. Sacramento Kings (5-8)
We have our first report of a coaching job in jeopardy! <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/kings-losing-streak-could-have-luke-walton-on-hot-seat" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shams Charania of The Athletic reports</a> that Luke Walton could be on the hot seat if the Kings keep adding to their four-game losing streak. In fairness, the current skid includes defeats of five points or less to the Pacers, Suns and Thunder. Sacramento has two very winnable games against the Pistons and Timberwolves coming up. At least for Walton's future, those matchups are becoming inflection points in the season.
(Last week: Unranked)
4. Memphis Grizzlies (6-7)
This might be the greatest free-fall of any NBA team right now. Last week, Memphis lost to the Hornets and Pelicans by 10 and the Suns by 25. Over the last two weeks, the Grizzlies are one of three NBA teams in the bottom-10 of both offensive and defensive ratings (you'll see the other two shortly). Opponents are shooting a league-high 41.3% from deep against the Grizzlies and 51.2% from the corners (?!?!) on the season.
Memphis is also second in transition frequency, but 24th in points per transition play. The team gives up the most points per play in the halfcourt among all its peers. The more I research, the worse it gets...
(Last week: Unranked)
3. Atlanta Hawks (5-9)
We arrive at the worst defensive team in the NBA over the last two weeks, and it just lost one of its better defenders in De'Andre Hunter for two months due to wrist surgery. The Hawks are giving up 118.2 points per 100 possessions since November began, which is far and away the worst mark in the NBA. They also force the fewest turnovers per game.
A 42-point barrage from Trae Young helped Atlanta finally end its six-game losing streak on Sunday against the Bucks.
(Last week: 5)
2. Minnesota Timberwolves (4-8)
Remember that eye-popping Timberwolves defense? Me neither; Minnesota is 27th in defensive rating over the last two weeks. The Wolves randomly crushed the Lakers, but are 1-7 in their past eight games.
Amazingly, they not only get to the line at the third-worst rate in the league, but also give up the most free throws per 100 shots in the entire league. Malik Beasley has a horrendous 43.2% True Shooting percentage. Things are bad. But at least Minnesota got the front office drama out of the way before the season, unlike our No. 1 team.
(Last week: 4)
1. New Orleans Pelicans (2-12)
Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report wrote last week that <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/pelicans-exec-david-griffin-on-hot-seat-after-slow-start-altercation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">David Griffin is on the hot seat in New Orleans</a>, and that the Pelicans president of basketball operations got into a physical altercation with former head coach Alvin Gentry. Zion Williamson is still without a timetable on his injury recovery pathway. The Pelicans are one of the worst teams in the NBA and are demonstrating little in the way of prospect promise.
And that, folks, is how you lock up the No. 1 spot in the Sour Rankings for a third straight week!
(Last week: 1)

It's hard to maintain your place in the Sour Rankings.
Most teams come and go throughout the season, making spot appearances as they experience a slump or stumble into your run-of-the-mill NBA drama. The New York Knicks are making their first appearance in the Sour Rankings this week, but time will tell if the current underachievement is a blip or a theme.
The true stalwarts, however, are trapped in severe on-court disappointment and off-court turmoil. Our top (or bottom, depending on your point of view) squad holds down the fort for a third consecutive week. That's not an easy feat, and it's not exactly the recognition the franchise wants 14 games into the season.
If you're new to the Sour Rankings, here's a refresher. Unlike the typical "power rankings" that repeat themselves throughout sports media, Sour Rankings are a bizarro-world counter. These rankings highlight the top-10 most frustrating NBA franchises throughout the season, and they will be updated every week to match the twists and turns of the league.&nbsp;
This is not merely a bottom-10 of your typical best-to-worst power rankings. You will see championship contenders and playoff hopefuls mixed in with struggling squads. Teams well-under .500 may never touch the Sour Rankings because they are on track with their respective processes. Injuries, drama, transactions and generally underwhelming play will all be considered.
The central question is ultimately this: How good should you feel about the direction of each franchise? Some teams value wins this season and paths to a title, while others are looking down the road at long-term pieces. Let's get going:
Escaping the Sour Rankings:&nbsp;Four teams broke free this week. The Indiana Pacers and Phoenix Suns are riding serious hot streaks, and have gone a combined 13-2 over the last two weeks. The Pistons may be losing, but Cade Cunningham's 20-point outing against the Rockets and 2021 No. 2 pick Jalen Green should inspire some confidence.
The Hornets also jumped back out after a thrilling 106-102 win against the Golden State Warriors. That alone is a feather in the cap for such a young team.
10. Milwaukee Bucks (6-8)
Honestly, I don't know how to feel about placing Milwaukee in here. Bucks fans shouldn't be panicking; the team is still working its way through injuries to Brook Lopez and George Hill, as well as Khris Middleton's COVID-related absence and Donte DiVincenzo's long-term injury. But Milwaukee is under .500 and has struggled to generate positive momentum in the early season. The Bucks wield an 18th-ranked offense and 22nd-ranked defense. It's just been a slog to start.
(Last week: Unranked)
9. Boston Celtics (6-7)
The Celtics have rather quietly locked down with the league's third-best defensive rating (102.3, per Cleaning the Glass) over the past two weeks. That comes without Jaylen Brown for most of the stretch, and also some missed time between Al Horford and Josh Richardson. The streaky shooting and general offensive inconsistencies are still confounding. But Ime Udoka has overhauled the defense in his first year as head coach, and things seem to be clicking into place relatively early.&nbsp;
(Last week: 3)
8. Houston Rockets (1-12)
Houston remains in about the same place as the past two weeks: a very bad basketball team with some, but not enough (yet) flashes of promise. The Rockets have lost 11 in a row, and it's tough to think about how the agreement to sit John Wall is costing the young players some on-court stability from a veteran.
Alperen Sengun has been a bright spot off the bench. He's 6-of-14 from three-point range to start the year, and recently had a 10-point, 10-rebound, 4-assist performance in Sunday's loss to Phoenix.
(Last week: 9)
7. New York Knicks (7-6)
<a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/knicks-to-begin-an-important-three-game-home-stand" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tommy Beer has aptly summed up</a> the complete derailment of New York's defense and starting lineup. In general, the team's shooters have hit a massive dry spell. The Knicks are hitting 26.8% of their corner threes. RJ Barrett is 7-for-32 from long range in his last six games. Evan Fournier is 8-for-35 since the start of the month. There's reason to believe in positive regression, but that only takes the Knicks so far with a below-average defense.
(Last week: Unranked)
6. Los Angeles Lakers (8-6)
Anthony Davis <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/anthony-davis-rips-76-lakers-a-championship-team-not-us-right-now" target="_blank" rel="noopener">kept things pretty real</a> after a 107-83 loss to the Timberwolves last Friday:
&ldquo;We gotta decide who we want to be. A championship team? That's not us right now,&rdquo; Davis said.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
AD ... to AD! 🤯 <a href="https://t.co/eSKsNJDv1x">pic.twitter.com/eSKsNJDv1x</a>
&mdash; Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Lakers/status/1459987246044512259?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

L.A. did go 3-1 last week, narrowly beating the Charlotte Hornets, Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs. Davis himself put up 34 points and 15 rebounds in the most recent victory over San Antonio. We'll see if his words and actions generate some meaningful change over the next week; the Lakers still have a bottom-five offense over the past two weeks.
(Last week: 6)
5. Sacramento Kings (5-8)
We have our first report of a coaching job in jeopardy! <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/kings-losing-streak-could-have-luke-walton-on-hot-seat" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shams Charania of The Athletic reports</a> that Luke Walton could be on the hot seat if the Kings keep adding to their four-game losing streak. In fairness, the current skid includes defeats of five points or less to the Pacers, Suns and Thunder. Sacramento has two very winnable games against the Pistons and Timberwolves coming up. At least for Walton's future, those matchups are becoming inflection points in the season.
(Last week: Unranked)
4. Memphis Grizzlies (6-7)
This might be the greatest free-fall of any NBA team right now. Last week, Memphis lost to the Hornets and Pelicans by 10 and the Suns by 25. Over the last two weeks, the Grizzlies are one of three NBA teams in the bottom-10 of both offensive and defensive ratings (you'll see the other two shortly). Opponents are shooting a league-high 41.3% from deep against the Grizzlies and 51.2% from the corners (?!?!) on the season.
Memphis is also second in transition frequency, but 24th in points per transition play. The team gives up the most points per play in the halfcourt among all its peers. The more I research, the worse it gets...
(Last week: Unranked)
3. Atlanta Hawks (5-9)
We arrive at the worst defensive team in the NBA over the last two weeks, and it just lost one of its better defenders in De'Andre Hunter for two months due to wrist surgery. The Hawks are giving up 118.2 points per 100 possessions since November began, which is far and away the worst mark in the NBA. They also force the fewest turnovers per game.
A 42-point barrage from Trae Young helped Atlanta finally end its six-game losing streak on Sunday against the Bucks.
(Last week: 5)
2. Minnesota Timberwolves (4-8)
Remember that eye-popping Timberwolves defense? Me neither; Minnesota is 27th in defensive rating over the last two weeks. The Wolves randomly crushed the Lakers, but are 1-7 in their past eight games.
Amazingly, they not only get to the line at the third-worst rate in the league, but also give up the most free throws per 100 shots in the entire league. Malik Beasley has a horrendous 43.2% True Shooting percentage. Things are bad. But at least Minnesota got the front office drama out of the way before the season, unlike our No. 1 team.
(Last week: 4)
1. New Orleans Pelicans (2-12)
Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report wrote last week that <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/pelicans-exec-david-griffin-on-hot-seat-after-slow-start-altercation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">David Griffin is on the hot seat in New Orleans</a>, and that the Pelicans president of basketball operations got into an altercation with former head coach Alvin Gentry. Zion Williamson is still without a timetable on his injury recovery pathway. The Pelicans are one of the worst teams in the NBA and are demonstrating little in the way of prospect promise.
And that, folks, is how you lock up the No. 1 spot in the Sour Rankings for a third straight week!
(Last week: 1)

It's hard to maintain your place in the Sour Rankings.
Most teams come and go throughout the season, making spot appearances as they experience a slump or stumble into your run-of-the-mill NBA drama. The New York Knicks are making their first appearance in the Sour Rankings this week, but time will tell if the current underachievement is a blip or a theme.
The true stalwarts, however, are trapped in severe on-court disappointment and off-court turmoil. Our top (or bottom, depending on your point of view) squad holds down the fort for a third consecutive week. That's not an easy feat, and it's not exactly the recognition the franchise wants 14 games into the season.
If you're new to the Sour Rankings, here's a refresher. Unlike the typical "power rankings" that repeat themselves throughout sports media, Sour Rankings are a bizarro-world counter. These rankings highlight the top-10 most frustrating NBA franchises throughout the season, and they will be updated every week to match the twists and turns of the league.&nbsp;
This is not merely a bottom-10 of your typical best-to-worst power rankings. You will see championship contenders and playoff hopefuls mixed in with struggling squads. Teams well-under .500 may never touch the Sour Rankings because they are on track with their respective processes. Injuries, drama, transactions and generally underwhelming play will all be considered.
The central question is ultimately this: How good should you feel about the direction of each franchise? Some teams value wins this season and paths to a title, while others are looking down the road at long-term pieces. Let's get going:
Escaping the Sour Rankings:&nbsp;Four teams broke free this week. The Indiana Pacers and Phoenix Suns are riding serious hot streaks, and have gone a combined 13-2 over the last two weeks. The Pistons may be losing, but Cade Cunningham's 20-point outing against the Rockets and 2021 No. 2 pick Jalen Green should inspire some confidence.
The Hornets also jumped back out after a thrilling 106-102 win against the Golden State Warriors. That alone is a feather in the cap for such a young team.
10. Milwaukee Bucks (6-8)
Honestly, I don't know how to feel about placing Milwaukee in here. Bucks fans shouldn't be panicking; the team is still working its way through injuries to Brook Lopez and George Hill, as well as Khris Middleton's COVID-related absence and Donte DiVincenzo's long-term injury. But Milwaukee is under .500 and has struggled to generate positive momentum in the early season. The Bucks wield an 18th-ranked offense and 22nd-ranked defense. It's just been a slog to start.
(Last week: Unranked)
9. Boston Celtics (6-7)
The Celtics have rather quietly locked down with the league's third-best defensive rating (102.3, per Cleaning the Glass) over the past two weeks. That comes without Jaylen Brown for most of the stretch, and also some missed time between Al Horford and Josh Richardson. The streaky shooting and general offensive inconsistencies are still confounding. But Ime Udoka has overhauled the defense in his first year as head coach, and things seem to be clicking into place relatively early.&nbsp;
(Last week: 3)
8. Houston Rockets (1-12)
Houston remains in about the same place as the past two weeks: a very bad basketball team with some, but not enough (yet) flashes of promise. The Rockets have lost 11 in a row, and it's tough to think about how the agreement to sit John Wall is costing the young players some on-court stability from a veteran.
Alperen Sengun has been a bright spot off the bench. He's 6-of-14 from three-point range to start the year, and recently had a 10-point, 10-rebound, 4-assist performance in Sunday's loss to Phoenix.
(Last week: 9)
7. New York Knicks (7-6)
<a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/knicks-to-begin-an-important-three-game-home-stand" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tommy Beer has aptly summed up</a> the complete derailment of New York's defense and starting lineup. In general, the team's shooters have hit a massive dry spell. The Knicks are hitting 26.8% of their corner threes. RJ Barrett is 7-for-32 from long range in his last six games. Evan Fournier is 8-for-35 since the start of the month. There's reason to believe in positive regression, but that only takes the Knicks so far with a below-average defense.
(Last week: Unranked)
6. Los Angeles Lakers (8-6)
Anthony Davis <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/anthony-davis-rips-76-lakers-a-championship-team-not-us-right-now" target="_blank" rel="noopener">kept things pretty real</a> after a 107-83 loss to the Timberwolves last Friday:
&ldquo;We gotta decide who we want to be. A championship team? That's not us right now,&rdquo; Davis said.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
AD ... to AD! 🤯 <a href="https://t.co/eSKsNJDv1x">pic.twitter.com/eSKsNJDv1x</a>
&mdash; Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Lakers/status/1459987246044512259?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

L.A. did go 3-1 last week, narrowly beating the Charlotte Hornets, Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs. Davis himself put up 34 points and 15 rebounds in the most recent victory over San Antonio. We'll see if his words and actions generate some meaningful change over the next week; the Lakers still have a bottom-five offense over the past two weeks.
(Last week: 6)
5. Sacramento Kings (5-8)
We have our first report of a coaching job in jeopardy! <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/kings-losing-streak-could-have-luke-walton-on-hot-seat" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shams Charania of The Athletic reports</a> that Luke Walton could be on the hot seat if the Kings keep adding to their four-game losing streak. In fairness, the current skid includes defeats of five points or less to the Pacers, Suns and Thunder. Sacramento has two very winnable games against the Pistons and Timberwolves coming up. At least for Walton's future, those matchups are becoming inflection points in the season.
(Last week: Unranked)
4. Memphis Grizzlies (6-7)
This might be the greatest free-fall of any NBA team right now. Last week, Memphis lost to the Hornets and Pelicans by 10 and the Suns by 25. Over the last two weeks, the Grizzlies are one of three NBA teams in the bottom-10 of both offensive and defensive ratings (you'll see the other two shortly). Opponents are shooting a league-high 41.3% from deep against the Grizzlies and 51.2% from the corners (?!?!) on the season.
Memphis is also second in transition frequency, but 24th in points per transition play. The team gives up the most points per play in the halfcourt among all its peers. The more I research, the worse it gets...
(Last week: Unranked)
3. Atlanta Hawks (5-9)
We arrive at the worst defensive team in the NBA over the last two weeks, and it just lost one of its better defenders in De'Andre Hunter for two months due to wrist surgery. The Hawks are giving up 118.2 points per 100 possessions since November began, which is far and away the worst mark in the NBA. They also force the fewest turnovers per game.
A 42-point barrage from Trae Young helped Atlanta finally end its six-game losing streak on Sunday against the Bucks.
(Last week: 5)
2. Minnesota Timberwolves (4-8)
Remember that eye-popping Timberwolves defense? Me neither; Minnesota is 27th in defensive rating over the last two weeks. The Wolves randomly crushed the Lakers, but are 1-7 in their past eight games.
Amazingly, they not only get to the line at the third-worst rate in the league, but also give up the most free throws per 100 shots in the entire league. Malik Beasley has a horrendous 43.2% True Shooting percentage. Things are bad. But at least Minnesota got the front office drama out of the way before the season, unlike our No. 1 team.
(Last week: 4)
1. New Orleans Pelicans (2-12)
Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report wrote last week that <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/pelicans-exec-david-griffin-on-hot-seat-after-slow-start-altercation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">David Griffin is on the hot seat in New Orleans</a>, and that the Pelicans president of basketball operations got into an altercation with former head coach Alvin Gentry. Zion Williamson is still without a timetable on his injury recovery pathway. The Pelicans are one of the worst teams in the NBA, and are demonstrating little in the way of prospect promise.
And that, folks, is how you lock up the No. 1 spot in the Sour Rankings for a third straight week!
(Last week: 1)

It's hard to maintain your place in the Sour Rankings.
Most teams come and go throughout the season, making spot appearances as they experience a slump or stumble into your run-of-the-mill NBA drama. The New York Knicks are making their first appearance in the Sour Rankings this week, but time will tell if the current underachievement is a blip or a theme.
The true stalwarts, however, are trapped in severe on-court disappointment and off-court turmoil. Our top (or bottom, depending on your point of view) squad holds down the fort for a third consecutive week. That's not an easy feat, and it's not exactly the recognition the franchise wants 14 games into the season.
If you're new to the Sour Rankings, here's a refresher. Unlike the typical "power rankings" that repeat themselves throughout sports media, Sour Rankings are a bizarro-world counter. These rankings highlight the top-10 most frustrating NBA franchises throughout the season, and they will be updated every week to match the twists and turns of the league.&nbsp;
This is not merely a bottom-10 of your typical best-to-worst power rankings. You will see championship contenders and playoff hopefuls mixed in with struggling squads. Teams well-under .500 may never touch the Sour Rankings because they are on track with their respective processes. Injuries, drama, transactions and generally underwhelming play will all be considered.
The central question is ultimately this: How good should you feel about the direction of each franchise? Some teams value wins this season and paths to a title, while others are looking down the road at long-term pieces. Let's get going:
Escaping the Sour Rankings:&nbsp;Four teams broke free this week. The Indiana Pacers and Phoenix Suns are riding serious hot streaks, and have gone a combined 13-2 over the last two weeks. The Pistons may be losing, but Cade Cunningham's 20-point outing against the Rockets and 2021 No. 2 pick Jalen Green should inspire some confidence.
The Hornets also jumped back out after a thrilling 106-102 win against the Golden State Warriors. That alone is a feather in the cap for such a young team.
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
10. Milwaukee Bucks (6-8)
Honestly, I don't know how to feel about placing Milwaukee in here. Bucks fans shouldn't be panicking; the team is still working its way through injuries to Brook Lopez and George Hill, as well as Khris Middleton's COVID-related absence and Donte DiVincenzo's long-term injury. But Milwaukee is under .500 and has struggled to generate positive momentum in the early season. The Bucks wield an 18th-ranked offense and 22nd-ranked defense. It's just been a slog to start.
(Last week: Unranked)
9. Boston Celtics (6-7)
The Celtics have rather quietly locked down with the league's third-best defensive rating (102.3, per Cleaning the Glass) over the past two weeks. That comes without Jaylen Brown for most of the stretch, and also some missed time between Al Horford and Josh Richardson. The streaky shooting and general offensive inconsistencies are still confounding. But Ime Udoka has overhauled the defense in his first year as head coach, and things seem to be clicking into place relatively early.&nbsp;
(Last week: 3)
8. Houston Rockets (1-12)
Houston remains in about the same place as the past two weeks: a very bad basketball team with some, but not enough (yet) flashes of promise. The Rockets have lost 11 in a row, and it's tough to think about how the agreement to sit John Wall is costing the young players some on-court stability from a veteran.
Alperen Sengun has been a bright spot off the bench. He's 6-of-14 from three-point range to start the year, and recently had a 10-point, 10-rebound, 4-assist performance in Sunday's loss to Phoenix.
(Last week: 9)
7. New York Knicks (7-6)
<a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/knicks-to-begin-an-important-three-game-home-stand" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tommy Beer has aptly summed up</a> the complete derailment of New York's defense and starting lineup. In general, the team's shooters have hit a massive dry spell. The Knicks are hitting 26.8% of their corner threes. RJ Barrett is 7-for-32 from long range in his last six games. Evan Fournier is 8-for-35 since the start of the month. There's reason to believe in positive regression, but that only takes the Knicks so far with a below-average defense.
(Last week: Unranked)
6. Los Angeles Lakers (8-6)
Anthony Davis <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/anthony-davis-rips-76-lakers-a-championship-team-not-us-right-now" target="_blank" rel="noopener">kept things pretty real</a> after a 107-83 loss to the Timberwolves last Friday:
&ldquo;We gotta decide who we want to be. A championship team? That's not us right now,&rdquo; Davis said.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
AD ... to AD! 🤯 <a href="https://t.co/eSKsNJDv1x">pic.twitter.com/eSKsNJDv1x</a>
&mdash; Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Lakers/status/1459987246044512259?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

L.A. did go 3-1 last week, narrowly beating the Charlotte Hornets, Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs. Davis himself put up 34 points and 15 rebounds in the most recent victory over San Antonio. We'll see if his words and actions generate some meaningful change over the next week; the Lakers still have a bottom-five offense over the past two weeks.
(Last week: 6)
5. Sacramento Kings (5-8)
We have our first report of a coaching job in jeopardy! <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/kings-losing-streak-could-have-luke-walton-on-hot-seat" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shams Charania of The Athletic reports</a> that Luke Walton could be on the hot seat if the Kings keep adding to their four-game losing streak. In fairness, the current skid includes defeats of five points or less to the Pacers, Suns and Thunder. Sacramento has two very winnable games against the Pistons and Timberwolves coming up. At least for Walton's future, those matchups are becoming inflection points in the season.
(Last week: Unranked)
4. Memphis Grizzlies (6-7)
This might be the greatest free-fall of any NBA team right now. Last week, Memphis lost to the Hornets and Pelicans by 10 and the Suns by 25. Over the last two weeks, the Grizzlies are one of three NBA teams in the bottom-10 of both offensive and defensive ratings (you'll see the other two shortly). Opponents are shooting a league-high 41.3% from deep against the Grizzlies and 51.2% from the corners (?!?!) on the season.
Memphis is also second in transition frequency, but 24th in points per transition play. The team gives up the most points per play in the halfcourt among all its peers. The more I research, the worse it gets...
(Last week: Unranked)
3. Atlanta Hawks (5-9)
We arrive at the worst defensive team in the NBA over the last two weeks, and it just lost one of its better defenders in De'Andre Hunter for two months due to wrist surgery. The Hawks are giving up 118.2 points per 100 possessions since November began, which is far and away the worst mark in the NBA. They also force the fewest turnovers per game.
A 42-point barrage from Trae Young helped Atlanta finally end its six-game losing streak on Sunday against the Bucks.
(Last week: 5)
2. Minnesota Timberwolves (4-8)
Remember that eye-popping Timberwolves defense? Me neither; Minnesota is 27th in defensive rating over the last two weeks. The Wolves randomly crushed the Lakers, but are 1-7 in their past eight games.
Amazingly, they not only get to the line at the third-worst rate in the league, but also give up the most free throws per 100 shots in the entire league. Malik Beasley has a horrendous 43.2% True Shooting percentage. Things are bad. But at least Minnesota got the front office drama out of the way before the season, unlike our No. 1 team.
(Last week: 4)
1. New Orleans Pelicans (2-12)
Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report wrote last week that <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/pelicans-exec-david-griffin-on-hot-seat-after-slow-start-altercation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">David Griffin is on the hot seat in New Orleans</a>, and that the Pelicans president of basketball operations got into an altercation with former head coach Alvin Gentry. Zion Williamson is still without a timetable on his injury recovery pathway. The Pelicans are one of the worst teams in the NBA, and are demonstrating little in the way of prospect promise.
And that, folks, is how you lock up the No. 1 spot in the Sour Rankings for a third straight week!
(Last week: 1)

It's hard to maintain your place in the Sour Rankings.
Most teams come and go throughout the season, making spot appearances as they experience a slump or stumble into your run-of-the-mill NBA drama. The New York Knicks are making their first appearance in the Sour Rankings this week, but time will tell if the current underachievement is a blip or a theme.
The true stalwarts, however, are trapped in severe on-court disappointment and off-court turmoil. Our top (or bottom, depending on your point of view) squad holds down the fort for a third consecutive week. That's not an easy feat, and it's not exactly the recognition the franchise wants 14 games into the season.
If you're new to the Sour Rankings, here's a refresher. Unlike the typical "power rankings" that repeat themselves throughout sports media, Sour Rankings are a bizarro-world counter. These rankings highlight the top-10 most frustrating NBA franchises throughout the season, and they will be updated every week to match the twists and turns of the league.&nbsp;
This is not merely a bottom-10 of your typical best-to-worst power rankings. You will see championship contenders and playoff hopefuls mixed in with struggling squads. Teams well-under .500 may never touch the Sour Rankings because they are on track with their respective processes. Injuries, drama, transactions and generally underwhelming play will all be considered.
The central question is ultimately this: How good should you feel about the direction of each franchise? Some teams value wins this season and paths to a title, while others are looking down the road at long-term pieces. Let's get going:
Escaping the Sour Rankings:&nbsp;Four teams broke free this week. The Indiana Pacers and Phoenix Suns are riding serious hot streaks, and have gone a combined 13-2 over the last two weeks. The Pistons may be losing, but Cade Cunningham's 20-point outing against the Rockets and 2021 No. 2 pick Jalen Green should inspire some confidence.
The Hornets also jumped back out after a thrilling 106-102 win against the Golden State Warriors. That alone is a feather in the cap for such a young team.
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
10. Milwaukee Bucks (6-8)
Honestly, I don't know how to feel about placing Milwaukee in here. Bucks fans shouldn't be panicking; the team is still working its way through injuries to Brook Lopez and George Hill, as well as Khris Middleton's COVID-related absence and Donte DiVincenzo's long-term injury. But Milwaukee is under .500 and has struggled to generate positive momentum in the early season. The Bucks wield an 18th-ranked offense and 22nd-ranked defense. It's just been a slog to start.
(Last week: Unranked)
9. Boston Celtics (6-7)
The Celtics have rather quietly locked down with the league's third-best defensive rating (102.3, per Cleaning the Glass) over the past two weeks. That comes without Jaylen Brown for most of the stretch, and also some missed time between Al Horford and Josh Richardson. The streaky shooting and general offensive inconsistencies are still confounding. But Ime Udoka has overhauled the defense in his first year as head coach, and things seem to be clicking into place relatively early.&nbsp;
(Last week: 3)
8. Houston Rockets (1-12)
Houston remains in about the same place as the past two weeks: a very bad basketball team with some, but not enough (yet) flashes of promise. The Rockets have lost 11 in a row, and it's tough to think about how the agreement to sit John Wall is costing the young players some on-court stability from a veteran.
Alperen Sengun has been a bright spot off the bench. He's 6-of-14 from three-point range to start the year, and recently had a 10-point, 10-rebound, 4-assist performance in Sunday's loss to Phoenix.
(Last week: 9)
7. New York Knicks (7-6)
<a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/knicks-to-begin-an-important-three-game-home-stand" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tommy Beer has aptly summed up</a> the complete derailment of New York's defense and starting lineup. In general, the team's shooters have hit a massive dry spell. The Knicks are hitting 26.8% of their corner threes. RJ Barrett is 7-for-32 from long range in his last six games. Evan Fournier is 8-for-35 since the start of the month. There's reason to believe in positive regression, but that only takes the Knicks so far with a below-average defense.
(Last week: Unranked)
6. Los Angeles Lakers (8-6)
Anthony Davis <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/anthony-davis-rips-76-lakers-a-championship-team-not-us-right-now" target="_blank" rel="noopener">kept things pretty real</a> after a 107-83 loss to the Timberwolves last Friday:
&ldquo;We gotta decide who we want to be. A championship team? That's not us right now,&rdquo; Davis said.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
AD ... to AD! 🤯 <a href="https://t.co/eSKsNJDv1x">pic.twitter.com/eSKsNJDv1x</a>
&mdash; Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Lakers/status/1459987246044512259?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2021</a></blockquote>

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L.A. did go 3-1 last week, narrowly beating the Charlotte Hornets, Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs. Davis himself put up 34 points and 15 rebounds in the most recent victory over San Antonio. We'll see if his words and actions generate some meaningful change over the next week; the Lakers still have a bottom-five offense over the past two weeks.
(Last week: 6)
5. Sacramento Kings (5-8)
We have our first report of a coaching job in jeopardy! <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/kings-losing-streak-could-have-luke-walton-on-hot-seat" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shams Charania of The Athletic reports</a> that Luke Walton could be on the hot seat if the Kings keep adding to their four-game losing streak. In fairness, the current skid includes defeats of five points or less to the Pacers, Suns and Thunder. Sacramento has two very winnable games against the Pistons and Timberwolves coming up. At least for Walton's future, those matchups are becoming inflection points in the season.
(Last week: Unranked)
4. Memphis Grizzlies (6-7)
This might be the greatest free-fall of any NBA team right now. Last week, Memphis lost to the Hornets and Pelicans by 10 and the Suns by 25. Over the last two weeks, the Grizzlies are one of three NBA teams in the bottom-10 of both offensive and defensive ratings (you'll see the other two shortly). Opponents are shooting a league-high 41.3% from deep against the Grizzlies and 51.2% from the corners (?!?!) on the season.
Memphis is also second in transition frequency, but 24th in points per transition play. The team gives up the most points per play in the halfcourt among all its peers. The more I research, the worse it gets...
(Last week: Unranked)
3. Atlanta Hawks (5-9)
We arrive at the worst defensive team in the NBA over the last two weeks, and it just lost one of its better defenders in De'Andre Hunter for two months due to wrist surgery. The Hawks are giving up 118.2 points per 100 possessions since November began, which is far and away the worst mark in the NBA. They also force the fewest turnovers per game.
&nbsp;
A 42-point barrage from Trae Young helped Atlanta finally end its six-game losing streak on Sunday against the Bucks.
(Last week: 5)
2. Minnesota Timberwolves (4-8)
Remember that eye-popping Timberwolves defense? Me neither; Minnesota is 27th in defensive rating over the last two weeks. The Wolves randomly crushed the Lakers, but are 1-7 in their past eight games.
Amazingly, they not only get to the line at the third-worst rate in the league, but also give up the most free throws per 100 shots in the entire league. Malik Beasley has a horrendous 43.2% True Shooting percentage. Things are bad. But at least Minnesota got the front office drama out of the way before the season, unlike our No. 1 team.
(Last week: 4)
1. New Orleans Pelicans (2-12)
Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report wrote last week that <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/pelicans-exec-david-griffin-on-hot-seat-after-slow-start-altercation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">David Griffin is on the hot seat in New Orleans</a>, and that the Pelicans president of basketball operations got into an altercation with former head coach Alvin Gentry. Zion Williamson is still without a timetable on his injury recovery pathway. The Pelicans are one of the worst teams in the NBA, and are demonstrating little in the way of prospect promise.
And that, folks, is how you lock up the No. 1 spot in the Sour Rankings for a third straight week!
(Last week: 1)

It's hard to maintain your place in the Sour Rankings.
Most teams come and go throughout the season, making spot appearances as they experience a slump or stumble into your run-of-the-mill NBA drama. The New York Knicks are making their first appearance in the Sour Rankings this week, but time will tell if the current underachievement is a blip or a theme.
The true stalwarts, however, are trapped in severe on-court disappointment and off-court turmoil. Our top (or bottom, depending on your point of view) squad holds down the fort for a third consecutive week. That's not an easy feat, and it's not exactly the recognition the franchise wants 14 games into the season.
If you're new to the Sour Rankings, here's a refresher. Unlike the typical "power rankings" that repeat themselves throughout sports media, Sour Rankings are a bizarro-world counter. These rankings highlight the top-10 most frustrating NBA franchises throughout the season, and they will be updated every week to match the twists and turns of the league.&nbsp;
This is not merely a bottom-10 of your typical best-to-worst power rankings. You will see championship contenders and playoff hopefuls mixed in with struggling squads. Teams well-under .500 may never touch the Sour Rankings because they are on track with their respective processes. Injuries, drama, transactions and generally underwhelming play will all be considered.
The central question is ultimately this: How good should you feel about the direction of each franchise? Some teams value wins this season and paths to a title, while others are looking down the road at long-term pieces. Let's get going:
Escaping the Sour Rankings:&nbsp;Four teams broke free this week. The Indiana Pacers and Phoenix Suns are riding serious hot streaks, and have gone a combined 13-2 over the last two weeks. The Pistons may be losing, but Cade Cunningham's 20-point outing against the Rockets and 2021 No. 2 pick Jalen Green should inspire some confidence.
The Hornets also jumped back out after a thrilling 106-102 win against the Golden State Warriors. That alone is a feather in the cap for such a young team.
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10. Milwaukee Bucks (6-8)
Honestly, I don't know how to feel about placing Milwaukee in here. Bucks fans shouldn't be panicking; the team is still working its way through injuries to Brook Lopez and George Hill, as well as Khris Middleton's COVID-related absence and Donte DiVincenzo's long-term injury. But Milwaukee is under .500 and has struggled to generate positive momentum in the early season. The Bucks wield an 18th-ranked offense and 22nd-ranked defense. It's just been a slog to start.
(Last week: Unranked)
9. Boston Celtics (6-7)
The Celtics have rather quietly locked down with the league's third-best defensive rating (102.3, per Cleaning the Glass) over the past two weeks. That comes without Jaylen Brown for most of the stretch, and also some missed time between Al Horford and Josh Richardson. The streaky shooting and general offensive inconsistencies are still confounding. But Ime Udoka has overhauled the defense in his first year as head coach, and things seem to be clicking into place relatively early.&nbsp;
(Last week: 3)
8. Houston Rockets (1-12)
Houston remains in about the same place as the past two weeks: a very bad basketball team with some, but not enough (yet) flashes of promise. The Rockets have lost 11 in a row, and it's tough to think about how the agreement to sit John Wall is costing the young players some on-court stability from a veteran.
Alperen Sengun has been a bright spot off the bench. He's 6-of-14 from three-point range to start the year, and recently had a 10-point, 10-rebound, 4-assist performance in Sunday's loss to Phoenix.
(Last week: 9)
7. New York Knicks (7-6)
<a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/knicks-to-begin-an-important-three-game-home-stand" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tommy Beer has aptly summed up</a> the complete derailment of New York's defense and starting lineup. In general, the team's shooters have hit a massive dry spell. The Knicks are hitting 26.8% of their corner threes. RJ Barrett is 7-for-32 from long range in his last six games. Evan Fournier is 8-for-35 since the start of the month. There's reason to believe in positive regression, but that only takes the Knicks so far with a below-average defense.
(Last week: Unranked)
6. Los Angeles Lakers (8-6)
Anthony Davis <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/anthony-davis-rips-76-lakers-a-championship-team-not-us-right-now" target="_blank" rel="noopener">kept things pretty real</a> after a 107-83 loss to the Timberwolves last Friday:
&ldquo;We gotta decide who we want to be. A championship team? That's not us right now,&rdquo; Davis said.
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AD ... to AD! 🤯 <a href="https://t.co/eSKsNJDv1x">pic.twitter.com/eSKsNJDv1x</a>
&mdash; Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Lakers/status/1459987246044512259?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2021</a></blockquote>

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L.A. did go 3-1 last week, narrowly beating the Charlotte Hornets, Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs. Davis himself put up 34 points and 15 rebounds in the most recent victory over San Antonio. We'll see if his words and actions generate some meaningful change over the next week; the Lakers still have a bottom-five offense over the past two weeks.
(Last week: 6)
5. Sacramento Kings (5-8)
We have our first report of a coaching job in jeopardy! <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/kings-losing-streak-could-have-luke-walton-on-hot-seat" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shams Charania of The Athletic reports</a> that Luke Walton could be on the hot seat if the Kings keep adding to their four-game losing streak. In fairness, the current skid includes defeats of five points or less to the Pacers, Suns and Thunder. Sacramento has two very winnable games against the Pistons and Timberwolves coming up. At least for Walton's future, those matchups are becoming inflection points in the season.
(Last week: Unranked)
4. Memphis Grizzlies (6-7)
This might be the greatest free-fall of any NBA team right now. Last week, Memphis lost to the Hornets and Pelicans by 10 and the Suns by 25. Over the last two weeks, the Grizzlies are one of three NBA teams in the bottom-10 of both offensive and defensive ratings (you'll see the other two shortly). Opponents are shooting a league-high 41.3% from deep against the Grizzlies and 51.2% from the corners (?!?!) on the season.
Memphis is also second in transition frequency, but 24th in points per transition play. The team gives up the most points per play in the halfcourt among all its peers. The more I research, the worse it gets...
(Last week: Unranked)
3. Atlanta Hawks (5-9)
We arrive at the worst defensive team in the NBA over the last two weeks, and it just lost one of its better defenders in De'Andre Hunter for two months due to wrist surgery. The Hawks are giving up 118.2 points per 100 possessions since November began, which is far and away the worst mark in the NBA. They also force the fewest turnovers per game.
A 42-point barrage from Trae Young helped Atlanta finally end its six-game losing streak on Sunday against the Bucks.
(Last week: 5)
2. Minnesota Timberwolves (4-8)
Remember that eye-popping Timberwolves defense? Me neither; Minnesota is 27th in defensive rating over the last two weeks. The Wolves randomly crushed the Lakers, but are 1-7 in their past eight games.
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From Wolves/Clippers Saturday night: KAT walks back on defense before Edwards takes a pull-up three 😳<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBATwitter?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBATwitter</a> <a href="https://t.co/2Miy3dGO3P">pic.twitter.com/2Miy3dGO3P</a>
&mdash; 𝙏𝙖𝙡𝙠𝙞𝙣&rsquo; 𝙉𝘽𝘼 🗣️ (@_Talkin_NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/_Talkin_NBA/status/1460266347217174530?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2021</a></blockquote>

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Amazingly, they not only get to the line at the third-worst rate in the league, but also give up the most free throws per 100 shots in the entire league. Malik Beasley has a horrendous 43.2% True Shooting percentage. Things are bad. But at least Minnesota got the front office drama out of the way before the season, unlike our No. 1 team.
(Last week: 4)
1. New Orleans Pelicans (2-12)
Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report wrote last week that <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/pelicans-exec-david-griffin-on-hot-seat-after-slow-start-altercation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">David Griffin is on the hot seat in New Orleans</a>, and that the Pelicans president of basketball operations got into an altercation with former head coach Alvin Gentry. Zion Williamson is still without a timetable on his injury recovery pathway. The Pelicans are one of the worst teams in the NBA, and are demonstrating little in the way of prospect promise.
And that, folks, is how you lock up the No. 1 spot in the Sour Rankings for a third straight week!
(Last week: 1)

Ethan Fuller re-racks the Sour Rankings, with teams like the Knicks and Grizzlies floundering.

NBA Sour Rankings: Knicks, Grizzlies, Pelicans spiraling

Sometimes Justė Jocytė needs to slow down her warp-speed world.&nbsp;
The Lithuanian channels Drake and "chill music" through her headphones, and takes a walk to find a space for herself. In her preparation process, Jocytė makes it a point to clear her head of stress.
"Literally, it's almost like meditating," Jocytė told BasketballNews.com in an exclusive interview via Zoom. "You just stop thinking. Just take a deep breath, clear your head out and really just stop overthinking everything. I think that helps; when you're thinking a lot before a game, that's not good for you."
Jocytė speaks with the calm poise of a veteran professional because she is one, in her third season at the highest levels of European basketball with Lyon ASVEL F&eacute;minin in France. But the 6-foot-2 lefty guard is also considered one of the top prospects on Earth, and at just 15 years old, is accomplishing more than most young hoopers do in their lifetimes.
San Antonio Spurs great Tony Parker recruited her at at age-13, and she debuted with the Lithuanian senior national team that same year. At 14, Jocytė became the youngest player to debut in modern EuroLeague history. Today, she regularly competes against WNBA players and European stars, and even holds a small sponsorship deal from Nike.
Jocytė carries the faith of an NBA legend, the hopes of an entire country and the potential of a future global star on her teenage shoulders. But she holds the burden with a placid purpose, knowing that as long as she works, her pathway will reveal itself.
"I mean, the dream is obviously to get to the WNBA &mdash; but I don't really know if it's gonna be my style of game, it's kind of different from Europe &mdash; but obviously playing there, and just living my best life," she said.
"I love basketball &mdash; that's what I'm planning to do for a living &mdash; and [I] just take pleasure every day in every practice," she added. "And I think, yeah, that's most important: just to be happy."
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"Every day, we live with basketball."
According to Jocytė's father, Alvydas Jocys, the house TV is almost always tuned to hoops: NBA, WNBA, men's and women's EuroLeague and EuroCup, Lithuanian competition, you name it.&nbsp; Basketball is the country's most popular sport. It is woven into the fabric of Jocytė's family.
"It's just our life, you know?" Alvydas told BasketballNews.com over the phone.
Alvydas played college basketball through the end of the 1990s for Mid-Plains Community College, and then Bellevue University, in Nebraska. His brother, Evaldas, logged professional and collegiate careers, including stints with Lithuanian club Olimpas Plung&eacute; and Division I East Carolina University. Her older brother, 17-year-old Rokas, competes in Lithuania after having spent time on Stellazzurra Rome's U18 team in Italy.
Jocytė was even born in Washington D.C. before the family moved back to Lithuania when she was an infant. She has played above her age bracket since she could first dribble a basketball. First, it was in the backyard against Rokas. Then, at six years old &mdash; when she began to take a serious interest in the sport &mdash; Alvydas and his wife, Aurelija Jociene, noticed their daughter was unusually talented.
"We noticed that she had the ability to play with the ball, and play and dribble and shoot. She was different at that kind of age from other girls," Alvydas said.
Jocytė entered a program in her hometown of Palanga on the Baltic Coast of the country. Then, she outplayed her competition, and the family signed her up for training in Klaipeda, a nearby city. Jocytė was hopping from bus-to-bus at nine years old, attending practices and games with kids three years her senior.&nbsp;
"Year after year, we saw that she was developing into a pretty good basketball player," Alvydas said. "As a family, all our job was just to get her physically and emotionally ready for the journey she has right now."
The <a href="https://twitter.com/jrnba/status/1028733912321859585?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jr. NBA came</a> at age-12. But in 2019, Jocytė's star truly shined. She led Lithuania to its first-ever U16 FIBA European Championship as a 13-year-old, then three months later, <a href="https://www.fiba.basketball/womenseurobasket/2021/qualifiers/news/the-future-is-here-13-year-old-jocyte-has-lithuania-back-on-the-rise" target="_blank" rel="noopener">made her debut with the country's senior national team</a> in the EuroBasket Qualifiers.
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SHE IS 13 😱 ! Juste Jocyte's 20PTS &amp; 15REB led @Musukrepsinis 🇱🇹 to a first EVER <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FIBAU16Europe?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FIBAU16Europe</a> Final 🔥 ! <a href="https://t.co/gAjWbsLocB">pic.twitter.com/gAjWbsLocB</a>
&mdash; FIBA (@FIBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/FIBA/status/1167346821678678017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2019</a></blockquote>

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Europe took note &mdash; including one Tony Parker. The four-time NBA champion co-owned the men's and women's LDLC ASVEL clubs, and was starting his <a href="https://tpadequatacademy.com/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tony Parker Ad&eacute;quat Academy</a> in Lyon for students desiring advanced opportunities in a number of different professions. He invited Jocytė and her family to an individual workout in Oct. 2019.
"It was kind of tough, you know? You don't really know what to say because you're... scared," Jocytė said. But I mean, he was really pretty normal as a person, so he was easy to talk to."
At that same workout, Jocytė also met her idol: former New York Liberty guard, and future teammate, Marine Johann&egrave;s.
"She was there to pass me the ball. That was cool," Jocytė said with a laugh.
Parker saw Jocytė as a headlining addition and made his pitch to Alvydas and the family. Jocytė would join the academy and become a member of Lyon ASVEL F&eacute;minin, with a three-year agreement centered on her development in Lyon. If the family ever had a question or concern about her well-being or development, Parker was a phone call away.
"It was, for myself and my wife, ver,y very surprising [to hear] the kinds of superstars as Tony Parker &mdash; we just saw them on TV prior [to when] we came to France," Alvydas said. "But when you talk to them after one minute, you already know that they're so simple and they know what they're doing. They know what kind of business they're in."
On Nov. 7, 2019, the academy announced the signing.
"I am very happy for the Tony Parker Ad&eacute;quat Academy because it&rsquo;s the first big signature," Parker said in the official press release in French. "Justė is the most special player of her generation. It&rsquo;s one of the reasons that I opened the Academy: to welcome the best prospects of their generation, evolve with young enthusiasts of all fields, and enrich each other."
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"She's definitely one of the most gifted European players to come up in a long time."
Mark Williams is a Global Scout for Premier Basketball (the same service that compiles ESPN's HoopGurlz recruiting rankings). He has watched Jocytė rise through the youth ranks since 2018, and says the smooth shooting guard is one of the most advanced players he has seen in recent years. Her cool confidence, surgical vision and sweet perimeter shot all set her apart.
"She's gifted with the ball in her hands [and] can score at all three levels," Williams told BasketballNews.com over the phone. "One of the things that she's really done well over the last year is develop the ability to get everybody else shots... I mean, she's really gifted. She can play multiple positions. She can play on the ball. She's a better defender than people give her credit for. And she can score anytime she wants."
Jocytė carved up the competition at the 2021 FIBA U18 Women's European Challengers tournament. She averaged 20.6 points, 10.0 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game in effortless fashion, patrolling the court while exuding serenity and swagger.
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Jocytė can spot up, step back and hesi her way to any shot on the floor. She glides with an effortless grace, and shrugs contact off of her. She also operates the offense like a surgeon, rifling pinpoint cross-court passes with either hand. Williams said that if he ranked the entire 2023 recruiting class with both U.S. and international players, the Lithuanian phenom would rest on top.
"For her, it's just kind of come together really, really early. And it's fun to watch, for sure," Williams said.
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British FIBA writer Paul Nilsen has watched the international youth game for over a decade. From the first moments he scouted an age-12 Jocytė, Nilsen was floored by her clutch gene.
"You could just tell straight away she's got it," Nilsen told BasketballNews.com over the phone. "The clutch, the ice through her veins, the smarts, the I.Q., on top of, obviously, the skill factor of being able to do what you want, when you want.
"I think that maturity so young is quite a rare and special thing."
Both Williams and Nilsen lauded Jocytė's trajectory as that of a high WNBA draft pick and a potential No. 1 overall selection. But they also cautioned against the familiar trap of locking prospects in as surefire generational superstars.&nbsp;
"It's one thing, I think in any sport, being a wonder kid, where often you find other players catch up," Nilsen said. Sometimes you're the best out of that age at 12-13, and you're phenomenal because you've got so much natural talent. And you have to try and maintain large gap, which can sometimes be hard.
"It all boils down to whether she keeps working hard and she keeps learning," he added. "Nothing else apart from her. It's got to come from her."
For Jocytė to be challenging herself on a professional team, Nilsen says, is a testament to her dedication.
"One of the things I'm very, very committed to is this concept of: the hardest decision is always for the most talented players... even though you've got lots of choices, it's very very, very difficult," he said.
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"Playing against them every day is just a dream come true. I mean, that's the best practice you can get."
In Dec. 2019, 14-year-old Justė Jocytė subbed in for the the first time with Lyon ASVEL F&eacute;minin, and became the youngest woman to debut in the modern EuroLeague, perhaps the highest level in the world outside of the WNBA. Fast-forward two years, and she has now locked down a role in the regular rotation before her 16th birthday.
Lyon competes this season in the EuroCup; it's one league lower than the EuroLeague, but still arguably the third-best league worldwide. The EuroCup is littered with WNBA talent this season, including: Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell, Atlanta Dream guard Aari McDonald, Phoenix Mercury forward Brianna Turner and Minnesota Lynx forward Natasha Mack among many others.
But that's only half of the battle. In LFB (Ligue F&eacute;minine de Basketball) competition, the team squares off against players like Phoenix Mercury guard Sophie Cunningham, Chicago Sky guard Lexie Brown and Los Angeles Sparks forward Nia Coffey. For Lyon, Johann&egrave;s and Julie Allemand both have WNBA experience.
On non-game days, Jocytė's schedule typically includes distance schooling, plus two grueling practices per day with some of the best basketball players on the planet. It's a grind she embraces.&nbsp;
"This is the pro life," she said. "Get used to it, because they will not change for you."
Jocytė generally stayed on the bench in her first two years with Lyon; she logged just 31 total minutes across both seasons. However, that doesn't mean she was stuck; behind the scenes, Jocytė was adapting to the speed and physicality of pro ball with the help of her teammates and coaches.
"I really appreciate the the work that they put in. Nobody sees the work, but they're helping me a lot," she said.
This season, the young phenom has begun to emerge. Jocytė is averaging 11.8 minutes per game in LFB play and 15.0 minutes per game in the EuroCup. She's dished out 17 assists against just six turnovers, and is shooting 75% from the field across both leagues. The performances aren't coming on some experimental squad, either &mdash; Lyon sits 3-1 in the EuroCup and 4-2 in the LFB.&nbsp;
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Even more impressive is hearing the 15-year-old critically reflect on her role with the methodical understanding of a grizzled vet:
"The physical part is tough, so you obviously had to find other ways. I think mine is just reading the game, really, because obviously you will not be faster [or] stronger," Jocytė said. "Coach puts you in [and] you have to just bring the energy; he doesn't expect you to, like, score 20 points in the game. So as a young player, you just have to stay humble, stay calm and just read."
Breanna Stewart and Nikola Jokic, as well as fellow lefty D'Angelo Russell, are film favorites for the Lithuanian. She had the last laugh this fall as one of the few members of Lyon cheering for the Chicago Sky in the WNBA Finals. And even after two years playing next to Johann&egrave;s, Jocytė still marvels every day at the star guard's talent.
"It's kind of weird because before, yeah, she was my role model, and now that it's my third year playing with her, it's kind of... she's like my friend," Jocytė said of Johann&egrave;s.
Though Jocytė is still technically the youngest player on the roster, she's no longer the only teenager. Dominique Malonga &mdash; a 6-foot-6, 15-year-old center loaded with athleticism and potential &mdash; joined ASVEL F&eacute;minin for the 2021-22 campaign. Malonga is also a Tony Parker Academy student, and Parker even labeled her "<a href="https://ldlcasvelfeminin.com/dominique-malonga-nouvelle-lionne/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the feminine Victor Wembanyama</a>."
"She's my roommate, so we kind of get along pretty easily," Jocytė said of Malonga. "This goes better than last year, when you're, like, really young with all these &mdash; I'm not gonna say old (laughs) &mdash; but older ladies. So it's kind of cool to have [someone] your age."
Jocytė is still a kid, after all &mdash; a kid playing on the other side of the continent, away from her family. Alvydas and Aurelija check-in nearly ever day with their daughter via WhatsApp. When Jocytė comes home, she'll get back on the court and battle with her brother and father, and everyone in Palanga knows her name. She says she's "not that sensitive of a person," but that doesn't mean leaving Lithuania is easy.
"I really miss home, and it's kind of hard without your family and friends. So it's always a good feeling when you come back home. It doesn't matter if it's, like, two days or something. It's really good to be there," she said.
"It was hard to let her go the first time because, you know, the '14-year-old girl on her own in the big city 2000 kilometers away' &mdash; kind of scary," Alvydas added. "[But] we know that she is in good hands [and] she gets taken care of."
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Lthuania may be a basketball-crazed nation, but its women's leagues lack sustained prominence. Top players and prospects typically latch onto a development track in another region, and return home to play during the offseason. Jocytė and her father cited that lack of consistency at home as a factor in them looking toward France for her pro career.
With the national teams, though, Jocytė feels immense pride in representing her country on European and global stages.
"It's an amazing feeling to play with your national team," she said. "It's just something you really appreciate when you play overseas or something. When you come back, it's really just amazing."
(Her most recent opportunity came in the 2023 EuroBasket Qualifiers, where she scored four points on Thursday against Finland before leaving the game with a minor ankle injury. Lithuania will play again Sunday.)
The world only continues to open up for Lithuania's young star. Her current agreement with the Tony Parker Academy and Lyon reaches an option of sorts after this season. Jocytė could continue on for another three years, adding continued professonal experience and growing with ASVEL F&eacute;minin. Or, she could opt out and attend another program or school just about anywhere &mdash; including the United States.
According to a source, high-major colleges are already demonstrating interest in Jocytė. Even WNBA teams have her on their radar when the earliest she could be draft-eligible appears to be 2025. (There's confusion here due to her U.S. birth vs. Lithuanian upbringing/playing status.)&nbsp;
The family will face a monumental decision after the season. They'll weigh pros and cons, including developmental situations, level of play and even endorsement opportunities. But for now, Jocytė is focused on what she loves &mdash; playing basketball &mdash; with the regimented mentality of continued growth each day.
"I feel good here and there's a good opportunity for me here," Jocytė said. "I'm still young, so that's normal that I don't play a lot. So really, I'm just working on myself every day trying to earn the trust of my coach, and hopefully in one year or two, I will be able to really have a big impact on the team."
That's what Alvydas admires most about his daughter. Jocytė remains a level-headed sailor amidst rocky seas, letting a pure love for the sport guide her to whatever big stage is next.
"I'm very proud that she's still simple growing and she's very supportive to other kids," Alvydas said. "I'm very proud that she's still very, very simple and focused on what she's doing."

Sometimes Justė Jocytė needs to slow down her warp-speed world.&nbsp;
The Lithuanian channels Drake and "chill music" through her headphones, and takes a walk to find a space for herself. In her preparation process, Jocytė makes it a point to clear her head of stress.
"Literally, it's almost like meditating," Jocytė told BasketballNews.com in an exclusive interview via Zoom. "You just stop thinking. Just take a deep breath, clear your head out and really just stop overthinking everything. I think that helps; when you're thinking a lot before a game, that's not good for you."
Jocytė speaks with the calm poise of a veteran professional because she is one, in her third season at the highest levels of European basketball with Lyon ASVEL F&eacute;minin in France. But the 6-foot-2 lefty guard is also considered one of the top prospects on Earth, and at just 15 years old, is accomplishing more than most young hoopers do in their lifetimes.
San Antonio Spurs great Tony Parker recruited her at at age-13, and she debuted with the Lithuanian senior national team that same year. At 14, Jocytė became the youngest player to debut in modern EuroLeague history. Today, she regularly competes against WNBA players and European stars, and even holds a small sponsorship deal from Nike.
Jocytė carries the faith of an NBA legend, the hopes of an entire country and the potential of a future global star on her teenage shoulders. But she holds the burden with a placid purpose, knowing that as long as she works, her pathway will reveal itself.
"I mean, the dream is obviously to get to the WNBA &mdash; but I don't really know if it's gonna be my style of game, it's kind of different from Europe &mdash; but obviously playing there, and just living my best life," she said.
"I love basketball &mdash; that's what I'm planning to do for a living &mdash; and [I] just take pleasure every day in every practice," she added. "And I think, yeah, that's most important: just to be happy."
<img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/img_8403-57-jus_lg.jpg" alt="" width="650" height="433" />
"Every day, we live with basketball."
According to Jocytė's father, Alvydas Jocys, the house TV is almost always tuned to hoops: NBA, WNBA, men's and women's EuroLeague and EuroCup, Lithuanian competition, you name it.&nbsp; Basketball is the country's most popular sport. It is woven into the fabric of Jocytė's family.
"It's just our life, you know?" Alvydas told BasketballNews.com over the phone.
Alvydas played college basketball through the end of the 1990s for Mid-Plains Community College, and then Bellevue University, in Nebraska. His brother, Evaldas, logged professional and collegiate careers, including stints with Lithuanian club Olimpas Plung&eacute; and Division I East Carolina University. Her older brother, 17-year-old Rokas, competes in Lithuania after having spent time on Stellazzurra Rome's U18 team in Italy.
Jocytė was even born in Washington D.C. before the family moved back to Lithuania when she was an infant. She has played above her age bracket since she could first dribble a basketball. First, it was in the backyard against Rokas. Then, at six years old &mdash; when she began to take a serious interest in the sport &mdash; Alvydas and his wife, Aurelija Jociene, noticed their daughter was unusually talented.
"We noticed that she had the ability to play with the ball, and play and dribble and shoot. She was different at that kind of age from other girls," Alvydas said.
Jocytė entered a program in her hometown of Palanga on the Baltic Coast of the country. Then, she outplayed her competition, and the family signed her up for training in Klaipeda, a nearby city. Jocytė was hopping from bus-to-bus at nine years old, attending practices and games with kids three years her senior.&nbsp;
"Year after year, we saw that she was developing into a pretty good basketball player," Alvydas said. "As a family, all our job was just to get her physically and emotionally ready for the journey she has right now."
The <a href="https://twitter.com/jrnba/status/1028733912321859585?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jr. NBA came</a> at age-12. But in 2019, Jocytė's star truly shined. She led Lithuania to its first-ever U16 FIBA European Championship as a 13-year-old, then three months later, <a href="https://www.fiba.basketball/womenseurobasket/2021/qualifiers/news/the-future-is-here-13-year-old-jocyte-has-lithuania-back-on-the-rise" target="_blank" rel="noopener">made her debut with the country's senior national team</a> in the EuroBasket Qualifiers.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
SHE IS 13 😱 ! Juste Jocyte's 20PTS &amp; 15REB led @Musukrepsinis 🇱🇹 to a first EVER <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FIBAU16Europe?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FIBAU16Europe</a> Final 🔥 ! <a href="https://t.co/gAjWbsLocB">pic.twitter.com/gAjWbsLocB</a>
&mdash; FIBA (@FIBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/FIBA/status/1167346821678678017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2019</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

Europe took note &mdash; including one Tony Parker. The four-time NBA champion co-owned the men's and women's LDLC ASVEL clubs, and was starting his <a href="https://tpadequatacademy.com/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tony Parker Ad&eacute;quat Academy</a> in Lyon for students desiring advanced opportunities in a number of different professions. He invited Jocytė and her family to an individual workout in Oct. 2019.
"It was kind of tough, you know? You don't really know what to say because you're... scared," Jocytė said. "But I mean, he was really pretty normal as a person, so he was easy to talk to."
At that same workout, Jocytė also met her idol: former New York Liberty guard, and future teammate, Marine Johann&egrave;s.
"She was there to pass me the ball. That was cool," Jocytė said with a laugh.
Parker saw Jocytė as a headlining addition and made his pitch to Alvydas and the family. Jocytė would join the academy and become a member of Lyon ASVEL F&eacute;minin, with a three-year agreement centered on her development in Lyon. If the family ever had a question or concern about her well-being or development, Parker was a phone call away.
"It was, for myself and my wife, ver,y very surprising [to hear] the kinds of superstars as Tony Parker &mdash; we just saw them on TV prior [to when] we came to France," Alvydas said. "But when you talk to them after one minute, you already know that they're so simple and they know what they're doing. They know what kind of business they're in."
On Nov. 7, 2019, the academy announced the signing.
"I am very happy for the Tony Parker Ad&eacute;quat Academy because it&rsquo;s the first big signature," Parker said in the official press release in French. "Justė is the most special player of her generation. It&rsquo;s one of the reasons that I opened the Academy: to welcome the best prospects of their generation, evolve with young enthusiasts of all fields, and enrich each other."
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/img_8422-67-jus_lg.jpg" alt="" width="650" height="433" />
"She's definitely one of the most gifted European players to come up in a long time."
Mark Williams is a Global Scout for Premier Basketball (the same service that compiles ESPN's HoopGurlz recruiting rankings). He has watched Jocytė rise through the youth ranks since 2018, and says the smooth shooting guard is one of the most advanced players he has seen in recent years. Her cool confidence, surgical vision and sweet perimeter shot all set her apart.
"She's gifted with the ball in her hands [and] can score at all three levels," Williams told BasketballNews.com over the phone. "One of the things that she's really done well over the last year is develop the ability to get everybody else shots... I mean, she's really gifted. She can play multiple positions. She can play on the ball. She's a better defender than people give her credit for. And she can score anytime she wants."
Jocytė carved up the competition at the 2021 FIBA U18 Women's European Challengers tournament. She averaged 20.6 points, 10.0 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game in effortless fashion, patrolling the court while exuding serenity and swagger.
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/0incv1" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
Jocytė can spot up, step back and hesi her way to any shot on the floor. She glides with an effortless grace, and shrugs contact off of her. She also operates the offense like a surgeon, rifling pinpoint cross-court passes with either hand. Williams said that if he ranked the entire 2023 recruiting class with both U.S. and international players, the Lithuanian phenom would rest on top.
"For her, it's just kind of come together really, really early. And it's fun to watch, for sure," Williams said.
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/hh50h4" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
British FIBA writer Paul Nilsen has watched the international youth game for over a decade. From the first moments he scouted an age-12 Jocytė, Nilsen was floored by her clutch gene.
"You could just tell straight away she's got it," Nilsen told BasketballNews.com over the phone. "The clutch, the ice through her veins, the smarts, the I.Q., on top of, obviously, the skill factor of being able to do what you want, when you want.
"I think that maturity so young is quite a rare and special thing."
Both Williams and Nilsen lauded Jocytė's trajectory as that of a high WNBA draft pick and a potential No. 1 overall selection. But they also cautioned against the familiar trap of locking prospects in as surefire generational superstars.&nbsp;
"It's one thing, I think in any sport, being a wonder kid, where often you find other players catch up," Nilsen said. Sometimes you're the best out of that age at 12-13, and you're phenomenal because you've got so much natural talent. And you have to try and maintain large gap, which can sometimes be hard.
"It all boils down to whether she keeps working hard and she keeps learning," he added. "Nothing else apart from her. It's got to come from her."
For Jocytė to be challenging herself on a professional team, Nilsen says, is a testament to her dedication.
"One of the things I'm very, very committed to is this concept of: the hardest decision is always for the most talented players... even though you've got lots of choices, it's very very, very difficult," he said.
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/img_5264-45-jus_lg.jpg" alt="" width="650" height="433" />
"Playing against them every day is just a dream come true. I mean, that's the best practice you can get."
In Dec. 2019, 14-year-old Justė Jocytė subbed in for the the first time with Lyon ASVEL F&eacute;minin, and became the youngest woman to debut in the modern EuroLeague, perhaps the highest level in the world outside of the WNBA. Fast-forward two years, and she has now locked down a role in the regular rotation before her 16th birthday.
Lyon competes this season in the EuroCup; it's one league lower than the EuroLeague, but still arguably the third-best league worldwide. The EuroCup is littered with WNBA talent this season, including: Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell, Atlanta Dream guard Aari McDonald, Phoenix Mercury forward Brianna Turner and Minnesota Lynx forward Natasha Mack among many others.
But that's only half of the battle. In LFB (Ligue F&eacute;minine de Basketball) competition, the team squares off against players like Phoenix Mercury guard Sophie Cunningham, Chicago Sky guard Lexie Brown and Los Angeles Sparks forward Nia Coffey. For Lyon, Johann&egrave;s and Julie Allemand both have WNBA experience.
On non-game days, Jocytė's schedule typically includes distance schooling, plus two grueling practices per day with some of the best basketball players on the planet. It's a grind she embraces.&nbsp;
"This is the pro life," she said. "Get used to it, because they will not change for you."
Jocytė generally stayed on the bench in her first two years with Lyon; she logged just 31 total minutes across both seasons. However, that doesn't mean she was stuck; behind the scenes, Jocytė was adapting to the speed and physicality of pro ball with the help of her teammates and coaches.
"I really appreciate the the work that they put in. Nobody sees the work, but they're helping me a lot," she said.
This season, the young phenom has begun to emerge. Jocytė is averaging 11.8 minutes per game in LFB play and 15.0 minutes per game in the EuroCup. She's dished out 17 assists against just six turnovers, and is shooting 75% from the field across both leagues. The performances aren't coming on some experimental squad, either &mdash; Lyon sits 3-1 in the EuroCup and 4-2 in the LFB.&nbsp;
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Even more impressive is hearing the 15-year-old critically reflect on her role with the methodical understanding of a grizzled vet:
"The physical part is tough, so you obviously had to find other ways. I think mine is just reading the game, really, because obviously you will not be faster [or] stronger," Jocytė said. "Coach puts you in [and] you have to just bring the energy; he doesn't expect you to, like, score 20 points in the game. So as a young player, you just have to stay humble, stay calm and just read."
Breanna Stewart and Nikola Jokic, as well as fellow lefty D'Angelo Russell, are film favorites for the Lithuanian. She had the last laugh this fall as one of the few members of Lyon cheering for the Chicago Sky in the WNBA Finals. And even after two years playing next to Johann&egrave;s, Jocytė still marvels every day at the star guard's talent.
"It's kind of weird because before, yeah, she was my role model, and now that it's my third year playing with her, it's kind of... she's like my friend," Jocytė said of Johann&egrave;s.
Though Jocytė is still technically the youngest player on the roster, she's no longer the only teenager. Dominique Malonga &mdash; a 6-foot-6, 15-year-old center loaded with athleticism and potential &mdash; joined ASVEL F&eacute;minin for the 2021-22 campaign. Malonga is also a Tony Parker Academy student, and Parker even labeled her "<a href="https://ldlcasvelfeminin.com/dominique-malonga-nouvelle-lionne/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the feminine Victor Wembanyama</a>."
"She's my roommate, so we kind of get along pretty easily," Jocytė said of Malonga. "This goes better than last year, when you're, like, really young with all these &mdash; I'm not gonna say old (laughs) &mdash; but older ladies. So it's kind of cool to have [someone] your age."
Jocytė is still a kid, after all &mdash; a kid playing on the other side of the continent, away from her family. Alvydas and Aurelija check-in nearly ever day with their daughter via WhatsApp. When Jocytė comes home, she'll get back on the court and battle with her brother and father, and everyone in Palanga knows her name. She says she's "not that sensitive of a person," but that doesn't mean leaving Lithuania is easy.
"I really miss home, and it's kind of hard without your family and friends. So it's always a good feeling when you come back home. It doesn't matter if it's, like, two days or something. It's really good to be there," she said.
"It was hard to let her go the first time because, you know, the '14-year-old girl on her own in the big city 2000 kilometers away' &mdash; kind of scary," Alvydas added. "[But] we know that she is in good hands [and] she gets taken care of."
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Lthuania may be a basketball-crazed nation, but its women's leagues lack sustained prominence. Top players and prospects typically latch onto a development track in another region, and return home to play during the offseason. Jocytė and her father cited that lack of consistency at home as a factor in them looking toward France for her pro career.
With the national teams, though, Jocytė feels immense pride in representing her country on European and global stages.
"It's an amazing feeling to play with your national team," she said. "It's just something you really appreciate when you play overseas or something. When you come back, it's really just amazing."
(Her most recent opportunity came in the 2023 EuroBasket Qualifiers, where she scored four points on Thursday against Finland before leaving the game with a minor ankle injury. Lithuania will play again Sunday.)
The world only continues to open up for Lithuania's young star. Her current agreement with the Tony Parker Academy and Lyon reaches an option of sorts after this season. Jocytė could continue on for another three years, adding continued professonal experience and growing with ASVEL F&eacute;minin. Or, she could opt out and attend another program or school just about anywhere &mdash; including the United States.
According to a source, high-major colleges are already demonstrating interest in Jocytė. Even WNBA teams have her on their radar when the earliest she could be draft-eligible appears to be 2025. (There's confusion here due to her U.S. birth vs. Lithuanian upbringing/playing status.)&nbsp;
The family will face a monumental decision after the season. They'll weigh pros and cons, including developmental situations, level of play and even endorsement opportunities. But for now, Jocytė is focused on what she loves &mdash; playing basketball &mdash; with the regimented mentality of continued growth each day.
"I feel good here and there's a good opportunity for me here," Jocytė said. "I'm still young, so that's normal that I don't play a lot. So really, I'm just working on myself every day trying to earn the trust of my coach, and hopefully in one year or two, I will be able to really have a big impact on the team."
That's what Alvydas admires most about his daughter. Jocytė remains a level-headed sailor amidst rocky seas, letting a pure love for the sport guide her to whatever big stage is next.
"I'm very proud that she's still simple growing and she's very supportive to other kids," Alvydas said. "I'm very proud that she's still very, very simple and focused on what she's doing."

Sometimes Justė Jocytė needs to slow down her warp-speed world.&nbsp;
The Lithuanian channels Drake and "chill music" through her headphones, and takes a walk to find a space for herself. In her preparation process, Jocytė makes it a point to clear her head of stress.
"Literally, it's almost like meditating," Jocytė told BasketballNews.com in an exclusive interview via Zoom. "You just stop thinking. Just take a deep breath, clear your head out and really just stop overthinking everything. I think that helps; when you're thinking a lot before a game, that's not good for you."
Jocytė speaks with the calm poise of a veteran professional because she is one, in her third season at the highest levels of European basketball with Lyon ASVEL F&eacute;minin in France. But the 6-foot-2 lefty guard is also considered one of the top prospects on Earth, and at just 15 years old, is accomplishing more than most young hoopers do in their lifetimes.
San Antonio Spurs great Tony Parker recruited her at at age-13, and she debuted with the Lithuanian senior national team that same year. At 14, Jocytė became the youngest player to debut in modern EuroLeague history. Today, she regularly competes against WNBA players and European stars, and even holds a small sponsorship deal from Nike.
Jocytė carries the faith of an NBA legend, the hopes of an entire country and the potential of a future global star on her teenage shoulders. But she holds the burden with a placid purpose, knowing that as long as she works, her pathway will reveal itself.
"I mean, the dream is obviously to get to the WNBA &mdash; but I don't really know if it's gonna be my style of game, it's kind of different from Europe &mdash; but obviously playing there, and just living my best life," she said.
"I love basketball &mdash; that's what I'm planning to do for a living &mdash; and [I] just take pleasure every day in every practice," she added. "And I think, yeah, that's most important: just to be happy."
<img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/img_8403-57-jus_lg.jpg" alt="" width="650" height="433" />
"Every day, we live with basketball."
According to Jocytė's father, Alvydas Jocys, the house TV is almost always tuned to hoops: NBA, WNBA, men's and women's EuroLeague and EuroCup, Lithuanian competition, you name it.&nbsp; Basketball is the country's most popular sport. It is woven into the fabric of Jocytė's family.
"It's just our life, you know?" Alvydas told BasketballNews.com over the phone.
Alvydas played college basketball through the end of the 1990s for Mid-Plains Community College, and then Bellevue University, in Nebraska. His brother, Evaldas, logged professional and collegiate careers, including stints with Lithuanian club Olimpas Plung&eacute; and Division I East Carolina University. Her older brother, 17-year-old Rokas, competes in Lithuania after having spent time on Stellazzurra Rome's U18 team in Italy.
Jocytė was even born in Washington D.C. before the family moved back to Lithuania when she was an infant. She has played above her age bracket since she could first dribble a basketball. First, it was in the backyard against Rokas. Then, at six years old &mdash; when she began to take a serious interest in the sport &mdash; Alvydas and his wife, Aurelija Jociene, noticed their daughter was unusually talented.
"We noticed that she had the ability to play with the ball, and play and dribble and shoot. She was different at that kind of age from other girls," Alvydas said.
Jocytė entered a program in her hometown of Palanga on the Baltic Coast of the country. Then, she outplayed her competition, and the family signed her up for training in Klaipėda, a nearby city. Jocytė was hopping from bus-to-bus at nine years old, attending practices and games with kids three years her senior.&nbsp;
"Year after year, we saw that she was developing into a pretty good basketball player," Alvydas said. "As a family, all our job was just to get her physically and emotionally ready for the journey she has right now."
The <a href="https://twitter.com/jrnba/status/1028733912321859585?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jr. NBA came</a> at age-12. But in 2019, Jocytė's star truly shined. She led Lithuania to its first-ever U16 FIBA European Championship as a 13-year-old, then three months later, <a href="https://www.fiba.basketball/womenseurobasket/2021/qualifiers/news/the-future-is-here-13-year-old-jocyte-has-lithuania-back-on-the-rise" target="_blank" rel="noopener">made her debut with the country's senior national team</a> in the EuroBasket Qualifiers.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
SHE IS 13 😱 ! Juste Jocyte's 20PTS &amp; 15REB led @Musukrepsinis 🇱🇹 to a first EVER <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FIBAU16Europe?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FIBAU16Europe</a> Final 🔥 ! <a href="https://t.co/gAjWbsLocB">pic.twitter.com/gAjWbsLocB</a>
&mdash; FIBA (@FIBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/FIBA/status/1167346821678678017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2019</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

Europe took note &mdash; including one Tony Parker. The four-time NBA champion co-owned the men's and women's LDLC ASVEL clubs, and was starting his <a href="https://tpadequatacademy.com/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tony Parker Ad&eacute;quat Academy</a> in Lyon for students desiring advanced opportunities in a number of different professions. He invited Jocytė and her family to an individual workout in Oct. 2019.
"It was kind of tough, you know? You don't really know what to say because you're... scared," Jocytė said. "But I mean, he was really pretty normal as a person, so he was easy to talk to."
At that same workout, Jocytė also met her idol: former New York Liberty guard, and future teammate, Marine Johann&egrave;s.
"She was there to pass me the ball. That was cool," Jocytė said with a laugh.
Parker saw Jocytė as a headlining addition and made his pitch to Alvydas and the family. Jocytė would join the academy and become a member of Lyon ASVEL F&eacute;minin, with a three-year agreement centered on her development in Lyon. If the family ever had a question or concern about her well-being or development, Parker was a phone call away.
"It was, for myself and my wife, ver,y very surprising [to hear] the kinds of superstars as Tony Parker &mdash; we just saw them on TV prior [to when] we came to France," Alvydas said. "But when you talk to them after one minute, you already know that they're so simple and they know what they're doing. They know what kind of business they're in."
On Nov. 7, 2019, the academy announced the signing.
"I am very happy for the Tony Parker Ad&eacute;quat Academy because it&rsquo;s the first big signature," Parker said in the official press release in French. "Justė is the most special player of her generation. It&rsquo;s one of the reasons that I opened the Academy: to welcome the best prospects of their generation, evolve with young enthusiasts of all fields, and enrich each other."
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/img_8422-67-jus_lg.jpg" alt="" width="650" height="433" />
"She's definitely one of the most gifted European players to come up in a long time."
Mark Williams is a Global Scout for Premier Basketball (the same service that compiles ESPN's HoopGurlz recruiting rankings). He has watched Jocytė rise through the youth ranks since 2018, and says the smooth shooting guard is one of the most advanced players he has seen in recent years. Her cool confidence, surgical vision and sweet perimeter shot all set her apart.
"She's gifted with the ball in her hands [and] can score at all three levels," Williams told BasketballNews.com over the phone. "One of the things that she's really done well over the last year is develop the ability to get everybody else shots... I mean, she's really gifted. She can play multiple positions. She can play on the ball. She's a better defender than people give her credit for. And she can score anytime she wants."
Jocytė carved up the competition at the 2021 FIBA U18 Women's European Challengers tournament. She averaged 20.6 points, 10.0 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game in effortless fashion, patrolling the court while exuding serenity and swagger.
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Jocytė can spot up, step back and hesi her way to any shot on the floor. She glides with an effortless grace, and shrugs contact off of her. She also operates the offense like a surgeon, rifling pinpoint cross-court passes with either hand. Williams said that if he ranked the entire 2023 recruiting class with both U.S. and international players, the Lithuanian phenom would rest on top.
"For her, it's just kind of come together really, really early. And it's fun to watch, for sure," Williams said.
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British FIBA writer Paul Nilsen has watched the international youth game for over a decade. From the first moments he scouted an age-12 Jocytė, Nilsen was floored by her clutch gene.
"You could just tell straight away she's got it," Nilsen told BasketballNews.com over the phone. "The clutch, the ice through her veins, the smarts, the I.Q., on top of, obviously, the skill factor of being able to do what you want, when you want.
"I think that maturity so young is quite a rare and special thing."
Both Williams and Nilsen lauded Jocytė's trajectory as that of a high WNBA draft pick and a potential No. 1 overall selection. But they also cautioned against the familiar trap of locking prospects in as surefire generational superstars.&nbsp;
"It's one thing, I think in any sport, being a wonder kid, where often you find other players catch up," Nilsen said. Sometimes you're the best out of that age at 12-13, and you're phenomenal because you've got so much natural talent. And you have to try and maintain large gap, which can sometimes be hard.
"It all boils down to whether she keeps working hard and she keeps learning," he added. "Nothing else apart from her. It's got to come from her."
For Jocytė to be challenging herself on a professional team, Nilsen says, is a testament to her dedication.
"One of the things I'm very, very committed to is this concept of: the hardest decision is always for the most talented players... even though you've got lots of choices, it's very very, very difficult," he said.
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"Playing against them every day is just a dream come true. I mean, that's the best practice you can get."
In Dec. 2019, 14-year-old Justė Jocytė subbed in for the the first time with Lyon ASVEL F&eacute;minin, and became the youngest woman to debut in the modern EuroLeague, perhaps the highest level in the world outside of the WNBA. Fast-forward two years, and she has now locked down a role in the regular rotation before her 16th birthday.
Lyon competes this season in the EuroCup; it's one league lower than the EuroLeague, but still arguably the third-best league worldwide. The EuroCup is littered with WNBA talent this season, including: Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell, Atlanta Dream guard Aari McDonald, Phoenix Mercury forward Brianna Turner and Minnesota Lynx forward Natasha Mack among many others.
But that's only half of the battle. In LFB (Ligue F&eacute;minine de Basketball) competition, the team squares off against players like Phoenix Mercury guard Sophie Cunningham, Chicago Sky guard Lexie Brown and Los Angeles Sparks forward Nia Coffey. For Lyon, Johann&egrave;s and Julie Allemand both have WNBA experience.
On non-game days, Jocytė's schedule typically includes distance schooling, plus two grueling practices per day with some of the best basketball players on the planet. It's a grind she embraces.&nbsp;
"This is the pro life," she said. "Get used to it, because they will not change for you."
Jocytė generally stayed on the bench in her first two years with Lyon; she logged just 31 total minutes across both seasons. However, that doesn't mean she was stuck; behind the scenes, Jocytė was adapting to the speed and physicality of pro ball with the help of her teammates and coaches.
"I really appreciate the the work that they put in. Nobody sees the work, but they're helping me a lot," she said.
This season, the young phenom has begun to emerge. Jocytė is averaging 11.8 minutes per game in LFB play and 15.0 minutes per game in the EuroCup. She's dished out 17 assists against just six turnovers, and is shooting 75% from the field across both leagues. The performances aren't coming on some experimental squad, either &mdash; Lyon sits 3-1 in the EuroCup and 4-2 in the LFB.&nbsp;
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Even more impressive is hearing the 15-year-old critically reflect on her role with the methodical understanding of a grizzled vet:
"The physical part is tough, so you obviously had to find other ways. I think mine is just reading the game, really, because obviously you will not be faster [or] stronger," Jocytė said. "Coach puts you in [and] you have to just bring the energy; he doesn't expect you to, like, score 20 points in the game. So as a young player, you just have to stay humble, stay calm and just read."
Breanna Stewart and Nikola Jokic, as well as fellow lefty D'Angelo Russell, are film favorites for the Lithuanian. She had the last laugh this fall as one of the few members of Lyon cheering for the Chicago Sky in the WNBA Finals. And even after two years playing next to Johann&egrave;s, Jocytė still marvels every day at the star guard's talent.
"It's kind of weird because before, yeah, she was my role model, and now that it's my third year playing with her, it's kind of... she's like my friend," Jocytė said of Johann&egrave;s.
Though Jocytė is still technically the youngest player on the roster, she's no longer the only teenager. Dominique Malonga &mdash; a 6-foot-6, 15-year-old center loaded with athleticism and potential &mdash; joined ASVEL F&eacute;minin for the 2021-22 campaign. Malonga is also a Tony Parker Academy student, and Parker even labeled her "<a href="https://ldlcasvelfeminin.com/dominique-malonga-nouvelle-lionne/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the feminine Victor Wembanyama</a>."
"She's my roommate, so we kind of get along pretty easily," Jocytė said of Malonga. "This goes better than last year, when you're, like, really young with all these &mdash; I'm not gonna say old (laughs) &mdash; but older ladies. So it's kind of cool to have [someone] your age."
Jocytė is still a kid, after all &mdash; a kid playing on the other side of the continent, away from her family. Alvydas and Aurelija check-in nearly ever day with their daughter via WhatsApp. When Jocytė comes home, she'll get back on the court and battle with her brother and father, and everyone in Palanga knows her name. She says she's "not that sensitive of a person," but that doesn't mean leaving Lithuania is easy.
"I really miss home, and it's kind of hard without your family and friends. So it's always a good feeling when you come back home. It doesn't matter if it's, like, two days or something. It's really good to be there," she said.
"It was hard to let her go the first time because, you know, the '14-year-old girl on her own in the big city 2000 kilometers away' &mdash; kind of scary," Alvydas added. "[But] we know that she is in good hands [and] she gets taken care of."
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Lthuania may be a basketball-crazed nation, but its women's leagues lack sustained prominence. Top players and prospects typically latch onto a development track in another region, and return home to play during the offseason. Jocytė and her father cited that lack of consistency at home as a factor in them looking toward France for her pro career.
With the national teams, though, Jocytė feels immense pride in representing her country on European and global stages.
"It's an amazing feeling to play with your national team," she said. "It's just something you really appreciate when you play overseas or something. When you come back, it's really just amazing."
(Her most recent opportunity came in the 2023 EuroBasket Qualifiers, where she scored four points on Thursday against Finland before leaving the game with a minor ankle injury. Lithuania will play again Sunday.)
The world only continues to open up for Lithuania's young star. Her current agreement with the Tony Parker Academy and Lyon reaches an option of sorts after this season. Jocytė could continue on for another three years, adding continued professonal experience and growing with ASVEL F&eacute;minin. Or, she could opt out and attend another program or school just about anywhere &mdash; including the United States.
According to a source, high-major colleges are already demonstrating interest in Jocytė. Even WNBA teams have her on their radar when the earliest she could be draft-eligible appears to be 2025. (There's confusion here due to her U.S. birth vs. Lithuanian upbringing/playing status.)&nbsp;
The family will face a monumental decision after the season. They'll weigh pros and cons, including developmental situations, level of play and even endorsement opportunities. But for now, Jocytė is focused on what she loves &mdash; playing basketball &mdash; with the regimented mentality of continued growth each day.
"I feel good here and there's a good opportunity for me here," Jocytė said. "I'm still young, so that's normal that I don't play a lot. So really, I'm just working on myself every day trying to earn the trust of my coach, and hopefully in one year or two, I will be able to really have a big impact on the team."
That's what Alvydas admires most about his daughter. Jocytė remains a level-headed sailor amidst rocky seas, letting a pure love for the sport guide her to whatever big stage is next.
"I'm very proud that she's still simple growing and she's very supportive to other kids," Alvydas said. "I'm very proud that she's still very, very simple and focused on what she's doing."

Sometimes Justė Jocytė needs to slow down her warp-speed world.&nbsp;
The Lithuanian channels Drake and "chill music" through her headphones, and takes a walk to find a space for herself. In her preparation process, Jocytė makes it a point to clear her head of stress.
"Literally, it's almost like meditating," Jocytė told BasketballNews.com in an exclusive interview via Zoom. "You just stop thinking. Just take a deep breath, clear your head out and really just stop overthinking everything. I think that helps; when you're thinking a lot before a game, that's not good for you."
Jocytė speaks with the calm poise of a veteran professional because she is one, in her third season at the highest levels of European basketball with Lyon ASVEL F&eacute;minin in France. But the 6-foot-2 lefty guard is also considered one of the top prospects on Earth, and at just 15 years old, is accomplishing more than most young hoopers do in their lifetimes.
San Antonio Spurs great Tony Parker recruited her at at age-13, and she debuted with the Lithuanian senior national team that same year. At 14, Jocytė became the youngest player to debut in modern EuroLeague history. Today, she regularly competes against WNBA players and European stars, and even holds a small sponsorship deal from Nike.
Jocytė carries the faith of an NBA legend, the hopes of an entire country and the potential of a future global star on her teenage shoulders. But she holds the burden with a placid purpose, knowing that as long as she works, her pathway will reveal itself.
"I mean, the dream is obviously to get to the WNBA &mdash; but I don't really know if it's gonna be my style of game, it's kind of different from Europe &mdash; but obviously playing there, and just living my best life," she said.
"I love basketball &mdash; that's what I'm planning to do for a living &mdash; and [I] just take pleasure every day in every practice," she added. "And I think, yeah, that's most important: just to be happy."
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"Every day, we live with basketball."
According to Jocytė's father, Alvydas Jocys, the house TV is almost always tuned to hoops: NBA, WNBA, men's and women's EuroLeague and EuroCup, Lithuanian competition, you name it.&nbsp; Basketball is the country's most popular sport. It is woven into the fabric of Jocytė's family.
"It's just our life, you know?" Alvydas told BasketballNews.com over the phone.
Alvydas played college basketball through the end of the 1990s for Mid-Plains Community College, and then Bellevue University, in Nebraska. His brother, Evaldas, logged professional and collegiate careers, including stints with Lithuanian club Olimpas Plung&eacute; and Division I East Carolina University. Her older brother, 17-year-old Rokas, competes in Lithuania after having spent time on Stellazzurra Rome's U18 team in Italy.
Jocytė was even born in Washington D.C. before the family moved back to Lithuania when she was an infant. She has played above her age bracket since she could first dribble a basketball. First, it was in the backyard against Rokas. Then, at six years old &mdash; when she began to take a serious interest in the sport &mdash; Alvydas and his wife, Aurelija Jociene, noticed their daughter was unusually talented.
"We noticed that she had the ability to play with the ball, and play and dribble and shoot. She was different at that kind of age from other girls," Alvydas said.
Jocytė entered a program in her hometown of Palanga on the Baltic Coast of the country. Then, she outplayed her competition, and the family signed her up for training in Klaipėda, a nearby city. Jocytė was hopping from bus-to-bus at nine years old, attending practices and games with kids three years her senior.&nbsp;
"Year after year, we saw that she was developing into a pretty good basketball player," Alvydas said. "As a family, all our job was just to get her physically and emotionally ready for the journey she has right now."
The <a href="https://twitter.com/jrnba/status/1028733912321859585?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jr. NBA came</a> at age-12. But in 2019, Jocytė's star truly shined. She led Lithuania to its first-ever U16 FIBA European Championship as a 13-year-old, then three months later, <a href="https://www.fiba.basketball/womenseurobasket/2021/qualifiers/news/the-future-is-here-13-year-old-jocyte-has-lithuania-back-on-the-rise" target="_blank" rel="noopener">made her debut with the country's senior national team</a> in the EuroBasket Qualifiers.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
SHE IS 13 😱 ! Juste Jocyte's 20PTS &amp; 15REB led @Musukrepsinis 🇱🇹 to a first EVER <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FIBAU16Europe?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FIBAU16Europe</a> Final 🔥 ! <a href="https://t.co/gAjWbsLocB">pic.twitter.com/gAjWbsLocB</a>
&mdash; FIBA (@FIBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/FIBA/status/1167346821678678017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2019</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

Europe took note &mdash; including one Tony Parker. The four-time NBA champion co-owned the men's and women's LDLC ASVEL clubs, and was starting his <a href="https://tpadequatacademy.com/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tony Parker Ad&eacute;quat Academy</a> in Lyon for students desiring advanced opportunities in a number of different professions. He invited Jocytė and her family to an individual workout in Oct. 2019.
"It was kind of tough, you know? You don't really know what to say because you're... scared," Jocytė said. "But I mean, he was really pretty normal as a person, so he was easy to talk to."
At that same workout, Jocytė also met her idol: former New York Liberty guard, and future teammate, Marine Johann&egrave;s.
"She was there to pass me the ball. That was cool," Jocytė said with a laugh.
Parker saw Jocytė as a headlining addition and made his pitch to Alvydas and the family. Jocytė would join the academy and become a member of Lyon ASVEL F&eacute;minin, with a three-year agreement centered on her development in Lyon. If the family ever had a question or concern about her well-being or development, Parker was a phone call away.
"It was, for myself and my wife, ver,y very surprising [to hear] the kinds of superstars as Tony Parker &mdash; we just saw them on TV prior [to when] we came to France," Alvydas said. "But when you talk to them after one minute, you already know that they're so simple and they know what they're doing. They know what kind of business they're in."
On Nov. 7, 2019, the academy announced the signing.
"I am very happy for the Tony Parker Ad&eacute;quat Academy because it&rsquo;s the first big signature," Parker said in the official press release in French. "Justė is the most special player of her generation. It&rsquo;s one of the reasons that I opened the Academy: to welcome the best prospects of their generation, evolve with young enthusiasts of all fields, and enrich each other."
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"She's definitely one of the most gifted European players to come up in a long time."
Mark Williams is a Global Scout for Premier Basketball (the same service that compiles ESPN's HoopGurlz recruiting rankings). He has watched Jocytė rise through the youth ranks since 2018, and says the smooth shooting guard is one of the most advanced players he has seen in recent years. Her cool confidence, surgical vision and sweet perimeter shot all set her apart.
"She's gifted with the ball in her hands [and] can score at all three levels," Williams told BasketballNews.com over the phone. "One of the things that she's really done well over the last year is develop the ability to get everybody else shots... I mean, she's really gifted. She can play multiple positions. She can play on the ball. She's a better defender than people give her credit for. And she can score anytime she wants."
Jocytė carved up the competition at the 2021 FIBA U18 Women's European Challengers tournament. She averaged 20.6 points, 10.0 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game in effortless fashion, patrolling the court while exuding serenity and swagger.
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Jocytė can spot up, step back and hesi her way to any shot on the floor. She glides with an effortless grace, and shrugs contact off of her. She also operates the offense like a surgeon, rifling pinpoint cross-court passes with either hand. Williams said that if he ranked the entire 2023 recruiting class with both U.S. and international players, the Lithuanian phenom would rest on top.
"For her, it's just kind of come together really, really early. And it's fun to watch, for sure," Williams said.
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British FIBA writer Paul Nilsen has watched the international youth game for over a decade. From the first moments he scouted an age-12 Jocytė, Nilsen was floored by her clutch gene.
"You could just tell straight away she's got it," Nilsen told BasketballNews.com over the phone. "The clutch, the ice through her veins, the smarts, the I.Q., on top of, obviously, the skill factor of being able to do what you want, when you want.
"I think that maturity so young is quite a rare and special thing."
Both Williams and Nilsen lauded Jocytė's trajectory as that of a high WNBA draft pick and a potential No. 1 overall selection. But they also cautioned against the familiar trap of locking prospects in as surefire generational superstars.&nbsp;
"It's one thing, I think in any sport, being a wonder kid, where often you find other players catch up," Nilsen said. "Sometimes you're the best out of that age at 12-13, and you're phenomenal because you've got so much natural talent. And you have to try and maintain large gap, which can sometimes be hard.
"It all boils down to whether she keeps working hard and she keeps learning," he added. "Nothing else apart from her. It's got to come from her."
For Jocytė to be challenging herself on a professional team, Nilsen says, is a testament to her dedication.
"One of the things I'm very, very committed to is this concept of: the hardest decision is always for the most talented players... even though you've got lots of choices, it's very very, very difficult," he said.
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"Playing against them every day is just a dream come true. I mean, that's the best practice you can get."
In Dec. 2019, 14-year-old Justė Jocytė subbed in for the the first time with Lyon ASVEL F&eacute;minin, and became the youngest woman to debut in the modern EuroLeague, perhaps the highest level in the world outside of the WNBA. Fast-forward two years, and she has now locked down a role in the regular rotation before her 16th birthday.
Lyon competes this season in the EuroCup; it's one league lower than the EuroLeague, but still arguably the third-best league worldwide. The EuroCup is littered with WNBA talent this season, including: Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell, Atlanta Dream guard Aari McDonald, Phoenix Mercury forward Brianna Turner and Minnesota Lynx forward Natasha Mack among many others.
But that's only half of the battle. In LFB (Ligue F&eacute;minine de Basketball) competition, the team squares off against players like Phoenix Mercury guard Sophie Cunningham, Chicago Sky guard Lexie Brown and Los Angeles Sparks forward Nia Coffey. For Lyon, Johann&egrave;s and Julie Allemand both have WNBA experience.
On non-game days, Jocytė's schedule typically includes distance schooling, plus two grueling practices per day with some of the best basketball players on the planet. It's a grind she embraces.&nbsp;
"This is the pro life," she said. "Get used to it, because they will not change for you."
Jocytė generally stayed on the bench in her first two years with Lyon; she logged just 31 total minutes across both seasons. However, that doesn't mean she was stuck; behind the scenes, Jocytė was adapting to the speed and physicality of pro ball with the help of her teammates and coaches.
"I really appreciate the the work that they put in. Nobody sees the work, but they're helping me a lot," she said.
This season, the young phenom has begun to emerge. Jocytė is averaging 11.8 minutes per game in LFB play and 15.0 minutes per game in the EuroCup. She's dished out 17 assists against just six turnovers, and is shooting 75% from the field across both leagues. The performances aren't coming on some experimental squad, either &mdash; Lyon sits 3-1 in the EuroCup and 4-2 in the LFB.&nbsp;
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Even more impressive is hearing the 15-year-old critically reflect on her role with the methodical understanding of a grizzled vet:
"The physical part is tough, so you obviously had to find other ways. I think mine is just reading the game, really, because obviously you will not be faster [or] stronger," Jocytė said. "Coach puts you in [and] you have to just bring the energy; he doesn't expect you to, like, score 20 points in the game. So as a young player, you just have to stay humble, stay calm and just read."
Breanna Stewart and Nikola Jokic, as well as fellow lefty D'Angelo Russell, are film favorites for the Lithuanian. She had the last laugh this fall as one of the few members of Lyon cheering for the Chicago Sky in the WNBA Finals. And even after two years playing next to Johann&egrave;s, Jocytė still marvels every day at the star guard's talent.
"It's kind of weird because before, yeah, she was my role model, and now that it's my third year playing with her, it's kind of... she's like my friend," Jocytė said of Johann&egrave;s.
Though Jocytė is still technically the youngest player on the roster, she's no longer the only teenager. Dominique Malonga &mdash; a 6-foot-6, 15-year-old center loaded with athleticism and potential &mdash; joined ASVEL F&eacute;minin for the 2021-22 campaign. Malonga is also a Tony Parker Academy student, and Parker even labeled her "<a href="https://ldlcasvelfeminin.com/dominique-malonga-nouvelle-lionne/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the feminine Victor Wembanyama</a>."
"She's my roommate, so we kind of get along pretty easily," Jocytė said of Malonga. "This goes better than last year, when you're, like, really young with all these &mdash; I'm not gonna say old (laughs) &mdash; but older ladies. So it's kind of cool to have [someone] your age."
Jocytė is still a kid, after all &mdash; a kid playing on the other side of the continent, away from her family. Alvydas and Aurelija check-in nearly ever day with their daughter via WhatsApp. When Jocytė comes home, she'll get back on the court and battle with her brother and father, and everyone in Palanga knows her name. She says she's "not that sensitive of a person," but that doesn't mean leaving Lithuania is easy.
"I really miss home, and it's kind of hard without your family and friends. So it's always a good feeling when you come back home. It doesn't matter if it's, like, two days or something. It's really good to be there," she said.
"It was hard to let her go the first time because, you know, the '14-year-old girl on her own in the big city 2000 kilometers away' &mdash; kind of scary," Alvydas added. "[But] we know that she is in good hands [and] she gets taken care of."
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Lthuania may be a basketball-crazed nation, but its women's leagues lack sustained prominence. Top players and prospects typically latch onto a development track in another region, and return home to play during the offseason. Jocytė and her father cited that lack of consistency at home as a factor in them looking toward France for her pro career.
With the national teams, though, Jocytė feels immense pride in representing her country on European and global stages.
"It's an amazing feeling to play with your national team," she said. "It's just something you really appreciate when you play overseas or something. When you come back, it's really just amazing."
(Her most recent opportunity came in the 2023 EuroBasket Qualifiers, where she scored four points on Thursday against Finland before leaving the game with a minor ankle injury. Lithuania will play again Sunday.)
The world only continues to open up for Lithuania's young star. Her current agreement with the Tony Parker Academy and Lyon reaches an option of sorts after this season. Jocytė could continue on for another three years, adding continued professonal experience and growing with ASVEL F&eacute;minin. Or, she could opt out and attend another program or school just about anywhere &mdash; including the United States.
According to a source, high-major colleges are already demonstrating interest in Jocytė. Even WNBA teams have her on their radar when the earliest she could be draft-eligible appears to be 2025. (There's confusion here due to her U.S. birth vs. Lithuanian upbringing/playing status.)&nbsp;
The family will face a monumental decision after the season. They'll weigh pros and cons, including developmental situations, level of play and even endorsement opportunities. But for now, Jocytė is focused on what she loves &mdash; playing basketball &mdash; with the regimented mentality of continued growth each day.
"I feel good here and there's a good opportunity for me here," Jocytė said. "I'm still young, so that's normal that I don't play a lot. So really, I'm just working on myself every day trying to earn the trust of my coach, and hopefully in one year or two, I will be able to really have a big impact on the team."
That's what Alvydas admires most about his daughter. Jocytė remains a level-headed sailor amidst rocky seas, letting a pure love for the sport guide her to whatever big stage is next.
"I'm very proud that she's still simple growing and she's very supportive to other kids," Alvydas said. "I'm very proud that she's still very, very simple and focused on what she's doing."

Sometimes Justė Jocytė needs to slow down her warp-speed world.&nbsp;
The Lithuanian channels Drake and "chill music" through her headphones, and takes a walk to find a space for herself. In her preparation process, Jocytė makes it a point to clear her head of stress.
"Literally, it's almost like meditating," Jocytė told BasketballNews.com in an exclusive interview via Zoom. "You just stop thinking. Just take a deep breath, clear your head out and really just stop overthinking everything. I think that helps; when you're thinking a lot before a game, that's not good for you."
Jocytė speaks with the calm poise of a veteran professional because she is one, in her third season at the highest levels of European basketball with Lyon ASVEL F&eacute;minin in France. But the 6-foot-2 lefty guard is also considered one of the top prospects on Earth, and at just 15 years old, is accomplishing more than most young hoopers do in their lifetimes.
San Antonio Spurs great Tony Parker recruited her at at age-13, and she debuted with the Lithuanian senior national team that same year. At 14, Jocytė became the youngest player to debut in modern EuroLeague history. Today, she regularly competes against WNBA players and European stars, and even holds a small sponsorship deal from Nike.
Jocytė carries the faith of an NBA legend, the hopes of an entire country and the potential of a future global star on her teenage shoulders. But she holds the burden with a placid purpose, knowing that as long as she works, her pathway will reveal itself.
"I mean, the dream is obviously to get to the WNBA &mdash; but I don't really know if it's gonna be my style of game, it's kind of different from Europe &mdash; but obviously playing there, and just living my best life," she said.
"I love basketball &mdash; that's what I'm planning to do for a living &mdash; and [I] just take pleasure every day in every practice," she added. "And I think, yeah, that's most important: just to be happy."
<img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/img_8403-57-jus_lg.jpg" alt="" width="650" height="433" />
"Every day, we live with basketball."
According to Jocytė's father, Alvydas Jocys, the house TV is almost always tuned to hoops: NBA, WNBA, men's and women's EuroLeague and EuroCup, Lithuanian competition, you name it.&nbsp; Basketball is the country's most popular sport. It is woven into the fabric of Jocytė's family.
"It's just our life, you know?" Alvydas told BasketballNews.com over the phone.
Alvydas played college basketball through the end of the 1990s for Mid-Plains Community College, and then Bellevue University, in Nebraska. His brother, Evaldas, logged professional and collegiate careers, including stints with Lithuanian club Olimpas Plung&eacute; and Division I East Carolina University. Her older brother, 17-year-old Rokas, competes in Lithuania after having spent time on Stellazzurra Rome's U18 team in Italy.
Jocytė was even born in Washington D.C. before the family moved back to Lithuania when she was an infant. She has played above her age bracket since she could first dribble a basketball. First, it was in the backyard against Rokas. Then, at six years old &mdash; when she began to take a serious interest in the sport &mdash; Alvydas and his wife, Aurelija Jociene, noticed their daughter was unusually talented.
"We noticed that she had the ability to play with the ball, and play and dribble and shoot. She was different at that kind of age from other girls," Alvydas said.
Jocytė entered a program in her hometown of Palanga on the Baltic Coast of the country. Then, she outplayed her competition, and the family signed her up for training in Klaipėda, a nearby city. Jocytė was hopping from bus-to-bus at nine years old, attending practices and games with kids three years her senior.&nbsp;
"Year after year, we saw that she was developing into a pretty good basketball player," Alvydas said. "As a family, all our job was just to get her physically and emotionally ready for the journey she has right now."
The <a href="https://twitter.com/jrnba/status/1028733912321859585?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jr. NBA came</a> at age-12. But in 2019, Jocytė's star truly shined. She led Lithuania to its first-ever U16 FIBA European Championship as a 13-year-old, then three months later, <a href="https://www.fiba.basketball/womenseurobasket/2021/qualifiers/news/the-future-is-here-13-year-old-jocyte-has-lithuania-back-on-the-rise" target="_blank" rel="noopener">made her debut with the country's senior national team</a> in the EuroBasket Qualifiers.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
SHE IS 13 😱 ! Juste Jocyte's 20PTS &amp; 15REB led @Musukrepsinis 🇱🇹 to a first EVER <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FIBAU16Europe?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FIBAU16Europe</a> Final 🔥 ! <a href="https://t.co/gAjWbsLocB">pic.twitter.com/gAjWbsLocB</a>
&mdash; FIBA (@FIBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/FIBA/status/1167346821678678017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2019</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

Europe took note &mdash; including one Tony Parker. The four-time NBA champion co-owned the men's and women's LDLC ASVEL clubs, and was starting his <a href="https://tpadequatacademy.com/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tony Parker Ad&eacute;quat Academy</a> in Lyon for students desiring advanced opportunities in a number of different professions. He invited Jocytė and her family to an individual workout in Oct. 2019.
"It was kind of tough, you know? You don't really know what to say because you're... scared," Jocytė said. "But I mean, he was really pretty normal as a person, so he was easy to talk to."
At that same workout, Jocytė also met her idol: former New York Liberty guard, and future teammate, Marine Johann&egrave;s.
"She was there to pass me the ball. That was cool," Jocytė said with a laugh.
Parker saw Jocytė as a headlining addition and made his pitch to Alvydas and the family. Jocytė would join the academy and become a member of Lyon ASVEL F&eacute;minin, with a three-year agreement centered on her development in Lyon. If the family ever had a question or concern about her well-being or development, Parker was a phone call away.
"It was, for myself and my wife, ver,y very surprising [to hear] the kinds of superstars as Tony Parker &mdash; we just saw them on TV prior [to when] we came to France," Alvydas said. "But when you talk to them after one minute, you already know that they're so simple and they know what they're doing. They know what kind of business they're in."
On Nov. 7, 2019, the academy announced the signing.
"I am very happy for the Tony Parker Ad&eacute;quat Academy because it&rsquo;s the first big signature," Parker said in the official press release in French. "Justė is the most special player of her generation. It&rsquo;s one of the reasons that I opened the Academy: to welcome the best prospects of their generation, evolve with young enthusiasts of all fields, and enrich each other."
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/img_8422-67-jus_lg.jpg" alt="" width="650" height="433" />
"She's definitely one of the most gifted European players to come up in a long time."
Mark Williams is a Global Scout for Premier Basketball (the same service that compiles ESPN's HoopGurlz recruiting rankings). He has watched Jocytė rise through the youth ranks since 2018, and says the smooth shooting guard is one of the most advanced players he has seen in recent years. Her cool confidence, surgical vision and sweet perimeter shot all set her apart.
"She's gifted with the ball in her hands [and] can score at all three levels," Williams told BasketballNews.com over the phone. "One of the things that she's really done well over the last year is develop the ability to get everybody else shots... I mean, she's really gifted. She can play multiple positions. She can play on the ball. She's a better defender than people give her credit for. And she can score anytime she wants."
Jocytė carved up the competition at the 2021 FIBA U18 Women's European Challengers tournament. She averaged 20.6 points, 10.0 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game in effortless fashion, patrolling the court while exuding serenity and swagger.
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/0incv1" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
Jocytė can spot up, step back and hesi her way to any shot on the floor. She glides with an effortless grace, and shrugs contact off of her. She also operates the offense like a surgeon, rifling pinpoint cross-court passes with either hand. Williams said that if he ranked the entire 2023 recruiting class with both U.S. and international players, the Lithuanian phenom would rest on top.
"For her, it's just kind of come together really, really early. And it's fun to watch, for sure," Williams said.
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/hh50h4" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
British FIBA writer Paul Nilsen has watched the international youth game for over a decade. From the first moments he scouted an age-12 Jocytė, Nilsen was floored by her clutch gene.
"You could just tell straight away she's got it," Nilsen told BasketballNews.com over the phone. "The clutch, the ice through her veins, the smarts, the I.Q., on top of, obviously, the skill factor of being able to do what you want, when you want.
"I think that maturity so young is quite a rare and special thing."
Both Williams and Nilsen lauded Jocytė's trajectory as that of a high WNBA draft pick and a potential No. 1 overall selection. But they also cautioned against the familiar trap of locking prospects in as surefire generational superstars.&nbsp;
"It's one thing, I think in any sport, being a wonder kid, where often you find other players catch up," Nilsen said. "Sometimes you're the best out of that age at 12-13, and you're phenomenal because you've got so much natural talent. And you have to try and maintain large gap, which can sometimes be hard.
"It all boils down to whether she keeps working hard and she keeps learning," he added. "Nothing else [matters] apart from her. It's got to come from her."
For Jocytė to be challenging herself on a professional team, Nilsen says, is a testament to her dedication.
"One of the things I'm very, very committed to is this concept of: the hardest decision is always for the most talented players... even though you've got lots of choices, it's very very, very difficult," he said.
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/img_5264-45-jus_lg.jpg" alt="" width="650" height="433" />
"Playing against them every day is just a dream come true. I mean, that's the best practice you can get."
In Dec. 2019, 14-year-old Justė Jocytė subbed in for the the first time with Lyon ASVEL F&eacute;minin, and became the youngest woman to debut in the modern EuroLeague, perhaps the highest level in the world outside of the WNBA. Fast-forward two years, and she has now locked down a role in the regular rotation before her 16th birthday.
Lyon competes this season in the EuroCup; it's one league lower than the EuroLeague, but still arguably the third-best league worldwide. The EuroCup is littered with WNBA talent this season, including: Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell, Atlanta Dream guard Aari McDonald, Phoenix Mercury forward Brianna Turner and Minnesota Lynx forward Natasha Mack among many others.
But that's only half of the battle. In LFB (Ligue F&eacute;minine de Basketball) competition, the team squares off against players like Phoenix Mercury guard Sophie Cunningham, Chicago Sky guard Lexie Brown and Los Angeles Sparks forward Nia Coffey. For Lyon, Johann&egrave;s and Julie Allemand both have WNBA experience.
On non-game days, Jocytė's schedule typically includes distance schooling, plus two grueling practices per day with some of the best basketball players on the planet. It's a grind she embraces.&nbsp;
"This is the pro life," she said. "Get used to it, because they will not change for you."
Jocytė generally stayed on the bench in her first two years with Lyon; she logged just 31 total minutes across both seasons. However, that doesn't mean she was stuck; behind the scenes, Jocytė was adapting to the speed and physicality of pro ball with the help of her teammates and coaches.
"I really appreciate the the work that they put in. Nobody sees the work, but they're helping me a lot," she said.
This season, the young phenom has begun to emerge. Jocytė is averaging 11.8 minutes per game in LFB play and 15.0 minutes per game in the EuroCup. She's dished out 17 assists against just six turnovers, and is shooting 75% from the field across both leagues. The performances aren't coming on some experimental squad, either &mdash; Lyon sits 3-1 in the EuroCup and 4-2 in the LFB.&nbsp;
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Even more impressive is hearing the 15-year-old critically reflect on her role with the methodical understanding of a grizzled vet:
"The physical part is tough, so you obviously had to find other ways. I think mine is just reading the game, really, because obviously you will not be faster [or] stronger," Jocytė said. "Coach puts you in [and] you have to just bring the energy; he doesn't expect you to, like, score 20 points in the game. So as a young player, you just have to stay humble, stay calm and just read."
Breanna Stewart and Nikola Jokic, as well as fellow lefty D'Angelo Russell, are film favorites for the Lithuanian. She had the last laugh this fall as one of the few members of Lyon cheering for the Chicago Sky in the WNBA Finals. And even after two years playing next to Johann&egrave;s, Jocytė still marvels every day at the star guard's talent.
"It's kind of weird because before, yeah, she was my role model, and now that it's my third year playing with her, it's kind of... she's like my friend," Jocytė said of Johann&egrave;s.
Though Jocytė is still technically the youngest player on the roster, she's no longer the only teenager. Dominique Malonga &mdash; a 6-foot-6, 15-year-old center loaded with athleticism and potential &mdash; joined ASVEL F&eacute;minin for the 2021-22 campaign. Malonga is also a Tony Parker Academy student, and Parker even labeled her "<a href="https://ldlcasvelfeminin.com/dominique-malonga-nouvelle-lionne/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the feminine Victor Wembanyama</a>."
"She's my roommate, so we kind of get along pretty easily," Jocytė said of Malonga. "This goes better than last year, when you're, like, really young with all these &mdash; I'm not gonna say old (laughs) &mdash; but older ladies. So it's kind of cool to have [someone] your age."
Jocytė is still a kid, after all &mdash; a kid playing on the other side of the continent, away from her family. Alvydas and Aurelija check-in nearly ever day with their daughter via WhatsApp. When Jocytė comes home, she'll get back on the court and battle with her brother and father, and everyone in Palanga knows her name. She says she's "not that sensitive of a person," but that doesn't mean leaving Lithuania is easy.
"I really miss home, and it's kind of hard without your family and friends. So it's always a good feeling when you come back home. It doesn't matter if it's, like, two days or something. It's really good to be there," she said.
"It was hard to let her go the first time because, you know, the '14-year-old girl on her own in the big city 2000 kilometers away' &mdash; kind of scary," Alvydas added. "[But] we know that she is in good hands [and] she gets taken care of."
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
Lthuania may be a basketball-crazed nation, but its women's leagues lack sustained prominence. Top players and prospects typically latch onto a development track in another region, and return home to play during the offseason. Jocytė and her father cited that lack of consistency at home as a factor in them looking toward France for her pro career.
With the national teams, though, Jocytė feels immense pride in representing her country on European and global stages.
"It's an amazing feeling to play with your national team," she said. "It's just something you really appreciate when you play overseas or something. When you come back, it's really just amazing."
(Her most recent opportunity came in the 2023 EuroBasket Qualifiers, where she scored four points on Thursday against Finland before leaving the game with a minor ankle injury. Lithuania will play again Sunday.)
The world only continues to open up for Lithuania's young star. Her current agreement with the Tony Parker Academy and Lyon reaches an option of sorts after this season. Jocytė could continue on for another three years, adding continued professonal experience and growing with ASVEL F&eacute;minin. Or, she could opt out and attend another program or school just about anywhere &mdash; including the United States.
According to a source, high-major colleges are already demonstrating interest in Jocytė. Even WNBA teams have her on their radar when the earliest she could be draft-eligible appears to be 2025. (There's confusion here due to her U.S. birth vs. Lithuanian upbringing/playing status.)&nbsp;
The family will face a monumental decision after the season. They'll weigh pros and cons, including developmental situations, level of play and even endorsement opportunities. But for now, Jocytė is focused on what she loves &mdash; playing basketball &mdash; with the regimented mentality of continued growth each day.
"I feel good here and there's a good opportunity for me here," Jocytė said. "I'm still young, so that's normal that I don't play a lot. So really, I'm just working on myself every day trying to earn the trust of my coach, and hopefully in one year or two, I will be able to really have a big impact on the team."
That's what Alvydas admires most about his daughter. Jocytė remains a level-headed sailor amidst rocky seas, letting a pure love for the sport guide her to whatever big stage is next.
"I'm very proud that she's still simple growing and she's very supportive to other kids," Alvydas said. "I'm very proud that she's still very, very simple and focused on what she's doing."

Sometimes Justė Jocytė needs to slow down her warp-speed world.&nbsp;
The Lithuanian channels Drake and "chill music" through her headphones, and takes a walk to find a space for herself. In her preparation process, Jocytė makes it a point to clear her head of stress.
"Literally, it's almost like meditating," Jocytė told BasketballNews.com in an exclusive interview via Zoom. "You just stop thinking. Just take a deep breath, clear your head out and really just stop overthinking everything. I think that helps; when you're thinking a lot before a game, that's not good for you."
Jocytė speaks with the calm poise of a veteran professional because she is one, in her third season at the highest levels of European basketball with Lyon ASVEL F&eacute;minin in France. But the 6-foot-2 lefty guard is also considered one of the top prospects on Earth, and at just 15 years old, is accomplishing more than most young hoopers do in their lifetimes.
San Antonio Spurs great Tony Parker recruited her at at age-13, and she debuted with the Lithuanian senior national team that same year. At 14, Jocytė became the youngest player to debut in modern EuroLeague history. Today, she regularly competes against WNBA players and European stars, and even holds a small sponsorship deal from Nike.
Jocytė carries the faith of an NBA legend, the hopes of an entire country and the potential of a future global star on her teenage shoulders. But she holds the burden with a placid purpose, knowing that as long as she works, her pathway will reveal itself.
"I mean, the dream is obviously to get to the WNBA &mdash; but I don't really know if it's gonna be my style of game, it's kind of different from Europe &mdash; but obviously playing there, and just living my best life," she said.
"I love basketball &mdash; that's what I'm planning to do for a living &mdash; and [I] just take pleasure every day in every practice," she added. "And I think, yeah, that's most important: just to be happy."
<img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/img_8403-57-jus_lg.jpg" alt="" width="650" height="433" />
"Every day, we live with basketball."
According to Jocytė's father, Alvydas Jocys, the house TV is almost always tuned to hoops: NBA, WNBA, men's and women's EuroLeague and EuroCup, Lithuanian competition, you name it.&nbsp; Basketball is the country's most popular sport. It is woven into the fabric of Jocytė's family.
"It's just our life, you know?" Alvydas told BasketballNews.com over the phone.
Alvydas played college basketball through the end of the 1990s for Mid-Plains Community College, and then Bellevue University, in Nebraska. His brother, Evaldas, logged professional and collegiate careers, including stints with Lithuanian club Olimpas Plung&eacute; and Division I East Carolina University. Jocytė's older brother, 17-year-old Rokas, competes in Lithuania after having spent time on Stellazzurra Rome's U18 team in Italy.
Jocytė was even born in Washington D.C. before the family moved back to Lithuania when she was an infant. She has played above her age bracket since she could first dribble a basketball. First, it was in the backyard against Rokas. Then, at six years old &mdash; when she began to take a serious interest in the sport &mdash; Alvydas and his wife, Aurelija Jociene, noticed their daughter was unusually talented.
"We noticed that she had the ability to play with the ball, and play and dribble and shoot. She was different at that kind of age from other girls," Alvydas said.
Jocytė entered a program in her hometown of Palanga on the Baltic Coast of the country. Then, she outplayed her competition, and the family signed her up for training in Klaipėda, a nearby city. Jocytė was hopping from bus-to-bus at nine years old, attending practices and games with kids three years her senior.&nbsp;
"Year after year, we saw that she was developing into a pretty good basketball player," Alvydas said. "As a family, all our job was just to get her physically and emotionally ready for the journey she has right now."
The <a href="https://twitter.com/jrnba/status/1028733912321859585?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jr. NBA came</a> at age-12. But in 2019, Jocytė's star truly shined. She led Lithuania to its first-ever U16 FIBA European Championship as a 13-year-old, then three months later, <a href="https://www.fiba.basketball/womenseurobasket/2021/qualifiers/news/the-future-is-here-13-year-old-jocyte-has-lithuania-back-on-the-rise" target="_blank" rel="noopener">made her debut with the country's senior national team</a> in the EuroBasket Qualifiers.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
SHE IS 13 😱 ! Juste Jocyte's 20PTS &amp; 15REB led @Musukrepsinis 🇱🇹 to a first EVER <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FIBAU16Europe?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FIBAU16Europe</a> Final 🔥 ! <a href="https://t.co/gAjWbsLocB">pic.twitter.com/gAjWbsLocB</a>
&mdash; FIBA (@FIBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/FIBA/status/1167346821678678017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2019</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

Europe took note &mdash; including one Tony Parker. The four-time NBA champion co-owned the men's and women's LDLC ASVEL clubs, and was starting his <a href="https://tpadequatacademy.com/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tony Parker Ad&eacute;quat Academy</a> in Lyon for students desiring advanced opportunities in a number of different professions. He invited Jocytė and her family to an individual workout in Oct. 2019.
"It was kind of tough, you know? You don't really know what to say because you're... scared," Jocytė said. "But I mean, he was really pretty normal as a person, so he was easy to talk to."
At that same workout, Jocytė also met her idol: former New York Liberty guard, and future teammate, Marine Johann&egrave;s.
"She was there to pass me the ball. That was cool," Jocytė said with a laugh.
Parker saw Jocytė as a headlining addition and made his pitch to Alvydas and the family. Jocytė would join the academy and become a member of Lyon ASVEL F&eacute;minin, with a three-year agreement centered on her development in Lyon. If the family ever had a question or concern about her well-being or development, Parker was a phone call away.
"It was, for myself and my wife, ver,y very surprising [to hear] the kinds of superstars as Tony Parker &mdash; we just saw them on TV prior [to when] we came to France," Alvydas said. "But when you talk to them after one minute, you already know that they're so simple and they know what they're doing. They know what kind of business they're in."
On Nov. 7, 2019, the academy announced the signing.
"I am very happy for the Tony Parker Ad&eacute;quat Academy because it&rsquo;s the first big signature," Parker said in the official press release in French. "Justė is the most special player of her generation. It&rsquo;s one of the reasons that I opened the Academy: to welcome the best prospects of their generation, evolve with young enthusiasts of all fields, and enrich each other."
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/img_8422-67-jus_lg.jpg" alt="" width="650" height="433" />
"She's definitely one of the most gifted European players to come up in a long time."
Mark Williams is a Global Scout for Premier Basketball (the same service that compiles ESPN's HoopGurlz recruiting rankings). He has watched Jocytė rise through the youth ranks since 2018, and says the smooth shooting guard is one of the most advanced players he has seen in recent years. Her cool confidence, surgical vision and sweet perimeter shot all set her apart.
"She's gifted with the ball in her hands [and] can score at all three levels," Williams told BasketballNews.com over the phone. "One of the things that she's really done well over the last year is develop the ability to get everybody else shots... I mean, she's really gifted. She can play multiple positions. She can play on the ball. She's a better defender than people give her credit for. And she can score anytime she wants."
Jocytė carved up the competition at the 2021 FIBA U18 Women's European Challengers tournament. She averaged 20.6 points, 10.0 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game in effortless fashion, patrolling the court while exuding serenity and swagger.
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/0incv1" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
Jocytė can spot up, step back and hesi her way to any shot on the floor. She glides with an effortless grace, and shrugs contact off of her. She also operates the offense like a surgeon, rifling pinpoint cross-court passes with either hand. Williams said that if he ranked the entire 2023 recruiting class with both U.S. and international players, the Lithuanian phenom would rest on top.
"For her, it's just kind of come together really, really early. And it's fun to watch, for sure," Williams said.
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/hh50h4" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
British FIBA writer Paul Nilsen has watched the international youth game for over a decade. From the first moments he scouted an age-12 Jocytė, Nilsen was floored by her clutch gene.
"You could just tell straight away she's got it," Nilsen told BasketballNews.com over the phone. "The clutch, the ice through her veins, the smarts, the I.Q., on top of, obviously, the skill factor of being able to do what you want, when you want.
"I think that maturity so young is quite a rare and special thing."
Both Williams and Nilsen lauded Jocytė's trajectory as that of a high WNBA draft pick and a potential No. 1 overall selection. But they also cautioned against the familiar trap of locking prospects in as surefire generational superstars.&nbsp;
"It's one thing, I think in any sport, being a wonder kid, where often you find other players catch up," Nilsen said. "Sometimes you're the best out of that age at 12-13, and you're phenomenal because you've got so much natural talent. And you have to try and maintain large gap, which can sometimes be hard.
"It all boils down to whether she keeps working hard and she keeps learning," he added. "Nothing else [matters] apart from her. It's got to come from her."
For Jocytė to be challenging herself on a professional team, Nilsen says, is a testament to her dedication.
"One of the things I'm very, very committed to is this concept of: the hardest decision is always for the most talented players... even though you've got lots of choices, it's very very, very difficult," he said.
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/img_5264-45-jus_lg.jpg" alt="" width="650" height="433" />
"Playing against them every day is just a dream come true. I mean, that's the best practice you can get."
In Dec. 2019, 14-year-old Justė Jocytė subbed in for the the first time with Lyon ASVEL F&eacute;minin, and became the youngest woman to debut in the modern EuroLeague, perhaps the highest level in the world outside of the WNBA. Fast-forward two years, and she has now locked down a role in the regular rotation before her 16th birthday.
Lyon competes this season in the EuroCup; it's one league lower than the EuroLeague, but still arguably the third-best league worldwide. The EuroCup is littered with WNBA talent this season, including: Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell, Atlanta Dream guard Aari McDonald, Phoenix Mercury forward Brianna Turner and Minnesota Lynx forward Natasha Mack among many others.
But that's only half of the battle. In LFB (Ligue F&eacute;minine de Basketball) competition, the team squares off against players like Phoenix Mercury guard Sophie Cunningham, Chicago Sky guard Lexie Brown and Los Angeles Sparks forward Nia Coffey. For Lyon, Johann&egrave;s and Julie Allemand both have WNBA experience.
On non-game days, Jocytė's schedule typically includes distance schooling, plus two grueling practices per day with some of the best basketball players on the planet. It's a grind she embraces.&nbsp;
"This is the pro life," she said. "Get used to it, because they will not change for you."
Jocytė generally stayed on the bench in her first two years with Lyon; she logged just 31 total minutes across both seasons. However, that doesn't mean she was stuck; behind the scenes, Jocytė was adapting to the speed and physicality of pro ball with the help of her teammates and coaches.
"I really appreciate the the work that they put in. Nobody sees the work, but they're helping me a lot," she said.
This season, the young phenom has begun to emerge. Jocytė is averaging 11.8 minutes per game in LFB play and 15.0 minutes per game in the EuroCup. She's dished out 17 assists against just six turnovers, and is shooting 75% from the field across both leagues. The performances aren't coming on some experimental squad, either &mdash; Lyon sits 3-1 in the EuroCup and 4-2 in the LFB.&nbsp;
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Even more impressive is hearing the 15-year-old critically reflect on her role with the methodical understanding of a grizzled vet:
"The physical part is tough, so you obviously had to find other ways. I think mine is just reading the game, really, because obviously you will not be faster [or] stronger," Jocytė said. "Coach puts you in [and] you have to just bring the energy; he doesn't expect you to, like, score 20 points in the game. So as a young player, you just have to stay humble, stay calm and just read."
Breanna Stewart and Nikola Jokic, as well as fellow lefty D'Angelo Russell, are film favorites for the Lithuanian. She had the last laugh this fall as one of the few members of Lyon cheering for the Chicago Sky in the WNBA Finals. And even after two years playing next to Johann&egrave;s, Jocytė still marvels every day at the star guard's talent.
"It's kind of weird because before, yeah, she was my role model, and now that it's my third year playing with her, it's kind of... she's like my friend," Jocytė said of Johann&egrave;s.
Though Jocytė is still technically the youngest player on the roster, she's no longer the only teenager. Dominique Malonga &mdash; a 6-foot-6, 15-year-old center loaded with athleticism and potential &mdash; joined ASVEL F&eacute;minin for the 2021-22 campaign. Malonga is also a Tony Parker Academy student, and Parker even labeled her "<a href="https://ldlcasvelfeminin.com/dominique-malonga-nouvelle-lionne/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the feminine Victor Wembanyama</a>."
"She's my roommate, so we kind of get along pretty easily," Jocytė said of Malonga. "This goes better than last year, when you're, like, really young with all these &mdash; I'm not gonna say old (laughs) &mdash; but older ladies. So it's kind of cool to have [someone] your age."
Jocytė is still a kid, after all &mdash; a kid playing on the other side of the continent, away from her family. Alvydas and Aurelija check-in nearly ever day with their daughter via WhatsApp. When Jocytė comes home, she'll get back on the court and battle with her brother and father, and everyone in Palanga knows her name. She says she's "not that sensitive of a person," but that doesn't mean leaving Lithuania is easy.
"I really miss home, and it's kind of hard without your family and friends. So it's always a good feeling when you come back home. It doesn't matter if it's, like, two days or something. It's really good to be there," she said.
"It was hard to let her go the first time because, you know, the '14-year-old girl on her own in the big city 2000 kilometers away' &mdash; kind of scary," Alvydas added. "[But] we know that she is in good hands [and] she gets taken care of."
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Lthuania may be a basketball-crazed nation, but its women's leagues lack sustained prominence. Top players and prospects typically latch onto a development track in another region, and return home to play during the offseason. Jocytė and her father cited that lack of consistency at home as a factor in them looking toward France for her pro career.
With the national teams, though, Jocytė feels immense pride in representing her country on European and global stages.
"It's an amazing feeling to play with your national team," she said. "It's just something you really appreciate when you play overseas or something. When you come back, it's really just amazing."
(Her most recent opportunity came in the 2023 EuroBasket Qualifiers, where she scored four points on Thursday against Finland before leaving the game with a minor ankle injury. Lithuania will play again Sunday.)
The world only continues to open up for Lithuania's young star. Her current agreement with the Tony Parker Academy and Lyon reaches an option of sorts after this season. Jocytė could continue on for another three years, adding continued professonal experience and growing with ASVEL F&eacute;minin. Or, she could opt out and attend another program or school just about anywhere &mdash; including the United States.
According to a source, high-major colleges are already demonstrating interest in Jocytė. Even WNBA teams have her on their radar when the earliest she could be draft-eligible appears to be 2025. (There's confusion here due to her U.S. birth vs. Lithuanian upbringing/playing status.)&nbsp;
The family will face a monumental decision after the season. They'll weigh pros and cons, including developmental situations, level of play and even endorsement opportunities. But for now, Jocytė is focused on what she loves &mdash; playing basketball &mdash; with the regimented mentality of continued growth each day.
"I feel good here and there's a good opportunity for me here," Jocytė said. "I'm still young, so that's normal that I don't play a lot. So really, I'm just working on myself every day trying to earn the trust of my coach, and hopefully in one year or two, I will be able to really have a big impact on the team."
That's what Alvydas admires most about his daughter. Jocytė remains a level-headed sailor amidst rocky seas, letting a pure love for the sport guide her to whatever big stage is next.
"I'm very proud that she's still a simple girl, and she's very supportive to other kids," Alvydas said. "I'm very proud that she's still very, very simple and focused on what she's doing."

Sometimes Justė Jocytė needs to slow down her warp-speed world.&nbsp;
The Lithuanian channels Drake and "chill music" through her headphones, and takes a walk to find a space for herself. In her preparation process, Jocytė makes it a point to clear her head of stress.
"Literally, it's almost like meditating," Jocytė told BasketballNews.com in an exclusive interview via Zoom. "You just stop thinking. Just take a deep breath, clear your head out and really just stop overthinking everything. I think that helps; when you're thinking a lot before a game, that's not good for you."
Jocytė speaks with the calm poise of a veteran professional because she is one, in her third season at the highest levels of European basketball with Lyon ASVEL F&eacute;minin in France. But the 6-foot-2 lefty guard is also considered one of the top prospects on Earth, and, at just 15 years old, is accomplishing more than most young hoopers do in their lifetimes.
San Antonio Spurs great Tony Parker recruited her at at age-13, and she debuted with the Lithuanian senior national team that same year. At 14, Jocytė became the youngest player to debut in modern EuroLeague history. Today, she regularly competes against WNBA players and European stars, and even holds a small sponsorship deal from Nike.
Jocytė carries the faith of an NBA legend, the hopes of an entire country and the potential of a future global star on her teenage shoulders. But she holds the burden with a placid purpose, knowing that as long as she works, her pathway will reveal itself.
"I mean, the dream is obviously to get to the WNBA &mdash; but I don't really know if it's gonna be my style of game, it's kind of different from Europe &mdash; but obviously playing there, and just living my best life," she said.
"I love basketball &mdash; that's what I'm planning to do for a living &mdash; and [I] just take pleasure every day in every practice," she added. "And I think, yeah, that's most important: just to be happy."
<img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/img_8403-57-jus_lg.jpg" alt="" width="650" height="433" />
"Every day, we live with basketball."
According to Jocytė's father, Alvydas Jocys, the house TV is almost always tuned to hoops: NBA, WNBA, men's and women's EuroLeague and EuroCup, Lithuanian competition, you name it.&nbsp; Basketball is the country's most popular sport. It is woven into the fabric of Jocytė's family.
"It's just our life, you know?" Alvydas told BasketballNews.com over the phone.
Alvydas played college basketball through the end of the 1990s for Mid-Plains Community College, and then Bellevue University, in Nebraska. His brother, Evaldas, logged professional and collegiate careers, including stints with Lithuanian club Olimpas Plung&eacute; and Division I East Carolina University. Jocytė's older brother, 17-year-old Rokas, competes in Lithuania after having spent time on Stellazzurra Rome's U18 team in Italy.
Jocytė was even born in Washington D.C. before the family moved back to Lithuania when she was an infant. She has played above her age bracket since she could first dribble a basketball. First, it was in the backyard against Rokas. Then, at six years old &mdash; when she began to take a serious interest in the sport &mdash; Alvydas and his wife, Aurelija Jociene, noticed their daughter was unusually talented.
"We noticed that she had the ability to play with the ball, and play and dribble and shoot. She was different at that kind of age from other girls," Alvydas said.
Jocytė entered a program in her hometown of Palanga on the Baltic Coast of the country. Then, she outplayed her competition, and the family signed her up for training in Klaipėda, a nearby city. Jocytė was hopping from bus-to-bus at nine years old, attending practices and games with kids three years her senior.&nbsp;
"Year after year, we saw that she was developing into a pretty good basketball player," Alvydas said. "As a family, all our job was just to get her physically and emotionally ready for the journey she has right now."
The <a href="https://twitter.com/jrnba/status/1028733912321859585?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jr. NBA came</a> at age-12. But in 2019, Jocytė's star truly shined. She led Lithuania to its first-ever U16 FIBA European Championship as a 13-year-old, then three months later, <a href="https://www.fiba.basketball/womenseurobasket/2021/qualifiers/news/the-future-is-here-13-year-old-jocyte-has-lithuania-back-on-the-rise" target="_blank" rel="noopener">made her debut with the country's senior national team</a> in the EuroBasket Qualifiers.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
SHE IS 13 😱 ! Juste Jocyte's 20PTS &amp; 15REB led @Musukrepsinis 🇱🇹 to a first EVER <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FIBAU16Europe?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FIBAU16Europe</a> Final 🔥 ! <a href="https://t.co/gAjWbsLocB">pic.twitter.com/gAjWbsLocB</a>
&mdash; FIBA (@FIBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/FIBA/status/1167346821678678017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2019</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

Europe took note &mdash; including one Tony Parker. The four-time NBA champion co-owned the men's and women's LDLC ASVEL clubs, and was starting his <a href="https://tpadequatacademy.com/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tony Parker Ad&eacute;quat Academy</a> in Lyon for students desiring advanced opportunities in a number of different professions. He invited Jocytė and her family to an individual workout in Oct. 2019.
"It was kind of tough, you know? You don't really know what to say because you're... scared," Jocytė said. "But I mean, he was really pretty normal as a person, so he was easy to talk to."
At that same workout, Jocytė also met her idol: former New York Liberty guard, and future teammate, Marine Johann&egrave;s.
"She was there to pass me the ball. That was cool," Jocytė said with a laugh.
Parker saw Jocytė as a headlining addition and made his pitch to Alvydas and the family. Jocytė would join the academy and become a member of Lyon ASVEL F&eacute;minin, with a three-year agreement centered on her development in Lyon. If the family ever had a question or concern about her well-being or development, Parker was a phone call away.
"It was, for myself and my wife, ver,y very surprising [to hear] the kinds of superstars as Tony Parker &mdash; we just saw them on TV prior [to when] we came to France," Alvydas said. "But when you talk to them after one minute, you already know that they're so simple and they know what they're doing. They know what kind of business they're in."
On Nov. 7, 2019, the academy announced the signing.
"I am very happy for the Tony Parker Ad&eacute;quat Academy because it&rsquo;s the first big signature," Parker said in the official press release in French. "Justė is the most special player of her generation. It&rsquo;s one of the reasons that I opened the Academy: to welcome the best prospects of their generation, evolve with young enthusiasts of all fields, and enrich each other."
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"She's definitely one of the most gifted European players to come up in a long time."
Mark Williams is a Global Scout for Premier Basketball (the same service that compiles ESPN's HoopGurlz recruiting rankings). He has watched Jocytė rise through the youth ranks since 2018, and says the smooth shooting guard is one of the most advanced players he has seen in recent years. Her cool confidence, surgical vision and sweet perimeter shot all set her apart.
"She's gifted with the ball in her hands [and] can score at all three levels," Williams told BasketballNews.com over the phone. "One of the things that she's really done well over the last year is develop the ability to get everybody else shots... I mean, she's really gifted. She can play multiple positions. She can play on the ball. She's a better defender than people give her credit for. And she can score anytime she wants."
Jocytė carved up the competition at the 2021 FIBA U18 Women's European Challengers tournament. She averaged 20.6 points, 10.0 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game in effortless fashion, patrolling the court while exuding serenity and swagger.
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Jocytė can spot up, step back and hesi her way to any shot on the floor. She glides with an effortless grace, and shrugs contact off of her. She also operates the offense like a surgeon, rifling pinpoint cross-court passes with either hand. Williams said that if he ranked the entire 2023 recruiting class with both U.S. and international players, the Lithuanian phenom would rest on top.
"For her, it's just kind of come together really, really early. And it's fun to watch, for sure," Williams said.
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British FIBA writer Paul Nilsen has watched the international youth game for over a decade. From the first moments he scouted an age-12 Jocytė, Nilsen was floored by her clutch gene.
"You could just tell straight away she's got it," Nilsen told BasketballNews.com over the phone. "The clutch, the ice through her veins, the smarts, the I.Q., on top of, obviously, the skill factor of being able to do what you want, when you want.
"I think that maturity so young is quite a rare and special thing."
Both Williams and Nilsen lauded Jocytė's trajectory as that of a high WNBA draft pick and a potential No. 1 overall selection. But they also cautioned against the familiar trap of locking prospects in as surefire generational superstars.&nbsp;
"It's one thing, I think in any sport, being a wonder kid, where often you find other players catch up," Nilsen said. "Sometimes you're the best out of that age at 12-13, and you're phenomenal because you've got so much natural talent. And you have to try and maintain large gap, which can sometimes be hard.
"It all boils down to whether she keeps working hard and she keeps learning," he added. "Nothing else [matters] apart from her. It's got to come from her."
For Jocytė to be challenging herself on a professional team, Nilsen says, is a testament to her dedication.
"One of the things I'm very, very committed to is this concept of: the hardest decision is always for the most talented players... even though you've got lots of choices, it's very very, very difficult," he said.
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"Playing against them every day is just a dream come true. I mean, that's the best practice you can get."
In Dec. 2019, 14-year-old Justė Jocytė subbed in for the the first time with Lyon ASVEL F&eacute;minin, and became the youngest woman to debut in the modern EuroLeague, perhaps the highest level in the world outside of the WNBA. Fast-forward two years, and she has now locked down a role in the regular rotation before her 16th birthday.
Lyon competes this season in the EuroCup; it's one league lower than the EuroLeague, but still arguably the third-best league worldwide. The EuroCup is littered with WNBA talent this season, including: Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell, Atlanta Dream guard Aari McDonald, Phoenix Mercury forward Brianna Turner and Minnesota Lynx forward Natasha Mack among many others.
But that's only half of the battle. In LFB (Ligue F&eacute;minine de Basketball) competition, the team squares off against players like Phoenix Mercury guard Sophie Cunningham, Chicago Sky guard Lexie Brown and Los Angeles Sparks forward Nia Coffey. For Lyon, Johann&egrave;s and Julie Allemand both have WNBA experience.
On non-game days, Jocytė's schedule typically includes distance schooling, plus two grueling practices per day with some of the best basketball players on the planet. It's a grind she embraces.&nbsp;
"This is the pro life," she said. "Get used to it, because they will not change for you."
Jocytė generally stayed on the bench in her first two years with Lyon; she logged just 31 total minutes across both seasons. However, that doesn't mean she was stuck; behind the scenes, Jocytė was adapting to the speed and physicality of pro ball with the help of her teammates and coaches.
"I really appreciate the the work that they put in. Nobody sees the work, but they're helping me a lot," she said.
This season, the young phenom has begun to emerge. Jocytė is averaging 11.8 minutes per game in LFB play and 15.0 minutes per game in the EuroCup. She's dished out 17 assists against just six turnovers, and is shooting 75% from the field across both leagues. The performances aren't coming on some experimental squad, either &mdash; Lyon sits 3-1 in the EuroCup and 4-2 in the LFB.&nbsp;
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Even more impressive is hearing the 15-year-old critically reflect on her role with the methodical understanding of a grizzled vet:
"The physical part is tough, so you obviously had to find other ways. I think mine is just reading the game, really, because obviously you will not be faster [or] stronger," Jocytė said. "Coach puts you in [and] you have to just bring the energy; he doesn't expect you to, like, score 20 points in the game. So as a young player, you just have to stay humble, stay calm and just read."
Breanna Stewart and Nikola Jokic, as well as fellow lefty D'Angelo Russell, are film favorites for the Lithuanian. She had the last laugh this fall as one of the few members of Lyon cheering for the Chicago Sky in the WNBA Finals. And even after two years playing next to Johann&egrave;s, Jocytė still marvels every day at the star guard's talent.
"It's kind of weird because before, yeah, she was my role model, and now that it's my third year playing with her, it's kind of... she's like my friend," Jocytė said of Johann&egrave;s.
Though Jocytė is still technically the youngest player on the roster, she's no longer the only teenager. Dominique Malonga &mdash; a 6-foot-6, 15-year-old center loaded with athleticism and potential &mdash; joined ASVEL F&eacute;minin for the 2021-22 campaign. Malonga is also a Tony Parker Academy student, and Parker even labeled her "<a href="https://ldlcasvelfeminin.com/dominique-malonga-nouvelle-lionne/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the feminine Victor Wembanyama</a>."
"She's my roommate, so we kind of get along pretty easily," Jocytė said of Malonga. "This goes better than last year, when you're, like, really young with all these &mdash; I'm not gonna say old (laughs) &mdash; but older ladies. So it's kind of cool to have [someone] your age."
Jocytė is still a kid, after all &mdash; a kid playing on the other side of the continent, away from her family. Alvydas and Aurelija check-in nearly ever day with their daughter via WhatsApp. When Jocytė comes home, she'll get back on the court and battle with her brother and father, and everyone in Palanga knows her name. She says she's "not that sensitive of a person," but that doesn't mean leaving Lithuania is easy.
"I really miss home, and it's kind of hard without your family and friends. So it's always a good feeling when you come back home. It doesn't matter if it's, like, two days or something. It's really good to be there," she said.
"It was hard to let her go the first time because, you know, the '14-year-old girl on her own in the big city 2000 kilometers away' &mdash; kind of scary," Alvydas added. "[But] we know that she is in good hands [and] she gets taken care of."
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Lthuania may be a basketball-crazed nation, but its women's leagues lack sustained prominence. Top players and prospects typically latch onto a development track in another region, and return home to play during the offseason. Jocytė and her father cited that lack of consistency at home as a factor in them looking toward France for her pro career.
With the national teams, though, Jocytė feels immense pride in representing her country on European and global stages.
"It's an amazing feeling to play with your national team," she said. "It's just something you really appreciate when you play overseas or something. When you come back, it's really just amazing."
(Her most recent opportunity came in the 2023 EuroBasket Qualifiers, where she scored four points on Thursday against Finland before leaving the game with a minor ankle injury. Lithuania will play again Sunday.)
The world only continues to open up for Lithuania's young star. Her current agreement with the Tony Parker Academy and Lyon reaches an option of sorts after this season. Jocytė could continue on for another three years, adding continued professonal experience and growing with ASVEL F&eacute;minin. Or, she could opt out and attend another program or school just about anywhere &mdash; including the United States.
According to a source, high-major colleges are already demonstrating interest in Jocytė. Even WNBA teams have her on their radar when the earliest she could be draft-eligible appears to be 2025. (There's confusion here due to her U.S. birth vs. Lithuanian upbringing/playing status.)&nbsp;
The family will face a monumental decision after the season. They'll weigh pros and cons, including developmental situations, level of play and even endorsement opportunities. But for now, Jocytė is focused on what she loves &mdash; playing basketball &mdash; with the regimented mentality of continued growth each day.
"I feel good here and there's a good opportunity for me here," Jocytė said. "I'm still young, so that's normal that I don't play a lot. So really, I'm just working on myself every day trying to earn the trust of my coach, and hopefully in one year or two, I will be able to really have a big impact on the team."
That's what Alvydas admires most about his daughter. Jocytė remains a level-headed sailor amidst rocky seas, letting a pure love for the sport guide her to whatever big stage is next.
"I'm very proud that she's still a simple girl, and she's very supportive to other kids," Alvydas said. "I'm very proud that she's still very, very simple and focused on what she's doing."

Sometimes Justė Jocytė needs to slow down her warp-speed world.&nbsp;
The Lithuanian channels Drake and "chill music" through her headphones, and takes a walk to find a space for herself. In her preparation process, Jocytė makes it a point to clear her head of stress.
"Literally, it's almost like meditating," Jocytė told BasketballNews.com in an exclusive interview via Zoom. "You just stop thinking. Just take a deep breath, clear your head out and really just stop overthinking everything. I think that helps; when you're thinking a lot before a game, that's not good for you."
Jocytė speaks with the calm poise of a veteran professional because she is one, in her third season at the highest levels of European basketball with Lyon ASVEL F&eacute;minin in France. But the 6-foot-2 lefty guard is also considered one of the top prospects on Earth, and, at just 15 years old, is accomplishing more than most young hoopers do in their lifetimes.
San Antonio Spurs great Tony Parker recruited her at at age-13, and she debuted with the Lithuanian senior national team that same year. At 14, Jocytė became the youngest player to debut in modern EuroLeague history. Today, she regularly competes against WNBA players and European stars, and even holds a small sponsorship deal from Nike.
Jocytė carries the faith of an NBA legend, the hopes of an entire country and the potential of a future global star on her teenage shoulders. But she holds the burden with a placid purpose, knowing that as long as she works, her pathway will reveal itself.
"I mean, the dream is obviously to get to the WNBA &mdash; but I don't really know if it's gonna be my style of game, it's kind of different from Europe &mdash; but obviously playing there, and just living my best life," she said.
"I love basketball &mdash; that's what I'm planning to do for a living &mdash; and [I] just take pleasure every day in every practice," she added. "And I think, yeah, that's most important: just to be happy."
<img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/img_8403-57-jus_lg.jpg" alt="" width="650" height="433" />
"Every day, we live with basketball."
According to Jocytė's father, Alvydas Jocys, the house TV is almost always tuned to hoops: NBA, WNBA, men's and women's EuroLeague and EuroCup, Lithuanian competition, you name it.&nbsp; Basketball is the country's most popular sport. It is woven into the fabric of Jocytė's family.
"It's just our life, you know?" Alvydas told BasketballNews.com over the phone.
Alvydas played college basketball through the end of the 1990s for Mid-Plains Community College, and then Bellevue University, in Nebraska. His brother, Evaldas, logged professional and collegiate careers, including stints with Lithuanian club Olimpas Plung&eacute; and Division I East Carolina University. Jocytė's older brother, 17-year-old Rokas, competes in Lithuania after having spent time on Stellazzurra Rome's U18 team in Italy.
Jocytė was even born in Washington D.C. before the family moved back to Lithuania when she was an infant. She has played above her age bracket since she could first dribble a basketball. First, it was in the backyard against Rokas. Then, at 6 years old &mdash; when she began to take a serious interest in the sport &mdash; Alvydas and his wife, Aurelija Jociene, noticed their daughter was unusually talented.
"We noticed that she had the ability to play with the ball, and play and dribble and shoot. She was different at that kind of age from other girls," Alvydas said.
Jocytė entered a program in her hometown of Palanga on the Baltic Coast of the country. Then, she outplayed her competition, and the family signed her up for training in Klaipėda, a nearby city. Jocytė was hopping from bus-to-bus at nine years old, attending practices and games with kids three years her senior.&nbsp;
"Year after year, we saw that she was developing into a pretty good basketball player," Alvydas said. "As a family, all our job was just to get her physically and emotionally ready for the journey she has right now."
The <a href="https://twitter.com/jrnba/status/1028733912321859585?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jr. NBA came</a> at age-12. But in 2019, Jocytė's star truly shined. She led Lithuania to its first-ever U16 FIBA European Championship as a 13-year-old, then three months later, <a href="https://www.fiba.basketball/womenseurobasket/2021/qualifiers/news/the-future-is-here-13-year-old-jocyte-has-lithuania-back-on-the-rise" target="_blank" rel="noopener">made her debut with the country's senior national team</a> in the EuroBasket Qualifiers.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
SHE IS 13 😱 ! Juste Jocyte's 20PTS &amp; 15REB led @Musukrepsinis 🇱🇹 to a first EVER <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FIBAU16Europe?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FIBAU16Europe</a> Final 🔥 ! <a href="https://t.co/gAjWbsLocB">pic.twitter.com/gAjWbsLocB</a>
&mdash; FIBA (@FIBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/FIBA/status/1167346821678678017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2019</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

Europe took note &mdash; including one Tony Parker. The four-time NBA champion co-owned the men's and women's LDLC ASVEL clubs, and was starting his <a href="https://tpadequatacademy.com/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tony Parker Ad&eacute;quat Academy</a> in Lyon for students desiring advanced opportunities in a number of different professions. He invited Jocytė and her family to an individual workout in Oct. 2019.
"It was kind of tough, you know? You don't really know what to say because you're... scared," Jocytė said. "But I mean, he was really pretty normal as a person, so he was easy to talk to."
At that same workout, Jocytė also met her idol: former New York Liberty guard, and future teammate, Marine Johann&egrave;s.
"She was there to pass me the ball. That was cool," Jocytė said with a laugh.
Parker saw Jocytė as a headlining addition and made his pitch to Alvydas and the family. Jocytė would join the academy and become a member of Lyon ASVEL F&eacute;minin, with a three-year agreement centered on her development in Lyon. If the family ever had a question or concern about her well-being or development, Parker was a phone call away.
"It was, for myself and my wife, ver,y very surprising [to hear] the kinds of superstars as Tony Parker &mdash; we just saw them on TV prior [to when] we came to France," Alvydas said. "But when you talk to them after one minute, you already know that they're so simple and they know what they're doing. They know what kind of business they're in."
On Nov. 7, 2019, the academy announced the signing.
"I am very happy for the Tony Parker Ad&eacute;quat Academy because it&rsquo;s the first big signature," Parker said in the official press release in French. "Justė is the most special player of her generation. It&rsquo;s one of the reasons that I opened the Academy: to welcome the best prospects of their generation, evolve with young enthusiasts of all fields, and enrich each other."
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/img_8422-67-jus_lg.jpg" alt="" width="650" height="433" />
"She's definitely one of the most gifted European players to come up in a long time."
Mark Williams is a Global Scout for Premier Basketball (the same service that compiles ESPN's HoopGurlz recruiting rankings). He has watched Jocytė rise through the youth ranks since 2018, and says the smooth shooting guard is one of the most advanced players he has seen in recent years. Her cool confidence, surgical vision and sweet perimeter shot all set her apart.
"She's gifted with the ball in her hands [and] can score at all three levels," Williams told BasketballNews.com over the phone. "One of the things that she's really done well over the last year is develop the ability to get everybody else shots... I mean, she's really gifted. She can play multiple positions. She can play on the ball. She's a better defender than people give her credit for. And she can score anytime she wants."
Jocytė carved up the competition at the 2021 FIBA U18 Women's European Challengers tournament. She averaged 20.6 points, 10.0 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game in effortless fashion, patrolling the court while exuding serenity and swagger.
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/0incv1" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
Jocytė can spot up, step back and hesi her way to any shot on the floor. She glides with an effortless grace, and shrugs contact off of her. She also operates the offense like a surgeon, rifling pinpoint cross-court passes with either hand. Williams said that if he ranked the entire 2023 recruiting class with both U.S. and international players, the Lithuanian phenom would rest on top.
"For her, it's just kind of come together really, really early. And it's fun to watch, for sure," Williams said.
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/hh50h4" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
British FIBA writer Paul Nilsen has watched the international youth game for over a decade. From the first moments he scouted an age-12 Jocytė, Nilsen was floored by her clutch gene.
"You could just tell straight away she's got it," Nilsen told BasketballNews.com over the phone. "The clutch, the ice through her veins, the smarts, the I.Q., on top of, obviously, the skill factor of being able to do what you want, when you want.
"I think that maturity so young is quite a rare and special thing."
Both Williams and Nilsen lauded Jocytė's trajectory as that of a high WNBA draft pick and a potential No. 1 overall selection. But they also cautioned against the familiar trap of locking prospects in as surefire generational superstars.&nbsp;
"It's one thing, I think in any sport, being a wonder kid, where often you find other players catch up," Nilsen said. "Sometimes you're the best out of that age at 12-13, and you're phenomenal because you've got so much natural talent. And you have to try and maintain large gap, which can sometimes be hard.
"It all boils down to whether she keeps working hard and she keeps learning," he added. "Nothing else [matters] apart from her. It's got to come from her."
For Jocytė to be challenging herself on a professional team, Nilsen says, is a testament to her dedication.
"One of the things I'm very, very committed to is this concept of: the hardest decision is always for the most talented players... even though you've got lots of choices, it's very very, very difficult," he said.
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/img_5264-45-jus_lg.jpg" alt="" width="650" height="433" />
"Playing against them every day is just a dream come true. I mean, that's the best practice you can get."
In Dec. 2019, 14-year-old Justė Jocytė subbed in for the the first time with Lyon ASVEL F&eacute;minin, and became the youngest woman to debut in the modern EuroLeague, perhaps the highest level in the world outside of the WNBA. Fast-forward two years, and she has now locked down a role in the regular rotation before her 16th birthday.
Lyon competes this season in the EuroCup; it's one league lower than the EuroLeague, but still arguably the third-best league worldwide. The EuroCup is littered with WNBA talent this season, including: Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell, Atlanta Dream guard Aari McDonald, Phoenix Mercury forward Brianna Turner and Minnesota Lynx forward Natasha Mack among many others.
But that's only half of the battle. In LFB (Ligue F&eacute;minine de Basketball) competition, the team squares off against players like Phoenix Mercury guard Sophie Cunningham, Chicago Sky guard Lexie Brown and Los Angeles Sparks forward Nia Coffey. For Lyon, Johann&egrave;s and Julie Allemand both have WNBA experience.
On non-game days, Jocytė's schedule typically includes distance schooling, plus two grueling practices per day with some of the best basketball players on the planet. It's a grind she embraces.&nbsp;
"This is the pro life," she said. "Get used to it, because they will not change for you."
Jocytė generally stayed on the bench in her first two years with Lyon; she logged just 31 total minutes across both seasons. However, that doesn't mean she was stuck; behind the scenes, Jocytė was adapting to the speed and physicality of pro ball with the help of her teammates and coaches.
"I really appreciate the the work that they put in. Nobody sees the work, but they're helping me a lot," she said.
This season, the young phenom has begun to emerge. Jocytė is averaging 11.8 minutes per game in LFB play and 15.0 minutes per game in the EuroCup. She's dished out 17 assists against just six turnovers, and is shooting 75% from the field across both leagues. The performances aren't coming on some experimental squad, either &mdash; Lyon sits 3-1 in the EuroCup and 4-2 in the LFB.&nbsp;
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/kymchq" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
Even more impressive is hearing the 15-year-old critically reflect on her role with the methodical understanding of a grizzled vet:
"The physical part is tough, so you obviously had to find other ways. I think mine is just reading the game, really, because obviously you will not be faster [or] stronger," Jocytė said. "Coach puts you in [and] you have to just bring the energy; he doesn't expect you to, like, score 20 points in the game. So as a young player, you just have to stay humble, stay calm and just read."
Breanna Stewart and Nikola Jokic, as well as fellow lefty D'Angelo Russell, are film favorites for the Lithuanian. She had the last laugh this fall as one of the few members of Lyon cheering for the Chicago Sky in the WNBA Finals. And even after two years playing next to Johann&egrave;s, Jocytė still marvels every day at the star guard's talent.
"It's kind of weird because before, yeah, she was my role model, and now that it's my third year playing with her, it's kind of... she's like my friend," Jocytė said of Johann&egrave;s.
Though Jocytė is still technically the youngest player on the roster, she's no longer the only teenager. Dominique Malonga &mdash; a 6-foot-6, 15-year-old center loaded with athleticism and potential &mdash; joined ASVEL F&eacute;minin for the 2021-22 campaign. Malonga is also a Tony Parker Academy student, and Parker even labeled her "<a href="https://ldlcasvelfeminin.com/dominique-malonga-nouvelle-lionne/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the feminine Victor Wembanyama</a>."
"She's my roommate, so we kind of get along pretty easily," Jocytė said of Malonga. "This goes better than last year, when you're, like, really young with all these &mdash; I'm not gonna say old (laughs) &mdash; but older ladies. So it's kind of cool to have [someone] your age."
Jocytė is still a kid, after all &mdash; a kid playing on the other side of the continent, away from her family. Alvydas and Aurelija check-in nearly ever day with their daughter via WhatsApp. When Jocytė comes home, she'll get back on the court and battle with her brother and father, and everyone in Palanga knows her name. She says she's "not that sensitive of a person," but that doesn't mean leaving Lithuania is easy.
"I really miss home, and it's kind of hard without your family and friends. So it's always a good feeling when you come back home. It doesn't matter if it's, like, two days or something. It's really good to be there," she said.
"It was hard to let her go the first time because, you know, the '14-year-old girl on her own in the big city 2000 kilometers away' &mdash; kind of scary," Alvydas added. "[But] we know that she is in good hands [and] she gets taken care of."
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
Lthuania may be a basketball-crazed nation, but its women's leagues lack sustained prominence. Top players and prospects typically latch onto a development track in another region, and return home to play during the offseason. Jocytė and her father cited that lack of consistency at home as a factor in them looking toward France for her pro career.
With the national teams, though, Jocytė feels immense pride in representing her country on European and global stages.
"It's an amazing feeling to play with your national team," she said. "It's just something you really appreciate when you play overseas or something. When you come back, it's really just amazing."
(Her most recent opportunity came in the 2023 EuroBasket Qualifiers, where she scored four points on Thursday against Finland before leaving the game with a minor ankle injury. Lithuania will play again Sunday.)
The world only continues to open up for Lithuania's young star. Her current agreement with the Tony Parker Academy and Lyon reaches an option of sorts after this season. Jocytė could continue on for another three years, adding continued professonal experience and growing with ASVEL F&eacute;minin. Or, she could opt out and attend another program or school just about anywhere &mdash; including the United States.
According to a source, high-major colleges are already demonstrating interest in Jocytė. Even WNBA teams have her on their radar when the earliest she could be draft-eligible appears to be 2025. (There's confusion here due to her U.S. birth vs. Lithuanian upbringing/playing status.)&nbsp;
The family will face a monumental decision after the season. They'll weigh pros and cons, including developmental situations, level of play and even endorsement opportunities. But for now, Jocytė is focused on what she loves &mdash; playing basketball &mdash; with the regimented mentality of continued growth each day.
"I feel good here and there's a good opportunity for me here," Jocytė said. "I'm still young, so that's normal that I don't play a lot. So really, I'm just working on myself every day trying to earn the trust of my coach, and hopefully in one year or two, I will be able to really have a big impact on the team."
That's what Alvydas admires most about his daughter. Jocytė remains a level-headed sailor amidst rocky seas, letting a pure love for the sport guide her to whatever big stage is next.
"I'm very proud that she's still a simple girl, and she's very supportive to other kids," Alvydas said. "I'm very proud that she's still very, very simple and focused on what she's doing."

Sometimes Justė Jocytė needs to slow down her warp-speed world.&nbsp;
The Lithuanian channels Drake and "chill music" through her headphones, and takes a walk to find a space for herself. In her preparation process, Jocytė makes it a point to clear her head of stress.
"Literally, it's almost like meditating," Jocytė told BasketballNews.com in an exclusive interview via Zoom. "You just stop thinking. Just take a deep breath, clear your head out and really just stop overthinking everything. I think that helps; when you're thinking a lot before a game, that's not good for you."
Jocytė speaks with the calm poise of a veteran professional because she is one, in her third season at the highest levels of European basketball with Lyon ASVEL F&eacute;minin in France. But the 6-foot-2 lefty guard is also considered one of the top prospects on Earth, and, at just 15 years old, is accomplishing more than most young hoopers do in their lifetimes.
San Antonio Spurs great Tony Parker recruited her at at age-13, and she debuted with the Lithuanian senior national team that same year. At 14, Jocytė became the youngest player to debut in modern EuroLeague history. Today, she regularly competes against WNBA players and European stars, and even holds a small sponsorship deal from Nike.
Jocytė carries the faith of an NBA legend, the hopes of an entire country and the potential of a future global star on her teenage shoulders. But she holds the burden with a placid purpose, knowing that as long as she works, her pathway will reveal itself.
"I mean, the dream is obviously to get to the WNBA &mdash; but I don't really know if it's gonna be my style of game, it's kind of different from Europe &mdash; but obviously playing there, and just living my best life," she said.
"I love basketball &mdash; that's what I'm planning to do for a living &mdash; and [I] just take pleasure every day in every practice," she added. "And I think, yeah, that's most important: just to be happy."
<img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/img_8403-57-jus_lg.jpg" alt="" width="650" height="433" />
"Every day, we live with basketball."
According to Jocytė's father, Alvydas Jocys, the house TV is almost always tuned to hoops: NBA, WNBA, men's and women's EuroLeague and EuroCup, Lithuanian competition, you name it.&nbsp; Basketball is the country's most popular sport. It is woven into the fabric of Jocytė's family.
"It's just our life, you know?" Alvydas told BasketballNews.com over the phone.
Alvydas played college basketball through the end of the 1990s for Mid-Plains Community College, and then Bellevue University, in Nebraska. His brother, Evaldas, logged professional and collegiate careers, including stints with Lithuanian club Olimpas Plung&eacute; and Division I East Carolina University. Jocytė's older brother, 17-year-old Rokas, competes in Lithuania after having spent time on Stellazzurra Rome's U18 team in Italy.
Jocytė was even born in Washington D.C. before the family moved back to Lithuania when she was an infant. She has played above her age bracket since she could first dribble a basketball. First, it was in the backyard against Rokas. Then, at 6 years old &mdash; when she began to take a serious interest in the sport &mdash; Alvydas and his wife, Aurelija Jociene, noticed their daughter was unusually talented.
"We noticed that she had the ability to play with the ball, and play and dribble and shoot. She was different at that kind of age from other girls," Alvydas said.
Jocytė entered a program in her hometown of Palanga on the Baltic Coast of the country. Then, she outplayed her competition, and the family signed her up for training in Klaipėda, a nearby city. Jocytė was hopping from bus-to-bus at 9 years old, attending practices and games with kids three years her senior.&nbsp;
"Year after year, we saw that she was developing into a pretty good basketball player," Alvydas said. "As a family, all our job was just to get her physically and emotionally ready for the journey she has right now."
The <a href="https://twitter.com/jrnba/status/1028733912321859585?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jr. NBA came</a> at age-12. But in 2019, Jocytė's star truly shined. She led Lithuania to its first-ever U16 FIBA European Championship as a 13-year-old, then three months later, <a href="https://www.fiba.basketball/womenseurobasket/2021/qualifiers/news/the-future-is-here-13-year-old-jocyte-has-lithuania-back-on-the-rise" target="_blank" rel="noopener">made her debut with the country's senior national team</a> in the EuroBasket Qualifiers.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
SHE IS 13 😱 ! Juste Jocyte's 20PTS &amp; 15REB led @Musukrepsinis 🇱🇹 to a first EVER <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FIBAU16Europe?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FIBAU16Europe</a> Final 🔥 ! <a href="https://t.co/gAjWbsLocB">pic.twitter.com/gAjWbsLocB</a>
&mdash; FIBA (@FIBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/FIBA/status/1167346821678678017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2019</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

Europe took note &mdash; including one Tony Parker. The four-time NBA champion co-owned the men's and women's LDLC ASVEL clubs, and was starting his <a href="https://tpadequatacademy.com/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tony Parker Ad&eacute;quat Academy</a> in Lyon for students desiring advanced opportunities in a number of different professions. He invited Jocytė and her family to an individual workout in Oct. 2019.
"It was kind of tough, you know? You don't really know what to say because you're... scared," Jocytė said. "But I mean, he was really pretty normal as a person, so he was easy to talk to."
At that same workout, Jocytė also met her idol: former New York Liberty guard, and future teammate, Marine Johann&egrave;s.
"She was there to pass me the ball. That was cool," Jocytė said with a laugh.
Parker saw Jocytė as a headlining addition and made his pitch to Alvydas and the family. Jocytė would join the academy and become a member of Lyon ASVEL F&eacute;minin, with a three-year agreement centered on her development in Lyon. If the family ever had a question or concern about her well-being or development, Parker was a phone call away.
"It was, for myself and my wife, ver,y very surprising [to hear] the kinds of superstars as Tony Parker &mdash; we just saw them on TV prior [to when] we came to France," Alvydas said. "But when you talk to them after one minute, you already know that they're so simple and they know what they're doing. They know what kind of business they're in."
On Nov. 7, 2019, the academy announced the signing.
"I am very happy for the Tony Parker Ad&eacute;quat Academy because it&rsquo;s the first big signature," Parker said in the official press release in French. "Justė is the most special player of her generation. It&rsquo;s one of the reasons that I opened the Academy: to welcome the best prospects of their generation, evolve with young enthusiasts of all fields, and enrich each other."
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/img_8422-67-jus_lg.jpg" alt="" width="650" height="433" />
"She's definitely one of the most gifted European players to come up in a long time."
Mark Williams is a Global Scout for Premier Basketball (the same service that compiles ESPN's HoopGurlz recruiting rankings). He has watched Jocytė rise through the youth ranks since 2018, and says the smooth shooting guard is one of the most advanced players he has seen in recent years. Her cool confidence, surgical vision and sweet perimeter shot all set her apart.
"She's gifted with the ball in her hands [and] can score at all three levels," Williams told BasketballNews.com over the phone. "One of the things that she's really done well over the last year is develop the ability to get everybody else shots... I mean, she's really gifted. She can play multiple positions. She can play on the ball. She's a better defender than people give her credit for. And she can score anytime she wants."
Jocytė carved up the competition at the 2021 FIBA U18 Women's European Challengers tournament. She averaged 20.6 points, 10.0 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game in effortless fashion, patrolling the court while exuding serenity and swagger.
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Jocytė can spot up, step back and hesi her way to any shot on the floor. She glides with an effortless grace, and shrugs contact off of her. She also operates the offense like a surgeon, rifling pinpoint cross-court passes with either hand. Williams said that if he ranked the entire 2023 recruiting class with both U.S. and international players, the Lithuanian phenom would rest on top.
"For her, it's just kind of come together really, really early. And it's fun to watch, for sure," Williams said.
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British FIBA writer Paul Nilsen has watched the international youth game for over a decade. From the first moments he scouted an age-12 Jocytė, Nilsen was floored by her clutch gene.
"You could just tell straight away she's got it," Nilsen told BasketballNews.com over the phone. "The clutch, the ice through her veins, the smarts, the I.Q., on top of, obviously, the skill factor of being able to do what you want, when you want.
"I think that maturity so young is quite a rare and special thing."
Both Williams and Nilsen lauded Jocytė's trajectory as that of a high WNBA draft pick and a potential No. 1 overall selection. But they also cautioned against the familiar trap of locking prospects in as surefire generational superstars.&nbsp;
"It's one thing, I think in any sport, being a wonder kid, where often you find other players catch up," Nilsen said. "Sometimes you're the best out of that age at 12-13, and you're phenomenal because you've got so much natural talent. And you have to try and maintain large gap, which can sometimes be hard.
"It all boils down to whether she keeps working hard and she keeps learning," he added. "Nothing else [matters] apart from her. It's got to come from her."
For Jocytė to be challenging herself on a professional team, Nilsen says, is a testament to her dedication.
"One of the things I'm very, very committed to is this concept of: the hardest decision is always for the most talented players... even though you've got lots of choices, it's very very, very difficult," he said.
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/img_5264-45-jus_lg.jpg" alt="" width="650" height="433" />
"Playing against them every day is just a dream come true. I mean, that's the best practice you can get."
In Dec. 2019, 14-year-old Justė Jocytė subbed in for the the first time with Lyon ASVEL F&eacute;minin, and became the youngest woman to debut in the modern EuroLeague, perhaps the highest level in the world outside of the WNBA. Fast-forward two years, and she has now locked down a role in the regular rotation before her 16th birthday.
Lyon competes this season in the EuroCup; it's one league lower than the EuroLeague, but still arguably the third-best league worldwide. The EuroCup is littered with WNBA talent this season, including: Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell, Atlanta Dream guard Aari McDonald, Phoenix Mercury forward Brianna Turner and Minnesota Lynx forward Natasha Mack among many others.
But that's only half of the battle. In LFB (Ligue F&eacute;minine de Basketball) competition, the team squares off against players like Phoenix Mercury guard Sophie Cunningham, Chicago Sky guard Lexie Brown and Los Angeles Sparks forward Nia Coffey. For Lyon, Johann&egrave;s and Julie Allemand both have WNBA experience.
On non-game days, Jocytė's schedule typically includes distance schooling, plus two grueling practices per day with some of the best basketball players on the planet. It's a grind she embraces.&nbsp;
"This is the pro life," she said. "Get used to it, because they will not change for you."
Jocytė generally stayed on the bench in her first two years with Lyon; she logged just 31 total minutes across both seasons. However, that doesn't mean she was stuck; behind the scenes, Jocytė was adapting to the speed and physicality of pro ball with the help of her teammates and coaches.
"I really appreciate the the work that they put in. Nobody sees the work, but they're helping me a lot," she said.
This season, the young phenom has begun to emerge. Jocytė is averaging 11.8 minutes per game in LFB play and 15.0 minutes per game in the EuroCup. She's dished out 17 assists against just six turnovers, and is shooting 75% from the field across both leagues. The performances aren't coming on some experimental squad, either &mdash; Lyon sits 3-1 in the EuroCup and 4-2 in the LFB.&nbsp;
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/kymchq" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
Even more impressive is hearing the 15-year-old critically reflect on her role with the methodical understanding of a grizzled vet:
"The physical part is tough, so you obviously had to find other ways. I think mine is just reading the game, really, because obviously you will not be faster [or] stronger," Jocytė said. "Coach puts you in [and] you have to just bring the energy; he doesn't expect you to, like, score 20 points in the game. So as a young player, you just have to stay humble, stay calm and just read."
Breanna Stewart and Nikola Jokic, as well as fellow lefty D'Angelo Russell, are film favorites for the Lithuanian. She had the last laugh this fall as one of the few members of Lyon cheering for the Chicago Sky in the WNBA Finals. And even after two years playing next to Johann&egrave;s, Jocytė still marvels every day at the star guard's talent.
"It's kind of weird because before, yeah, she was my role model, and now that it's my third year playing with her, it's kind of... she's like my friend," Jocytė said of Johann&egrave;s.
Though Jocytė is still technically the youngest player on the roster, she's no longer the only teenager. Dominique Malonga &mdash; a 6-foot-6, 15-year-old center loaded with athleticism and potential &mdash; joined ASVEL F&eacute;minin for the 2021-22 campaign. Malonga is also a Tony Parker Academy student, and Parker even labeled her "<a href="https://ldlcasvelfeminin.com/dominique-malonga-nouvelle-lionne/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the feminine Victor Wembanyama</a>."
"She's my roommate, so we kind of get along pretty easily," Jocytė said of Malonga. "This goes better than last year, when you're, like, really young with all these &mdash; I'm not gonna say old (laughs) &mdash; but older ladies. So it's kind of cool to have [someone] your age."
Jocytė is still a kid, after all &mdash; a kid playing on the other side of the continent, away from her family. Alvydas and Aurelija check-in nearly ever day with their daughter via WhatsApp. When Jocytė comes home, she'll get back on the court and battle with her brother and father, and everyone in Palanga knows her name. She says she's "not that sensitive of a person," but that doesn't mean leaving Lithuania is easy.
"I really miss home, and it's kind of hard without your family and friends. So it's always a good feeling when you come back home. It doesn't matter if it's, like, two days or something. It's really good to be there," she said.
"It was hard to let her go the first time because, you know, the '14-year-old girl on her own in the big city 2000 kilometers away' &mdash; kind of scary," Alvydas added. "[But] we know that she is in good hands [and] she gets taken care of."
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
Lthuania may be a basketball-crazed nation, but its women's leagues lack sustained prominence. Top players and prospects typically latch onto a development track in another region, and return home to play during the offseason. Jocytė and her father cited that lack of consistency at home as a factor in them looking toward France for her pro career.
With the national teams, though, Jocytė feels immense pride in representing her country on European and global stages.
"It's an amazing feeling to play with your national team," she said. "It's just something you really appreciate when you play overseas or something. When you come back, it's really just amazing."
(Her most recent opportunity came in the 2023 EuroBasket Qualifiers, where she scored four points on Thursday against Finland before leaving the game with a minor ankle injury. Lithuania will play again Sunday.)
The world only continues to open up for Lithuania's young star. Her current agreement with the Tony Parker Academy and Lyon reaches an option of sorts after this season. Jocytė could continue on for another three years, adding continued professonal experience and growing with ASVEL F&eacute;minin. Or, she could opt out and attend another program or school just about anywhere &mdash; including the United States.
According to a source, high-major colleges are already demonstrating interest in Jocytė. Even WNBA teams have her on their radar when the earliest she could be draft-eligible appears to be 2025. (There's confusion here due to her U.S. birth vs. Lithuanian upbringing/playing status.)&nbsp;
The family will face a monumental decision after the season. They'll weigh pros and cons, including developmental situations, level of play and even endorsement opportunities. But for now, Jocytė is focused on what she loves &mdash; playing basketball &mdash; with the regimented mentality of continued growth each day.
"I feel good here and there's a good opportunity for me here," Jocytė said. "I'm still young, so that's normal that I don't play a lot. So really, I'm just working on myself every day trying to earn the trust of my coach, and hopefully in one year or two, I will be able to really have a big impact on the team."
That's what Alvydas admires most about his daughter. Jocytė remains a level-headed sailor amidst rocky seas, letting a pure love for the sport guide her to whatever big stage is next.
"I'm very proud that she's still a simple girl, and she's very supportive to other kids," Alvydas said. "I'm very proud that she's still very, very simple and focused on what she's doing."

Sometimes Justė Jocytė needs to slow down her warp-speed world.&nbsp;
The Lithuanian channels Drake and "chill music" through her headphones, and takes a walk to find a space for herself. In her preparation process, Jocytė makes it a point to clear her head of stress.
"Literally, it's almost like meditating," Jocytė told BasketballNews.com in an exclusive interview via Zoom. "You just stop thinking. Just take a deep breath, clear your head out and really just stop overthinking everything. I think that helps; when you're thinking a lot before a game, that's not good for you."
Jocytė speaks with the calm poise of a veteran professional because she is one, in her third season at the highest levels of European basketball with Lyon ASVEL F&eacute;minin in France. But the 6-foot-2 lefty guard is also considered one of the top prospects on Earth, and, at just 15 years old, is accomplishing more than most young hoopers do in their lifetimes.
San Antonio Spurs great Tony Parker recruited her at at age-13, and she debuted with the Lithuanian senior national team that same year. At 14, Jocytė became the youngest player to debut in modern EuroLeague history. Today, she regularly competes against WNBA players and European stars, and even holds a small sponsorship deal from Nike.
Jocytė carries the faith of an NBA legend, the hopes of an entire country and the potential of a future global star on her teenage shoulders. But she holds the burden with a placid purpose, knowing that as long as she works, her pathway will reveal itself.
"I mean, the dream is obviously to get to the WNBA &mdash; but I don't really know if it's gonna be my style of game, it's kind of different from Europe &mdash; but obviously playing there, and just living my best life," she said.
"I love basketball &mdash; that's what I'm planning to do for a living &mdash; and [I] just take pleasure every day in every practice," she added. "And I think, yeah, that's most important: just to be happy."
<img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/img_8403-57-jus_lg.jpg" alt="" width="650" height="433" />
"Every day, we live with basketball."
According to Jocytė's father, Alvydas Jocys, the house TV is almost always tuned to hoops: NBA, WNBA, men's and women's EuroLeague and EuroCup, Lithuanian competition, you name it.&nbsp; Basketball is the country's most popular sport. It is woven into the fabric of Jocytė's family.
"It's just our life, you know?" Alvydas told BasketballNews.com over the phone.
Alvydas played college basketball through the end of the 1990s for Mid-Plains Community College, and then Bellevue University, in Nebraska. His brother, Evaldas, logged professional and collegiate careers, including stints with Lithuanian club Olimpas Plung&eacute; and Division I East Carolina University. Jocytė's older brother, 17-year-old Rokas, competes in Lithuania after having spent time on Stellazzurra Rome's U18 team in Italy.
Jocytė was even born in Washington D.C. before the family moved back to Lithuania when she was an infant. She has played above her age bracket since she could first dribble a basketball. First, it was in the backyard against Rokas. Then, at 6 years old &mdash; when she began to take a serious interest in the sport &mdash; Alvydas and his wife, Aurelija Jociene, noticed their daughter was unusually talented.
"We noticed that she had the ability to play with the ball, and play and dribble and shoot. She was different at that kind of age from other girls," Alvydas said.
Jocytė entered a program in her hometown of Palanga on the Baltic Coast of the country. Then, she outplayed her competition, and the family signed her up for training in Klaipėda, a nearby city. Jocytė was hopping from bus-to-bus at 9 years old, attending practices and games with kids three years her senior.&nbsp;
"Year after year, we saw that she was developing into a pretty good basketball player," Alvydas said. "As a family, all our job was just to get her physically and emotionally ready for the journey she has right now."
The <a href="https://twitter.com/jrnba/status/1028733912321859585?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jr. NBA came</a> at age-12. But in 2019, Jocytė's star truly shined. She led Lithuania to its first-ever U16 FIBA European Championship as a 13-year-old, then three months later, <a href="https://www.fiba.basketball/womenseurobasket/2021/qualifiers/news/the-future-is-here-13-year-old-jocyte-has-lithuania-back-on-the-rise" target="_blank" rel="noopener">made her debut with the country's senior national team</a> in the EuroBasket Qualifiers.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
SHE IS 13 😱 ! Juste Jocyte's 20PTS &amp; 15REB led @Musukrepsinis 🇱🇹 to a first EVER <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FIBAU16Europe?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FIBAU16Europe</a> Final 🔥 ! <a href="https://t.co/gAjWbsLocB">pic.twitter.com/gAjWbsLocB</a>
&mdash; FIBA (@FIBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/FIBA/status/1167346821678678017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2019</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

Europe took note &mdash; including one Tony Parker. The four-time NBA champion co-owned the men's and women's LDLC ASVEL clubs, and was starting his <a href="https://tpadequatacademy.com/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tony Parker Ad&eacute;quat Academy</a> in Lyon for students desiring advanced opportunities in a number of different professions. He invited Jocytė and her family to an individual workout in Oct. 2019.
"It was kind of tough, you know? You don't really know what to say because you're... scared," Jocytė said. "But I mean, he was really pretty normal as a person, so he was easy to talk to."
At that same workout, Jocytė also met her idol: former New York Liberty guard, and future teammate, Marine Johann&egrave;s.
"She was there to pass me the ball. That was cool," Jocytė said with a laugh.
Parker saw Jocytė as a headlining addition and made his pitch to Alvydas and the family. Jocytė would join the academy and become a member of Lyon ASVEL F&eacute;minin, with a three-year agreement centered on her development in Lyon. If the family ever had a question or concern about her well-being or development, Parker was a phone call away.
"It was, for myself and my wife, ver,y very surprising [to hear] the kinds of superstars as Tony Parker &mdash; we just saw them on TV prior [to when] we came to France," Alvydas said. "But when you talk to them after one minute, you already know that they're so simple and they know what they're doing. They know what kind of business they're in."
On Nov. 7, 2019, the academy announced the signing.
"I am very happy for the Tony Parker Ad&eacute;quat Academy because it&rsquo;s the first big signature," Parker said in the official press release in French. "Justė is the most special player of her generation. It&rsquo;s one of the reasons that I opened the Academy: to welcome the best prospects of their generation, evolve with young enthusiasts of all fields, and enrich each other."
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/img_8422-67-jus_lg.jpg" alt="" width="650" height="433" />
"She's definitely one of the most gifted European players to come up in a long time."
Mark Williams is a Global Scout for Premier Basketball (the same service that compiles ESPN's HoopGurlz recruiting rankings). He has watched Jocytė rise through the youth ranks since 2018, and says the smooth shooting guard is one of the most advanced players he has seen in recent years. Her cool confidence, surgical vision and sweet perimeter shot all set her apart.
"She's gifted with the ball in her hands [and] can score at all three levels," Williams told BasketballNews.com over the phone. "One of the things that she's really done well over the last year is develop the ability to get everybody else shots... I mean, she's really gifted. She can play multiple positions. She can play on the ball. She's a better defender than people give her credit for. And she can score anytime she wants."
Jocytė carved up the competition at the 2021 FIBA U18 Women's European Challengers tournament. She averaged 20.6 points, 10.0 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game in effortless fashion, patrolling the court while exuding serenity and swagger.
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Jocytė can spot up, step back and hesi her way to any shot on the floor. She glides with an effortless grace, and shrugs contact off of her. She also operates the offense like a surgeon, rifling pinpoint cross-court passes with either hand. Williams said that if he ranked the entire 2023 recruiting class with both U.S. and international players, the Lithuanian phenom would rest on top.
"For her, it's just kind of come together really, really early. And it's fun to watch, for sure," Williams said.
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British FIBA writer Paul Nilsen has watched the international youth game for over a decade. From the first moments he scouted an age-12 Jocytė, Nilsen was floored by her clutch gene.
"You could just tell straight away she's got it," Nilsen told BasketballNews.com over the phone. "The clutch, the ice through her veins, the smarts, the I.Q., on top of, obviously, the skill factor of being able to do what you want, when you want.
"I think that maturity so young is quite a rare and special thing."
Both Williams and Nilsen lauded Jocytė's trajectory as that of a high WNBA draft pick and a potential No. 1 overall selection. But they also cautioned against the familiar trap of locking prospects in as surefire generational superstars.&nbsp;
"It's one thing, I think in any sport, being a wonder kid, where often you find other players catch up," Nilsen said. "Sometimes you're the best out of that age at 12-13, and you're phenomenal because you've got so much natural talent. And you have to try and maintain large gap, which can sometimes be hard.
"It all boils down to whether she keeps working hard and she keeps learning," he added. "Nothing else [matters] apart from her. It's got to come from her."
For Jocytė to be challenging herself on a professional team, Nilsen says, is a testament to her dedication.
"One of the things I'm very, very committed to is this concept of: the hardest decision is always for the most talented players... even though you've got lots of choices, it's very very, very difficult," he said.
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/img_5264-45-jus_lg.jpg" alt="" width="650" height="433" />
"Playing against them every day is just a dream come true. I mean, that's the best practice you can get."
In Dec. 2019, 14-year-old Justė Jocytė subbed in for the the first time with Lyon ASVEL F&eacute;minin, and became the youngest woman to debut in the modern EuroLeague, perhaps the highest level in the world outside of the WNBA. Fast-forward two years, and she has now locked down a role in the regular rotation before her 16th birthday.
Lyon competes this season in the EuroCup; it's one league lower than the EuroLeague, but still arguably the third-best league worldwide. The EuroCup is littered with WNBA talent this season, including Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell, Atlanta Dream guard Aari McDonald, Phoenix Mercury forward Brianna Turner and Minnesota Lynx forward Natasha Mack among many others.
But that's only half of the battle. In LFB (Ligue F&eacute;minine de Basketball) competition, the team squares off against players like Phoenix Mercury guard Sophie Cunningham, Chicago Sky guard Lexie Brown and Los Angeles Sparks forward Nia Coffey. For Lyon, Johann&egrave;s and Julie Allemand both have WNBA experience.
On non-game days, Jocytė's schedule typically includes distance schooling, plus two grueling practices per day with some of the best basketball players on the planet. It's a grind she embraces.&nbsp;
"This is the pro life," she said. "Get used to it, because they will not change for you."
Jocytė generally stayed on the bench in her first two years with Lyon; she logged just 31 total minutes across both seasons. However, that doesn't mean she was stuck; behind the scenes, Jocytė was adapting to the speed and physicality of pro ball with the help of her teammates and coaches.
"I really appreciate the the work that they put in. Nobody sees the work, but they're helping me a lot," she said.
This season, the young phenom has begun to emerge. Jocytė is averaging 11.8 minutes per game in LFB play and 15.0 minutes per game in the EuroCup. She's dished out 17 assists against just six turnovers, and is shooting 75% from the field across both leagues. The performances aren't coming on some experimental squad, either &mdash; Lyon sits 3-1 in the EuroCup and 4-2 in the LFB.&nbsp;
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Even more impressive is hearing the 15-year-old critically reflect on her role with the methodical understanding of a grizzled vet:
"The physical part is tough, so you obviously had to find other ways. I think mine is just reading the game, really, because obviously you will not be faster [or] stronger," Jocytė said. "Coach puts you in [and] you have to just bring the energy; he doesn't expect you to, like, score 20 points in the game. So as a young player, you just have to stay humble, stay calm and just read."
Breanna Stewart and Nikola Jokic, as well as fellow lefty D'Angelo Russell, are film favorites for the Lithuanian. She had the last laugh this fall as one of the few members of Lyon cheering for the Chicago Sky in the WNBA Finals. And even after two years playing next to Johann&egrave;s, Jocytė still marvels every day at the star guard's talent.
"It's kind of weird because before, yeah, she was my role model, and now that it's my third year playing with her, it's kind of... she's like my friend," Jocytė said of Johann&egrave;s.
Though Jocytė is still technically the youngest player on the roster, she's no longer the only teenager. Dominique Malonga &mdash; a 6-foot-6, 15-year-old center loaded with athleticism and potential &mdash; joined ASVEL F&eacute;minin for the 2021-22 campaign. Malonga is also a Tony Parker Academy student, and Parker even labeled her "<a href="https://ldlcasvelfeminin.com/dominique-malonga-nouvelle-lionne/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the feminine Victor Wembanyama</a>."
"She's my roommate, so we kind of get along pretty easily," Jocytė said of Malonga. "This goes better than last year, when you're, like, really young with all these &mdash; I'm not gonna say old (laughs) &mdash; but older ladies. So it's kind of cool to have [someone] your age."
Jocytė is still a kid, after all &mdash; a kid playing on the other side of the continent, away from her family. Alvydas and Aurelija check-in nearly ever day with their daughter via WhatsApp. When Jocytė comes home, she'll get back on the court and battle with her brother and father, and everyone in Palanga knows her name. She says she's "not that sensitive of a person," but that doesn't mean leaving Lithuania is easy.
"I really miss home, and it's kind of hard without your family and friends. So it's always a good feeling when you come back home. It doesn't matter if it's, like, two days or something. It's really good to be there," she said.
"It was hard to let her go the first time because, you know, the '14-year-old girl on her own in the big city 2000 kilometers away' &mdash; kind of scary," Alvydas added. "[But] we know that she is in good hands [and] she gets taken care of."
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Lthuania may be a basketball-crazed nation, but its women's leagues lack sustained prominence. Top players and prospects typically latch onto a development track in another region, and return home to play during the offseason. Jocytė and her father cited that lack of consistency at home as a factor in them looking toward France for her pro career.
With the national teams, though, Jocytė feels immense pride in representing her country on European and global stages.
"It's an amazing feeling to play with your national team," she said. "It's just something you really appreciate when you play overseas or something. When you come back, it's really just amazing."
(Her most recent opportunity came in the 2023 EuroBasket Qualifiers, where she scored four points on Thursday against Finland before leaving the game with a minor ankle injury. Lithuania will play again Sunday.)
The world only continues to open up for Lithuania's young star. Her current agreement with the Tony Parker Academy and Lyon reaches an option of sorts after this season. Jocytė could continue on for another three years, adding continued professonal experience and growing with ASVEL F&eacute;minin. Or, she could opt out and attend another program or school just about anywhere &mdash; including the United States.
According to a source, high-major colleges are already demonstrating interest in Jocytė. Even WNBA teams have her on their radar when the earliest she could be draft-eligible appears to be 2025. (There's confusion here due to her U.S. birth vs. Lithuanian upbringing/playing status.)&nbsp;
The family will face a monumental decision after the season. They'll weigh pros and cons, including developmental situations, level of play and even endorsement opportunities. But for now, Jocytė is focused on what she loves &mdash; playing basketball &mdash; with the regimented mentality of continued growth each day.
"I feel good here and there's a good opportunity for me here," Jocytė said. "I'm still young, so that's normal that I don't play a lot. So really, I'm just working on myself every day trying to earn the trust of my coach, and hopefully in one year or two, I will be able to really have a big impact on the team."
That's what Alvydas admires most about his daughter. Jocytė remains a level-headed sailor amidst rocky seas, letting a pure love for the sport guide her to whatever big stage is next.
"I'm very proud that she's still a simple girl, and she's very supportive to other kids," Alvydas said. "I'm very proud that she's still very, very simple and focused on what she's doing."

Lithuanian star Justė Jocytė is turning heads as the youngest woman to ever compete in the modern EuroLeague.

Meet Justė Jocytė: 15-year-old phenom and professional record-breaker

LeBron James and Chris Paul represent the faces of the fight against Father Time in today's NBA. Kevin Durant deserves more praise for his Luke Skywalker-esque brush-off of aging and injury.
Durant, now 33, should be beginning the conventional decline of his professional career. Except he isn't. The Brooklyn Nets star returned last season after tearing his Achilles, one of basketball's most devastating injuries, and came two inches shy of a conference finals appearance in a thrilling playoff series against the Milwaukee Bucks.
This season, one of the sport's greatest players ever is somehow at his peak on a Nets team that has won six of their last seven contests. Durant has been an impossible matchup on a scale that might even surpass his 2013-14 MVP campaign. He's on pace (small sample size alert!) to have the best offensive season of his life.
According to Cleaning the Glass, Durant is averaging a ridiculous 136.2 points per 100 shot attempts, which is a career-best for him and in the 97th percentile league-wide for his positional group. That number pops further when you realize he's currently shooting threes at the second-lowest frequency of his career (24%).
We have to get into these shooting numbers to grasp how insane Durant is, so let's start with various shot distances, per Basketball Reference:
<ul>
<li>0-3 feet: 81.3% (career high)</li>
<li>3-10 feet: 57.9% (career high)</li>
<li>10-16 feet: 57.7% (career high)</li>
<li>16 feet-3PT range: 71.0% (career high and insane!!)</li>
<li>3P%: 40.4% (not a career high, but still very good)</li>
<li>Overall True Shooting Percentage: 67.4% (career high)</li>
</ul>
So that's ridiculous.&nbsp;
Among 99 players with at least 30 pull-up shot attempts this season, per NBA Stats), Durant's effecive field goal percentage (eFG%) of 59.8% is third behind Darius Garland and Seth Curry, and once again, on pace to be a career high. It should be noted, however, that Durant's 130 pull-up attempts are more than those two have combined.
His mid-range game is killer: Durant's 63.5% clip from NBA Stats' mid-range zone ranks second among all players with at least 20 attempts, behind only his Nets teammate LaMarcus Aldridge.
Twenty players have logged at least 30 isolation possesions this season, per NBA Stats (it should be noted that the league's playtype data is inconsistent). Durant is second behind only Ja Morant in points per possession at 1.19, and he has doubled Morant's workload in this playtype.&nbsp;
Then there's the passing. Durant is averaging 5.0 assists per game, which is pretty standard for him in recent years. But his assist percentage (27.5%) is a career best, as is his assist-to-usage rate, according to Cleaning the Glass. This isn't an offensive stat, but Durant is even grabbing a career-high 8.5 rebounds per game.
Of course, KD also leads the league with 29.5 points per game despite not topping eight three-point attempts in a single contest. His season-low in a game is 22 points. Most recently, he made 11 of 12 shots en route to 30 points in a win over the Magic.&nbsp;
His Instagram, Easymoneysniper, is a pretty apt descriptor.
THE OUTLIERS (a.k.a. other random interesting numbers I find in the void):
<ul>
<li>Per NBA Stats, the Detroit Pistons pass the ball more than any other team with 324.7 per game. They're also sixth in "wide open" shots generated where a defender was no closer than six feet away. Unfortunately, the Pistons are the worst team in the league (34.8 FG%) at hitting those shots.</li>
<li>The Bucks, meanwhile, pass the ball only 263.8 times per game &mdash; third-fewest in the NBA. But they're second in generating those wide-open shot attempts.&nbsp;</li>
<li>&nbsp;</li>
<li>This... should not be happening:</li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Luka's best year was in 19/20. 26% of his shot attempts came from within three feet of the basket and only 7.2% were between ten feet and the three-point line. This year, 9% of his shots come within three feet and 33.1% from ten feet to the long line. That's.. really bad.
&mdash; Morten Stig Jensen (@msjnba) <a href="https://twitter.com/msjnba/status/1458852838231191559?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

LeBron James and Chris Paul represent the faces of the fight against Father Time in today's NBA. Kevin Durant deserves more praise for his Luke Skywalker-esque brush-off of aging and injury.
Durant, now 33, should be beginning the conventional decline of his professional career. Except he isn't. The Brooklyn Nets star returned last season after tearing his Achilles, one of basketball's most devastating injuries, and came two inches shy of a conference finals appearance in a thrilling playoff series against the Milwaukee Bucks.
This season, one of the sport's greatest players ever is somehow at his peak on a Nets team that has won six of their last seven contests. Durant has been an impossible matchup on a scale that might even surpass his 2013-14 MVP campaign. He's on pace (small sample size alert!) to have the best offensive season of his life.
According to Cleaning the Glass, Durant is averaging a ridiculous 136.2 points per 100 shot attempts, which is a career-best for him and in the 97th percentile league-wide for his positional group. That number pops further when you realize he's currently shooting threes at the second-lowest frequency of his career (24%).
We have to get into these shooting numbers to grasp how insane Durant is, so let's start with various shot distances, per Basketball Reference:
<ul>
<li>0-3 feet: 81.3% (career high)</li>
<li>3-10 feet: 57.9% (career high)</li>
<li>10-16 feet: 57.7% (career high)</li>
<li>16 feet-3PT range: 71.0% (career high and insane!!)</li>
<li>3P%: 40.4% (not a career high, but still very good)</li>
<li>Overall True Shooting Percentage: 67.4% (career high)</li>
</ul>
So that's ridiculous.&nbsp;
Among 99 players with at least 30 pull-up shot attempts this season, per NBA Stats), Durant's effecive field goal percentage (eFG%) of 59.8% is third behind Darius Garland and Seth Curry, and once again, on pace to be a career high. It should be noted, however, that Durant's 130 pull-up attempts are more than those two have combined.
His mid-range game is killer: Durant's 63.5% clip from NBA Stats' mid-range zone ranks second among all players with at least 20 attempts, behind only his Nets teammate LaMarcus Aldridge.
Twenty players have logged at least 30 isolation possesions this season, per NBA Stats (it should be noted that the league's playtype data is inconsistent). Durant is second behind only Ja Morant in points per possession at 1.19, and he has doubled Morant's workload in this playtype.&nbsp;
Then there's the passing. Durant is averaging 5.0 assists per game, which is pretty standard for him in recent years. But his assist percentage (27.5%) is a career best, as is his assist-to-usage rate, according to Cleaning the Glass. This isn't an offensive stat, but Durant is even grabbing a career-high 8.5 rebounds per game.
Of course, KD also leads the league with 29.5 points per game despite not topping eight three-point attempts in a single contest. His season-low in a game is 22 points. Most recently, he made 11 of 12 shots en route to 30 points in a win over the Magic.&nbsp;
His Instagram, Easymoneysniper, is a pretty apt descriptor.
THE OUTLIERS (a.k.a. other random interesting numbers I find in the void):
<ul>
<li>Per NBA Stats, the Detroit Pistons pass the ball more than any other team with 324.7 per game. They're also sixth in "wide open" shots generated where a defender was no closer than six feet away. Unfortunately, the Pistons are the worst team in the league (34.8 FG%) at hitting those shots.</li>
<li>The Bucks, meanwhile, pass the ball only 263.8 times per game &mdash; third-fewest in the NBA. But they're second in generating those wide-open shot attempts.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Most of the league's deflections per game leaders are guards or wings. But how about Nerlens Noel? The Knicks center is average 4.0 per game,&nbsp;</li>
<li>This... should not be happening:</li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Luka's best year was in 19/20. 26% of his shot attempts came from within three feet of the basket and only 7.2% were between ten feet and the three-point line. This year, 9% of his shots come within three feet and 33.1% from ten feet to the long line. That's.. really bad.
&mdash; Morten Stig Jensen (@msjnba) <a href="https://twitter.com/msjnba/status/1458852838231191559?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

LeBron James and Chris Paul represent the faces of the fight against Father Time in today's NBA. Kevin Durant deserves more praise for his Luke Skywalker-esque brush-off of aging and injury.
Durant, now 33, should be beginning the conventional decline of his professional career. Except he isn't. The Brooklyn Nets star returned last season after tearing his Achilles, one of basketball's most devastating injuries, and came two inches shy of a conference finals appearance in a thrilling playoff series against the Milwaukee Bucks.
This season, one of the sport's greatest players ever is somehow at his peak on a Nets team that has won six of their last seven contests. Durant has been an impossible matchup on a scale that might even surpass his 2013-14 MVP campaign. He's on pace (small sample size alert!) to have the best offensive season of his life.
According to Cleaning the Glass, Durant is averaging a ridiculous 136.2 points per 100 shot attempts, which is a career-best for him and in the 97th percentile league-wide for his positional group. That number pops further when you realize he's currently shooting threes at the second-lowest frequency of his career (24%).
We have to get into these shooting numbers to grasp how insane Durant is, so let's start with various shot distances, per Basketball Reference:
<ul>
<li>0-3 feet: 81.3% (career high)</li>
<li>3-10 feet: 57.9% (career high)</li>
<li>10-16 feet: 57.7% (career high)</li>
<li>16 feet-3PT range: 71.0% (career high and insane!!)</li>
<li>3P%: 40.4% (not a career high, but still very good)</li>
<li>Overall True Shooting Percentage: 67.4% (career high)</li>
</ul>
So that's ridiculous.&nbsp;
Among 99 players with at least 30 pull-up shot attempts this season, per NBA Stats), Durant's effecive field goal percentage (eFG%) of 59.8% is third behind Darius Garland and Seth Curry, and once again, on pace to be a career high. It should be noted, however, that Durant's 130 pull-up attempts are more than those two have combined.
His mid-range game is killer: Durant's 63.5% clip from NBA Stats' mid-range zone ranks second among all players with at least 20 attempts, behind only his Nets teammate LaMarcus Aldridge.
Twenty players have logged at least 30 isolation possesions this season, per NBA Stats (it should be noted that the league's playtype data is inconsistent). Durant is second behind only Ja Morant in points per possession at 1.19, and he has doubled Morant's workload in this playtype.&nbsp;
Then there's the passing. Durant is averaging 5.0 assists per game, which is pretty standard for him in recent years. But his assist percentage (27.5%) is a career best, as is his assist-to-usage rate, according to Cleaning the Glass. This isn't an offensive stat, but Durant is even grabbing a career-high 8.5 rebounds per game.
Of course, KD also leads the league with 29.5 points per game despite not topping eight three-point attempts in a single contest. His season-low in a game is 22 points. Most recently, he made 11 of 12 shots en route to 30 points in a win over the Magic.&nbsp;
His Instagram, Easymoneysniper, is a pretty apt descriptor.
THE OUTLIERS (a.k.a. other random interesting numbers I find in the void):
<ul>
<li>You know who's been a sneaky good pull-up shooter? Devin Vassell ranks&nbsp;</li>
<li>Per NBA Stats, the Detroit Pistons pass the ball more than any other team with 324.7 per game. They're also sixth in "wide open" shots generated where a defender was no closer than six feet away. Unfortunately, the Pistons are the worst team in the league (34.8 FG%) at hitting those shots.</li>
<li>The Bucks, meanwhile, pass the ball only 263.8 times per game &mdash; third-fewest in the NBA. But they're second in generating those wide-open shot attempts.&nbsp;</li>
<li>This... should not be happening:</li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Luka's best year was in 19/20. 26% of his shot attempts came from within three feet of the basket and only 7.2% were between ten feet and the three-point line. This year, 9% of his shots come within three feet and 33.1% from ten feet to the long line. That's.. really bad.
&mdash; Morten Stig Jensen (@msjnba) <a href="https://twitter.com/msjnba/status/1458852838231191559?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

LeBron James and Chris Paul represent the faces of the fight against Father Time in today's NBA. Kevin Durant deserves more praise for his Luke Skywalker-esque brush-off of aging and injury.
Durant, now 33, should be beginning the conventional decline of his professional career. Except he isn't. The Brooklyn Nets star returned last season after tearing his Achilles, one of basketball's most devastating injuries, and came two inches shy of a conference finals appearance in a thrilling playoff series against the Milwaukee Bucks.
This season, one of the sport's greatest players ever is somehow at his peak on a Nets team that has won six of their last seven contests. Durant has been an impossible matchup on a scale that might even surpass his 2013-14 MVP campaign. He's on pace (small sample size alert!) to have the best offensive season of his life.
According to Cleaning the Glass, Durant is averaging a ridiculous 136.2 points per 100 shot attempts, which is a career-best for him and in the 97th percentile league-wide for his positional group. That number pops further when you realize he's currently shooting threes at the second-lowest frequency of his career (24%).
We have to get into these shooting numbers to grasp how insane Durant is, so let's start with various shot distances, per Basketball Reference:
<ul>
<li>0-3 feet: 81.3% (career high)</li>
<li>3-10 feet: 57.9% (career high)</li>
<li>10-16 feet: 57.7% (career high)</li>
<li>16 feet-3PT range: 71.0% (career high and insane!!)</li>
<li>3P%: 40.4% (not a career high, but still very good)</li>
<li>Overall True Shooting Percentage: 67.4% (career high)</li>
</ul>
So that's ridiculous.&nbsp;
Among 99 players with at least 30 pull-up shot attempts this season, per NBA Stats), Durant's effecive field goal percentage (eFG%) of 59.8% is third behind Darius Garland and Seth Curry, and once again, on pace to be a career high. It should be noted, however, that Durant's 130 pull-up attempts are more than those two have combined.
His mid-range game is killer: Durant's 63.5% clip from NBA Stats' mid-range zone ranks second among all players with at least 20 attempts, behind only his Nets teammate LaMarcus Aldridge.
Twenty players have logged at least 30 isolation possesions this season, per NBA Stats (it should be noted that the league's playtype data is inconsistent). Durant is second behind only Ja Morant in points per possession at 1.19, and he has doubled Morant's workload in this playtype.&nbsp;
Then there's the passing. Durant is averaging 5.0 assists per game, which is pretty standard for him in recent years. But his assist percentage (27.5%) is a career best, as is his assist-to-usage rate, according to Cleaning the Glass. This isn't an offensive stat, but Durant is even grabbing a career-high 8.5 rebounds per game.
Of course, KD also leads the league with 29.5 points per game despite not topping eight three-point attempts in a single contest. His season-low in a game is 22 points. Most recently, he made 11 of 12 shots en route to 30 points in a win over the Magic.&nbsp;
His Instagram, Easymoneysniper, is a pretty apt descriptor.
THE OUTLIERS (a.k.a. other random interesting numbers I find in the void):
<ul>
<li>You know who's been a sneaky good pull-up shooter? Devin Vassell ranks seventh among all players with at&nbsp;</li>
<li>Per NBA Stats, the Detroit Pistons pass the ball more than any other team with 324.7 per game. They're also sixth in "wide open" shots generated where a defender was no closer than six feet away. Unfortunately, the Pistons are the worst team in the league (34.8 FG%) at hitting those shots.</li>
<li>The Bucks, meanwhile, pass the ball only 263.8 times per game &mdash; third-fewest in the NBA. But they're second in generating those wide-open shot attempts.&nbsp;</li>
<li>This... should not be happening:</li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Luka's best year was in 19/20. 26% of his shot attempts came from within three feet of the basket and only 7.2% were between ten feet and the three-point line. This year, 9% of his shots come within three feet and 33.1% from ten feet to the long line. That's.. really bad.
&mdash; Morten Stig Jensen (@msjnba) <a href="https://twitter.com/msjnba/status/1458852838231191559?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

LeBron James and Chris Paul represent the faces of the fight against Father Time in today's NBA. Kevin Durant deserves more praise for his Luke Skywalker-esque brush-off of aging and injury.
Durant, now 33, should be beginning the conventional decline of his professional career. Except he isn't. The Brooklyn Nets star returned last season after tearing his Achilles, one of basketball's most devastating injuries, and came two inches shy of a conference finals appearance in a thrilling playoff series against the Milwaukee Bucks.
This season, one of the sport's greatest players ever is somehow at his peak on a Nets team that has won six of their last seven contests. Durant has been an impossible matchup on a scale that might even surpass his 2013-14 MVP campaign. He's on pace (small sample size alert!) to have the best offensive season of his life.
According to Cleaning the Glass, Durant is averaging a ridiculous 136.2 points per 100 shot attempts, which is a career-best for him and in the 97th percentile league-wide for his positional group. That number pops further when you realize he's currently shooting threes at the second-lowest frequency of his career (24%).
We have to get into these shooting numbers to grasp how insane Durant is, so let's start with various shot distances, per Basketball Reference:
<ul>
<li>0-3 feet: 81.3% (career high)</li>
<li>3-10 feet: 57.9% (career high)</li>
<li>10-16 feet: 57.7% (career high)</li>
<li>16 feet-3PT range: 71.0% (career high and insane!!)</li>
<li>3P%: 40.4% (not a career high, but still very good)</li>
<li>Overall True Shooting Percentage: 67.4% (career high)</li>
</ul>
So that's ridiculous.&nbsp;
Among 99 players with at least 30 pull-up shot attempts this season, per NBA Stats), Durant's effecive field goal percentage (eFG%) of 59.8% is third behind Darius Garland and Seth Curry, and once again, on pace to be a career high. It should be noted, however, that Durant's 130 pull-up attempts are more than those two have combined.
His mid-range game is killer: Durant's 63.5% clip from NBA Stats' mid-range zone ranks second among all players with at least 20 attempts, behind only his Nets teammate LaMarcus Aldridge.
Twenty players have logged at least 30 isolation possesions this season, per NBA Stats (it should be noted that the league's playtype data is inconsistent). Durant is second behind only Ja Morant in points per possession at 1.19, and he has doubled Morant's workload in this playtype.&nbsp;
Then there's the passing. Durant is averaging 5.0 assists per game, which is pretty standard for him in recent years. But his assist percentage (27.5%) is a career best, as is his assist-to-usage rate, according to Cleaning the Glass. This isn't an offensive stat, but Durant is even grabbing a career-high 8.5 rebounds per game.
Of course, KD also leads the league with 29.5 points per game despite not topping eight three-point attempts in a single contest. His season-low in a game is 22 points. Most recently, he made 11 of 12 shots en route to 30 points in a win over the Magic.&nbsp;
His Instagram, Easymoneysniper, is a pretty apt descriptor.
THE OUTLIERS (a.k.a. other random interesting numbers I find in the void):
<ul>
<li>You know who's been a sneaky good pull-up shooter? Devin Vassell (55.7 eFG%) ranks seventh among all players with at least 30 attempts this season.</li>
<li>Per NBA Stats, the Detroit Pistons pass the ball more than any other team with 324.7 per game. They're also sixth in "wide open" shots generated where a defender was no closer than six feet away. Unfortunately, the Pistons are the worst team in the league (34.8 FG%) at hitting those shots.</li>
<li>The Bucks, meanwhile, pass the ball only 263.8 times per game &mdash; third-fewest in the NBA. But they're second in generating those wide-open shot attempts.&nbsp;</li>
<li>This... should not be happening:</li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Luka's best year was in 19/20. 26% of his shot attempts came from within three feet of the basket and only 7.2% were between ten feet and the three-point line. This year, 9% of his shots come within three feet and 33.1% from ten feet to the long line. That's.. really bad.
&mdash; Morten Stig Jensen (@msjnba) <a href="https://twitter.com/msjnba/status/1458852838231191559?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

LeBron James and Chris Paul represent the faces of the fight against Father Time in today's NBA. Kevin Durant deserves more praise for his Luke Skywalker-esque brush-off of aging and injury.
Durant, now 33, should be beginning the conventional decline of his professional career. Except he isn't. The Brooklyn Nets star returned last season after tearing his Achilles, one of basketball's most devastating injuries, and came two inches shy of a conference finals appearance in a thrilling playoff series against the Milwaukee Bucks.
This season, one of the sport's greatest players ever is somehow at his peak on a Nets team that has won six of its last seven contests. Durant has been an impossible matchup on a scale that might even surpass his 2013-14 MVP campaign. He's on pace (small sample size alert!) to have the best offensive season of his life.
According to Cleaning the Glass, Durant is averaging a ridiculous 136.2 points per 100 shot attempts, which is a career-best for him and in the 97th percentile league-wide for his positional group. That number pops further when you realize he's currently shooting threes at the second-lowest frequency of his career (24%).
We have to get into these shooting numbers to grasp how insane Durant is, so let's start with various shot distances, per Basketball Reference:
<ul>
<li>0-3 feet: 81.3% (career high)</li>
<li>3-10 feet: 57.9% (career high)</li>
<li>10-16 feet: 57.7% (career high)</li>
<li>16 feet-3PT range: 71.0% (career high and insane!!)</li>
<li>3P%: 40.4% (not a career high, but still very good)</li>
<li>Overall True Shooting Percentage: 67.4% (career high)</li>
</ul>
So that's ridiculous.&nbsp;
Among 99 players with at least 30 pull-up shot attempts this season, per NBA Stats), Durant's effecive field goal percentage (eFG%) of 59.8% is third behind Darius Garland and Seth Curry, and once again, on pace to be a career high. It should be noted, however, that Durant's 130 pull-up attempts are more than those two have combined.
His mid-range game is killer: Durant's 63.5% clip from NBA Stats' mid-range zone ranks second among all players with at least 20 attempts, behind only his Nets teammate LaMarcus Aldridge.
Twenty players have logged at least 30 isolation possesions this season, per NBA Stats (it should be noted that the league's playtype data is inconsistent). Durant is second behind only Ja Morant in points per possession at 1.19, and he has doubled Morant's workload in this playtype.&nbsp;
Then there's the passing. Durant is averaging 5.0 assists per game, which is pretty standard for him in recent years. But his assist percentage (27.5%) is a career best, as is his assist-to-usage rate, according to Cleaning the Glass. This isn't an offensive stat, but Durant is even grabbing a career-high 8.5 rebounds per game.
Of course, KD also leads the league with 29.5 points per game despite not topping eight three-point attempts in a single contest. His season-low in a game is 22 points. Most recently, he made 11 of 12 shots en route to 30 points in a win over the Magic.&nbsp;
His Instagram, Easymoneysniper, is a pretty apt descriptor.
THE OUTLIERS (a.k.a. other random interesting numbers I find in the void):
<ul>
<li>You know who's been a sneaky good pull-up shooter? Devin Vassell (55.7 eFG%) ranks seventh among all players with at least 30 attempts this season.</li>
<li>Per NBA Stats, the Detroit Pistons pass the ball more than any other team with 324.7 per game. They're also sixth in "wide open" shots generated where a defender was no closer than six feet away. Unfortunately, the Pistons are the worst team in the league (34.8 FG%) at hitting those shots.</li>
<li>The Bucks, meanwhile, pass the ball only 263.8 times per game &mdash; third-fewest in the NBA. But they're second in generating those wide-open shot attempts.&nbsp;</li>
<li>This... should not be happening:</li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Luka's best year was in 19/20. 26% of his shot attempts came from within three feet of the basket and only 7.2% were between ten feet and the three-point line. This year, 9% of his shots come within three feet and 33.1% from ten feet to the long line. That's.. really bad.
&mdash; Morten Stig Jensen (@msjnba) <a href="https://twitter.com/msjnba/status/1458852838231191559?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

LeBron James and Chris Paul represent the faces of the fight against Father Time in today's NBA. Kevin Durant deserves more praise for his Luke Skywalker-esque brush-off of aging and injury.
Durant, now 33, should be beginning the conventional decline of his professional career. Except he isn't. The Brooklyn Nets star returned last season after tearing his Achilles, one of basketball's most devastating injuries, and came two inches shy of a conference finals appearance in a thrilling playoff series against the Milwaukee Bucks.
This season, one of the sport's greatest players ever is somehow at his peak on a Nets team that has won six of its last seven contests. Durant has been an impossible matchup on a scale that might even surpass his 2013-14 MVP campaign. He's on pace (small sample size alert!) to have the best offensive season of his life.
According to Cleaning the Glass, Durant is averaging a ridiculous 136.2 points per 100 shot attempts, which is a career-best for him and in the 97th percentile league-wide for his positional group. That number pops further when you realize he's currently shooting threes at the second-lowest frequency of his career (24%).
We have to get into these shooting numbers to grasp how insane Durant is, so let's start with various shot distances, per Basketball Reference:
<ul>
<li>0-3 feet: 81.3% (career-high)</li>
<li>3-10 feet: 57.9% (career-high)</li>
<li>10-16 feet: 57.7% (career-high)</li>
<li>16 feet-3PT range: 71.0% (career-high and insane!!)</li>
<li>3P%: 40.4% (not a career-high, but still very good)</li>
<li>Overall True Shooting Percentage: 67.4% (career-high)</li>
</ul>
So that's ridiculous.&nbsp;
Among 99 players with at least 30 pull-up shot attempts this season, per NBA Stats), Durant's Effective field goal percentage (eFG%) of 59.8% is third behind Darius Garland and Seth Curry, and once again, on pace to be a career-high. It should be noted, however, that Durant's 130 pull-up attempts are more than those two have combined.
His mid-range game is killer: Durant's 63.5% clip from NBA Stats' mid-range zone ranks second among all players with at least 20 attempts, behind only his Nets teammate LaMarcus Aldridge.
Twenty players have logged at least 30 isolation possesions this season, per NBA Stats (it should be noted that the league's playtype data is inconsistent). Durant is second behind only Ja Morant in points per possession at 1.19, and he has doubled Morant's workload in this playtype.&nbsp;
Then there's the passing. Durant is averaging 5.0 assists per game, which is pretty standard for him in recent years. But his assist percentage (27.5%) is a career best, as is his assist-to-usage rate, according to Cleaning the Glass. This isn't an offensive stat, but Durant is even grabbing a career-high 8.5 rebounds per game.
Of course, KD also leads the league with 29.5 points per game despite not topping eight three-point attempts in a single contest. His season-low in a game is 22 points. Most recently, he made 11 of 12 shots en route to 30 points in a win over the Magic.&nbsp;
His Instagram, Easymoneysniper, is a pretty apt descriptor.
THE OUTLIERS (a.k.a. other random interesting numbers I find in the void):
<ul>
<li>You know who's been a sneaky good pull-up shooter? Devin Vassell (55.7 eFG%) ranks seventh among all players with at least 30 attempts this season.</li>
<li>Per NBA Stats, the Detroit Pistons pass the ball more than any other team with 324.7 per game. They're also sixth in "wide open" shots generated where a defender was no closer than six feet away. Unfortunately, the Pistons are the worst team in the league (34.8 FG%) at hitting those shots.</li>
<li>The Bucks, meanwhile, pass the ball only 263.8 times per game &mdash; third-fewest in the NBA. But they're second in generating those wide-open shot attempts.&nbsp;</li>
<li>This... should not be happening:</li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Luka's best year was in 19/20. 26% of his shot attempts came from within three feet of the basket and only 7.2% were between ten feet and the three-point line. This year, 9% of his shots come within three feet and 33.1% from ten feet to the long line. That's.. really bad.
&mdash; Morten Stig Jensen (@msjnba) <a href="https://twitter.com/msjnba/status/1458852838231191559?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

LeBron James and Chris Paul represent the faces of the fight against Father Time in today's NBA. Kevin Durant deserves more praise for his Luke Skywalker-esque brush-off of aging and injury.
Durant, now 33, should be beginning the conventional decline of his professional career. Except he isn't. The Brooklyn Nets star returned last season after tearing his Achilles, one of basketball's most devastating injuries, and came two inches shy of a conference finals appearance in a thrilling playoff series against the Milwaukee Bucks.
This season, one of the sport's greatest players ever is somehow at his peak on a Nets team that has won six of its last seven contests. Durant has been an impossible matchup on a scale that might even surpass his 2013-14 MVP campaign. He's on pace (small sample size alert!) to have the best offensive season of his life.
According to Cleaning the Glass, Durant is averaging a ridiculous 136.2 points per 100 shot attempts, which is a career-best for him and in the 97th percentile league-wide for his positional group. That number pops further when you realize he's currently shooting threes at the second-lowest frequency of his career (24%).
We have to get into these shooting numbers to grasp how insane Durant is, so let's start with various shot distances, per Basketball Reference:
<ul>
<li>0-3 feet: 81.3% (career-high)</li>
<li>3-10 feet: 57.9% (career-high)</li>
<li>10-16 feet: 57.7% (career-high)</li>
<li>16 feet-3PT range: 71.0% (career-high and insane!!)</li>
<li>3P%: 40.4% (not a career-high, but still very good)</li>
<li>Overall True Shooting Percentage: 67.4% (career-high)</li>
</ul>
So that's ridiculous.&nbsp;
Among 99 players with at least 30 pull-up shot attempts this season, per NBA Stats), Durant's Effective Field Goal percentage (eFG%) of 59.8% is third behind Darius Garland and Seth Curry, and once again, on pace to be a career-high. It should be noted, however, that Durant's 130 pull-up attempts are more than those two have combined.
His mid-range game is killer: Durant's 63.5% clip from NBA Stats' mid-range zone ranks second among all players with at least 20 attempts, behind only his Nets teammate LaMarcus Aldridge.
Twenty players have logged at least 30 isolation possesions this season, per NBA Stats (it should be noted that the league's playtype data is inconsistent). Durant is second behind only Ja Morant in points per possession at 1.19, and he has doubled Morant's workload in this playtype.&nbsp;
Then there's the passing. Durant is averaging 5.0 assists per game, which is pretty standard for him in recent years. But his assist percentage (27.5%) is a career best, as is his assist-to-usage rate, according to Cleaning the Glass. This isn't an offensive stat, but Durant is even grabbing a career-high 8.5 rebounds per game.
Of course, KD also leads the league with 29.5 points per game despite not topping eight three-point attempts in a single contest. His season-low in a game is 22 points. Most recently, he made 11 of 12 shots en route to 30 points in a win over the Magic.&nbsp;
His Instagram handle, @easymoneysniper, is a pretty apt descriptor.
THE OUTLIERS (a.k.a. other random interesting numbers I find in the void):
<ul>
<li>You know who's been a sneaky good pull-up shooter? Devin Vassell (55.7 eFG%) ranks seventh among all players with at least 30 attempts this season.</li>
<li>Per NBA Stats, the Detroit Pistons pass the ball more than any other team with 324.7 per game. They're also sixth in "wide open" shots generated where a defender was no closer than six feet away. Unfortunately, the Pistons are the worst team in the league (34.8 FG%) at hitting those shots.</li>
<li>The Bucks, meanwhile, pass the ball only 263.8 times per game &mdash; third-fewest in the NBA. But they're second in generating those wide-open shot attempts.&nbsp;</li>
<li>This... should not be happening:</li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Luka's best year was in 19/20. 26% of his shot attempts came from within three feet of the basket and only 7.2% were between ten feet and the three-point line. This year, 9% of his shots come within three feet and 33.1% from ten feet to the long line. That's.. really bad.
&mdash; Morten Stig Jensen (@msjnba) <a href="https://twitter.com/msjnba/status/1458852838231191559?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

LeBron James and Chris Paul represent the faces of the fight against Father Time in today's NBA. Kevin Durant deserves more praise for his Luke Skywalker-esque brush-off of aging and injury.
Durant, now 33, should be beginning the conventional decline of his professional career. Except he isn't. The Brooklyn Nets star returned last season after tearing his Achilles, one of basketball's most devastating injuries, and came two inches shy of a conference finals appearance in a thrilling playoff series against the Milwaukee Bucks.
This season, one of the sport's greatest players ever is somehow at his peak on a Nets team that has won six of its last seven contests. Durant has been an impossible matchup on a scale that might even surpass his 2013-14 MVP campaign. He's on pace (small sample size alert!) to have the best offensive season of his life.
According to Cleaning the Glass, Durant is averaging a ridiculous 136.2 points per 100 shot attempts, which is a career-best for him and in the 97th percentile league-wide for his positional group. That number pops further when you realize he's currently shooting threes at the second-lowest frequency of his career (24%).
We have to get into these shooting numbers to grasp how insane Durant is, so let's start with various shot distances, per Basketball Reference:
<ul>
<li>0-3 feet: 81.3% (career-high)</li>
<li>3-10 feet: 57.9% (career-high)</li>
<li>10-16 feet: 57.7% (career-high)</li>
<li>16 feet-3PT range: 71.0% (career-high and insane!!)</li>
<li>3P%: 40.4% (not a career-high, but still very good)</li>
<li>Overall True Shooting Percentage: 67.4% (career-high)</li>
</ul>
So that's ridiculous.&nbsp;
Among 99 players with at least 30 pull-up shot attempts this season, per NBA Stats), Durant's Effective Field Goal percentage (eFG%) of 59.8% is third behind Darius Garland and Seth Curry, and once again, on pace to be a career-high. It should be noted, however, that Durant's 130 pull-up attempts are more than those two have combined.
His mid-range game is killer: Durant's 63.5% clip from NBA Stats' mid-range zone ranks second among all players with at least 20 attempts, behind only his Nets teammate LaMarcus Aldridge.
Twenty players have logged at least 30 isolation possesions this season, per NBA Stats (it should be noted that the league's playtype data is inconsistent). Durant is second behind only Ja Morant in points per possession at 1.19, and he has doubled Morant's workload in this playtype.&nbsp;
Then there's the passing. Durant is averaging 5.0 assists per game, which is pretty standard for him in recent years. But his assist percentage (27.5%) is a career best, as is his assist-to-usage rate, according to Cleaning the Glass. This isn't an offensive stat, but Durant is even grabbing a career-high 8.5 rebounds per game.
Of course, KD also leads the league with 29.5 points per game despite not topping eight three-point attempts in a single contest. His season-low in a game is 22 points. Most recently, he made 11 of 12 shots en route to 30 points in a win over the Magic.&nbsp;
His Instagram handle, @easymoneysniper, is a pretty apt descriptor.
THE OUTLIERS (a.k.a. other random interesting numbers I find in the void):
<ul>
<li>You know who's been a sneaky good pull-up shooter? Devin Vassell (55.7 eFG%), who ranks seventh among all players with at least 30 attempts this season.</li>
<li>Per NBA Stats, the Detroit Pistons pass the ball more than any other team with 324.7 per game. They're also sixth in "wide open" shots generated where a defender was no closer than six feet away. Unfortunately, the Pistons are the worst team in the league (34.8 FG%) at hitting those shots.</li>
<li>The Bucks, meanwhile, pass the ball only 263.8 times per game &mdash; third-fewest in the NBA. But they're second in generating those wide-open shot attempts.&nbsp;</li>
<li>This... should not be happening:</li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Luka's best year was in 19/20. 26% of his shot attempts came from within three feet of the basket and only 7.2% were between ten feet and the three-point line. This year, 9% of his shots come within three feet and 33.1% from ten feet to the long line. That's.. really bad.
&mdash; Morten Stig Jensen (@msjnba) <a href="https://twitter.com/msjnba/status/1458852838231191559?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

LeBron James and Chris Paul represent the faces of the fight against Father Time in today's NBA. Kevin Durant deserves more praise for his Luke Skywalker-esque brush-off of aging and injury.
Durant, now 33, should be beginning the conventional decline of his professional career. Except he isn't. The Brooklyn Nets star returned last season after tearing his Achilles, one of basketball's most devastating injuries, and came two inches shy of a conference finals appearance in a thrilling playoff series against the Milwaukee Bucks.
This season, one of the sport's greatest players ever is somehow at his peak on a Nets team that has won six of its last seven contests. Durant has been an impossible matchup on a scale that might even surpass his 2013-14 MVP campaign. He's on pace (small sample size alert!) to have the best offensive season of his life.
According to Cleaning the Glass, Durant is averaging a ridiculous 136.2 points per 100 shot attempts, which is a career-best for him and in the 97th percentile league-wide for his positional group. That number pops further when you realize he's currently shooting threes at the second-lowest frequency of his career (24%).
We have to get into these shooting numbers to grasp how elite Durant is, so let's start with various shot distances, per Basketball Reference:
<ul>
<li>0-3 feet: 81.3% (career-high)</li>
<li>3-10 feet: 57.9% (career-high)</li>
<li>10-16 feet: 57.7% (career-high)</li>
<li>16 feet-3PT range: 71.0% (career-high and insane!!)</li>
<li>3P%: 40.4% (not a career-high, but still very good)</li>
<li>Overall True Shooting Percentage: 67.4% (career-high)</li>
</ul>
So that's ridiculous.&nbsp;
Among 99 players with at least 30 pull-up shot attempts this season, per NBA Stats), Durant's Effective Field Goal percentage (eFG%) of 59.8% is third behind Darius Garland and Seth Curry, and once again, on pace to be a career-high. It should be noted, however, that Durant's 130 pull-up attempts are more than those two have combined.
His mid-range game is killer: Durant's 63.5% clip from NBA Stats' mid-range zone ranks second among all players with at least 20 attempts, behind only his Nets teammate LaMarcus Aldridge.
Twenty players have logged at least 30 isolation possesions this season, per NBA Stats (it should be noted that the league's playtype data is inconsistent). Durant is second behind only Ja Morant in points per possession at 1.19, and he has doubled Morant's workload in this playtype.&nbsp;
Then there's the passing. Durant is averaging 5.0 assists per game, which is pretty standard for him in recent years. But his assist percentage (27.5%) is a career best, as is his assist-to-usage rate, according to Cleaning the Glass. This isn't an offensive stat, but Durant is even grabbing a career-high 8.5 rebounds per game.
Of course, KD also leads the league with 29.5 points per game despite not topping eight three-point attempts in a single contest. His season-low in a game is 22 points. Most recently, he made 11 of 12 shots en route to 30 points in a win over the Magic.&nbsp;
His Instagram handle, @easymoneysniper, is a pretty apt descriptor.
THE OUTLIERS (a.k.a. other random interesting numbers I find in the void):
<ul>
<li>You know who's been a sneaky good pull-up shooter? Devin Vassell (55.7 eFG%), who ranks seventh among all players with at least 30 attempts this season.</li>
<li>Per NBA Stats, the Detroit Pistons pass the ball more than any other team with 324.7 per game. They're also sixth in "wide open" shots generated where a defender was no closer than six feet away. Unfortunately, the Pistons are the worst team in the league (34.8 FG%) at hitting those shots.</li>
<li>The Bucks, meanwhile, pass the ball only 263.8 times per game &mdash; third-fewest in the NBA. But they're second in generating those wide-open shot attempts.&nbsp;</li>
<li>This... should not be happening:</li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Luka's best year was in 19/20. 26% of his shot attempts came from within three feet of the basket and only 7.2% were between ten feet and the three-point line. This year, 9% of his shots come within three feet and 33.1% from ten feet to the long line. That's.. really bad.
&mdash; Morten Stig Jensen (@msjnba) <a href="https://twitter.com/msjnba/status/1458852838231191559?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2021</a></blockquote>

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Ethan Fuller takes a look at Kevin Durant, who is on pace for a historic offensive year.

Stats Notebook: Kevin Durant on pace for his best offensive year ever

How much should poor play be discounted by injuries?
It's one of the core philosophical questions of these Sour Rankings, and a layered thought that produces different answers in different viewers. Obviously, fans should feel distraught when a player gets hurt, especially when it results in a long-term injury. But if a team starts losing in the absence of key contributors, how much does that matter?
My answer is: It depends. This week (spoiler alert), the 5-5 Los Angeles Lakers make their Sour Rankings season debut in part due to LeBron James being sidelined. The Milwaukee Bucks, however, do not, with Brook Lopez, Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton out.
Milwaukee knows what it has in about 85% of its roster, and things should click when those players return. But the Lakers are still figuring things out, and when the centerpiece of all centerpieces goes down for an extended period, that severely impacts team development. You'll hear more about the Lakers below.
If you're new to the Sour Rankings, here's a refresher. Unlike the typical "power rankings" that repeat themselves throughout sports media, Sour Rankings are a bizarro-world counter. These rankings highlight the top-10 most frustrating NBA franchises throughout the season, and they will be updated every week to match the twists and turns of the league.&nbsp;
This is not merely a bottom-10 of your typical best-to-worst power rankings. You will see championship contenders and playoff hopefuls mixed in with struggling squads. Teams well-under .500 may never touch the Sour Rankings because they are on track with their respective processes. Injuries, drama, transactions and general underwhelming play will all be considered.
The central question is ultimately this: How good should you feel about the direction of each franchise? Some teams value wins this season and paths to a title, while others are looking down the road at long-term pieces. Let's get going:
Escaping the Sour Rankings:&nbsp;The Brooklyn Nets are cruising as winners of four straight, and have potentially outlived their place in these rankings for good. Portland continues to split weeks, but at 5-5, has room to grow once Damian Lillard rounds into form.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Clippers used a 4-0 week to complete turn their early-season outlook around. And though I still loathe much about the Dallas Mavericks, they are 6-3, and Luka Doncic's buzzer-beater was perhaps the highlight of the past week,
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
10. Charlotte Hornets (5-6)
Miles Bridges and LaMelo Ball may be lighting things up, but the Hornets have lost four games in a row thanks to some eye-sore defense. Charlotte ranks 29th in half-court points allowed per play, according to Cleaning the Glass, and has given up an average of 121.8 points during its four-game skid.
Opponents have been shooting a 56.1% Effective Field Goal percentage (second-highest) and taking 19.3 free throws per 100 shots (fifth-most). Charlotte has to clean things up with some high-powered offenses coming down the pipe.
(Last week: Unranked)
9. Houston Rockets (1-9)
The Rockets have the longest losing streak in the NBA at eight games. That's not necessarily a huge issue given the team's rebuilding focus. But Houston has been difficult to watch at times as the backcourt of the future undergoes some serious growing pains.
Kevin Porter Jr. and Jalen Green are averaging a combined 8.2 assists against 7.4 turnovers per game, while neither holds a True Shooting percentage over 48% (very bad). Houston turns the ball over more than any other team, and fans just kind of have to ride the wave at this point.
(Last week: 9)
8. Detroit Pistons (1-8)
Detroit's offense has been blindingly bad for most of the season. The Pistons sport a league-worst 45.2 eFG%, which is over three percentage points lower than the No. 29 Oklahoma City Thunder; for context, three percentage points separate OKC from the 19th-ranked Clippers. Cade Cunningham cannot buy a perimeter bucket to save his life, and neither can most other Pistons players.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Cade Cunningham isn't super bursty, isn't an elite vertical athlete. He'll win with craft and power. Enjoying the way he's using his shoulder to create space -- no real need to push off and leave yourself susceptible to offensive fouls. <a href="https://t.co/pRg0Z2V0Lr">pic.twitter.com/pRg0Z2V0Lr</a>
&mdash; Nekias (Nuh-KY-us) Duncan (@NekiasNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NekiasNBA/status/1456767554718941185?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

However, I'll concede a small positive: Killian Hayes has made 38.1% of his threes, albeit on just 21 total attempts. He's found some touch from the corners with a 40% clip. I'd feel a lot better if the rest of his scoring efficiency wasn't so abysmal.
(Last week: 8)
7. Indiana Pacers (4-7)
Even without Malcolm Brogdon, the Pacers found a nice little groove this week, going 3-1 with wins over the Spurs, Knicks and Kings. They're still middle-of-the-road for most basic metrics in classic Pacers fashion, but things were really getting scary, and maybe some positive momentum can get them out of the Sour Rankings next week.
I'm intrigued by this four-man group of Chris Duarte, Caris LeVert, Domantas Sabonis and Myles Turner. That's a lot of scoring and playmaking versatility in my mind, and it could flourish with Brogdon or TJ McConnell at point guard. The aforementioned group has outscored teams by 26 points per 100 possessions in 64 minutes together (smal sample size alert).
(Last week: 2)
6. Atlanta Hawks (4-6)
What's going on in Atlanta? The Hawks went 1-3 this week &mdash; though they were tough losses against Brooklyn, Utah and Phoenix &mdash; and are 1-5 in their last six games. Surprisingly, this group ranks 28th in three-point frequency, per Cleaning the Glass. That's despite John Collins, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Danilo Gallinari and De'Andre Hunter all shooting over 40% from downtown. Atlanta is also 23rd in rim-attempt frequency, but second in mid-range frequency. Weird.
(Last week: Unranked)
5. Los Angeles Lakers (5-5)
In a 1-2 week, L.A. lost and struggled to score against two pretty terrible Thunder and Blazer defenses. In fairness, the Lakers were without Anthony Davis against Portland, and Carmelo Anthony has really shined as a spark plug off the bench.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Russell Westbrook to a reporter asking about the final possessions: "You saw it. Don't ask me questions you know the answer to. You seen it. I lost the ball. I missed a three. There's nothing to it." <a href="https://t.co/7aeYFlwxFH">pic.twitter.com/7aeYFlwxFH</a>
&mdash; Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ballislife/status/1456603115403321353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

But this is all about LeBron James, who the Lakers said will miss at least a week with an abdominal strain. Los Angeles' former trainer thinks it <a href="https://theathletic.com/2940950/2021/11/07/lebron-james-could-be-out-much-longer-than-the-lakers-are-saying-can-they-survive-without-him/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">could be more like 4-8 weeks</a>. It's extremely ominous that the 36-year-old James is missing extended periods in multiple seasons after multiple shortened offseasons... and that the Lakers are struggling to win without him.
(Last week: Unranked)
4. Minnesota Timberwolves (3-5)
This rapid downhill spiral feels all too familiar for Minnesota, who lost all three matchups this week by double digits. The Timberwolves take the most threes in the entire NBA, but make just 32.1% of their attempts. They're also making a mind-numbing 22.8% of their corner three attempts, nearly eight percentage points worse than any other team.
Quite honestly, I don't see how the latter rate improves looking at this roster. D'Angelo Russell and Anthony Edwards, who are streaky in their own right, won't be chilling in the corner often. Outside of Malik Beasley, the rest of the team doesn't possess much perimeter upside, meaning it's on Beasley and Karl-Anthony Towns to carry the load.
(Last week: Unranked)
3. Boston Celtics (4-6)
What an absolutely wacky week for the Celtics. They were outscored in that 39-11 fourth quarter in the loss to Chicago, prompting a players-only meeting, and then stomped Orlando and Miami on a back-to-back before losing in heart-breaking fashion to the Dallas Mavericks. Now Boston will be without Jaylen Brown for 1-2 weeks due to a hamstring strain.
It feels like everyone, including myself, has been shouting at the team to attack the basket. The Celtics are 27th in the league in rim attempts frequency despite being ninth in field goal percentage at the basket. The problem is they lack the consistent downhill players to apply more pressure outside of Dennis Schr&ouml;der.
(Last week: 4)
2. Phoenix Suns (5-3)
Sure, the Suns are on a four-game winning streak. But that pales in comparison to the <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/unpacking-espns-damning-allegations-against-suns-owner-robert-sarver" target="_blank" rel="noopener">bombshell ESPN report on Robert Sarver's alleged racism and sexism</a> that was finally released this past Friday.&nbsp;
Obviously, due process exists, and the NBA will have to finish its full investigation before final judgement is passed. But this report didn't just contain one-off instances; there was a clear alleged pattern of discrimination and disrespect that began with Sarver and spread throughout Suns management. It's yet another reminder of how easily owners and teams can cover up toxicity in the workplace.
(Last week: 6)
1. New Orleans Pelicans (1-9)
Yeesh, the Pelicans are awful. They've lost six in a row and the margin of defeat has increased in each subsequent contest. New Orleans isn't doing anything particularly well right now outside of rebounding, and that's essentially attributed to Jonas Valanciunas and his 14.1 boards per game. Pick a non-rebounding team stat, and you'll likely find the Pelicans near the bottom. I feel for Brandon Ingram right now.
(Last week: 1)

How much should poor play be discounted by injuries?
It's one of the core philosophical questions of these Sour Rankings, and a layered thought that produces different answers in different viewers. Obviously, fans should feel distraught when a player gets hurt, especially when it results in a long-term injury. But if a team starts losing in the absence of key contributors, how much does that matter?
My answer is: It depends. This week (spoiler alert), the 5-5 Los Angeles Lakers make their Sour Rankings season debut in part due to LeBron James being sidelined. The Milwaukee Bucks, however, do not, with Brook Lopez, Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton out.
Milwaukee knows what it has in about 85% of its roster, and things should click when those players return. But the Lakers are still figuring things out, and when the centerpiece of all centerpieces goes down for an extended period, that severely impacts team development. You'll hear more about the Lakers below.
If you're new to the Sour Rankings, here's a refresher. Unlike the typical "power rankings" that repeat themselves throughout sports media, Sour Rankings are a bizarro-world counter. These rankings highlight the top-10 most frustrating NBA franchises throughout the season, and they will be updated every week to match the twists and turns of the league.&nbsp;
This is not merely a bottom-10 of your typical best-to-worst power rankings. You will see championship contenders and playoff hopefuls mixed in with struggling squads. Teams well-under .500 may never touch the Sour Rankings because they are on track with their respective processes. Injuries, drama, transactions and general underwhelming play will all be considered.
The central question is ultimately this: How good should you feel about the direction of each franchise? Some teams value wins this season and paths to a title, while others are looking down the road at long-term pieces. Let's get going:
Escaping the Sour Rankings:&nbsp;The Brooklyn Nets are cruising as winners of four straight, and have potentially outlived their place in these rankings for good. Portland continues to split weeks, but at 5-5, has room to grow once Damian Lillard rounds into form.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Clippers used a 4-0 week to complete turn their early-season outlook around. And though I still loathe much about the Dallas Mavericks, they are 6-3, and Luka Doncic's buzzer-beater was perhaps the highlight of the past week,
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
10. Charlotte Hornets (5-6)
Miles Bridges and LaMelo Ball may be lighting things up, but the Hornets have lost four games in a row thanks to some eye-sore defense. Charlotte ranks 29th in half-court points allowed per play, according to Cleaning the Glass, and has given up an average of 121.8 points during its four-game skid.
Opponents have been shooting a 56.1% Effective Field Goal percentage (second-highest) and taking 19.3 free throws per 100 shots (fifth-most). Charlotte has to clean things up with some high-powered offenses coming down the pipe.
(Last week: Unranked)
9. Houston Rockets (1-9)
The Rockets have the longest losing streak in the NBA at eight games. That's not necessarily a huge issue given the team's rebuilding focus. But Houston has been difficult to watch at times as the backcourt of the future undergoes some serious growing pains.
Kevin Porter Jr. and Jalen Green are averaging a combined 8.2 assists against 7.4 turnovers per game, while neither holds a True Shooting percentage over 48% (very bad). Houston turns the ball over more than any other team, and fans just kind of have to ride the wave at this point.
(Last week: 9)
8. Detroit Pistons (1-8)
Detroit's offense has been blindingly bad for most of the season. The Pistons sport a league-worst 45.2 eFG%, which is over three percentage points lower than the No. 29 Oklahoma City Thunder; for context, three percentage points separate OKC from the 19th-ranked Clippers. Cade Cunningham cannot buy a perimeter bucket to save his life, and neither can most other Pistons players.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Cade Cunningham isn't super bursty, isn't an elite vertical athlete. He'll win with craft and power. Enjoying the way he's using his shoulder to create space -- no real need to push off and leave yourself susceptible to offensive fouls. <a href="https://t.co/pRg0Z2V0Lr">pic.twitter.com/pRg0Z2V0Lr</a>
&mdash; Nekias (Nuh-KY-us) Duncan (@NekiasNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NekiasNBA/status/1456767554718941185?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

However, I'll concede a small positive: Killian Hayes has made 38.1% of his threes, albeit on just 21 total attempts. He's found some touch from the corners with a 40% clip. I'd feel a lot better if the rest of his scoring efficiency wasn't so abysmal.
(Last week: 8)
7. Indiana Pacers (4-7)
Even without Malcolm Brogdon, the Pacers found a nice little groove this week, going 3-1 with wins over the Spurs, Knicks and Kings. They're still middle-of-the-road for most basic metrics in classic Pacers fashion, but things were really getting scary, and maybe some positive momentum can get them out of the Sour Rankings next week.
I'm intrigued by this four-man group of Chris Duarte, Caris LeVert, Domantas Sabonis and Myles Turner. That's a lot of scoring and playmaking versatility in my mind, and it could flourish with Brogdon or TJ McConnell at point guard. The aforementioned group has outscored teams by 26 points per 100 possessions in 64 minutes together (smal sample size alert).
(Last week: 2)
6. Atlanta Hawks (4-6)
What's going on in Atlanta? The Hawks went 1-3 this week &mdash; though they were tough losses against Brooklyn, Utah and Phoenix &mdash; and are 1-5 in their last six games. Surprisingly, this group ranks 28th in three-point frequency, per Cleaning the Glass. That's despite John Collins, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Danilo Gallinari and De'Andre Hunter all shooting over 40% from downtown. Atlanta is also 23rd in rim-attempt frequency, but second in mid-range frequency. Weird.
(Last week: Unranked)
5. Los Angeles Lakers (5-5)
In a 1-2 week, L.A. lost and struggled to score against two pretty terrible Thunder and Blazer defenses. In fairness, the Lakers were without Anthony Davis against Portland, and Carmelo Anthony has really shined as a spark plug off the bench.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Russell Westbrook to a reporter asking about the final possessions: "You saw it. Don't ask me questions you know the answer to. You seen it. I lost the ball. I missed a three. There's nothing to it." <a href="https://t.co/7aeYFlwxFH">pic.twitter.com/7aeYFlwxFH</a>
&mdash; Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ballislife/status/1456603115403321353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

But this is all about LeBron James, who the Lakers said will miss at least a week with an abdominal strain. Los Angeles' former trainer thinks it <a href="https://theathletic.com/2940950/2021/11/07/lebron-james-could-be-out-much-longer-than-the-lakers-are-saying-can-they-survive-without-him/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">could be more like 4-8 weeks</a>. It's extremely ominous that the 36-year-old James is missing extended periods in multiple seasons after multiple shortened offseasons... and that the Lakers are struggling to win without him.
(Last week: Unranked)
4. Minnesota Timberwolves (3-5)
This rapid downhill spiral feels all too familiar for Minnesota, who lost all three matchups this week by double digits. The Timberwolves take the most threes in the entire NBA, but make just 32.1% of their attempts. They're also making a mind-numbing 22.8% of their corner three attempts, nearly eight percentage points worse than any other team.
Quite honestly, I don't see how the latter rate improves looking at this roster. D'Angelo Russell and Anthony Edwards, who are streaky in their own right, won't be chilling in the corner often. Outside of Malik Beasley, the rest of the team doesn't possess much perimeter upside, meaning it's on Beasley and Karl-Anthony Towns to carry the load.
(Last week: Unranked)
3. Boston Celtics (4-6)
What an absolutely wacky week for the Celtics. They were outscored in that 39-11 fourth quarter in the loss to Chicago, prompting a <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/report-celtics-host-playersonly-meeting-prior-to-win-over-magic" target="_blank" rel="noopener">players-only meeting</a>, and then stomped Orlando and Miami on a back-to-back before losing in heart-breaking fashion to the Dallas Mavericks. Now Boston will be without Jaylen Brown for 1-2 weeks due to a hamstring strain.
It feels like everyone, including myself, has been shouting at the team to attack the basket. The Celtics are 27th in the league in rim attempts frequency despite being ninth in field goal percentage at the basket. The problem is they lack the consistent downhill players to apply more pressure outside of Dennis Schr&ouml;der.
(Last week: 4)
2. Phoenix Suns (5-3)
Sure, the Suns are on a four-game winning streak. But that pales in comparison to the <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/unpacking-espns-damning-allegations-against-suns-owner-robert-sarver" target="_blank" rel="noopener">bombshell ESPN report on Robert Sarver's alleged racism and sexism</a> that was finally released this past Friday.&nbsp;
Obviously, due process exists, and the NBA will have to finish its full investigation before final judgement is passed. But this report didn't just contain one-off instances; there was a clear alleged pattern of discrimination and disrespect that began with Sarver and spread throughout Suns management. It's yet another reminder of how easily owners and teams can cover up toxicity in the workplace.
(Last week: 6)
1. New Orleans Pelicans (1-9)
Yeesh, the Pelicans are awful. They've lost six in a row and the margin of defeat has increased in each subsequent contest. New Orleans isn't doing anything particularly well right now outside of rebounding, and that's essentially attributed to Jonas Valanciunas and his 14.1 boards per game. Pick a non-rebounding team stat, and you'll likely find the Pelicans near the bottom. I feel for Brandon Ingram right now.
(Last week: 1)

How much should poor play be discounted by injuries?
It's one of the core philosophical questions of these Sour Rankings, and a layered thought that produces different answers in different viewers. Obviously, fans should feel distraught when a player gets hurt, especially when it results in a long-term injury. But if a team starts losing in the absence of key contributors, how much does that matter?
My answer is: It depends. This week (spoiler alert), the 5-5 Los Angeles Lakers make their Sour Rankings season debut in part due to LeBron James being sidelined. The Milwaukee Bucks, however, do not, with Brook Lopez, Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton out.
Milwaukee knows what it has in about 85% of its roster, and things should click when those players return. But the Lakers are still figuring things out, and when the centerpiece of all centerpieces goes down for an extended period, that severely impacts team development. You'll hear more about the Lakers below.
If you're new to the Sour Rankings, here's a refresher. Unlike the typical "power rankings" that repeat themselves throughout sports media, Sour Rankings are a bizarro-world counter. These rankings highlight the top-10 most frustrating NBA franchises throughout the season, and they will be updated every week to match the twists and turns of the league.&nbsp;
This is not merely a bottom-10 of your typical best-to-worst power rankings. You will see championship contenders and playoff hopefuls mixed in with struggling squads. Teams well-under .500 may never touch the Sour Rankings because they are on track with their respective processes. Injuries, drama, transactions and general underwhelming play will all be considered.
The central question is ultimately this: How good should you feel about the direction of each franchise? Some teams value wins this season and paths to a title, while others are looking down the road at long-term pieces. Let's get going:
Escaping the Sour Rankings:&nbsp;The Brooklyn Nets are cruising as winners of four straight, and have potentially outlived their place in these rankings for good. Portland continues to split weeks, but at 5-5, has room to grow once Damian Lillard rounds into form.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Clippers used a 4-0 week to complete turn their early-season outlook around. And though I still loathe much about the Dallas Mavericks, they are 6-3, and Luka Doncic's buzzer-beater was perhaps the highlight of the past week,
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
10. Charlotte Hornets (5-6)
Miles Bridges and LaMelo Ball may be lighting things up, but the Hornets have lost four games in a row thanks to some eye-sore defense. Charlotte ranks 29th in half-court points allowed per play, according to Cleaning the Glass, and has given up an average of 121.8 points during its four-game skid.
Opponents have been shooting a 56.1% Effective Field Goal percentage (second-highest) and taking 19.3 free throws per 100 shots (fifth-most). Charlotte has to clean things up with some high-powered offenses coming down the pipe.
(Last week: Unranked)
9. Houston Rockets (1-9)
The Rockets have the longest losing streak in the NBA at eight games. That's not necessarily a huge issue given the team's rebuilding focus. But Houston has been difficult to watch at times as the backcourt of the future undergoes some serious growing pains.
Kevin Porter Jr. and Jalen Green are averaging a combined 8.2 assists against 7.4 turnovers per game, while neither holds a True Shooting percentage over 48% (very bad). Houston turns the ball over more than any other team, and fans just kind of have to ride the wave at this point.
(Last week: 9)
8. Detroit Pistons (1-8)
Detroit's offense has been blindingly bad for most of the season. The Pistons sport a league-worst 45.2 eFG%, which is over three percentage points lower than the No. 29 Oklahoma City Thunder; for context, three percentage points separate OKC from the 19th-ranked Clippers. Cade Cunningham cannot buy a perimeter bucket to save his life, and neither can most other Pistons players.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Cade Cunningham isn't super bursty, isn't an elite vertical athlete. He'll win with craft and power. Enjoying the way he's using his shoulder to create space -- no real need to push off and leave yourself susceptible to offensive fouls. <a href="https://t.co/pRg0Z2V0Lr">pic.twitter.com/pRg0Z2V0Lr</a>
&mdash; Nekias (Nuh-KY-us) Duncan (@NekiasNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NekiasNBA/status/1456767554718941185?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

However, I'll concede a small positive: Killian Hayes has made 38.1% of his threes, albeit on just 21 total attempts. He's found some touch from the corners with a 40% clip. I'd feel a lot better if the rest of his scoring efficiency wasn't so abysmal.
(Last week: 8)
7. Indiana Pacers (4-7)
Even without Malcolm Brogdon, the Pacers found a nice little groove this week, going 3-1 with wins over the Spurs, Knicks and Kings. They're still middle-of-the-road for most basic metrics in classic Pacers fashion, but things were really getting scary, and maybe some positive momentum can get them out of the Sour Rankings next week.
I'm intrigued by this four-man group of Chris Duarte, Caris LeVert, Domantas Sabonis and Myles Turner. That's a lot of scoring and playmaking versatility in my mind, and it could flourish with Brogdon or TJ McConnell at point guard. The aforementioned group has outscored teams by 26 points per 100 possessions in 64 minutes together (smal sample size alert).
(Last week: 2)
6. Atlanta Hawks (4-6)
What's going on in Atlanta? The Hawks went 1-3 this week &mdash; though they were tough losses against Brooklyn, Utah and Phoenix &mdash; and are 1-5 in their last six games. Surprisingly, this group ranks 28th in three-point frequency, per Cleaning the Glass. That's despite John Collins, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Danilo Gallinari and De'Andre Hunter all shooting over 40% from downtown. Atlanta is also 23rd in rim-attempt frequency, but second in mid-range frequency. Weird.
(Last week: Unranked)
5. Los Angeles Lakers (5-5)
In a 1-2 week, L.A. lost and struggled to score against two pretty terrible Thunder and Blazer defenses. In fairness, the Lakers were without Anthony Davis against Portland, and Carmelo Anthony has really shined as a spark plug off the bench.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Russell Westbrook to a reporter asking about the final possessions: "You saw it. Don't ask me questions you know the answer to. You seen it. I lost the ball. I missed a three. There's nothing to it." <a href="https://t.co/7aeYFlwxFH">pic.twitter.com/7aeYFlwxFH</a>
&mdash; Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ballislife/status/1456603115403321353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

But this is all about LeBron James, who the Lakers said will miss at least a week with an abdominal strain. Los Angeles' former trainer thinks it <a href="https://theathletic.com/2940950/2021/11/07/lebron-james-could-be-out-much-longer-than-the-lakers-are-saying-can-they-survive-without-him/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">could be more like 4-8 weeks</a>. It's extremely ominous that the 36-year-old James is missing extended periods in multiple seasons after multiple shortened offseasons... and that the Lakers are struggling to win without him.
(Last week: Unranked)
4. Minnesota Timberwolves (3-5)
This rapid downhill spiral feels all too familiar for Minnesota, who lost all three matchups this week by double digits. The Timberwolves take the most threes in the entire NBA, but make just 32.1% of their attempts. They're also making a mind-numbing 22.8% of their corner three attempts, nearly eight percentage points worse than any other team.
Quite honestly, I don't see how the latter rate improves looking at this roster. D'Angelo Russell and Anthony Edwards, who are streaky in their own right, won't be chilling in the corner often. Outside of Malik Beasley, the rest of the team doesn't possess much perimeter upside, meaning it's on Beasley and Karl-Anthony Towns to carry the load.
(Last week: Unranked)
3. Boston Celtics (4-6)
What an absolutely wacky week for the Celtics. They were outscored in that 39-11 fourth quarter in the loss to Chicago&nbsp; prompting a <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/report-celtics-host-playersonly-meeting-prior-to-win-over-magic" target="_blank" rel="noopener">players-only meeting</a>, and then stomped Orlando and Miami on a back-to-back before losing in heart-breaking fashion to the Dallas Mavericks. Now Boston will be without Jaylen Brown for 1-2 weeks due to a hamstring strain.
It feels like everyone, including myself, has been shouting at the team to attack the basket. The Celtics are 27th in the league in rim attempts frequency despite being ninth in field goal percentage at the basket. The problem is they lack the consistent downhill players to apply more pressure outside of Dennis Schr&ouml;der.
(Last week: 4)
2. Phoenix Suns (5-3)
Sure, the Suns are on a four-game winning streak. But that pales in comparison to the <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/unpacking-espns-damning-allegations-against-suns-owner-robert-sarver" target="_blank" rel="noopener">bombshell ESPN report on Robert Sarver's alleged racism and sexism</a> that was finally released this past Friday.&nbsp;
Obviously, due process exists, and the NBA will have to finish its full investigation before final judgement is passed. But this report didn't just contain one-off instances; there was a clear alleged pattern of discrimination and disrespect that began with Sarver and spread throughout Suns management. It's yet another reminder of how easily owners and teams can cover up toxicity in the workplace.
(Last week: 6)
1. New Orleans Pelicans (1-9)
Yeesh, the Pelicans are awful. They've lost six in a row and the margin of defeat has increased in each subsequent contest. New Orleans isn't doing anything particularly well right now outside of rebounding, and that's essentially attributed to Jonas Valanciunas and his 14.1 boards per game. Pick a non-rebounding team stat, and you'll likely find the Pelicans near the bottom. I feel for Brandon Ingram right now.
(Last week: 1)

How much should poor play be discounted by injuries?
It's one of the core philosophical questions of these Sour Rankings, and a layered thought that produces different answers in different viewers. Obviously, fans should feel distraught when a player gets hurt, especially when it results in a long-term injury. But if a team starts losing in the absence of key contributors, how much does that matter?
My answer is: It depends. This week (spoiler alert), the 5-5 Los Angeles Lakers make their Sour Rankings season debut in part due to LeBron James being sidelined. The Milwaukee Bucks, however, do not, with Brook Lopez, Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton out.
Milwaukee knows what it has in about 85% of its roster, and things should click when those players return. But the Lakers are still figuring things out, and when the centerpiece of all centerpieces goes down for an extended period, that severely impacts team development. You'll hear more about the Lakers below.
If you're new to the Sour Rankings, here's a refresher. Unlike the typical "power rankings" that repeat themselves throughout sports media, Sour Rankings are a bizarro-world counter. These rankings highlight the top-10 most frustrating NBA franchises throughout the season, and they will be updated every week to match the twists and turns of the league.&nbsp;
This is not merely a bottom-10 of your typical best-to-worst power rankings. You will see championship contenders and playoff hopefuls mixed in with struggling squads. Teams well-under .500 may never touch the Sour Rankings because they are on track with their respective processes. Injuries, drama, transactions and general underwhelming play will all be considered.
The central question is ultimately this: How good should you feel about the direction of each franchise? Some teams value wins this season and paths to a title, while others are looking down the road at long-term pieces. Let's get going:
Escaping the Sour Rankings:&nbsp;The Brooklyn Nets are cruising as winners of four straight, and have potentially outlived their place in these rankings for good. Portland continues to split weeks, but at 5-5, has room to grow once Damian Lillard rounds into form.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Clippers used a 4-0 week to complete turn their early-season outlook around. And though I still loathe much about the Dallas Mavericks, they are 6-3, and Luka Doncic's buzzer-beater was perhaps the highlight of the past week,
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
10. Charlotte Hornets (5-6)
Miles Bridges and LaMelo Ball may be lighting things up, but the Hornets have lost four games in a row thanks to some eye-sore defense. Charlotte ranks 29th in half-court points allowed per play, according to Cleaning the Glass, and has given up an average of 121.8 points during its four-game skid.
Opponents have been shooting a 56.1% Effective Field Goal percentage (second-highest) and taking 19.3 free throws per 100 shots (fifth-most). Charlotte has to clean things up with some high-powered offenses coming down the pipe.
(Last week: Unranked)
9. Houston Rockets (1-9)
The Rockets have the longest losing streak in the NBA at eight games. That's not necessarily a huge issue given the team's rebuilding focus. But Houston has been difficult to watch at times as the backcourt of the future undergoes some serious growing pains.
Kevin Porter Jr. and Jalen Green are averaging a combined 8.2 assists against 7.4 turnovers per game, while neither holds a True Shooting percentage over 48% (very bad). Houston turns the ball over more than any other team, and fans just kind of have to ride the wave at this point.
(Last week: 9)
8. Detroit Pistons (1-8)
Detroit's offense has been blindingly bad for most of the season. The Pistons sport a league-worst 45.2 eFG%, which is over three percentage points lower than the No. 29 Oklahoma City Thunder; for context, three percentage points separate OKC from the 19th-ranked Clippers. Cade Cunningham cannot buy a perimeter bucket to save his life, and neither can most other Pistons players.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Cade Cunningham isn't super bursty, isn't an elite vertical athlete. He'll win with craft and power. Enjoying the way he's using his shoulder to create space -- no real need to push off and leave yourself susceptible to offensive fouls. <a href="https://t.co/pRg0Z2V0Lr">pic.twitter.com/pRg0Z2V0Lr</a>
&mdash; Nekias (Nuh-KY-us) Duncan (@NekiasNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NekiasNBA/status/1456767554718941185?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

However, I'll concede a small positive: Killian Hayes has made 38.1% of his threes, albeit on just 21 total attempts. He's found some touch from the corners with a 40% clip. I'd feel a lot better if the rest of his scoring efficiency wasn't so abysmal.
(Last week: 8)
7. Indiana Pacers (4-7)
Even without Malcolm Brogdon, the Pacers found a nice little groove this week, going 3-1 with wins over the Spurs, Knicks and Kings. They're still middle-of-the-road for most basic metrics in classic Pacers fashion, but things were really getting scary, and maybe some positive momentum can get them out of the Sour Rankings next week.
I'm intrigued by this four-man group of Chris Duarte, Caris LeVert, Domantas Sabonis and Myles Turner. That's a lot of scoring and playmaking versatility in my mind, and it could flourish with Brogdon or TJ McConnell at point guard. The aforementioned group has outscored teams by 26 points per 100 possessions in 64 minutes together (smal sample size alert).
(Last week: 2)
6. Atlanta Hawks (4-6)
What's going on in Atlanta? The Hawks went 1-3 this week &mdash; though they were tough losses against Brooklyn, Utah and Phoenix &mdash; and are 1-5 in their last six games. Surprisingly, this group ranks 28th in three-point frequency, per Cleaning the Glass. That's despite John Collins, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Danilo Gallinari and De'Andre Hunter all shooting over 40% from downtown. Atlanta is also 23rd in rim-attempt frequency, but second in mid-range frequency. Weird.
(Last week: Unranked)
5. Los Angeles Lakers (5-5)
In a 1-2 week, L.A. lost and struggled to score against two pretty terrible Thunder and Blazer defenses. In fairness, the Lakers were without Anthony Davis against Portland, and Carmelo Anthony has really shined as a spark plug off the bench.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Russell Westbrook to a reporter asking about the final possessions: "You saw it. Don't ask me questions you know the answer to. You seen it. I lost the ball. I missed a three. There's nothing to it." <a href="https://t.co/7aeYFlwxFH">pic.twitter.com/7aeYFlwxFH</a>
&mdash; Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ballislife/status/1456603115403321353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

But this is all about LeBron James, who the Lakers said will miss at least a week with an abdominal strain. Los Angeles' former trainer thinks it <a href="https://theathletic.com/2940950/2021/11/07/lebron-james-could-be-out-much-longer-than-the-lakers-are-saying-can-they-survive-without-him/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">could be more like 4-8 weeks</a>. It's extremely ominous that the 36-year-old James is missing extended periods in multiple seasons after multiple shortened offseasons... and that the Lakers are struggling to win without him.
(Last week: Unranked)
4. Minnesota Timberwolves (3-5)
This rapid downhill spiral feels all too familiar for Minnesota, who lost all three matchups this week by double digits. The Timberwolves take the most threes in the entire NBA, but make just 32.1% of their attempts. They're also making a mind-numbing 22.8% of their corner three attempts, nearly eight percentage points worse than any other team.
Quite honestly, I don't see how the latter rate improves looking at this roster. D'Angelo Russell and Anthony Edwards, who are streaky in their own right, won't be chilling in the corner often. Outside of Malik Beasley, the rest of the team doesn't possess much perimeter upside, meaning it's on Beasley and Karl-Anthony Towns to carry the load.
(Last week: Unranked)
3. Boston Celtics (4-6)
What an absolutely wacky week for the Celtics. They were outscored in that 39-11 fourth quarter in the loss to Chicago (prompting a <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/report-celtics-host-playersonly-meeting-prior-to-win-over-magic" target="_blank" rel="noopener">players-only meeting</a>), and then stomped Orlando and Miami on a back-to-back before losing in heart-breaking fashion to the Dallas Mavericks. Now Boston will be without Jaylen Brown for 1-2 weeks due to a hamstring strain.
It feels like everyone, including myself, has been shouting at the team to attack the basket. The Celtics are 27th in the league in rim attempts frequency despite being ninth in field goal percentage at the basket. The problem is they lack the consistent downhill players to apply more pressure outside of Dennis Schr&ouml;der.
(Last week: 4)
2. Phoenix Suns (5-3)
Sure, the Suns are on a four-game winning streak. But that pales in comparison to the <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/unpacking-espns-damning-allegations-against-suns-owner-robert-sarver" target="_blank" rel="noopener">bombshell ESPN report on Robert Sarver's alleged racism and sexism</a> that was finally released this past Friday.&nbsp;
Obviously, due process exists, and the NBA will have to finish its full investigation before final judgement is passed. But this report didn't just contain one-off instances; there was a clear alleged pattern of discrimination and disrespect that began with Sarver and spread throughout Suns management. It's yet another reminder of how easily owners and teams can cover up toxicity in the workplace.
(Last week: 6)
1. New Orleans Pelicans (1-9)
Yeesh, the Pelicans are awful. They've lost six in a row and the margin of defeat has increased in each subsequent contest. New Orleans isn't doing anything particularly well right now outside of rebounding, and that's essentially attributed to Jonas Valanciunas and his 14.1 boards per game. Pick a non-rebounding team stat, and you'll likely find the Pelicans near the bottom. I feel for Brandon Ingram right now.
(Last week: 1)

How much should poor play be discounted by injuries?
It's one of the core philosophical questions of these Sour Rankings, and a layered thought that produces different answers in different viewers. Obviously, fans should feel distraught when a player gets hurt, especially when it results in a long-term injury. But if a team starts losing in the absence of key contributors, how much does that matter?
My answer is: It depends. This week (spoiler alert), the 5-5 Los Angeles Lakers make their Sour Rankings season debut in part due to LeBron James being sidelined. The Milwaukee Bucks, however, do not, with Brook Lopez, Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton out.
Milwaukee knows what it has in about 85% of its roster, and things should click when those players return. But the Lakers are still figuring things out, and when the centerpiece of all centerpieces goes down for an extended period, that severely impacts team development. You'll hear more about the Lakers below.
If you're new to the Sour Rankings, here's a refresher. Unlike the typical "power rankings" that repeat themselves throughout sports media, Sour Rankings are a bizarro-world counter. These rankings highlight the top-10 most frustrating NBA franchises throughout the season, and they will be updated every week to match the twists and turns of the league.&nbsp;
This is not merely a bottom-10 of your typical best-to-worst power rankings. You will see championship contenders and playoff hopefuls mixed in with struggling squads. Teams well-under .500 may never touch the Sour Rankings because they are on track with their respective processes. Injuries, drama, transactions and general underwhelming play will all be considered.
The central question is ultimately this: How good should you feel about the direction of each franchise? Some teams value wins this season and paths to a title, while others are looking down the road at long-term pieces. Let's get going:
Escaping the Sour Rankings:&nbsp;The Brooklyn Nets are cruising as winners of four straight, and have potentially outlived their place in these rankings for good. Portland continues to split weeks, but at 5-5, has room to grow once Damian Lillard rounds into form.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Clippers used a 4-0 week to complete turn their early-season outlook around. And though I still loathe much about the Dallas Mavericks, they are 6-3, and Luka Doncic's buzzer-beater was perhaps the highlight of the past week,
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
10. Charlotte Hornets (5-6)
Miles Bridges and LaMelo Ball may be lighting things up, but the Hornets have lost four games in a row thanks to some eye-sore defense. Charlotte ranks 29th in half-court points allowed per play, according to Cleaning the Glass, and has given up an average of 121.8 points during its four-game skid.
Opponents have been shooting a 56.1% Effective Field Goal percentage (second-highest) and taking 19.3 free throws per 100 shots (fifth-most). Charlotte has to clean things up with some high-powered offenses coming down the pipe.
(Last week: Unranked)
9. Houston Rockets (1-9)
The Rockets have the longest losing streak in the NBA at eight games. That's not necessarily a huge issue given the team's rebuilding focus. But Houston has been difficult to watch at times as the backcourt of the future undergoes some serious growing pains.
Kevin Porter Jr. and Jalen Green are averaging a combined 8.2 assists against 7.4 turnovers per game, while neither holds a True Shooting percentage over 48% (very bad). Houston turns the ball over more than any other team, and fans just kind of have to ride the wave at this point.
(Last week: 9)
8. Detroit Pistons (1-8)
Detroit's offense has been blindingly bad for most of the season. The Pistons sport a league-worst 45.2 eFG%, which is over three percentage points lower than the No. 29 Oklahoma City Thunder; for context, three percentage points separate OKC from the 19th-ranked Clippers. Cade Cunningham cannot buy a perimeter bucket to save his life, and neither can most other Pistons players.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Cade Cunningham isn't super bursty, isn't an elite vertical athlete. He'll win with craft and power. Enjoying the way he's using his shoulder to create space -- no real need to push off and leave yourself susceptible to offensive fouls. <a href="https://t.co/pRg0Z2V0Lr">pic.twitter.com/pRg0Z2V0Lr</a>
&mdash; Nekias (Nuh-KY-us) Duncan (@NekiasNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NekiasNBA/status/1456767554718941185?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

However, I'll concede a small positive: Killian Hayes has made 38.1% of his threes, albeit on just 21 total attempts. He's found some touch from the corners with a 40% clip. I'd feel a lot better if the rest of his scoring efficiency wasn't so abysmal.
(Last week: 8)
7. Indiana Pacers (4-7)
Even without Malcolm Brogdon, the Pacers found a nice little groove this week, going 3-1 with wins over the Spurs, Knicks and Kings. They're still middle-of-the-road for most basic metrics in classic Pacers fashion, but things were really getting scary, and maybe some positive momentum can get them out of the Sour Rankings next week.
I'm intrigued by this four-man group of Chris Duarte, Caris LeVert, Domantas Sabonis and Myles Turner. That's a lot of scoring and playmaking versatility in my mind, and it could flourish with Brogdon or TJ McConnell at point guard. The aforementioned group has outscored teams by 26 points per 100 possessions in 64 minutes together (smal sample size alert).
(Last week: 2)
6. Atlanta Hawks (4-6)
What's going on in Atlanta? The Hawks went 1-3 this week &mdash; though they were tough losses against Brooklyn, Utah and Phoenix &mdash; and are 1-5 in their last six games. Surprisingly, this group ranks 28th in three-point frequency, per Cleaning the Glass. That's despite John Collins, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Danilo Gallinari and De'Andre Hunter all shooting over 40% from downtown. Atlanta is also 23rd in rim-attempt frequency, but second in mid-range frequency. Weird.
(Last week: Unranked)
5. Los Angeles Lakers (5-5)
In a 1-2 week, L.A. lost and struggled to score against two pretty terrible Thunder and Blazer defenses. In fairness, the Lakers were without Anthony Davis against Portland, and Carmelo Anthony has really shined as a spark plug off the bench.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Russell Westbrook to a reporter asking about the final possessions: "You saw it. Don't ask me questions you know the answer to. You seen it. I lost the ball. I missed a three. There's nothing to it." <a href="https://t.co/7aeYFlwxFH">pic.twitter.com/7aeYFlwxFH</a>
&mdash; Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ballislife/status/1456603115403321353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

But this is all about LeBron James, who the Lakers said will miss at least a week with an abdominal strain. Los Angeles' former trainer thinks it <a href="https://theathletic.com/2940950/2021/11/07/lebron-james-could-be-out-much-longer-than-the-lakers-are-saying-can-they-survive-without-him/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">could be more like 4-8 weeks</a>. It's extremely ominous that the 36-year-old James is missing extended periods in multiple seasons after multiple shortened offseasons... and that the Lakers are struggling to win without him.
(Last week: Unranked)
4. Minnesota Timberwolves (3-5)
This rapid downhill spiral feels all too familiar for Minnesota, who lost all three matchups this week by double digits. The Timberwolves take the most threes in the entire NBA, but make just 32.1% of their attempts. They're also making a mind-numbing 22.8% of their corner three attempts, nearly eight percentage points worse than any other team.
Quite honestly, I don't see how the latter rate improves looking at this roster. D'Angelo Russell and Anthony Edwards, who are streaky in their own right, won't be chilling in the corner often. Outside of Malik Beasley, the rest of the team doesn't possess much perimeter upside, meaning it's on Beasley and Karl-Anthony Towns to carry the load.
(Last week: Unranked)
3. Boston Celtics (4-6)
What an absolutely wacky week for the Celtics. They were outscored in that 39-11 fourth quarter in the loss to Chicago (prompting a <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/report-celtics-host-playersonly-meeting-prior-to-win-over-magic" target="_blank" rel="noopener">players-only meeting</a>), and then stomped the Orlando Magic and Miami Heat on a back-to-back before losing in heartbreaking fashion to the Dallas Mavericks. Now Boston will be without Jaylen Brown for 1-2 weeks due to a hamstring strain.
It feels like everyone, including myself, has been shouting at the team to attack the basket. The Celtics are 27th in the league in rim attempts frequency despite being ninth in field goal percentage at the basket. The problem is they lack the consistent downhill players to apply more pressure outside of Dennis Schr&ouml;der.
(Last week: 4)
2. Phoenix Suns (5-3)
Sure, the Suns are on a four-game winning streak. But that pales in comparison to the <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/unpacking-espns-damning-allegations-against-suns-owner-robert-sarver" target="_blank" rel="noopener">bombshell ESPN report on Robert Sarver's alleged racism and sexism</a> that was finally released this past Friday.&nbsp;
Obviously, due process exists, and the NBA will have to finish its full investigation before final judgement is passed. But this report didn't just contain one-off instances; there was a clear alleged pattern of discrimination and disrespect that began with Sarver and spread throughout Suns management. It's yet another reminder of how easily owners and teams can cover up toxicity in the workplace.
(Last week: 6)
1. New Orleans Pelicans (1-9)
Yeesh, the Pelicans are awful. They've lost six in a row and the margin of defeat has increased in each subsequent contest. New Orleans isn't doing anything particularly well right now outside of rebounding, and that's essentially attributed to Jonas Valanciunas and his 14.1 boards per game. Pick a non-rebounding team stat, and you'll likely find the Pelicans near the bottom. I feel for Brandon Ingram right now.
(Last week: 1)

How much should poor play be discounted by injuries?
It's one of the core philosophical questions of these Sour Rankings, and a layered thought that produces different answers in different viewers. Obviously, fans should feel distraught when a player gets hurt, especially when it results in a long-term injury. But if a team starts losing in the absence of key contributors, how much does that matter?
My answer is: It depends. This week (spoiler alert), the 5-5 Los Angeles Lakers make their Sour Rankings season debut in part due to LeBron James being sidelined. The Milwaukee Bucks, however, do not, with Brook Lopez, Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton out.
Milwaukee knows what it has in about 85% of its roster, and things should click when those players return. But the Lakers are still figuring things out, and when the centerpiece of all centerpieces goes down for an extended period, that severely impacts team development. You'll hear more about the Lakers below.
If you're new to the Sour Rankings, here's a refresher. Unlike the typical "power rankings" that repeat themselves throughout sports media, Sour Rankings are a bizarro-world counter. These rankings highlight the top-10 most frustrating NBA franchises throughout the season, and they will be updated every week to match the twists and turns of the league.&nbsp;
This is not merely a bottom-10 of your typical best-to-worst power rankings. You will see championship contenders and playoff hopefuls mixed in with struggling squads. Teams well-under .500 may never touch the Sour Rankings because they are on track with their respective processes. Injuries, drama, transactions and general underwhelming play will all be considered.
The central question is ultimately this: How good should you feel about the direction of each franchise? Some teams value wins this season and paths to a title, while others are looking down the road at long-term pieces. Let's get going:
Escaping the Sour Rankings:&nbsp;The Brooklyn Nets are cruising as winners of four straight, and have potentially outlived their place in these rankings for good. Portland continues to split weeks, but at 5-5, has room to grow once Damian Lillard rounds into form.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Clippers used a 4-0 week to complete turn their early-season outlook around. And though I still loathe much about the Dallas Mavericks, they are 6-3, and Luka Doncic's buzzer-beater was perhaps the highlight of the past week,
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
10. Charlotte Hornets (5-6)
Miles Bridges and LaMelo Ball may be lighting things up, but the Hornets have lost four games in a row thanks to some eye-sore defense. Charlotte ranks 29th in half-court points allowed per play, according to Cleaning the Glass, and has given up an average of 121.8 points during its four-game skid.
Opponents have been shooting a 56.1% Effective Field Goal percentage (second-highest) and taking 19.3 free throws per 100 shots (fifth-most). Charlotte has to clean things up with some high-powered offenses coming down the pipe.
(Last week: Unranked)
9. Houston Rockets (1-9)
The Rockets have the longest losing streak in the NBA at eight games. That's not necessarily a huge issue given the team's rebuilding focus. But Houston has been difficult to watch at times as the backcourt of the future undergoes some serious growing pains.
Kevin Porter Jr. and Jalen Green are averaging a combined 8.2 assists against 7.4 turnovers per game, while neither holds a True Shooting percentage over 48% (very bad). Houston turns the ball over more than any other team, and fans just kind of have to ride the wave at this point.
(Last week: 9)
8. Detroit Pistons (1-8)
Detroit's offense has been blindingly bad for most of the season. The Pistons sport a league-worst 45.2 eFG%, which is over three percentage points lower than the No. 29 Oklahoma City Thunder; for context, three percentage points separate OKC from the 19th-ranked Clippers. Cade Cunningham cannot buy a perimeter bucket to save his life, and neither can most other Pistons players.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Cade Cunningham isn't super bursty, isn't an elite vertical athlete. He'll win with craft and power. Enjoying the way he's using his shoulder to create space -- no real need to push off and leave yourself susceptible to offensive fouls. <a href="https://t.co/pRg0Z2V0Lr">pic.twitter.com/pRg0Z2V0Lr</a>
&mdash; Nekias (Nuh-KY-us) Duncan (@NekiasNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NekiasNBA/status/1456767554718941185?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

However, I'll concede a small positive: Killian Hayes has made 38.1% of his threes, albeit on just 21 total attempts. He's found some touch from the corners with a 40% clip. I'd feel a lot better if the rest of his scoring efficiency wasn't so abysmal.
(Last week: 8)
7. Indiana Pacers (4-7)
Even without Malcolm Brogdon, the Pacers found a nice little groove this week, going 3-1 with wins over the Spurs, Knicks and Kings. They're still middle-of-the-road for most basic metrics in classic Pacers fashion, but things were really getting scary, and maybe some positive momentum can get them out of the Sour Rankings next week.
I'm intrigued by this four-man group of Chris Duarte, Caris LeVert, Domantas Sabonis and Myles Turner. That's a lot of scoring and playmaking versatility in my mind, and it could flourish with Brogdon or TJ McConnell at point guard. The aforementioned group has outscored teams by 26 points per 100 possessions in 64 minutes together (smal sample size alert).
(Last week: 2)
6. Atlanta Hawks (4-6)
What's going on in Atlanta? The Hawks went 1-3 this week &mdash; though they were tough losses against Brooklyn, Utah and Phoenix &mdash; and are 1-5 in their last six games. Surprisingly, this group ranks 28th in three-point frequency, per Cleaning the Glass. That's despite John Collins, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Danilo Gallinari and De'Andre Hunter all shooting over 40% from downtown. Atlanta is also 23rd in rim-attempt frequency, but second in mid-range frequency. Weird.
(Last week: Unranked)
5. Los Angeles Lakers (5-5)
In a 1-2 week, L.A. lost and struggled to score against two pretty terrible Thunder and Blazer defenses. In fairness, the Lakers were without Anthony Davis against Portland, and Carmelo Anthony has really shined as a spark plug off the bench.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Russell Westbrook to a reporter asking about the final possessions: "You saw it. Don't ask me questions you know the answer to. You seen it. I lost the ball. I missed a three. There's nothing to it." <a href="https://t.co/7aeYFlwxFH">pic.twitter.com/7aeYFlwxFH</a>
&mdash; Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ballislife/status/1456603115403321353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

But this is all about LeBron James, who the Lakers said will miss at least a week with an abdominal strain. Los Angeles' former trainer thinks it <a href="https://theathletic.com/2940950/2021/11/07/lebron-james-could-be-out-much-longer-than-the-lakers-are-saying-can-they-survive-without-him/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">could be more like 4-8 weeks</a>. It's extremely ominous that the 36-year-old James is missing extended periods in multiple seasons after multiple shortened offseasons... and that the Lakers are struggling to win without him.
(Last week: Unranked)
4. Minnesota Timberwolves (3-5)
This rapid downhill spiral feels all too familiar for Minnesota, who lost all three matchups this week by double digits. The Timberwolves take the most threes in the entire NBA, but make just 32.1% of their attempts. They're also making a mind-numbing 22.8% of their corner three attempts, nearly eight percentage points worse than any other team.
Quite honestly, I don't see how the latter rate improves looking at this roster. D'Angelo Russell and Anthony Edwards, who are streaky in their own right, won't be chilling in the corner often. Outside of Malik Beasley, the rest of the team doesn't possess much perimeter upside, meaning it's on Beasley and Karl-Anthony Towns to carry the load.
(Last week: Unranked)
3. Boston Celtics (4-6)
What an absolutely wacky week for the Celtics. They were outscored in that 39-11 fourth quarter in the loss to Chicago (prompting a <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/report-celtics-host-playersonly-meeting-prior-to-win-over-magic" target="_blank" rel="noopener">players-only meeting</a>), and then stomped the Orlando Magic and Miami Heat on a back-to-back before losing in heartbreaking fashion to the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday. Now Boston will be without Jaylen Brown for 1-2 weeks due to a hamstring strain.
It feels like everyone, including myself, has been shouting at the team to attack the basket. The Celtics are 27th in the league in rim attempts frequency despite being ninth in field goal percentage at the basket. The problem is they lack the consistent downhill players to apply more pressure outside of Dennis Schr&ouml;der.
(Last week: 4)
2. Phoenix Suns (5-3)
Sure, the Suns are on a four-game winning streak. But that pales in comparison to the <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/unpacking-espns-damning-allegations-against-suns-owner-robert-sarver" target="_blank" rel="noopener">bombshell ESPN report on Robert Sarver's alleged racism and sexism</a> that was finally released this past Friday.&nbsp;
Obviously, due process exists, and the NBA will have to finish its full investigation before final judgement is passed. But this report didn't just contain one-off instances; there was a clear alleged pattern of discrimination and disrespect that began with Sarver and spread throughout Suns management. It's yet another reminder of how easily owners and teams can cover up toxicity in the workplace.
(Last week: 6)
1. New Orleans Pelicans (1-9)
Yeesh, the Pelicans are awful. They've lost six in a row and the margin of defeat has increased in each subsequent contest. New Orleans isn't doing anything particularly well right now outside of rebounding, and that's essentially attributed to Jonas Valanciunas and his 14.1 boards per game. Pick a non-rebounding team stat, and you'll likely find the Pelicans near the bottom. I feel for Brandon Ingram right now.
(Last week: 1)

How much should poor play be discounted by injuries?
It's one of the core philosophical questions of these Sour Rankings, and a layered thought that produces different answers in different viewers. Obviously, fans should feel distraught when a player gets hurt, especially when it results in a long-term injury. But if a team starts losing in the absence of key contributors, how much does that matter?
My answer is: It depends. This week (spoiler alert), the 5-5 Los Angeles Lakers make their Sour Rankings season debut in part due to LeBron James being sidelined. The Milwaukee Bucks, however, do not, with Brook Lopez, Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton out.
Milwaukee knows what it has in about 85% of its roster, and things should click when those players return. But the Lakers are still figuring things out, and when the centerpiece of all centerpieces goes down for an extended period, that severely impacts team development. You'll hear more about the Lakers below.
If you're new to the Sour Rankings, here's a refresher. Unlike the typical "power rankings" that repeat themselves throughout sports media, Sour Rankings are a bizarro-world counter. These rankings highlight the top-10 most frustrating NBA franchises throughout the season, and they will be updated every week to match the twists and turns of the league.&nbsp;
This is not merely a bottom-10 of your typical best-to-worst power rankings. You will see championship contenders and playoff hopefuls mixed in with struggling squads. Teams well-under .500 may never touch the Sour Rankings because they are on track with their respective processes. Injuries, drama, transactions and general underwhelming play will all be considered.
The central question is ultimately this: How good should you feel about the direction of each franchise? Some teams value wins this season and paths to a title, while others are looking down the road at long-term pieces. Let's get going:
Escaping the Sour Rankings:&nbsp;The Brooklyn Nets are cruising as winners of four straight, and have potentially outlived their place in these rankings for good. Portland continues to split weeks, but at 5-5, has room to grow once Damian Lillard rounds into form.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Clippers used a 4-0 week to complete turn their early-season outlook around. And though I still loathe much about the Dallas Mavericks, they are 6-3, and Luka Doncic's buzzer-beater was perhaps the highlight of the past week,
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
10. Charlotte Hornets (5-6)
Miles Bridges and LaMelo Ball may be lighting things up, but the Hornets have lost four games in a row thanks to some eye-sore defense. Charlotte ranks 29th in half-court points allowed per play, according to Cleaning the Glass, and has given up an average of 121.8 points during its four-game skid.
Opponents have been shooting a 56.1% Effective Field Goal percentage (second-highest) and taking 19.3 free throws per 100 shots (fifth-most). Charlotte has to clean things up with some high-powered offenses coming down the pipe.
(Last week: Unranked)
9. Houston Rockets (1-9)
The Rockets have the longest losing streak in the NBA at eight games. That's not necessarily a huge issue given the team's rebuilding focus. But Houston has been difficult to watch at times as the backcourt of the future undergoes some serious growing pains.
Kevin Porter Jr. and Jalen Green are averaging a combined 8.2 assists against 7.4 turnovers per game, while neither holds a True Shooting percentage over 48% (very bad). Houston turns the ball over more than any other team, and fans just kind of have to ride the wave at this point.
(Last week: 9)
8. Detroit Pistons (1-8)
Detroit's offense has been blindingly bad for most of the season. The Pistons sport a league-worst 45.2 eFG%, which is over three percentage points lower than the No. 29 Oklahoma City Thunder; for context, three percentage points separate OKC from the 19th-ranked Clippers. Cade Cunningham cannot buy a perimeter bucket to save his life, and neither can most other Pistons players.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Cade Cunningham isn't super bursty, isn't an elite vertical athlete. He'll win with craft and power. Enjoying the way he's using his shoulder to create space -- no real need to push off and leave yourself susceptible to offensive fouls. <a href="https://t.co/pRg0Z2V0Lr">pic.twitter.com/pRg0Z2V0Lr</a>
&mdash; Nekias (Nuh-KY-us) Duncan (@NekiasNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NekiasNBA/status/1456767554718941185?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

However, I'll concede a small positive: Killian Hayes has made 38.1% of his threes, albeit on just 21 total attempts. He's found some touch from the corners with a 40% clip. I'd feel a lot better if the rest of his scoring efficiency wasn't so abysmal.
(Last week: 8)
7. Indiana Pacers (4-7)
Even without Malcolm Brogdon, the Pacers found a nice little groove this week, going 3-1 with wins over the Spurs, Knicks and Kings. They're still middle-of-the-road for most basic metrics in classic Pacers fashion, but things were really getting scary, and maybe some positive momentum can get them out of the Sour Rankings next week.
I'm intrigued by this four-man group of Chris Duarte, Caris LeVert, Domantas Sabonis and Myles Turner. That's a lot of scoring and playmaking versatility in my mind, and it could flourish with Brogdon or TJ McConnell at point guard. The aforementioned group has outscored teams by 26 points per 100 possessions in 64 minutes together (smal sample size alert).
(Last week: 2)
6. Atlanta Hawks (4-6)
What's going on in Atlanta? The Hawks went 1-3 this week &mdash; though they were tough losses against Brooklyn, Utah and Phoenix &mdash; and are 1-5 in their last six games. Surprisingly, this group ranks 28th in three-point frequency, per Cleaning the Glass. That's despite John Collins, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Danilo Gallinari and De'Andre Hunter all shooting over 40% from downtown. Atlanta is also 23rd in rim-attempt frequency, but second in mid-range frequency. Weird.
(Last week: Unranked)
5. Los Angeles Lakers (5-5)
In a 1-2 week, L.A. lost and struggled to score against two pretty terrible Thunder and Blazer defenses. In fairness, the Lakers were without Anthony Davis against Portland, and Carmelo Anthony has really shined as a spark plug off the bench.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Russell Westbrook to a reporter asking about the final possessions: "You saw it. Don't ask me questions you know the answer to. You seen it. I lost the ball. I missed a three. There's nothing to it." <a href="https://t.co/7aeYFlwxFH">pic.twitter.com/7aeYFlwxFH</a>
&mdash; Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ballislife/status/1456603115403321353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

But this is all about LeBron James, who the Lakers said will miss at least a week with an abdominal strain. Los Angeles' former trainer thinks it <a href="https://theathletic.com/2940950/2021/11/07/lebron-james-could-be-out-much-longer-than-the-lakers-are-saying-can-they-survive-without-him/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">could be more like 4-8 weeks</a>. It's extremely ominous that the 36-year-old James is missing extended periods in multiple seasons after multiple shortened offseasons... and that the Lakers are struggling to win without him.
(Last week: Unranked)
4. Minnesota Timberwolves (3-5)
This rapid downhill spiral feels all too familiar for Minnesota, who lost all three matchups this week by double digits. The Timberwolves take the most threes in the entire NBA, but make just 32.1% of their attempts. They're also making a mind-numbing 22.8% of their corner three attempts, nearly eight percentage points worse than any other team.
Quite honestly, I don't see how the latter rate improves looking at this roster. D'Angelo Russell and Anthony Edwards, who are streaky in their own right, won't be chilling in the corner often. Outside of Malik Beasley, the rest of the team doesn't possess much perimeter upside, meaning it's on Beasley and Karl-Anthony Towns to carry the load.
(Last week: Unranked)
3. Boston Celtics (4-6)
What an absolutely wacky week for the Celtics. They were outscored in that 39-11 fourth quarter in the loss to Chicago (prompting a <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/report-celtics-host-playersonly-meeting-prior-to-win-over-magic" target="_blank" rel="noopener">players-only meeting</a>), and then stomped the Orlando Magic and Miami Heat on a back-to-back before losing in heartbreaking fashion to the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday. Now Boston will be without Jaylen Brown for 1-2 weeks due to a hamstring strain.
It feels like everyone, including myself, has been shouting at the team to attack the basket. The Celtics are 27th in the league in rim-attempt frequency despite being ninth in field goal percentage at the basket. The problem is they lack the consistent downhill players to apply more pressure outside of Dennis Schr&ouml;der.
(Last week: 4)
2. Phoenix Suns (5-3)
Sure, the Suns are on a four-game winning streak. But that pales in comparison to the <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/unpacking-espns-damning-allegations-against-suns-owner-robert-sarver" target="_blank" rel="noopener">bombshell ESPN report on Robert Sarver's alleged racism and sexism</a> that was finally released this past Friday.&nbsp;
Obviously, due process exists, and the NBA will have to finish its full investigation before final judgement is passed. But this report didn't just contain one-off instances; there was a clear alleged pattern of discrimination and disrespect that began with Sarver and spread throughout Suns management. It's yet another reminder of how easily owners and teams can cover up toxicity in the workplace.
(Last week: 6)
1. New Orleans Pelicans (1-9)
Yeesh, the Pelicans are awful. They've lost six in a row and the margin of defeat has increased in each subsequent contest. New Orleans isn't doing anything particularly well right now outside of rebounding, and that's essentially attributed to Jonas Valanciunas and his 14.1 boards per game. Pick a non-rebounding team stat, and you'll likely find the Pelicans near the bottom. I feel for Brandon Ingram right now.
(Last week: 1)

How much should poor play be discounted by injuries?
It's one of the core philosophical questions of these Sour Rankings, and a layered thought that produces different answers in different viewers. Obviously, fans should feel distraught when a player gets hurt, especially when it results in a long-term injury. But if a team starts losing in the absence of key contributors, how much does that matter?
My answer is: It depends. This week (spoiler alert), the 5-5 Los Angeles Lakers make their Sour Rankings season debut in part due to LeBron James being sidelined. The Milwaukee Bucks, however, do not, with Brook Lopez, Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton out.
Milwaukee knows what it has in about 85% of its roster, and things should click when those players return. But the Lakers are still figuring things out, and when the centerpiece of all centerpieces goes down for an extended period, that severely impacts team development. You'll hear more about the Lakers below.
If you're new to the Sour Rankings, here's a refresher. Unlike the typical "power rankings" that repeat themselves throughout sports media, Sour Rankings are a bizarro-world counter. These rankings highlight the top-10 most frustrating NBA franchises throughout the season, and they will be updated every week to match the twists and turns of the league.&nbsp;
This is not merely a bottom-10 of your typical best-to-worst power rankings. You will see championship contenders and playoff hopefuls mixed in with struggling squads. Teams well-under .500 may never touch the Sour Rankings because they are on track with their respective processes. Injuries, drama, transactions and general underwhelming play will all be considered.
The central question is ultimately this: How good should you feel about the direction of each franchise? Some teams value wins this season and paths to a title, while others are looking down the road at long-term pieces. Let's get going:
Escaping the Sour Rankings:&nbsp;The Brooklyn Nets are cruising as winners of four straight, and have potentially outlived their place in these rankings for good. Portland continues to split weeks, but at 5-5, has room to grow once Damian Lillard rounds into form.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Clippers used a 4-0 week to complete turn their early-season outlook around. And though I still loathe much about the Dallas Mavericks, they are 6-3, and Luka Doncic's buzzer-beater was perhaps the highlight of the past week,
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
10. Charlotte Hornets (5-6)
Miles Bridges and LaMelo Ball may be lighting things up, but the Hornets have lost four games in a row thanks to some eye-sore defense. Charlotte ranks 29th in half-court points allowed per play, according to Cleaning the Glass, and has given up an average of 121.8 points during its four-game skid.
Opponents have been shooting a 56.1% Effective Field Goal percentage (second-highest) and taking 19.3 free throws per 100 shots (fifth-most). Charlotte has to clean things up with some high-powered offenses coming down the pipe.
(Last week: Unranked)
9. Houston Rockets (1-9)
The Rockets have the longest losing streak in the NBA at eight games. That's not necessarily a huge issue given the team's rebuilding focus. But Houston has been difficult to watch at times as the backcourt of the future undergoes some serious growing pains.
Kevin Porter Jr. and Jalen Green are averaging a combined 8.2 assists against 7.4 turnovers per game, while neither holds a True Shooting percentage over 48% (very bad). Houston turns the ball over more than any other team, and fans just kind of have to ride the wave at this point.
(Last week: 9)
8. Detroit Pistons (1-8)
Detroit's offense has been blindingly bad for most of the season. The Pistons sport a league-worst 45.2 eFG%, which is over three percentage points lower than the No. 29 Oklahoma City Thunder; for context, three percentage points separate OKC from the 19th-ranked Clippers. Cade Cunningham cannot buy a perimeter bucket to save his life, and neither can most other Pistons players.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Cade Cunningham isn't super bursty, isn't an elite vertical athlete. He'll win with craft and power. Enjoying the way he's using his shoulder to create space -- no real need to push off and leave yourself susceptible to offensive fouls. <a href="https://t.co/pRg0Z2V0Lr">pic.twitter.com/pRg0Z2V0Lr</a>
&mdash; Nekias (Nuh-KY-us) Duncan (@NekiasNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NekiasNBA/status/1456767554718941185?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

However, I'll concede a small positive: Killian Hayes has made 38.1% of his threes, albeit on just 21 total attempts. He's found some touch from the corners with a 40% clip. I'd feel a lot better if the rest of his scoring efficiency wasn't so abysmal.
(Last week: 8)
7. Indiana Pacers (4-7)
Even without Malcolm Brogdon, the Pacers found a nice little groove this week, going 3-1 with wins over the Spurs, Knicks and Kings. They're still middle-of-the-road for most basic metrics in classic Pacers fashion, but things were really getting scary, and maybe some positive momentum can get them out of the Sour Rankings next week.
I'm intrigued by this four-man group of Chris Duarte, Caris LeVert, Domantas Sabonis and Myles Turner. That's a lot of scoring and playmaking versatility in my mind, and it could flourish with Brogdon or TJ McConnell at point guard. The aforementioned group has outscored teams by 26 points per 100 possessions in 64 minutes together (smal sample size alert).
(Last week: 2)
6. Atlanta Hawks (4-6)
What's going on in Atlanta? The Hawks went 1-3 this week &mdash; though they were tough losses against Brooklyn, Utah and Phoenix &mdash; and are 1-5 in their last six games. Surprisingly, this group ranks 28th in three-point frequency, per Cleaning the Glass. That's despite John Collins, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Danilo Gallinari and De'Andre Hunter all shooting over 40% from downtown. Atlanta is also 23rd in rim-attempt frequency, but second in mid-range frequency. Weird.
(Last week: Unranked)
5. Los Angeles Lakers (5-5)
In a 1-2 week, L.A. lost and struggled to score against two pretty terrible Thunder and Blazer defenses. In fairness, the Lakers were without Anthony Davis against Portland, and Carmelo Anthony has really shined as a spark plug off the bench.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Russell Westbrook to a reporter asking about the final possessions: "You saw it. Don't ask me questions you know the answer to. You seen it. I lost the ball. I missed a three. There's nothing to it." <a href="https://t.co/7aeYFlwxFH">pic.twitter.com/7aeYFlwxFH</a>
&mdash; Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ballislife/status/1456603115403321353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

But this is all about LeBron James, who the Lakers said will miss at least a week with an abdominal strain. Los Angeles' former trainer thinks it <a href="https://theathletic.com/2940950/2021/11/07/lebron-james-could-be-out-much-longer-than-the-lakers-are-saying-can-they-survive-without-him/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">could be more like 4-8 weeks</a>. It's extremely ominous that the 36-year-old James is missing extended periods in multiple seasons after multiple shortened offseasons... and that the Lakers are struggling to win without him.
(Last week: Unranked)
4. Minnesota Timberwolves (3-5)
This rapid downhill spiral feels all too familiar for Minnesota, who lost all three matchups this week by double digits. The Timberwolves take the most threes in the entire NBA, but make just 32.1% of their attempts. They're also making a mind-numbing 22.8% of their corner three attempts, nearly eight percentage points worse than any other team.
Quite honestly, I don't see how the latter rate improves looking at this roster. D'Angelo Russell and Anthony Edwards, who are streaky in their own right, won't be chilling in the corner often. Outside of Malik Beasley, the rest of the team doesn't possess much perimeter upside, meaning it's on Beasley and Karl-Anthony Towns to carry the load.
(Last week: Unranked)
3. Boston Celtics (4-6)
What an absolutely wacky week for the Celtics. They were outscored in that 39-11 fourth quarter in the loss to Chicago (prompting a <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/report-celtics-host-playersonly-meeting-prior-to-win-over-magic" target="_blank" rel="noopener">players-only meeting</a>), and then stomped the Orlando Magic and Miami Heat on a back-to-back before losing in heartbreaking fashion to the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday. Now Boston will be without Jaylen Brown for 1-2 weeks due to a hamstring strain.
It feels like everyone, including myself, has been shouting at the team to attack the basket. The Celtics are 27th in the league in rim-attempt frequency despite being ninth in field goal percentage at the basket. The problem is they lack the consistent downhill players to apply more pressure outside of Dennis Schr&ouml;der.
(Last week: 4)
2. Phoenix Suns (5-3)
Sure, the Suns are on a four-game winning streak. But that pales in comparison to the <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/unpacking-espns-damning-allegations-against-suns-owner-robert-sarver" target="_blank" rel="noopener">bombshell ESPN report on Robert Sarver's alleged racism and sexism</a> that was finally released this past Friday.&nbsp;
Obviously, due process exists, and the NBA will have to finish its full investigation before final judgement is passed. But this report didn't just contain one-off instances; there was a clear alleged pattern of discrimination and disrespect that began with Sarver and spread throughout Suns management. It's yet another reminder of how easily owners and teams can cover up toxicity in the workplace.
(Last week: 6)
1. New Orleans Pelicans (1-9)
Yeesh, the Pelicans are awful. They've lost six in a row, and the margin of defeat has increased with each subsequent contest. New Orleans isn't doing anything particularly well right now outside of rebounding, and that's essentially attributed to Jonas Valanciunas and his 14.1 boards per game. Pick a non-rebounding team stat, and you'll likely find the Pelicans near the bottom. I feel for Brandon Ingram right now.
(Last week: 1)

How much should poor play be discounted by injuries?
It's one of the core philosophical questions of these Sour Rankings, and a layered thought that produces different answers in different viewers. Obviously, fans should feel distraught when a player gets hurt, especially when it results in a long-term injury. But if a team starts losing in the absence of key contributors, how much does that matter?
My answer is: It depends. This week (spoiler alert), the 5-5 Los Angeles Lakers make their Sour Rankings season debut in part due to LeBron James being sidelined. The Milwaukee Bucks, however, do not, with Brook Lopez, Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton out.
Milwaukee knows what it has in about 85% of its roster, and things should click when those players return. But the Lakers are still figuring things out, and when the centerpiece of all centerpieces goes down for an extended period, that severely impacts team development. You'll hear more about the Lakers below.
If you're new to the Sour Rankings, here's a refresher. Unlike the typical "power rankings" that repeat themselves throughout sports media, Sour Rankings are a bizarro-world counter. These rankings highlight the top-10 most frustrating NBA franchises throughout the season, and they will be updated every week to match the twists and turns of the league.&nbsp;
This is not merely a bottom-10 of your typical best-to-worst power rankings. You will see championship contenders and playoff hopefuls mixed in with struggling squads. Teams well-under .500 may never touch the Sour Rankings because they are on track with their respective processes. Injuries, drama, transactions and general underwhelming play will all be considered.
The central question is ultimately this: How good should you feel about the direction of each franchise? Some teams value wins this season and paths to a title, while others are looking down the road at long-term pieces. Let's get going:
Escaping the Sour Rankings:&nbsp;The Brooklyn Nets are cruising as winners of four straight, and have potentially outlived their place in these rankings for good. Portland continues to split weeks, but at 5-5, has room to grow once Damian Lillard rounds into form.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Clippers used a 4-0 week to complete turn their early-season outlook around. And though I still loathe much about the Dallas Mavericks, they are 6-3, and Luka Doncic's buzzer-beater was perhaps the highlight of the past week,
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
10. Charlotte Hornets (5-6)
Miles Bridges and LaMelo Ball may be lighting things up, but the Hornets have lost four games in a row thanks to some eye-sore defense. Charlotte ranks 29th in half-court points allowed per play, according to Cleaning the Glass, and has given up an average of 121.8 points during its four-game skid.
Opponents have been shooting a 56.1% Effective Field Goal percentage (second-highest) and taking 19.3 free throws per 100 shots (fifth-most). Charlotte has to clean things up with some high-powered offenses coming down the pipe.
(Last week: Unranked)
9. Houston Rockets (1-9)
The Rockets have the longest losing streak in the NBA at eight games. That's not necessarily a huge issue given the team's rebuilding focus. But Houston has been difficult to watch at times as the backcourt of the future undergoes some serious growing pains.
Kevin Porter Jr. and Jalen Green are averaging a combined 8.2 assists against 7.4 turnovers per game, while neither holds a True Shooting percentage over 48% (very bad). Houston turns the ball over more than any other team, and fans just kind of have to ride the wave at this point.
(Last week: 9)
8. Detroit Pistons (1-8)
Detroit's offense has been blindingly bad for most of the season. The Pistons sport a league-worst 45.2 eFG%, which is over three percentage points lower than the No. 29 Oklahoma City Thunder; for context, three percentage points separate OKC from the 19th-ranked Clippers. Cade Cunningham cannot buy a perimeter bucket to save his life, and neither can most other Pistons players.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Cade Cunningham isn't super bursty, isn't an elite vertical athlete. He'll win with craft and power. Enjoying the way he's using his shoulder to create space -- no real need to push off and leave yourself susceptible to offensive fouls. <a href="https://t.co/pRg0Z2V0Lr">pic.twitter.com/pRg0Z2V0Lr</a>
&mdash; Nekias (Nuh-KY-us) Duncan (@NekiasNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NekiasNBA/status/1456767554718941185?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

However, I'll concede a small positive: Killian Hayes has made 38.1% of his threes, albeit on just 21 total attempts. He's found some touch from the corners with a 40% clip. I'd feel a lot better if the rest of his scoring efficiency wasn't so abysmal.
(Last week: 8)
7. Indiana Pacers (4-7)
Even without Malcolm Brogdon, the Pacers found a nice little groove this week, going 3-1 with wins over the Spurs, Knicks and Kings. They're still middle-of-the-road for most basic metrics in classic Pacers fashion, but things were really getting scary, and maybe some positive momentum can get them out of the Sour Rankings next week.
I'm intrigued by this four-man group of Chris Duarte, Caris LeVert, Domantas Sabonis and Myles Turner. That's a lot of scoring and playmaking versatility in my mind, and it could flourish with Brogdon or TJ McConnell at point guard. The aforementioned group has outscored teams by 26 points per 100 possessions in 64 minutes together (smal sample size alert).
(Last week: 2)
6. Atlanta Hawks (4-6)
What's going on in Atlanta? The Hawks went 1-3 this week &mdash; though they were tough losses against Brooklyn, Utah and Phoenix &mdash; and are 1-5 in their last six games. Surprisingly, this group ranks 28th in three-point frequency, per Cleaning the Glass. That's despite John Collins, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Danilo Gallinari and De'Andre Hunter all shooting over 40% from downtown. Atlanta is also 23rd in rim-attempt frequency, but second in mid-range frequency. Weird.
(Last week: Unranked)
5. Los Angeles Lakers (5-5)
In a 1-2 week, L.A. lost and struggled to score against two pretty terrible Thunder and Blazer defenses. In fairness, the Lakers were without Anthony Davis against Portland, and Carmelo Anthony has really shined as a spark plug off the bench.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Russell Westbrook to a reporter asking about the final possessions: "You saw it. Don't ask me questions you know the answer to. You seen it. I lost the ball. I missed a three. There's nothing to it." <a href="https://t.co/7aeYFlwxFH">pic.twitter.com/7aeYFlwxFH</a>
&mdash; Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ballislife/status/1456603115403321353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

But this is all about LeBron James, who the Lakers said will miss at least a week with an abdominal strain. Los Angeles' former trainer thinks it <a href="https://theathletic.com/2940950/2021/11/07/lebron-james-could-be-out-much-longer-than-the-lakers-are-saying-can-they-survive-without-him/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">could be more like 4-8 weeks</a>. It's extremely ominous that the 36-year-old James is missing extended periods in multiple seasons after multiple shortened offseasons... and that the Lakers are struggling to win without him.
(Last week: Unranked)
4. Minnesota Timberwolves (3-5)
This rapid downhill spiral feels all too familiar for Minnesota, who lost all three matchups this week by double digits. The Timberwolves take the most threes in the entire NBA, but make just 32.1% of their attempts. They're also making a mind-numbing 22.8% of their corner three attempts, nearly eight percentage points worse than any other team.
Quite honestly, I don't see how the latter rate improves looking at this roster. D'Angelo Russell and Anthony Edwards, who are streaky in their own right, won't be chilling in the corner often. Outside of Malik Beasley, the rest of the team doesn't possess much perimeter upside, meaning it's on Beasley and Karl-Anthony Towns to carry the load.
(Last week: Unranked)
3. Boston Celtics (4-6)
What an absolutely wacky week for the Celtics. They were outscored in that 39-11 fourth quarter in the loss to Chicago (prompting a <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/report-celtics-host-playersonly-meeting-prior-to-win-over-magic" target="_blank" rel="noopener">players-only meeting</a>), and then stomped the Orlando Magic and Miami Heat on a back-to-back before losing in heartbreaking fashion to the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday. Now Boston will be without Jaylen Brown for 1-2 weeks due to a hamstring strain.
It feels like everyone, including myself, has been shouting at the team to attack the basket. The Celtics are 27th in the league in rim-attempt frequency despite being ninth in field goal percentage at the basket. The problem is they lack the consistent downhill players to apply more pressure outside of Dennis Schr&ouml;der.
(Last week: 4)
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
2. Phoenix Suns (5-3)
Sure, the Suns are on a four-game winning streak. But that pales in comparison to the <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/unpacking-espns-damning-allegations-against-suns-owner-robert-sarver" target="_blank" rel="noopener">bombshell ESPN report on Robert Sarver's alleged racism and sexism</a> that was finally released this past Friday.&nbsp;
Obviously, due process exists, and the NBA will have to finish its full investigation before final judgement is passed. But this report didn't just contain one-off instances; there was a clear alleged pattern of discrimination and disrespect that began with Sarver and spread throughout Suns management. It's yet another reminder of how easily owners and teams can cover up toxicity in the workplace.
(Last week: 6)
1. New Orleans Pelicans (1-9)
Yeesh, the Pelicans are awful. They've lost six in a row, and the margin of defeat has increased with each subsequent contest. New Orleans isn't doing anything particularly well right now outside of rebounding, and that's essentially attributed to Jonas Valanciunas and his 14.1 boards per game. Pick a non-rebounding team stat, and you'll likely find the Pelicans near the bottom. I feel for Brandon Ingram right now.
(Last week: 1)

How much should poor play be discounted by injuries?
It's one of the core philosophical questions of these Sour Rankings, and a layered thought that produces different answers in different viewers. Obviously, fans should feel distraught when a player gets hurt, especially when it results in a long-term injury. But if a team starts losing in the absence of key contributors, how much does that matter?
My answer is: It depends. This week (spoiler alert), the 5-5 Los Angeles Lakers make their Sour Rankings season debut in part due to LeBron James being sidelined. The Milwaukee Bucks, however, do not, with Brook Lopez, Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton out.
Milwaukee knows what it has in about 85% of its roster, and things should click when those players return. But the Lakers are still figuring things out, and when the centerpiece of all centerpieces goes down for an extended period, that severely impacts team development. You'll hear more about the Lakers below.
If you're new to the Sour Rankings, here's a refresher. Unlike the typical "power rankings" that repeat themselves throughout sports media, Sour Rankings are a bizarro-world counter. These rankings highlight the top-10 most frustrating NBA franchises throughout the season, and they will be updated every week to match the twists and turns of the league.&nbsp;
This is not merely a bottom-10 of your typical best-to-worst power rankings. You will see championship contenders and playoff hopefuls mixed in with struggling squads. Teams well-under .500 may never touch the Sour Rankings because they are on track with their respective processes. Injuries, drama, transactions and general underwhelming play will all be considered.
The central question is ultimately this: How good should you feel about the direction of each franchise? Some teams value wins this season and paths to a title, while others are looking down the road at long-term pieces. Let's get going:
Escaping the Sour Rankings:&nbsp;The Brooklyn Nets are cruising as winners of four straight, and have potentially outlived their place in these rankings for good. Portland continues to split weeks, but at 5-5, has room to grow once Damian Lillard rounds into form.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Clippers used a 4-0 week to complete turn their early-season outlook around. And though I still loathe much about the Dallas Mavericks, they are 6-3, and Luka Doncic's buzzer-beater was perhaps the highlight of the past week,
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
10. Charlotte Hornets (5-6)
Miles Bridges and LaMelo Ball may be lighting things up, but the Hornets have lost four games in a row thanks to some eye-sore defense. Charlotte ranks 29th in half-court points allowed per play, according to Cleaning the Glass, and has given up an average of 121.8 points during its four-game skid.
Opponents have been shooting a 56.1% Effective Field Goal percentage (second-highest) and taking 19.3 free throws per 100 shots (fifth-most). Charlotte has to clean things up with some high-powered offenses coming down the pipe.
(Last week: Unranked)
9. Houston Rockets (1-9)
The Rockets have the longest losing streak in the NBA at eight games. That's not necessarily a huge issue given the team's rebuilding focus. But Houston has been difficult to watch at times as the backcourt of the future undergoes some serious growing pains.
Kevin Porter Jr. and Jalen Green are averaging a combined 8.2 assists against 7.4 turnovers per game, while neither holds a True Shooting percentage over 48% (very bad). Houston turns the ball over more than any other team, and fans just kind of have to ride the wave at this point.
(Last week: 9)
8. Detroit Pistons (1-8)
Detroit's offense has been blindingly bad for most of the season. The Pistons sport a league-worst 45.2 eFG%, which is over three percentage points lower than the No. 29 Oklahoma City Thunder; for context, three percentage points separate OKC from the 19th-ranked Clippers. Cade Cunningham cannot buy a perimeter bucket to save his life (though he's still shown positive flashes early), and neither can most other Pistons players.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Cade Cunningham isn't super bursty, isn't an elite vertical athlete. He'll win with craft and power. Enjoying the way he's using his shoulder to create space -- no real need to push off and leave yourself susceptible to offensive fouls. <a href="https://t.co/pRg0Z2V0Lr">pic.twitter.com/pRg0Z2V0Lr</a>
&mdash; Nekias (Nuh-KY-us) Duncan (@NekiasNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NekiasNBA/status/1456767554718941185?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

However, I'll concede a small positive: Killian Hayes has made 38.1% of his threes, albeit on just 21 total attempts. He's found some touch from the corners with a 40% clip. I'd feel a lot better if the rest of his scoring efficiency wasn't so abysmal.
(Last week: 8)
7. Indiana Pacers (4-7)
Even without Malcolm Brogdon, the Pacers found a nice little groove this week, going 3-1 with wins over the Spurs, Knicks and Kings. They're still middle-of-the-road for most basic metrics in classic Pacers fashion, but things were really getting scary, and maybe some positive momentum can get them out of the Sour Rankings next week.
I'm intrigued by this four-man group of Chris Duarte, Caris LeVert, Domantas Sabonis and Myles Turner. That's a lot of scoring and playmaking versatility in my mind, and it could flourish with Brogdon or TJ McConnell at point guard. The aforementioned group has outscored teams by 26 points per 100 possessions in 64 minutes together (smal sample size alert).
(Last week: 2)
6. Atlanta Hawks (4-6)
What's going on in Atlanta? The Hawks went 1-3 this week &mdash; though they were tough losses against Brooklyn, Utah and Phoenix &mdash; and are 1-5 in their last six games. Surprisingly, this group ranks 28th in three-point frequency, per Cleaning the Glass. That's despite John Collins, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Danilo Gallinari and De'Andre Hunter all shooting over 40% from downtown. Atlanta is also 23rd in rim-attempt frequency, but second in mid-range frequency. Weird.
(Last week: Unranked)
5. Los Angeles Lakers (5-5)
In a 1-2 week, L.A. lost and struggled to score against two pretty terrible Thunder and Blazer defenses. In fairness, the Lakers were without Anthony Davis against Portland, and Carmelo Anthony has really shined as a spark plug off the bench.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Russell Westbrook to a reporter asking about the final possessions: "You saw it. Don't ask me questions you know the answer to. You seen it. I lost the ball. I missed a three. There's nothing to it." <a href="https://t.co/7aeYFlwxFH">pic.twitter.com/7aeYFlwxFH</a>
&mdash; Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ballislife/status/1456603115403321353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

But this is all about LeBron James, who the Lakers said will miss at least a week with an abdominal strain. Los Angeles' former trainer thinks it <a href="https://theathletic.com/2940950/2021/11/07/lebron-james-could-be-out-much-longer-than-the-lakers-are-saying-can-they-survive-without-him/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">could be more like 4-8 weeks</a>. It's extremely ominous that the 36-year-old James is missing extended periods in multiple seasons after multiple shortened offseasons... and that the Lakers are struggling to win without him.
(Last week: Unranked)
4. Minnesota Timberwolves (3-5)
This rapid downhill spiral feels all too familiar for Minnesota, who lost all three matchups this week by double digits. The Timberwolves take the most threes in the entire NBA, but make just 32.1% of their attempts. They're also making a mind-numbing 22.8% of their corner three attempts, nearly eight percentage points worse than any other team.
Quite honestly, I don't see how the latter rate improves looking at this roster. D'Angelo Russell and Anthony Edwards, who are streaky in their own right, won't be chilling in the corner often. Outside of Malik Beasley, the rest of the team doesn't possess much perimeter upside, meaning it's on Beasley and Karl-Anthony Towns to carry the load.
(Last week: Unranked)
3. Boston Celtics (4-6)
What an absolutely wacky week for the Celtics. They were outscored in that 39-11 fourth quarter in the loss to Chicago (prompting a <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/report-celtics-host-playersonly-meeting-prior-to-win-over-magic" target="_blank" rel="noopener">players-only meeting</a>), and then stomped the Orlando Magic and Miami Heat on a back-to-back before losing in heartbreaking fashion to the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday. Now Boston will be without Jaylen Brown for 1-2 weeks due to a hamstring strain.
It feels like everyone, including myself, has been shouting at the team to attack the basket. The Celtics are 27th in the league in rim-attempt frequency despite being ninth in field goal percentage at the basket. The problem is they lack the consistent downhill players to apply more pressure outside of Dennis Schr&ouml;der.
(Last week: 4)
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
2. Phoenix Suns (5-3)
Sure, the Suns are on a four-game winning streak. But that pales in comparison to the <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/unpacking-espns-damning-allegations-against-suns-owner-robert-sarver" target="_blank" rel="noopener">bombshell ESPN report on Robert Sarver's alleged racism and sexism</a> that was finally released this past Friday.&nbsp;
Obviously, due process exists, and the NBA will have to finish its full investigation before final judgement is passed. But this report didn't just contain one-off instances; there was a clear alleged pattern of discrimination and disrespect that began with Sarver and spread throughout Suns management. It's yet another reminder of how easily owners and teams can cover up toxicity in the workplace.
(Last week: 6)
1. New Orleans Pelicans (1-9)
Yeesh, the Pelicans are awful. They've lost six in a row, and the margin of defeat has increased with each subsequent contest. New Orleans isn't doing anything particularly well right now outside of rebounding, and that's essentially attributed to Jonas Valanciunas and his 14.1 boards per game. Pick a non-rebounding team stat, and you'll likely find the Pelicans near the bottom. I feel for Brandon Ingram right now.
(Last week: 1)

Ethan Fuller questions the impact of short-term injuries in this week's Sour Rankings.

NBA Sour Rankings: Championship contenders challenged

Ethan Fuller is a writer and social media manager for BasketballNews.com based out of Boston. He covers the Celtics and NBA in general, and is a fan of play-by-play stats, profile pieces and Patriot League players. He also covers sports for The Boston Globe and graduated from Boston University in May 2021.