NBN Today

  One of my favorite pieces of basketball media each year was Bill Simmons’ and (later, just) Zach Lowe’s LeaguePass rankings. The rankings were not based on who would win the title, or who would win the most regular-season games. There is plenty of time to discuss and argue about those things.  Instead, the LeaguePass rankings sorted teams based on how much it was worth your time to watch them. Which ones should you invest a precious 2.5 hour window into each night? Which ones want you make you want to rip your eyes out?  Lowe’s rankings were based on 0-10 scores for 5 factors: playoffs/zeitgeist, individual player/highlight appeal, hoops style, LeaguePass minutiae, and unintentional comedy. Being the NBN LeaguePass Ranking Czar (self-appointed), I have decided to tweak the factors and their definitions slightly, while staying as true as possible to the original scoring structure.  Playoffs/Zeitgeist I kept this factor the same. This score is based on how much this ...

30. Portland Trail Blazers - Man this team is devoid of any talent, they have some decent role players but even with not tanking on purpose this season, it is hard to see them not escape the bottom 5. This team has their work cut out for them over the next couple years. All of this because they traded a future first for Dennis Schroeder smh. 29. Orlando Magic - Raise the white flag for FLAGG, this is the motto for the Magic who are still in search of a franchise player and they will hope to make that happen this season. 28. Toronto Raptors - This team is not terrible but still their best player is JJJ who is more of a 3rd option on a playoff team instead of the main one. I expect them to tank again and try to get Flagg, if not expect to see JJJ on the block next offseason if they can not make any progress. 27. Los Angeles Clippers - Mega has now actually put together an all star cast of role players who might be able to snatch some games off people. They will still not be very good but...

It’s that time. The offseason is almost over and a new season looms ahead. Who made a big splash and who made a pee-pee in their pants? Winner: The New Orleans Pelicans The New Orleans Pelicans definitely win the title of biggest acquisitions this summer. They were, I think, the only team who was actually able to steal a top-tier FA from another team in Damian Lillard , who was let go by the Thunder (allegedly something personal with the new owner). But, Dame Dolla will be rapping in New Orleans now, who also acquired Lauri Markkanen and Jarrett Allen in trades and retained Tyrese Maxey . So they basically went from the bottom of the West to probably like 4-6 seed range, higher if they can prove me wrong in a competitive conference. But with role players like Klay Thompson and Luke Kennard , there will be no shortage of offense on this Pelicans team, and they might be one of the highest octane offenses of 2025. Loser: Anyone Who Hoped to Use Cap Space Except the Pelicans On the flip ...