[ESPN] NBA 实力排行榜：30 支球队最重要的角色球员

阿拉莫议事厅
, ,
1

By NBA Insiders | ESPN, 2024-11-13 21:00:00

由生成式人工智能翻译，译文内容可能不准确或不完整，以原文为准。

Image

2024-25 NBA 赛季才刚刚开始几周，我们已经见证了一些令人难忘的回归以及一系列的球星伤病。

克利夫兰骑士队仍然高居榜首，是联盟中唯一一支保持不败的球队。与此同时，其他一些令人惊讶的竞争者也掀起了波澜，比如继续在西部攀升的金州勇士队，以及位居东部榜首附近的布鲁克林篮网队。

当然，我们也不能忘记卫冕冠军波士顿凯尔特人队，他们在强大的首发五虎的带领下取得了火热的开局。然而，他们在 2024 年 NBA 总决赛的对手达拉斯独行侠队，在经历了艰难的赛季初赛程后，正努力将胜率保持在 50% 以上。

除了我们的排名之外，我们的 NBA 内部人士还挑选了每支球队最重要的角色球员。哪位第六人带来了最大的影响？谁能顶替受伤的超级巨星？让我们来分析一下本周实力排行榜上所有 30 支球队的排名。

注：球队排名基于我们专家组成员（ESPN 的肯德拉·安德鲁斯、蒂姆·邦坦普斯、贾马尔·科利尔、迈克尔·莱特、蒂姆·麦克马洪、戴夫·麦克梅纳明、奥姆·扬米斯克、克里斯·赫林和凯文·佩尔顿）认为球队在本赛季应有的位置。

先前排名：季前赛 | 10 月 30 日 | 11 月 5 日

克里斯蒂安·布劳恩(Christian Braun)已经成为丹佛掘金队的防守中坚力量，场均得分 16.3 分，排名全队第四。 ESPN 插图 跳转到球队：
ATL | BOS | BKN | CHA | CHI | CLE
DAL | DEN | DET | GS | HOU | IND
LAC | LAL | MEM | MIA | MIL | MIN
NO | NY | OKC | ORL | PHI | PHX
POR | SAC | SA | TOR | UTAH | WAS

  1. 克利夫兰骑士队
  • 2024-25 赛季战绩： 12-0
  • 先前排名： 3
  • 接下来的比赛： @ PHI (11 月 13 日), vs. CHI (11 月 15 日), vs. CHA (11 月 17 日), @ BOS (11 月 19 日)

这个称号可能属于几个不同的克利夫兰替补球员，这恰恰说明了 12 胜 0 负的骑士队阵容深度有多么雄厚。但我们选择 卡里斯·勒维尔(Caris LeVert) ，因为他拥有微波炉般的快速得分能力，场均 23.4 分钟内得到 12.0 分（投篮命中率 56.3%，三分球命中率 47.2%）就证明了这一点。骑士队新任教练肯尼·阿特金森在布鲁克林执教时，勒维尔是场均 20 分的得分手，这段共同的历史应该会继续让他在克利夫兰获得无限开火权。 – 戴夫·麦克梅纳明

  1. 波士顿凯尔特人队
  • 2024-25 赛季战绩： 9-3
  • 先前排名： 1
  • 接下来的比赛： @ BKN (11 月 13 日), vs. TOR (11 月 16 日), vs. CLE (11 月 19 日)

佩顿·普理查德(Payton Pritchard) 可能不像他那些星光熠熠的队友那样经常登上头条，但他一直是凯尔特人队取得火热开局的重要组成部分。他几乎所有数据都创下职业生涯新高，场均 16.5 分，三分球命中率 43%，投篮命中率 47.6%。普理查德在替补席上持续不断的能量在多场比赛中都起到了关键作用——包括波士顿对阵密尔沃基的两场胜利。其中一场比赛中，他砍下了赛季最高的 28 分。 – 蒂姆·邦坦普斯

  1. 俄克拉荷马城雷霆队
  • 2024-25 赛季战绩： 9-2
  • 先前排名： 2
  • 接下来的比赛： vs. NO (11 月 13 日), vs. PHX (11 月 15 日), vs. DAL (11 月 17 日), @ SA (11 月 19 日)

在切特·霍姆格伦受伤之前， 亚伦·威金斯(Aaron Wiggins) 是雷霆队在第五个首发位置上使用的三名球员之一。这位身高 6 英尺 6 英寸的前锋现在变得更加重要，因为雷霆队必须在中锋以赛亚·哈尔滕施泰因手部骨折恢复之前依靠小球阵容生存。威金斯是 2021 年选秀大会的第 55 顺位新秀，是俄克拉荷马城培养出的成功案例。他是一位多才多艺的 3D 球员，得分 (10.2)、篮板 (4.0)、助攻 (2.2) 和出场时间 (21.5) 均创下职业生涯新高。 – 蒂姆·麦克马洪

  1. 金州勇士队
  • 2024-25 赛季战绩： 9-2
  • 先前排名： 5
  • 接下来的比赛： vs. MEM (11 月 15 日), @ LAC (11 月 18 日)

乔纳森·库明加(Jonathan Kuminga) 在本赛季的前三场比赛中首发出场，之后被移至替补席，库明加利用这个机会为勇士队的第二阵容提供了强大的冲击力和独特的运动能力。勇士队也从休赛期引进的 巴迪·希尔德(Buddy Hield) 身上受益。希尔德的三分球命中率高达 48.8%，场均投进 4 个三分球，为球队的替补席提供了得分火力——这是他们近几个赛季一直缺少的。 – 肯德拉·安德鲁斯

  1. 丹佛掘金队
  • 2024-25 赛季战绩： 7-3
  • 先前排名： 11
  • 接下来的比赛： @ NO (11 月 15 日), @ MEM (11 月 17 日), @ MEM (11 月 19 日)

不可否认的是，拉塞尔·威斯布鲁克在状态良好、满场飞奔和防守时，对替补席的影响至关重要。佩顿·沃森和朱利安·斯特劳瑟也展示了他们在更重要的替补角色中所能做到的，但如果掘金队想要成为真正的竞争者，就需要 克里斯蒂安·布劳恩 在他的攻防两端的角色中茁壮成长——尤其是在阿隆·戈登回归之后。到目前为止，布劳恩已经证明他可以在肯塔维奥斯·考德威尔-波普曾经扮演的角色中发光发热，并且在进攻端更具侵略性。布劳恩场均得分 16.3 分，创职业生涯新高，投篮命中率 55.2%，其中三分球命中率 50%，场均接近一个盖帽和一个抢断。如果布劳恩能保持这种状态，而年轻球员继续进步，那么掘金队将拥有更年轻、更有活力的元素，这在季后赛中可能会起到帮助作用。 – 奥姆·扬米斯克

  1. 菲尼克斯太阳队
  • 2024-25 赛季战绩： 9-2
  • 先前排名： 4
  • 接下来的比赛： @ SAC (11 月 13 日), @ OKC (11 月 15 日), @ MIN (11 月 17 日), vs. ORL (11 月 18 日)

上周凯文·杜兰特因左小腿拉伤缺阵后，新秀 瑞安·邓恩(Ryan Dunn) 被提升到首发阵容。虽然太阳队在周日的比赛中加时不敌国王队，但邓恩在 21 分钟内贡献了 8 分（7 投 4 中）、1 次抢断和 1 次盖帽。在杜兰特缺阵之前，太阳队并列西部第一；在球队等待这位超级巨星的小腿伤势痊愈期间，邓恩的贡献对于保持在竞争激烈的西部前列至关重要。 – 麦克梅纳明

  1. 明尼苏达森林狼队
  • 2024-25 赛季战绩： 6-5
  • 先前排名： 8
  • 接下来的比赛： @ POR (11 月 13 日), @ SAC (11 月 15 日), vs. PHX (11 月 17 日)

作为卫冕最佳第六人， 纳兹·里德(Naz Reid) 的开局非常出色。他场均得到 14.1 分和 5.5 个篮板，投篮命中率为 54%，三分球命中率为 48%——所有数据都比上赛季有所提高。由于队中有了朱利叶斯·兰德尔这位更传统的四号位球员，里德本赛季比上赛季更多地出现在中锋位置上。尽管森林狼队开局不稳，但里德仍然是替补席上的一个稳定因素。 – 贾马尔·科利尔

  1. 孟菲斯灰熊队
  • 2024-25 赛季战绩： 7-4
  • 先前排名： 10
  • 接下来的比赛： @ LAL (11 月 13 日), @ GS (11 月 15 日), vs. DEN (11 月 17 日), vs. DEN (11 月 19 日)

灰熊队上赛季的大面积伤病或许因祸得福，因为它迫使灰熊队收购并培养了一些默默无闻的球员，使他们成为现在轮换阵容中的关键成员。 斯科蒂·皮蓬二世(Scotty Pippen Jr.) 在 10 月份签下了一份正式合同，他上赛季在 21 场比赛中场均得到 13 分和 4.7 次助攻。贾·莫兰特的最新伤病使这位 24 岁的球员进入首发阵容，并且可能会持续一段时间。考虑到莫兰特的伤病史，皮蓬是一位重要的保险球员，当马库斯·斯玛特回归时，他应该能与之很好地搭档。 – 迈克尔·莱特

  1. 达拉斯独行侠队
  • 2024-25 赛季战绩： 5-6
  • 先前排名： 6
  • 接下来的比赛： @ UTAH (11 月 14 日), vs. SA (11 月 16 日), @ OKC (11 月 17 日), vs. NO (11 月 19 日)

二年级中锋 德里克·莱夫利二世(Dereck Lively II) 在因右肩扭伤缺席的四场比赛中，他的价值显而易见。独行侠队在这段时间内的战绩为 1 胜 3 负，而对手的大个子迈尔斯·特纳、优素福·努尔基奇和尼古拉·约基奇都给球队带来了很大的麻烦。据教练杰森·基德透露，莱夫利将在本赛季的某个时候获得首发机会，即使他目前是替补球员，也可以说他是独行侠队第三重要的球员。 – 麦克马洪

  1. 休斯顿火箭队
  • 2024-25 赛季战绩： 7-4
  • 先前排名： 14
  • 接下来的比赛： vs. LAC (11 月 13 日), vs. LAC (11 月 15 日), @ CHI (11 月 17 日), @ MIL (11 月 18 日)

弗雷德·范弗利特在 9 月份火箭队媒体日上指出 阿门·汤普森(Amen Thompson) 是夏季的杰出球员，他说“进入第二年，他看起来更大、更快、更强壮、更自信、更能控制自己”。现在，随着范弗利特腿筋酸痛，汤普森将扮演更重要的角色。他已经是休斯顿替补席上的第一选择，在周一比赛之前的六场比赛中有四场得分上双。汤普森在休斯顿的替补球员中场均出场时间最多 (24.1 分钟)，由于他的出色表现，预计他将获得更多的出场时间。 – 莱特

  1. 洛杉矶湖人队
  • 2024-25 赛季战绩： 6-4
  • 先前排名： 9
  • 接下来的比赛： vs. MEM (11 月 13 日), @ SA (11 月 15 日), @ NO (11 月 16 日), vs. UTAH (11 月 19 日)

德安吉洛·拉塞尔(D’Angelo Russell) 的替补角色在上周成为焦点，教练 जे जे रेडिक 针对湖人队 1 胜 4 负的客场之旅调整了首发阵容。拉塞尔在两场胜利中场均得到 16.5 分，投篮命中率为 52%（三分球命中率为 38.5%），此前他作为首发球员场均得到 12 分，投篮命中率为 37.5%（三分球命中率为 29.2%），调整后的效果立竿见影。雷迪克说，他喜欢拉塞尔为替补球员带来的得分爆发力。而拉塞尔也欣然接受了这项任务。他说：“我只是在致力于此，致力于教练们正在努力实施的方案。” – 麦克梅纳明

  1. 纽约尼克斯队
  • 2024-25 赛季战绩： 5-5
  • 先前排名： 7
  • 接下来的比赛： vs. CHI (11 月 13 日), vs. BKN (11 月 15 日), vs. BKN (11 月 17 日), vs. WAS (11 月 18 日)

从纽约队在波士顿的揭幕战开始， 迈尔斯·“杜斯”·麦克布莱德(Miles “Deuce” McBride) 就表现出色，他在对阵卫冕冠军的比赛中仅用 10 次出手就得到 22 分，他在第四个赛季看起来越来越适应比赛。他的效率数据与上赛季并没有太大不同，但这位 24 岁球员的使用率和角色都略有提升；尤其是在休赛期引进的卡梅隆·佩恩受伤的情况下。麦克布莱德在九场比赛中有六场得分上双，同时继续保持着顽强的防守。 – 克里斯·赫林

  1. 洛杉矶快船队
  • 2024-25 赛季战绩： 6-5
  • 先前排名： 21
  • 接下来的比赛： @ HOU (11 月 13 日), @ HOU (11 月 15 日), vs. UTAH (11 月 17 日), vs. GS (11 月 18 日)

诺曼·鲍威尔(Norman Powell) 可以说已经不仅仅是快船队的一名角色球员了。在科怀·伦纳德（膝盖）缺阵，保罗·乔治远走费城的情况下，鲍威尔已经从快船队重要的第六人成长为球队的得分王。他场均得到 26 分，投篮命中率为 52.7%，其中三分球命中率高达 50.5%。即使当快船队拥有伦纳德和哈登时，鲍威尔仍然是注重防守的快船队每晚生存所需的最重要的角色球员。 – 扬米斯克

  1. 印第安纳步行者队
  • 2024-25 赛季战绩： 5-5
  • 先前排名： 18
  • 接下来的比赛： @ ORL (11 月 13 日), vs. MIA (11 月 15 日), vs. MIA (11 月 17 日), @ TOR (11 月 18 日)

伤病开始摧毁球队的轮换阵容，安德鲁·内姆哈德至少要缺席两周，而亚伦·内史密斯最早也要到 12 月才能复出。周日对阵纽约的比赛中，印第安纳只有 7 名健康球员可用，教练里克·卡莱尔说球队的一些年轻角色球员将要填补空缺。2023 年选秀大会的 8 号秀 杰瑞斯·沃克(Jarace Walker) 就是这样做的，他在周日战胜对手的比赛中出场 27 分钟，创赛季新高，并得到 6 分、4 个篮板和 2 次助攻。如果他能继续为印第安纳队贡献良好的上场时间，那么步行者队将更容易地应对因伤病而精简的阵容。 – 科利尔

  1. 萨克拉门托国王队
  • 2024-25 赛季战绩： 6-5
  • 先前排名： 15
  • 接下来的比赛： vs. PHX (11 月 13 日), vs. MIN (11 月 15 日), vs. UTAH (11 月 16 日), vs. ATL (11 月 18 日)

上赛季最佳第六人评选中排名第二的 马利克·蒙克(Malik Monk) ，一直是国王队替补席上的关键贡献者，直到他因右脚踝扭伤至少缺席两周。国王队需要第二阵容在蒙克缺席的情况下挺身而出。萨克拉门托的替补得分排名倒数第二，场均只有 22.9 分。然而，德玛尔·德罗赞、基根·穆雷、达龙·福克斯和多曼塔斯·萨博尼斯是目前 NBA 中出场时间最多的球员，这给轮换阵容留下的空间很小。 – 安德鲁斯

  1. 迈阿密热火队
  • 2024-25 赛季战绩： 4-6
  • 先前排名： 12
  • 接下来的比赛： @ IND (11 月 15 日), @ IND (11 月 17 日), vs. PHI (11 月 18 日)

海梅·雅克兹二世(Jaime Jaquez Jr.) 本赛季以替补身份出场，提供了稳定的输出（9.0 分和 7.2 个篮板），并且能够根据教练埃里克·斯波尔斯特拉在特定夜晚的需求，像瑞士军刀一样扮演各种不同的角色。当然，我们有理由相信，雅克兹最终可能会取代尼古拉·约维奇的首发位置，因为他延续了上赛季作为热火队轮换阵容中不可或缺的一部分的即战力。 – 邦坦普斯

  1. 奥兰多魔术队
  • 2024-25 赛季战绩： 6-6
  • 先前排名： 13
  • 接下来的比赛： vs. IND (11 月 13 日), vs. PHI (11 月 15 日), @ PHX (11 月 18 日)

由于魔术队饱受伤病困扰——最引人注目的是因右腹斜肌撕裂而缺阵的保罗·班凯罗——奥兰多需要更多的角色球员挺身而出。上赛季， 莫·瓦格纳(Moe Wagner) 场均得到 10.9 分，投篮命中率为 60.1%——三分球命中率为 33.0%，两分球命中率为 67.3%。他在第一轮季后赛对阵骑士队的系列赛中发挥了关键作用，将比赛拖入第七场，本赛季他需要再次激发出这种斗志，以提升表现挣扎的魔术队替补席。 – 安德鲁斯

  1. 圣安东尼奥马刺队
  • 2024-25 赛季战绩： 5-6
  • 先前排名： 23
  • 接下来的比赛： vs. WAS (11 月 13 日), vs. LAL (11 月 15 日), @ DAL (11 月 16 日), vs. OKC (11 月 19 日)

第六人凯尔登·约翰逊本来是上赛季最重要的角色球员。他仍然在替补席上提供得分火花，在场下发挥领导作用，并且是马刺队更衣室里的一股凝聚力。但目前的伤病情况加上他的战术多功能性，使新秀 斯蒂芬·卡斯尔(Stephon Castle) 成为圣安东尼奥最重要的角色球员。在杰里米·索汉缺席的情况下，他已经首发了三场比赛，他作为得分后卫或控球后卫都同样出色。 – 莱特

  1. 布鲁克林篮网队
  • 2024-25 赛季战绩： 5-6
  • 先前排名： 25
  • 接下来的比赛： vs. BOS (11 月 13 日), @ NYK (11 月 15 日), @ NYK (11 月 17 日), vs. CHA (11 月 19 日)

尽管 尼古拉斯·克拉克斯顿(Nic Claxton) 回到了首发阵容，但他在赛季初是以替补身份出场，出场时间也减少了，因为俱乐部希望在他腿筋受伤后逐渐增加他的活动量。这位六年级的大个子球员在过去的四场比赛中一直是首发球员，他在防守端表现稳固，将对手在篮筐附近的投篮命中率降低了近 11 个百分点。 – 赫林

  1. 密尔沃基雄鹿队
  • 2024-25 赛季战绩： 3-8
  • 先前排名： 22
  • 接下来的比赛： vs. DET (11 月 13 日), @ CHA (11 月 16 日), vs. HOU (11 月 18 日)

密尔沃基的长期球迷最爱 博比·波蒂斯(Bobby Portis) 发现自己处于球队困境的中心。他的 12.5 分、45.4% 的投篮命中率和 26.7% 的三分球命中率都是他在雄鹿队的五个赛季以来的最低值，这是雄鹿队角色球员在两位球星周围表现挣扎的一个缩影。波蒂斯过去每次上场都能带来火花，但当波蒂斯在场时，雄鹿队每百回合净负 15.1 分。 – 科利尔

  1. 亚特兰大老鹰队
  • 2024-25 赛季战绩： 5-7
  • 先前排名： 20
  • 接下来的比赛： vs. WAS (11 月 15 日), @ POR (11 月 17 日), @ SAC (11 月 18 日)

奥涅卡·奥孔古(Onyeka Okongwu) 的三分球命中率只有 20% (15 投 3 中)，但就他在内线的表现而言，他与一些出色的球员不相上下。根据 Second Spectrum 的数据，本赛季只有安东尼·戴维斯、埃文·莫布里和卡尔-安东尼·唐斯的每次内线触球得分高于奥孔古的 1.22 分。 – 赫林

  1. 费城 76 人队
  • 2024-25 赛季战绩： 2-8
  • 先前排名： 19
  • 接下来的比赛： vs. CLE (11 月 13 日), @ ORL (11 月 15 日), @ MIA (11 月 18 日)

任何看过 盖尔雄·亚布塞莱(Guerschon Yabusele) 在凯尔特人队效力前几个赛季的人都不会想到他会作为一名高效球员回到联盟，为 76 人队效力。然而，在今年夏天代表法国国家队有着出色表现之后，亚布塞莱已经成为尼克·纳斯轮换阵容的重要组成部分——一旦 76 人队的大前锋位置人员齐整，他甚至有可能进入首发阵容。 – 邦坦普斯

  1. 夏洛特黄蜂队
  • 2024-25 赛季战绩： 4-7
  • 先前排名： 24
  • 接下来的比赛： vs. MIL (11 月 16 日), @ CLE (11 月 17 日), @ BKN (11 月 19 日)

到目前为止，联盟中很少有替补球员比 特雷·曼恩(Tre Mann) 更有效率。曼恩是一位 23 岁的组织后卫，他是上赛季交易截止日将戈登·海沃德送到俄克拉荷马城的交易的一部分，他持球的自信心越来越强。他的场均得分已经提升到近 15 分——效率与上赛季相似——高于他 2023-24 赛季的 11.9 分。 – 赫林

  1. 芝加哥公牛队
  • 2024-25 赛季战绩： 4-7
  • 先前排名： 17
  • 接下来的比赛： @ NYK (11 月 13 日), @ CLE (11 月 15 日), vs. HOU (11 月 17 日), @ DET (11 月 18 日)

自从公牛队在 2020 年选秀大会上以第 4 顺位选中 帕特里克·威廉姆斯(Patrick Williams) 以来，他几乎一直是芝加哥的首发球员。但随着球队向更年轻的核心阵容过渡，他们希望威廉姆斯——在他新签的五年 9000 万美元续约合同的第一年——能够在本赛季取得飞跃。他的整体数据有所下降，但自 11 月初以来，他的表现有所好转，场均得到 10.3 分、5.2 个篮板和 1.2 次抢断，并在周一获得了他的第一个两双。芝加哥给威廉姆斯提供了一份合同，赌他会在球队的未来扮演重要角色；这将取决于他能否激发人们对这一决定的信心。 – 科利尔

  1. 底特律活塞队
  • 2024-25 赛季战绩： 5-7
  • 先前排名： 28
  • 接下来的比赛： @ MIL (11 月 13 日), @ TOR (11 月 15 日), @ WAS (11 月 17 日), vs. CHI (11 月 18 日)

马利克·比斯利(Malik Beasley) 一直是底特律的第六位首发球员，他的出场时间比首发中锋杰伦·杜伦还要多，场均 12.1 分排名全队第五。如果比斯利的三分球状态能够恢复，那么他的表现只会更好。比斯利的职业生涯三分球命中率为 38%，2023-24 赛季为 41%，而本赛季到目前为止只有 34.5%。替补席上很快就会迎来二年级乐透秀奥萨尔·汤普森，因为据 ESPN 的沙姆斯·查拉尼亚周一报道，汤普森在因血栓问题缺席比赛后，已经获准自 3 月 9 日以来首次出场。 – 佩尔顿

  1. 新奥尔良鹈鹕队
  • 2024-25 赛季战绩： 3-8
  • 先前排名： 16
  • 接下来的比赛： @ OKC (11 月 13 日), vs. DEN (11 月 15 日), vs. LAL (11 月 16 日), @ DAL (11 月 19 日)

随着伤病继续袭击鹈鹕队的后场——现在首发球员 CJ·麦科勒姆和德章泰·穆雷以及替补球员何塞·阿尔瓦拉多和乔丹·霍金斯都倒下了—— 布兰登·波士顿二世(Brandon Boston Jr.) 被迫进入首发阵容，并表现出色。波士顿是快船队在 2021 年的二轮秀，在揭幕战前被新奥尔良队从豁免名单中认领，他已经两次得分超过 20 分，而他在前三个 NBA 赛季中只做到过四次。但这并没有阻止人手短缺的鹈鹕队遭遇五连败，包括周一以 105-107 惜败布鲁克林。 – 佩尔顿

  1. 波特兰开拓者队
  • 2024-25 赛季战绩： 4-8
  • 先前排名： 29
  • 接下来的比赛： vs. MIN (11 月 13 日), vs. ATL (11 月 17 日)

在缺席一年多的比赛后， 罗伯特·威廉姆斯三世(Robert Williams III) 从季前赛的腿筋拉伤中恢复过来，并在周五对阵明尼苏达的比赛中出场 17 分钟，得到 13 分。考虑到开拓者队在中锋位置上的深度，乐透秀多诺万·米切尔在首发球员德安德烈·艾顿身后有限的出场时间里表现出色，威廉姆斯对球队的最终价值可能在于证明他足够健康，可以在交易截止日前被交易到一支有竞争力的球队。但波特兰的防守困境仍在继续，他们在过去两场比赛中总共输掉了 70 分。 – 佩尔顿

  1. 多伦多猛龙队
  • 2024-25 赛季战绩： 2-10
  • 先前排名： 26
  • 接下来的比赛： vs. DET (11 月 15 日), @ BOS (11 月 16 日), vs. IND (11 月 18 日)

在上赛季出场时间减少后， 克里斯·布歇(Chris Boucher) ——猛龙队 2019 年总冠军球队的最后一名成员——似乎不在多伦多的长期计划中。本赛季，他以场均 11.5 分的职业生涯新高作为回应，在保持高效得分的同时提高了使用率。考虑到猛龙队目前在东部垫底，布歇可能是一个有趣的交易目标，他的合同将在本赛季结束后到期，本赛季的薪水为 1080 万美元，这是一个合理的数字。 – 佩尔顿

  1. 华盛顿奇才队
  • 2024-25 赛季战绩： 2-7
  • 先前排名： 27
  • 接下来的比赛： @ SA (11 月 13 日), @ ATL (11 月 15 日), vs. DET (11 月 17 日), @ NYK (11 月 18 日)

德雷蒙德·格林几乎从勇士队与奇才队的比赛一开始就注意到了这一点： 卡尔顿·卡林顿(Carlton Carrington) 喜欢说垃圾话，他和另一位垃圾话高手凯肖恩·乔治为球队带来了格林说他很久没在华盛顿见过的活力和竞争力。这一点怎么强调都不为过。对于一支长期低迷的球队来说，管理层重要的是看到球队至少在每场比赛中都具有竞争力，同时还要表现出进步。是的，比拉尔·库利巴利的持续进步对球队的重建极其重要。但卡林顿作为一名角色球员在新秀赛季的表现可以为一支预计会输掉很多比赛的球队带来急需的能量。 – 扬米斯克

  1. 犹他爵士队
  • 2024-25 赛季战绩： 2-8
  • 先前排名： 30
  • 接下来的比赛： vs. DAL (11 月 14 日), @ SAC (11 月 16 日), @ LAC (11 月 17 日), @ LAL (11 月 19 日)

大前锋/中锋 约翰·科林斯(John Collins) 尽管每场比赛都替补出场，但他的得分（场均 15.8 分）和篮板（7.4 个）都排名爵士队第二。随着犹他州倾向于优先考虑最近选秀球员的发展，科林斯的出场时间有所减少。27 岁的科林斯的表现能否让他在交易市场上变得有吸引力？他的交易价值因下赛季 2660 万美元的球员选项而有所降低。 – 麦克马洪

点击查看原文：NBA Power Rankings: Most important role player for all 30 teams

NBA Power Rankings: Most important role player for all 30 teams

Image

We’re just a few weeks into the 2024-25 NBA season, and we’ve already seen some memorable homecomings as well as a barrage of superstar injuries.

The Cleveland Cavaliers remain at the top of the pack as the only undefeated team left in the league. While a few other surprise contenders have made waves, such as the Golden State Warriors, who continue to climb the West, and the Brooklyn Nets, who sit near the top of the Eastern standings.

And let’s not forget our reigning champions, the Boston Celtics, who are off to a hot start behind a stacked starting five. Their 2024 NBA Finals rival, the Dallas Mavericks, however, are struggling to stay above .500 after a tough early-season schedule.

In addition to our rankings, our NBA insiders picked the most important role player on each team. Which sixth man is making the biggest impact? Who can step up in place of injured superstars? Let’s break down where all 30 teams land in this week’s Power Rankings.

Note: Team rankings are based on where members of our panel (ESPN’s Kendra Andrews, Tim Bontemps, Jamal Collier, Michael Wright, Tim MacMahon, Dave McMenamin, Ohm Youngmisuk, Chris Herring and Kevin Pelton) think teams belong this season.

Previous rankings: Preseason | Oct. 30 | Nov. 5

Christian Braun has stepped up as a defensive stalwart for the Denver Nuggets and is fourth on the team in points averaging 16.3. ESPN IllustrationJump to a team:\

ATL | BOS | BKN | CHA | CHI | CLE\

DAL | DEN | DET | GS | HOU | IND\

LAC | LAL | MEM | MIA | MIL | MIN\

NO | NY | OKC | ORL | PHI | PHX\

POR | SAC | SA | TOR | UTAH | WAS

1. Cleveland Cavaliers

  • 2024-25 record: 12-0
  • Previous ranking: 3
  • Next games: @ PHI (Nov. 13), vs. CHI (Nov. 15), vs. CHA (Nov. 17), @ BOS (Nov. 19)

This title could belong to a few different Cleveland substitutes, which only goes to illustrate how deep the 12-0 Cavs really are. But we’ll go with Caris LeVert because of his microwave-like ability to get hot, as evidenced by his 12.0 points per game scoring average in 23.4 minutes (shooting 56.3% from the field and 47.2% from 3). New Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson relied on LeVert as a 20-point-per-game guy when they were together in Brooklyn, and that shared history should continue to give him the green light in Cleveland. – Dave McMenamin

2. Boston Celtics

  • 2024-25 record: 9-3
  • Previous ranking: 1
  • Next games: @ BKN (Nov. 13), vs. TOR (Nov. 16), vs. CLE (Nov. 19)

Payton Pritchard might not get as many headlines as his star-studded teammates do, but he has been an essential part of the Celtics’ hot start. Averaging career highs in virtually every category, 16.5 points, 43% from 3 and 47.6% from the field. Pritchard’s consistent energy off the bench has been the difference in multiple games – including in both of Boston’s wins over Milwaukee. In one of those, he had a season-high 28-point performance. – Tim Bontemps

3. Oklahoma City Thunder

  • 2024-25 record: 9-2
  • Previous ranking: 2
  • Next games: vs. NO (Nov. 13), vs. PHX (Nov. 15), vs. DAL (Nov. 17), @ SA (Nov. 19)

Aaron Wiggins is one of three players the Thunder used in the fifth starting spot before Chet Holmgren’s injury. The 6-foot-6 forward becomes even more important now that the Thunder must survive with small ball until center Isaiah Hartenstein recovers from his broken hand. Wiggins, the 55th pick of the 2021 draft, is a developmental success story for Oklahoma City. He’s a versatile 3-and-D player who is averaging career highs in scoring (10.2), rebounding (4.0), assists (2.2) and minutes (21.5). – Tim MacMahon

4. Golden State Warriors

  • 2024-25 record: 9-2
  • Previous ranking: 5
  • Next games: vs. MEM (Nov. 15), @ LAC (Nov. 18)

Jonathan Kuminga started in the first three games of the season before being moved to the bench, and Kuminga has used this opportunity to give the Warriors a massive punch in the second unit and a unique level of athleticism. The Warriors have also benefited from offseason acquisition Buddy Hield. Hield is shooting 48.8% from 3 and averaging four 3-pointers a game, giving them scoring power off the bench – something they’ve been missing in recent seasons. – Kendra Andrews

5. Denver Nuggets

  • 2024-25 record: 7-3
  • Previous ranking: 11
  • Next games: @ NO (Nov. 15), @ MEM (Nov. 17), @ MEM (Nov. 19)

There is no denying that Russell Westbrook’s impact when he is playing well, flying all over the court and defending, is crucial off the bench. And Peyton Watson and Julian Strawther have shown what they can do with bigger roles off the bench, but the Nuggets will need Christian Braun to thrive in his two-way role if they are going to be true contenders – especially when Aaron Gordon returns. So far, Braun has shown he can shine in the same role Kentavious Caldwell-Pope filled and do it with more aggressive offense. Braun is averaging a career-high 16.3 points, shooting 55.2% from the field, including 50% from 3 and is averaging nearly a block and steal per game. If Braun keeps this up and the youngsters continue to progress, the Nuggets will have a younger and dynamic element to them that could help come playoff time. – Ohm Youngmisuk

6. Phoenix Suns

  • 2024-25 record: 9-2
  • Previous ranking: 4
  • Next games: @ SAC (Nov. 13), @ OKC (Nov. 15), @ MIN (Nov. 17), vs. ORL (Nov. 18)

Rookie Ryan Dunn got bumped up to the starting lineup after Kevin Durant went down last week with a left calf strain. While Phoenix lost to the Kings in overtime Sunday, Dunn was able to contribute with 8 points on 4-of-7 shooting, 1 steal and 1 block in 21 minutes. The Suns were tied for No. 1 in the West when Durant went out; Dunn’s contributions will be crucial to staying near the top of a difficult conference while the organization waits for its superstar’s calf to heal. – McMenamin

7. Minnesota Timberwolves

  • 2024-25 record: 6-5
  • Previous ranking: 8
  • Next games: @ POR (Nov. 13), @ SAC (Nov. 15), vs. PHX (Nov. 17)

As reigning Sixth Man of the Year, Naz Reid is off to a great start. He’s averaging 14.1 points and 5.5 rebounds on 54% shooting while knocking down 48% from 3 – all increases from last season. With Julius Randle, a more traditional power forward, on the roster, Reid has played a lot more at center this season compared to last. Despite the Wolves’ rocky start, Reid remains a constant off the bench. – Jamal Collier

8. Memphis Grizzlies

  • 2024-25 record: 7-4
  • Previous ranking: 10
  • Next games: @ LAL (Nov. 13), @ GS (Nov. 15), vs. DEN (Nov. 17), vs. DEN (Nov. 19)

Memphis’ rash of injuries last season might have been a blessing in disguise, as it forced the Grizzlies to acquire and develop unheralded players into key contributors for what’s become a deep rotation. Scotty Pippen Jr. signed a standard contract in October after averaging 13 points and 4.7 assists in 21 games last season. Ja Morant’s latest injury pushes the 24-year-old into the starting lineup for what could be an extended period. Considering Morant’s history with injuries, Pippen serves as an important insurance player that should pair well with Marcus Smart when he returns. – Michael Wright

9. Dallas Mavericks

  • 2024-25 record: 5-6
  • Previous ranking: 6
  • Next games: @ UTAH (Nov. 14), vs. SA (Nov. 16), @ OKC (Nov. 17), vs. NO (Nov. 19)

Sophomore center Dereck Lively II’s value was evident during his four-game absence due to a sprained right shoulder. The Mavs went 1-3 during that stretch, and opposing big men Myles Turner, Jusuf Nurkic and Nikola Jokic presented major problems. Lively will get a shot in the starting lineup at some point this season, according to coach Jason Kidd, and an argument can be made that he’s the Mavs’ third-most-valuable player despite his current reserve role. – MacMahon

10. Houston Rockets

  • 2024-25 record: 7-4
  • Previous ranking: 14
  • Next games: vs. LAC (Nov. 13), vs. LAC (Nov. 15), @ CHI (Nov. 17), @ MIL (Nov. 18)

Fred VanVleet pointed out Amen Thompson as a summer standout at Rockets media day in September, saying “he actually looks bigger, faster, stronger, more confident, more under control” heading into Year 2. Now, Thompson will take a more prominent role with VanVleet nursing a sore hamstring. He was already Houston’s first option off the bench, scoring in double figures in four of his previous six outings going into Monday’s matchup. Thompson averages the most minutes (24.1) among Houston’s reserves and is expected to receive even more time due to his blossoming play. – Wright

11. Los Angeles Lakers

  • 2024-25 record: 6-4
  • Previous ranking: 9
  • Next games: vs. MEM (Nov. 13), @ SA (Nov. 15), @ NO (Nov. 16), vs. UTAH (Nov. 19)

D’Angelo Russell’s bench role came into focus last week, with coach JJ Redick shuffling his starters in response to L.A.'s 1-4 road trip. The immediate return was positive, with Russell averaging 16.5 points on 52% shooting (38.5% from 3) in two wins, after averaging 12 points on 37.5% shooting (29.2% from 3) with the first unit. Redick said he likes the scoring pop Russell brings to the reserves. And Russell has embraced the assignment. “I’m just committing to it, committing to what the coaches are trying to implement,” he said. – McMenamin

12. New York Knicks

  • 2024-25 record: 5-5
  • Previous ranking: 7
  • Next games: vs. CHI (Nov. 13), vs. BKN (Nov. 15), vs. BKN (Nov. 17), vs. WAS (Nov. 18)

From New York’s opening-night contest in Boston, when he notched 22 points on just 10 shots against the defending champs, Miles “Deuce” McBride has stood out as looking increasingly comfortable in his fourth year. His efficiency numbers aren’t all that different from a season ago, but the 24-year-old’s usage and role are a bit larger; especially with offseason pickup Cameron Payne dealing with an injury. McBride has scored double figures in six of nine games while continuing to play stout defense. – Chris Herring

13. LA Clippers

  • 2024-25 record: 6-5
  • Previous ranking: 21
  • Next games: @ HOU (Nov. 13), @ HOU (Nov. 15), vs. UTAH (Nov. 17), vs. GS (Nov. 18)

Norman Powell arguably has become much more than a role player for the Clippers. With Kawhi Leonard (knee) out and Paul George in Philadelphia, Powell has emerged from the Clippers’ valued sixth man to the team’s leading scorer. He’s averaging 26 points while shooting 52.7% from the field, including a scorching 50.5% from 3-point range. Even when the Clippers have Leonard and Harden together, Powell will remain the most important role player the defensive-minded Clippers need to survive nightly. – Youngmisuk

14. Indiana Pacers

  • 2024-25 record: 5-5
  • Previous ranking: 18
  • Next games: @ ORL (Nov. 13), vs. MIA (Nov. 15), vs. MIA (Nov. 17), @ TOR (Nov. 18)

Injuries have started to decimate the rotation, leaving it without Andrew Nembhard for at least the next two weeks and Aaron Nesmith until December at the earliest. Sunday against New York, Indiana was limited to seven healthy players, and coach Rick Carlisle said some of the team’s young role players were going to fill in roles. Jarace Walker, the No. 8 pick in the 2023 draft, did just that and recorded six points, four rebounds and two assists over a season-high 27 minutes in a win on Sunday. If he can continue to give Indiana good minutes, the Pacers are going to have an easier time navigating a roster thinned by injuries. – Collier

15. Sacramento Kings

  • 2024-25 record: 6-5
  • Previous ranking: 15
  • Next games: vs. PHX (Nov. 13), vs. MIN (Nov. 15), vs. UTAH (Nov. 16), vs. ATL (Nov. 18)

Malik Monk, who came in second in Sixth Man of the Year voting last season, was a key contributor off the bench for the Kings until he was sidelined for at least two weeks with a right ankle sprain. The Kings will need the second unit to step up in Monk’s absence . Sacramento is second-to-last in bench scoring, averaging just 22.9 points per game. However, DeMar DeRozan, Keegan Murray, De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis have played the most minutes in the NBA so far, leaving little room for rotation. – Andrews

16. Miami Heat

  • 2024-25 record: 4-6
  • Previous ranking: 12
  • Next games: @ IND (Nov. 15), @ IND (Nov. 17), vs. PHI (Nov. 18)

Jaime Jaquez Jr. has started the season coming off the bench, providing solid production (9.0 points and 7.2 rebounds) and an ability to Swiss Army knife his way into a variety of different roles, depending on what coach Erik Spoelstra needs on a given night. There’s certainly a reason to believe Jaquez could eventually displace Nikola Jovic in the starting lineup as he has carried forward his instant fit as an integral part of Miami’s rotation from his rookie year last season. – Bontemps

17. Orlando Magic

  • 2024-25 record: 6-6
  • Previous ranking: 13
  • Next games: vs. IND (Nov. 13), vs. PHI (Nov. 15), @ PHX (Nov. 18)

With the Magic plagued with injuries – most notably Paolo Banchero, who is out with a torn right oblique – Orlando needs more role players to step up to the plate. Last season, Moe Wagner averaged 10.9 points per game on 60.1% shooting – 33.0% from 3 and 67.3% from the field. He was key in taking their first-round playoff matchup against the Cavaliers to seven games and needs to tap into that fire once again this season to boost a struggling Magic bench. – Andrews

18. San Antonio Spurs

  • 2024-25 record: 5-6
  • Previous ranking: 23
  • Next games: vs. WAS (Nov. 13), vs. LAL (Nov. 15), @ DAL (Nov. 16), vs. OKC (Nov. 19)

Sixth man Keldon Johnson would’ve been the most important role player a season ago. He still provides a scoring spark off the bench, leadership off the floor and is a galvanizing force inside the Spurs locker room. But the current injury situation paired with his scheme versatility thrusts rookie Stephon Castle into the spotlight as San Antonio’s most important role player. He’s already started three games with Jeremy Sochan out, and he excels equally as an off guard or point guard. – Wright

19. Brooklyn Nets

  • 2024-25 record: 5-6
  • Previous ranking: 25
  • Next games: vs. BOS (Nov. 13), @ NYK (Nov. 15), @ NYK (Nov. 17), vs. CHA (Nov. 19)

Although he’s back in the starting lineup, Nic Claxton began the season coming off the bench on reduced minutes as the club sought to gradually ramp up his activity following a hamstring injury. The sixth-year big man, who’s been a starter the past four games, has been solid defensively, holding shooters nearly 11 percentage points beneath their average around the basket. – Herring

20. Milwaukee Bucks

  • 2024-25 record: 3-8
  • Previous ranking: 22
  • Next games: vs. DET (Nov. 13), @ CHA (Nov. 16), vs. HOU (Nov. 18)

A longtime fan favorite in Milwaukee, Bobby Portis has found himself at the center of the team’s struggles. His 12.5 points, 45.4% field goal percentage and 26.7% 3-point percentage are all his lowest in five seasons with the Bucks, a microcosm of how Milwaukee’s role players are struggling surrounding their two stars. Portis has been a spark in the past whenever he enters the game, but the Bucks are being outscored by 15.1 points per 100 possessions with Portis on the floor. – Collier

21. Atlanta Hawks

  • 2024-25 record: 5-7
  • Previous ranking: 20
  • Next games: vs. WAS (Nov. 15), @ POR (Nov. 17), @ SAC (Nov. 18)

Onyeka Okongwu has connected on just 20% (3-for-15) of his attempts from the 3-point line, but he is among some fantastic company when it comes to his production in the interior. According to Second Spectrum, only Anthony Davis, Evan Mobley and Karl-Anthony Towns average more points per paint touch than Okongwu’s 1.22 this season. – Herring

22. Philadelphia 76ers

  • 2024-25 record: 2-8
  • Previous ranking: 19
  • Next games: vs. CLE (Nov. 13), @ ORL (Nov. 15), @ MIA (Nov. 18)

Anyone who saw Guerschon Yabusele play in his first seasons with the Celtics wouldn’t expect him to return to the league as a productive player for the 76ers. However, after a stellar run with the French national team this summer, Yabusele has been an essential part of Nick Nurse’s rotation – and could even potentially slide into the starting lineup once the 76ers get whole at power forward. – Bontemps

23. Charlotte Hornets

  • 2024-25 record: 4-7
  • Previous ranking: 24
  • Next games: vs. MIL (Nov. 16), @ CLE (Nov. 17), @ BKN (Nov. 19)

Few reserves in the league have been more effective than Tre Mann thus far. Mann, a 23-year-old floor general who joined the Hornets as part of last season’s deadline deal that sent Gordon Hayward to Oklahoma City, has grown increasingly confident with the ball. He’s pushed his scoring average to almost 15 points – on similar efficiency to last season – up from just 11.9 points during his 2023-24 campaign. – Herring

24. Chicago Bulls

  • 2024-25 record: 4-7
  • Previous ranking: 17
  • Next games: @ NYK (Nov. 13), @ CLE (Nov. 15), vs. HOU (Nov. 17), @ DET (Nov. 18)

Patrick Williams has been a starter in Chicago for virtually his entire career since the Bulls selected him with the No. 4 pick in the 2020 draft. But as the team transitions to a younger core, they are hoping Williams – in the first year of a new five-year, $90 million extension – will take a leap this season. His overall numbers are down, but he has been better since the start of November, averaging 10.3 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.2 steals while recording his first double-double Monday. Chicago gave Williams a contract betting he will play a big role in the team’s future; it will be up to him to inspire confidence in that decision. – Collier

25. Detroit Pistons

  • 2024-25 record: 5-7
  • Previous ranking: 28
  • Next games: @ MIL (Nov. 13), @ TOR (Nov. 15), @ WAS (Nov. 17), vs. CHI (Nov. 18)

Malik Beasley has served as Detroit’s sixth starter, averaging more minutes than starting center Jalen Duren and ranking fifth on the team at 12.1 PPG. That only figures to improve if Beasley’s 3-point shooting form returns . A 38% career shooter who hit 41% in 2023-24, Beasley has made just 34.5% on his 3s thus far. The bench will soon add second-year lottery pick Ausar Thompson, as ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Monday that Thompson has been cleared to play for the first time since March 9 after an issue with blood clots. – Pelton

26. New Orleans Pelicans

  • 2024-25 record: 3-8
  • Previous ranking: 16
  • Next games: @ OKC (Nov. 13), vs. DEN (Nov. 15), vs. LAL (Nov. 16), @ DAL (Nov. 19)

With injuries continuing to strike the Pelicans’ backcourt – now down starters CJ McCollum and Dejounte Murray and reserves Jose Alvarado and Jordan Hawkins – Brandon Boston Jr. has been forced into a starting role and thrived. Boston, a 2021 second-round pick by the Clippers who was claimed by New Orleans off waivers just before opening night, has scored 20-plus points twice after doing so just four times in his first three NBA seasons. That hasn’t stopped the short-handed Pelicans from dropping their past five games, including a 107-105 heartbreaker Monday against Brooklyn. – Pelton

27. Portland Trail Blazers

  • 2024-25 record: 4-8
  • Previous ranking: 29
  • Next games: vs. MIN (Nov. 13), vs. ATL (Nov. 17)

More than a year after his last game action, Robert Williams III returned from a preseason hamstring strain to put up 13 points in 17 minutes on Friday in Minnesota. Given the Blazers’ depth at center, where lottery pick Donovan Clingan has been productive in limited minutes behind starter Deandre Ayton, Williams’ ultimate value to the franchise might be proving he’s healthy enough to be traded to a contender before the deadline. But Portland’s defensive struggles continue, as it has lost in its past two appearances by a combined 70 points. – Pelton

28. Toronto Raptors

  • 2024-25 record: 2-10
  • Previous ranking: 26
  • Next games: vs. DET (Nov. 15), @ BOS (Nov. 16), vs. IND (Nov. 18)

After seeing his playing time drop last season, Chris Boucher – the last remaining player from the Raptors’ 2019 championship team – didn’t figure to be in Toronto’s long-term plans. He’s responded this season by averaging a career-high 11.5 PPG, boosting his usage while continuing to score at high efficiency. Given the Raptors sit at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, Boucher could be an interesting trade target on an expiring contract that pays him a reasonable $10.8 million this season. – Pelton

29. Washington Wizards

  • 2024-25 record: 2-7
  • Previous ranking: 27
  • Next games: @ SA (Nov. 13), @ ATL (Nov. 15), vs. DET (Nov. 17), @ NYK (Nov. 18)

Draymond Green noticed it from almost the very beginning of the Warriors-Wizards game last week: Carlton Carrington likes to talk trash and he, along with fellow talker Kyshawn George, brings energy and competitiveness that Green said he hasn’t seen in Washington in a long time. This can’t be overstated. For a franchise that has been down for so long, it is important for management to see the team at least be competitive while showing progress on a nightly basis. Yes, Bilal Coulibaly’s continued progression is extremely important for the team’s rebuild. But Carrington’s play in his rookie season as a role player can bring a much-needed energy that a team expected to lose a lot of games desperately needs. – Youngmisuk

30. Utah Jazz

  • 2024-25 record: 2-8
  • Previous ranking: 30
  • Next games: vs. DAL (Nov. 14), @ SAC (Nov. 16), @ LAC (Nov. 17), @ LAL (Nov. 19)

Power forward/center John Collins ranks second on the Jazz in scoring (15.8 points per game) and rebounding (7.4) despite coming off the bench in every game. Collins’ minutes have been trimmed as Utah leans into prioritizing the development of its recent draft picks. Could the 27-year-old Collins’ production make him attractive in the trade market? His value there is diminished by a $26.6 million player option for next season. – MacMahon

By NBA Insiders | ESPN, via ESPN