By NBA insiders | ESPN, 2025-11-05 20:00:00
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。
2025-26 NBA常规赛季已进行了大约三周，一年一度的NBA杯也已在万圣节之夜拉开帷幕。
在东部，芝加哥公牛队出人意料地取得了6胜1负的火热开局，与费城76人队在早期排名上展开激烈争夺，后者似乎已经摆脱了上赛季的伤病困扰。
在西部，卫冕冠军俄克拉荷马城雷霆队证明了阵容的延续性将让他们在本赛季受益匪浅。他们是目前唯一保持不败的球队。洛杉矶湖人队在勒布朗·詹姆斯 (LeBron James) 缺阵的情况下，取得了6胜2负的战绩。这是他所在的NBA球队在其缺阵期间所取得的最佳八场比赛开局。
除了我们每周的实力榜排名，我们的NBA内部专家还为每支球队选出了一位已经产生影响的新人——其定义为新秀、休赛期引援或新任教练。从迈克·布朗 (Mike Brown) 驾临纽约，到库珀·弗拉格 (Cooper Flagg) 在达拉斯受到热烈欢迎，以下是本赛季第一周给人留下深刻印象的30位球员和教练。
注：球队排名基于我们的专家团（ESPN的安东尼·斯莱特、戴夫·麦克梅纳明、贾马尔·科利尔、凯文·佩尔顿、迈克尔·C·莱特、奥姆·扬米萨克、蒂姆·邦坦普斯、蒂姆·麦克马洪、文森特·古德威尔和扎克·克拉姆）对各队本赛季实力的判断。
往期排名： 季前赛 | 10月29日
快速跳转至球队：
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. 俄克拉荷马城雷霆
- 2025-26赛季战绩： 8胜0负
- 上期排名： 1
- 未来赛程： 11月5日客场对阵开拓者，11月7日客场对阵国王，11月9日客场对阵灰熊，11月11日客场对阵勇士
最佳新援： 阿贾伊·米切尔 (Ajay Mitchell)
在奢侈税新规时代，一场财务清算很快将迫使雷霆队在核心阵容之外重组轮换。但那一天尚未到来。俄克拉荷马城保留了其冠军轮换阵容的全部成员，因此没有太多空间让新人脱颖而出。米切尔在他的第二个赛季必须争取一席之地。他在新秀赛季因脚趾手术前打了597分钟，期间不乏亮点。但在他第二个赛季的前七场比赛中，情况则完全不同。由于后场伤病，米切尔挺身而出扮演重要角色，场均27.6分钟内贡献17.3分，这让他有充分理由在杰伦·威廉姆斯 (Jalen Williams) 等人回归后，仍留在主教练马克·戴格诺特 (Mark Daigneault) 的每晚比赛计划中。– 安东尼·斯莱特
2. 圣安东尼奥马刺
- 2025-26赛季战绩： 5胜1负
- 上期排名： 6
- 未来赛程： 11月5日客场对阵湖人，11月7日主场对阵火箭，11月8日主场对阵鹈鹕，11月10日客场对阵公牛
最佳新援： 迪伦·哈珀 (Dylan Harper)
榜眼秀哈珀值得一提，他在六场比赛中场均得到14分，投篮命中率50%，并有近四次助攻。场均出战23分钟的哈珀，得分位列全队第四。年仅19岁的他，在圣安东尼奥的轮换阵容中扮演着重要角色，但由于最近的伤病，他可能会缺席数场比赛。哈珀在周日输给太阳队的比赛中左小腿拉伤，预计将缺阵数周。这次伤病可能会让圣安东尼奥连续三年斩获NBA年度最佳新秀的希望破灭。– 迈克尔·C·莱特
3. 丹佛掘金
- 2025-26赛季战绩： 4胜2负
- 上期排名： 5
- 未来赛程： 11月5日主场对阵热火，11月7日主场对阵勇士，11月8日主场对阵步行者，11月11日客场对阵国王
最佳新援： 小蒂姆·哈达威 (Tim Hardaway Jr.)
在与小迈克尔·波特 (Michael Porter Jr.) 互换东家后，卡梅伦·约翰逊 (Cameron Johnson) 取代他在丹佛首发阵容中的位置，但过渡期并不顺利。约翰逊正在处理右肩发炎的问题，同时试图摆脱赛季初的投篮低迷（投篮命中率40.0%，三分命中率25.0%）。小哈达威一直是掘金队最具影响力的新援，他作为替补场均贡献10.2分，三分命中率高达44.8%。– 蒂姆·麦克马洪
4. 洛杉矶湖人
- 2025-26赛季战绩： 6胜2负
- 上期排名： 12
- 未来赛程： 11月5日主场对阵马刺，11月8日客场对阵老鹰，11月10日客场对阵黄蜂
最佳新援： 杰克·拉拉维亚 (Jake LaRavia)、德安德烈·艾顿 (Deandre Ayton)、马库斯·斯玛特 (Marcus Smart)
这个问题没有一个简单的答案，这本身就足以说明湖人队取得6胜2负开局的出色表现。他们在夏天签下的三名自由球员都有充分的理由当选。在洛杉矶遭遇伤病潮侵袭时，拉拉维亚打满了全部八场比赛，场均贡献12.6分，投篮命中率58.5%，同时在干扰传球方面领跑全队。艾顿场均贡献16.9分和8.1个篮板，投篮命中率为65.1%。斯玛特场均得到9.2分，同时以场均1.7次抢断领跑全队，并且在出场的146分钟里，他的+64正负值也是全队最高。– 戴夫·麦克梅纳明
5. 休斯顿火箭
- 2025-26赛季战绩： 4胜2负
- 上期排名： 11
- 未来赛程： 11月5日客场对阵灰熊，11月7日客场对阵马刺，11月9日客场对阵雄鹿
最佳新援： 凯文·杜兰特 (Kevin Durant)
史上最具天赋的得分手之一杜兰特的到来，自然会带来进攻产出的提升。在杜兰特的带领下，休斯顿在前五场比赛中场均得到127.8分，创造了火箭队史前五场比赛的最高得分纪录。在周一战胜达拉斯后，休斯顿从0胜2负的开局中反弹，在三连胜期间总共净胜对手75分。杜兰特（21分）是队内第三得分手，而阿尔佩伦·申京 (Alperen Sengun)（26分）和阿门·汤普森 (Amen Thompson)（27分）合砍53分。– 莱特
6. 费城76人
- 2025-26赛季战绩： 5胜2负
- 上期排名： 9
- 未来赛程： 11月5日客场对阵骑士，11月8日主场对阵猛龙，11月9日主场对阵活塞，11月11日主场对阵凯尔特人
最佳新援： VJ·埃奇库姆 (VJ Edgecombe)
本赛季，很少有新援能像埃奇库姆一样对球队产生如此大的影响。这位来自贝勒大学、才华横溢的新秀后卫，是费城在六月NBA选秀中用三号签选中的。埃奇库姆的表现让76人队上赛季的惨淡战绩显得物有所值。截至周二晚比赛前，他场均得到20.3分——遥遥领先于同届其他新秀——同时总投篮命中率超过49%，三分命中率达到42%。– 蒂姆·邦坦普斯
7. 克利夫兰骑士
- 2025-26赛季战绩： 4胜3负
- 上期排名： 2
- 未来赛程： 11月5日主场对阵76人，11月7日客场对阵奇才，11月8日主场对阵公牛，11月10日客场对阵热火
最佳新援： 杰伦·泰森 (Jaylon Tyson)
这严格来说是他在联盟的第二年。尽管如此，泰森第一个赛季的上场时间非常零散，而本赛季他在达里厄斯·加兰 (Darius Garland) 受伤后进入首发阵容并表现出色，这对骑士队的轮换来说可能是一个巨大的进步。他场均得到10.9分，每场大约出手五次三分，命中率达到44%，展现出成为一名3D侧翼的潜力，这对于可能在周三复出的多诺万·米切尔 (Donovan Mitchell) 和加兰来说，将是极大的补充。– 贾马尔·科利尔
8. 芝加哥公牛
- 2025-26赛季战绩： 6胜1负
- 上期排名： 13
- 未来赛程： 11月7日客场对阵雄鹿，11月8日客场对阵骑士，11月10日主场对阵马刺
最佳新援： 艾萨克·奥科罗 (Isaac Okoro)
公牛队几乎保留了上赛季的全部阵容，但引进了奥科罗，以帮助在首发阵容中建立防守体系。尽管奥科罗表现挣扎，场均仅得6分，投篮命中率38.5%（三分命中率29.4%），并且在六场比赛中只有两次抢断，但公牛队仍在本周初防守效率排名联盟第12，并成为本赛季的惊喜球队之一。– 科利尔
9. 密尔沃基雄鹿
- 2025-26赛季战绩： 5胜3负
- 上期排名： 8
- 未来赛程： 11月7日主场对阵公牛，11月9日主场对阵火箭，11月10日主场对阵独行侠
最佳新援： 迈尔斯·特纳 (Myles Turner)
加盟雄鹿让特纳在印第安纳成了“反派”，他职业生涯的前十年都在那里度过。周一，特纳重返故地时受到了嘘声，但雄鹿球员们下定决心要为他们的新队友赢下这场比赛。特纳在进攻端的开局表现平平——场均9.7分，投篮命中率39.7%，但主教练道格·里弗斯 (Doc Rivers) 称赞了他的防守和无形资产，这些都在赛季初期为密尔沃基提供了助力。– 科利尔
10. 底特律活塞
- 2025-26赛季战绩： 5胜2负
- 上期排名： 14
- 未来赛程： 11月5日主场对阵爵士，11月7日客场对阵篮网，11月9日主场对阵76人，11月10日主场对阵奇才
最佳新援： 邓肯·罗宾逊 (Duncan Robinson)
对于一支三分火力不足（场均出手次数排名第27）的球队来说，新援罗宾逊将被寄予厚望，尤其是在杰登·艾维 (Jaden Ivey) 和马库斯·萨瑟 (Marcus Sasser) 因伤缺阵的情况下，他需要贡献更多的产量。他每晚出手超过六次三分，命中率接近41%，但如果他能更主动地寻找投篮机会，为凯德·坎宁安 (Cade Cunningham) 和新星奥萨尔·汤普森 (Ausar Thompson) 拉开空间，那将对球队更有帮助。联盟第五的防守让活塞队保持了竞争力——投篮表现应该会慢慢好转。– 文森特·古德威尔
11. 纽约尼克斯
- 2025-26赛季战绩： 4胜3负
- 上期排名： 4
- 未来赛程： 11月5日主场对阵森林狼，11月9日主场对阵篮网，11月11日主场对阵灰熊
最佳新援： 迈克·布朗 (Mike Brown)
对于新教练布朗来说，周日的比赛正是他所需要的。在经历了一波客场三连败后，尼克斯队打出了年轻赛季中最好的一段表现，三分球42投20中，成功复仇了两天前击败他们的公牛队。“我仍然认为我们的上限要高得多，但你可以看到潜力。这支球队完全有能力打得更快，”布朗说。对于一支上赛季直到一月份才遭遇三连败的球队来说，尼克斯队——以及布朗——在赛季初期需要这样的表现来证明自己。– 古德威尔
12. 洛杉矶快船
- 2025-26赛季战绩： 3胜4负
- 上期排名： 7
- 未来赛程： 11月6日客场对阵太阳，11月8日主场对阵太阳，11月10日主场对阵老鹰
最佳新援： 约翰·科林斯 (John Collins)
科林斯在赛季初期找到了自己作为快船第六人的角色，在得分（11.8分）和篮板（5.3个）上领跑主教练泰伦·卢 (Tyronn Lue) 的替补阵容，同时场均还有1.2次抢断。悲观地看，科林斯的初步成功可能要归功于其他新援如布拉德利·比尔 (Bradley Beal)、布鲁克·洛佩斯 (Brook Lopez) 和克里斯·保罗 (Chris Paul) 的集体低迷。然而，这位身高6英尺9英寸的前锋也投出了职业生涯新高的58.5%的投篮命中率。所以，他值得称赞。– 麦克梅纳明
13. 金州勇士
- 2025-26赛季战绩： 5胜3负
- 上期排名： 3
- 未来赛程： 11月5日客场对阵国王，11月7日客场对阵掘金，11月9日主场对阵步行者，11月11日客场对阵雷霆
最佳新援： 艾尔·霍福德 (Al Horford)
勇士队本赛季初的最佳一胜来自于加时战胜丹佛掘金。在那场比赛中，他们看到了夏天引进霍福德时所梦想的版本。他出场时间延长到29分钟，投进了两个关键三分，并在比赛的几个重要回合中很好地防守了尼古拉·约基奇 (Nikola Jokic)，最终与其他老将一起终结了比赛。这正是他们在四月份所需要的霍福德。但很明显，对于已经进入第19个赛季的霍福德来说，他的轮休计划在季后赛之前不会允许他经常这样打。霍福德不会在背靠背的比赛中出场，因此他已经缺席了三场比赛，并在其他三次出场中状态受限、手感生疏且效率不高。本赛季当他在场时，勇士队净负36分。– 斯莱特
14. 波特兰开拓者
- 2025-26赛季战绩： 4胜3负
- 上期排名： 20
- 未来赛程： 11月5日主场对阵雷霆，11月8日客场对阵热火，11月10日客场对阵魔术
最佳新援： 朱·霍勒迪 (Jrue Holiday)
在斯库特·亨德森 (Scoot Henderson) 仍因腿筋拉伤缺阵的情况下，霍勒迪作为首发控卫的表现完全符合甚至超出了波特兰的期望。他场均贡献16.7分和职业生涯新高的8.3次助攻，同时帮助开拓者队的防守以远超联盟其他球队的效率制造失误。霍勒迪本赛季表现最平淡的一场比赛，包括三分球6投0中，是周一波特兰主场输给阵容不整的湖人队的因素之一。尽管如此，开拓者队胜率仍然过半，这是自2022-23赛季以来，他们在赛季同一时间点的最佳战绩。– 凯文·佩尔顿
15. 迈阿密热火
- 2025-26赛季战绩： 4胜3负
- 上期排名： 15
- 未来赛程： 11月5日客场对阵掘金，11月7日主场对阵黄蜂，11月8日主场对阵开拓者，11月10日主场对阵骑士
最佳新援： 诺曼·鲍威尔 (Norman Powell)
鲍威尔非常适合迈阿密，尤其是在泰勒·希罗 (Tyler Herro) 缺阵期间。如果他能保持健康，鲍威尔可以重现上赛季在快船队科怀·伦纳德 (Kawhi Leonard) 缺阵的前几个月所做到的事情。他打出了全明星级别的表现，为快船提供了外线投射和急需的得分能力。在希罗缺阵的情况下，鲍威尔在四场比赛中三次得分超过20分，包括在这几场比赛中投进11个三分球。他因腹股沟问题连续缺席了三场比赛，但鲍威尔应该能继续在迈阿密新的快节奏进攻体系中发挥作用。– 奥姆·扬米萨克
16. 明尼苏达森林狼
- 2025-26赛季战绩： 4胜3负
- 上期排名： 10
- 未来赛程： 11月5日客场对阵尼克斯，11月7日主场对阵爵士，11月9日客场对阵国王，11月10日客场对阵爵士
最佳新援： 小特伦斯·香农 (Terrence Shannon Jr.)
严格来说，阵容中没有真正的新援，但有一位新的核心轮换球员：小香农，这位二年级后卫获得了首次全职顶替尼基尔·亚历山大-沃克 (Nickeil Alexander-Walker) 在主教练克里斯·芬奇 (Chris Finch) 轮换阵容中位置的机会。香农在常规赛末期和季后赛开始获得上场时间。本赛季他参加了明尼苏达全部七场比赛，但他的进攻仍然是个问题（总命中率32.1%，其中两分球命中率仅为29.4%）。– 邦坦普斯
17. 奥兰多魔术
- 2025-26赛季战绩： 3胜5负
- 上期排名： 17
- 未来赛程： 11月7日主场对阵凯尔特人，11月9日主场对阵凯尔特人，11月10日主场对阵开拓者
最佳新援： 德斯蒙德·贝恩 (Desmond Bane)
贝恩的三分球表现挣扎，前八场比赛命中率仅为28.5%。而且他在过去三场比赛中总共只得到23分，并在周二输给亚特兰大的比赛中，因对奥涅卡·奥孔古 (Onyeka Okongwu) 的一次恶性犯规以及犯规后向奥孔古挥球的后续技术犯规，在第三节被驱逐出场。尽管如此，魔术队知道现在还为时过早，他们需要更多时间与这位新援培养化学反应。一旦磨合到位，他们期望贝恩能为保罗·班凯罗 (Paolo Banchero) 和弗朗茨·瓦格纳 (Franz Wagner) 创造空间，让球队的三分投射大幅改善，同时提供急需的老将领导力。开局可能缓慢，但魔术队押上了四个首轮签和一个首轮互换权，赌贝恩能找到状态。– 扬米萨克
18. 亚特兰大老鹰
- 2025-26赛季战绩： 4胜4负
- 上期排名： 19
- 未来赛程： 11月7日主场对阵猛龙，11月8日主场对阵湖人，11月10日客场对阵快船
最佳新援： 克里斯塔普斯·波尔津吉斯 (Kristaps Porzingis)
老鹰队迫不及待地想看看特雷·杨 (Trae Young) 和波尔津吉斯的二人组合将如何配合。虽然他们可能还需要等待一个月或更长时间才能再次看到这两人并肩作战，但波尔津吉斯已经展示出他能为老鹰队其他球员带来多大的影响。在杨缺阵的三场比赛中，波尔津吉斯场均得到15分。当老鹰队利用错位将球传给他时，他在内线的存在感必须被重视，从而为队友创造了机会。在周二战胜奥兰多的比赛中，他获得了13次罚球机会，命中11球，带领老鹰队取胜。而他周日抢下的12个篮板，也让老鹰队在客场输给克利夫兰的比赛中保持了竞争力。如果波尔津吉斯能保持健康，他的影响力只会越来越大。– 扬米萨克
19. 波士顿凯尔特人
- 2025-26赛季战绩： 3胜5负
- 上期排名： 23
- 未来赛程： 11月5日主场对阵奇才，11月7日客场对阵魔术，11月9日客场对阵魔术，11月11日客场对阵76人
最佳新援： 约什·米诺特 (Josh Minott)
在等待杰森·塔图姆 (Jayson Tatum) 回归赛场的同时，波士顿在休赛期签下了几位颇具潜力的摇摆人进行尝试。其中之一的米诺特，在过去几场比赛中已经稳定在波士顿的轮换阵容中，并立即作为一名充满活力的拼抢型球员产生了影响，通过拼抢篮板和制造失误来创造额外的进攻机会。– 邦坦普斯
20. 多伦多猛龙
- 2025-26赛季战绩： 4胜4负
- 上期排名： 22
- 未来赛程： 11月7日客场对阵老鹰，11月8日客场对阵76人，11月11日客场对阵篮网
最佳新援： 布兰登·英格拉姆 (Brandon Ingram)
严格来说，英格拉姆并非新援，因为多伦多在2024-25赛季中期通过交易得到并与他续约，但他直到本赛季才首次为猛龙队出战。这位曾入选全明星的球员以场均22.3分领跑多伦多，并且凭借他以中距离为主的火热手感，正悄悄打出职业生涯最高的效率。英格拉姆之前任何一个赛季的投篮命中率都未超过49.7%，但本赛季他高达55.0%。– 扎克·克拉姆
21. 孟菲斯灰熊
- 2025-26赛季战绩： 3胜5负
- 上期排名： 16
- 未来赛程： 11月5日主场对阵火箭，11月7日主场对阵独行侠，11月9日主场对阵雷霆，11月11日客场对阵尼克斯
最佳新援： 塞德里克·考沃德 (Cedric Coward)
在老将控卫贾·莫兰特 (Ja Morant) 被禁赛一场后，孟菲斯队鲜有亮点，而选秀第11顺位的考沃德则表现出色。灰熊队在选秀中向上交易了五个顺位以得到考沃德，管理层认为这位得分后卫的运动能力、多才多艺和身体素质是围绕莫兰特和小贾伦·杰克逊 (Jaren Jackson Jr.) 建队的关键要素。在进攻端，这位新秀得分位列全队第三，同时三分命中率超过50%。– 莱特
22. 达拉斯独行侠
- 2025-26赛季战绩： 2胜5负
- 上期排名： 21
- 未来赛程： 11月5日主场对阵鹈鹕，11月7日客场对阵灰熊，11月8日客场对阵奇才，11月10日主场对阵雄鹿
最佳新援： 库珀·弗拉格 (Cooper Flagg)
独行侠早就预料到，无论弗拉格在杜克大学“大一赛季”后获得了多少赞誉，他作为新秀都会经历大量的成长阵痛。每个在NBA打过球的18岁球员都曾挣扎过，而弗拉格还面临着生涯首次打控卫的额外挑战，同时通常还要面对对手最好的防守者。他的数据（场均13.6分、6.0个篮板、2.9次助攻，有效命中率44.6%）并不亮眼，但达拉斯并没有恐慌。独行侠坚信，弗拉格融合了坚韧的心态、成熟、自信和好胜心，这些品质将让他从困境中受益。– 麦克马洪
23. 菲尼克斯太阳
- 2025-26赛季战绩： 3胜5负
- 上期排名： 27
- 未来赛程： 11月6日主场对阵快船，11月8日客场对阵快船，11月10日主场对阵鹈鹕
最佳新援： 狄龙·布鲁克斯 (Dillon Brooks)
虽然布鲁克斯因核心肌肉拉伤只打了三场比赛，但这位九年老将已经在凤凰城留下了深刻印象。布鲁克斯是太阳队的第二得分手（场均19.3分），他场均2.7次抢断仅次于俄克拉荷马城的卡森·华莱士 (Cason Wallace)，位列联盟第二。他的到来帮助菲尼克斯在第一年执教的教练乔丹·奥特 (Jordan Ott) 的带领下，防守效率从联盟第27位攀升至第22位。– 麦克梅纳明
24. 夏洛特黄蜂
- 2025-26赛季战绩： 3胜5负
- 上期排名： 18
- 未来赛程： 11月7日客场对阵热火，11月10日主场对阵湖人
最佳新援： 康·克努佩尔 (Kon Knueppel)
夏洛特的新秀们本赛季的出场时间远超任何其他球队，有时甚至有多达三名新秀（4号秀克努佩尔以及二轮秀锡安·詹姆斯 (Sion James) 和瑞安·卡尔克布伦纳 (Ryan Kalkbrenner)）同时首发。在这三人中，克努佩尔的影响最大，场均出战30.1分钟，贡献14.0分。他高出手量（场均7.3次）下的43.1%的三分命中率，与拉梅洛·鲍尔 (LaMelo Ball) 在黄蜂后场的搭档堪称绝配。周日，克努佩尔得到职业生涯新高的24分，帮助黄蜂队大胜犹他，终结了三连败。– 佩尔顿
25. 萨克拉门托国王
- 2025-26赛季战绩： 2胜5负
- 上期排名： 26
- 未来赛程： 11月5日主场对阵勇士，11月7日主场对阵雷霆，11月9日主场对阵森林狼，11月11日主场对阵掘金
最佳新援： 拉塞尔·威斯布鲁克 (Russell Westbrook)
在国王队最近客场战胜密尔沃基的比赛末段，现场麦克风捕捉到了威斯布鲁克和多曼塔斯·萨博尼斯 (Domantas Sabonis) 之间的一段交流。萨博尼斯当时身背五次犯规。威斯布鲁克担心他会领到第六犯，便命令萨博尼斯离开扬尼斯·阿德托昆博 (Giannis Antetokounmpo)，自己去防守他。萨博尼斯因此得以在最后的2分35秒留在场上，国王队最终以135-133险胜。这是一个例子，展示了威斯布鲁克在一支缺乏领导力和防守多功能性的球队中迅速崛起。他在赛季开始前一周才签下一份为期一年的底薪合同，但已经进入了首发和收官阵容，在周一晚上对阵掘金的比赛中，他出战37分钟，得到26分和12个篮板。– 斯莱特
26. 犹他爵士
- 2025-26赛季战绩： 3胜4负
- 上期排名： 24
- 未来赛程： 11月5日客场对阵活塞，11月7日客场对阵森林狼，11月10日主场对阵森林狼，11月11日主场对阵步行者
最佳新援： 艾斯·贝利 (Ace Bailey)
犹他的管理层和教练组乐观地认为，选秀第五顺位的贝利能够成长为球队的基石。这种潜力尚未转化为这位年轻球员的即时产出，他场均仅得4.6分，投篮命中率为29.5%。然而，自抵达犹他以来，贝利展现出的态度和乐于接受指导的意愿让爵士队备受鼓舞。– 麦克马洪
27. 印第安纳步行者
- 2025-26赛季战绩： 1胜6负
- 上期排名： 25
- 未来赛程： 11月5日主场对阵篮网，11月8日客场对阵掘金，11月9日客场对阵勇士，11月11日客场对阵爵士
最佳新援： 杰伊·赫夫 (Jay Huff)
在泰瑞斯·哈利伯顿 (Tyrese Haliburton) 受伤、球队进入预期的过渡年后，步行者队在夏天没有引进太多新球员。其中最好的是替补中锋赫夫，他的进攻火力尚未从孟菲斯带到印第安纳——在上赛季三分命中率高达41%之后，他本赛季仅17投3中（18%）——但他是一位可靠的内线防守者。在两届盖帽王迈尔斯·特纳离队后，赫夫每36分钟盖帽3.7次，而步行者队其他球员每36分钟盖帽数均未超过1.1次。– 克拉姆
28. 华盛顿奇才
- 2025-26赛季战绩： 1胜6负
- 上期排名： 28
- 未来赛程： 11月5日客场对阵凯尔特人，11月7日主场对阵骑士，11月10日主场对阵独行侠，11月10日客场对阵活塞
最佳新援： 特雷·约翰逊 (Tre Johnson)
6号秀约翰逊在他NBA生涯的早期已经成为一名即插即用的空间型球员，场均命中2.1个三分球，命中率36%。这位新秀有待改进的一个领域是他的组织能力：根据GeniusIQ的数据追踪，约翰逊作为持球人打了36次挡拆，但只送出了两次助攻。总的来说，他在七场比赛中送出11次助攻，出现9次失误。– 克拉姆
29. 新奥尔良鹈鹕
- 2025-26赛季战绩： 1胜6负
- 上期排名： 29
- 未来赛程： 11月5日客场对阵独行侠，11月8日客场对阵马刺，11月10日客场对阵太阳
最佳新援： 耶利米·菲尔斯 (Jeremiah Fears)
鹈鹕队无疑曾希望老将后卫乔丹·普尔 (Jordan Poole) 能成为答案，但他在新奥尔良生涯的第三场比赛就失去了首发位置，并且在替补席上的表现也起伏不定，在一场30分的比赛前后，分别打出了11投2中的糟糕表现。新奥尔良主教练威利·格林 (Willie Green) 坚持使用年轻的新秀控卫菲尔斯，考虑到他的经验不足，他同样不稳定的表现（在一场11投1中后，紧接着一场15投10中得到21分）也更容易被理解。在鹈鹕队糟糕的开局中，菲尔斯的表现是乐观情绪的主要来源。– 佩尔顿
30. 布鲁克林篮网
- 2025-26赛季战绩： 0胜7负
- 上期排名： 30
- 未来赛程： 11月7日客场对阵步行者，11月7日主场对阵活塞，11月9日客场对阵尼克斯，11月11日主场对阵猛龙
最佳新援： 小迈克尔·波特 (Michael Porter Jr.)
小波特得到了他想要的所有出手机会，得分仅次于卡姆·托马斯 (Cam Thomas)，位列篮网队第二。由于缺少其他得分选择且没有组织者，对手都在重点防守波特和托马斯。正如预期的那样，由于波特不再与尼古拉·约基奇并肩作战，他的出手机会质量下降了，而这支球队在充满失利的两周里，仍在拼命寻找自己的定位。更糟糕的是，在以23分惨败给76人队后，主教练霍尔迪·费尔南德斯 (Jordi Fernandez) 如此说道：“我没能让我的球员们努力打球。” 对于布鲁克林来说，赛季才刚开始，但情况已经岌岌可危。– 古德威尔
点击查看原文：NBA Power Rankings: Best newcomer, impact player on all 30 teams
NBA Power Rankings: Best newcomer, impact player on all 30 teams
We’re about three weeks into the 2025-26 NBA regular season, with the annual NBA Cup already underway after tipping off on Halloween night.
In the East, the Chicago Bulls have jumped to a surprising hot start, going 6-1 and in an early standings race with the Philadelphia 76ers, who seemed to have shaken their injury bug from last season.
In the West, the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder have proved why continuity will serve them well this season. They remain the only undefeated team left. The Los Angeles Lakers, still without LeBron James, are 6-2. This is the best eight-game stretch his NBA team has had without him in the lineup.
In addition to our weekly rankings, our NBA insiders chose a newcomer – defined by a rookie, offseason addition or new coach – who has made an impact already for each team. From Mike Brown’s arrival in New York to Cooper Flagg’s warm welcome in Dallas, these are the 30 players and coaches who impressed in the first week of the season.
Note: Team rankings are based on where members of our panel (ESPN’s Anthony Slater, Dave McMenamin, Jamal Collier, Kevin Pelton, Michael C. Wright, Ohm Youngmisuk, Tim Bontemps, Tim MacMahon, Vincent Goodwill and Zach Kram) think teams belong this season.
Previous rankings: Preseason | Oct. 29
Jump 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. Oklahoma City Thunder
- 2025-26 record: 8-0
- Previous ranking: 1
- Next games: @ POR (Nov. 5), @ SAC (Nov. 7), @ MEM (Nov. 9), @ GSW (Nov. 11)
Top newcomer: Ajay Mitchell
In the apron era, a financial reckoning will soon force the Thunder to rearrange their rotation below the headliners. But that day is not yet here. Oklahoma City brought back the entirety of its championship rotation, so there isn’t much room for a newcomer to bust through the doors. Mitchell will have to qualify in his second season. He played 597 minutes as a rookie before toe surgery, and there were intriguing flashes. But the first seven games of his second season have been something different. Stepping into a major role due to backcourt injuries, Mitchell is averaging 17.3 points in 27.6 minutes, making the case he should stay in Mark Daigneault’s nightly plans even when Jalen Williams and others have returned. – Anthony Slater
2. San Antonio Spurs
- 2025-26 record: 5-1
- Previous ranking: 6
- Next games: @ LAL (Nov. 5), vs. HOU (Nov. 7), vs. NO (Nov. 8), @ CHI (Nov. 10)
Top newcomer: Dylan Harper
The No. 2 pick, Harper, earns mention in the discussion, averaging 14 points over six games while shooting 50% from the field and averaging nearly four assists. Playing 23 minutes per game, Harper ranks fourth on the team in scoring, and at 19, figures prominently in San Antonio’s rotation but will likely miss several games due to his latest injury. Harper suffered a left calf strain during Sunday’s loss to the Suns and is expected to sit out multiple weeks. This injury could potentially derail San Antonio’s chances of finishing this season with three consecutive NBA Rookie of the Year winners. – Michael C. Wright
3. Denver Nuggets
- 2025-26 record: 4-2
- Previous ranking: 5
- Next games: vs. MIA (Nov. 5), vs. GS (Nov. 7), vs. IND (Nov. 8), @ SAC (Nov. 11)
Top newcomer: Tim Hardaway Jr.
It’s been a bumpy transition for Cameron Johnson after replacing Michael Porter Jr. in Denver’s starting lineup after they were traded for each other. Johnson is dealing with right shoulder inflammation while trying to work his way out of an early-season shooting funk (40.0% from the floor, 25.0% from 3-point range). Hardaway Jr. has been the Nuggets’ most impactful newcomer, averaging 10.2 points off the bench while shooting 44.8% from deep. – Tim MacMahon
4. Los Angeles Lakers
- 2025-26 record: 6-2
- Previous ranking: 12
- Next games: vs. SA (Nov. 5), @ ATL (Nov. 8), @ CHA (Nov. 10)
Top newcomer(s): Jake LaRavia, Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart
The fact that there’s no easy answer to this question speaks volumes about the Lakers’ 6-2 start. All three of their free agent signings from the summer have a legitimate case. LaRavia has played in all eight games while L.A.'s been bit by the injury bug, averaging 12.6 points on 58.5% shooting while also leading the team in deflections. Ayton is averaging 16.9 points on 65.1% shooting and 8.1 rebounds. Smart is averaging 9.2 points while leading the team in steals per game (1.7) and in plus-minus with a plus-64 in 146 minutes played. – Dave McMenamin
5. Houston Rockets
- 2025-26 record: 4-2
- Previous ranking: 11
- Next games: @ MEM (Nov. 5), @ SA (Nov. 7), @ MIL (Nov. 9)
Top newcomer: Kevin Durant
Naturally, the arrival of Durant, one of the most gifted scorers of all time, would lead to an uptick in offensive production. With Durant leading the way, Houston averaged 127.8 points over its first five outings, the most through five games in Rockets history. Houston bounced back from a 0-2 start to outscore opponents by 75 points during a three-game winning streak after Monday’s victory over Dallas. Durant (21 points) finished as the third-leading scorer as Alperen Sengun (26) and Amen Thompson combined (27) for 53 points – Wright
6. Philadelphia 76ers
- 2025-26 record: 5-2
- Previous ranking: 9
- Next games: @ CLE (Nov. 5), vs. TOR (Nov. 8), vs. DET (Nov. 9), vs. BOS (Nov. 11)
Top newcomer: VJ Edgecombe
There have been few newcomers to make a bigger impact with their team this season than Edgecombe, the sensational rookie guard out of Baylor whom Philadelphia snagged with the third pick in June’s NBA draft. Edgecombe is making all of the pain of last season’s miserable campaign for the 76ers worth it, as he entered Tuesday night’s game averaging 20.3 points – miles ahead of anyone else in the class – while shooting over 49% overall and 42% from 3. – Tim Bontemps
7. Cleveland Cavaliers
- 2025-26 record: 4-3
- Previous ranking: 2
- Next games: vs. PHI (Nov. 5), @ WAS (Nov. 7), vs. CHI (Nov. 8), @ MIA (Nov. 10)
Top newcomer: Jaylon Tyson
This is technically his second year in the league. Still, Tyson’s minutes were so sporadic in his first season, the fact that he stepped into the starting lineup with Darius Garland injured and played well could be a huge development for the Cavs’ rotation. He’s averaging 10.9 points and shooting 44% from 3 on about five attempts per game, showing signs of a 3-and-D wing who could be a huge complement to Donovan Mitchell and Garland, who could return Wednesday. – Jamal Collier
8. Chicago Bulls
- 2025-26 record: 6-1
- Previous ranking: 13
- Next games: @ MIL (Nov. 7), @ CLE (Nov. 8), vs. SA (Nov. 10)
Top newcomer: Isaac Okoro
The Bulls brought back nearly their entire roster from last season but added Okoro to the mix to help build a defensive identity in the starting lineup. Chicago entered the week ranked 12th in defense and has been one of the surprise teams even though Okoro has struggled, averaging six points while shooting 38.5% from the field (29.4% from 3) and has just two steals in six games. – Collier
9. Milwaukee Bucks
- 2025-26 record: 5-3
- Previous ranking: 8
- Next games: vs. CHI (Nov. 7), vs. HOU (Nov. 9), vs. DAL (Nov. 10)
Top newcomer: Myles Turner
Joining the Bucks made Turner a villain in Indiana, the place where he spent the first decade of his career. Turner was greeted with boos in his return Monday, but Bucks players made it a point to win the game for their newest teammate. Turner is off to a modest start offensively – 9.7 points on 39.7% shooting, but coach Doc Rivers has lauded his defense and intangibles to boost Milwaukee early. – Collier
10. Detroit Pistons
- 2025-26 record: 5-2
- Previous ranking: 14
- Next games: vs. UTAH (Nov. 5), @ BKN (Nov. 7), vs. PHI (Nov. 9), vs. WAS (Nov. 10)
Top newcomer: Duncan Robinson
For a team that’s lacking in 3-point production (27th in attempts per game), newcomer Robinson will be counted on for more volume, especially with Jaden Ivey and Marcus Sasser out with injuries. He’s getting up over six 3s a night and shooting nearly 41%, but it would help with the spacing if he got a little more assertive in hunting shots to spread the floor for Cade Cunningham and emerging star Ausar Thompson. A fifth-ranked defense has kept the Pistons afloat – the shooting should come around. – Vincent Goodwill
11. New York Knicks
- 2025-26 record: 4-3
- Previous ranking: 4
- Next games: vs. MIN (Nov. 5), vs. BKN (Nov. 9), vs. MEM (Nov. 11)
Top newcomer: Mike Brown
Sunday was just what the doctor ordered for new coach Brown. Following a three-game road losing streak, the Knicks put together their best stretch of basketball in the young season, hitting 20-of-42 on 3-pointers to avenge a loss to the Bulls from two nights earlier. “I still think our ceiling is a lot higher, but you can see the potential. This team is more than capable of playing faster,” Brown said. For a team that didn’t have a three-game losing streak last season until January, the Knicks – and Brown – needed proof of concept early. – Goodwill
12. LA Clippers
- 2025-26 record: 3-4
- Previous ranking: 7
- Next games: @ PHX (Nov. 6), vs. PHX (Nov. 8), vs. ATL (Nov. 10)
Top newcomer: John Collins
Collins has found an early role as the Clippers’ sixth man, leading coach Tyronn Lue’s reserves in scoring (11.8 points) and rebounds (5.3), while also averaging 1.2 steals. A cynical view would credit Collins’ initial success because of the collective struggles of other newcomers such as Bradley Beal, Brook Lopez and Chris Paul, who have all underwhelmed. However, the 6-foot-9 forward is shooting a career-best 58.5% from the floor, too. So, props to him. – McMenamin
13. Golden State Warriors
- 2025-26 record: 5-3
- Previous ranking: 3
- Next games: @ SAC (Nov. 5), @ DEN (Nov. 7), vs. IND (Nov. 9), @ OKC (Nov. 11)
Top newcomer: Al Horford
The Warriors’ best win of the early season came in overtime against Denver. In it, they were delivered the version of Horford they dreamed about after adding him this summer. He stretched out to 29 minutes, nailed a pair of clutch 3s and guarded Nikola Jokic well on several of the game’s larger possessions, closing with the other veterans. It’s what they will need from Horford regularly come April. But it’s clear that the maintenance program for Horford, in his 19th season, won’t allow it often before the playoffs. Horford won’t play on back-to-back nights, so he’s already missed three games and been limited, rusty and ineffective in his three other appearances. The Warriors have been outscored by 36 points with him on the floor this season. – Slater
14. Portland Trail Blazers
- 2025-26 record: 4-3
- Previous ranking: 20
- Next games: vs. OKC (Nov. 5), @ MIA (Nov. 8), @ ORL (Nov. 10)
Top newcomer: Jrue Holiday
Holiday has been everything Portland hoped and more as the starting point guard with Scoot Henderson still sidelined by a hamstring strain. Holiday is averaging 16.7 points and a career-high 8.3 assists while helping lead a Blazers defense that is forcing turnovers at far and away the NBA’s best rate. Holiday’s quietest night this season, including 0-of-6 on 3-point shooting, was a factor as Portland lost at home to the short-handed Lakers on Monday. Still, the Blazers are above .500 for the latest point in any season since 2022-23. – Kevin Pelton
15. Miami Heat
- 2025-26 record: 4-3
- Previous ranking: 15
- Next games: @ DEN (Nov. 5), vs. CHA (Nov. 7), vs. POR (Nov. 8), vs. CLE (Nov. 10)
Top newcomer: Norman Powell
Powell has been a nice fit in Miami, especially while Tyler Herro is out. If he can stay healthy, Powell can do what he did in the first couple of months with the Clippers last season when Kawhi Leonard was out. He played like an All-Star, providing the Clippers with shooting from the perimeter and much-needed scoring. With Herro out, Powell has scored 20 or more points in three of his four games, including knocking down 11 triples in those games. He missed three straight contests with a groin issue, but Powell should be able to continue to do damage in Miami’s new up-tempo offense. – Ohm Youngmisuk
16. Minnesota Timberwolves
- 2025-26 record: 4-3
- Previous ranking: 10
- Next games: @ NYK (Nov. 5), vs. UTA H (Nov. 7), @ SAC (Nov. 9), @ UTAH (Nov. 10)
Top newcomer: Terrence Shannon Jr.
There’s not really a newcomer on the roster, per se, but there is a new core rotation player: Shannon Jr., a second-year guard who has been given the first full-time crack at replacing Nickeil Alexander-Walker in coach Chris Finch’s rotation. Shannon began to get minutes late in the regular season and in the playoffs. He has played in all seven of Minnesota’s games to begin this season, though his offense remains an issue (shooting 32.1% overall, including 29.4% on 2-pointers this season). – Bontemps
17. Orlando Magic
- 2025-26 record: 3-5
- Previous ranking: 17
- Next games: vs. BOS (Nov. 7), vs. BOS (Nov. 9), vs. POR (Nov. 10)
Top newcomer: Desmond Bane
Bane has struggled from 3, shooting just 28.5% in his first eight games. And he has only scored 23 points in his past three games, culminating with an ejection in the third quarter of Tuesday’s loss to Atlanta for a flagrant foul against Onyeka Okongwu and a subsequent technical foul for swiping the ball at Okongwu after the foul. Still, the Magic know it’s early and that they need more time to develop chemistry with their new performer. Once that happens, they expect to shoot much better from 3 with Bane creating space for Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner while providing some much-needed veteran leadership. It might be off to a slow start, but the Magic are betting four first-round picks and a first-round pick swap that Bane will get things going. – Youngmisuk
18. Atlanta Hawks
- 2025-26 record: 4-4
- Previous ranking: 19
- Next games: vs. TOR (Nov. 7), vs. LAL (Nov. 8), @ LAC (Nov. 10)
Top newcomer: Kristaps Porzingis
The Hawks couldn’t wait to see how their two-man game of Trae Young and Porzingis would work together. While they will have to wait another month or longer before seeing those two together again, Porzingis has been showing how big of an impact he can have for the rest of the Hawks. Porzingis is averaging 15 points in the three games since Young has been out. But his presence has to be accounted for inside when the Hawks throw the ball to him with a mismatch, opening things for teammates. He went to the line 13 times, making 11 free throws to lead the Hawks to a win over Orlando on Tuesday. And his 12 rebounds Sunday kept the Hawks competitive in a loss at Cleveland. If Porzingis can stay healthy, his impact will only grow. – Youngmisuk
19. Boston Celtics
- 2025-26 record: 3-5
- Previous ranking: 23
- Next games: vs. WAS (Nov. 5), @ ORL (Nov. 7), @ ORL (Nov. 9), @ PHI (Nov. 11)
Top newcomer: Josh Minott
As Boston waits to get Jayson Tatum back on the court, it took fliers on several upside swing players this offseason. One of them, Minott, has settled into a starting spot in Boston’s rotation over the past few games and has immediately made an impact as a high-energy grinder, creating extra possessions by hitting the glass and creating turnovers. – Bontemps
20. Toronto Raptors
- 2025-26 record: 4-4
- Previous ranking: 22
- Next games: @ ATL (Nov. 7), @ PHI (Nov. 8), @ BKN (Nov. 11)
Top newcomer: Brandon Ingram
Ingram isn’t technically a new addition, as Toronto traded for and extended him in the middle of the 2024-25 campaign, but he never played a game for the Raptors until this season. The one-time All-Star leads Toronto averaging 22.3 points, and he’s quietly posting the best efficiency numbers of his career thanks to a hot streak from his midrange-heavy shot diet. Ingram never made more than 49.7% of his shots in any previous season, but he’s all the way up at 55.0% this season. – Zach Kram
21. Memphis Grizzlies
- 2025-26 record: 3-5
- Previous ranking: 16
- Next games: vs. HOU (Nov. 5), vs. DAL (Nov. 7),vs. OKC (Nov. 9), @ NYK (Nov. 11)
Top newcomer: Cedric Coward
Coward, the 11th pick of the draft, shines for a Memphis squad flashing few bright spots in the wake of the one-game suspension of veteran point guard Ja Morant. The Grizzlies moved up five spots to acquire Coward in the draft as the brass identified the shooting guard’s athleticism, versatility and physicality as key elements in building around Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. Offensively, the rookie ranks third on the team in scoring while connecting on better than 50% from deep. – Wright
22. Dallas Mavericks
- 2025-26 record: 2-5
- Previous ranking: 21
- Next games: vs. NO (Nov. 5), @ MEM (Nov. 7), @ WAS (Nov. 8), vs. MIL (Nov. 10)
Top newcomer: Cooper Flagg
The Mavs figured that Flagg would endure plenty of growing pains as a rookie, no matter how much hype surrounded him following his phenomenal one-and-done stint at Duke. Every 18-year-old who has played in the NBA has struggled, and Flagg has the additional challenge of playing point guard for the first time in his life while usually drawing the opponent’s best defender. His numbers (13.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.9 assists with a 44.6 effective field goal percentage) aren’t pretty, but there’s no panic in Dallas. The Mavs firmly believe that Flagg has the blend of mental toughness, maturity, confidence and competitiveness to benefit from his struggles. – MacMahon
23. Phoenix Suns
- 2025-26 record: 3-5
- Previous ranking: 27
- Next games: vs. LAC (Nov. 6), @ LAC (Nov. 8), vs. NO (Nov. 10)
Top newcomer: Dillon Brooks
While Brooks has been limited to three games because of a core muscle strain, the nine-year vet has already made an impression in the Valley. Brooks is the Suns’ second-leading scorer (19.3 points per game) and his 2.7 steals average is second in the league, behind only Oklahoma City’s Cason Wallace. His presence has helped Phoenix climb from the league’s No. 27 defensive rating to No. 22 under first-year coach Jordan Ott. – McMenamin
24. Charlotte Hornets
- 2025-26 record: 3-5
- Previous ranking: 18
- Next games: @ MIA (Nov. 7), vs. LAL (Nov. 10)
Top newcomer: Kon Knueppel
Charlotte’s rookies have played far and away the most minutes of any team this season, with as many as three (No. 4 pick Knueppel and second-rounders Sion James and Ryan Kalkbrenner) starting together at times. Of those three, Knueppel has had the biggest impact, averaging 30.1 minutes and 14.0 points. His 43.1% 3-point shooting on high volume (7.3 attempts per game) has been an ideal fit alongside LaMelo Ball in the Hornets’ backcourt. Knueppel had a career-high 24 points Sunday as the Hornets snapped a three-game losing streak by blowing out Utah. – Pelton
25. Sacramento Kings
- 2025-26 record: 2-5
- Previous ranking: 26
- Next games: vs. GSW (Nov. 5), vs. OKC (Nov. 7), vs. MIN (Nov. 9), vs. DEN (Nov. 11)
Top newcomer: Russell Westbrook
Kings microphones picked up an exchange between Westbrook and Domantas Sabonis late in their recent road win in Milwaukee. Sabonis had five fouls. Westbrook, fearing he would pick up a sixth, ordered Sabonis off Giannis Antetokounmpo and guarded him instead. Sabonis remained eligible for the final 2:35 and the Kings closed to prevail 135-133. It was an example of Westbrook’s immediate ascension on a roster lacking leadership and defensive versatility. He signed a minimum one-year contract a week before the season began but has already worked his way into the starting and closing lineup, finishing with 26 points and 12 rebounds in 37 minutes against the Nuggets on Monday night. – Slater
26. Utah Jazz
- 2025-26 record: 3-4
- Previous ranking: 24
- Next games: @ DET (Nov. 5), @ MIN (Nov. 7), vs. MIN (Nov. 10), vs. IND (Nov. 11)
Top newcomer: Ace Bailey
Utah’s front office and coaching staff are optimistic that Bailey, the fifth pick in the draft, can develop into a franchise cornerstone. That potential hasn’t translated into instant production for the teenager, who is averaging 4.6 points on 29.5% shooting. However, the Jazz have been encouraged by Bailey’s approach and willingness to be coached since he arrived in Utah. – MacMahon
27. Indiana Pacers
- 2025-26 record: 1-6
- Previous ranking: 25
- Next games: vs. BKN (Nov. 5), @ DEN (Nov. 8), @ GSW (Nov. 9), @ UTAH (Nov. 11)
Top newcomer: Jay Huff
Entering an expected gap year with Tyrese Haliburton injured, the Pacers didn’t add many new players over the summer. The best of the bunch is backup center Huff, whose offense hasn’t yet made the trip from Memphis to Indiana – he’s shooting just 3-for-17 (18%) on 3s after nailing 41% last season – but is a capable interior defender. Huff is averaging 3.7 blocks per 36 minutes, while no other Pacer has more than 1.1 blocks per 36 with two-time blocks champion Myles Turner gone. – Kram
28. Washington Wizards
- 2025-26 record: 1-6
- Previous ranking: 28
- Next games: @ BOS (Nov. 5), vs. CLE (Nov. 7), vs. DAL (Nov. 10), @ DET (Nov. 10)
Top newcomer: Tre Johnson
No. 6 pick Johnson has been a plug-and-play floor-spacer early in his NBA career, sinking 2.1 3-pointers per game on 36% shooting. One area of potential improvement for the rookie is his playmaking: Johnson has received 36 picks as the ball handler and produced assists on just two of them, per GeniusIQ tracking. Overall, he has 11 assists and nine turnovers through seven games. – Kram
29. New Orleans Pelicans
- 2025-26 record: 1-6
- Previous ranking: 29
- Next games: @ DAL (Nov. 5), @ SA (Nov. 8), @ PHX (Nov. 10)
Top newcomer: Jeremiah Fears
The Pelicans surely hoped veteran guard Jordan Poole would be the answer, but he lost his starting job three games into his New Orleans career and has had uneven performances off the bench, sandwiching a 30-point game between 2-of-11 shooting nights. New Orleans coach Willie Green is sticking with teenage rookie point guard Fears, whose own up-and-down play (he followed 1-of-11 shooting with 10-of-15 in a 21-point effort) is more understandable given his inexperience. Fears’ play is the main reason for optimism amidst a poor Pelicans start. – Pelton
30. Brooklyn Nets
- 2025-26 record: 0-7
- Previous ranking: 30
- Next games: @ IND (Nov. 7), vs. DET (Nov. 7), @ NYK (Nov. 9), vs. TOR (Nov. 11)
Top newcomer: Michael Porter Jr.
Porter Jr. is getting all the shots he wants and is second on the Nets in scoring behind Cam Thomas. With few other scoring options and the Nets lacking a playmaker, teams are loading up on Porter and Thomas. As expected, since Porter is no longer playing with Nikola Jokic, the quality of the looks has decreased while on a team desperately searching for an identity through two weeks filled with losses. And to make matters worse, head coach Jordi Fernandez offered this after a 23-point drubbing at the hands of the 76ers: “I’m failing at trying to get my guys to play hard.” It’s getting too late, very early in Brooklyn. – Goodwill
By NBA insiders | ESPN, via ESPN