[ESPN] NBA实力榜：30支球队的最关键角色球员

ESPN · 2025 年11 月 19 日 12:40

By NBA insiders | ESPN, 2025-11-19 20:00:00

从赛季初的全明星级表现到令人失望的开局，2025-26 NBA常规赛可谓看点十足。

尼古拉·约基奇 (Nikola Jokic) 正开启又一个历史级的赛季，他在周一对阵芝加哥公牛队的比赛中，悄然斩获个人本赛季第八次三双，并在过去八场比赛中领跑丹佛掘金队的得分和助攻榜。

他们的西部对手俄克拉荷马雷霆队，本赛季在我们的实力榜上独占鳌头，已连续五周稳坐第一的宝座。与此同时，他们在2025年总决赛中的对手印第安纳步行者队，则因伤病缠身和连败不止，在本实力榜和分区排名中双双垫底。

说到连胜，底特律活塞队正统治着东部，并豪取11连胜——这是他们自2008年以来的最长连胜纪录。上一次活塞队取得如此火热的开局，还要追溯到2008年，那年他们一路杀入了东部决赛。

除了实力排名，我们的NBA内部专家们还评选出了各队最重要的角色球员。哪位第六人正发挥着最大的影响力？谁又能挺身而出，填补受伤超级巨星留下的空缺？下面，就让我们来详细解读本周实力榜上30支球队的座次。

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、欧姆·杨米苏克、蒂姆·邦坦普斯、蒂姆·麦克马洪、文森特·古德维尔和扎克·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 | 11月5日 | 11月12日

1. 俄克拉荷马雷霆

2025-26赛季战绩: 14胜1负
上期排名: 1
未来赛程: 11月19日 vs. 国王, 11月21日 @ 爵士, 11月23日 vs. 开拓者

角色球员: 以赛亚·哈尔滕施泰因 (Isaiah Hartenstein)

本赛季NBA中，能在单场比赛中同时砍下至少30分和19个篮板的球员只有两位：扬尼斯·阿德托昆博 (Giannis Antetokounmpo) 和哈尔滕施泰因。这位雷霆队总是被低估的中锋，在效力球队的第二个赛季表现更上一层楼，场均得分（12.9分）、篮板（10.9个）和抢断（1.5次）均创下生涯新高。他在五英尺内的62次命中数位列联盟第七，而他84.9%的命中率则高于排在他前面的六位球员。在雷霆队14胜1负的开局中，哈尔滕施泰因全勤出战了所有15场比赛。他下赛季拥有价值2850万美元的球员选项，并且已经证明自己完全配得上这份合同。 – 安东尼·斯莱特

2. 丹佛掘金

2025-26赛季战绩: 10胜3负
上期排名: 2
未来赛程: 11月19日 @ 鹈鹕, 11月21日 @ 火箭, 11月22日 vs. 国王, 11月24日 @ 灰熊

角色球员: 小蒂姆·哈达威 (Tim Hardaway Jr.)

在掘金队休赛期为补强板凳而引进的老将中，哈达威的影响力最大。以一份老将底薪合同签约的哈达威，场均出战22.8分钟，贡献11.4分，三分命中率高达47.1%。他与尼古拉·约基奇迅速产生了化学反应，在哈达威的49次进球中，有18次来自约基奇的助攻。当这两人同时在场时，掘金队每百回合能得到129.6分。 – 蒂姆·麦克马洪

3. 底特律活塞

2025-26赛季战绩: 13胜2负
上期排名: 3
未来赛程: 11月22日 @ 雄鹿, 11月24日 @ 步行者

角色球员: 奥萨尔·汤普森 (Ausar Thompson)

汤普森的抢断数尚未领跑联盟（暂列第七），但当他的出场时间突破30分钟大关时，他似乎注定会登顶该榜单。目前，他只能屈居于联盟每36分钟干扰传球数第二的位置，仅次于亚特兰大老鹰队的杰伦·约翰逊 (Jalen Johnson)。这为何重要？因为尽管活塞队13胜2负的开局无比辉煌，但他们的三分出手数却接近联盟垫底，命中率也仅在35%左右徘徊。这意味着，球队必须更加注重发动快攻以创造轻松得分的机会，而汤普森在这方面的贡献无人能及（同时他也是一位出色的无球切入者）。考虑到即便在凯德·坎宁安 (Cade Cunningham) 在场时，活塞队也喜欢让他担任替补控卫和第二持球点，他将成为底特律本赛季能否取得长远成功的关键无名英雄。 – 文森特·古德维尔

4. 休斯顿火箭

2025-26赛季战绩: 9胜3负
上期排名: 7
未来赛程: 11月19日 @ 骑士, 11月21日 vs. 掘金, 11月24日 @ 太阳

角色球员: 里德·谢泼德 (Reed Sheppard)

火箭队继续高歌猛进，在周日赢得了他们的连续第四场比赛。这场胜利得益于凯文·杜兰特 (Kevin Durant) 砍下的35分，他或许正朝着职业生涯第三次进入“50-40-90俱乐部”的目标迈进。但请密切关注神射手替补后卫谢泼德，他本赛季的三分命中率高达47.8%，在过去六场比赛中场均得到15.7分。谢泼德在防守端表现挣扎，但他会随着经验的增加而进步。休斯顿也对此深信不疑，因为他的上场时间一直在增加。在过去五次出场中，他每场都打了24分钟或更长时间。– 迈克尔·C·莱特

5. 克利夫兰骑士

2025-26赛季战绩: 10胜5负
上期排名: 4
未来赛程: 11月19日 vs. 火箭, 11月21日 vs. 步行者, 11月23日 vs. 湖人, 11月24日 @ 猛龙

角色球员: 朗佐·鲍尔 (Lonzo Ball)

将骑士队周一晚战胜密尔沃基雄鹿的比赛作为鲍尔潜在影响力的一个缩影。他那场比赛投篮手感不佳，8投2中，三分球6投1中，但他在场上无处不在，贡献了5次助攻、2次抢断和5个篮板。在他出战的23分钟里，骑士队净胜11分。在达里厄斯·加兰 (Darius Garland) 因脚趾伤势复发而继续缺阵的情况下，克利夫兰需要鲍尔在后卫线上帮助组织进攻，同时，鲍尔也能在季后赛中为骑士队的轮换阵容带来不同的活力——他能帮助球队在转换进攻中更高效地运转，并成为防守端的破坏者。 – 贾马尔·科利尔

6. 纽约尼克斯

2025-26赛季战绩: 8胜5负
上期排名: 5
未来赛程: 11月19日 @ 独行侠, 11月22日 @ 魔术, 11月24日 @ 篮网

角色球员: 米卡尔·布里奇斯 (Mikal Bridges)

布里奇斯是一位主要得分手，还是一个在其他人吸引防守注意力时填补空缺的球员？他是一名顶级防守者，还是在特定体系和对位下表现出色的优秀防守者？他在菲尼克斯（超配的角色球员）和布鲁克林（不适合担任头号选择）都扮演过多种角色，但在这支尼克斯队中，他可能完美地融入迈克·布朗 (Mike Brown) 的新进攻体系，成为一名策应者。他的场均出手次数是自2021-22赛季在菲尼克斯以来最低的，但他的三分命中率（.421）正朝着生涯新高迈进。而且，场均近5次助攻也是一个可喜的进步。随着杰伦·布伦森 (Jalen Brunson) 和 OG·阿努诺比 (OG Anunoby) 与伤病作斗争，布里奇斯将承担更多责任，以帮助尼克斯队在竞争异常激烈的东部联盟中站稳脚跟。 – 古德维尔

7. 洛杉矶湖人

2025-26赛季战绩: 11胜4负
上期排名: 8
未来赛程: 11月23日 @ 爵士, 11月25日 vs. 快船

角色球员: 杰克·拉拉维亚 (Jake LaRavia)

作为湖人队仅有的两名在前15场比赛中全勤出战的球员之一，并且其中8次是替补登场，洛杉矶的超级替补非拉拉维亚莫属。这位24岁的前锋在自由市场与球队签下了一份为期两年、价值1200万美元的合同后，至今表现出色，场均贡献10.2分、4.5个篮板、2.4次助攻和1.5次抢断，投篮命中率47.7%也创下生涯新高。“他就是懂得如何打篮球，”JJ·雷迪克 (JJ Redick) 在本赛季早些时候评价道。 – 戴夫·麦克梅纳明

8. 明尼苏达森林狼

2025-26赛季战绩: 9胜5负
上期排名: 9
未来赛程: 11月19日 vs. 奇才, 11月21日 @ 太阳, 11月24日 @ 国王

角色球员: 罗布·迪林厄姆 (Rob Dillingham)

明尼苏达在2024年向上交易选秀权，选中迪林厄姆作为他们未来的控球后卫，但到目前为止，他本人的表现一直很挣扎——而球队在这个位置上也仍然存在着长期的漏洞。本赛季，在他的有限上场时间里，他的总投篮命中率仅为39%，三分命中率为23%，明尼苏达每百回合要被对手净胜14分。 – 蒂姆·邦坦普斯

9. 亚特兰大老鹰

2025-26赛季战绩: 9胜6负
上期排名: 16
未来赛程: 11月20日 @ 马刺, 11月22日 @ 鹈鹕, 11月23日 vs. 黄蜂, 11月25日 @ 奇才

角色球员: 尼基尔·亚历山大-沃克 (Nickeil Alexander-Walker)

当老鹰队得到亚历山大-沃克时，他们觉得为球队增添了急需的攻防多面性和一位出色的角色球员。目前为止，他们的收获远超于此。自从特雷·杨 (Trae Young) 因内侧副韧带受伤倒下后，亚历山大-沃克对主教练奎因·斯奈德 (Quin Snyder) 来说至关重要。他既能打控卫也能打得分后卫，并且通过突破给对方防线施压。亚历山大-沃克因伤缺席了几场比赛，但在他出战的每场比赛中都得分上双。自从杨在10月29日受伤以来，亚历山大-沃克场均贡献19.4分、3.9次助攻和2.9个篮板。 – 欧姆·杨米苏克

10. 金州勇士

2025-26赛季战绩: 9胜7负
上期排名: 14
未来赛程: 11月19日 @ 热火, 11月21日 vs. 开拓者, 11月24日 vs. 爵士

角色球员: 摩西·穆迪 (Moses Moody)

上周末，穆迪在对阵新奥尔良鹈鹕的比赛中，第一节手感火烫，投中了7记三分球。这在NBA历史上仅是第22次有球员单节命中7记三分，也是本赛季的首次。穆迪当晚三分球12投8中，目前他以场均6.6次出手、命中率45.3%的优异表现创下生涯新高。穆迪在上赛季常规赛末段右手拇指尺侧副韧带撕裂，他表示这影响了他在季后赛中的投篮。他在12场季后赛中三分命中率仅为33%，随后在休赛期接受了手术。如今，他和他的拇指都已恢复健康，这从他的命中率上得到了体现。 – 斯莱特

11. 圣安东尼奥马刺

2025-26赛季战绩: 10胜4负
上期排名: 6
未来赛程: 11月20日 vs. 老鹰, 11月23日 @ 太阳, 11月26日 @ 开拓者

角色球员: 卢克·科内特 (Luke Kornet)

马刺队在周日于霜岸中心球馆（Frost Bank Center）终结了两连败，在维克托·文班亚马 (Victor Wembanyama)（小腿）缺阵的情况下击败了国王队。圣安东尼奥在休赛期寻求得到替补中锋科内特，正是为了防止在文班亚马不在场的时间里，球队在攻防两端出现断崖式下滑。到目前为止，科内特表现不错，他本赛季早些时候因脚踝伤势缺席了七场比赛。在过去五场比赛中，科内特近20次出手仅投失2球。但最重要的是，他提供了顶级的护筐能力。 – 莱特

12. 多伦多猛龙

2025-26赛季战绩: 9胜5负
上期排名: 17
未来赛程: 11月19日 @ 76人, 11月21日 vs. 奇才, 11月23日 vs. 篮网, 11月24日 vs. 骑士

角色球员: 桑德罗·马穆克拉什维利 (Sandro Mamukelashvili)

在多伦多的第一个赛季，马穆克拉什维利已成为联盟顶尖的替补中锋之一。马穆克拉什维利是一位能拉开空间的大个子，三分命中率达到45%，当他在场时，猛龙队的净效率值为+13.8。这一数据在队内排名第二，仅次于另一位替补球员格雷迪·迪克 (Gradey Dick) 的+17.3。 – 扎克·克拉姆

13. 费城76人

2025-26赛季战绩: 8胜5负
上期排名: 13
未来赛程: 11月19日 vs. 猛龙, 11月20日 @ 雄鹿, 11月23日 vs. 热火, 11月25日 vs. 魔术

角色球员: 昆廷·格莱姆斯 (Quentin Grimes)

格莱姆斯不仅是76人队中最重要的板凳球员，通过赛季第一个月的表现来看，他还是联盟年度最佳第六人奖项的有力竞争者。自上赛季交易截止日从独行侠队加盟以来，格莱姆斯延续了良好状态，场均贡献16.8分，在每场出手超过6次三分的情况下，命中率高达40%。 – 邦坦普斯

14. 菲尼克斯太阳

2025-26赛季战绩: 9胜6负
上期排名: 19
未来赛程: 11月21日 vs. 森林狼, 11月23日 vs. 马刺, 11月24日 vs. 火箭

角色球员: 科林·吉莱斯皮 (Collin Gillespie)

作为一名三年级老将，吉莱斯皮本赛季在新任主教练乔丹·奥特 (Jordan Ott) 手下成长为一名可靠的替补控卫。吉莱斯皮的各项数据均创下生涯新高，场均贡献9.9分、5.1次助攻、4.1个篮板和1.0次抢断。并且，在太阳队取得令人惊喜的9胜6负开局期间，他全勤出战了所有14场比赛。 – 麦克梅纳明

15. 迈阿密热火

2025-26赛季战绩: 8胜6负
上期排名: 10
未来赛程: 11月19日 vs. 勇士, 11月21日 @ 公牛, 11月23日 @ 76人, 11月24日 vs. 独行侠

角色球员: 小海梅·哈克斯 (Jaime Jaquez Jr.)

就像热火队从上赛季的巨大失望中强势反弹一样，哈克斯也强势反弹，并在热火队全新的快节奏进攻体系中茁壮成长。上赛季，哈克斯场均仅得8.6分，远低于他新秀赛季的11.9分。本赛季，作为替补出战的14场比赛中，哈克斯打出了他冲击篮筐的风格，场均贡献17.1分、6.9个篮板、5.1次助攻，投篮命中率高达52.8%。他是年度最佳第六人的早期候选人，并在泰勒·希罗 (Tyler Herro) 缺阵期间为热火队提供了巨大的火力支援。 – 杨米苏克

16. 密尔沃基雄鹿

2025-26赛季战绩: 8胜7负
上期排名: 11
未来赛程: 11月20日 vs. 76人, 11月22日 vs. 活塞, 11月24日 vs. 开拓者

角色球员: 凯尔·库兹马 (Kyle Kuzma)

随着扬尼斯·阿德托昆博因左腹股沟受伤在周一比赛中离场，预计将缺席一到两周，库兹马在雄鹿队中的角色变得更加关键。在上赛季交易截止日后加盟雄鹿的初期经历了一段坎坷之后，库兹马本赛季的表现有所提升，主要担任替补。他投篮命中率达到49.6%，减少了三分出手，并在雄鹿队用三分射手拉开空间时，惩罚对手的内线（两分球命中率60%）。但随着阿德托昆博的缺阵，密尔沃基将需要寻找创造进攻机会的答案，这很可能意味着库兹马将获得更多机会。 – 科利尔

17. 奥兰多魔术

2025-26赛季战绩: 8胜7负
上期排名: 20
未来赛程: 11月20日 vs. 湖人, 11月22日 vs. 尼克斯, 11月23日 @ 凯尔特人, 11月25日 @ 76人

角色球员: 安东尼·布莱克 (Anthony Black)

布莱克的数据或许不总是那么亮眼，但他在攻防两端的表现对魔术队来说价值连城。当布莱克积极防守时，他能帮助改变比赛局势，就像他在11月7日以123-110战胜波士顿凯尔特人的比赛中贡献13分、4次助攻、4个篮板和4次抢断，以及周二对阵勇士队时砍下赛季新高的21分。他的多功能性对主教练贾马尔·莫斯利 (Jamahl Mosley) 来说是一大优势，尤其是在杰伦·萨格斯 (Jalen Suggs) 和保罗·班凯罗 (Paolo Banchero) 因腹股沟受伤缺阵时，布莱克挺身而出，在加时惜败给休斯顿火箭的比赛中首发登场，36分钟内贡献18分、4次助攻、3个篮板、1次盖帽和1次抢断。布莱克的上场时间可能会波动，但奥兰多需要他的多功能性和防守活力来竞争本赛季。 – 杨米苏克

18. 波士顿凯尔特人

2025-26赛季战绩: 8胜7负
上期排名: 18
未来赛程: 11月21日 vs. 篮网, 11月23日 vs. 魔术

角色球员: 内米亚斯·克塔 (Neemias Queta)

他并非家喻户晓的名字，但数据显示克塔本赛季对凯尔特人队产生了巨大影响。当他在场时，波士顿拥有每百回合失分99.7分的顶级防守效率；而当他不在场时，这一数据飙升至122分。不过，部分原因在于数学：当克塔在场时，对手的三分命中率为32%，而当他不在场时，这一命中率为38%。 – 邦坦普斯

19. 芝加哥公牛

2025-26赛季战绩: 7胜6负
上期排名: 12
未来赛程: 11月19日 @ 开拓者, 11月21日 vs. 热火, 11月22日 vs. 奇才, 11月24日 @ 鹈鹕

角色球员: 阿约·多孙穆 (Ayo Dosunmu)

公牛队在周一爆冷击败丹佛掘金队，终结了五连败。这要归功于他们替补席的出色发挥，合砍66分，其中多孙穆9投8中贡献21分和5次助攻，领衔全队。芝加哥在火热开局后状态有所回落，但他们的板凳深度已成为球队的优势之一。公牛队的替补球员以场均48.1分领跑NBA，而多孙穆则以场均15.7分、55%的投篮命中率和46.5%的三分命中率，打出了生涯最佳表现。 – 科利尔

20. 波特兰开拓者

2025-26赛季战绩: 6胜8负
上期排名: 15
未来赛程: 11月19日 vs. 公牛, 11月21日 @ 勇士, 11月23日 @ 雷霆, 11月24日 @ 雄鹿

角色球员: 杰拉米·格兰特 (Jerami Grant)

在本赛季之前，格兰特上一次替补出场还是五年多前在“园区”为掘金队效力。在接受了替补角色后，格兰特正向最佳第六人奖项发起冲击。他替补出场时场均17.7分的得分，在所有至少出场五次的球员中高居榜首。周日，格兰特顶替受伤的朱·霍勒迪 (Jrue Holiday) 迎来本赛季首次首发，继续高效表现，得到26分，但第二阵容却因此想念他。波特兰其余的替补球员在那场失利中合计仅得到15分，这场失利也为球队1胜4负的客场之旅画上了句号。 – 凯文·佩尔顿

21. 犹他爵士

2025-26赛季战绩: 5胜9负
上期排名: 26
未来赛程: 11月21日 vs. 雷霆, 11月23日 vs. 湖人, 11月24日 @ 勇士

角色球员: 以赛亚·科利尔 (Isaiah Collier)

科利尔是一名二年级后卫，因腿筋拉伤而推迟了赛季首秀，目前正以第六人的角色发挥着重要作用。科利尔在新秀赛季的后半段担任首发，本赛季替补出战的前四场比赛中，他场均贡献11.3分和8.3次助攻，投篮命中率高达63.6%。科利尔因跳投不稳而存在局限性，但他是一名充满活力的运动员，并有组织进攻的天赋，上赛季他以446次助攻打破了约翰·斯托克顿 (John Stockton) 保持的队史新秀助攻纪录。 – 麦克马洪

22. 洛杉矶快船

2025-26赛季战绩: 4胜10负
上期排名: 22
未来赛程: 11月20日 @ 魔术, 11月22日 @ 黄蜂, 11月23日 @ 骑士, 11月25日 @ 湖人

角色球员: 科比·桑德斯 (Kobe Sanders)

约翰·科林斯 (John Collins) 一直是快船队最好的板凳球员，场均贡献12.0分和4.6个篮板，但他们最令人惊喜的替补却是桑德斯。这位身高6英尺8英寸的新秀大个子后卫，在第二轮第50顺位被选中（来自内华达大学），场均得到7.0分、1.7个篮板和1.3次助攻。在布拉德利·比尔 (Bradley Beal) 赛季报销后，桑德斯连续两场比赛得分上双，状态正朝着好的方向发展。 – 麦克梅纳明

23. 达拉斯独行侠

2025-26赛季战绩: 4胜11负
上期排名: 25
未来赛程: 11月19日 vs. 尼克斯, 11月21日 vs. 鹈鹕, 11月22日 vs. 灰熊, 11月24日 @ 热火

角色球员: 克莱·汤普森 (Klay Thompson)

汤普森被招募到达拉斯时曾得到首发位置的承诺，但在经历了一个缓慢的开局后，他从容地接受了转为替补的角色。他在替补席上的表现也更好，替补出战的七场比赛中场均得到10.7分，三分命中率为34.4%，而作为首发出战的七场比赛中，他场均仅得8.1分，远距离投篮命中率仅为26.2%。“我的目标就是成为最好的自己。首发与否并不重要，我知道我能上场，也知道我仍然能做到伟大的事情，”汤普森说。 – 麦克马洪

24. 夏洛特黄蜂

2025-26赛季战绩: 4胜10负
上期排名: 23
未来赛程: 11月19日 @ 步行者, 11月22日 vs. 湖人, 11月23日 @ 老鹰

角色球员: 科林·塞克斯顿 (Collin Sexton)

由于伤病，塞克斯顿在他出战的13场比赛中首发了9场，但拉梅洛·鲍尔 (LaMelo Ball) 的回归已将塞克斯顿推回了黄蜂队在夏天引进他时所设想的第六人角色。塞克斯顿提供了高效的进攻火力，场均贡献15.5分，三分命中率达到42%。这有助于在鲍尔不在场时提升夏洛特的进攻。根据Cleaning the Glass的数据，上赛季，黄蜂队在鲍尔缺阵时的进攻效率仅排在联盟的第3个百分位。今年，这一数据提升到了第18个百分位，他们在鲍尔缺席的六场比赛中赢下了两场。 – 佩尔顿

25. 孟菲斯灰熊

2025-26赛季战绩: 4胜11负
上期排名: 21
未来赛程: 11月20日 vs. 国王, 11月22日 @ 独行侠, 11月24日 vs. 掘金

角色球员: 塞德里克·考沃德 (Cedric Coward)

深陷五连败泥潭的孟菲斯，在周一又收到了坏消息：后卫贾·莫兰特 (Ja Morant) 在周六输给克利夫兰骑士的比赛中遭遇一级小腿拉伤，将至少缺席未来两周的比赛。尽管如此，球队管理层对2025年第11顺位新秀考沃德取得的进步感到最为兴奋。考沃德在他的前13场比赛中均以替补身份出场，之后在对阵骑士的比赛中首次首发。孟菲斯的管理层设想在本赛季某个时候，让考沃德和莫兰特共同组成首发阵容。 – 莱特

26. 萨克拉门托国王

2025-26赛季战绩: 3胜11负
上期排名: 24
未来赛程: 11月19日 @ 雷霆, 11月20日 @ 灰熊, 11月22日 @ 掘金, 11月24日 vs. 森林狼

角色球员: 基翁·埃利斯 (Keon Ellis)

目前萨克拉门托几乎没有什么积极的消息。国王队已遭遇六连败，分差分别为：31、27、14、33、14和13分。在这些深重的困境中，道格·克里斯蒂 (Doug Christie) 开始调整他的轮换阵容。这包括最近增加了埃利斯的上场时间，球迷们在上一个主场比赛中曾高喊“我们要基翁”来为他请愿。埃利斯至少能在外线提供一些防守抵抗力，同样应该能做到这一点的还有基根·穆雷 (Keegan Murray)，他预计将在本周迎来赛季首秀。国王队（防守效率120.4）拥有全NBA第四差的防守。 – 斯莱特

27. 布鲁克林篮网

2025-26赛季战绩: 2胜12负
上期排名: 29
未来赛程: 11月21日 @ 凯尔特人, 11月23日 @ 猛龙, 11月24日 vs. 尼克斯

角色球员: 尼克·克拉克斯顿 (Nic Claxton)

克拉克斯顿在布鲁克林的整个生涯似乎都在扮演无名英雄的角色（实际上，他被选中的时间比凯文·杜兰特和凯里·欧文 (Kyrie Irving) 宣布加盟布鲁克林还要早几天），而他的比赛能力一直在成长。在一个不甚理想的环境中，他被赋予了更多的任务。猜猜这支战绩惨淡的篮网队助攻王是谁？是克拉克斯顿（场均3.9次）。同时，他还在篮板和盖帽（场均1.5次）方面做着他分内的工作。在目前这种困难的局面下，仅仅保持投入就已经是一种胜利了。 – 古德维尔

28. 新奥尔良鹈鹕

2025-26赛季战绩: 2胜12负
上期排名: 27
未来赛程: 11月19日 vs. 掘金, 11月21日 @ 独行侠, 11月22日 vs. 老鹰, 11月24日 vs. 公牛

角色球员: 德里克·奎恩 (Derik Queen)

这可能是我们近期最后一次讨论奎恩作为替补的影响力了。这位乐透秀是新奥尔良2胜12负开局中的一个亮点，上周末被临时主教练詹姆斯·博雷戈 (James Borrego) 提拔进了首发五虎。博雷戈是在周六威利·格林 (Willie Green) 被解雇后接手鹈鹕队执教工作的。奎恩在上周三对阵开拓者队的比赛中18投12中，砍下26分，这是本赛季就比赛评分而言排名前25的替补表现之一。奎恩的前两次首发表现稍逊，未能得分上双。 – 佩尔顿

29. 印第安纳步行者

2025-26赛季战绩: 1胜13负
上期排名: 28
未来赛程: 11月19日 vs. 黄蜂, 11月21日 @ 骑士, 11月24日 vs. 活塞

角色球员: T.J.·麦康奈尔 (T.J. McConnell)

由于腿筋受伤，麦康奈尔错过了本赛季的前10场比赛。自从他回归以来，由于身边队友的伤病，这位老将后卫不得不承担比以往任何时候都更重的得分责任。在四场比赛中，麦康奈尔的使用率达到了生涯新高的25%，虽然样本量很小，但他的效率因此受到了影响。即使有稳重、有条理的麦康奈尔回到阵容中，印第安纳在这四场比赛中仍然全部以15分以上的差距落败。 – 克拉姆

30. 华盛顿奇才

2025-26赛季战绩: 1胜12负
上期排名: 30
未来赛程: 11月19日 @ 森林狼, 11月21日 @ 猛龙, 11月22日 @ 公牛, 11月25日 vs. 老鹰

角色球员: 马文·巴格利三世 (Marvin Bagley III)

作为2018年的榜眼秀，巴格利在八个赛季里效力于第四支球队，目前正享受着生涯最佳的球员效率值（PER）。巴格利造罚球的频率达到生涯新高，投篮命中率为66%——他之前的生涯最高纪录是59%——并且他每晚都能稳定出场15分钟，为另一位榜眼秀、年轻中锋亚历克斯·萨尔 (Alex Sarr) 担任替补。 – 克拉姆

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。

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

From early All-Star performances to disappointing starts, the 2025-26 NBA regular season has been nothing short of interesting.

Nikola Jokic is having yet another historic career start, quietly grabbing his eighth triple-double this season against the Chicago Bulls on Monday and leading the Denver Nuggets in points and assists in their past eight games.

Their Western Conference rivals, the Oklahoma City Thunder, have dominated our Power Rankings this season, holding the No. 1 spot for five straight weeks. Meanwhile, their 2025 Finals rivals, the Indiana Pacers, have fluctuated at the bottom of these rankings and the conference standings, dealing with myriad injuries and losing streaks.

Speaking of streaks, the Detroit Pistons are dominating the East and riding an 11-game win streak – their longest since 2008. The last time the Pistons got off to this hot a start, they reached the Eastern Conference finals in 2008.

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 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 | Nov. 5 | Nov. 12

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: 14-1
Previous ranking: 1
Next games: vs. SAC (Nov. 19), @ UTAH (Nov. 21), vs. POR (Nov. 23)

Role player: Isaiah Hartenstein

Two players in the NBA have scored at least 30 points and grabbed at least 19 rebounds in the same game this season: Giannis Antetokounmpo and Hartenstein. The Thunder’s perpetually under-the-radar center is performing even better in his second season with the franchise, averaging career highs in points (12.9), rebounds (10.9) and steals (1.5). His 62 makes within five feet are the seventh most in the league. His 84.9% conversion rate is higher than the six players above him. Hartenstein has appeared in all 15 games of the Thunder’s 14-1 start. He has a $28.5 million player option next season and has shown to be plenty worth it. – Anthony Slater

2. Denver Nuggets

2025-26 record: 10-3
Previous ranking: 2
Next games: @ NO (Nov. 19), @ HOU (Nov. 21), vs. SAC (Nov. 22), @ MEM (Nov. 24)

Role player: Tim Hardaway Jr.

Hardaway has made the biggest impact among the veterans added by the Nuggets in the offseason to boost their bench. Hardaway, who signed a one-year deal for the veteran minimum, is averaging 11.4 points in 22.8 minutes per game while shooting 47.1% from 3-point range. He has quickly formed a chemistry with Nikola Jokic, who has assisted on 18 of Hardaway’s 49 buckets. The Nuggets are scoring 129.6 points per 100 possessions when those two are on the court together. – Tim MacMahon

3. Detroit Pistons

2025-26 record: 13-2
Previous ranking: 3
Next games: @ MIL (Nov. 22), @ IND (Nov. 24)

Role player: Ausar Thompson

Thompson doesn’t yet lead the league in steals (seventh), but when he cracks the 30-minute mark, it seems like he will be destined to top that list. For now, he’ll have to settle for being second in the league in deflections per 36 minutes, trailing only Atlanta’s Jalen Johnson. Why’s that important? Because for everything glorious about the Pistons’ 13-2 start, they’re doing it despite being near the bottom in 3-point attempts, and shoot right around 35%. Which means there will be a premium on getting out on the break to facilitate easy opportunities, and Thompson generates that as well as anyone in the league (and he’s a great off-ball cutter). Given that the Pistons like to use him as a backup point guard and secondary ball handler even when Cade Cunningham is on the floor, he’s going to be unsung but vital to whatever long-term success Detroit will have this season. – Vincent Goodwill

4. Houston Rockets

2025-26 record: 9-3
Previous ranking: 7
Next games: @ CLE (Nov. 19), vs. DEN (Nov. 21), @ PHX (Nov. 24)

Role player: Reed Sheppard

The Rockets continue to roll, winning their fourth consecutive contest Sunday, powered by a 35-point night from Kevin Durant, who might be on the way to membership in the 50-40-90 club for the third time in his career. But keep an eye on sharpshooting reserve guard Sheppard, who is shooting 47.8% from deep this season and averaging 15.7 points over his past six games. Sheppard struggles on defense, but he’ll improve with more experience. Houston believes that, too, considering his minutes have increased. He has played 24 minutes or more in each of his past five appearances.– Michael C. Wright

5. Cleveland Cavaliers

2025-26 record: 10-5
Previous ranking: 4
Next games: vs. HOU (Nov. 19), vs. IND (Nov. 21), vs. LAL (Nov. 23), @ TOR (Nov. 24)

Role player: Lonzo Ball

Take the Cavs’ win over Milwaukee on Monday night as a snapshot of Ball’s potential impact. He didn’t shoot the ball well, going 2 of 8 from the field and 1 of 6 from 3, but he was everywhere on the court, collecting five assists, two steals and five rebounds. The Cavs were plus-11 in his 23 minutes. Cleveland needs Ball to help initiate offense at guard with Darius Garland still sidelined after a setback with his toe injury, but Ball can also provide a different dynamic to the Cavs’ rotation in the playoffs by helping the offense operate more in transition while also being a disruptor on defense. – Jamal Collier

6. New York Knicks

2025-26 record: 8-5
Previous ranking: 5
Next games: @ DAL (Nov. 19), @ ORL (Nov. 22), @ BKN (Nov. 24)

Role player: Mikal Bridges

Is Bridges a primary scorer or someone to fill in the blanks when attention is elsewhere? Is he a lockdown defender or a good one given the right scheme and matchup? He has had a bunch of roles in Phoenix (overqualified role player) and Brooklyn (not a fit as the No. 1 option), but with this Knicks team he could be perfectly nestled as a facilitator in Mike Brown’s new-look offense. His shots per game are his lowest since 2021-22 with Phoenix, but his .421 3-point percentage is right on track for his career high. And averaging nearly five assists a night is a welcome development. With Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby battling injuries, more will be placed on Bridges’ shoulders to keep the Knicks upright in a surprisingly competitive Eastern Conference. – Goodwill

7. Los Angeles Lakers

2025-26 record: 11-4
Previous ranking: 8
Next games: @ UTAH (Nov. 23), vs. LAC (Nov. 25)

Role player: Jake LaRavia

As one of only two Lakers players to play in every one of their first 15 games, and with eight of those appearances coming off the bench, the nod for L.A.'s super substitute goes to LaRavia. Signed to a two-year, $12 million contract during free agency, the 24-year-old forward has flourished so far, averaging 10.2 points on a career-best 47.7%, 4.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.5 steals. “He just knows how to play basketball,” JJ Redick said earlier this season. – Dave McMenamin

8. Minnesota Timberwolves

2025-26 record: 9-5
Previous ranking: 9
Next games: vs. WAS (Nov. 19), @ PHX (Nov. 21), @ SAC (Nov. 24)

Role player: Rob Dillingham

Minnesota traded up to draft Dillingham to be their point guard of the future in 2024, but so far it’s been a struggle for him – and the team continues to have a long-term hole at the position. He’s shooting 39% overall, 23% from 3 and Minnesota is getting outscored by 14 points per 100 possessions in his limited minutes this season. – Tim Bontemps

9. Atlanta Hawks

2025-26 record: 9-6
Previous ranking: 16
Next games: @ SA (Nov. 20), @ NO (Nov. 22), vs. CHA (Nov. 23), @ WAS (Nov. 25)

Role player: Nickeil Alexander-Walker

When the Hawks acquired Alexander-Walker, they felt they were adding much-needed two-way versatility and an exceptional role player. They’ve gotten that and more so far. Since Trae Young went down with an MCL injury, Alexander-Walker has been big for coach Quin Snyder. He can play point and shooting guard and attacks on the drive to put pressure on defenses. Alexander-Walker missed a couple of games because of injury but has scored in double figures in each game he has played. Since Young was injured on Oct. 29, Alexander-Walker is averaging 19.4 points, 3.9 assists and 2.9 rebounds. – Ohm Youngmisuk

10. Golden State Warriors

2025-26 record: 9-7
Previous ranking: 14
Next games: @ MIA (Nov. 19), vs. POR (Nov. 21), vs. UTAH (Nov. 24)

Role player: Moses Moody

Moody hit seven 3s in a hot first-quarter performance in New Orleans this past weekend. It was only the 22nd time in NBA history that a player has made seven 3s in a single quarter, and the first time it’s been done this season. Moody finished the night 8 of 12 on 3s and is now up to a career-best 45.3% from deep on 6.6 attempts per game. Moody tore the ulnar collateral ligament in his right thumb late last regular season and said it impacted his jumper in the playoffs. He made only 33% of his 3s in 12 playoff games and then underwent offseason surgery. He and his thumb are healthy again, and it is showing in his conversion rate. – Slater

11. San Antonio Spurs

2025-26 record: 10-4
Previous ranking: 6
Next games: vs. ATL (Nov. 20), @ PHX (Nov. 23), @ POR (Nov. 26)

Role player: Luke Kornet

The Spurs snapped a two-game skid at Frost Bank Center on Sunday, defeating the Kings without Victor Wembanyama (calf). San Antonio sought reserve center Kornet over the offseason specifically to prevent the Spurs from falling off a cliff on both ends during the minutes Wembanyama isn’t on the floor. So far, so good for Kornet, who missed seven games earlier this season because of an ankle injury. Kornet has missed only two of his last 20 shots over the past five games. But most importantly, he’s providing elite rim protection. – Wright

12. Toronto Raptors

2025-26 record: 9-5
Previous ranking: 17
Next games: @ PHI (Nov. 19), vs. WAS (Nov. 21), vs. BKN (Nov. 23), vs. CLE (Nov. 24)

Role player: Sandro Mamukelashvili

In his first season in Toronto, Mamukelashvili has emerged as one of the league’s top backup centers. Mamukelashvili is a capable stretch big, sinking 45% of his 3-point tries, and the Raptors have a plus-13.8 net rating when he’s on the floor. That’s the second-best margin on the team, behind only the plus-17.3 net rating for fellow reserve Gradey Dick. – Zach Kram

13. Philadelphia 76ers

2025-26 record: 8-5
Previous ranking: 13
Next games: vs. TOR (Nov. 19), @ MIL (Nov. 20), vs. MIA (Nov. 23), vs. ORL (Nov. 25)

Role player: Quentin Grimes

Grimes is not only the most important bench player on the 76ers, but he’s a strong candidate, through the first month of the season, to win the league’s Sixth Man of the Year award. Grimes has picked up right where he left off after coming over from the Mavericks at last season’s trade deadline, averaging 16.8 points and hitting 40% of his 3s while attempting upward of six per game. – Bontemps

14. Phoenix Suns

2025-26 record: 9-6
Previous ranking: 19
Next games: vs. MIN (Nov. 21), vs. SA (Nov. 23), vs. HOU (Nov. 24)

Role player: Collin Gillespie

A third-year vet, Gillespie has come into his own this season as a reliable backup point guard for first-year coach Jordan Ott. Gillespie is averaging career-best numbers across the board with 9.9 points, 5.1 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game. And he played in all 14 games during the Suns’ surprising 9-6 start. – McMenamin

15. Miami Heat

2025-26 record: 8-6
Previous ranking: 10
Next games: vs. GS (Nov. 19), @ CHI (Nov. 21), @ PHI (Nov. 23), vs. DAL (Nov. 24)

Role player: Jaime Jaquez Jr.

Like the Heat’s big turnaround from a massively disappointing year last season, Jaquez has rebounded in a big way and is thriving in the Heat’s new up-tempo offense. Last season, Jaquez averaged 8.6 points, down from the 11.9 points he averaged as a rookie. In 14 games off the bench this season, Jaquez is playing his downhill game, averaging 17.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 52.8% shooting. He’s an early candidate for Sixth Man of the Year and has given the Heat a big lift with Tyler Herro out. – Youngmisuk

16. Milwaukee Bucks

2025-26 record: 8-7
Previous ranking: 11
Next games: vs. PHI (Nov. 20), vs. DET (Nov. 22), vs. POR (Nov. 24)

Role player: Kyle Kuzma

Kuzma’s role with the Bucks got even more critical with Giannis Antetokounmpo due to miss one or two weeks after leaving Monday’s game with a left groin injury. After a rocky start to his Bucks career after the trade deadline last season, Kuzma has been better this year, mostly as a reserve. He’s shooting 49.6% from the field, cutting down on 3s and punishing opponents inside the arc (60% on 2s) as the Bucks space the floor with 3-point threats. But with Antetokounmpo sidelined, Milwaukee will be searching for answers on how to generate offense, which likely means more opportunities for Kuzma. – Collier

17. Orlando Magic

2025-26 record: 8-7
Previous ranking: 20
Next games: vs. LAL (Nov. 20), vs. NYK (Nov. 22), @ BOS (Nov. 23), @ PHI (Nov. 25)

Role player: Anthony Black

Black’s stats may not always jump off the sheet, but his play on both sides of the ball is valuable to the Magic. When Black is active and defending, he can help swing a game, like when he had 13 points, four assists, four rebounds and four steals in a 123-110 win over Boston on Nov. 7, and a season-high 21 points Tuesday against the Warriors. His versatility is a big plus for Jamahl Mosley, especially when Jalen Suggs and Paolo Banchero were out because of groin injuries and Black stepped in and started in the overtime loss to Houston, finishing with 18 points, four assists, three rebounds, a block and a steal in 36 minutes. Black’s minutes might fluctuate, but Orlando needs his versatility and defensive energy to compete this season. – Youngmisuk

18. Boston Celtics

2025-26 record: 8-7
Previous ranking: 18
Next games: vs. BKN (Nov. 21), vs. ORL (Nov. 23)

Role player: Neemias Queta

He’s not exactly a household name, but the numbers say Queta has had a massive impact on the Celtics this season, with Boston boasting an elite defensive rating of 99.7 points per 100 possessions when he’s on and 122 points per 100 possessions when he’s off. Part of that, though, is math: Teams are shooting 32% from 3 when Queta is on the court, and 38% when he’s off. – Bontemps

19. Chicago Bulls

2025-26 record: 7-6
Previous ranking: 12
Next games: @ POR (Nov. 19), vs. MIA (Nov. 21), vs. WAS (Nov. 22), @ NO (Nov. 24)

Role player: Ayo Dosunmu

The Bulls snapped a five-game losing streak Monday with an upset over the Denver Nuggets thanks to an impressive 66-point performance from their bench, led by Dosunmu’s 21 points on 8-for-9 shooting and five assists. Chicago has come back to earth after its red-hot start, but its bench has emerged as one of the team’s strengths. Bulls reserves lead the NBA with 48.1 points per game, and Dosunmu leads the way with a career-best 15.7 points per game on 55% shooting and 46.5% from 3. – Collier

20. Portland Trail Blazers

2025-26 record: 6-8
Previous ranking: 15
Next games: vs. CHI (Nov. 19), @ GS (Nov. 21), @ OKC (Nov. 23), @ MIL (Nov. 24)

Role player: Jerami Grant

Before this season, Grant last came off the bench for the Nuggets in the bubble more than five years ago. After buying into a reserve role, Grant is making a run at the Sixth Man award. His 17.7 PPG off the bench led all players with at least five appearances. Grant continued to produce with 26 points in his first start of the season Sunday in place of the injured Jrue Holiday, but he was missed with the second unit. Portland’s remaining reserves combined for just 15 points in a loss that capped a 1-4 road trip. – Kevin Pelton

21. Utah Jazz

2025-26 record: 5-9
Previous ranking: 26
Next games: vs. OKC (Nov. 21), vs. LAL (Nov. 23), @ GS (Nov. 24)

Role player: Isaiah Collier

Collier, a second-year guard whose season debut was delayed by a strained hamstring, is making a significant impact in a sixth-man role. Collier, who started the second half of his rookie year, averaged 11.3 points and 8.3 assists while shooting 63.6% from the floor in his first four games off the bench this season. Collier has limitations due to a shaky jumper, but he’s a dynamic athlete with a knack for playmaking, breaking John Stockton’s franchise record for assists by a rookie last season (446). – MacMahon

22. LA Clippers

2025-26 record: 4-10
Previous ranking: 22
Next games: @ ORL (Nov. 20), @ CHA (Nov. 22), @ CLE (Nov. 23), @ LAL (Nov. 25)

Role player: Kobe Sanders

John Collins has been the Clippers’ best bench player, averaging 12.0 points and 4.6 rebounds, but their most surprising reserve has been Sanders. The big 6-foot-8 rookie guard, drafted No. 50 in the second round out of Nevada, is averaging 7.0 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1.3 assists and is trending in the right direction with back-to-back double-digit scoring games after the Clippers lost Bradley Beal for the season. – McMenamin

23. Dallas Mavericks

2025-26 record: 4-11
Previous ranking: 25
Next games: vs. NYK (Nov. 19), vs. NO (Nov. 21), vs. MEM (Nov. 22), @ MIA (Nov. 24)

Role player: Klay Thompson

Thompson was recruited to Dallas with the promise of a starting job, but he has taken his shift to a bench role in stride after a slow start. He has also performed better in a reserve role, averaging 10.7 points on 34.4% 3-point shooting in seven games off the bench, compared with 8.1 points on just 26.2% from long range in seven games as a starter. “My head is [focused on] just being the best version of myself. Starting or not starting, I know I’m going to play, and I know I’m still capable of great things,” Thompson said. – MacMahon

24. Charlotte Hornets

2025-26 record: 4-10
Previous ranking: 23
Next games: @ IND (Nov. 19), vs. LAL (Nov. 22), @ ATL (Nov. 23)

Role player: Collin Sexton

Because of injuries, Sexton has started nine of his 13 games, but LaMelo Ball’s return has pushed Sexton back to the sixth man role the Hornets envisioned when they added him over the summer. Sexton has supplied efficient offense, averaging 15.5 points per game while shooting 42% on 3s. That has helped boost Charlotte’s offense when Ball is out of the game. Last season, the Hornets’ offense without Ball ranked in the third percentile leaguewide, according to Cleaning the Glass. That’s up to the 18th percentile this year, as they’ve won two of the six games Ball has missed. – Pelton

25. Memphis Grizzlies

2025-26 record: 4-11
Previous ranking: 21
Next games: vs. SAC (Nov. 20), @ DAL (Nov. 22), vs. DEN (Nov. 24)

Role player: Cedric Coward

Mired in a five-game losing streak, Memphis received more bad news Monday when it was announced that guard Ja Morant will miss at least the next two weeks after suffering a Grade 1 calf strain in a loss Saturday to Cleveland. Still, the franchise has been most excited about the strides made by Coward, the 11th pick of the 2025 draft. Coward came off the bench in his first 13 games before starting against the Cavaliers. The brass in Memphis envisions a starting lineup at some point this season that includes both Coward and Morant. – Wright

26. Sacramento Kings

2025-26 record: 3-11
Previous ranking: 24
Next games: @ OKC (Nov. 19), @ MEM (Nov. 20), @ DEN (Nov. 22), vs. MIN (Nov. 24)

Role player: Keon Ellis

There’s not much positivity emanating from Sacramento currently. The Kings have lost six straight games by these final margins: 31, 27, 14, 33, 14 and 13. Within those deep struggles, Doug Christie is beginning to retool his rotation. That includes a recent uptick in playing time for Ellis, with fans pleading for him with a “We want Keon” chant during the last homestand. Ellis at least provides some defensive resistance on the perimeter, as should Keegan Murray, who is expected to make his season debut this week. The Kings (120.4 rating) have the fourth-worst defense in the NBA. – Slater

27. Brooklyn Nets

2025-26 record: 2-12
Previous ranking: 29
Next games: @ BOS (Nov. 21), @ TOR (Nov. 23), vs. NYK (Nov. 24)

Role player: Nic Claxton

It seems like Claxton has spent his entire time in Brooklyn being unsung (he was actually drafted a few days before Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving announced they were going to Brooklyn in 2019), and his game has grown. He is being tasked with doing far more in a less-than-ideal situation. Guess who’s leading the woeful Nets in assists? Claxton (3.9). Along with doing his usual work on the glass and blocking a shot and a half a game. Just staying engaged in a difficult situation is a win at this point. – Goodwill

28. New Orleans Pelicans

2025-26 record: 2-12
Previous ranking: 27
Next games: vs. DEN (Nov. 19), @ DAL (Nov. 21), vs. ATL (Nov. 22), vs. CHI (Nov. 24)

Role player: Derik Queen

This might be our last chance to talk about Queen’s impact as a reserve for a while. The lottery pick, a bright spot in New Orleans’ 2-12 start, was promoted to the starting five over the weekend by interim coach James Borrego, who took over Pelicans coaching duties when Willie Green was fired Saturday. Queen’s 26-point effort on 12-of-18 shooting last Wednesday against the Trail Blazers was one of the top 25 reserve performances this season in terms of game score. Queen’s first two starts were less productive, as he failed to score double figures. – Pelton

29. Indiana Pacers

2025-26 record: 1-13
Previous ranking: 28
Next games: vs. CHA (Nov. 19), @ CLE (Nov. 21), vs. DET (Nov. 24)

Role player: T.J. McConnell

Because of a hamstring injury, McConnell missed the first 10 games this season. And since he has returned, the veteran guard has had to take on more scoring responsibility than ever before because of the injuries around him. McConnell sports a career-high 25% usage rate through four games, and while it’s a small sample, his efficiency has suffered as a result. Even with the stable, organized McConnell back in the fold, Indiana has still lost all four of those games by 15-plus points. – Kram

30. Washington Wizards

2025-26 record: 1-12
Previous ranking: 30
Next games: @ MIN (Nov. 19), @ TOR (Nov. 21), @ CHI (Nov. 22), vs. ATL (Nov. 25)

Role player: Marvin Bagley III

Playing for his fourth team in eight seasons after being drafted No. 2 in the 2018 draft, Bagley is enjoying a career-best player efficiency rating. Bagley is getting to the free throw line at a career-best rate and shooting 66% from the field – his previous career high was 59% – and he’s playing a solid 15 minutes per night backing up another No. 2 pick, young center Alex Sarr. – Kram

By NBA insiders | ESPN, via ESPN