Power Ranking - First Impressions Power Ranking

Nov, 26 (Week 1) - After a week of action, teams take stock and prepare for another round of NSL battles. How did your team fare? What is the outlook for the rest of the season? [jmac]

Rank Rating Team Record Comment

1 (2) 46 Was Washington Wizards 5-0
Orl 92, Was 114 W
Was 109, Cha 93 W
Was 117, Mil 97 W
Sac 99, Was 114 W
Was 118, Den 113 W
5-0, undefeated. Hot dog, we have a wiener! The Washington Wizards were as good as advertised, easily handling business during week one. Concerns about their depth may have been overstated; when their core is playing, they only need a few role player contributors to connect the dots. Josh has gone all in on the 2028 season, is the title the next logical step?Will they finally reach the pinnacle?

2 (7) 28 Utah Utah Jazz 3-1
Utah 120, Dal 89 W
Cle 99, Utah 115 W
Phi 118, Utah 106 L
Utah 119, Mil 108 W
Sans Embiid, the Jazz were still able to take care of business in what was a tough schedule for Week One. Franz Wagner's surprising breakout seems upon us, with the big German putting up star like offensive numbers as the teams number one option. The Jazz are primed to take the West if all goes accordingly with health/availability. Jase the Draft Wizard reaping the rewards of a Dyson Daniels breakout.

3 (14) 27 Hou Houston Rockets 3-1
Det 117, Hou 115 L
Hou 116, LAL 109 W
Hou 118, Bkn 91 W
Cha 108, Hou 113 W
The Names Burks, Alec Burks. My goodness, has there been a better free agency add (and fit) than Alec? On what is a very shallow Houston team, Burks appears to be a godsend, looking like prime CJ McCollum in the red and white Houston uniform. The Rockets have three very big, expensive bananas, and they now got a juicy plum to add to the fruit bowl.

4 (18) 27 NO New Orleans Pelicans 3-1
Tor 115, NO 122 W
NO 117, Mem 101 W
Ind 102, NO 112 W
Min 114, NO 109 L
Leeroy has the Pelicans roaring (it's not literal, it's figurative) and it's about as tough as a Pelican has ever been. I still think their starting five might be the most complementary of any teams, maybe tied with Utah, Washington. Luka looks vetted enough now to carry this team to the Final Boss level.

5 (13) 27 OKC Oklahoma City Thunder 3-1
NY 103, OKC 113 W
OKC 116, Dal 93 W
OKC 113, Cle 105 W
Por 103, OKC 99 L
Everyone loves the Thunder, 2k loves Anthony Edwards, and OKC and James continue to chug along, pretty open minded to what happens but progressing along. Dylan's burner account team should have their eyes set on the second round of the playoffs as their aspirations evolve with their abilities. Ayton was the team's big splash - was it worth Hunter and Okongwu?

6 (11) 26 Chi Chicago Bulls 3-1
Ind 103, Chi 96 L
Chi 109, Orl 85 W
Chi 118, Min 99 W
Chi 118, SA 114 W
Chicago went off like a firework in week one, announcing to the league that these Bulls might not be BS. Making up the numbers might not be good enough any longer, and the Bulls and Jonathan need to be making sure they are getting a playoff spot. LaMelo Ball is exploding in the NBA; as long as his ankles don't wobble, i think the Bulls will be a surprise story of the season. Good job, mano!

7 (12) 26 Den Denver Nuggets 3-1
Den 105, Atl 93 W
Den 108, Por 103 W
GS 93, Den 114 W
Was 118, Den 113 L
Lots of teams went 3-1 in the first week and the Nuggets were definitely invited to the party. I think getting off Stephen Curry when they did was a good move, even better considering Digga barely trades or writes back to trade offer discussions. A real chance that this could be Denver's best season thus far; they have to be playoff foe not fodder.

8 (22) 26 Mia Miami Heat 3-1
Mia 106, GS 89 W
Cle 107, Mia 108 W
Mia 105, NY 111 L
Mia 99, Mem 88 W
Will Someone Say Miami?!?! Pistol definitely will! Our NSL forefather is up and about his discord posts have doubled or tripled in frequency, dropping hints and suggestions about his team and how good they are. I am all for it; team pride is something I love seeing and Miami might be finally ready to make an impact on the NSL, on the court. Great roster.

9 (19) 26 Pho Phoenix Suns 3-1
Pho 106, Por 103 W
Sac 99, Pho 115 W
LAL 106, Pho 92 L
Dal 95, Pho 111 W
Sun's out, better put on some shades. Laddas has built a rather tall, capable supporting cast to fully complement and supplement Dame and his talents and shortcomings, respectively. It might be the best start the Suns have gotten off to in a few season's time. Hopefully the great man Laddas can keep the good times rolling. Kudos to him getting legal!

10 (5) 26 Tor Toronto Raptors 3-1
Tor 115, NO 122 L
Bkn 108, Tor 118 W
Phi 118, Tor 124 W
Tor 120, Bos 113 W
This could be the worst 3-1 week of all time, with the all-time great Stephen Curry jusssst surviving the cut (he has been given a chance in week 2 to redeem himself). Kevon Looney is a huge add for the Raptors, way more impactful on the team than it may seem. They will have to wade through a few weeks with stars on the sidelines, but Dyl is a hungry and calculated in 2k as anyone. ECF should be the goal.

11 (26) 25 Det Detroit Pistons 3-1
Det 117, Hou 115 W
Det 114, Mem 105 W
Det 104, Por 108 L
Atl 99, Det 115 W
Good week for the new-look Pistons, and the competitive Sheed is sick and tired of miring in losses. Brunson is the big dog for the Pistons now, a much different look from their rugged days as mainstays in the Eastern Conference Finals and Finals. This is a team that would hope for playoffs, but probably fights in the play in. Welcome back to competitiveness!

12 (8) 24 Ind Indiana Pacers 3-1
Ind 114, Cle 112 W
Ind 103, Chi 96 W
Bos 98, Ind 112 W
Ind 102, NO 112 L
Wow, a lot of teams had a good first week. Three wins, a tick in any team's eyes. Yeet would have been thrilled to get a bonus win with a re-sim; every win counts in this marathon of a season. The Pacers look like a team with good chemistry, multiple options and two-way players. Yeet has done a good job being active and building the roster. Do they have another gear they can go to?

13 (4) 23 Min Minnesota Timberwolves 3-1
Min 114, LAC 109 W
Chi 118, Min 99 L
Min 114, NO 109 W
GS 85, Min 94 W
Welcome to the real stuff, Shay! Jimmy Butler's demise has been greatly exaggerated, and we shouldn't even be surprised any longer that when he's on the court, he is a star player. The Wolves scrape closer to a legal roster, with Shay hopefully picking up the slack in the reins, little by little.

14 (3) 18 SA San Antonio Spurs 2-2
LAL 98, SA 114 W
SA 102, LAC 105 L
SA 117, NY 106 W
Chi 118, SA 114 L
Spurs would not be pleased to be down this low in the rankings with the other mere mortals. Speaking of mortals, Giannis was anything but during week one, posting probably the most incredible week of statistical averages we have ever seen (ever). Wilt Chamberlain himself would be threatened with that stat-line. But... the Spurs sputtered, going just 2-2. Surely just a bump in the road, and a boost for motivation.

15 (6) 17 Bos Boston Celtics 2-2
Bos 98, Ind 112 L
Atl 91, Bos 114 W
Bos 108, NY 98 W
Tor 120, Bos 113 L
I still can't get over Boston trading one of their children in Deni Avdija! This is the most shocking thing Boston has done for a while. It was a good deal for them, and if Toby ever wants to genuinely threaten to be an elite team, he is going to have to make some more moves to trim the depth and boost the pointy-end talent. But, applause is due for Toby as an excellent drafter - Jared McCain only took a month of NBA basketball to be CJ McCollum in 2k. Amazing stuff.

16 (17) 17 LAC LA Clippers 2-2
LAC 101, Cha 108 L
SA 102, LAC 105 W
Min 114, LAC 109 L
Sac 117, LAC 121 W
Andrew and LAC's time to move is now. Sure, it sucks Paolo is out for an extended period of time. But, the West is as shallow as it has ever been in terms of really strong teams. I think the Front Office has to put a bit more effort and emphasis on bringing more talent in and setting a tone for a hopefully fruitful Clippers era.

17 (16) 17 Phi Philadelphia 76ers 2-2
Atl 106, Phi 97 L
Cha 91, Phi 102 W
Phi 118, Tor 124 L
Phi 118, Utah 106 W
The 76ers had a substantial injury list and continue to nurse key contributors back to health. In spite of the lack of availability, grinding out a 2-2 week is a good result for the team. The East looks like any one of 13 or 14 teams would be a playoff hopeful; the 76ers need to get their troops back, and collect some wins.

18 (1) 15 LAL LA Lakers 2-2
LAL 98, SA 114 L
Hou 116, LAL 109 L
LAL 114, Bkn 107 W
LAL 106, Pho 92 W
Justin is my guy, and I think he really has the chops for this GM stuff. His trading has been great, always patient, always stubborn, he gets what he wants. But this regime is wildly clever and creative - gather up all the oft-injured great players and lose a lot of games without not having a talented roster. It's a very clever play, but the inherent risks is huge, too. At some point, in the near future, you are going to NEED them to play.

19 (9) 15 Mil Milwaukee Bucks 2-2
Por 103, Mil 109 W
Was 117, Mil 97 L
Mil 103, Orl 85 W
Utah 119, Mil 108 L
I have to admit, I almost just referred to Dazman and the beginning of his title defence. Old habits! Our beloved Ethan is doing his/has done his best to make the Bucks his own whilst remaining an NSL powerhouse team. On paper, the team looks talented enough to go thereabouts, again. Will the chemistry and SGA boost be as bountiful as last season's Champion Bucks?

20 (23) 15 Por Portland Trail Blazers 2-3
Pho 106, Por 103 L
Den 108, Por 103 L
Por 103, Mil 109 L
Det 104, Por 108 W
Por 103, OKC 99 W
Portland are just making up the numbers and wagging their tail at anything that shows interest in making some trades. Fans are very excited about Jaden Ivey, Keegan Murray and Anthony Black; the youngsters are ushering in the first ever rebuild era for Portland (in any of the leagues).

21 (10) 7 Cha Charlotte Hornets 1-3
LAC 101, Cha 108 W
Cha 91, Phi 102 L
Was 109, Cha 93 L
Cha 108, Hou 113 L
The Hornets still await the return of their best player, Ja Morant, to take a look at what their final form may look like as a basketball team. On paper, the team looks like a playoff team. This team will need a lot to go right with their stars and starters for the Hornets to maximise their potential, as their bench is shallower than a river in the desert.

22 (21) 7 NY New York Knicks 1-3
NY 103, OKC 113 L
SA 117, NY 106 L
Mia 105, NY 111 W
Bos 108, NY 98 L
The Knicks continue to surprise fans - not with their gritty performances, but by shipping off whatever capable players they have who are above 6'8 (I am looking at you, Kevon). It will be a year of whatever for the Knicks, as they scale down their expectations and add as much young talent and draft capital as they can.

23 (25) 6 Bkn Brooklyn Nets 1-3
Orl 96, Bkn 103 W
Bkn 108, Tor 118 L
Hou 118, Bkn 91 L
LAL 114, Bkn 107 L
The Nets would have hoped for at least one more win last week, to demonstrate the strides they have taken as an organisation. They have a young and talented roster but may lack the true alpha to maximise the depth and talent they have. Is Brandon Ingram that guy? Is Jamal Murray not that guy? I feel the Nets will have some moves to make down the line.

24 (20) 6 Mem Memphis Grizzlies 1-3
NO 117, Mem 101 L
Det 114, Mem 105 L
Mem 109, GS 94 W
Mia 99, Mem 88 L
I'm not sure what to make of the Grizzlies. Rootsey was super impressive all off-season, guiding his team out of financial hell while keeping the roster competitive. However, I feel this Grizzlies team may pale in comparison to past editions; while saving the teams finances and drafting great young players were great decisions and critical actions to perform, other teams were fully upgrading to their final form. Slow burn for the Grizz, perhaps?

25 (27) 6 Sac Sacramento Kings 1-3
Dal 113, Sac 120 W
Sac 99, Pho 115 L
Sac 117, LAC 121 L
Sac 99, Was 114 L
The People's Smooth Champion, Klemm, has done a darn good job revitalising a Kings' roster that was lacking a season earlier. Fans are coming back to watch games and the arrow is pointing up. Tyler Herro might be the first worthy, young star-potential player they have had in California for a while. No one will question his heart, but now Klemm's team has less holes than it did. Good job!

26 (28) 4 Atl Atlanta Hawks 1-3
Atl 106, Phi 97 W
Den 105, Atl 93 L
Atl 91, Bos 114 L
Atl 99, Det 115 L
Without their best player in Desmond Bane, the Hawks do enough to get a pass for the first week of competition. Hawks trotted out their twin tower rookies in Sarr and Clingan, both looking at home enough in the NSL. This will no doubt be a development year for the Hawks, with their compassionate GM looking to help the young players along to another year of growth.

27 (15) -2 Cle Cleveland Cavaliers 0-4
Ind 114, Cle 112 L
Cle 107, Mia 108 L
Cle 99, Utah 115 L
OKC 113, Cle 105 L
No team was more unlucky in the first week of the season than Cleveland, with re-sims costing them two bigs wins against tough competition. No team is more misrepresented at 0-4 than the Cavs, who have a terrific roster with upside and current 2k impact, all throughout their depth/rotation. Watch for a big bounce back.

28 (29) -5 GS Golden State Warriors 0-4
Mia 106, GS 89 L
GS 93, Den 114 L
GS 85, Min 94 L
Mem 109, GS 94 L
Dazman, our beloved, GMOTY/admin-extraordinare, breaks in the Warriors officially with regular season basketball and kicks off a new era in the Bay Area. The Warriors have a lot of work to do, but Daz knew this was going to be the path. He just has to walk it now, one hopeful, slow, cautious step at a time.

29 (30) -6 Orl Orlando Magic 0-4
Orl 96, Bkn 103 L
Orl 92, Was 114 L
Chi 109, Orl 85 L
Mil 103, Orl 85 L
'GOOD RIDDANCE!' scream the Magic fans as Zion leaves the Orlando Magic to sit on the bench in Los Angeles as a co-Tank Commander. Kyrie could be the most talented player to put on an NSL Orlando uniform, and the output of the Magic surely climbs after the exciting add.

30 (24) -7 Dal Dallas Mavericks 0-4
Dal 113, Sac 120 L
OKC 116, Dal 93 L
Utah 120, Dal 89 L
Dal 95, Pho 111 L
LJ's heart is heavy and it shows in the performances of the Dallas players. The Mavericks trudged through the first week of the season, looking similar to the 2024 version of the Mavericks. Can they find some vigour and take a step forward this season? Knecht 4 looks like a steal.

Rank	Rating	Team	Record	Comment
1 (2)	46	Was	5-0 Orl 92, Was 114 W Was 109, Cha 93 W Was 117, Mil 97 W Sac 99, Was 114 W Was 118, Den 113 W	5-0, undefeated. Hot dog, we have a wiener! The Washington Wizards were as good as advertised, easily handling business during week one. Concerns about their depth may have been overstated; when their core is playing, they only need a few role player contributors to connect the dots. Josh has gone all in on the 2028 season, is the title the next logical step?Will they finally reach the pinnacle?
2 (7)	28	Utah	3-1 Utah 120, Dal 89 W Cle 99, Utah 115 W Phi 118, Utah 106 L Utah 119, Mil 108 W	Sans Embiid, the Jazz were still able to take care of business in what was a tough schedule for Week One. Franz Wagner's surprising breakout seems upon us, with the big German putting up star like offensive numbers as the teams number one option. The Jazz are primed to take the West if all goes accordingly with health/availability. Jase the Draft Wizard reaping the rewards of a Dyson Daniels breakout.
3 (14)	27	Hou	3-1 Det 117, Hou 115 L Hou 116, LAL 109 W Hou 118, Bkn 91 W Cha 108, Hou 113 W	The Names Burks, Alec Burks. My goodness, has there been a better free agency add (and fit) than Alec? On what is a very shallow Houston team, Burks appears to be a godsend, looking like prime CJ McCollum in the red and white Houston uniform. The Rockets have three very big, expensive bananas, and they now got a juicy plum to add to the fruit bowl.
4 (18)	27	NO	3-1 Tor 115, NO 122 W NO 117, Mem 101 W Ind 102, NO 112 W Min 114, NO 109 L	Leeroy has the Pelicans roaring (it's not literal, it's figurative) and it's about as tough as a Pelican has ever been. I still think their starting five might be the most complementary of any teams, maybe tied with Utah, Washington. Luka looks vetted enough now to carry this team to the Final Boss level.
5 (13)	27	OKC	3-1 NY 103, OKC 113 W OKC 116, Dal 93 W OKC 113, Cle 105 W Por 103, OKC 99 L	Everyone loves the Thunder, 2k loves Anthony Edwards, and OKC and James continue to chug along, pretty open minded to what happens but progressing along. Dylan's burner account team should have their eyes set on the second round of the playoffs as their aspirations evolve with their abilities. Ayton was the team's big splash - was it worth Hunter and Okongwu?
6 (11)	26	Chi	3-1 Ind 103, Chi 96 L Chi 109, Orl 85 W Chi 118, Min 99 W Chi 118, SA 114 W	Chicago went off like a firework in week one, announcing to the league that these Bulls might not be BS. Making up the numbers might not be good enough any longer, and the Bulls and Jonathan need to be making sure they are getting a playoff spot. LaMelo Ball is exploding in the NBA; as long as his ankles don't wobble, i think the Bulls will be a surprise story of the season. Good job, mano!
7 (12)	26	Den	3-1 Den 105, Atl 93 W Den 108, Por 103 W GS 93, Den 114 W Was 118, Den 113 L	Lots of teams went 3-1 in the first week and the Nuggets were definitely invited to the party. I think getting off Stephen Curry when they did was a good move, even better considering Digga barely trades or writes back to trade offer discussions. A real chance that this could be Denver's best season thus far; they have to be playoff foe not fodder.
8 (22)	26	Mia	3-1 Mia 106, GS 89 W Cle 107, Mia 108 W Mia 105, NY 111 L Mia 99, Mem 88 W	Will Someone Say Miami?!?! Pistol definitely will! Our NSL forefather is up and about his discord posts have doubled or tripled in frequency, dropping hints and suggestions about his team and how good they are. I am all for it; team pride is something I love seeing and Miami might be finally ready to make an impact on the NSL, on the court. Great roster.
9 (19)	26	Pho	3-1 Pho 106, Por 103 W Sac 99, Pho 115 W LAL 106, Pho 92 L Dal 95, Pho 111 W	Sun's out, better put on some shades. Laddas has built a rather tall, capable supporting cast to fully complement and supplement Dame and his talents and shortcomings, respectively. It might be the best start the Suns have gotten off to in a few season's time. Hopefully the great man Laddas can keep the good times rolling. Kudos to him getting legal!
10 (5)	26	Tor	3-1 Tor 115, NO 122 L Bkn 108, Tor 118 W Phi 118, Tor 124 W Tor 120, Bos 113 W	This could be the worst 3-1 week of all time, with the all-time great Stephen Curry jusssst surviving the cut (he has been given a chance in week 2 to redeem himself). Kevon Looney is a huge add for the Raptors, way more impactful on the team than it may seem. They will have to wade through a few weeks with stars on the sidelines, but Dyl is a hungry and calculated in 2k as anyone. ECF should be the goal.
11 (26)	25	Det	3-1 Det 117, Hou 115 W Det 114, Mem 105 W Det 104, Por 108 L Atl 99, Det 115 W	Good week for the new-look Pistons, and the competitive Sheed is sick and tired of miring in losses. Brunson is the big dog for the Pistons now, a much different look from their rugged days as mainstays in the Eastern Conference Finals and Finals. This is a team that would hope for playoffs, but probably fights in the play in. Welcome back to competitiveness!
12 (8)	24	Ind	3-1 Ind 114, Cle 112 W Ind 103, Chi 96 W Bos 98, Ind 112 W Ind 102, NO 112 L	Wow, a lot of teams had a good first week. Three wins, a tick in any team's eyes. Yeet would have been thrilled to get a bonus win with a re-sim; every win counts in this marathon of a season. The Pacers look like a team with good chemistry, multiple options and two-way players. Yeet has done a good job being active and building the roster. Do they have another gear they can go to?
13 (4)	23	Min	3-1 Min 114, LAC 109 W Chi 118, Min 99 L Min 114, NO 109 W GS 85, Min 94 W	Welcome to the real stuff, Shay! Jimmy Butler's demise has been greatly exaggerated, and we shouldn't even be surprised any longer that when he's on the court, he is a star player. The Wolves scrape closer to a legal roster, with Shay hopefully picking up the slack in the reins, little by little.
14 (3)	18	SA	2-2 LAL 98, SA 114 W SA 102, LAC 105 L SA 117, NY 106 W Chi 118, SA 114 L	Spurs would not be pleased to be down this low in the rankings with the other mere mortals. Speaking of mortals, Giannis was anything but during week one, posting probably the most incredible week of statistical averages we have ever seen (ever). Wilt Chamberlain himself would be threatened with that stat-line. But... the Spurs sputtered, going just 2-2. Surely just a bump in the road, and a boost for motivation.
15 (6)	17	Bos	2-2 Bos 98, Ind 112 L Atl 91, Bos 114 W Bos 108, NY 98 W Tor 120, Bos 113 L	I still can't get over Boston trading one of their children in Deni Avdija! This is the most shocking thing Boston has done for a while. It was a good deal for them, and if Toby ever wants to genuinely threaten to be an elite team, he is going to have to make some more moves to trim the depth and boost the pointy-end talent. But, applause is due for Toby as an excellent drafter - Jared McCain only took a month of NBA basketball to be CJ McCollum in 2k. Amazing stuff.
16 (17)	17	LAC	2-2 LAC 101, Cha 108 L SA 102, LAC 105 W Min 114, LAC 109 L Sac 117, LAC 121 W	Andrew and LAC's time to move is now. Sure, it sucks Paolo is out for an extended period of time. But, the West is as shallow as it has ever been in terms of really strong teams. I think the Front Office has to put a bit more effort and emphasis on bringing more talent in and setting a tone for a hopefully fruitful Clippers era.
17 (16)	17	Phi	2-2 Atl 106, Phi 97 L Cha 91, Phi 102 W Phi 118, Tor 124 L Phi 118, Utah 106 W	The 76ers had a substantial injury list and continue to nurse key contributors back to health. In spite of the lack of availability, grinding out a 2-2 week is a good result for the team. The East looks like any one of 13 or 14 teams would be a playoff hopeful; the 76ers need to get their troops back, and collect some wins.
18 (1)	15	LAL	2-2 LAL 98, SA 114 L Hou 116, LAL 109 L LAL 114, Bkn 107 W LAL 106, Pho 92 W	Justin is my guy, and I think he really has the chops for this GM stuff. His trading has been great, always patient, always stubborn, he gets what he wants. But this regime is wildly clever and creative - gather up all the oft-injured great players and lose a lot of games without not having a talented roster. It's a very clever play, but the inherent risks is huge, too. At some point, in the near future, you are going to NEED them to play.
19 (9)	15	Mil	2-2 Por 103, Mil 109 W Was 117, Mil 97 L Mil 103, Orl 85 W Utah 119, Mil 108 L	I have to admit, I almost just referred to Dazman and the beginning of his title defence. Old habits! Our beloved Ethan is doing his/has done his best to make the Bucks his own whilst remaining an NSL powerhouse team. On paper, the team looks talented enough to go thereabouts, again. Will the chemistry and SGA boost be as bountiful as last season's Champion Bucks?
20 (23)	15	Por	2-3 Pho 106, Por 103 L Den 108, Por 103 L Por 103, Mil 109 L Det 104, Por 108 W Por 103, OKC 99 W	Portland are just making up the numbers and wagging their tail at anything that shows interest in making some trades. Fans are very excited about Jaden Ivey, Keegan Murray and Anthony Black; the youngsters are ushering in the first ever rebuild era for Portland (in any of the leagues).
21 (10)	7	Cha	1-3 LAC 101, Cha 108 W Cha 91, Phi 102 L Was 109, Cha 93 L Cha 108, Hou 113 L	The Hornets still await the return of their best player, Ja Morant, to take a look at what their final form may look like as a basketball team. On paper, the team looks like a playoff team. This team will need a lot to go right with their stars and starters for the Hornets to maximise their potential, as their bench is shallower than a river in the desert.
22 (21)	7	NY	1-3 NY 103, OKC 113 L SA 117, NY 106 L Mia 105, NY 111 W Bos 108, NY 98 L	The Knicks continue to surprise fans - not with their gritty performances, but by shipping off whatever capable players they have who are above 6'8 (I am looking at you, Kevon). It will be a year of whatever for the Knicks, as they scale down their expectations and add as much young talent and draft capital as they can.
23 (25)	6	Bkn	1-3 Orl 96, Bkn 103 W Bkn 108, Tor 118 L Hou 118, Bkn 91 L LAL 114, Bkn 107 L	The Nets would have hoped for at least one more win last week, to demonstrate the strides they have taken as an organisation. They have a young and talented roster but may lack the true alpha to maximise the depth and talent they have. Is Brandon Ingram that guy? Is Jamal Murray not that guy? I feel the Nets will have some moves to make down the line.
24 (20)	6	Mem	1-3 NO 117, Mem 101 L Det 114, Mem 105 L Mem 109, GS 94 W Mia 99, Mem 88 L	I'm not sure what to make of the Grizzlies. Rootsey was super impressive all off-season, guiding his team out of financial hell while keeping the roster competitive. However, I feel this Grizzlies team may pale in comparison to past editions; while saving the teams finances and drafting great young players were great decisions and critical actions to perform, other teams were fully upgrading to their final form. Slow burn for the Grizz, perhaps?
25 (27)	6	Sac	1-3 Dal 113, Sac 120 W Sac 99, Pho 115 L Sac 117, LAC 121 L Sac 99, Was 114 L	The People's Smooth Champion, Klemm, has done a darn good job revitalising a Kings' roster that was lacking a season earlier. Fans are coming back to watch games and the arrow is pointing up. Tyler Herro might be the first worthy, young star-potential player they have had in California for a while. No one will question his heart, but now Klemm's team has less holes than it did. Good job!
26 (28)	4	Atl	1-3 Atl 106, Phi 97 W Den 105, Atl 93 L Atl 91, Bos 114 L Atl 99, Det 115 L	Without their best player in Desmond Bane, the Hawks do enough to get a pass for the first week of competition. Hawks trotted out their twin tower rookies in Sarr and Clingan, both looking at home enough in the NSL. This will no doubt be a development year for the Hawks, with their compassionate GM looking to help the young players along to another year of growth.
27 (15)	-2	Cle	0-4 Ind 114, Cle 112 L Cle 107, Mia 108 L Cle 99, Utah 115 L OKC 113, Cle 105 L	No team was more unlucky in the first week of the season than Cleveland, with re-sims costing them two bigs wins against tough competition. No team is more misrepresented at 0-4 than the Cavs, who have a terrific roster with upside and current 2k impact, all throughout their depth/rotation. Watch for a big bounce back.
28 (29)	-5	GS	0-4 Mia 106, GS 89 L GS 93, Den 114 L GS 85, Min 94 L Mem 109, GS 94 L	Dazman, our beloved, GMOTY/admin-extraordinare, breaks in the Warriors officially with regular season basketball and kicks off a new era in the Bay Area. The Warriors have a lot of work to do, but Daz knew this was going to be the path. He just has to walk it now, one hopeful, slow, cautious step at a time.
29 (30)	-6	Orl	0-4 Orl 96, Bkn 103 L Orl 92, Was 114 L Chi 109, Orl 85 L Mil 103, Orl 85 L	'GOOD RIDDANCE!' scream the Magic fans as Zion leaves the Orlando Magic to sit on the bench in Los Angeles as a co-Tank Commander. Kyrie could be the most talented player to put on an NSL Orlando uniform, and the output of the Magic surely climbs after the exciting add.
30 (24)	-7	Dal	0-4 Dal 113, Sac 120 L OKC 116, Dal 93 L Utah 120, Dal 89 L Dal 95, Pho 111 L	LJ's heart is heavy and it shows in the performances of the Dallas players. The Mavericks trudged through the first week of the season, looking similar to the 2024 version of the Mavericks. Can they find some vigour and take a step forward this season? Knecht 4 looks like a steal.