We’re about three weeks into the 2025-26 NBA common season, with the annual NBA Cup already underway after tipping off on Halloween night time.
Within the East, the Chicago Bulls have jumped to a shocking sizzling begin, going 6-1 and in an early standings race with the Philadelphia 76ers, who appeared to have shaken their harm bug from final season.
Within the West, the defending champion Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder have proved why continuity will serve them effectively this season. They continue to be the one undefeated crew left. The Los Angeles Lakers, nonetheless with out LeBron James, are 6-2. That is one of the best eight-game stretch his NBA crew has had with out him within the lineup.
Along with our weekly rankings, our NBA insiders selected a newcomer — outlined by a rookie, offseason addition or new coach — who has made an affect already for every crew. From Mike Brown’s arrival in New York to Cooper Flagg’s heat welcome in Dallas, these are the 30 gamers and coaches who impressed within the first week of the season.
Observe: Crew rankings are primarily based on the place 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) suppose groups belong this season.
Earlier rankings: Preseason | Oct. 29
Leap to a crew:
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
2025-26 report: 8-0
Earlier rating: 1
Subsequent video games: @ POR (Nov. 5), @ SAC (Nov. 7), @ MEM (Nov. 9), @ GSW (Nov. 11)
Prime newcomer: Ajay Mitchell
Within the apron period, a monetary reckoning will quickly pressure the Thunder to rearrange their rotation under the headliners. However that day is just not but right here. Oklahoma Metropolis introduced again everything of its championship rotation, so there is not a lot room for a newcomer to bust by the doorways. Mitchell should qualify in his second season. He performed 597 minutes as a rookie earlier than toe surgical procedure, and there have been intriguing flashes. However the first seven video games of his second season have been one thing completely different. Getting into a significant function resulting from backcourt accidents, Mitchell is averaging 17.3 factors in 27.6 minutes, making the case he ought to keep in Mark Daigneault’s nightly plans even when Jalen Williams and others have returned. — Anthony Slater
2025-26 report: 5-1
Earlier rating: 6
Subsequent video games: @ LAL (Nov. 5), vs. HOU (Nov. 7), vs. NO (Nov. 8), @ CHI (Nov. 10)
Prime newcomer: Dylan Harper
The No. 2 choose, Harper, earns point out within the dialogue, averaging 14 factors over six video games whereas taking pictures 50% from the sphere and averaging almost 4 assists. Enjoying 23 minutes per recreation, Harper ranks fourth on the crew in scoring, and at 19, figures prominently in San Antonio’s rotation however will probably miss a number of video games resulting from his newest harm. Harper suffered a left calf pressure throughout Sunday’s loss to the Suns and is predicted to take a seat out a number of weeks. This harm might doubtlessly derail San Antonio’s probabilities of ending this season with three consecutive NBA Rookie of the 12 months winners. — Michael C. Wright
2025-26 report: 4-2
Earlier rating: 5
Subsequent video games: vs. MIA (Nov. 5), vs. GS (Nov. 7), vs. IND (Nov. 8), @ SAC (Nov. 11)
Prime newcomer: Tim Hardaway Jr.
It has been a bumpy transition for Cameron Johnson after changing Michael Porter Jr. in Denver’s beginning lineup after they had been traded for one another. Johnson is coping with proper shoulder irritation whereas making an attempt to work his manner out of an early-season taking pictures funk (40.0% from the ground, 25.0% from 3-point vary). Hardaway Jr. has been the Nuggets’ most impactful newcomer, averaging 10.2 factors off the bench whereas taking pictures 44.8% from deep. — Tim MacMahon
Prime newcomer(s): Jake LaRavia, Deandre Ayton, Marcus Sensible
The truth that there is not any simple reply to this query speaks volumes in regards to the Lakers’ 6-2 begin. All three of their free agent signings from the summer season have a reputable case. LaRavia has performed in all eight video games whereas L.A.’s been bit by the harm bug, averaging 12.6 factors on 58.5% taking pictures whereas additionally main the crew in deflections. Ayton is averaging 16.9 factors on 65.1% taking pictures and eight.1 rebounds. Sensible is averaging 9.2 factors whereas main the crew in steals per recreation (1.7) and in plus-minus with a plus-64 in 146 minutes performed. — Dave McMenamin
Prime newcomer: Kevin Durant
Naturally, the arrival of Durant, one of the vital gifted scorers of all time, would result in an uptick in offensive manufacturing. With Durant main the best way, Houston averaged 127.8 factors over its first 5 outings, essentially the most by 5 video games in Rockets historical past. Houston bounced again from a 0-2 begin to outscore opponents by 75 factors throughout a three-game profitable streak after Monday’s victory over Dallas. Durant (21 factors) completed because the third-leading scorer as Alperen Sengun (26) and Amen Thompson mixed (27) for 53 factors — Wright
2025-26 report: 5-2
Earlier rating: 9
Subsequent video games: @ CLE (Nov. 5), vs. TOR (Nov. 8), vs. DET (Nov. 9), vs. BOS (Nov. 11)
Prime newcomer: VJ Edgecombe
There have been few newcomers to make a much bigger affect with their crew this season than Edgecombe, the sensational rookie guard out of Baylor whom Philadelphia snagged with the third choose in June’s NBA draft. Edgecombe is making the entire ache of final season’s depressing marketing campaign for the 76ers price it, as he entered Tuesday night time’s recreation averaging 20.3 factors — miles forward of anybody else within the class — whereas taking pictures over 49% total and 42% from 3. — Tim Bontemps
2025-26 report: 4-3
Earlier rating: 2
Subsequent video games: vs. PHI (Nov. 5), @ WAS (Nov. 7), vs. CHI (Nov. 8), @ MIA (Nov. 10)
Prime newcomer: Jaylon Tyson
That is technically his second 12 months within the league. Nonetheless, Tyson’s minutes had been so sporadic in his first season, the truth that he stepped into the beginning lineup with Darius Garland injured and performed effectively may very well be an enormous growth for the Cavs’ rotation. He is averaging 10.9 factors and taking pictures 44% from 3 on about 5 makes an attempt per recreation, displaying indicators of a 3-and-D wing who may very well be an enormous complement to Donovan Mitchell and Garland, who might return Wednesday. — Jamal Collier
Prime newcomer: Isaac Okoro
The Bulls introduced again almost their total roster from final season however added Okoro to the combo to assist construct a defensive id within the beginning lineup. Chicago entered the week ranked twelfth in protection and has been one of many shock groups despite the fact that Okoro has struggled, averaging six factors whereas taking pictures 38.5% from the sphere (29.4% from 3) and has simply two steals in six video games. — Collier
Prime newcomer: Myles Turner
Becoming a member of the Bucks made Turner a villain in Indiana, the place the place he spent the primary decade of his profession. Turner was greeted with boos in his return Monday, however Bucks gamers made it a degree to win the sport for his or her latest teammate. Turner is off to a modest begin offensively — 9.7 factors on 39.7% taking pictures, however coach Doc Rivers has lauded his protection and intangibles to spice up Milwaukee early. — Collier
2025-26 report: 5-2
Earlier rating: 14
Subsequent video games: vs. UTAH (Nov. 5), @ BKN (Nov. 7), vs. PHI (Nov. 9), vs. WAS (Nov. 10)
Prime newcomer: Duncan Robinson
For a crew that is missing in 3-point manufacturing (twenty seventh in makes an attempt per recreation), newcomer Robinson might be counted on for extra quantity, particularly with Jaden Ivey and Marcus Sasser out with accidents. He is getting up over six 3s an evening and taking pictures almost 41%, however it will assist with the spacing if he bought a little bit extra assertive in looking pictures to unfold the ground for Cade Cunningham and rising star Ausar Thompson. A fifth-ranked protection has stored the Pistons afloat — the taking pictures ought to come round. — Vincent Goodwill
Prime newcomer: Mike Brown
Sunday was simply what the physician ordered for brand spanking new coach Brown. Following a three-game street shedding streak, the Knicks put collectively their greatest stretch of basketball within the younger season, hitting 20-of-42 on 3-pointers to avenge a loss to the Bulls from two nights earlier. “I nonetheless suppose our ceiling is lots greater, however you possibly can see the potential. This crew is greater than able to taking part in sooner,” Brown mentioned. For a crew that did not have a three-game shedding streak final season till January, the Knicks — and Brown — wanted proof of idea early. — Goodwill
Prime newcomer: John Collins
Collins has discovered an early function because the Clippers’ sixth man, main coach Tyronn Lue’s reserves in scoring (11.8 factors) and rebounds (5.3), whereas additionally averaging 1.2 steals. A cynical view would credit score Collins’ preliminary success due to the collective struggles of different newcomers reminiscent of Bradley Beal, Brook Lopez and Chris Paul, who’ve all underwhelmed. Nevertheless, the 6-foot-9 ahead is taking pictures a career-best 58.5% from the ground, too. So, props to him. — McMenamin
2025-26 report: 5-3
Earlier rating: 3
Subsequent video games: @ SAC (Nov. 5), @ DEN (Nov. 7), vs. IND (Nov. 9), @ OKC (Nov. 11)
Prime newcomer: Al Horford
The Warriors’ greatest win of the early season got here in extra time towards Denver. In it, they had been delivered the model of Horford they dreamed about after including him this summer season. He stretched out to 29 minutes, nailed a pair of clutch 3s and guarded Nikola Jokic effectively on a number of of the sport’s bigger possessions, closing with the opposite veterans. It is what they’ll want from Horford usually come April. But it surely’s clear that the upkeep program for Horford, in his nineteenth season, will not permit it typically earlier than the playoffs. Horford will not play on back-to-back nights, so he is already missed three video games and been restricted, rusty and ineffective in his three different appearances. The Warriors have been outscored by 36 factors with him on the ground this season. — Slater
Prime newcomer: Jrue Vacation
Vacation has been every thing Portland hoped and extra as the start line guard with Scoot Henderson nonetheless sidelined by a hamstring pressure. Vacation is averaging 16.7 factors and a career-high 8.3 assists whereas serving to lead a Blazers protection that’s forcing turnovers at far and away the NBA’s greatest price. Vacation’s quietest night time this season, together with 0-of-6 on 3-point taking pictures, was an element as Portland misplaced at dwelling to the short-handed Lakers on Monday. Nonetheless, the Blazers are above .500 for the most recent level in any season since 2022-23. — Kevin Pelton
2025-26 report: 4-3
Earlier rating: 15
Subsequent video games: @ DEN (Nov. 5), vs. CHA (Nov. 7), vs. POR (Nov. 8), vs. CLE (Nov. 10)
Prime newcomer: Norman Powell
Powell has been a pleasant slot in Miami, particularly whereas Tyler Herro is out. If he can keep wholesome, Powell can do what he did within the first couple of months with the Clippers final season when Kawhi Leonard was out. He performed like an All-Star, offering the Clippers with taking pictures from the perimeter and much-needed scoring. With Herro out, Powell has scored 20 or extra factors in three of his 4 video games, together with pulling down 11 triples in these video games. He missed three straight contests with a groin challenge, however Powell ought to have the ability to proceed to do harm in Miami’s new up-tempo offense. — Ohm Youngmisuk
2025-26 report: 4-3
Earlier rating: 10
Subsequent video games: @ NYK (Nov. 5), vs. UTA H (Nov. 7), @ SAC (Nov. 9), @ UTAH (Nov. 10)
Prime newcomer: Terrence Shannon Jr.
There’s not likely a newcomer on the roster, per se, however there’s a new core rotation participant: Shannon Jr., a second-year guard who has been given the primary full-time crack at changing Nickeil Alexander-Walker in coach Chris Finch’s rotation. Shannon started to get minutes late within the common season and within the playoffs. He has performed in all seven of Minnesota’s video games to start this season, although his offense stays a difficulty (taking pictures 32.1% total, together with 29.4% on 2-pointers this season). — Bontemps
Prime newcomer: Desmond Bane
Bane has struggled from 3, taking pictures simply 28.5% in his first eight video games. And he has solely scored 23 factors in his previous three video games, culminating with an ejection within the third quarter of Tuesday’s loss to Atlanta for a flagrant foul towards Onyeka Okongwu and a subsequent technical foul for swiping the ball at Okongwu after the foul. Nonetheless, the Magic know it is early and that they want extra time to develop chemistry with their new performer. As soon as that occurs, they count on to shoot a lot better from 3 with Bane creating area for Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner whereas offering some much-needed veteran management. It is perhaps off to a gradual begin, however the Magic are betting 4 first-round picks and a first-round choose swap that Bane will get issues going. — Youngmisuk
Prime newcomer: Kristaps Porzingis
The Hawks could not wait to see how their two-man recreation of Trae Younger and Porzingis would work collectively. Whereas they should wait one other month or longer earlier than seeing these two collectively once more, Porzingis has been displaying how huge of an affect he can have for the remainder of the Hawks. Porzingis is averaging 15 factors within the three video games since Younger has been out. However his presence must be accounted for inside when the Hawks throw the ball to him with a mismatch, opening issues for teammates. He went to the road 13 instances, making 11 free throws to steer the Hawks to a win over Orlando on Tuesday. And his 12 rebounds Sunday stored the Hawks aggressive in a loss at Cleveland. If Porzingis can keep wholesome, his affect will solely develop. — Youngmisuk
2025-26 report: 3-5
Earlier rating: 23
Subsequent video games: vs. WAS (Nov. 5), @ ORL (Nov. 7), @ ORL (Nov. 9), @ PHI (Nov. 11)
Prime newcomer: Josh Minott
As Boston waits to get Jayson Tatum again on the court docket, it took fliers on a number of upside swing gamers this offseason. Considered one of them, Minott, has settled right into a beginning spot in Boston’s rotation over the previous few video games and has instantly made an affect as a high-energy grinder, creating additional possessions by hitting the glass and creating turnovers. — Bontemps
Prime newcomer: Brandon Ingram
Ingram is not technically a brand new addition, as Toronto traded for and prolonged him in the course of the 2024-25 marketing campaign, however he by no means performed a recreation for the Raptors till this season. The one-time All-Star leads Toronto averaging 22.3 factors, and he is quietly posting one of the best effectivity numbers of his profession due to a sizzling streak from his midrange-heavy shot eating regimen. Ingram by no means made greater than 49.7% of his pictures in any earlier season, however he is all the best way up at 55.0% this season. — Zach Kram
2025-26 report: 3-5
Earlier rating: 16
Subsequent video games: vs. HOU (Nov. 5), vs. DAL (Nov. 7),vs. OKC (Nov. 9), @ NYK (Nov. 11)
Prime newcomer: Cedric Coward
Coward, the eleventh choose of the draft, shines for a Memphis squad flashing few vivid spots within the wake of the one-game suspension of veteran level guard Ja Morant. The Grizzlies moved up 5 spots to amass Coward within the draft because the brass recognized the taking pictures guard’s athleticism, versatility and physicality as key parts in constructing round Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. Offensively, the rookie ranks third on the crew in scoring whereas connecting on higher than 50% from deep. — Wright
2025-26 report: 2-5
Earlier rating: 21
Subsequent video games: vs. NO (Nov. 5), @ MEM (Nov. 7), @ WAS (Nov. 8), vs. MIL (Nov. 10)
Prime newcomer: Cooper Flagg
The Mavs figured that Flagg would endure loads of rising pains as a rookie, regardless of how a lot hype surrounded him following his phenomenal one-and-done stint at Duke. Each 18-year-old who has performed within the NBA has struggled, and Flagg has the extra problem of taking part in level guard for the primary time in his life whereas often drawing the opponent’s greatest defender. His numbers (13.6 factors, 6.0 rebounds, 2.9 assists with a 44.6 efficient subject aim share) aren’t fairly, however there is not any panic in Dallas. The Mavs firmly imagine that Flagg has the mix of psychological toughness, maturity, confidence and competitiveness to learn from his struggles. — MacMahon
Prime newcomer: Dillon Brooks
Whereas Brooks has been restricted to a few video games due to a core muscle pressure, the nine-year vet has already made an impression within the Valley. Brooks is the Suns’ second-leading scorer (19.3 factors per recreation) and his 2.7 steals common is second within the league, behind solely Oklahoma Metropolis’s Cason Wallace. His presence has helped Phoenix climb from the league’s No. 27 defensive ranking to No. 22 below first-year coach Jordan Ott. — McMenamin
Prime newcomer: Kon Knueppel
Charlotte’s rookies have performed far and away essentially the most minutes of any crew this season, with as many as three (No. 4 choose Knueppel and second-rounders Sion James and Ryan Kalkbrenner) beginning collectively at instances. Of these three, Knueppel has had the largest affect, averaging 30.1 minutes and 14.0 factors. His 43.1% 3-point taking pictures on excessive quantity (7.3 makes an attempt per recreation) has been an excellent match alongside LaMelo Ball within the Hornets’ backcourt. Knueppel had a career-high 24 factors Sunday because the Hornets snapped a three-game shedding streak by blowing out Utah. — Pelton
2025-26 report: 2-5
Earlier rating: 26
Subsequent video games: vs. GSW (Nov. 5), vs. OKC (Nov. 7), vs. MIN (Nov. 9), vs. DEN (Nov. 11)
Prime newcomer: Russell Westbrook
Kings microphones picked up an trade between Westbrook and Domantas Sabonis late of their current street win in Milwaukee. Sabonis had 5 fouls. Westbrook, fearing he would choose up a sixth, ordered Sabonis off Giannis Antetokounmpo and guarded him as an alternative. Sabonis remained eligible for the ultimate 2:35 and the Kings closed to prevail 135-133. It was an instance of Westbrook’s instant ascension on a roster missing management and defensive versatility. He signed a minimal one-year contract per week earlier than the season started however has already labored his manner into the beginning and shutting lineup, ending with 26 factors and 12 rebounds in 37 minutes towards the Nuggets on Monday night time. — Slater
2025-26 report: 3-4
Earlier rating: 24
Subsequent video games: @ DET (Nov. 5), @ MIN (Nov. 7), vs. MIN (Nov. 10), vs. IND (Nov. 11)
Prime newcomer: Ace Bailey
Utah’s entrance workplace and training employees are optimistic that Bailey, the fifth choose within the draft, can develop right into a franchise cornerstone. That potential hasn’t translated into immediate manufacturing for {the teenager}, who’s averaging 4.6 factors on 29.5% taking pictures. Nevertheless, the Jazz have been inspired by Bailey’s strategy and willingness to be coached since he arrived in Utah. — MacMahon
2025-26 report: 1-6
Earlier rating: 25
Subsequent video games: vs. BKN (Nov. 5), @ DEN (Nov. 8), @ GSW (Nov. 9), @ UTAH (Nov. 11)
Prime newcomer: Jay Huff
Coming into an anticipated hole 12 months with Tyrese Haliburton injured, the Pacers did not add many new gamers over the summer season. The perfect of the bunch is backup heart Huff, whose offense hasn’t but made the journey from Memphis to Indiana — he is taking pictures simply 3-for-17 (18%) on 3s after nailing 41% final season — however is a succesful inside defender. Huff is averaging 3.7 blocks per 36 minutes, whereas no different Pacer has greater than 1.1 blocks per 36 with two-time blocks champion Myles Turner gone. — Kram
2025-26 report: 1-6
Earlier rating: 28
Subsequent video games: @ BOS (Nov. 5), vs. CLE (Nov. 7), vs. DAL (Nov. 10), @ DET (Nov. 10)
Prime newcomer: Tre Johnson
No. 6 choose Johnson has been a plug-and-play floor-spacer early in his NBA profession, sinking 2.1 3-pointers per recreation on 36% taking pictures. One space of potential enchancment for the rookie is his playmaking: Johnson has obtained 36 picks because the ball handler and produced assists on simply two of them, per GeniusIQ monitoring. Total, he has 11 assists and 9 turnovers by seven video games. — Kram
Prime newcomer: Jeremiah Fears
The Pelicans certainly hoped veteran guard Jordan Poole can be the reply, however he misplaced his beginning job three video games into his New Orleans profession and has had uneven performances off the bench, sandwiching a 30-point recreation between 2-of-11 taking pictures nights. New Orleans coach Willie Inexperienced is sticking with teenage rookie level guard Fears, whose personal up-and-down play (he adopted 1-of-11 taking pictures with 10-of-15 in a 21-point effort) is extra comprehensible given his inexperience. Fears’ play is the principle motive for optimism amidst a poor Pelicans begin. — Pelton
2025-26 report: 0-7
Earlier rating: 30
Subsequent video games: @ IND (Nov. 7), vs. DET (Nov. 7), @ NYK (Nov. 9), vs. TOR (Nov. 11)
Prime newcomer: Michael Porter Jr.
Porter Jr. is getting all of the pictures he needs and is second on the Nets in scoring behind Cam Thomas. With few different scoring choices and the Nets missing a playmaker, groups are loading up on Porter and Thomas. As anticipated, since Porter is now not taking part in with Nikola Jokic, the standard of the seems has decreased whereas on a crew desperately looking for an id by two weeks crammed with losses. And to make issues worse, head coach Jordi Fernandez provided this after a 23-point drubbing by the hands of the 76ers: “I am failing at making an attempt to get my guys to play exhausting.” It is getting too late, very early in Brooklyn. — Goodwill