NBA: Five Must-See Teams on League Pass in 2016-17

Dec 16, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) and forward Paul Pierce (34) battle for the ball with Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during an NBA basketball game at Staples Center. The Clippers defeated the Bucks 103-90. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Every year, NBA fans shed money from their wallets to get the best viewing experience possible, being able to watch any team they want at any time (barring blackout restrictions).

When thinking of the teams that could qualify on this list of eight, I considered the number of national television games each NBA team plays, along with other things such as comedic relief, exciting players, and/or the visual experience of uniforms and courts.

I have excluded the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors from having a chance to make this list. Obvious top dogs, and play a combined 71 national televised games. The Warriors and Cavaliers watching experience is clearly superior compared to any other NBA team.

If you have NBA League Pass, I’d suggest not using it to watch these teams as you’ll get plenty of opportunities to do so.

Each team will bring their own entertainment value, whether it be comedic or pure basketball talent, its my job to help you sift through the unwatchable games.

The Brooklyn Nets may be the only team in the league that has absolutely nothing intriguing about them. Their court is cool, but unless we see the sequel of Linsanity last for a whole season, there shouldn’t be too much Nets exposure to basketball enthusiasts, unless they’re a Celtics fan.

With league popularity at an all-time high, the NBA is in fantastic shape. Nearly every team has an interesting aspect to them in the coming season. Some may be because of a young, budding star while another team may be compelling due to a brash, vocal star part of a bad franchise.

Oct 11, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) drives to the basket against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeated the Thunder 114-109. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Honorable Mentions

Indiana Pacers

Detroit Pistons

Oklahoma City Thunder

Next: No. 5

Mar 25, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) dunks in the first quarter of their game against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

5. Milwaukee Bucks

My current situation: Drooling over thinking of the highlights that Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jabari Parker will have this season.

The talent is there, despite losing Khris Middleton for most of the season. If Jason Kidd decides to run a point Giannis lineup night-in and night-out, his stats will balloon, but unsure if it will translate to the number of wins needed to make the playoffs.

This team could look much different in coming weeks, as Michael Carter-Williams and Greg Monroe have been constantly been in trade talks through the offseason.

From the Kings to the Pelicans, the Bucks cannot seem to find a suitor for MCW. Both him and Monroe turned one of the league’s best defenses to one of the worst. I expect a lot of John Henson if Monroe’s defensive struggles continue (which they will).

Two rookies with high potential in Malcolm Brogdon and Thon Maker, but Milwaukee and NBA fans may not see the two crack the rotation much this season.

Cannot forget about Michael Beasley and Mirza Teletovic. Both were acquired to solve the three point shooting woes, so expect them to let it fly.

The jersey color combination of green and cream accompanied by blue trim was instilled starting last season, but the alternate black jerseys and two different courts spices things up once in awhile from the same old normal routine.

Oct 4, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) reacts after a play during the second quarter against the New York Knicks at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

4. Houston Rockets

A new offensive system brought in by Mike D’Antoni will bring a high volume of scoring especially led by the newly anointed “points guard”, James Harden.

Harden will have free reign to pull any and every open shot opportunity presented to him. Harden has been one of the league’s top scorer since arriving in Houston, and that will remain even if there is not as much talent surrounding him.

Averaging 29 points per game in 2015-16, I fully expect him to eclipse the 30-point mark, maybe even challenging Kobe Bryant’s 35.4 ppg scoring title performance in 2005-06.

To be honest, outside of Harden there is little to be excited about. D’Antoni bringing the 7SOL offense to Houston may help the Rockets sneak into the playoffs.

Ryan Anderson will need to stay consistent beyond the arc. Clint Capela HAS to improve his free throws, which he may due to a new underhand approach. Harden will get teammates open shots, they just have to convert them.

The decision to start either Eric Gordon or Patrick Beverly will be fascinating one as if Beverly is not among the starters, there will be little defense outside of an aging Ariza and Harden when he wants to. Fantasy basketball players, Capela is worth drafting for blocks alone.

I am a sucker for a good red and black color combination. The three alternate jerseys that Houston unveiled last season are some of the best in the NBA, plus the organization enhanced the design of the court.

Dec 19, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) and New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) react after a shot by Porzingis (6) during second half against the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden. The New York Knicks defeated the Chicago Bulls 107-91. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

3. New York Knicks

You’re looking at the newest super team in the NBA. If anyone can challenge the Cleveland Cavaliers, it has to be the shot-jacking of Carmelo Anthony and Derrick Rose combined with the majestic unicorn that is Kristaps Porzingis.

But, to be for real.

The New York Knicks may be back in the playoffs this season if the “Big 3” mentioned can stay healthy. Rose is nowhere near the 2011 version of himself, but if he can become a facilitator in an offense with plenty of shooting, he will vastly improve this team from a Jose Calderon led team last year.

New York ranked 20th in made three-point field goals last season so that will be an area of focus to improve upon. Brandon Jennings and Courtney Lee fit nicely into new head coach Jeff Hornacek’s system.

This will be one of many teams in the East hovering around the .500 range or a few games above. If they can put together streaks of wins together, the possibility of a top four team in the East is not completely out of the realm.

Madison Square Garden is the best venue in sports and each NBA star that comes to NY to play in MSG is always looking to put on a show. Combine that with the potential the Knicks bring and you have must-see basketball. A must watch on League Pass.

Nov 24, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) goes up to dunk the ball during the first half against the Charlotte Hornets at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

2. Los Angeles Clippers

**Yawn**

The Los Angeles Clippers were almost put in Golden State and Cleveland territory, as I believe that are the third best team in the NBA.

Blake Griffin is back healthy, after dealing with three injuries throughout last year. He was having a remarkable season, that probably would have won him an MVP, or at least put him in a close second behind Stephen Curry.

This could be the last go-around of the Chris Paul and Griffin led Clippers. Both have expiring contracts at season’s end, so expect Doc Rivers and the Clippers crew to go all-in.

If they somehow struggle out of the gate and near the trade deadline, a possible trade involving Paul and Griffin is not impossible. Especially if they believe one of both will leave Los Angeles in the summer.

DeAndre Jordan’s free throw shooting does diminish the Clippers experience, however his ferocious dunks make up for it. J.J. Redick is the glue guy on this roster, and maybe the most underrated player in the NBA.

Opponents, defensively, have to pick their poison every trip down the floor when Paul-Griffin go into a pick-and-roll as it opens up the floor so much. That alone, is worth a watch on NBA League Pass.

Another downfall is the small forward position, but that can be overlooked. The Clippers may have the worst uniform, logo, and court combination in all of sports. Not just the NBA, but every single sport. Give me the orange and brown combination of the Browns before this. The colors are awesome, but the usage of them is horrendous.

Apr 9, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) is hugged by teammates after making a game winning basket against the Portland Trail Blazers during the fourth quarter at the Moda Center. The Timberwolves won 106-105. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports

1. Minnesota Timberwolves

Let me be the first to say, can we slow down on the Minnesota Timberwolves? Myself included; putting them No. 1 on this list doesn’t help. People are expect a lot from this team that is super young and lacks depth.