We’re knee-deep into the NFL season, but basketball fans are already getting an early look at which teams are shining in the NBA for the 2023-24 season.

For Detroit Pistons fans, even though the team has a new coach in Monty Williams, unfortunately, they’re still dismal this season. Last season, the Pistons finished dead last in the NBA rankings, and right now, they’re last in the Eastern Conference with two wins and 13 losses. We need to be patient, though, and give Williams a few years with this team. Let’s face it. He inherited a mess, and it will take some time to clean it up. What’s more, one of the Pistons’ star players, Isaiah Livers, has been nursing a Grade III ankle sprain all training camp and for the start of the season. He’s now healthy and back, and his presence could really help the Detroit Pistons.

But, regarding the Pistons, not only were they last in the rankings last season, but since the 2019-2020 season, the Pistons have maintained the worst record in the NBA at 82-234. They’ve only won 25.9% of their games. Ouch. There are some high expectations on Williams’ shoulder to turn this around. Looking at the past few years, the other teams on the low-end of the NBA rankings are the Houston Rockets and Orlando Magic.

I really think Williams can, eventually, turn the Detroit Pistons around. He was head coach with the Phoenix Suns from 2019 to 2023 and had a stellar record. He came into the role of head coach for the Pistons late, and he needs time to shape his team and bring on some players in which he believes.

As for this year and the full league, other teams struggling include the Washington Wizards, who are also at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with 2 wins and 11 losses. Looking at the Western Conference, two teams are tied for the worst record: the Portland Trail Blazers and San Antonia Spurs, both with 3 wins and 11 losses.

First, let’s take a look at the best teams in the Eastern Conference. The famed Boston Celtics are currently No. 1 in the Eastern Conference, with 11 wins and 3 losses. Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers are tied for being ranked No. 2 with 10 wins and 4 losses. There are plenty of other teams right behind them, though, including the Miami Heat and Orlando Magic, both of whom tote 9 wins and 5 losses. What a competitive conference!

Now, I want to get to the equally competitive Western Conference. Here, first place goes to the Minnesota Timberwolves with 10 wins and 3 losses. After them, we’ve got the Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder, both with 10 wins and 4 losses. The Dallas Mavericks are next in this conference, with 9 wins and 5 losses.

There you have it. These are the top teams in the NFL, so far, this season. But, I urge you to not count out some of the teams just below them. The Cleveland Cavaliers currently have an 8-6 record, and their team has lots of potential. The Los Angeles Lakers are another team that could be a sleeper winner. The Lakers currently 9-6, and that team has such a strong legacy. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them rise to the top of the Western Conference later in the season.