Here are the updated NBA Team Chemistry Rankings for the 2011-2012 season. Noted preseason contenders--Oklahoma City, Chicago, San Antonio, Memphis, Miami, Dallas, and Boston--all find themselves in the current playoff picture. Of these 7 teams, only the Grizzlies at 4-6 have played sub-.500 ball in their last 10 games. Overall, the Western Conference remains the stronger conference, with 13 of 15 teams at 20 or more wins this season; in comparison, the Eastern Conference has only 9 of 15 teams at 20 or more wins. Regarding team chemistry, there appears to be balance across the conferences, with 5 teams from each conference currently ranking in the top 10. It will be interesting to see how the final month of the season goes and where teams end up in the playoff seeding.
| Rank | Team | Notes | Previous |
| 1. | Oklahoma City Thunder | The Thunder continue to look like 'the team of the future'--i.e. the championship team of the next defining era of NBA basketball, a la Magic and Bird, Jordan, and Shaq/Kobe/Duncan. Their defense leads the NBA in blocks per game, while their offense leads the league in free-throw percentage and ranks 2nd in field goal percentage. Derek Fisher joins Kendrick Perkins and Nazr Mohammed as the Thunder's veteran leaders with NBA championship experience. Fisher also brings timeless clutch shooting and additional tutelage for point guard Russell Westbrook, who already has been coached by former NBA champions and current coaches Scott Brooks and Maurice Cheeks. If there is a team flaw right now, it is that the Thunder are one of the worst teams in terms of turning the ball over too much. | (1) |
| 2. | Chicago Bulls | Regardless of injuries, Tom Thibodeau's Bulls have an undeniable chemistry and ability to play strongly on both sides of the court. Although Derrick Rose has missed 1/3 of the regular season and Rip Hamilton has missed 2/3 of it, the Bulls are the #1 team in the East. The Bulls remain the NBA's best offensive rebounding team but have slipped a bit in defensive rebounding efficiency. The questions remain about whether or not they can consistently score enough points in slower-paced playoff basketball and keep pace with teams such as the Miami Heat or Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite ranking tied for 2nd in 3-point field goal percentage at a 38.4% mark, the Bulls shot a forgettable 32.9% mark in last year's playoffs--which is again cause for concern if Hamilton continues to battle injury problems during the playoffs. | (2) |
| 3. | San Antonio Spurs | At least in the regular season, the Spurs find ways to keep on winning, even when top players and/or multiple players are injured. As was seen last season, they need to continue to develop young players like Danny Green to help overcome any injury problems that happen before or during the playoffs. As it stands, the Spurs are playing a much faster-paced brand of basketball this season--good enough for 3rd in points per game and 2nd in offensive efficiency. This includes ranking 1st in 3-point field goal percentage and 4th in overall field goal percentage. Not to mention, Stephen Jackson has finally come back to San Antonio--nine years after winning his only championship there in 2003. | (3) |
| 4. | Indiana Pacers | From point guard to center, the Pacers are as balanced as any team in the NBA this season. The consistently strong team play and deep bench have helped second-year coach Frank Vogel guide the team to a middle playoff seed in the East. Led by Danny Granger, they have 7 scorers who average at least 9 PPG; they also added sharpshooter Leandro Barbosa at the trade deadline. Playoff seeding and first-round matchup will determine if the Pacers can put together a surprise championship run this season. | (4) |
| 5. | Philadelphia 76ers | A year and a half ago, some analysts and fans felt that Doug Collins was simply too old to return to coaching, especially with a young team like the 76ers. Now, nothing is heard from naysayers. Collins has helped the 76ers become one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference, playing hard-nosed team defense--ranked #1 in the NBA in fewest points and assists allowed per game and best defensive efficiency--and unselfish team offense. Sam Young was a respectable addition, but the team remains arguably weak in the post. That will likely be their downfall in the playoffs. | (5) |
| 6. | Memphis Grizzlies | Just one year ago, the Grizzlies upset the Spurs in convincing fashion and pushed the Thunder to a full 7-game series in the playoffs. Yet, they get forgotten behind teams like the "Lob City" Clippers. Quietly, the Grizzlies have climbed up to 5th in the Western Conference standings this season. They did this while playing a couple months without Zach Randolph. Overall, the Grizzlies boast 7 players with at least 9 PPG. Oddly enough, the current standings would put them in a first-round playoff matchup with the flashy Clippers. | (6) |
| 7. | Atlanta Hawks | With or without Al Horford, Larry Drew's Hawks do not score a lot of points. Yet, they are one of the best defenses in the NBA with a surprisingly deep bench. In Horford's absence, Zaza Pachulia has gained more recognition as being a glue guy for his hard nosed defense and rebounding. Meanwhile, Josh Smith is reaching his prime years yet still faces some of the same love-hate relationship with fans due to suspect shot selection. They are good but not great--but then again, they knocked Dwight Howard and the Magic out of the playoffs last season. | (9) |
| 8. | Utah Jazz | Different coach, similar reputation. Tyrone Corbin has helped keep the Jazz as one of the highest scoring and most efficient offenses in the NBA. Balanced scoring and shared minutes are the name of the game; only leading scorers Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap play over 30 minutes per game. As a lower seed in the strong Western Conference, the Jazz could be a worthy upset pick to knock off a vulnerable team like the Lakers, Clippers, or Spurs. | (11) |
| 9. | Miami Heat | Although the Heat still seem to have the same cycle of miscues as they did last year, they seem to be playing as well as or better than most of the league. LeBron James' post-up game has helped quite a bit, while Shane Battier and Norris Cole have been solid additions to this year's team. Although having a glut of swingmen limits the playing time of Battier, Mike Miller, and James Jones, all of their swingmen can shoot well. As a team, they rank 1st in field goal percentage and 5th in 3-point field goal percentage. However, the Heat are gambling in not having a veteran point guard on their roster; one will likely be needed come playoff time. Likewise, while their defense against 2-point field goals remains one of the best in the league, their 3-point defense has noticeably dropped, including from top 10 to bottom 3 in 3-point percentage allowed and from top 15 to bottom 2 in 3-pointers allowed. | (13) |
| 10. | Denver Nuggets | Injuries have slowed down the gritty Nuggets team, with starter Danilo Gallinari and backup Rudy Fernandez out indefinitely. Contract oddities have also stood in the way of the Nuggets' success. During the lockout, the team lost Kenyon Martin, J.R. Smith, and Wilson Chandler to Chinese basketball contracts. Martin and Smith have since moved onto other teams; thankfully, Chandler re-signed with Denver. However, the Nuggets were so dissatisfied with Nene's big recent contract extension that they went ahead and traded him for JaVale McGee. They retain an 'outscore the opponent' mentality, ranking at the top of the league in offense and at the bottom of the league in defense--including yielding the highest opponent 3-point percentage and 5th highest opponent field goal percentage. Playoff hopes may be slipping away, but at least a foundation may be forming in Denver. | (8) |
| 11. | Phoenix Suns | It is hard to imagine any Steve Nash-led team lacking team chemistry, as this Suns team is no exception. They are one of the league's best teams in passing for assists, limiting turnovers, and blocking opponents' shots; in general, they get along very well. However, the Suns are otherwise average on offense--including surprisingly modest three-point shooting--and subpar on defense, including yielding a high number of assists. Still, the Suns are competing for a playoff berth, with Marcin Gortat emerging as the Suns' leading scorer and rebounder. | (16) |
| 12. | Dallas Mavericks | At first glance, most analysts and fans notice that the Mavericks are missing the presence of hard-nosed former center Tyson Chandler and former assistant coach/defensive guru Dwane Casey. Yet, with players such as Delonte West and Vince Carter in the mix, the Mavericks actually have a more efficient defense compared to the rest of the league than they did last year.The problem is that they are not nearly as efficient on offense this year, dropping from 8th in the NBA last year to 23rd in the league this year. This includes dropping from tied for 4th in field goal percentage to 20th and dropping from tied for 11th in 3-point field goal percentage to 21st. Then again, last year's Mavericks played their best basketball in the playoffs and won the NBA championship in convincing fashion. | (14) |
| 13. | Los Angeles Clippers | The Clippers have had their share of injuries, losing best clutch player Chauncey Billups for the rest of the season. However, they have acquired capable role players during the season, including Kenyon Martin, Nick Young, and Bobby Simmons. Scoring-wise, the Clippers rank in the upper half of the league, but their defense ranks in the lower half. Come playoff time, the Clippers will need to improve upon their 3-point defense, which ranks tied for 3rd worst in the league in opponent 3-point field goal percentage and 3rd worst in 3-pointers allowed. | (12) |
| 14. | Minnesota Timberwolves | The season-ending injury to Ricky Rubio was devastating to the Timberwolves, as they lost the captain of their office and the heart of their team play. Team chemistry came into question when Kevin Love and J.J. Barea were seen arguing in a team huddle during a game. From an individual standpoint, Love is doing his best to carry the load, but it will be hard to replace Rubio on a team that is one of the league's worst in turnovers per game. Veteran leadership will need to be added in the offseason and over the course of the next 2-3 years to help this team reach its full potential as a playoff contender. | (10) |
| 15. | Orlando Magic | Analysts and fans have joked about the soap opera known as "The Indecision" as Dwight Howard has struggled with the thoughts of actually leaving Orlando. In a bold move, Howard has gone ahead and promised to stay for next season, letting go of a contractual option to leave early this summer as a free agent. For years resembling a college style of play, the Magic remain a top three team in 3-point field goals made and 3-point field goal percentage on offense and a top 5 team in opponent PPG/top 10 team in defensive efficiency. What this translates into during the playoffs is unknown--they upset the Cavaliers in 2009 to reach the Finals but were upset last year in the first round by the Hawks. Regardless, Ryan Anderson has put together a solid season and should win Most Improved Player honors. | (17) |
| 16. | Boston Celtics | Despite the negative and accurate criticism from analysts and fans, the Celtics remain a team capable of winning the championship. Rebounding was never a forte of the Celtics during the New Big Three era, but defense has been--the Celtics rank 3rd in fewest points allowed per game and defensive efficiency. Their stifling pick and roll defense ties for 1st in fewest assists allowed per game. Quietly, the Celtics also rank tied for 1st in assists per game, 6th in field goal percentage, 9th in 3-point percentage, and 5th in free-throw percentage. They might not score a lot of points, but they play at a playoff pace. If the Celtics can play their best basketball in the playoffs, they can add one more championship banner to their collection. | (18) |
| 17. | New York Knicks | The firing of Mike D'Antoni and the improved overall play of the Knicks has been telling. Despite still committing too many turnovers as a team, their roster--with Jeremy Lin and Baron Davis leading from the point guard position--is showing signs of good chemistry. Coach Mike Woodson has altered the play calling, which has appeased Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire. In a weak Eastern Conference during a lockout-shortened season, the Knicks could emerge as a championship contender--much like how they did as a #8 seed back in 1999. | (21) |
| 18. | Houston Rockets | The Rockets are arguably an accurate reflection of coach Kevin McHale. They have a top 10 offense, a middle of the road defense, and play respectable team ball. This season, this translates as a very average team in a hyper-competitive Western Conference. Injuries have hit the Rockets as much as any team this season, but their depth has been quite beneficial. Again, the offseason may prove to be full of more Moneyball-like roster moves, but the Rockets are actively engaged in a battle for one of the final 2 playoff spots in the West. | (19) |
| 19. | Los Angeles Lakers | Ramon Sessions has been a solid addition to a Lakers team in dire need of a slashing point guard. The problem is, the offense still remains in disarray with Mike Brown and John Kuester at the helm. The hours and hours spent trying to develop a player-friendly offense have failed to overcome the Lakers' lack of overall athleticism. The roster remains heavily influenced by player skill sets picked by Phil Jackson and his triangle offense. If the team fails to put on a good showing in the playoffs, Pau Gasol could be moved to acquire a swingman to play alongside Kobe Bryant. | (20) |
| 20. | Milwaukee Bucks | Believe it or not, the Bucks--who ranked last in the NBA in points per game and points per 100 possessions last season--rank 8th in PPG and 12th in offensive efficiency this season. Scott Skiles has escaped the drama with Stephen Jackson and can now look to young guards Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis as his cornerstones. Meanwhile, Drew Gooden has suddenly revived his career this season, which could help the Bucks sneak into the playoffs in the weak Eastern Conference. | (23) |
| 21. | Detroit Pistons | The Pistons clearly have young players to develop--Rodney Stuckey, Greg Monroe, Brandon Knight, and Jonas Jerebko have all put together solid years. Although Joe Dumars misstepped in trying to move on from the 2004 Pistons championship era by signing Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva to oversized free agent contracts, he still has the option of using the one-time amnesty clause to relieve the team of one of these contracts this offseason. | (24) |
| 22. | Cleveland Cavaliers | With Anderson Varejao and Daniel Gibson out due to injury and potential free agent-to-be Ramon Sessions traded away for draft pick(s), the Cavaliers now look like the team most people thought they were going to be this year. The team lacks the defensive and offensive consistency to remain in the playoff race in the weak Eastern Conference. Regardless, Kyrie Irving remains the favorite to win Rookie of the Year honors. | (15) |
| 23. | Golden State Warriors | "Hand down, man down" happens too often with Mark Jackson's Warriors' defense--they are a bottom 5 NBA defense this year in both points allowed per game and points allowed per 100 possessions. Injuries have not been kind to this team. On the bright side, they are in the running for a lottery pick and Klay Thompson is playing better now. | (22) |
| 24. | Portland Trail Blazers | A year ago, the Trail Blazers had enough talent to challenge the Dallas Mavericks in a first-round series. Initially, a Andre Miller for Raymond Felton was praised by many analysts and fans. In actuality, this turned out to be naive praise; Felton and free agent acquisition Jamal Crawford were said to be the main rebels causing Nate McMillan's firing as head coach. | (7) |
| 25. | Toronto Raptors | Every now and then, Dwane Casey's Raptors put on a nice showing. However, they need to get Lithuanian draft pick Jonas Valanciunas to join their team next year to help Jose Calderon, Andrea Bargnani, and DeMar DeRozan bring the franchise back to the playoffs. Barring an offseason blockbuster trade, they are at least 2 more years away from playoff basketball. | (25) |
| 26. | Sacramento Kings | Following the departure of Paul Westphal, DeMarcus Cousins' demeanor certainly improved. However, the Kings remain a below-average team. This has been very disappointing, as some analysts predicted the Kings to be a surprise team in the playoffs this year. Instead, players like offseason acquisition J.J. Hickson have already been told to go try to play and win elsewhere. | (26) |
| 27. | New Jersey Nets | Owner Mikhail Prokhorov cannot be happy--his efforts to acquire 'decided' free agent LeBron James, New York-driven Carmelo Anthony, and pseudo-free agent Dwight Howard have all failed. As a result, the Nets are still a lost lottery team. At the moment, point guard Deron Williams appears to be destined to return home and join his hometown Dallas Mavericks as a free agent this offseason. | (28) |
| 28. | New Orleans Hornets | The good news for the Hornets, the city of New Orleans, and the NBA is that the team will be staying in the Big Easy for at least a few more years. The bad news is that commissioner David Stern scared away most, if not all, suitors for tradable players such as Chris Kaman and Emeka Okafor. The Chris Paul trade that went through might show more 'youth', but the deal that fell through may have been better for the franchise and the city. | (27) |
| 29. | Washington Wizards | Although the Wizards were unable to trade away fan non-favorite Andray Blatche or disgruntled forward Rashard Lewis, they did trade Nick Young and JaVale McGee. John Wall remains the team's cornerstone, with Nene and Jordan Crawford as other possible cornerstones. As it stands, team chemistry still seems mostly non-existent in Washington. Again, Randy Wittman is stuck in a losing situation taking over for coach/friend Flip Saunders. | (29) |
| 30. | Charlotte Bobcats | Injuries derailed the hopes of Paul Silas and the Bobcats this year. At least for the first few weeks of the season, the Bobcats played pretty competitively with teams across the NBA. Sadly, Michael Jordan remains unsuccessful as a front office manager. While Jordan is too competitive and too relied upon to leave now, his inability to build a winning program begs the questions of 'who can he hire?' and 'when can this person start?' | (30) |