The NBA season is one week old, and people are already freaking out about the Lakers, Nets, and Nuggets.
To get a definitive picture of where each team stands right now, we ranked them by a fairly simple metric — net points per 100 possessions.
Due to the perils of small sample size and strength of schedule, we had to tweak teams up and down subjectively (we couldn't put the Nets dead last!).
But as the season goes on, we'll to build on this formula to get a clear, unbiased picture of which teams are the best in the league.
1. Miami Heat
Record: 4-1
Net points per 100 possessions: +9.8 (2nd)
Relevant note: The defense has slipped to 23rd in the league after it was 4th last year. But they've also played one of the toughest schedules so far (Boston, New York, Denver, Phoenix, Brooklyn).
2. Oklahoma City Thunder
Record: 2-2
Net points per 100 possessions: +6.1 (7th)
Relevant note: The offense has been ~5 points per 100 possessions worse than it was with James Harden last year.
3. San Antonio Spurs
Record: 4-1
Net points per 100 possessions: +3.5 (10th)
Relevant note: Tim Duncan is having his best statistical season since 2007, averaging 21 points and 11 rebounds per 36 minutes.
See the rest of the story at Business Insider
Please follow Sports Page on Twitter and Facebook.