We’re one month into the 2025-26 NBA season — a marketing campaign already that includes loads of spectacular moments. The Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder and Houston Rockets performed arguably the sport of the 12 months within the first battle of the season, and issues have not slowed since.
A month is not lengthy sufficient to ensure something — final season’s Indiana Pacers, for instance, began 6-10 and in eleventh place within the Jap Convention earlier than their eventual run to Sport 7 of the NBA Finals — however it’s lengthy sufficient for storylines to develop that would form the following few months of play, the run-up to the February commerce deadline and the race to the playoffs.
With that in thoughts, and after talking with league insiders throughout the nation over the previous week, we’re analyzing one lesson discovered for every of the 30 groups.
Stats are up to date by way of Wednesday’s video games.
Soar to a group:
ATL | BOS | BKN | CHA | CHI
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GS
HOU | IND | LAC | LAL | MEM
MIA | MIL | MIN | NOP | NYK
OKC | ORL | PHI | PHX | POR
SAC | SA | TOR | UTAH | WAS
Lesson after one month: There may be a blueprint for a post-Trae Younger period
What I am listening to: Younger happening with a sprained knee Oct. 29 has supplied the Hawks with an opportunity to see what this roster might appear to be if he left as a free agent — or through commerce — subsequent summer season, when he has a $48.9 million participant choice. The early returns are promising. Atlanta has gone 7-2 with out its All-Star guard and — most apparently — ranks fourth in defensive effectivity in that span. Atlanta has by no means completed higher than 18th in Younger’s seven NBA seasons.
“I believe the Trae Younger state of affairs is fascinating,” a Western Convention government informed ESPN. “They are a completely totally different group with and with out him.”
The state of affairs underscores the fragile dance between the longtime face of the franchise and a group probably in transition. And, with a number of extra weeks till Younger returns, this stretch will solely ramp up curiosity in whether or not his long-term future lies in Atlanta or elsewhere.
Lesson after one month: Mazzulla ball is not going anyplace
What I am listening to: With Jayson Tatum recovering from a torn Achilles and 2024-25 starters Kristaps Porzingis (Atlanta), Al Horford (Golden State) and Jrue Vacation (Portland) leaving over the summer season, one curiosity across the league was whether or not Boston would transfer away from the 3-pointer-heavy method it has leaned into beneath coach Joe Mazzulla. It hasn’t taken lengthy for that to be answered, as Boston, regardless of far much less taking pictures on its roster, sits behind solely Cleveland in 3s tried per sport. Mazzulla has all the time stayed true to his teaching philosophy in his quick time on the Boston bench regardless of the franchise taking a niche 12 months of kinds from its championship aspirations. This 12 months’s group is the newest instance.
Lesson after one month: Jordi Fernandez is not fixing issues this time
What I am listening to: League insiders praised the best way Fernandez stored the Nets aggressive throughout a 26-56 season that hovered round .500 by way of Thanksgiving final 12 months earlier than bottoming out. However no quantity of teaching acumen will have the ability to enhance a roster designed to make sure Brooklyn lands a prime prospect within the loaded 2026 draft. A number of executives informed ESPN that is the league’s least gifted roster, with early returns on the 5 first-rounders the Nets took in June’s draft being combined, at greatest.
Lesson after one month: Kon Knueppel’s ROY likelihood is actual
What I am listening to: No. 1 choose Cooper Flagg entered the season anticipated to win the league’s prime rookie honor in a runaway, however the Dallas phenom’s largest challenger may very well be his former Duke teammate. Knueppel, behind a rookie-class-leading 18.3 factors per contest and his 40% clip from 3, has already impressed scouts together with his taking pictures stroke and really feel for the sport.
Lesson after one month: They may very well be a possible commerce vacation spot
What I am listening to: The Bulls are in a captivating in-between place. Coach Billy Donovan has finished an ideal job with this group, however the Bulls lack a star to construct round. Second-year ahead Matas Buzelis has proven intriguing flashes — and the membership has the power to open a bunch of cap area this summer season — however Coby White and Nikola Vucevic are set to grow to be free brokers.
Meaning the Bulls might go in a number of instructions over the following a number of months, together with including to the present roster. That has led some sources to take a position whether or not Chicago, with over $80 million in expiring cash, may very well be a suitor for Dallas’ Anthony Davis and produce the Windy Metropolis native house.
“I might see it,” mentioned a West government who noticed Chicago play not too long ago. “[Josh] Giddey has labored nicely with Vucevic, however he might use a roll man to throw it as much as.”
Lesson after one month: Offseason modifications are having an impression — simply not a very good one proper now
What I am listening to: In primarily changing 2025 Sixth Man finalist Ty Jerome with Lonzo Ball, the Cavaliers knew they had been risking a decrease regular-season ceiling in favor of a better one within the playoffs. That is precisely what league insiders are seeing by way of the primary month of 2025-26. The departure of Jerome and the absence of Darius Garland, who has performed simply 73 minutes whereas coping with a giant toe damage, has dropped final season’s top-ranked offense to outdoors the highest 10.
“They don’t seem to be nice proper now, however they’re down no less than two starters,” a West scout mentioned, referring to Garland, Max Strus and Sam Merrill all lacking time. “Lonzo hasn’t been nice.
“Are they higher [than last year]? In all probability not. They’ve all the time wanted Evan [Mobley] to get even higher, and he is not there but.”
0:53
Tim MacMahon: Mavs will discover commerce marketplace for Anthony Davis
Tim MacMahon studies that Mavericks are exploring buying and selling Anthony Davis when he is wholesome as they construct their group round Cooper Flagg.
Lesson after one month: An Anthony Davis commerce will not be simple
What I am listening to: As ESPN’s Tim MacMahon reported Wednesday, the Mavericks are anticipated to discover a Davis commerce between now and February’s commerce deadline — one thing rival groups count on to occur, too. The issue for the Mavericks is that any potential return will likely be one thing extra akin to the Kevin Durant commerce to Houston — a few strong gamers and a draft choose — than, say, the Rudy Gobert or Donovan Mitchell trades out of Utah a few years in the past that every netted the Jazz management over a number of first-round choices. “With the dearth of picks across the league now, that is what you need to count on for a [Davis] deal,” a West scout mentioned.
A number of different sources struggled to supply a deep record of suitors for Davis, who is about to make $54.1 million, $58.4 million and $62.7 million throughout the following three seasons.
Lesson after one month: Late-season Jamal Murray has arrived early
What I am listening to: Murray has lengthy been seen by opposing scouts and executives as a participant who eases his approach into the season. But when the guard’s first handful of video games is any indication, Murray may very well be altering that narrative. The 28-year-old is averaging a career-high 22.5 factors, manufacturing Denver might want to proceed with Christian Braun out till round New Yr’s with a severe left ankle sprain.
“He is shifting nicely, his physique seems good. … I have been impressed with him,” an Jap Convention scout mentioned. “He is been an enormous a part of their sizzling begin. They’re within the interior circle of contenders largely due to the work he is been doing subsequent to Jokic.”
Lesson after one month: Jalen Duren made the correct resolution
What I am listening to: There was just about no speak of Duren and Detroit getting a deal finished heading into the league’s rookie extension deadline Oct. 20, with sources saying on the time that the 2 sides had been fairly far aside in worth. Duren has responded with the perfect month of his profession, with not solely profession highs in factors (20.6) and rebounds (11.9) per sport but in addition a big defensive enchancment. Duren, after permitting 62% taking pictures on the rim final season, is right down to 53% this season. That has led to league insiders placing him firmly within the working for Most Improved Participant — and projecting a pleasant payday when he turns into a restricted free agent in July.
Lesson after one month: The Kuminga state of affairs stays unresolved
What I am listening to: It would not be a Warriors season with out drama surrounding the way forward for Kuminga, who, as ESPN’s Anthony Slater reported, stays in limbo with the group. Whereas Kuminga’s function has once more fluctuated from starter to order earlier than coping with a knee situation, the identical underlying inconsistencies which have adopted him by way of his first few years have cropped up but once more.
“He’s who he’s, despite the fact that he is on the youthful aspect,” an East scout mentioned. “He has regarded higher, and has been making an attempt to slot in, however he nonetheless falls again into his previous habits.”
The calculus for a possible Kuminga commerce stays sophisticated since Golden State is not going to present him away, and with the Warriors being proper up in opposition to the second apron, there’s issue to find worth for him and a group that may purchase the 23-year-old.
“Who’s going to take him?” the scout mentioned. “And are they going to maneuver him for stuff they do not need, or simply wait? It’s totally laborious to discover a commerce that is sensible for everybody.”
1:24
Houston Rockets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: Sport Highlights
Houston Rockets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: Sport Highlights
Lesson after one month: Houston has an opportunity to be the perfect offensive rebounding group ever
What I am listening to: The Rockets are grabbing greater than two out of each 5 pictures they miss. To place their absurd 40.5% offensive rebound fee into perspective: The hole between Houston and second-place Portland is similar as between the Path Blazers and the Sixteenth-place Nets. No group since 1996-97 has eclipsed 38% throughout a full season. That is how the Rockets have the league’s greatest offense whereas being useless final in 3-point taking pictures quantity as the one group taking fewer than 30 per sport.
Lesson after one month: It is a good time for a niche 12 months
What I am listening to: It was anticipated that Indiana would take a step again with All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton sidelined for the season with a torn Achilles and heart Myles Turner leaving for Milwaukee as a free agent. However nobody might have predicted this begin for the defending East champs, who’ve begun with a rash of accidents past Haliburton. The Pacers have the worst offense within the league with the second-worst web ranking, forward of solely Washington. The comfort for Indy is that, after reacquiring its 2026 draft choose from New Orleans in June, the group can look ahead to touchdown an elite prospect subsequent spring.
Lesson after one month: You will get previous quick within the NBA
What I am listening to: Coming into the season, the Clippers had been seen by loads of scouts and executives I spoke with because the higher group in Los Angeles, praised for primarily changing the departed Norman Powell with John Collins and Bradley Beal after which signing Brook Lopez and Chris Paul to buttress their depth. However Beal is out for the season with a hip damage, and Lopez and Paul have regarded each little bit of 37 and 40 years previous, respectively. All of it has left the Clippers — with Kawhi Leonard as soon as once more injured — able the place they may ship an unprotected lottery choose to the Thunder subsequent spring because the Paul George commerce retains on giving to the defending champions.
1:48
What’s the Lakers’ ceiling with LeBron? Stephen A. weighs in
Stephen A. Smith explains why the convention finals are the ceiling for the Lakers this season with LeBron James again.
Lesson after one month: They’re good — however how good?
What I am listening to: It has been a captivating opening month in L.A. Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves have put up gigantic numbers, and LeBron James has principally missed all of it. Deandre Ayton has been productive … however the Lakers are a number of factors higher per 100 possessions with him on the bench than they’re with him on the court docket.
Opponents are having a area day on the rim, with the Lakers giving up 69% taking pictures within 5 ft (fourth worst within the NBA). Whereas they’ve an 11-4 file, they’ve middling general effectivity numbers (eleventh in offense, seventeenth in protection, 14th in web ranking). Add it up, and whereas it has been a formidable opening few weeks within the standings, it is nonetheless unclear simply how excessive this group’s ceiling actually is — which was mirrored in conversations this week with sources across the league.
“Are they up there with Oklahoma Metropolis, Denver and Houston? No,” an East scout mentioned. “However they’re clearly within the prime six. Their depth general is not good, however their top-line expertise makes them a group I would not need to see within the playoffs.”
A West scout, although, was way more optimistic: “They’re prime three for certain. When you’ve gotten Luka, you are all the time going to be within the combine.”
Lesson after one month: Ja Morant is not the identical participant
What I am listening to: There’s one very simple strategy to show the above assertion: the proportion of Morant’s pictures which are taken within three ft.
That quantity, per Basketball Reference, has gone from 39.6% of his pictures as a high-flying rookie right down to a exceptional 15.4% this season and has dropped in every of his seven seasons. Given Morant hasn’t improved as a shooter — he was an abysmal 10-for-60 from 3 earlier than his newest calf damage — it is simple to see why he is not the identical participant who electrified the league and appeared to have Memphis on a championship-caliber trajectory a number of quick years in the past. Sources count on Memphis to discover the commerce marketplace for Morant however, like Davis, consider will probably be tough to get worth for him.
“I do suppose they will transfer him,” a West scout mentioned.
0:55
Stephen A.: You need to take note of the Warmth proper now
Stephen A. Smith weighs in on whether or not the Warmth or the Magic are a much bigger menace within the NBA’s Jap Convention.
Lesson after one month: Final 12 months was no fluke for Norman Powell
What I am listening to: There’s been loads of dialogue about Miami’s new offensive system, however nobody has taken to it greater than Powell. When the Clippers selected to not prolong him this previous summer season and despatched him to Miami in a three-team deal that noticed the Warmth land him for nearly nothing, it was seen as a win-win for either side. However even probably the most optimistic Warmth partisans would have had a tough time envisioning how Powell has taken to life on the shores of Biscayne Bay, the place he is averaging a career-high 25.5 factors on an absurd 46% from 3 and has stored Miami within the prime 10 on offense with Tyler Herro but to play this season and Bam Adebayo lacking a very good chunk of it.
Lesson after one month: Giannis Antetokounmpo has been the NBA’s MVP
What I am listening to: By way of the opening month of the season, when Antetokounmpo has been on the court docket, the Bucks have had an offensive ranking of 123.5 factors per 100 possessions — the equal of the NBA’s greatest offense. When he is been off it, nonetheless, Milwaukee has had an offensive ranking of 102 factors per 100 possessions — a few factors decrease than the league’s Thirtieth-ranked group (Pacers). With Antetokounmpo sidelined for as much as two weeks with a groin pressure, coach Doc Rivers should determine a system that may prop up this group with out its star — a path sources consider will likely be powerful for them to navigate.
“After all not,” one government mentioned bluntly when requested in the event that they believed Milwaukee might keep afloat with out Antetokounmpo, pointing to the dearth of different on-ball creators on the roster.
Lesson after one month: Rob Dillingham stays a piece in progress
What I am listening to: When Minnesota swung a daring draft-night deal in 2024 to leap to No. 8 and take Dillingham, it envisioned the group’s level guard of the longer term to switch Mike Conley. However whereas Conley has shifted to the bench this season, it has been in favor of Donte DiVincenzo. Dillingham’s minutes have been a wrestle.
The second-year guard is taking pictures 39% general, 23% from 3 and is being outscored by 14 factors per 100 possessions within the Timberwolves greater than 100 minutes with him on the court docket — a staggering 24-point swing from the plus-10 web ranking they’ve within the over 500 minutes with him on the bench.
“I am undecided that is ever going to work,” an East scout mentioned. “Possibly issues come round, however it’s laborious to see it.”
Lesson after one month: They’re what the league thought they had been
What I am listening to: Because the Pelicans have careened by way of the opening month of the season, going 2-13 and firing coach Willie Inexperienced, sources across the league have continued to specific bewilderment in New Orleans not solely deciding to commerce Atlanta its unprotected draft choose in 2026, but in addition to present Indiana again its choice — which occurred simply earlier than Haliburton tore an Achilles in Sport 7 of the NBA Finals.
In an alternate actuality, the Pelicans have two lottery picks in a loaded draft so as to add to their core. As an alternative, a season spiraling uncontrolled will not include any profit. And whereas sources have been impressed with the group’s two lottery picks, Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen — each have carried out nicely sufficient to crack the beginning lineup — it does not make the sting harm any much less.
Lesson after one month: The offense continues to be good, however totally different
What I am listening to: This summer season, new Knicks coach Mike Brown repeatedly talked about wanting so as to add extra ball motion and 3-point taking pictures to New York’s offensive arsenal. A month in, he has finished that: The Knicks, after being within the prime half of the league in passes per sport solely as soon as within the 5 years beneath Tom Thibodeau, rank fifth this season, and jumped from twenty seventh in 3s tried per sport final season to 3rd.
Sources have praised New York’s offensive modifications, and with the Jap Convention greater than up for grabs, the Knicks are betting on these modifications in presumably reaching the NBA Finals for the primary time since 1999.
0:56
Shams: OKC considered as best-positioned franchise in all of sports activities
Shams Charania explains why the Thunder may be in the perfect place of any sports activities franchise.
Lesson after one month: 70 wins is completely in play
What I am listening to: As Oklahoma Metropolis continues to mow by way of the opposition to begin the season — it’s successful by a median of 15.9 factors — rival scouts and executives have marveled on the approach the Thunder machine retains rolling. In polling a number of sources on whether or not it was real looking that the Thunder might grow to be the third group in NBA historical past to win 70 video games in a daily season, I did not obtain a single no. The one factor standing within the Thunder’s approach, in line with these sources: whether or not Oklahoma Metropolis would prioritize going for 70.
Contemplating the group has begun the season 15-1 and has a staggering web ranking of 15.3, nearly three factors per 100 possessions higher than final 12 months’s record-setting mark– all with out All-NBA ahead Jalen Williams — the Thunder may not have to make it a precedence. To again this up, here is a exceptional stat: ESPN’s Basketball Energy Index favors Oklahoma Metropolis to win each single sport for the remainder of the season.
Lesson after one month: Desmond Bane could not repair this offense by himself
What I am listening to: One of many NBA’s most exceptional stats is that the Magic have not completed inside the highest 20 in offensive ranking because the 2011-12 season. Buying Bane this summer season was supposed to alter that. As an alternative, he has gotten off to a sluggish begin, taking pictures a career-low of 31.5% from 3 on the second-lowest variety of makes an attempt (4.9) of his profession. The end result: Orlando is sitting at No. 20 offensively.
That, coupled with a 1-4 begin, had some sources briefly questioning how sizzling the seat of coach Jamahl Mosley is getting. However that was earlier than Orlando ripped off wins in 5 of its previous six video games. Bane has began to get extra comfy, together with scoring no less than 22 factors in 5 of the Magic’s previous eight contests.
Sources are nonetheless monitoring what occurs as Orlando heads right into a stretch that includes 9 straight video games in opposition to groups presently above .500, which might both reignite questions on this group’s path or squash them fully.
Lesson after one month: Quentin Grimes is a Sixth Man of the Yr candidate
What I am listening to: As Kuminga’s restricted free company saga was making headlines, Grimes’ negotiations with the 76ers barely created a ripple. On the time, the group and league sources mentioned the 76ers had been sustaining future flexibility, with Grimes signing the $8.7 million qualifying provide stored Philly under the primary apron and inside a number of million of the posh tax line. Grimes, in the meantime, has picked up the place he left off final spring after arriving in Philadelphia within the different commerce former Mavericks GM Nico Harrison made in February, averaging 17.1 factors and 40.9% from 3. Grimes needs to be in line for a really good payday as an unrestricted free agent subsequent summer season, one thing he’s already on the lookout for after altering illustration and signing with CAA earlier this month.
Lesson after one month: There’s an early-season id
What I am listening to: After the disastrous approach final season performed out — and as a precursor to shifting on from Durant and Beal over the summer season — Suns proprietor Mat Ishbia declared that his group wanted to have an id, one which included “some grit, some dedication, some work ethic, some grind, some pleasure.” It is early however the Suns have no less than begun to comply with by way of on that imaginative and prescient with their 9-6 begin.
Phoenix has one victory over an opponent above .500, however scouts I’ve talked to have praised new coach Jordan Ott’s work and surrounding Devin Booker — who’s again to enjoying like an All-NBA participant after a down 2024-25 season — with hard-nosed defenders and a few taking pictures is a components that would enable Phoenix to sneak into the playoffs within the extremely gentle backside half of the West.
Contemplating the place the Suns had been final season, that might be an enormous win. “They have been approach higher than I assumed,” a West scout mentioned. “They have sufficient items round Devin the place they will win the video games they need to win. [Ott] has them enjoying the correct approach and competing.”
Lesson after one month: Deni Avdija may be an All-Star
What I am listening to: When Portland acquired Avdija on draft evening in 2024 from the Wizards for a few first-round picks, it was met with confusion by sources across the league, given how distant the Blazers had been from rivalry on the time. However after Avdija took a step ahead final season in his first marketing campaign within the Pacific Northwest, he has made a giant leap by way of the primary 15 video games this season. He is averaging 25.9 factors — nearly 10 greater than his earlier excessive — and is smack in the course of the All-Star dialog. Portland (6-9) has put itself in place to be a play-in group.
“He is been superior,” a West scout mentioned of Avdija, who already has tied Damian Lillard for the second-most 30-point triple-doubles in Blazers’ historical past, in line with ESPN Analysis. “He is a lot better than I assumed he was going to be when Portland traded for him.”
Lesson after one month: It is time to begin over
What I am listening to: Not solely did Sacramento fall to 3-12 after Wednesday’s loss to Oklahoma Metropolis, however coach Doug Christie additionally eliminated Zach LaVine from the beginning lineup. It was the newest low second in a season filled with them for the Kings, who’ve already benched the group’s prime summer season acquisition, Dennis Schroder, for Russell Westbrook and getting demolished defensively.
Sources have been overtly questioning about Christie’s long-term job standing as issues have fallen aside — he was given the everlasting job over the summer season — in addition to whether or not Sacramento might start to commerce a few of its high-priced veteran expertise — assuming there are any takers for LaVine, DeMar DeRozan or Domantas Sabonis, who’s out no less than a number of weeks with {a partially} torn meniscus, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Thursday.
“They are a catastrophe,” an East scout mentioned. “They are going nowhere quick. They simply need to put a rock on the accelerator and maintain going into the tank … they’re costly, unhealthy and ageing.”
Lesson after one month: Stephon Fortress has made a leap
What I am listening to: The large query surrounding San Antonio earlier than the season centered round how the group’s three high-profile guards — Fortress, rookie No. 2 choose Dylan Harper and February commerce acquisition De’Aaron Fox — would match collectively. And that is nonetheless a lingering query, as there hasn’t been a single sport but the place all three have been out there.
However Fortress, no less than earlier than not too long ago exiting the lineup with a hip damage, has made a big leap, as final season’s Rookie of the Yr is averaging 17.3 factors, 7.5 assists and 1.7 steals. One signal for concern, although: He is beneath 25% from 3 and 70% from the foul line, highlighting the largest concern scouts have had about enjoying him, Harper and Fox: None is an above-average shooter.
Lesson after one month: Depth can create wins
What I am listening to: Between shifting on from longtime lead government Masai Ujiri, this being coach Darko Rajakovic’s third season, the Brandon Ingram commerce and extension in February and new possession taking on subsequent 12 months, the assumption across the league getting into this season was that the Raptors wanted to make progress. Early on, Toronto has delivered — largely by having a largely full wholesome rotation of gamers for Rajakovic.
The group’s prime 4 gamers — Ingram, Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett — have performed in all 15 video games, and their different 10 gamers have missed solely a handful of video games mixed. In a league the place there’s been an epidemic of accidents early, simply beginning with the identical group day by day is sufficient to give groups a leg up. The ten-5 Raptors have taken full benefit of it, shifting as much as second within the muddled East.
Lesson after one month: Lauri Markkanen is again
What I am listening to: Because the Jazz had been totally invested in maximizing their draft positioning final season, Markkanen took a big step again from his 2023-24 All-Star marketing campaign, main some sources across the league to wonder if that had been a fluke. As an alternative, Markkanen has been excellent, averaging 30.6 factors on 48.5% taking pictures as Utah has gotten off to a good 5-9 begin. The truth that he is beneath contract for an additional three seasons makes him a captivating subject in potential commerce discussions between now and Feb. 5 — one which sources across the league are monitoring intently. If Utah chooses to go that route beneath new president of basketball operations Austin Ainge, there are few gamers who might grow to be out there who would have as huge an impression as Markkanen.
“He is placing up monster numbers,” a West government mentioned. “They’re working the whole lot by way of him. If he goes to a spot that he is an additive piece … it’s important to have the correct group round him to go after him.”
Lesson after one month: Kyshawn George is their greatest participant
What I am listening to: Because the Wizards have torn down their roster and commenced to construct it up once more over the previous couple of seasons, they’ve leaned closely into taking as many first-round abilities to maximise their variety of alternatives. Doing so is precisely what gave the Wizards the participant who scouts and executives say is their greatest expertise: George, who was taken with the twenty fourth choose in final 12 months’s draft. The 6-foot-7 ahead is taking pictures 50% from the sphere, 45.5% from 3 — up from 32.2% as a rookie — and has rapidly developed into one the few vivid spots for a group that’s clearly hoping to land on the prime of the lottery subsequent 12 months after the frustration of falling right down to sixth this previous spring.
The play of George and 7-footer Alex Sarr, the No. 2 choose in 2024, who has additionally made some strides this season, are the strands of optimism amid yet one more dismal begin — now 1-13 with a league-worst destructive 15.7 web ranking.
