With two weeks into the 2026-27 NBA season, it’s far too early to make definitive judgments since no team has even completed 10% of their games, and short-term slumps are common. For example, last year’s champions, the New York Knicks, experienced a rough 2-9 stretch last January, even losing to underperforming teams like the Mavericks and Kings, showing that brief odd periods can happen.
Still, these initial weeks offer a glimpse of each team’s identity, and several squads are performing worse than expected. While it’s premature to give up on any team, some notable franchises are raising concerns. Let’s examine some of these struggling teams and assess whether there’s cause for real alarm after two weeks.
New York Knicks (3-4)
Despite the slow start as they defend their title, the Knicks’ early season struggles echo their initial pace last season before they turned things around. Coach Mike Brown has highlighted familiar process issues, particularly the offense’s reluctance to fully embrace the high-motion style that powered last year’s championship run. Although this strategy may be challenging to maintain across all 82 games, there is confidence it can be revived by playoff time. All four losses have been close, and Jalen Brunson’s wrist surgery is a valid worry, with his shooting numbers down. Mikal Bridges is gradually regaining form and must become more assertive and improve his defense, while Karl-Anthony Towns needs to curb his fouling as usual. Though some areas like Josh Hart’s paint presence are still uncertain and OG Anunoby’s shooting will likely improve, the Knicks currently resemble a team still in post-championship celebration mode. If this sluggishness continues into December, panic might be warranted; for now, their proven formula and relatively solid backup center spot grant them considerable leeway.
Panic meter: 3/10
Utah Jazz (1-6)
While it’s too early to judge rookies harshly, Darryn Peterson is underperforming compared to expectations from the top draft class. His lack of aggression in attacking the basket and getting to the line, combined with subpar defense, has made his rookie adjustment difficult. The Jazz have struggled offensively, ranking 29th when pushing to win. Injuries complicate matters as Jaren Jackson Jr., acquired in February and counted on heavily for interior defense, is sidelined with a torn MCL. Questions arise about the wisdom of trading away Walker Kessler for Jackson and passing on Cameron Boozer in the draft. The Jazz still aim to compete this season and benefit from the future return of Jusuf Nurkić, especially given their recent defensive struggles at center. Their long-term outlook remains promising, as they are young and possess many assets—unlike teams whose window is this season.
Panic meter: 5/10
Denver Nuggets (3-3)
Denver’s defensive woes are nothing new, and a lack of three-point attempts has been consistent. Aaron Gordon’s ongoing recovery from injury affects his effectiveness, but the real issue lies with Nikola Jokić, who has not been at his usual elite level so far. His defense is shaky, turnover rate is high, and key finishing skills—especially midrange shots and three-pointers—have declined significantly since a knee injury last season. This drop contributed to Denver’s upset loss to the Timberwolves in the playoffs. Without Jokić performing near MVP level, the Nuggets aren’t realistic contenders. While it’s early in the season and Jokić has deserved more patience, his improvement will dictate the team’s championship viability more than anything else.
Panic meter: 6/10
Phoenix Suns (1-4)
The Suns have already become the first team this season with reported locker room issues, mainly frustration over the perceived lack of a point guard—despite having one in Collin Gillespie who outperforms starter Jalen Green. The offense is clearly more efficient with Gillespie on the floor, and starting Green hasn’t worked. Beyond the point guard experiment failing, Phoenix’s biggest problem is losing the high-effort, defensive identity that made them successful last season. They rank near the bottom league-wide across key categories such as defense and shooting efficiency. This drop results from roster changes, injuries to players like Mark Williams, and a rotation featuring less intense players. With little draft capital and major contracts locked in, the Suns face a tough road to improvement.
Panic meter: 7/10
Miami Heat (2-5)
Miami’s ongoing struggles illustrate the difficulty of fitting a roster built around two big men as primary creators. While Davion Mitchell excels defensively, others like Tim Hardaway Jr. haven’t provided consistent shooting and have defensive lapses. Key players including Nikola Jović and Andrew Wiggins are underperforming, and the team’s defense—expected to be elite—is near the NBA’s basement. The Heat also lack players who can create their own shots aside from Giannis Antetokounmpo, Adebayo, Mitchell, and Wiggins. Miami’s offense, relative to last year, is less efficient, and their transition game ranks poorly. With minimal draft assets to enact changes and Antetokounmpo’s prime years potentially limited by injury, the Heat face a challenging balancing act ahead.
Panic meter: 8/10
Fan Take: Early-season struggles like these are a reminder of how unpredictable NBA seasons can be, even for top teams and recent champions. For fans, it’s a fascinating time to observe how teams adjust and evolve, providing drama and excitement that can redefine narratives and set the stage for a thrilling playoff race.
Source: www.cbssports.com
