Two weeks into the 2026-27 NBA season, it’s too early to write off any team—but the Nuggets, Suns and Heat have reason for concern. Denver needs Nikola Jokić to regain his top-tier form; Phoenix has lost the defensive intensity that defined last season; and Miami’s roster has few clear strengths around Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Knicks and Jazz have issues, too, but their situations look less urgent.

By the Numbers
  • Nuggets panic rating: 6/10; Jokić is 7-for-31 from 3-point range.
  • Suns panic rating: 7/10; their defensive rating fell from 9th last season to 30th.
  • Heat panic rating: 8/10; their defense ranks in the bottom five.
  • Knicks panic rating: 3/10; all four losses were by single digits.
  • Jazz panic rating: 5/10; their offense ranks 29th.
Yes, But

Two weeks is a tiny sample, and early slumps can reverse quickly. The Knicks have a championship-proven formula, the Jazz are building for the future, and Jokić has earned more than a six-game judgment. Still, Phoenix and Miami face deeper roster and flexibility challenges than a short-term cold stretch.

State of Play
  • Denver’s outlook hinges on Jokić’s scoring and playmaking rebounding.
  • Phoenix could improve its offense by starting point guard Collin Gillespie, but its effort and depth are bigger concerns.
  • Miami is struggling to combine shooting, defense and shot creation around Antetokounmpo.
  • New York’s early issues are viewed as fixable; Utah has time to develop its young roster.
What’s Next

The coming weeks should show whether Denver’s star rebounds and whether Phoenix and Miami can address their lineup problems. If the Suns and Heat continue to struggle, limited draft assets could make meaningful fixes difficult and leave them needing multiple rounds of roster moves.

Bottom Line

Don’t overreact to two weeks—but don’t treat every slump alike. Denver’s concern is whether its superstar returns to form; Phoenix and Miami have broader structural problems that could take more than a hot streak to solve.