Learn the newest version of The Athletic’s NBA Energy Rankings.
We made it via the primary quarter of the 2023-24 season and, wow, we’ve got a lot to unpack! We’re previous the NBA Cup and barreling towards Christmas Day video games. Subsequent factor you recognize, we’ll be in 2024.
Since we’re via the first-quarter mark for everyone, it’s time for some first-quarter grades and ideas on every workforce. Then we’ll replace my random workforce predictions previous to the season. Spoiler alert: They weren’t all right. As all the time, we’ll additionally flawlessly rank all 30 groups.
Reminder: The Energy Rankings don’t simply rank the 30 groups. We divide these groups into tiers, which groups can transfer out and in of. We at the moment have the tiers damaged into seven new classes:
- Incomprehensibly dangerous – These guys are traditionally inept proper now.
- Not tanking however perhaps sometime — They haven’t began tanking but, however it’s on the desk this season.
- Seeking to make the Play-In — They’ve been rebuilding/retooling and assume they will crack the highest 10 of their respective convention.
- Play-In Event groups or higher — They need to be within the combine until one thing disastrous occurs.
- Playoff groups — Most likely don’t have to fret about dropping all the way down to the Play-In Event.
- On the point of rivalry — A chunk away from us believing they will win the title.
- Contenders — They’re contending for the championship, barring a large damage.
As all the time, I’m certain we are going to all agree on the location of all 30 groups, particularly your favourite workforce.
Right here’s how the Energy Rankings work:
- It’s as much as my discretion how the rankings shake out. For some groups, they’ll be hit within the brief time period. Others can be given the profit for the long run. Sure, it’s fully subjective.
- If I’ve a workforce forward of one other workforce, there’s no motive to ask why they’re ranked above the workforce you want. The reply is fairly easy: I believe that workforce is ready up higher for achievement.
- Sure, I watch the video games. And sure, I watch your favourite workforce.
- That is alleged to be enjoyable, so let’s have enjoyable.
With all that stated, let’s dive into Week 8 of The Athletic’s NBA Energy Rankings. Stats and data are via Monday’s motion.
Loading
Strive altering or resetting your filters to see extra.
Tier 1 – The Contenders
First Quarter Grade: A+
I’m undecided the Wolves might have earned a greater begin to the season than what we’ve seen. Even with Anthony Edwards lacking a bit time, the prepare saved rolling. The Wolves have the NBA’s finest protection by a large hole. That was what they anticipated once they made the Rudy Gobert commerce final yr. The offense must take higher care of the ball, however that’s nitpicking an in any other case nice begin.
Preseason prediction replace:Anthony Edwards wins All-Star MVP.
I can’t even start to guess whether or not this prediction is right, however Edwards will certainly be on the workforce.
Offensive Score
113.1 (nineteenth)
Defensive Score
106.8 (1st)
Western
Tier 1 – The Contenders
First Quarter Grade: A
There actually isn’t a lot you may say adverse concerning the Celtics within the first quarter of the season. This workforce appears unimaginable. I nonetheless fear about stagnation on offense, however they’ve been dominant with their most popular beginning lineup. Jrue Vacation, Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum and Kristaps Porziņģis outscore opponents by 27.5 factors per 100 possessions. That’s pure domination.
Preseason prediction replace:Jayson Tatum wins MVP.
It’s manner too early for MVP discussions. I don’t assume they need to occur till properly into January, so we’re not less than a month away. However he’ll have a very good probability if he retains this up.
Offensive Score
117.5 (seventh)
Defensive Score
109.0 (4th)
Jap
Tier 1 – The Contenders
First Quarter Grade: B+
I’ve two conflicting ideas on the Bucks, certainly one of which I’ve talked about on this area earlier than. The Bucks look fairly flawed however are nonetheless successful video games. That would and perhaps needs to be considered as a optimistic. Alternatively, they’re successful video games with some dangerous habits, particularly on protection. Is that reinforcing some dangerous stuff for them? There’s additionally this bizarre notion that Adrian Griffin is below fireplace because the coach. In the end, I believe they’ll be fantastic, however this could be extra fragile than their document signifies.
Preseason prediction replace:The Bucks don’t end within the high 15 in defensive ranking.
The Bucks are twenty third in defensive ranking, and I don’t assume it’ll get significantly better. This feels secure.
Offensive Score
119.0 (third)
Defensive Score
115.8 (twenty third)
Jap
Tier 1 – The Contenders
First Quarter Grade: B
Ought to we be a bit anxious concerning the Nuggets, or is that this newest dangerous stretch a lot ado about nothing? Their schedule will get simpler over their subsequent eight, so it would look so much higher shortly. And Nikola Jokić isn’t going to be dangerous — perhaps ever once more — like we’ve seen these final two video games. The Nuggets may simply be a bit listless through the lengthy grind of defending their title. Their fundamental beginning lineup remains to be fairly unstoppable.
Preseason prediction replace:Denver leads the league in offensive ranking.
The Nuggets are barely within the high 10 proper now and must go on a large scoring stretch to even take into consideration approaching the highest.
Offensive Score
116.9 (ninth)
Defensive Score
113.2 (thirteenth)
Western
Tier 1 – The Contenders
Tier 2 – Brink of Competition
First Quarter Grade: A
I’m undecided how significantly better of a begin you could possibly ask for in OKC. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been a monster. Chet Holmgren has been wonderful. Jalen Williams is an ideal working mate for SGA. The Thunder look higher than most might have hoped. They’re high six in each offense and protection.
Preseason prediction replace:Josh Giddey has a dozen triple-doubles.
He doesn’t have any but.
Offensive Score
117.8 (sixth)
Defensive Score
110.2 (fifth)
Western
Tier 2 – Brink of Competition
First Quarter Grade: A-
Contemplating the drama with which they began the season, the 76ers have been nice. This offense with out James Harden has been unreal. Tyrese Maxey has ascended. Joel Embiid remains to be unstoppable within the common season. And the Sixers might nonetheless make one other transfer. I don’t know if any of this will get them past the second spherical of the playoffs, however they’re fairly enjoyable.
Preseason prediction replace:Harden is traded earlier than 2024 hits.
I received that one right, however for a pleasant snicker at me, try the Clippers’ prediction beneath.
Offensive Score
121.1 (2nd)
Defensive Score
112.1 (ninth)
Jap
Tier 2 – Brink of Competition
Tier 3 – Playoff Groups
First Quarter Grade: A+
What an ideal begin for the Magic. This workforce’s carryover from final season’s end has been nearly as good as you could possibly hope for such a younger squad. They’re nonetheless hell defensively. Offensively, they present flashes however nonetheless want extra constant and dynamic guard play. Jamahl Mosley has coached this workforce extremely properly. Paolo Banchero is getting stronger — Franz Wagner is just too. This workforce is official.
Preseason prediction replace:Paolo Bachero averages 25 factors per sport.
He’s averaging 20.7 proper now, so he’s not shut, however he’s been averaging 23.4 over his final 11 video games. It’s doable however will take some work.
Offensive Score
113.8 (sixteenth)
Defensive Score
108.7 (third)
Jap
Tier 3 – Playoff Groups
First Quarter Grade: B
The Lakers are enjoying superior basketball. They went 6-0 within the In-Season Event earlier than successful the NBA Cup, which suggests they’re 8-9 outdoors of it. Will we see them pull issues again a bit now? It looks like LeBron James was determined to win that factor, and we ultimately noticed a beastly efficiency from Anthony Davis that had Lakers followers salivating on the thought of him doing that extra. I nonetheless preserve the Lakers have to ease the load for LeBron a bit, however that’s simply me wanting him to keep up his well being this season.
Preseason prediction replace:LeBron James performs 70 regular-season video games, his most as a Laker.
He’s solely missed one sport up to now, however we’ll see if there’s any relaxation following their NBA Cup run.
Offensive Score
111.4 (twenty second)
Defensive Score
110.3 (sixth)
Western
Tier 3 – Playoff Groups
First Quarter Grade: B
We nonetheless haven’t seen this workforce with its large three on the court docket, however it might occur Tuesday night time. For probably the most half, the Suns look good with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker on the ground. KD has needed to do manner an excessive amount of, although. Jusuf Nurkić may already be working on fumes. And we see respectable manufacturing from the bench. I have to see an prolonged stretch with the massive three, although. It’s what we’re right here for.
Preseason prediction replace:Devin Booker makes first-team All-NBA.
He has some heavy competitors with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Tyrese Haliburton, but when Booker performs sufficient video games, he’ll be within the working.
Offensive Score
116.3 (eleventh)
Defensive Score
113.9 (seventeenth)
Western
Tier 3 – Playoff Groups
First Quarter Grade: B+
I preserve ready for the Mavericks to crash, and it’s solely occurred a bit. It looks like they’re enjoying over their heads, however they preserve successful. Regardless of a bit 3-6 stretch to even issues out a bit, the Mavs proceed to be juggernauts on offense. Luka Dončić is nearly as good as he’s ever been. Dereck Full of life II has been a extremely strong rookie. They’re getting good manufacturing off the bench more often than not. However does any of this translate to the postseason aside from Luka being nice?
Preseason prediction replace:Kyrie performs not less than 70 video games for the primary time since 2016-17.
Kyrie is on tempo for 60 video games performed, however I nonetheless be ok with this one.
Offensive Score
118.8 (4th)
Defensive Score
115.6 (twenty second)
Western
Tier 3 – Playoff Groups
First Quarter Grade: B+
I actually like what we’re seeing from this Knicks workforce, and I’m hoping they will discover a stability between Jalen Brunson killing, Julius Randle enjoying good workforce basketball, and RJ Barrett persevering with to appear like he’s making a leap. That stability is actually robust, and the protection will endure with Mitchell Robinson’s damage. However the Knicks look good and a bit harmful. I simply don’t assume they will crash via the second-round ceiling.
Preseason prediction replace:Jalen Brunson makes the All-Star Sport.
The Knicks are good. Brunson is averaging round 25 factors per sport. This looks like a lock.
Offensive Score
116.5 (tenth)
Defensive Score
112.8 (tenth)
Jap
Tier 3 – Playoff Groups
First Quarter Grade: C+
I flat-out can’t determine this workforce. I do know the Cavs have had a while missed from key parts. I simply can’t assist however watch them and assume that I like this workforce so significantly better when it’s Darius Garland working the present than Donovan Mitchell. I need extra offensive involvement from Evan Mobley. And I don’t know in the event that they’re constructed for that. They may completely take off from right here with out stunning me. They may additionally crumble earlier than I’d merely say, “Positive.”
Preseason prediction replace:Cleveland finishes high three within the East standings.
The Cavs are seventh within the East, however solely three video games separate them from being high three. That is very a lot in play.
Offensive Score
110.8 (twenty fifth)
Defensive Score
110.6 (seventh)
Jap
Tier 3 – Playoff Groups
Tier 4 – Play-In Event Groups Or Higher
First Quarter Grade: A-
The query that is still with the Pacers is how a lot of these things is sustainable. It’s so much like what we went via with final yr’s Kings. The Pacers are placing up a historic offensive efficiency and blowing away the perfect offensive ranking in NBA historical past. And their protection is sort of as traditionally dangerous. Did the Lakers present a blueprint of defend Indiana? Do different groups have the personnel to do that? Or will the Tyrese Haliburton star simply preserve getting brighter?
Preseason prediction replace:Tyrese Haliburton averages not less than 25 factors and 10 assists per sport.
Haliburton is among the stars of the season, and he’s simply clocking in at 26.3 factors and 12.3 assists. This looks like a lock.
Offensive Score
123.5 (1st)
Defensive Score
119.8 (twenty eighth)
Jap
Tier 4 – Play-In Event Groups Or Higher
First Quarter Grade: B
It’s fascinating how a foul night time in Vegas turned the entire dialog on the thrill and potential of the Pelicans. Rapidly, it was about Zion Williamson being obese. Let’s attempt to preserve the massive image: They’ve had some missed video games from key gamers and now look fairly wholesome. Has the dangerous loss within the IST ruined the notion of them? I’d prefer to see this workforce actually take off offensively as a result of the personnel ought to dominate on offense.
Preseason prediction replace:Pelicans end high 10 in each offense and protection.
They’re truly ranked seventeenth on offense and tied for eleventh on protection proper now. There’s a pathway to ending high 10 in protection, however offense can be robust.
Offensive Score
113.3 (seventeenth)
Defensive Score
113.1 (eleventh tied)
Western
Tier 4 – Play-In Event Groups Or Higher
First Quarter Grade: B
The little glimpse we had into De’Aaron Fox being gone with an damage confirmed you simply how fragile issues will be. And the Kings aren’t nearly as good offensively as we noticed a yr in the past. On the similar time, they’re nonetheless fairly harmful and able to ruining your night time. Malik Monk has been superior, however they want Keegan Murray, Davion Mitchell and Trey Lyles to choose issues up off the bench.
Preseason prediction replace:he Kings end high six within the West.
They appeared a bit tough with out Fox, however they sit fifth within the West. I believe they’ll be there, barring damage.
Offensive Score
115.3 (twelfth)
Defensive Score
115.0 (twentieth)
Western
Tier 4 – Play-In Event Groups Or Higher
First Quarter Grade: C+
I didn’t just like the Harden commerce for the Clippers, however within the final 12 video games, they’ve turned issues round to go 9-3. They’re unimaginable defensively however look so misplaced on offense via main chunks of video games. I’m wondering how lengthy that can take to repair, if it will get mounted in any respect. So long as they’re successful proper now, it takes strain off them. However bear in mind, this workforce is judged solely on competing for a title. There’s nonetheless a number of work to be executed, however it’s extra encouraging recently.
Preseason prediction replace:They don’t land Harden earlier than the deadline.
Nailed it … for about two weeks.
Offensive Score
114.9 (thirteenth)
Defensive Score
110.9 (eighth)
Western
Tier 4 – Play-In Event Groups Or Higher
First Quarter Grade: B
There are such a lot of instances I take a look at the Warmth and assume they will completely win the East once more. Then, there are occasions I’m wondering in the event that they’ll keep away from the Play-In Event in any respect. They’re not almost nearly as good defensively as I assumed they’d be, and so they’re actually a bit higher offensively than I anticipated. They nonetheless have to get Tyler Herro again, and Bam Adebayo not being harm would assist.
Preseason prediction replace:The Warmth make the Jap Convention finals.
We received’t know for months, clearly, however I really feel like this one may be very a lot on the desk. The Warmth are flawed however look harmful.
Offensive Score
114.5 (14th)
Defensive Score
113.3 (14th)
Jap
Tier 4 – Play-In Event Groups Or Higher
Tier 5 – Seeking to make the Play-In
First Quarter Grade: A-
The Rockets ought to most likely be a bit greater than this, however it’s sort of a coin flip between a few of these groups. Ime Udoka has executed an incredible job organizing this squad. They lastly received their first win on the street and are above .500 regardless of being 1-8 away from Houston. Alperen Şengün has emerged as an simple expertise, and he’s a nightly drawback for opposing defenses. If they will determine a bit bit extra offense, they’ll be a playoff workforce.
Preseason prediction replace:Dillon Brooks reaches 20 technical fouls.
Brooks is at 4 technical fouls on the season, so he’s on tempo to complete below. However we shouldn’t doubt him on this.
Offensive Score
111.7 (twenty first)
Defensive Score
108.2 (2nd)
Western
Tier 5 – Seeking to make the Play-In
First Quarter Grade: B+
I actually like this Nets workforce, regardless that they’re the entire inverse of what I anticipated. I believed we’d see a struggling offense that is among the finest within the league defensively. As an alternative, we’ve seen a high-powered offensive juggernaut most nights with a protection attempting to catch up. I believe the Nets might wreck a number of nights within the common season for groups higher than them, however we’ll see if that interprets to the postseason. The Nets are actually enjoyable, although.
Preseason prediction replace:Ben Simmons hits 10 3-pointers for the season.
He hasn’t performed since Nov. 6 and didn’t try a 3-pointer earlier than lacking time. Looks like a miss.
Offensive Score
117.4 (eighth)
Defensive Score
114.6 (nineteenth)
Jap
Tier 5 – Seeking to make the Play-In
First Quarter Grade: D+
I’ve been holding out hope the Warriors would get it collectively as a result of I genuinely prefer it once they’re aggressive and contending for a title. This workforce is in hassle. I do know the Warriors had some guys out and in of the lineup, however the struggles of Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins are very regarding. Stephen Curry wants some constant assist. And Steve Kerr nonetheless appears iffy on enjoying the younger guys to provide them a extra athletic dynamic.
Preseason prediction replace:Curry performs not less than 70 video games and knocks down 350 3-pointers.
If he performs 70 video games this season, Curry is on tempo for 357 makes from deep. I be ok with this one.
Offensive Score
113.9 (fifteenth)
Defensive Score
113.6 (sixteenth tied)
Western
Tier 5 – Seeking to make the Play-In
First Quarter Grade: C+
The Hawks preserve exhibiting flashes below Quin Snyder, and we’ve seen some progress. However they’re nonetheless not fairly constant sufficient, given the expertise on this roster. They’ve had one of many hardest schedules to start out the season, and their solely dangerous loss was on opening night time to Charlotte. As soon as the schedule eases up a bit, we ought to see the Hawks go on a run.
Preseason prediction replace:Trae Younger turns into the fourth participant to common not less than 30 factors and 10 assists.
Trae is at the moment at 26.8 factors and 10.5 assists per sport. It’s doable for him to get to 30, however he wants to start out making greater than 41.2 % of his photographs.
Offensive Score
118.2 (fifth)
Defensive Score
118.8 (twenty seventh)
Jap
Tier 5 – Seeking to make the Play-In
First Quarter Grade: C-
The Raptors are simply caught in that treadmill zone. They’re working however not going anyplace. They’re actually strong on protection. Scottie Barnes is a star. And but, the workforce is horrible offensively as a result of it’s the worst 3-point capturing workforce within the league. Toronto can’t make photographs or get to the free-throw line. My recommendation is to blow this up and construct round Barnes.
Preseason prediction replace:Pascal Siakam is traded earlier than the deadline.
We could be ceaselessly ready for the Raptors to make some main strikes, however this one remains to be in play.
Offensive Score
112.2 (twentieth)
Defensive Score
114.1 (18th)
Jap
Tier 5 – Seeking to make the Play-In
Tier 6 – Not tanking but however perhaps sometime
First Quarter Grade: C-
It’s value noting the workforce has been successful since Zach LaVine went down with this damage. But it surely shouldn’t change the thoughts of the entrance workplace that this squad simply isn’t ok. It’s not ok within the East and even for Play-In Event involvement. Chicago’s protection from final season isn’t there, and its offense nonetheless sucks. The Bulls have loads of items they will transfer, however will they?
Preseason prediction replace:DeRozan will get traded earlier than the deadline.
It could be headed this manner. The Bulls have been fairly terrible earlier than this LaVine damage, and all the pieces appeared dangerous for the franchise. However they’re successful and doubtless speaking themselves into this group once more.
Offensive Score
110.9 (twenty fourth)
Defensive Score
115.4 (twenty first)
Jap
Tier 6 – Not tanking but however perhaps sometime
First Quarter Grade: D
Whereas it’s comprehensible the Grizzlies have been dangerous to start out the season, I believe most of us anticipated them to be higher than this. No Ja Morant. Marcus Good received harm. Steven Adams is lacking the whole season. The protection has nonetheless been actually strong, however the offense is putrid. As soon as Morant comes again, we’ll see how a lot simpler life will get for Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane. Then, all the pieces falls into place higher.
Preseason prediction replace:Ja Morant shoots league common or higher from 3-point vary upon returning.
Undetermined, however we’re getting very near his return.
Offensive Score
107.1 (twenty eighth)
Defensive Score
113.1 (eleventh tied)
Western
Tier 6 – Not tanking but however perhaps sometime
First Quarter Grade: D+
There are occasions this Hornets workforce appears like they’ve some potential. And there are occasions they appear hopeless. We’ll must see what new possession brings to the desk as a result of that’s the final word equalizer in relation to the way forward for a franchise. LaMelo Ball appeared good individually earlier than the ankle damage, and what we’ve seen from Brandon Miller and Mark Williams is actually good. This workforce will simply by no means cease anyone (twenty ninth in protection).
Preseason prediction replace:LaMelo Ball will knock down 250 3-pointers.
He was on tempo for 247 made 3-pointers with 70 video games performed previous to the ankle damage. It’s nonetheless inside attain, however he can’t miss a lot time if he will get again on the court docket in per week or so.
Offensive Score
113.2 (18th)
Defensive Score
120.9 (twenty ninth)
Jap
Tier 6 – Not tanking but however perhaps sometime
First Quarter Grade: C-
Robust week for the Blazers towards higher competitors, however I do like the best way the workforce has performed recently. Portland simply received Anfernee Simons again and has been coping with gamers out and in of the lineup. Whereas Chauncey Billups doesn’t get a ton of credit score for his teaching, he has this workforce enjoying protection properly above what was anticipated. The Blazers simply can’t rating to save lots of their lives.
Preseason prediction replace:Scoot Henderson leads all rookies in scoring.
Two issues with this one. 1) Scoot received harm and missed a while. 2) He’s not even shut to creating photographs persistently sufficient to do that. It received’t occur.
Offensive Score
106.6 (twenty ninth)
Defensive Score
113.6 (fifteenth tied)
Western
Tier 6 – Not tanking but however perhaps sometime
First Quarter Grade: D-
We’re not seeing the identical Jazz workforce we noticed start final season. And that 50-point loss to Dallas didn’t do something to enhance morale. Hopefully it lights a aggressive spirit to be higher. The Jazz don’t have the identical offensive punch we noticed final season, and a number of that may be tied to guide guards. Kenyonte George is enhancing however nonetheless fairly uncooked, and the Talen Horton-Tucker minutes at level have been atrocious.
Preseason prediction replace:Lauri Markkanen, Jordan Clarkson and John Collins mix for 70 factors per sport.
They’re clocking in at a mixed 54.8 factors per sport proper now. It’s doable to get there by the tip of the season, however the Jazz offense is fairly disorganized. It’s not trying nice.
Offensive Score
109.6 (twenty sixth)
Defensive Score
118.4 (twenty sixth)
Western
Tier 6 – Not tanking but however perhaps sometime
Tier 7 – Incomprehensibly dangerous
First Quarter Grade: F-
I do know this workforce is meant to be dangerous because it embarks on this rebuild, however the Wizards haven’t been as enjoyable as I hoped. Jordan Poole has been so lackluster that it ruins discovering enjoyable, optimistic pockets with this squad. They may transfer fairly just a few gamers for belongings if they need. I’m inspired by early indicators from Bilal Coulibaly. I believe they’ve a big-time participant creating with him.
Preseason prediction replace:Jordan Poole leads the league in scoring.
Poole is tied for 58th in scoring at 16.7 per sport. He would wish to common roughly 49.8 factors over the following 20 video games to get into the lead. This feels unlikely.
Offensive Score
111.1 (twenty third)
Defensive Score
121.4 (thirtieth)
Jap
Tier 7 – Incomprehensibly dangerous
First Quarter Grade: F–
Not even Victor Wembanyama can distract from how atrocious this workforce has been. The rookie has been actually enjoyable and, at instances, awe-inspiring. However Wemby hasn’t modified the make-up of the Spurs’ aggressive nature — or lack thereof — from final season. Devin Vassell appears nice. The Jeremy Sochan expertise is a disservice to him and his workforce. I’d like to see extra Tre Jones.
Preseason prediction replace:Wembanyama finishes high three in DPOY voting.
The blocked photographs are good, however his stage of protection isn’t there for this but, and the workforce is simply horrendous on that finish.
Offensive Score
105.9 (thirtieth)
Defensive Score
117.7 (twenty fifth)
Western
Tier 7 – Incomprehensibly dangerous
First Quarter Grade: F–
This workforce was attempting to be aggressive, so we are able to’t chalk this as much as tanking. There’s not a lot even long-term I consider in with this workforce after the exhibiting they’ve needed to start this season. I actually like Ausar Thompson and Jalen Duren. I’ve nothing however questions on Cade Cunningham, after I thought I’d be loving his development. Monty Williams has not even begun to repair this. They’re traditionally dangerous, and it’s irritating.
Preseason prediction replace:Cunningham averages 20-7-7 on the season.
Cunningham is at the moment at 22.0 factors and seven.3 assists, however his 3.9 rebounds imply he’d probably must be Dennis Rodman for a pair months for this to have an opportunity.
Offensive Score
107.6 (twenty seventh)
Defensive Score
117.4 (twenty fourth)
Jap
Tier 7 – Incomprehensibly dangerous
Get The Bounce, a day by day NBA E-newsletter from Zach Harper and Shams Charania, in your inbox each morning. Signal up right here.
(High picture: Mitchell Leff / Getty Photos)
