Some surprises so far in the NBA
That’s the case with the Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards, who were aggressive from minute one in the offseason and have meshed seamlessly.
There is also the case of other ‘castoffs’ during the last few years, such as the Golden State Warriors, who are starting to worry the rest of the NBA by threatening to revive a dynasty of yesteryear in the Western Conference, awaiting their ‘Robin’ and star point guard, Klay Thompson.
Finally, which is the most entertaining team in the NBA and why?
- Who has surprised the most in the Eastern Conference: Bulls, Wizards or Heat? Wizards. Without making much noise in the offseason and free agency, they seem to have found the pieces Bradley Beal needed to bring them back to the prominence they had during the John Wall era.
Coach Wes Unseld Jr. has been able to make the most of elements that were ‘despised’ so to speak or undervalued by other teams, such as Kyle Kuzma, Spencer Dinwiddie or Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and even Montreal Harrell (a recent Sixth Man of the Year).
Being above .500 in a conference that has the champions, Bucks, the mighty Nets and franchises forced to be at the top like the 76ers, Celtics or Hawks and watching them all from the fourth spot, is not to stop watching and have those from the capital as the big surprise not only of the East, but of the season. The Heat were expected to do what they are doing. A well assembled team, that two years ago reached the Finals and that under a well-defined philosophy of play and development knows how to polish diamonds and make smart moves.
On the other hand, the Bulls were one of the teams that bet on a renovation from the bench and added young, experienced players, but all with All-Star potential to try to return them to the Playoffs and so far the balance is tipping in their favor.
- Are the Warriors the team to beat in the NBA?
Right now, yes, and it’s a combination of dominance on both ends of the court and the out-of-league play of Stephen Curry.
Steph is simply on another level with the ball in hand, similar perhaps more to his time (little, in consideration) before the arrival of Kevin Durant which, in part, altered his performance.
Draymond Green and Andre Iguodala look possessed on the other side of the court, leading by example, effort and timing. They will have more height, athleticism and defense in the paint with James Wiseman, and we know what would happen if Thompson returns to form and sharp shooting, so yes, with respect to the Suns, Jazz Heat and what could be the Nets, Bucks and Lakers.
Golden State looks like the team to beat the rest of the way as long as injuries don’t ruin everything.
- Which is the most entertaining team in the league?
The Hornets. First of all, LaMelo Ball is the face of the franchise that MJ so desperately needed. In addition, he has found another spectacular player who is already competing for the Most Improved Player: Miles Bridges.
Under the orders of James Borrego, these Hornets are projected to be a serious candidate for the playoffs in the Eastern Conference. LaMelo is magic, joy. He is one of only five players to average at least 18 PPJ, seven RPJ and seven APJ this season. In fact, he recorded the third triple-double of his career on Saturday.
Bridges, meanwhile, is consistency. At 23 years and 244 days, he is the second-youngest player in franchise history to score 35 points and grab 10 rebounds in a game since Alonzo Mourning did it in 1993.
Gordon Hayward, meanwhile, is the veteran who proves he can still play at the highest level and Terry ‘Scary’ Rozier, whose pulse is not shaking.
Charlotte is a refreshing set, but the Bulls are no slouch – who knew that new trio (DeRozan-Lonzo-Caruso) would mesh so quickly with Vucevic and LaVine?
They’re a joy to watch, too, evening after evening.
But back in, Charlotte – after a long time – Michael Jordan has something good ‘cooking’. It’s about time. He had the patience to design a project that excites.
Prior to their setback against the Hawks on Saturday night, the Hornets were on a five-game winning streak.
