NBA Roundtable: Trades, Kevin Durant Injury Issues And Disappointments
Who has been your ‘big surprise’ so far this season (player or team)?
Jason Coldiron: I’m shocked that the Sacramento Kings came out of the gate so poorly. They may have already turned the corner, but I can’t believe how bad they started.
Evan Caulfield: Evan Fournier deserves more praise for what he’s been doing in Orlando. The 3rd year guard leads the team in scoring (18.8 PPG) and three pointers made (2.2 3PM), evolving into their most reliable option on offense. C.J. McCollum and Andre Drummond may be the favorites to win the Most Improved Player of the Year award, but Fournier deserves some recognition as well.
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Matt Ziegler: The biggest surprise for me has been just how poorly the Rockets have played. A close second would be how quickly Kristaps Porzingis has looked competent. For the Rockets, there were concerns about Lawson fitting in, but their problems go well beyond any cohesiveness issues with their backcourt. Add in variables like Dwight’s health and we could be looking at a season long debacle.
Nicholas Hughes: Believe it or not, my biggest surprise this season has been the reigning NBA MVP, Stephen Curry. In a Western Conference that appeared to improve so much at the top, a Golden State Warriors franchise that made no major changes seemed to be set up for a fall from grace. In particular I questioned the ability of Curry to duplicate his MVP caliber numbers from a season ago.
He’s proven me wrong though…and then some. He has made me a believer in his abilities as more than just an elite shooter. I didn’t expect him to get to the level of production he had last year, but he has completely surpassed those marks already in the early goings this season. In addition to that his Warriors are still perfect; and that includes a Klay Thompson who has yet to return to the high level he played at last year.
Brandon Osborne: The Dallas Mavericks. Rick Carlisle can coach, these Mavericks were barely considered a playoff team but right now they are 7-4 and second in the Southwest division.
Next: Kobe, Because