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NBA: Five Early-Season Surprises From 2016-17

By Abraham Budow

Nov 5, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Dwight Howard (8) shows emotion against the Houston Rockets in the fourth quarter at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Rockets 112-97. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Dwight Howard (8) shows emotion against the Houston Rockets in the fourth quarter at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Rockets 112-97. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 8, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Dwight Howard (8) dunks the ball in the second quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Dwight Howard (8) dunks the ball in the second quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

The Atlanta Hawks- Return Of Superman?

Is Dwight Howard back? In a pleasant surprise for fans of the Atlanta Hawks, seemingly somewhat yes! Over six games, the Dwightmare is currently averaging 17 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 2 blocks  per game while posting a very impressive 26.31 Player Efficiency Rating. He’s not as athletic as he was in his Orlando heydays (surprise) but he seems to still be a very athletic and effective roll man who is parlaying his strength and explosiveness into a mildly ridiculous .617 FG%.

Atlanta currently has a very solid 4-2 record, but their wins haven’t exactly been over the most impressive collection of squads. The only somewhat impressive win has been over James Harden’s defenseless Phoenix Rockets; the Wizards, Sixers, and Kings have not exactly lit the world on fire this year. Will the team continue to win when faced with stiffer competition. Dennis Schroder has been overall underwhelming production and efficiency wise as a starter, will he end up being a playoff-level starting point guard?

Furthermore, no one is averaging more points per game than Paul Milsap’s 17.8. Measuring team success by points per game is admittedly a bit arcane at this point but it is very rare these days to see teams have legitimate playoff success without at least one player (preferably two) scoring in the mid 20s per game.

Unless other players match Milksop’s quite excellence and Howard’s random resurgence, its unlikely the Hawks will have a truly meaningful playoff run. Seeing Dwight dominate (domin8?) for stretches however, has been a pleasant surprise.

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