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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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The San Antonio Spurs- Why Is Anyone (Including Me) Even Surprised Anymore?

Honestly, I thought this was the year San Antonio would finally at least for a bit, stop being awesome. Tim Duncan retired, Manu Ginobli is basically done, Parker might be too, and Gasol has produced seemingly empty-ish production (thanks to his impressive inability to guard his position or remotely at all anyone else on screen and switch actions).

It was reasonable to conclude that they may take a small step back. Instead, they demolish the already anointed Golden State Warriors without even batting an eye. Over the first week or so of the season they have a 5-2 record, Kawhi Leonard looks completely ridiculously good averaging 26 points, five rebounds, and three assists with a freaking 35 PER while being the best defender in basketball is simply unfair.

LaMarcus Aldridge is still really really good despite allegedly being some sort of locker room malcontent. And by allegedly I mean according to renowned reporter Jackie MacMullan, “rumors” around the league, and by no one else willing to go public (Aldridge’s supposed hotheadedness is one of the most random and ill defined stories of player behavioral problems in recent league memory).

Oh, and 3-and-D extraordinaire Danny Green hasn’t even played yet, and Tony Parker has also already been injured. Despite starting the slowest guard in the league (probably) in Kyle Anderson in place of Green, and cement feet enthusiast Pau Gasol, the Spurs are still ranked 12th in the league in defensive efficiency while ranking 6th in Offensive Rating. Once again, the Spurs already look awesome and they will probably only get better.

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