With the 2020-21 NBA season starting in late December due to delays, training camps were limited and players entering new teams or playing deep into the playoffs were unable to get in much practice with their teams.
However, some players have managed to stand out early on in the young NBA season. With most teams playing about 20 games each now, it is starting to become evident which players are showing consistent and noticeable improvement, and which players have not.
These players include younger players that have taken the next big step towards coming stars and players that are finally thriving in their roles with their team.
There have been a number of standout improvements from numerous players, with many players showing that they have what it takes to be future stars in the league. With all that in mind, these are the five players that have stood out the most in the first stretch of the NBA season.