10. Houston Rockets
Of the bigger surprises in the NBA thus far, the Houston Rockets have been the other team that has jumped off the screen. Making big moves during the offseason, many were quick to rain on the Rockets’ parade. However, at least through the first few weeks of the season, the Rockets can laugh at their naysayers. The Rockets are currently in the top 6 of the Western Conference and have the look of a team that is playing with a sizable chip on its shoulder.
Head coach Ime Udoka is doing an amazing job thus far and the addition of Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks is paying off greatly. Jalen Green is even playing some of the best basketball of his young career. The most impressive part of the Rockets’ early-season success is the fact that their success is largely due to their effectiveness on the defensive end of the floor.
The Rockets have a top 5 defense and that is a direct reflection of the impact that Udoka is making on this team. For reference, the Rockets had the second-worst defense in the league last season.