As of today, the NBA’s 2016/17 regular season is two weeks old, which isn’t enough time to set anything in stone, but has given us a chance to get an early impression of how teams and players look. In some cases, those impressions have reinforced what we thought we knew heading into the year. For instance, Stephen Curry, who made a record-setting 13 three-pointers in last night’s win over the Pelicans? He’s still pretty good.
On the other hand, the two weeks of NBA action so far have also provided plenty of surprises. Clubs like the Pacers, Timberwolves, Mavericks, and Wizards are off to unexpectedly slow starts. The Hornets and Thunder rank among the league’s top five teams. The Lakers look fun and competitive under new head coach Luke Walton. And in Philadelphia, it’s Joel Embiid, not Ben Simmons, who is turning heads and has grabbed the early lead in the Rookie of the Year sweepstakes.
Elsewhere in the NBA, we’ve seen some less surprising – but still very impressive – results. The Cavaliers are the league’s only unbeaten team. James Harden is putting up video-game numbers, having already posted 30+ points and 15+ assists in four separate games. LeBron James and Russell Westbrook aren’t far off from averaging triple-doubles.
Similarly, some of this year’s struggling players and teams aren’t exactly shocking. The Knicks, with a new head coach and an overhauled roster, have struggled mightily on defense and aren’t firing on all cylinders on offense either. Anthony Davis has looked like one of the NBA’s best players, but the rest of the Pelicans haven’t done much, en route to an 0-7 start. And once again, the Sixers have been held winless in October and November so far — they haven’t had a victory in either of those months since 2013.
Two weeks into the regular season, which players and teams have impressed or disappointed you the most? Have you changed your opinion drastically on any team since the preseason, based on what we’ve seen so far? What are the highlights of the season for you so far? Take to the comments section below to weigh in with your thoughts on the first two weeks!
Enjoying OKC dealing with losing Durant. Getting Oladipo and Grant and Sabonis for Ibaka and a late first. Getting Dipo, Adams and Westbrook to sign extensions.
Warriors defensive struggles and the lakers being relevant again have been interesting to see.
The Wizards… just… come on. Living just outside of DC, I feel a legit fear that we are wasting Wall’s prime. With little fan support and a dismal team, I don’t see why he would want to continue playing here… I really hope we turn it around soon…