We’re about a quarter into the NBA regular season and it’s time we start overreacting to the initial success/downfalls of teams so far. There have been plenty of welcoming surprises and some disappointing so far… let’s get into some of them.
Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic have been arguably the most surprising team in the NBA so far. Sitting in the
East as the 2nd seed, they’ve possessed one of the best defenses in the league.
Led by former ROTY, Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, they’ve been able to use their length to cause issues for opposing offenses while playing collectively on offense.
Getting contributions from players like Jalen Suggs or Cole Anthony on the scoring end going alongside their exceptional defense as a team. Will this be sustainable? Who knows, but it’s refreshing to see the Magic play well after many lackluster years.
Oklahoma City Thunder
The most surprising team in the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder. Many knew that the
Thunder would take a leap this upcoming year with their immense amounts of young talent, but
I don’t think anyone expected them to be this good this fast.
Chet Holmgren has looked like a bonafide star and a solid #2 option to Shai while being a great help defender.
Even though there’s controversy surrounding the team currently, the main core of Shai, Chet, and Jalen Williams should keep the Thunder in the conversation as one of the best young teams in the NBA.
Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers have been the poster image of being the most surprising team every year for the wrong reasons. Sadly enough, that is still continued to this day. The Clippers decided to make a trade for James Harden a few weeks back and so far… it has not paid its dividends.
They are 4-7 with Harden and have looked very shaky to say the least. Getting rid of some solid defensive wing depth in Robert Covington and Marcus Morris might come out
to bite the Clippers who opted for Harden instead.
