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With the NBA season already ten days old, the league's early storylines are coming into focus. From unexpected contenders to worrying declines, our panel of experts breaks down the biggest surprises, concerning trends, and hidden developments while also ranking the top five teams.
Most Pleasant Surprises
Tom Haberstroh: The Portland Trail Blazers, led by Damian Lillard and Ja Morant, have brought excitement back to Rip City after a summer of turmoil. Lillard's off-ball usage has unlocked new dimensions, Morant's energy and drives have been electric, and contributions from Jrue Holiday, Robert Williams III, Sidy Cissoko, and Scoot Henderson have provided consistent energy. The team's early buy-in could translate to sustained success.
Steve Jones: The Trail Blazers have been a joy to watch, with Morant's hustle and Lillard's versatility creating a dynamic offense.
Dan Devine: The Memphis Grizzlies, who started 4-0 after not winning four straight all last season. Ty Jerome has seized his opportunity, Cam Boozer has made an immediate impact as a 15-10-5 player, and young wings Cedric Coward and Jaylen Wells have shot lights out. The interior defense led by Zach Edey and Isaiah Stewart has been elite. Despite trading away Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane, Memphis has benefited from improved health and a impactful rookie class.
Kelly Iko: The Houston Rockets. A team that has languished near the bottom in half-court offense for years now ranks fourth, thanks to Fred VanVleet's lethal pick-and-roll play. Houston has reduced Kevin Durant's creation burden and simplified Alperen Şengün's decisions, leading to career-high efficiency for the big man.
Most Concerning Starts
Iko: The Miami Heat. Their win over Atlanta felt like a must-win, which is alarming. Despite boasting versatile defenders, Miami ranks 27th in defensive efficiency. The frontcourt of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo protects the rim well but gets torched on the perimeter. Davion Mitchell isn't applying his usual pressure, Klay Thompson looks like a shell of himself defensively, and the overall effort seems sluggish. This looks more like a play-in team than a contender, especially given the offseason investments.
Haberstroh: Player health. Nine current or former All-Stars—Anthony Edwards, Kawhi Leonard, Jalen Duren, Paolo Banchero, Jalen Williams, Tyrese Haliburton, Jaren Jackson Jr., Brandon Ingram, and Ben Simmons—are sidelined indefinitely due to injuries. And that's just the tip of the iceberg.
Jones: The Denver Nuggets. Their defense must improve for them to reach their high ceiling, especially if the offense isn't clicking. Fixing one end could get them back on track.
Devine: The Sacramento Kings. At 0-4, with two losses by 25+ points and a -16.4 net rating, they've been dreadful. Injuries to Ben Simmons, Maxime Raynaud, Keegan Murray, and Dylan Cardwell have stripped them of bright spots. Rookie point guard Darius Acuff is on pace to become the first rookie in 50 years to attempt 20 shots per game, but he's missing two-thirds of them. Domantas Sabonis is averaging 19-17-7 on 72% shooting, yet it hasn't mattered. When asked how to turn things around, Zach LaVine cited strong leadership, a floor general, and an experienced coach—then admitted, 'We don't really have any of that right now, and it's not going to come anytime soon.' Yikes.
Under-the-Radar Developments
Jones: The Dallas Mavericks have built an offense that maximizes Cooper Flagg's strengths while complementing Kyrie Irving and involving everyone. Their ball movement, dual-side actions, and mix of cuts and dribble penetration have stood out. Also, keep an eye on Brandon Miller as a Most Improved Player candidate.
Devine: The Toronto Raptors have 57 steals and 60 turnovers through four games, forcing turnovers on nearly 22% of opponents' possessions. No team has finished a season above 19% in the 23 years of tracking data. This is with Kawhi Leonard playing two ineffective games before landing on the injury list and with veteran Jakob Poeltl logging more minutes than rookie Collin Murray-Boyles. If Toronto's defense jumps from top-seven to best in the league, they become a dangerous playoff threat—especially if Leonard returns healthy.
Iko: Alperen Şengün is attempting over two 3-pointers per game and making over 60% of them. For Houston's 1970s-style offense to improve, Şengün's comfort with outside shots—whether as a trailer or against crowds—is crucial. Simply taking those shots matters more than his conversion rate.
Haberstroh: Ty Jerome and the Memphis Grizzlies. Skeptics point to injury risk and a soft schedule, but Jerome is the breakout star of the season, and his supporting cast is far better than advertised.
Power Rankings
Devine: 1. Rockets, 2. Sixers, 3. Thunder, 4. Lakers, 5. Knicks. Houston is undefeated with top-five units on both ends, boosted by VanVleet's return. Philadelphia's defense has been surprisingly stellar, and Tyrese Maxey looks like an MVP candidate. Oklahoma City is feeling the loss of Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace, but Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and a stifling defense have them near the top. The Lakers boast a top-two offense led by Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, plus a league-average defense. The Knicks started 0-3, but their offense is finding its rhythm, earning them the benefit of the doubt.
Iko: 1. Rockets, 2. Pistons, 3. Sixers, 4. Blazers, 5. Grizzlies. Houston is healthy and flowing. Cade Cunningham drives Detroit, and Ausar Thompson has relaunched his DPOY bid. Philly is a blur in transition and may need to lean into that. The Morant-Lillard pairing in Portland is oddly effective, and Memphis's young core is fun and inspiring.
Haberstroh: 1. Spurs, 2. Thunder, 3. Rockets, 4. Sixers, 5. Lakers. San Antonio's heartbreaker in Houston woke them up. OKC's roster depth is like the tide. Another fast start for Ime Udoka's Rockets. LeBron James at backup center wasn't expected so soon. Luka and Austin Reaves averaging 60 points and 10 turnovers is a show.
Jones: 1. Rockets, 2. Pistons, 3. Sixers, 4. Thunder, 5. Knicks. Houston has picked up the pace offensively and still defends, with VanVleet's return slotting everyone into natural roles. Detroit's defense remains disruptive, and Cunningham has been assertive. The 76ers are building the right way, with a surprising defense and problem-solving ability. OKC has faced adversity with injuries, but their defense has been suffocating. The Knicks' rough start may benefit them long-term; when they defend at a high level, they're still top-tier.
Originally reported by yahoo.