NBA's Early Season Unveils Surprising Trends: Wembanyama's Dominance, Reaves' All-Star Bid, and Shifting Power Dynamics.

The initial two weeks of the National Basketball Association (NBA) season have generated sufficient data to identify several emergent trends across the league. Early observations include unexpected team performances, such as the Chicago Bulls establishing the best record in the Eastern Conference, a stark contrast to preseason expectations. Conversely, the New Orleans Pelicans, despite the anticipated resurgence of Zion Williamson, have secured only one victory, a game Williamson did not play, as he is once again sidelined due to injury. Concurrently, the league is witnessing a rise in free throw attempts and a notable increase in player injuries, with several prominent athletes, including Trae Young, already sidelined. This initial fortnight offers a critical juncture to assess what strategies are proving effective and what challenges teams face, as analyzed in this early-season review.

Ja Morant’s Future with Memphis Grizzlies Under Scrutiny

The relationship between star guard Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies has recently dominated NBA headlines, marked by a week of heightened tension. Morant was suspended by the Grizzlies for "conduct detrimental to the team" following a reported heated exchange with first-year head coach Tuomas Iisalo. This incident occurred after Memphis’s loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, a game in which the Grizzlies squandered a 15-point lead. Sources indicate Morant’s frustration stems from the rotations deployed by Iisalo this season.

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Coach Iisalo addressed the situation, stating, "I have a lot of understanding for players who say this. I think a lot of players have been conditioned throughout their career to play longer stints and to go find that rhythm. … Basketball just like every global team sport is evolving. We are looking to also adapt to the times." Morant has also publicly stated a loss of enjoyment in playing basketball this season, a concerning development just two weeks into the campaign.

Beyond the reported interpersonal dynamics, the on-court performance of the Grizzlies has also faltered. The team currently holds a 3-4 record. Their offensive efficiency ranks 24th in the league, while their defensive rating is not significantly better at 22nd. While injuries to key players such as Brandon Clarke, Zach Edey, Ty Jerome, and Scottie Pippen Jr. have impacted the roster, both Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. are averaging their fewest points since their second year in the league. Morant’s shooting efficiency is notably on pace for the worst of his career, with a current conversion rate of 5 of 32 from three-point range and 40.6% from the field overall.

Given the escalating tension and Morant’s history of attracting negative attention to himself and the team, questions regarding his long-term future in Memphis have arisen. His struggles with staying healthy over the past two seasons further fuel concerns about his durability. While off-court issues can often be mitigated by on-court performance, Morant’s play has shown a downward trajectory since his declaration that he and the Grizzlies were "fine in the West" and his perceived downplaying of conference competition.

While the season remains in its nascent stages, and this one-game suspension could serve as a catalyst for Morant and the Grizzlies, a continuation of this pattern could foreseeably lead to Morant’s name circulating in trade discussions by the February deadline.

Victor Wembanyama’s Unprecedented Bid for MVP and DPOY

Victor Wembanyama’s third season in the NBA has commenced with a level of individual dominance rarely witnessed in the league’s history. His impact extends beyond raw statistical output, showcasing a rapid development that has captivated the attention of opponents and analysts alike. Wembanyama has demonstrated significantly increased assertiveness in attacking the rim, exhibiting a clear intention to drive into the paint regardless of the defender. This strategic shift is reflected in his reduced three-point attempts, which have dropped from 8.8 per game last season to 3.5, signaling a preference for downhill penetration over perimeter shooting.

The emphasis on attacking the basket has translated into a substantial increase in Wembanyama’s dunk production. He has already recorded 22 dunks this season, averaging approximately 3.6 per game. Should he maintain this pace, he would become only the second player in NBA history to achieve 300 dunks in a single season, joining fellow Frenchman Rudy Gobert. This aggressive approach has also contributed to a doubling of his free throw attempts, from 4.1 per game last season to eight per night. Wembanyama’s ability to take defenders off the dribble, exploiting larger, slower-footed opponents or leveraging his height and enhanced strength against smaller wings, has proven highly effective. In his first six games, only one performance could be considered subpar—a nine-point outing against the Phoenix Suns, which coincided with San Antonio’s sole loss after a franchise-best 5-0 start. The Suns notably employed a dedicated defensive scheme involving at least two, and often three, defenders to deny Wembanyama easy opportunities.

While Phoenix’s strategy of switching all screens on Wembanyama, sending consistent help defense, and effectively disregarding his teammates as offensive threats managed to contain him, Wembanyama is expected to adapt as other teams adopt similar methods. He has already demonstrated improved court vision, making better reads to find open teammates. As his teammates capitalize on these opportunities created by the defensive attention Wembanyama commands, opposing teams may find it increasingly difficult to commit so heavily to their defensive schemes against him.

Wembanyama’s offensive dominance is complemented by an equally profound defensive presence. Opponents frequently avoid attempting shots in the paint when he is on the floor. The Spurs currently allow the second-fewest points in the paint (39.7 per game), largely attributable to Wembanyama’s ability to impact shots both near and away from the basket. His defended field goal percentage stands at 39.6%, ranking second in the league, establishing him as an impenetrable defensive force.

Despite the early stage of the season, Wembanyama has emerged as an early frontrunner for both the Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) awards. Should the Spurs exceed expectations by securing a playoff berth, particularly a top-six seed, his narrative for both accolades would be significantly strengthened. The primary impediment to Wembanyama achieving this unprecedented dual honor would be failing to meet the league’s 65-game played minimum for award eligibility.

Philadelphia 76ers Display Reduced Reliance on Joel Embiid

The Philadelphia 76ers have commenced the season with a robust 5-2 record, a performance that notably contrasts with previous seasons regarding their dependence on Joel Embiid. Embiid is currently averaging a career-low 17.3 points per game, operating under a minutes restriction, and is unlikely to play in back-to-back contests, all measures designed to mitigate injury risk for the star center. In past seasons, the 76ers’ success was intrinsically linked to Embiid’s availability and performance. For instance, during the 2020-21 season, when Philadelphia topped the Eastern Conference, the team averaged 10.4 points per 100 possessions more when Embiid was on the floor compared to when he rested. This statistical disparity placed him in the 97th percentile for offensive importance to his team.

However, the current season presents a different dynamic. The 76ers are not only winning without Embiid serving as the primary offensive engine, but their performance metrics suggest they have been marginally more effective when he is off the floor, by approximately 2.6 points per 100 possessions. While this margin is not substantial, it indicates a significant shift, suggesting Philadelphia is no longer entirely debilitated when Embiid is sidelined for load management or under minutes restrictions.

This change is largely attributed to the enhanced depth of the 76ers’ backcourt. Tyrese Maxey has assumed a leading role, averaging 34.4 points per game, which ranks second in the league. He is also recording career highs in points and assists (8.4 per game), leading the league in minutes played (42.0), ranking second in shots taken (23.1), and achieving a career-best 48.5% shooting accuracy from beyond the arc. Maxey’s stellar play has been complemented by a strong contingent of other guards on the roster who are effectively compensating for Embiid’s reduced offensive load.

Rookie VJ Edgecombe has made an exceptional immediate impact, leading all rookies in points (19.1 per game) and assists (4.9 per game), while ranking third in rebounds (4.9 per game). His aggressive yet composed approach to offense, combined with his proficiency in transition, has been instrumental, particularly alongside Maxey. Furthermore, Quentin Grimes’s consistent scoring outburst off the bench has positioned him as a strong candidate for Sixth Man of the Year. The team’s guard depth is set to increase further with the return of Jared McCain, who made his season debut on Tuesday against the Bulls. McCain was on track for Rookie of the Year honors last December before suffering a season-ending meniscus tear. His scoring and playmaking abilities are expected to provide additional depth to coach Nick Nurse’s backcourt rotation, potentially allowing Maxey to reduce his heavy early-season minutes.

While these developments suggest the 76ers are less reliant on Embiid for offensive production, his defensive presence and post play remain crucial. Without him, Philadelphia allows the most second-chance points in the league (19.3 per game). Nevertheless, the current trend indicates that the team’s overall success is no longer as singularly dependent on Embiid’s individual availability and performance as in previous seasons.

Chicago Bulls’ Early Season Success Prompts Sustainability Questions

The Chicago Bulls have emerged as one of the most significant surprises of the nascent NBA season, boasting a 6-1 record, the best in the Eastern Conference. This includes a remarkable 24-point comeback victory against the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday night. This early success offers a refreshing change for Bulls fans, who have grown accustomed to years of middling performances that were neither strong enough for serious contention nor poor enough to secure high draft picks capable of transforming the franchise’s future. The team’s initial effort has been commendable, especially considering it has been achieved without the debut of Coby White this season.

Key contributors to Chicago’s strong start include Josh Giddey, who has seamlessly integrated into the Bulls’ offensive system, and Nikola Vučević, who continues to provide veteran leadership with consistent averages of approximately 20 points and 10 rebounds. Matas Buzelis has also enjoyed a breakout season, with his performance leading many to believe he should have been a top-five selection in the 2024 draft. The Bulls currently feature six players scoring in double figures, and their bench unit ranks third in overall scoring. While Giddey and Vučević have led the charge, the team’s success has been characterized by a collective effort each night.

Notably, these victories have not come against exclusively weak opposition. Chicago’s initial three wins were against Detroit, Orlando, and Atlanta—teams that were projected to show significant improvement this season. The Bulls also split a pair of games with the New York Knicks, a team with championship aspirations, and decisively defeated the Sacramento Kings. The most impressive victory to date was the aforementioned 24-point comeback against the 5-1 76ers. After a challenging first half where Tyrese Maxey scored 22 points, the Bulls responded with tightened defense and widespread scoring in the second half. A go-ahead three-pointer by Vučević in the final seconds sealed the win, potentially earning the Bulls greater respect across the league. This remarkable performance occurred without both Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu, the latter being Chicago’s third-leading scorer.

While questions regarding the sustainability of this early success are valid, the Bulls’ performance metrics do not necessarily suggest unrealistic overachievement. The current team composition, featuring a jumbo guard with elite passing and an improved three-point shot (Giddey), a roster of athletic players capable of playing at pace, and a stretch big who does not clog the paint (Vučević), aligns with a functional and effective basketball strategy. Regression is a natural aspect of any NBA season, as players experience slumps and the schedule intensifies. The Bulls are not an unbeatable force. However, the team appears significantly more functional on both ends of the floor than in previous seasons. While it is premature to make playoff predictions, two weeks into the season, the Bulls are performing at a level reminiscent of what many anticipated from the Orlando Magic this year.

Austin Reaves’ All-Star Trajectory for Los Angeles Lakers

Austin Reaves entered the current NBA season with the objective of delivering a breakout performance, motivated by the prospect of securing a new contract next summer. His early-season production has positioned the Los Angeles Lakers to potentially allocate significant resources to retain him, as he is averaging 31.1 points and nearly 10 assists through the first two weeks of the season. Should this level of production prove sustainable, Reaves would undoubtedly merit an All-Star selection, particularly if the Lakers maintain a strong position in the Western Conference standings when voting commences.

Reaves has already registered individual performances of 50 and 40 points, both of which were critical in the absence of star players LeBron James and Luka Dončić. He also delivered a game-winning buzzer-beater in a 128-110 victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves. While it is unlikely Reaves will consistently maintain such extraordinary scoring averages, his current output represents precisely what the Lakers require, especially following his struggles to find rhythm in the team’s first-round playoff loss last season.

He is currently attempting the most shots of his career while maintaining a high level of efficiency. Reaves has solidified his role as an ideal secondary playmaker alongside Dončić in the backcourt and has demonstrated the capacity to shoulder a substantial offensive load when both Dončić and James are unavailable.

Achieving an All-Star selection will present challenges, primarily due to the league’s revised format, which now consists of two USA teams and one World team. This structure inherently limits the number of available spots for American players. The central question becomes whether Reaves will be among the 16 best American players when All-Star voting begins. Excluding international players, Reaves currently ranks second in points per game among American players, trailing only Tyrese Maxey. While some statistical regression is anticipated, and competition for backcourt positions will be intense, the Lakers’ continued need for Reaves to perform at this elevated level, particularly with LeBron James’s return timeline remaining uncertain, could make it exceedingly difficult to deny him an All-Star appearance if his high-level play persists.