Now that the All-Star Break is coming up this weekend, it’s a fair time to judge how NBA players have fared so far. Some have been disappointing, but others have exceeded any and all expectations. Let’s take a look at the NBA most improved starting five thus far.
NBA Most Improved Starting Five
The Backcourt
Collin Sexton of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics make up the squad’s backcourt.
It wasn’t too long ago that Sexton was considered an afterthought in Cleveland, and plenty of rumors came up regarding his departure. That has completely shifted. This season he’s averaging 24 points, close to five assists, and one steal per game. This is also coming on a strong 49-40-80 shooting split. He’s the leading scorer on the Cavaliers, and one of the most explosive young guards in the NBA.
In a recent game against the Houston Rockets, Sexton poured in 39 points along with eight assists in a double-digit win. He’s clearly on his way to future All-Star bids, and in less than a year changed from a trade target to the face of the Cavaliers.
Brown has always been a solid player but has taken off this season as an All-Star selection. He started off the season strong, and although has seen a dip in play recently, he’s still averaging 25 points, six rebounds, and four assists per game. His shooting split is great as well, checking in at 50-39-78.
Brown can score in a variety of ways – from dangerous floaters to long-range shots and mind-melting dunks. He’s also grown into a fantastic two-way player. At only 24-years-old, the sky’s the limit and he’ll be in competition with Jayson Tatum for the Celtics crown.
The Frontcourt
The frontcourt is made up of Jerami Grant of the Detroit Pistons, Julius Randle of the New York Knicks, and Christian Wood of the Rockets.
The Pistons received plenty of criticism for the contract they handed to Grant this past offseason, as he was a role player for the Denver Nuggets before that. All that criticism is gone. Grant is averaging 23 points, five rebounds, and three assists per game. He was nearly an All-Star, and probably would have been if on a better team.
Randle has made plenty of noise this season, and the Knicks are poised for one of their best seasons in recent memory because of this. He’s always been a solid player – capable of snagging double-doubles on any given night – but more times than not he didn’t always affect the game in a positive way. Now he’s a clear leader in New York and an All-Star. He’s averaging 23 points, 11 rebounds, and nearly six assists per game. He’s also carrying an outstanding 48-41-81 shooting split.
Lastly, there’s Wood. Unfortunately, he’s currently struggling with injuries. This is having a negative effect on Houston, as they’re in the midst of a long losing streak. That shows Wood’s importance, however. He’s averaging 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks this season. For a forward/center combo, he’s also shooting 42 percent from deep. He’s reaching “unicorn” status, and it’s only a matter of time until he’s the face of the Rockets.
Main Image: Embed from Getty Images
