The NBA season has just begun, so it’s time to look at early takeaways. We’ve already had some incredibly entertaining moments and stories. But three weeks into the season, plenty of things are destined to change. However, with this small sample size, there’s also a handful of key takeaways. I anticipate these takeaways to be trends that carry on throughout the year. Either that, or they are merely early-season storylines that will fade away as the season amps up.
Five Early NBA Season Takeaways
The Golden State Warriors Are Back
The Golden State Warriors trade for Chris Paul was a shocker in the offseason. Paul’s fit on the Warriors was one of the most intriguing things to watch going into the season. So far, it’s been seamless, and the Warriors are back. Paul provides the team with another high-IQ playmaker, setting up Stephen Curry when he’s on the court and handling the load while he’s off the floor. In fact, the Warriors post some of their best numbers when Curry is off the court.
Furthermore, Paul gives the Warriors a new dimension as a low-turnover guard. The team’s overall depth has also improved with other developments from Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody. Free agent Dario Saric has also been a solid contributor. Overall, the Warriors are off to a scorching 6-2 start. Including a 5-1 road record, an area of concern last year. The Warriors are certainly in the title mix with these factors and a proven championship nucleus.
Victor Wembanyama’s Two-Way Impact
Victor Wembanyama is one of the league’s most anticipated and hyped-up rookies of all time. An incredible phenom and a basketball unicorn, his immediate impact was one of the most intriguing storylines ahead of the season. So far, Wembanyama has made an instant two-way impact, especially on the defensive end. Here, he has dominated protecting the rim, averaging 2.6 blocks per game. He is also a quality rebounder, grabbing 8.4 boards per game. Wembanyama’s elite defensive presence changes how opposing offenses play. Wembanyama has also put up good offensive numbers, averaging 19.4 points a game, including a 38 outburst en route to an upset win against the Phoenix Suns last Friday. Wembanyama has had certain games where his offense has struggled, especially from an efficiency standpoint. The upside is clearly there, and Wembanyama will figure out consistency. He has already proven he’s an elite player with unlimited upside.
The Memphis Grizzlies’ Slow Start
One of the clear takeaways is the struggling Memphis Grizzlies, who are currently 1-6. In the wake of Ja Morant’s 25-game suspension, the Grizzlies’ start was especially pivotal. With a slow start, they have poorly positioned themselves in a competitive Western Conference. A play-in seed of seven or eight feels like the ceiling, and that’s not an overreaction. Steven Adams’ injury created a new void of rebounding and another big presence next to Jaren Jackson Jr.
Furthermore, the Grizzlies lack wing play, especially defensively. Despite Desmond Bane’s hot start, Memphis has no clear elite creator. These problems have been on full display in awful losses to the Wizards and Trail-Blazers. As a result of these issues, the Grizzlies record is worth keeping an eye on. They could either be in play for a playoff berth or banking on a good lottery pick, depending on how the remainder of the season unfolds.
Julius Randle’s Rough Start
For years, Julius Randle has struggled with consistency, both on a game-by-game and season-by-season basis. Through seven games, Randle is in the midst of a massive slump. He’s averaging 15.6 points on an awful 29.9% shooting from the field and 25% from beyond the arc. Randle’s turnovers, bad defense, and body language are further causes for concern. The New York Knicks are currently ninth in the East with a 3-4 record. New York can certainly rise up the standings despite Randle’s slow start. However, the fan base has turned on Randle. Due to his play, the front office souring on Randle and trading him is a strong possibility.
The Defending Champs Aren’t Going Anywhere
This one should surprise nobody. Due to Nikola Jokic’s greatness and the perfect team around him, the Denver Nuggets are once again off to a hot start. The Nuggets have a league-best 7-1 record. As a result of this hot start and Denver’s incredible roster, they are primed to compete for another title. Even after the Clippers traded for James Harden, the Nuggets are still deservingly the consensus favorites in the West. After years of disrespect, it’s great to see Jokic and the Nuggets fully getting the respect they deserve.
