Blake Griffin started off the season red hot averaging 33.8 ppg through the first four games including a 50 point explosion against the 76ers.
Dennis Smith Jr’s rookie year was a classic display from a wildly talented score first guard. Inefficient volume shooting, lots of mistakes and very few wins. To his credit, coach Rick Carlisle let Smith Jr play through his mistakes for the most part and early on this season we are starting to see the benefits.
Harrison Barnes has been miscast as a primary scorer over the last couple of seasons in Dallas, though their lack of offensive weapons has left few other options. With the arrival of Dennis Smith Jr and more importantly Luka Doncic this season, Barnes should slide back into a complimentary role on the Mavs offence.
Between injuries and age the discussion around the top players in the NBA hasn’t included Marc Gasol for some time now. In the twilight of his career on a middling Memphis squad, some of the hunger that Gasol showed earlier in his career has faded.
Perpetually underrated big man Nikola Vucevic joined the crowd last season stepping outside the arc and expanding his already impressive offensive game to long range. A capable scorer on the interior, Vooch attempted 204 threes last season, which was more than double his previous six seasons combined.
Tyreke Evans had a weird year last season. He exploded out of the gates for Memphis with an ever improving three point shot and flashing the multi-dimensional talent that won him Rookie of the Year in 2010. But then as the Grizzlies kept losing they sat Evans to try and trade him… and then never did.
The bookies are yet to properly adjust to De’Aaron Fox’ newfound confidence and scoring touch and are maintaining a line that he has cleared easily every game.
Luka Doncic was a sensation before he stepped foot on an NBA court. The most accomplished young international to ever be drafted, expectations have been sky high from day one. The early signs are good as Doncic has displayed the elite vision and skill set that made him so successful in Europe.