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Eric Moody
The NBA season is just past its opening weeks, yet certain patterns are already emerging as notable. Observing these developments early on can provide insights into how the initial portion of the season could unfold.
That’s essentially the focus here. We’ll start with a comprehensive view of the league, subsequently focusing on the finer details that are significant.
Let’s begin with those who are closing out games around the association. On Monday, there were 15 instances of game-tying or go-ahead baskets scored within the last 75 seconds of either regulation or overtime. This ranks as the third-highest occurrence during the play-by-play era (since 1997-98), which is remarkable considering only nine games were contested. The feeling of chaos that night was justified.
On Monday, Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham put together a performance that stood out in the league’s history books. Cunningham accumulated 46 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists. This made him only the second Piston player to ever achieve a 40-point triple-double, joining Isiah Thomas, who accomplished the feat in 1983. Additionally, he recorded five steals, making him the first player ever to reach 45 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, and 5 steals in a game since steals became an officially tracked stat. He attempted 45 shots, which is a Pistons record, but he missed 31 of them, setting a new NBA record for most missed shots in a single game.
The season’s kickoff has been nothing short of exuberant, and there’s more to come. Here are five additional observations from around the league that merit attention as we move forward.
Domantas Sabonis’ scoring and assists are way down
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Sabonis gets the go-ahead and-1 to go for Kings
Domantas Sabonis banks in the and-1 to give the Kings the lead for good.
The Sacramento Kings appear to be shifting their offensive strategy, moving away from Sabonis as the primary focus. His usage rate was 24.0% in 2023-24, decreased to 22.6% last season, and currently stands at 21.1% this season. Sabonis continues to excel as a rebounder, averaging 13.3 RPG. However, his scoring and assist numbers have declined, averaging only 15.8 PPG and 3.9 APG, which are his lowest figures since 2018-19. His efficiency has also seen a reduction, with his field goal percentage of 47.7% being the lowest since his rookie year.
Additionally, he has been frequently listed on the injury report at the start of the season. Consequently, he is positioned outside the top 35 players in terms of fantasy points per game, which is a less than ideal scenario for a player many managers selected in the first round. While holding onto Sabonis is advisable, insightful managers might contemplate trading for him while his perceived value is diminished.
Derik Queen is a rookie to pick up now
Queen is currently rostered in only a small fraction of ESPN Fantasy leagues, and this percentage seems unduly low. The New Orleans Pelicans are not showcasing characteristics of a playoff-caliber team at this moment, and their center rotation has lacked consistency. Nevertheless, Queen has continued to distinguish himself, even while coming off the bench. Over his most recent four games, he’s been averaging a substantial number of fantasy points in a limited number of minutes, contributing across various statistical categories, including points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks, which is infrequent for a center. New Orleans continues to start Kevon Looney, but if the team’s losing trajectory persists, Queen’s role is expected to expand.
Despite being a 20-year-old rookie who is fresh off a preseason injury, Queen is demonstrating the composure and intuition typically associated with seasoned NBA veterans, contributing in scoring, rebounding, passing, and defense, all within restricted playing time. His teammates and coaches have voiced commendations for his superior basketball understanding and his distinctive, cunning style. If you possess available roster space, the opportune moment to add him is now.
Jalen Duren has taken the leap in Year 4
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Jalen Duren with the massive swat at the rim
Jalen Duren with the massive swat at the rim
The young Pistons center is distinguishing himself as one of the league’s most effective players at his position as the season commences. Duren, aged 22, has been averaging impressive statistics of 19.4 PPG and 12.0 RPG, placing him among the league leaders in the categories of double-doubles and second-chance points. He has posted six games in which he achieved at least 20 points and 10 rebounds. Only Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo have matched this mark so far this season.
Duren effectively utilizes his physical robustness to assert command on the boards, establishing a strong presence in the paint. However, his impact transcends sheer power. Duren’s rapport with Cunningham is a key element of the Pistons’ offensive strategy, especially in pick-and-roll situations, where Cunningham’s court awareness aligns well with Duren’s vertical elevation. Detroit has also relied on Duren during crucial stages of games, including extended fourth-quarter sequences and overtime periods, during which his offensive rebounding, touch around the rim, and passing skills have been notably effective.
He has also been averaging a combined total of steals and blocks per game, demonstrating an increase in his defensive capabilities. Duren, who dedicated his offseason to refining his interior game under the guidance of Rasheed Wallace, is displaying the attributes of a player poised to become one of the league’s elite performers at his position.
Norman Powell and the Miami Heat are a perfect match
Powell’s relocation to Miami during the summer, as a result of a three-team trade involving the LA Clippers and Utah Jazz, is proving to be one of the offseason’s most successful acquisitions, with the Heat reaping immediate benefits. Powell has achieved a career-high average of points per game while maintaining strong shooting percentages from the field, including a notable percentage from beyond the arc. He is also drawing fouls at a high rate and successfully converting his free throws, which underscores his consistent pressure on opposing defenses. Notably, his seamless integration into the Heat’s dynamic, movement-oriented offensive system has been particularly evident. He avoids over-dribbling, operates within the team’s flow, and has emerged as a reliable scorer in late-game situations. In addition to his on-court performance, teammates have lauded his leadership qualities and presence within the locker room.
Conversely, the Clippers are experiencing the less advantageous consequences of the trade. Their decision to trade Powell was rooted in the belief that Bradley Beal would effectively assume his scoring and spacing responsibilities. Instead, Beal has encountered challenges in establishing a rhythm, averaging a modest point total while shooting at rates significantly below the league average. This disparity is undeniable. The Heat secured a dependable veteran who scores efficiently, competes defensively, and amplifies the team’s energy. The Clippers, on the other hand, are actively searching for solutions at a position that Powell once effectively stabilized. It is becoming evident that the Heat have emerged as the victors in this transaction.
Isaiah Hartenstein is a double-double machine
Hartenstein has had a remarkable early-season impact for the Oklahoma City Thunder, providing stability in the frontcourt with his efficient scoring, rebounding, and interior playmaking. He has been averaging significant career-best numbers in points and rebounds, while maintaining an impressive shooting percentage from the field.
His screen-setting and timing in roll maneuvers have been crucial to Oklahoma City’s half-court offense, particularly in light of Jalen Williams’ absence. The 27-year-old has also displayed growth as a scorer, proactively seeking his own shot while maintaining the playmaking capabilities that have characterized his career. He has logged six double-doubles thus far this season, solidifying his role as a steadying influence characterized by interior resilience and astute, efficient play.
