Early NBA Season Thoughts – 13 Rules: Random NBA Thoughts

Unexpected NBA Champions

With the 2023 NBA season now underway, there have already been some surprises. The most notable surprise early is the Indiana Pacers. Indiana were expected to be one of the worst teams in the league, but they have started the season 8-6 and are currently in sixth place in the Eastern Conference.

NBA MVP Race

The MVP race is always one of the most hotly contested awards in the NBA. This year, there are several players who could be considered the favorite. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant are all in the mix, but there are a few other players who could make a run at the award. Luka Doncic, Joel Embiid, and Nikola Jokic are all having great seasons and could all be in the MVP conversation.

Rookies

The 2023 NBA draft class was one of the most highly touted in recent memory. Several rookies are already making an impact in the NBA. Paolo Banchero, Jaden Ivey, and Benedict Mathurin are all averaging double figures in scoring and have shown flashes of brilliance.

Playoff Contenders

The Eastern Conference is wide open this year. The Boston Celtics are the favorites, but there are several other teams who could make a run to the NBA Finals. The Milwaukee Bucks, Philadelphia 76ers, and Miami Heat are all legitimate contenders. In the Western Conference, the Phoenix Suns are the favorites, but the Denver Nuggets, Memphis Grizzlies, and Golden State Warriors are all teams who could make a run to the NBA Finals.

Who is going to surprise us this season?

There are always a few teams who surprise everyone during the NBA season. Last year, it was the Cleveland Cavaliers. This year, it could be the Indiana Pacers, Detroit Pistons, or the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Who will win the NBA Championship?

The NBA Championship is always one of the most difficult trophies to win in sports. There are several teams who could win the NBA Championship this year, but the Boston Celtics are the slight favorites. The Milwaukee Bucks, Philadelphia 76ers, and Phoenix Suns are all close behind.

Brooklyn Nets Drama

The Brooklyn Nets have been one of the most disappointing teams in the NBA this season. They were expected to be one of the favorites to win the NBA Championship, but they have started the season 6-8 and are currently in ninth place in the Eastern Conference. There have been reports of tension between Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant, and it is unclear if the Nets can overcome their issues and make a run to the NBA Finals.

Health and Injury

Health and injury are always a major factor in the NBA. Several key players have already missed games due to injury this season, including Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and Zion Williamson. It is important for teams to stay healthy if they want to make a run to the NBA Finals.

Trades

The NBA trade deadline is always one of the most exciting times of the year. Several big trades have already been made this season, including the trade that sent James Harden to the Philadelphia 76ers. It is always possible that a blockbuster trade could be made before the deadline, so it is important to stay tuned.

Conclusion

The 2023 NBA season is still young, but there have already been several surprises. The Indiana Pacers are one of the most surprising teams in the league, and the Brooklyn Nets have been one of the most disappointing. Several players are in the mix for the MVP award, and the Eastern Conference is wide open. It is going to be an exciting season, so be sure to stay tuned.