The NBA season is only 10 days old, but it's not too early to take a look at the biggest surprises and disappointments so far. Our writers weigh in.
1. Which team is off to the most surprising start?
Howard Beck: Warriors, at 4–1 (with an OT loss). Their renaissance was supposed to come in January—after Klay Thompson presumably returns to the lineup following a two-year absence. But Steph Curry apparently couldn’t wait. He’s putting up MVP numbers again: 30 points, 8 rebounds, 6.6 assists per game. Jordan Poole and Damion Lee are having early breakouts. And old man Andre Iguodala is still doing Iguodala things. This looks sustainable.
Robin Lundberg: Knicks. It's not exactly surprising that New York would win some games to start after what they did last season, but considering the additions they made and the development of a few players they already had on the roster, being 4–1 and atop the East (at least for a day) is affirming. I no longer expect this squad to turn into a pumpkin.
Chris Mannix: Bulls. Their spending spree last summer made headlines, but I had them penciled into the bottom half of the playoff bracket, anyway. Lonzo Ball has been worth every nickel of his $85 million contract, Zach LaVine has looked like an (efficient) All-Star and DeMar DeRozan continues to put up numbers. Oh, and the defense has been top five in the NBA.
Michael Pina: Bulls. Even with Thursday night's loss against the Knicks, the Bulls are too easy of an answer, after starting 4–0 with some ravenous defense. There are myriad signs that this fast start might be a mirage (Chicago ranks 30th in three-point rate and 30th in the percentage of opposing shots allowed at the rim), and their schedule is about to get bumpy. But this once-proud organization won its first four games for the first time since Michael Jordan was an employee. It's cause for celebration.
Jeremy Woo: Cavs. They played Memphis and Charlotte close before ripping off three impressive wins against Atlanta (on a back-to-back), Denver and the Clippers (both on the road). The Cavs may have an ill-fitting roster, but they don't look like a bottom-feeder. Ricky Rubio discovered the fountain of youth, Jarrett Allen has been terrific and I feel pretty good about my Evan Mobley Rookie of the Year pick. If this keeps going well, maybe LeBron will come back.