NBA Early-Season Surprises: Standout Teams and Players

Hello, Harris’s Sports World enthusiasts, and welcome back! Today, we’re breaking down the NBA teams that are surprising fans early this season. From undefeated streaks to standout performances, these squads are turning heads and proving that early predictions aren’t always right. 1. Chicago Bulls — 5‑0, 1st in Central Division

If you told me last season that the Bulls would be the only undefeated team in the Eastern Conference, I would’ve called you crazy.

Sure, some may argue the Bulls have had a favorable schedule, but teams like the Kings, Pistons, Magic, Knicks, and Hawks were all projected to finish ahead of Chicago. These aren’t pushover teams — and yet, the Bulls have been outplaying them on both ends of the floor.

What makes this run even more impressive? They’re doing it without Coby White, one of their top scorers and emotional leaders. For most teams, losing a key piece early in the season would slow them down — but not Chicago. The Bulls look sharper, faster, and more connected than ever.

Josh Giddey’s Impact

22.0 PPG | 8.8 RPG | 8.0 APG

The addition of Josh Giddey has completely changed the team’s identity. Nearly putting up a triple-double nightly, Giddey’s patience, unselfishness, and court vision have smoothed out Chicago’s offense. He’s opened easier looks for Nikola Vucevic, Matas Buzelis, and Ayo Dosunmu, making the offense more dynamic.

The Bulls are now averaging 28.4 assists per game, up from last season’s 22.7, highlighting how Giddey has lifted everyone’s playmaking.

Nikola Vucevic — Veteran Leadership

19.8 PPG | 12.0 RPG | 1.4 BLK | 53.9% FG

Vucevic has been a steady anchor in the paint, dominating rebounds and providing consistent scoring. His defensive communication and rotations have improved, helping Chicago guard the rim and perimeter more effectively.

Matas Buzelis — Year-Two Leap

16.0 PPG | 3.8 RPG | 1.0 BLK | 57.7% FG | 47.6% 3P

Buzelis is showing why he’s considered the future of the franchise. His confidence, improved shooting, and defensive growth are noticeable — he’s attacking closeouts, spacing the floor, and contributing on both ends.

Supporting Cast Stepping Up

• Ayo Dosunmu: 16.2 PPG, fearless energy

• Kevin Huerter: 14.2 PPG, 41% 3P

• Patrick Williams & Onuralp Bitim: solid bench minutes

Depth has been crucial for sustaining this hot start.

Team Efficiency

• 122.8 PPG | 46.8 Total Rebounds | 28.4 Assists | +10.2 Scoring Margin

• 50.3% FG | 41.2% 3P | 78.4% FT

The Bulls’ offense thrives on chemistry, pick-and-rolls, and spacing, making them one of the most efficient teams in the NBA so far.

Final Thoughts: If the Bulls keep this up and get Coby White back healthy, they could shift from an early-season surprise to a top-four seed contender in the East. Their balance, chemistry, and unselfish play make them exciting to watch.

2. Philadelphia 76ers — 4‑1, 1st in Atlantic Division

With Paul George and Jared McCain sidelined and Joel Embiid on a minute restriction, a hot start seemed unlikely — yet the Sixers are proving doubters wrong.

Tyrese Maxey — Offensive Engine

35.2 PPG | 4.6 RPG | 9.4 APG | 43.2 MIN

Maxey has been carrying the offense, making everyone around him better, and controlling tempo with elite shooting: 46.2% FG | 46.8% 3P | 86.8% FT.

Joel Embiid — Restricted Dominance

17.3 PPG | 5.3 RPG | 22.3 MIN

Even with limited minutes, Embiid anchors the paint, draws defensive attention, and opens lanes for Maxey and Edgecombe.

Rookie VJ Edgecombe — Instant Impact

21.2 PPG | 5.6 RPG | 5.4 APG | 49.4% FG | 43.8% 3P

Edgecombe has been a breakout performer, providing scoring, spacing, and dynamic playmaking, proving to be a sensational pick for the Sixers.

Depth & Supporting Cast

• Kelly Oubre Jr.: 17.6 PPG, 7.0 RPG

• Quentin Grimes: 17.4 PPG, 4.4 RPG

• Bench: Adem Bona (2.2 BPG), Dominick Barlow

Even with key players out, Philly’s depth is keeping them competitive.

Team Efficiency

• 125 PPG | 42.8 Rebounds | 26 Assists | 21.8 TO | 1.398 Scoring Efficiency

• 47.0% FG | 41.3% 3P | 79.4% FT

The Sixers’ offense runs multi-layered pick-and-rolls, controlling both transition and half-court sets efficiently.

Final Thoughts: With health and Embiid’s full load, Philly could be a top contender in the East. Emerging talent and depth are key reasons they’re performing above expectations.

3. Golden State Warriors — 4‑2, Western Conference

The Warriors’ offseason raised questions — a late re-signing for Jonathan Kuminga and adding role players like Al Horford made their outlook uncertain.

Yet, they’ve beaten teams like the Lakers, Nuggets, Clippers, and Grizzlies, proving early resilience in the tough Western Conference.

Stephen Curry — MVP-Level Start

27.0 PPG | 4.2 RPG | 4.8 APG | 49.1% FG | 41.9% 3P | 97.0% FT

Curry continues to create spacing, break down defenses, and lead the offense night in and night out.

Jonathan Kuminga — Emerging Star

17.5 PPG | 7.5 RPG | 3.5 APG | 55.4% FG

Kuminga is showing growth on both ends, becoming a versatile weapon in scoring, rebounding, and defense.

Supporting Cast Contributions

• Al Horford: 5.8 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 1.3 APG

• Will Richard: 5.7 PPG, 1.7 RPG

• Brandin Podziemski: 11.7 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 2.7 APG

• Draymond Green: 5.5 RPG, 7.0 APG

Role players like Moses Moody, Buddy Hield, and Gary Payton II provide energy, shooting, and defense.

Team Efficiency

• 119 PPG | 41.5 Rebounds | 28.2 Assists | 20.2 TO | 1.397 Scoring Efficiency

• 47.4% FG | 39.8% 3P | 85.0% FT

Spacing from Curry, Kuminga, and Podziemski allows for a multi-dimensional offense in transition and half-court sets.

Final Thoughts: Golden State’s depth, shooting, and experience make them a legitimate contender, even if early losses highlight the Western Conference’s difficulty.

4. Portland Trail Blazers

Despite off-court distractions, the Blazers have been competitive early, with wins over the Warriors, Lakers, Nuggets, and Jazz. Losses came to the Clippers and Timberwolves.

Chauncey Billups’ Legal Situation

Head coach Chauncey Billups is currently involved in a federal investigation related to alleged illegal sports betting and rigged poker games. Even with this distraction, Portland has maintained cohesion, which is impressive for a young roster.

Breakout Players

• Deni Avdija: 22.7 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 48.9% FG, 38.9% 3P

• Jerami Grant: 20.7 PPG, 50.0% FG

• Shaedon Sharpe: 17.3 PPG, showing growth and control

• Donovan Clingan: 10.0 RPG, emerging as an interior presence

Veterans like Jrue Holiday and Robert Williams III provide structure, defense, and experience.

Team Efficiency

• 121.2 PPG | 41.7 Rebounds | 27.2 Assists | 44.4% FG | 33.9% 3P

Portland’s balance, youth development, and depth show promise despite challenges.

Final Thoughts: With Scoot Henderson returning and off-court issues stabilizing, the Blazers could move from surprise team to a respectable contender.

5. New York Knicks — 2‑3, Early Struggles

The Knicks’ 2‑3 start is underwhelming given their talent and payroll. Wins came against the Cavaliers and Celtics, while losses to the Heat, Bulls, and Bucks are concerning.

Jalen Brunson — Leading the Way

31.2 PPG | 3.6 RPG | 5.4 APG | 48.2% FG | 32.5% 3P | 82.5% FT

Brunson is carrying the offense, creating for himself and others while keeping the team competitive.

Supporting Cast

• Mikal Bridges: 19.0 PPG, 56.5% FG, 48.1% 3P

• Karl-Anthony Towns: 18.0 PPG, 12.8 RPG

• OG Anunoby: 16.6 PPG, two-way impact

Bench consistency has been an issue, though Mitchell Robinson’s recent return should improve rim protection and rebounding.

Team Efficiency & Challenges

• 113.4 PPG | 47.4 Rebounds | 23.8 Assists | 22 TO | 42.4% FG | 34.4% 3P

Spacing and offensive rhythm remain inconsistent, and defensive cohesion is still developing.

Final Thoughts: The Knicks have talent and upside, but early struggles show that chemistry and execution are essential in the East. If they stabilize, a turnaround is possible — but early warning signs are present.

✅ Overall Takeaway

Early-season surprises remind us that predictions can’t capture team chemistry, player development, and coaching impact. From the undefeated Bulls to the resilient Warriors and promising Blazers, these teams are keeping fans on their toes — while the Knicks’ struggles prove that even talent isn’t enough without cohesion.