NBA's Top 10 Surprises from the Early Going in the Western Conference
The NBA is full of surprises and unexpected scenarios, with so many characters ready to step in and create new storylines for us to follow.
The nature of these scenarios occurs when what we're expecting from a certain team or player does not go to plan, or when it goes beyond what we anticipate, leaving most of us in awe or baffled.
Whether it's a team like the Portland Trail Blazers playing well, an injured player returning unexpectedly or an All-Star leading his team on an unexpected surge, there is always a surprise right around the corner in the NBA.
Let's take a look at the top 10 surprises from the Western Conference thus far.
Honorable Mentions
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Kobe Bryant's Imminent Return
This isn't truly a surprise for two reasons: a) it's just speculation at this point, and hasn't actually happened, and b) it's Kobe Bryant.
The Black Mamba is one of the toughest players in the history of the game. He's battled through dislocated fingers, sprained ankles and his latest injury with a torn Achilles tendon. Bryant's recovery time was set anywhere between 6-9 months.
Now, according to Ramona Shelburne of ESPN.com, Bryant could see the court by the end of November. It's certainly felt like a long time that he has been, and all of a sudden, Bryant might be back before we know it. Seeing No. 24 in the purple and gold will be a welcome sight for Los Angeles Lakers fans, as the team sorely needs their leader back.
DeAndre Jordan Earning His Paycheck
Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan received a hefty contract back in 2011, as the team matched a four-year, $43 million offer sheet. Jordan didn't average better than 10 points or 10 rebounds a game since then, leading many to question how much he was worth.
Under new coach Doc Rivers, however, Jordan is putting up the best numbers of his career. His 10.6 points, 13.3 rebounds and 2.1 blocks edge him away from the scrutiny of being "overpaid."
At least under Rivers, the Clippers are getting their money's worth.
Shaquille O'Neal Purchases Stake with the Sacramento Kings
It was a surprise in itself to see Shaquille O'Neal become a part owner of the Sacramento Kings. His rivalry with the team during his days with the Los Angeles Lakers is well-documented, but it hasn't stopped O'Neal from putting his trademark on the team, having already nicknamed it the "Shaqramento Kings."
In addition to this, O'Neal has committed to being a mentor to Kings center DeMarcus Cousins. While it's a welcome sight to see a veteran tutor a younger player, it will be interesting to see just how well the two will work together. Both have big personalities, as well as on-court similarities, but it's an interesting situation to keep a tab on nonetheless.
Kawhi Leonard's Reserved Play
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There were few bright spots for the San Antonio Spurs leaving the NBA Finals empty-handed last season, but one was the play of Kawhi Leonard. He stepped up his game, averaging 14.6 points and 11.1 rebounds versus the Miami Heat. But Leonard hasn't shown much of that play thus far this season.
First and foremost, the Spurs run a tight ship and a system that doesn't rely on individual talent. That isn't to say Tony Parker or Tim Duncan are system players, but the supporting cast does their job and it stops there.
San Antonio doesn't need or want Leonard to go off every night, but the glimpse of talent we saw in the finals hasn't appeared this season. His play so far, 12.6 points and 6.2 rebounds, is almost identical to his averages of last season.
As mentioned, Leonard fills a role for the Spurs, and his numbers aren't likely to fluctuate. What is a surprise, however, is San Antonio not deploying him in more spots given his talent. Leonard isn't the most capable offensive player, but he can do a lot for a team when given the chance.
Klay Thompson Leading the Charge for the Golden State Warriors
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It's the Golden State Warriors' worst nightmare when Stephen Curry appears to injure his ankle, as with any team when their best player appears to go down. It's a dream, however, when another player can step up and lead his team.
Klay Thompson has come into his own this season, making a name for himself as one of the league's best scorers. He's developed from a mere shooter on the perimeter to an all-around point-scorer, averaging 20.5 points per game (tied with DeMar DeRozan for the No. 20 spot in the NBA).
If his 38-point game versus the Los Angeles Lakers in the season opener wasn't enough of a statement, Thompson's 50.7 percent shooting from three-point range is scorching defenses around the league. His ability to find open spots on the floor for open jumpers is excellent, and it is a key part of Golden State's offensive plan.
Thompson had 75.1 percent of his two-point shots assisted on last season, per NBA.com/stats, but he has taken it himself and been able to score 48.1 percent of his two-point baskets without any help (on which he's shooting 55.7 percent) this season.
The Warriors now have another scoring option in games, which makes them even more potent going forward. But for now, it's been Thompson taking all the spotlight.
The Los Angeles Clippers Poor Defense
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The Los Angeles Clippers undertook a coaching change in the offseason, dropping Vinny Del Negro for the renowned and celebrated Doc Rivers. As much as Tom Thibodeau impacted the defense of the Boston Celtics in seasons past, Rivers still played a role, too. However, it hasn't carried over to the Clippers.
Chris Paul and Co. are giving up 105.1 points per game to opponents thus far and have also allowed 46.2 percent shooting, per ESPN.com, which are both down from last season. The Clippers were one of the better defensive teams last year, allowing just 94.6 points on 44.3 percent shooting.
They are keeping the three-point line locked down (37.3 percent last season, 36.5 percent this season), but the overall defensive scheme is not working for the Clippers.
It's absolutely a process in terms of adjusting to Rivers' gameplan, but it's offensively where the difference is evident.
Paul's double-double streak is a product of both his own skill and Rivers' offensive gameplan, with the Clippers' scoring 108.7 points per game (up from 101.1 points last season). The point guard is the spearhead of L.A.'s offensive attack, but the other side of the floor needs attention.
Teams that try to beat opponents with their offense are notorious for not working because, as the phrase says: "defense wins championships".
Steve Blake Running the Lake Show
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The entire NBA community knew it would be a difficult start for the Los Angeles Lakers this season. With the uncertainty surrounding Kobe Bryant's return in addition to the loss of Dwight Howard in free agency, it left the Lakers with a big question mark regarding how their season would play out.
You'd be hard-pressed to find someone who knew it'd be Steve Blake stepping up and taking control of the team. He's been everywhere for the Lakers, whether it's been knocking down a cold-blooded, game-winning three in the face of the guy who left them in the rear-view mirror, or when he has been running the team's offense.
Blake has averaged 8.2 assists through his last 10 games, turning the ball over just 1.9 times per game. He's also knocking down 2.2 three-point shots per game, converting on a terrific 43.1 percent. Blake is considered a role player at most, but he's been integral for the Lakers thus far.
It might not be translating to consistent wins for the Lakers, but you can't fault Blake for trying.
Anthony Davis Already Fulfilling His Potential
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It's the natural for top prospects to fulfill their potential, but Anthony Davis has done so at an incredible rate. Despite this being just his second season in the league, he's already playing like the All-Star caliber player that many foresaw him becoming.
Davis' 21.0 points and 10.8 rebounds this season put him beside Kevin Love and Blake Griffin as the only players to average more than 20 points and 10 rebounds per game, solidifying his place among the NBA's top big men.
If that wasn't enough, his 3.7 blocks ranks second only to Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert. He also trails Hibbert in blocks per foul ratio at 1.19, per ESPN.com, an important statistic to measure the quality of a shot-blocking player.
Davis' numbers from last season (13.5 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.8 blocks) were certainly a preview of what he could become. To say it'd happen this quickly surprised everyone, and Davis is a sure-fire All-Star this season.
Russell Westbrook's Swift Return
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The Oklahoma City Thunder saw an early exit from the playoffs last season, and much of it had to do with the absence of Russell Westbrook. The lateral meniscus in his knee was torn after a collision with Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley last season, and Westbrook needed two surgeries.
The initial procedure was on April 27, while another was needed on Oct. 1 due to a loose stitch from the first surgery needed to be removed. Westbrook's return timetable would have had the Thunder's matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers on Dec. 13 pencilled-in as his comeback.
Instead, Westbrook defied all logic and stepped back onto the court on Nov. 3 versus the Phoenix Suns, all to the sweet tune of 21 points, four rebounds and seven assists.
He's putting up his usual all-around stat line of 22.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game for the Thunder. The team has gone 6-2 since Westbrook's return and looks to be back on track to Western Conference dominance.
He joined Rajon Rondo, Kobe Bryant and Derrick Rose in Bleacher Report's "Year of the Comeback" video campaign at the beginning of the season, which had many hyped for his return.
It was definitely a surprise to see Westbrook this early on, and it was absolutely a welcomed one. He doesn't supplant the rest of those listed, but only based on the fact that Westbrook would have returned sooner or later.
The Dallas Mavericks' Patch-Up Roster Works
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After winning the first championship in franchise history in the 2010-11 season, the Dallas Mavericks have struggled. Most of it has to do with the pipe dream of signing both Deron Williams and Dwight Howard to pair with Dirk Nowitzki, which ultimately did not come to fruition.
In turn, they lost key pieces to their puzzle like Tyson Chandler and J.J. Barea. Team management has thrown together what can only be described as a patched-up roster, but it's actually worked for Dallas this season.
Last year, the Mavericks struggled to compete, despite going 41-41 on the season. Their one-year rental deals of O.J. Mayo, Darren Collison, Chris Kaman and Elton Brand didn't create much success, as Dallas missed the playoffs for the first time since the 1999-00 NBA season.
The Mavericks tried their hand at the same game this year, but have so far succeeded with the play of Monta Ellis, Jose Calderon and Samuel Dalembert. Dallas has an 8-4 record (tied for fourth in the West) and is a top-10 offensive team.
Ellis' inefficient season last year (41.6 percent shooting, 28.7 percent from three) and his high-volume scoring led many to believe he wouldn't mesh with Nowitzki. The duo have combined well, however, with both averaging more than 20 points per game and above 48 percent shooting.
Calderon and Dalembert are performing well as support players, with each doing their respective parts to keep the Mavs competitive. The team still has a ways to go defensively, but Dallas is silencing the doubters.
The Mavericks won't see the top three on this list, as they still have work to do. But getting themselves sorted defensively will make them a sure-fire playoff-bound team and a much bigger surprise in the Western Conference.
The All-Around Brilliance of Kevin Love
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It's been a long-time coming, but Kevin Love is officially back in business.
After battling with injuries the last two seasons, it was uncertain just how well Love would play upon returning. He's exceeded expectations and is playing the best basketball of his young career.
Love's 25.4 points, 13.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 46 percent shooting (34.9 percent from long range) and 2.2 three-pointers per game make him the best big man in the game. And it isn't even close.
He's been playing so well that anything less is uncharacteristic. I might be jumping on the bandwagon, but Love's play is absolutely MVP-worthy should the Timberwolves make the playoffs.
There are few players who impact so many areas of the game at once, namely guys like LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Chris Paul. Love's name is right up there, and he's establishing a strong case for himself in the early going.
Love locks up the third spot based on how well he's returned, but his play is still expected in a sense. We've seen him put up similar numbers before, but the sheer speed of his return to form and his increase in production gets him above the rest.
Chris Paul's Historic Start
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Chris Paul is the key to the Los Angeles Clippers engine, and it's been nothing short of spectacular to see him keep it running. The point guard's 19.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 12.5 assists to start the season aren't entirely a surprise—given Paul's brilliance with the ball—but it's still a pleasant one at that.
The Clippers 8-4 record isn't flashy, but it's thanks to Paul that the team is even above .500 at this point. His 42-point, 15-assist game against the Golden State Warriors on Oct. 31 secured L.A.'s first win, and Paul's been stellar ever since.
He even made some history along the way.
In the Clippers victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Nov. 20, Paul broke Magic Johnson's record of 11 straight games with a double-double to start a season. It stood for more than 20 years, but the point guard's dual threat of scoring and distributing paved the way for it to be broken.
Paul's hot play thus far can't be labelled a total surprise, given the Clippers' coaching and player changes, but it remains unexpected and a true testament to his talent.
Much like Love before him, Paul doesn't lock up the No. 1 spot based on his skill as the best point guard in the NBA. We certainly don't expect, or even anticipate, numbers like what he's putting up each night. It's still a surprise to see Paul perform in such a way, but at the same time, it is pedestrian given his ability.
The Portland Trail Blazers' Hot Start to the Season
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The Portland Trail Blazers are far and away the biggest surprise in the Western Conference so far. Bleacher Report's own Adam Fromal said it best when he described the Blazers: "...it wouldn't be at all shocking for the Blazers to receive a few lucky bounces, exceed the expectations and sneak into the postseason."
Portland's 10-2 record has shocked everyone, especially their league-best 6-1 record on the road. The Blazers currently share the NBA's longest winning streak with the San Antonio Spurs at eight games and are also just a half-game back from topping the Western Conference standings.
To be fair, Portland has had a relatively easy schedule. It's faced the Sacramento Kings twice, as well as the Phoenix Suns, the Boston Celtics and the Milwaukee Bucks. The Blazers have had impressive wins over the Spurs and the Brooklyn Nets, but the majority of their opponents aren't truly playoff-bound teams.
That shouldn't take away from what the Blazers have accomplished though, as they're presently a top-10 offensive team and just a single point away from being a top-10 defensive team as well. Whether it's been the addition of veteran players like Mo Williams or an overall level of comfort for the team, it's working wonders for Portland.
The Blazers went just 33-49 last season, so to see such success early on from a young team tops the list. The aforementioned surprises were noteworthy, but Portland wasn't anticipated to have the league's third-best record early on.
The Mavericks were anticipated to return to the postseason, given Nowitzki's health, in addition to Love and Paul playing like they should. But the leadership of Damian Lillard and LaMarcus Aldridge has put the rest of the NBA on notice: "Rip City! All right!"
