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As we near the halfway mark of the 2019-20 campaign, it has become fairly apparent that some teams have set an uncharacteristically high ceiling for themselves. The early season fireworks by unprecedented lineups may not last till the playoffs come knocking, but the list of talented squads has only become lengthier through the first 30-odd games this year.
While the league is missing multiple stars to unfortunate injuries, the quality of basketball on an individual as well as collective basis hasn't seen any drop whatsoever. New names have stepped up into the limelight, helping their respective teams achieve unexpected runs in the first quarter of the season.
In this piece, we will skim through five NBA teams that have surged dramatically at an unforeseen rate.
#5 Charlotte Hornets
After giving away franchise man Kemba Walker in exchange for young talent, the Charlotte Hornets were ready to go through another season of 'trying to figure it out'. However, the young core have taken hold of the status quo and are running with it like they have nothing to lose.
So far their first year without Kemba has been a roller-coaster ride. Although they are still a fringe playoff team with a 13-21 (0.382) win-loss record, their attitude and approach on the court have been mightily impressive. Led by Devonte Graham's breakout year, the Hornets are headed in the right direction and advancing fast.
With some exciting young talent at hand, Charlotte have emerged as one of the more surprising teams this year so far. If they could land an upgrade at the center position in someone like Dewayne Dedmon before the trade deadline, it should lead to them becoming a surefire playoff squad.
#4 Oklahoma City Thunder
Many expected Oklahoma City Thunder to be one of the worst teams in the league this year, after they lost major components and had a hastily assembled lineup heading into the regular season. However, the squad has played hard to make up for lost talent, and won the hearts of basketball experts across the league.
Four Thunder players are scoring at least 16 ppg, as the team has been shooting over 47% from the field to start the year.
The Thunder are 17-15 (0.531) on the season so far, proving that that the foundations of a complete rebuild have been laid. Moreover, with a ton of assets lined up to fortify their future, the franchise is only going upwards in the coming days.
#3 Toronto Raptors
After the one-and-done Kawhi Leonard era, the Toronto Raptors were not even being counted as worthy contenders for the title despite being defending champs. However, what we have witnessed so far in the North has been truly mesmerizing.
The Raptors are not just surviving, they are thriving through the 30+ games played so far. Toronto are currently placed as the fourth seed on the East standings with an imposing 22-11 (0.667) win-loss record, playing with a roster marred by injuries to prominent names. Moreover, they are top 5 in defensive rating (104.6), three-point percentage (37.3%) and steals per game (8.6).
One can only imagine what the lineup of Fred VanVleet, Pascal Siakam, Serge Ibaka and Kyle Lowry would be capable of, once they're all healthy and sharing the court at the same time.
#2 Dallas Mavericks
Led by a European sensation in Luka Doncic, the Dallas Mavericks have been nothing short of amazing this season. Carrying a league-best offensive rating (117.1), the Mavs are placed as a feared fourth seed on the Western Conference standings behind an astonishing 21-10 (0.677) record.
The support crew is clicking, the shots are falling and more importantly, they are winning at a consistent pace.
The fact that the entire roster has reacted well to a 20-year-old's leadership tells us this team is here for the long haul. The coupling of Doncic with Kristaps Porzingis has elevated the ceiling of this franchise for the near future, as they look equipped to make a deep postseason run this time around.
#1 Miami Heat
The Miami Heat have now won 12 of their last 15 matchups, and are 15-1 at home this year so far. With seven players averaging double digits in scoring, the new-look Heat have really stunned the league this season.
Despite missing Justise Winslow and Dion Waiters, this squad is getting it done on both ends of the floor and winning tough games down the stretch. With a 24-8 (0.750) win-loss record, they are currently the second best team in the East.
From a team that finished out of the playoff picture last year, the Heat have bounced back in dramatic fashion to kick-start their 2019-20 campaign. Considering their grit and young talent, they are legit contenders to make it out of the East - and might even land the biggest prize of them all if they continue to play hustle ball.
