5 NBA teams that have exceeded expectations at the start of the 2021-22 season

#3 NBA mainstay, New York Knicks (3-1)

Derrick Rose continues to provide excellent leadership for the New York Knicks

The NBA shock of the New York Knicks' strong start in the Atlantic Division as it relates to the Eastern Conference is not why they are 3-1 but how they are 3-1. Utilizing a high-tech shot tracking device, the New York Knicks have catapaulted to the top of the NBA in three point makes. The Knicks are second in scoring per game at 119 points per game - up from 106 in 2020. Julius Randle is continuing where he left off in 2020 and averaging 26 points, 11 boards and seven assists. If he could raise his three point shooting beyond the current 31% he would be even more effective. Evan Fournier is averaging 20 points per game and hitting 45% of his threes. RJ Barrett is steady at 12 points a game yet has to shoot it better from everywhere. Kemba Walker, while putting in just 13 a game, is shooting a blistering 52% from the arc. Derrick Rose is averaging 15 per game and hitting a high clip of his threes with 57%. The Knicks defensively are holding teams to 41% shooting. If this isn't as close to a perfect representation of a Tom Thibodeau team, I don't know what is.

#2 Chicago Bulls (4-0)

Things are running smoothly with the Chicago Bulls early on

Before the NBA season began, the Chicago Bulls were seen as a team that would immediately ascend to the top of the Central Division and potentially the Eastern Conference. DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine and Lonzo Ball have not disappointed. Did anyone have the Chicago Bulls at 4-0? Perhaps not yet, but when considering the collection of talent and where they are as individuals in their NBA, the Chicago Bulls seem like a galvanized force ready to take over the NBA. While the Bulls will not sneak up on anyone, the relentless play of their three stars in versatile ways explains the start.

Lonzo Ball is shooting 43% from the arc and averaging six rebounds and five assists to go along with his 14 points a game. He is dispelling the notion that he cannot shoot with consistency so far, and his leadership in his clandestine way is reminiscent of Andre Miller. DeRozan isn't shooting as well as he could at 41% from the field, yet his 22 points per game, five assists and six rebounds combined with Ball and the emerging versatility of Zach LaVine is hell on defense. LaVine is averaging 25 points, five rebounds and five assists for the Bulls while shooting 44% from deep. Nic Vucevic is steady down low and steadies the defense with a consistent drive.

#1 Charlotte Hornets (4-1)

Miles Bridges and the Charlotte Hornets are wrecking rims across the NBA landscape

The Charlotte Hornets are #1 here because no one in the NBA expected a 4-1 start. Charlotte leads the NBA in scoring at 121 per game - up from 110 last season. The Hornets got out on the break, shot threes at a high clip, and have put tremendous pressure on defenses with their youthful brand of team chemistry and NBA excitement. LaMelo Ball (45% from the arc) and Miles Bridges are looking like NBA All-Stars this season. Gordon Hayward seems like we'll see a big year out of him, and Kelly Oubre seems to have found a home. LaMelo Ball, averaging 19.6 points, six rebounds and six steals, continues to look like the next NBA player to possibly average a triple-double for a season. Miles Bridges (26 points on 40% shooting from the arc) destroys NBA rims nightly, this start might be something of a reality in Charlotte. Ish Smith and Cody Martin were also highly unexpected contributors early on. The Eastern Conference has another exciting invitee to the party.

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