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10 Surprise Players in the Nba So Far
Honorable mentions
The 2019-2020 NBA season has already been very entertaining in my eyes as we are just about a quarter of the way through. Some teams like Miami, Toronto, and even the Lakers have surprised us all. We knew the Lakers were good, but not 19-3 good. Here is a list of 10 players exceeding expectations and helping out their teams, with also a few honorable mentions. Duncan Robinson of the Miami Heat has been a big surprise, putting up about 11 points per game and 3 rebounds. He is also shooting 43 percent from the 3 point line. He has taken advantage of starting for coach Erik Spoelstra. Another honorable mention is Spencer Dinwiddie, who has really played nicely while Kyrie Irving has been out. Putting up 21 points, 3 assists, and 6 rebounds per game. Our last honorable mention is Jonathon Isaac of the Orlando Magic. He's averaging 13 points and 7 rebounds. Here are the 10 surprise players now.
10. Tyler Herro
Out of the gate Tyler Herro has been putting up solid numbers and really putting his name up for rookie of the year honor. He has been a huge contributor for the 15-6 Miami Heat. Erik Spoelstra continues to find great players and utilize them properly. The standout rookie is shooting 39 percent from downtown so far on the year. A great shooter and athleticism I am excited to see how this young player continues to perform this season.
Season averages: 13.6 ppg 3.8 rpg 2.0 apg
9. Carmelo Anthony
First of all, it is great to see Carmelo Anthony in an NBA uniform after nearly a year. Anthony seems to really embrace his role in Portland, who really need him after suffering injuries and loosing key pieces in the off season. Carmelo got off to a slow start but has really come alive and getting use to the NBA schedule. At 35 years old, Carmelo is not the all star level player he was, but he certainly can still play and put up solid numbers. He was rewarded with the NBA player of the week for his efforts, and has rejuvenated the Portland Trailblazers.
Season averages: 16.9 ppg 5.9 rpg 39% from downtown.
8. Kendrick Nunn
Kendrick Nunn went undrafted in 2018 but has certainly made a name for himself in the young season. Nunn has been another surprise for the Miami Heat. Nunn is shooting about 35 percent from downtown and 45 percent from the field. He is technically having a great rookie season after spending last year in the D league. Nunn started off hot with the absence of Jimmy Butler, but has still put up solid number since Jimmy has been back in the lineup.
Season Averages: 15.3 ppg 3.4 apg 1.1 spg
7. Markelle Fultz
The former number one pick in 2017 is back and producing solid numbers to start the season. Fultz has established himself as the starting point guard in Orlando and has shown flashes of a really good future there. He is gaining more and more confidence as the season has progressed. Markelle has shown his much improved jumpshot which was a huge concern coming to Orlando. He is shooting 49 percent from the field and nearly 78 percent from the free throw line.
season Averages: 12.5 ppg 4.0 apg 1.3spg
6. Bam Adebayo
Another Miami Heat player coming in at number 6. With the departure of Hassan Whiteside, Bam slides into the starting center position, where he has really made a name for himself. The big man can score, rebound, defend, and make the occasional assist when needed be. He found himself playing in crunch time last year, and now receives more minutes and will be rewarded with a bigger contract in the future. Adebayo does the little things, and complements the Miami Heat so wonderfully.
Season Averages: 13.9 ppg 10.2 rpg 4.0 apg
5. Fred VanVleet
With the departure of Kawhi Leonard, the Toronto Raptors are still among one of the top teams in the East. Toronto has a lot of depth on their team, but Fred VanVleet has taken his game to the next level this year. Fred has nearly doubled his scoring average this year and making the most out of starting for his team. VanVleet after the birth of his son last year in the playoffs really started playing great. He contributed to Toronto's championship run, and it has carried over to begin the season this year.
Season Averages: 18.7 ppg 3.9 rpg 7.3 apg 39% from downtown
4. Devonte Graham
Last year Devonte Graham played in 46 games and only averaged 4 points per game. This year he has stepped it up and establishing himself to be one of Charlotte's main contributors. Graham started off this year on the bench and has worked his way into the starting lineup. He reminds me of Kemba Walker version of Charlotte who would continue to fight and do whatever needs to be done for his team to come out with the victory. Graham this year has also established himself as a solid 3 point shooter, shooting 41% this year.
Season Averages: 18.7 ppg 3.7 rpg 7.7 apg
3. Pascal Siakam
Last year Pascal Siakam won the most improved player, but is it possible for him to win it again? The man has taken his game to an elite level this year. He will certainly make his first all star game appearance, and I believe is certainly in line for some MVP talks. Siakam has established himself as the star in Toronto, and showed flashes of this when Kawhi Leonard would rest on load management last year. Siakam is shooting 37 percent from downtown, and I look forward to see if he can continue his MVP caliber season this year.
Season Averages: 25 ppg 8.6 rpg 3.8 apg
2. Brandon Ingram
Former number 2 overall pick back in 2016 has taken advantage of injuries in New Orleans, and making the most of his opportunities. Brandon Ingram established himself as a solid scorer who can score inside and out, but this year his jumpshot is a lot more consistent. He has raised his points per game by over 8 this year, and really establishing himself into the star the Los Angeles Lakers would get back in 2016. Ingram has become a consistent 20 point per game scorer, and it will be interesting to see if he can stay healthy himself this year.
Season Averages: 25.2 ppg 7.2 rpg 4.1 apg 42% from downtown
1. Luka Doncic
Last season Luka had a great rookie season, and showed flashes of greatness. This year he is showing greatness every time he steps on the floor. At just 20 years old, he is putting up stats comparable to some all time great this year such as, Lebron, Michael Jordan, and Magic Johnson. The young man puts up a triple double almost every night. Luka has established the patented stepback 3 point shot along with James Harden. Doncic is establishing himself this year as quite a force in the NBA for many years to come.
Season Averages: 30.3 ppg 10.1 rpg 9.2 apg