We may only be a couple weeks into the 2014-2015 NBA season, but there has certainly been enough action to give us an idea of who has played above and below expectations this season. Without further ado, these are the 10 players who have pleasantly surprised thus far this season.
DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento Kings
“Boogie” might be the poster boy for the rumored Team USA effect. In his career, Cousins has often been labeled as having a bad attitude, poor work ethic, and the general inability to mesh with teammates or be a true leader. So far this season, he has put all of those concerns to rest. Coming off of a solid summer performance, Cousins is leading the way for a resurgent Sacramento Kings team, averaging 22 points, 11 rebounds, and more than one block, steal, and assist per game. His PER is 27, which leads the Kings. So far Cousins has been everything the Kings needed and more, and they will continue to lean on him as the year progresses.
Isaiah Thomas, Phoenix Suns
Thomas left those same Kings in free agency, opting for a seemingly better situation in Phoenix with the Suns. Though Phoenix has a fairly crowded backcourt, with Goran Dragic and Eric Bledsoe also leading the way, Thomas has thrived off the bench. He has been especially good in the fourth quarter. In an impressive win over the previously undefeated Golden State Warriors, Thomas scored 15 points in the fourth quarter to help put the game away. He is the Suns’ leading scorer with 16.9 ppg, has the highest PER at 26.2, and is second on the team in assists per game. He has carved out a significant role on this team, a surprise to many given the backcourt situation in Phoenix.
Courtney Lee, Memphis Grizzlies
To this point in his career, Lee has largely been underwhelming. He has bounced around the league, playing on several teams before finally showing some real life in Memphis this season. Lee is shooting a blistering 62% from long distance, a stat that is well above his career average. He is off to a hot start, averaging 15 ppg on 54% shooting from the field. His efficiency from long range has given the Grizzlies a much-needed boost and has provided some offensive balance, helping them to a 7-1 start on the season.
John Wall, Washington Wizards
John Wall’s athletic ability is not a secret. He has always been freakishly fast and strong, but things are finally coming together for Wall. The surprising part of this has been how successful he has become all without his backcourt mate Bradley Beal, who hasn’t played at all this season because of a broken wrist. Wall has seized the extra opportunities, and is averaging a team-high 19 ppg, 8.7 apg, and 2.6 spg. Once Beal returns, Wall’s numbers could sky even higher, a scary proposition for the rest of the Eastern conference.
Chris Bosh, Miami Heat
Many wondered if Bosh still had the ability to be a go-to scorer at a high level in the NBA. Well, so far Bosh has silenced the doubters while becoming Miami’s primary scoring option in front of Dwyane Wade and Luol Deng. He is averaging 23 and 10, proving once again that given the role, Bosh can shine. Miami is currently second in the Eastern conference standings, thanks in no small part to Bosh’s resurgence and all-star caliber play.
Trevor Ariza, Houston Rockets
Ariza played well enough in Washington last season to earn a nice contract offer from the Houston Rockets. Houston fans wondered if Ariza could replace the departed Chandler Parsons, and so far he has actually meshed with this team better than Parsons may have ever done. His quality defense and three-point shooting have complemented James Harden and Dwight Howard nicely, providing the necessary space for those two to operate. Ariza is making three 3’s per game, along with two steals and six rebounds. His role fits perfectly in this system, and he has pleasantly surprised so far.
Nikola Vucevic, Orlando Magic
Vucevic showed signs of potential last season en route to a 14 and 11 season. So far, Vucevic has improved those numbers to 18.5 and 12, carrying a Magic team that has not had Victor Oladipo at all and is struggling to stay afloat. Without Vucevic, this Magic team would struggle to win any games at all. His presence in the paint (1.3 bpg) has deterred opponents, and his scoring numbers speak for themselves. A pleasant surprise in an otherwise dreary situation, Vucevic could be poised for an all-star season.
Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans
Anthony Davis is a stud. This part is not surprising, but what is surprising is just how successful Davis has been in so little time. Right now, Davis is the prohibitive favorite for the NBA MVP race, and check out his numbers: 25 points, 13 rebounds, 2.5 steals, and 4.2(!) blocks per game. His PER is an astronomical 35.8, and he seems to lead the league in highlights on a consistent basis. What should frighten his opponents is not what he does on the floor, but the fact that he is only 21 years old. Davis is here to stay. At as high a level as he has played, he still manages to surprise us.
Tony Wroten, Philadelphia 76ers
In terms of bright spots for the Philadelphia 76ers, there aren’t too many. One of them, however, has been the play of Tony Wroten. Wroten is leading the team in scoring, assists, and steals, and has been a fantasy monster given his perceived value coming into the season. Averaging 22 ppg, 6.7 apg, and 2.7 spg, he has been the best player on the 76ers, who are still without a win. Wroten has the ability and opportunity to keep his performance at this level all season, and could continue to surprise.
Roy Hibbert, Indiana Pacers
Hibbert was left for dead in the playoffs last season. Everyone wrote him off as being over-the-hill and incapable of taking over a game when it mattered. Though the offseason was tumultuous for the Indiana Pacers, losing Paul George and Lance Stephenson for different reasons, Hibbert has responded nicely. Averaging 14.6 points, 8 rebounds and 3 blocks per game, Hibbert has anchored the team inside on both ends of the floor. Injuries have stymied this team so far, but Hibbert has been more like the all-star than what we saw in the playoffs.