The 2023-24 NBA season is still in its early stages, but it’s not too soon to start drawing conclusions. Whether those conclusions will stand the test of time is another thing. However, there are certainly a few things we think that we’ve learned from the first month of the season. Of course, the season is long and things can change quickly. But let’s take a look at some of our first impressions of the season and things we’ve learned during the first month of the 2023-24 NBA season.
The Rockets Are a Playoff Team
Words can’t describe how bad the Rockets have been over the last three years. Houston’s 22 wins last season were somehow an improvement for a team that’s won just 25% of its games over the past three seasons. But that is all in the past after the Rockets went off on a winning streak early in the season that included victories over the Lakers, Pelicans, and Nuggets. New coach Ime Udoka has done wonders with the addition of point guard Fred VanVleet making all the difference for a team that looks like it has the firepower to pull off a complete turnaround and make the playoffs.
Victor Wembanyama is Better Than Advertised
You may not be able to tell from San Antonio’s record, but Wembanyama has hit the ground running. He’s already his team’s leading scorer and rebounder, not to mention a presence on the defensive end, averaging more than two blocks per game. Obviously, it’s best not to jump to conclusions with a rookie because the league hasn’t had a chance to adjust to him. But based on first impressions, Wembanyama looks poised to develop into the superstar we were promised before the draft.
Miami is Here to Stay
Miami’s run to the NBA Finals last season was surprising, but it wasn’t an aberration. The Heat suffered a few tough losses out of the gate but then rattled off a long winning streak, making it clear that they are still a contender in the Eastern Conference. Jimmy Butler and Tyler Herro can both score in high volumes while Bam Adebayo has been a double-double machine. Veteran Kyle Lowry is still proving to be a useful player while Miami’s roster might be deeper than expected with contributions from rookie Jaime Jaquez and others that will keep the Heat on par with the heavyweights in the Eastern Conference.
The Pistons Are Worse Than Expected
Expectations were as low as possible for the Pistons heading into the season. That’s what happens after a team wins just 17 games. Unfortunately, it’s not yet obvious that the Pistons will be able to improve upon that 17-win total. After winning two of their first three games, Detroit’s season has gone downhill quickly. A few injuries haven’t helped, but the young team just isn’t gelling or showing signs of improvement from last year. Local fans in Detroit can learn more about legal betting and sportsbooks available to them at gambleonlinemichigan.com. But at the same time, they might need to find a new team to support because the Pistons are going nowhere.
The T’Wolves Are Legit
Minnesota has barely sneaked into the playoffs the past two seasons, but that doesn’t look like it’ll be a problem this season. During the early part of the season, the Timberwolves look like they could end up being among the top teams in the Western Conference and will make the playoffs without much of a problem. Minnesota rattled off seven straight wins early in the year, a stretch that included victories over the Nuggets, Celtics, and back-to-back wins over the Warriors. Those types of winning streaks don’t happen by accident. On top of the post presence provided by Karl-Anthony Towns, Anthony Edwards has blossomed into a star, giving the T’Wolves a roster that can compete with the top teams in the Western Conference.
The Pacers Are Contenders in the Eastern Conference
The Pacers are another team that’s in the midst of taking a huge step forward sooner than anyone expected. They’ve already scored wins over the Bucks and 76ers, proving that they can go toe to toe with the top teams in the Eastern Conference. Tyrese Haliburton is averaging over 24 points and 12 assists per game, leaving no doubt he’s among the NBA’s best point guards right now. But Indiana also added veteran depth during the offseason and has young players who would contribute more as the season moves along. That’s given the Pacers an impressive amount of depth. While the Pacers have gotten off to a good start, Indiana’s upside remains high, so the best could be yet to come.
Golden State’s Window Has Closed
It’s hard to count out the Warriors entirely because they are just two years removed from their most recent NBA title. But they are looking like a team that isn’t going to figure prominently into the Western Conference race. The optics around Draymond Green’s suspension aren’t particularly good. More importantly, Green clearly isn’t the player he used to be while Steph Curry is already struggling with an injury. While Chris Paul has been a good fit, the Warriors don’t have enough scoring depth behind Curry, so they are far too reliant on him. All things considered, there are too many factors working against the Warriors for them to be a title contender this season or in the near future.