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Hot Takes: Trends and Themes Around the NBA This Season
Nick Crain | 12/15/22
The 2022-23 NBA season is almost a third of the way through and there’s been no shortage of storylines and players performing better or worse than expectations. And as the level of talent is at an all time high and athletes are improving so quickly, this is why the league is so competitive. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the themes to this point in the season and dish out ten hot takes.John Collins will be Traded
Once again, John Collins is on the trade block. This time, however, it feels like there’s a real chance he actually gets moved. The question then becomes is he worth the contract he’s on and which teams are willing to give up assets?
Bruce Brown was the Most Underrated Signing of Offseason
After being signed to a two-year deal worth just over $13 million in the offseason, Brown has been a huge part of the Nuggets’ success. This is largely due to him having synergy with Denver’s top three players, meaning he is the perfect fit on this roster.
Bol Bol is the NBA’s Most Improved Player
If you’ve paid attention to the NBA this season, you know Bol Bol is having a breakout year. However, it takes really looking at his performance through time to understand just how much he’s improved.
Jayson Tatum Should Win MVP
While Luka Doncic is currently the frontrunner in the MVP race, Tatum should absolutely be in the conversation. He’s been getting it done on both ends of the floor and is the primary reason the Celtics are at the top of the standings.
Anthony Davis is Still Top 10 Player in the League (When Healthy)
Injuries have been a common theme for Davis, but he’s always been really good when healthy. This has proven as true as ever this season, as he’s been one of the best players in the entire NBA when he’s on the court. He’s able to score from anywhere on the floor while also playing great defense.
The Knicks Struck Gold with Jalen Brunson
After earning a huge payday in the offseason, Brunson is already proving to be worth it. The Knicks have struggled some early in the 2022-23 campaign, but they absolutely had a successful offseason with this signing.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Impact is MVP Caliber
The MVP award is all about how much a player elevates their team. To this point in the season, it’s hard to argue Gilgeous-Alexander shouldn’t be near the top of that list. He’s single-handedly brought the Thunder to 11 wins already.
Joel Embiid Has Highest Peak of Season
Darius Garland is Still Underrated
Garland earned his rookie max extension already, but still isn’t getting enough credit. The Cavaliers are winning a ton of games and despite playing alongside another star guard in Donovan Mitchell, Garland is still producing.
Aleksej Pokusevksi Will Get Paid
It wasn’t long ago that many wondered whether or not Pokusevski would ever be an impactful NBA player. As he is amidst a season in which he’s due for contract extension talks, the 7-footer has proven he’s a solid prospect and very worthy of a pretty significant deal for a player of his age.