Biggest NBA Surprises and Title Contenders: Who's Shocking Us This Season?

As the NBA season unfolds, surprises and disappointments are emerging across the league. Some teams are outperforming expectations, while others are struggling to find their rhythm. Let’s break down the biggest surprises, most intriguing developments, and rank the top title contenders so far in the 2024-2025 NBA season.

Biggest Surprises of the NBA Season: Who’s Exceeding Expectations?

Cleveland Cavaliers: From Uncertainty to Contender

Ben Rohrbach’s pick for the most pleasant surprise of the season so far is the Cleveland Cavaliers. Despite doubts about their roster balance last year, where many questioned the fit between Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland in the backcourt, the Cavaliers are looking like a real contender. Last season, they were ousted by the Boston Celtics in the second round of the playoffs. This year, they’ve found success with a reworked offense under head coach Kenny Atkinson, which has maximized the potential of both Mitchell and Garland, as well as big men Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Cleveland’s progress has turned heads, and they look poised to continue challenging top teams in the East.

Golden State Warriors: Still Going Strong in the West

For Dan Titus, the Golden State Warriors are the most pleasant surprise. Many expected them to be on the decline, given the advancing ages of their stars like Steph Curry and Draymond Green. However, the Warriors have surprised with a hot start to the season. Their rotation is deep, the ball movement remains exceptional, and their defense has been revived. As a top-five team in both offensive and defensive metrics, the Warriors are still very much in the title hunt, even in the twilight years of their core players.

Brooklyn Nets: Unexpected Competitiveness Amid Rebuilding

On the other end of the spectrum, the Brooklyn Nets have exceeded expectations as well. Dan Devine highlights that Brooklyn, a team widely projected to be in a rebuild, has been competitive. Despite a brutal early schedule, they’ve shown resilience, with impressive individual performances from Dennis Schröder and Cam Thomas, and scorching shooting from Cam Johnson. Though the Nets might not sustain this level of play and could be in for changes by the trade deadline, they’re proving more competitive than most anticipated.

Houston Rockets: A Team on the Rise

Vincent Goodwill brings attention to the Houston Rockets as another surprising team. With new head coach Ime Udoka at the helm, the Rockets have gone from a young, rebuilding team to a legitimate force in the Western Conference. At 4th in the West, the Rockets have a solid +7.9 point differential, backed by contributions from veterans and promising youth. Their play has been more cohesive, and with a deep roster, they’re a team to watch as they continue to grow.

Biggest Disappointments: Which Teams Are Underperforming?

Philadelphia 76ers: A Messy Start

The Philadelphia 76ers are a major disappointment so far, with a 2-12 record. Dan Titus points out the lack of organizational accountability and chemistry, and though the team has added Paul George to a roster that includes Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, the Sixers are struggling. They’re currently the worst-shooting team in the league, and with a hole to dig out of, their season is off to a rough start. Despite individual talent, their overall lack of cohesion has been a letdown.

Milwaukee Bucks: Underwhelming Performances

Similarly, the Milwaukee Bucks have been disappointing. Despite having Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard healthy for the most part, and the return of Khris Middleton, the Bucks are 6-9. Vincent Goodwill notes that their lack of continuity and inconsistent play, especially on the defensive end, has raised doubts about their championship aspirations. The Bucks need to hit their stride soon if they’re to be serious contenders.

Indiana Pacers: Struggling After a Historic Offensive Season

For Dan Devine, the Indiana Pacers are another disappointment. After an impressive season last year, they’ve regressed offensively, ranking 16th in points scored per possession. Injuries have taken a toll, and Tyrese Haliburton, one of their star players, is struggling to regain his form. With their offensive system faltering, the Pacers have been far less effective in transition, and their defense has failed to compensate.

Most Intriguing Developments: What’s Changing in the NBA?

Dyson Daniels: A Defensive Dynamo

A standout development this season has been the emergence of Dyson Daniels, as noted by Dan Titus. The young guard has been one of the league’s most versatile defenders, averaging 3.4 steals and 1.1 blocks per game. His ability to disrupt opponents’ offenses while contributing offensively has been impressive, and his growth this season could make him a strong contender for an All-Defensive team nod.

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Future: A Possible Trade?

Ben Rohrbach points out an intriguing development: the possibility of Giannis Antetokounmpo becoming available for a trade. While this seemed impossible before the season, whispers have started regarding Giannis’ future in Milwaukee. A move would change the landscape of the league and trigger major trade talks, with teams lining up for a shot at the reigning MVP. While the odds remain slim, the idea of Giannis leaving is a development worth following.

Full-Court Pressure: A Defensive Trend?

Another intriguing development is the increase in full-court pressure defenses. Dan Devine observes that more teams are implementing full-court presses this season, with teams like Brooklyn, Indiana, and Portland leading the charge. This trend could be a response to the growing pace and offensive efficiency in the league, and it’s worth keeping an eye on how this pressure affects the game as the season progresses.

Top 5 NBA Title Contenders: Who’s in the Hunt Right Now?

Celtics Lead the Charge

The consensus title favorites are clear. According to Dan Devine, the Boston Celtics remain the team to beat, followed closely by the Oklahoma City Thunder. With Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown leading the way, the Celtics are a well-rounded, elite team on both ends of the floor. The Thunder, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, are a rising force and a legitimate title contender.

Other Contenders: Warriors, Cavaliers, Nuggets

The Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers round out the top 4, with the Warriors proving they’re not done yet. The Cavaliers have been a revelation, especially with their new offensive system under Kenny Atkinson. The Denver Nuggets, despite some early struggles, remain a threat with Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray ready to make a push.

Conclusion: Surprises and Expectations

The 2024-2025 NBA season has already provided plenty of surprises and storylines to follow. Teams like the Cavaliers and Warriors have outperformed expectations, while the Sixers and Bucks have disappointed. With intriguing developments like Dyson Daniels’ rise and potential trades on the horizon for superstars like Giannis, the league is shaping up to be as unpredictable and exciting as ever.