The 2021-2022 NBA regular season has been playing for some time, and the Nets and Lakers, which are considered to be riding in the East and West respectively, have not played the expected performance, the record is very average, and even some struggles in the team's tactical choices. In addition, strong teams such as the Warriors, Heat, and Jazz still showed enough dominance after some minor repairs in the summer. Of course, there are also some teams that were not optimistic before the season, all of which have played excellent performances that surprised everyone, and now have completed the ranking in the East and West respectively. So, which teams are there? Why did they stand out this season?
1. New York Knicks
To be honest, in last season's regular season, the Knicks actually had a good result and returned to the playoffs. However, the poor performance in the playoffs completely became the background board for Trae Young.
However, when the Knicks thought that the Knicks would be as muddy as in previous years in the new season, the players came out with the best form to meet each game. At present, the team is 5 wins and 1 loss, including a hard-hitting victory over the 76ers and bulls, which shows that the team is now in a good upward period. The current roster is very perfect, Randall as last season's MOP, although the playoffs did not play well, but in the regular season he is the savior of the Knicks. He currently averages 20.8 points, 11.2 rebounds and 6.5 assists per game, and the overall stats are almost the same as last season. And the team's potential new star, RJ Barrett, has finally begun to cash in on his talent this season, and his score is more stable than in the past, and the way of playing and mentality is constantly maturing, rather than being a rookie.
Fournier and Kemba Walker, who were obtained in the summer, immediately entered the role, without the slightest discomfort, they were integrated into the team's tactical system, Fournier was even the second leading scorer of the team after Randall, and Walker, like another former All-Star player on the bench- Rose, although the peak has passed, but the accumulated years of experience and the ability to score at key moments have made them occupy a very important tactical position in the team. Coupled with Quakeley, Burks, Robinson, Topping and other good rotation players, the team can indeed have the capital to play such a good record.
2. Chicago Bulls
The rise of the Bulls is not at all surprising to me. You should know that in the offseason, they signed DeMar DeRozan, Ranzo Ball, Caruso and other tough players in a row, plus the original team of the Bulls led by Zach Lavin, Vucevic, etc., the strength of the team is absolutely greatly increased. Many media teams evaluate them before the season, just as simple as playoff teams.
So far in the new season, DeRozan, Lavin, and Brother Ball have given a resounding slap to all those who questioned them. The arrival of DeRozan and Bauer completely liberated LaVine, who no longer needed to organize and score two hands, and played his best performance so far in his career this season. Although the average score per game has declined, in exchange for a more relaxed and efficient way to score, a large number of running positions and the creation of open shooting opportunities, which lavine has always dreamed of. In addition, DeRozan has also gained stronger teammates at the Bulls, and he is also complementary to LaVine, able to stand up when he needs to score, and solve battles with long-established mid-shots, while also taking into account the team organization and ball conduction.
In addition to having good control and three-point ability on the offensive end, the outside defense formed by the two of them also put enough pressure on the opponent and gave DeRozan and Lavin a chance to breathe. Of course, the Bulls also have shortcomings, the internal line is still slightly thin, after all, only Vucevic, in the second half of the schedule, may need to carry out a certain reinforcement.
3. Washington Wizards
In the summer, the Wizards sent away Russell Westbrook and got Kuzma, Harrell and Pope, and many media believe that the Wizards are likely to fall further in the new season, but the current performance of the team has backfired on them. The team is now at the top of the East and has won a real number of wins without the slightest moisture.
Harrell and Kuzma are now averaging double-doubles per game, and Pop is also able to have a flash of inspiration from time to time. I have to say that at present, comparing the performance of Wei Shao and these three Lakers veterans, the Wizards can be said to have made a lot of money. In the game to beat the Eagles, the three players all scored 20+ points, combined to score 67 points and 29 rebounds, which is the biggest contributor to the team's win in the game outside of Bill. In addition, Dinwiddie and Beal have continued the excellent state of last season, especially Beal, who no longer needs to score crazy to lead the team to win easily, which is undoubtedly a very big improvement. In addition, Bertans, Neto and Afodia on the team bench have played well, and it is indeed reasonable that the team can play such a performance unexpectedly.
4. Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets were just a fraction of a millimeter away from making it to the playoffs again last season. I never expected that the team's firepower would be so rapid in the new season. First of all, the league's biggest surprise so far, Miles Bridges,
The 23-year-old jumped out on top of the line, averaging 25.5 points and eight rebounds per game. In addition, he is absolutely omnipotent on the court, the offensive end is not lacking, the scoring means are extremely rich, and he has won the Player of the Week award in the first week and the Warriors' Curry. In addition, last season's best rookie, Ramello Ball, has also improved from last season, scoring like his brother, is close to stability, and the organizational skills that are already good at it are still shining in the Hornets. Hayward, who returned to the top last season, has been able to play 19.2 points, 4.3 rebounds and 5 assists so far, and is one of the indispensable core figures of the Hornets.
And Oubre, Cody Martin, Ismail Smith all played well. Rozier, a strong scorer on the outside of the team, is now in a truce due to injury, and if he returns in time, it is likely to bring greater help to the team and further strengthen the strength of the team.
5. Minnesota Timberwolves
Unlike the past, which has been ridiculed as a "husky", this season, the Timberwolves have shown a state of renewal. Whether it's Towns, Russell, or Anthony Edwards, their performance so far can definitely be said to be very eye-catching. The three stars performed their duties, first of all, After experiencing a period of lows, Towns finally played the strength of all-star players, especially the promulgation of new rules, so that Towns was successful in this blow-off environment, and the threat of the inside line was greater than ever. And his friend Russell also took out the state of the Nets and Warriors, and the offensive end can efficiently drive the rhythm of the whole team, and at the same time, he can stand up and score when needed.
The most gratifying thing is undoubtedly Anthony Edwards, who is currently averaging 23 points, 8.4 rebounds and 3 assists per game this season, and he has improved significantly in his second year. What makes the Timberwolves even more satisfied is that Edwards' ability to create damage after the breakthrough is already among the top ranks in the league, and when the team can't open the situation for a long time, it is Edwards' strong shooting ability that helps the team break the game. Led by the three, the team defeated the defending champion Bucks, and also lost only 2 points to the nuggets, plus Beasley, Beverley and Naz Reed on the bench, the team still has a chance to return to the playoffs this year.