Their big acquisition of the offseason, the trade for Mikal Bridges has paid for a New York Knicks team that looks like genuine contenders, and Bridges' on-ball defensive excellence is a big part of the reason why. He's been efficient offensively too, averaging over 17 a game on 49% shooting on a team with a lot of mouths to feed.
Since Russell Westbrook became their starting point guard, Jamal Murray has taken an almighty step forward, focusing on the offensive end and averaging 21 ppg while being his usual efficienct self.
With injuries to Ja Morant forcing him to be a No. 1 option, Desmond Bane has answered the call, putting him 18 ppg on nearly 50% shooting as primarily a jumpshooter.
A career year has forced Norman Powell into this conversation and All-Star contention as well. Averaging over 24 ppg, he's highly efficient at nearly 50-43 from the field and distance.
Derrick White might never get the full credit he deserves, but he ranges from the third to second best player on a dominant Boston Celtics team that might be the NBA's next dynasty. His two-way excellence has paved the way for another efficient season, averaging 16 ppg with A+ defense.
An electric Houston Rockets team has Jalen Green to thank for its explosiveness as the former second overall pick has finally put the pieces together, averaging 21 points as the lead scorer on the team.
He might shift back to PG soon, but for the time being Kyrie Irving the shooting guard has been his usual magical self with the ball in his hand. Leading the Mavericks with the Luka Doncic injury and then, trade, he's been averaging close to 25 a night, while shooting 41% from 3.
The team might be DOA, but Devin Booker is having an incredible season averaging 26 & 7 while playing pretty solid defense.
Averaging 24,4, and 5 is just the tip of the iceberg for what Donovan Mitchell is doing with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The engine of the offense and regaining his collegiate defensive tenacity, Mitchell has been a fringe MVP candidate and waltzed into the top-10 best players of the league.
The team may have taken a dip this season but Anthony Edwards has continued his forward momentum. Averaging over 27 a night, he's adding 5 rebounds and 6 assists, on top of becoming the best high-volume 3-point shooter in the league at 41.4% on over 10 attempts a night.
