NBA 2022-2023 Season – 10 Games In – The Top 5 Blips
So 10 games into the new NBA season and we’re already starting to see some blips. To be clear, let’s define blips simply as things we didn’t expect to see this season. Sure, many of these could all be ironed out in the next 10 games but let’s have a look and see what’s currently going on.
Utah Jazz. Danny Aigne sold the farm in what appeared to be a blatant effort to get a lead in the Wembanyma sweepstakes but instead is second in the Western Conference and 3rd overall across the league after 10 games. Why? Lauri Markkanen is the main reason and Jordan Clarkson and Mike Conley have been right there to help him. Seems a team of strong and above average role players with a chip on their collective shoulder is pushing over some of the teams that thought the Jazz would be pushovers. Will it last? Yes and no. Over time, I expect they will regress somewhat although I do think they will finish in a solid playoff position and stand a good chance of winning a playoff round.
Golden State Warriors. At 3-7 with a healthy team, 13th in the Western Conference, this is a blip we never saw coming. Why? Defense mainly. The Warriors are scoring with their usual gusto but seem unable to stop their opponents. At 0-6 on the road to start the season, the Warriors now own another record, one they may not want: most consecutive road losses to start the season following a championship. Will it last? Difficult to believe it will, Golden State knows they only have to get to the playoffs to have a chance at the dance. Would be shocking if they don’t bounce back.
Kawhi Leonard. After sitting out an entire season and having only played 109 games in the past 3 years, Kawhi started the season coming off the bench and now had sat out the last several games. Why? He’s injured again and rumour has it that it may be far more serious than we’ve been led to believe. In fact, one rumour has it that Kawhi might in fact be out for the entire balance of the 22-23 season. No one is talking on the record, but that’s how it happened the year before. Will it last? For the Clippers’ sake, I hope not, but who knows with any certainty at this point.
Miami Heat. Expected to do great things this year, Miami has stumbled out of the blocks posting a 4-6 record in their first 10 games. Why? Team leader and best player Jimmy Butler puts it down to growing pains, whatever that means. Miami returns a very similar team to the one they fielded last season, so that’s difficult to understand. Will it last? I’m afraid that time and tide is catching up with Miami. Their 2 main player’s ages total nearly 70 years and Bam hasn’t progressed as far as expected. It would be surprising if Miami doesn’t make the playoffs, but the chance of them progressing beyond the first round is diminishing.
Philadelphia 76ers. Another Eastern conference team that was expected to top the standings, Philly is off to a bumpy start with injuries to both their stars, Joel Embiid and James Harden. With a 4-6 record good enough for only 12th in the East, the 76ers are off to a bad start. Why? The aforementioned injuries mostly, but there also feels like a lack of urgency. Will it last? Harden and Embiid are too good to stay out of the playoffs this season but given the ascendancy of the Cavs this year, don’t expect Philly to make the top 4 in the East.