The NBA season is now in full swing, and it’s been a lot more competitive than we initially expected it to be. The Boston Celtics replaced the Milwaukee Bucks as the top team in the Eastern Conference. Brook Lopez continues to dominate on defense and is the clear frontrunner for the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year so far. The Cleveland Cavaliers, Atlanta Hawks, and Philadelphia 76ers are also looking like contenders early this season. The NBA’s biggest disappointment so far is perhaps the Brooklyn Nets. The Nets switched things up by replacing their head coach and bringing in Ben Simmons, but they are struggling mightily. Despite having Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Ben Simmons, the Nets have a 9-11 record and sit near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings.

Familiar faces have emerged atop the Western Conference as well. The Phoenix Suns and Denver Nuggets lead the standings, but the New Orleans Pelicans and Memphis Grizzlies aren’t far behind. The Pelicans and Grizzlies are loaded with young superstars and role players with massive upsides. Don’t be surprised if they make deep playoff runs next spring. Many people are surprised to see the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, and Dallas Mavericks near the bottom of the standings. Despite having superstars like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Luka Doncic, all three of these teams have struggled early this season. Clearly, a superstar can only get you so far in the NBA. Whoever hopes to contend for a title this year will need an excellent supporting cast.