Way Too Early NBA Takeaways
The NBA made its return to the hardwood, but this season has been off to a weird start.
What the fans thought would happen has yet to start, and the unfathomable is flashing before their eyes. Even after one week, some shocking results spread around the league that no one was prepared for.
With that said, here are some way too early takeaways from the NBA season thus far.
The New Shooting Rule Works
In recent years, players have been taking advantage of defenders with a simple pump fake and lunging shot attempt while the defender runs into the shooter. This would draw the foul and give the shooter free throws.
The league decided to end that all together. The NBA created a new rule this season that continues play if a shooter initiates contact and performs a “non-basketball” move to draw a foul and head to the free throw line.
Some notable players shown as examples in the NBA Official twitter thread were Steph Curry, Trae Young and Devin Booker. These examples provided what is now called an offensive foul this season.
However, the new rule has taken its toll on its players. Through one week of the NBA season, the league is averaging 19.5 free throw attempts per game.
That clip marks the fewest attempts from the charity stripe in league history, according to a tweet by StatMuse. The lack of whistles created more flow of the game, and its seems to work well this year.
Chicago and New York Are Back
The two most surprising teams hail from the Eastern Conference. The New York Knicks are still carrying off the momentum from last season’s success, and the Chicago Bulls find themselves in a position they have not seen since 1996: a 4-0 record to start the season.
The Knicks kept most of their core from last season with Derrick Rose, Mitchell Robinson and Julius Randle. However, New York added to its arsenal by acquiring guards Evan Fournier and Kemba Walker.
With that, they sit at 3-1 on Oct. 27, but the next opponent after that date sits right above them. The Chicago Bulls have a new look, and it’s a great one.
The main storyline in the offseason was their acquisitions. To join Zach Lavine in the Windy City, the front office went out and got DeMar DeRozan, Alex Caruso and Lonzo Ball to add depth to the guard position.
However, their record may be fraudish. They have played the Detroit Pistons twice, the New Orleans Pelicans and the Toronto Raptors - teams with a combined record of 2-9.
Regardless, these two teams square off Oct. 28, and the fans will know who is legit. If New York wins, expect a “BING BONG” on Twitter shortly after.
Jalen Green Looks NBA Ready
As one of the pioneers of taking the G-League route, Jalen Green is lighting up the media landscape with his game. As the second overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft to the Houston Rockets, he is playing like a star.
Green is averaging 14.5 points per game this season and has a 30-point game against the Boston Celtics, where he shot a rookie team record eight three pointers out of 10 attempts. Along with the numbers, his vertical has made him a fan favorite after almost flushing a dunk over Oklahoma City Thunder forward Mike Muscala.
Houston finds itself in a rebuild but has a good supporting cast around Green. Center Christian Wood leads the team in points per game with 20.8, followed by Eric Gordon with 15.3 points per game and Kevin Porter Jr. with 14.3 points per game.
If the Rockets play their cards right, they can regain their glory and find a way to fight for a playoff spot. Until then, the fans can sit back and watch a rising star.
Jonathan Draeger is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. You can contact him at jrd6052@psu.edu.
