The NBA season is one month in, and while it’s too early to crown champions, it’s the perfect time to check in on the biggest individual and team storylines so far. From MVP front-runners to surprise teams, breakout players and rookies already making a name for themselves, here’s a look at the early award leaders and shockers from around the league.
Early MVP: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) vs. Nikola Jokić
The MVP race is heating up fast, and while Nikola Jokić continues to dominate with triple-doubles, it’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who’s leading the pack for now.
- SGA is averaging over 31 points and 7 assists per game with incredible efficiency (55.8 FG%, 49.2 3PT%, 91.2 FT%).
- He’s hardly even playing in the fourth quarter — only 3 of 12 games in November — yet he leads the league in clutch points.
- The Thunder have been one of the league’s top teams, even without key starter Jalen Williams for stretches.
Jokić, on the other hand, is doing Jokić things — 35 points, 12 rebounds, 11 assists over his last 11 games — and deserves just as much love. But with OKC’s rise and SGA’s all-around brilliance, the edge, for now, goes to the Thunder star.
Rookie of the Year: Kon Knueppel
Forget easing into the league — Kon Knueppel has come in like a veteran.
- Leads all rookies with 19.4 points per game
- Shooting splits are elite: 58% FG / 44% 3PT / 90% FT (65.4% True Shooting)
- It’s not just the numbers — his off-ball movement, passing IQ and defensive awareness make him look like a future All-Star already.
He’s drawing early comparisons to players like Klay Thompson and Devin Booker, but his all-around impact is setting him apart even further.
Breakout Star: Jalen Duren, Detroit Pistons
Jalen Duren has gone from promising prospect to full-blown star in just one month.
- Averaging over 20 points, 10 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 block
- Dominating the paint on both ends while improving as a passer and shot-creator
- His scoring efficiency and ability to finish through contact have earned him the nickname “Baby Shaq”
Duren has been the heart of Detroit’s early success, and at just 21, the best is clearly still to come.
Most Surprising Team: Toronto Raptors
Most fans expected a rebuilding year in Toronto — but the Raptors had other ideas.
- Currently top 5 in both offense and half-court efficiency
- Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram are playing at an All-Star level
- Bench production has been a huge plus, especially with Sandro Mamukelashvili becoming a Sixth Man of the Year candidate
Their 71.4% finishing rate at the rim shows a team playing with discipline, good shot selection and smart movement.
Honourable mention goes to the Detroit Pistons, who have stunned everyone with a 12-game win streak and physical, defensive basketball.
Most Disappointing Team: LA Clippers
There were big expectations for the Clippers coming into the season, but things haven’t gone as planned.
- Injuries to Kawhi Leonard and Bradley Beal have hurt badly
- The defense, once a strength, has fallen apart — especially in transition
- The team looks old, slow, and out of sync, despite James Harden having a solid individual start
They’ve fallen closer to the lottery than the top of the West, and coach Ty Lue has some major decisions ahead.
Best Comeback Story: Norman Powell, Miami Heat
With Tyler Herro only just returning, Norman Powell has taken on a leading role in Miami’s offense and has exceeded all expectations.
- Averaging 25.4 points per game
- Shooting a scorching 46% from three on seven attempts per game
- Acting as a hybrid scorer and playmaker for a Heat team that leads the NBA in scoring
He’s proving to be more than just a bench scorer — Powell is now looking like a genuine star.
