The NBA is just over halfway done with their season, and the league is gearing up for All-Star weekend soon. This is a perfect time to assess how the League has done in the first half of the season, and what teams have surprised the fans the most, in both a positive and negative way.
Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings have arguably been the most surprising team in all of the NBA. Last season the Kings finished 12th in the standings, with a record of 30-52. However, they have been completely revitalized, with the duo of De’Aaron fox and Domantas Sabonis has helped carry this team to a shocking third place in the Western Conference.
Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls were one of these surprise teams in a positive way last season, as they made the playoffs for the first time in years. However, they are not guaranteed to be in the playoffs this season with the way that they have played, as they’re currently in 10th place. The Bulls have performed so badly that there have been reports of possible trades that could shift the team and more of a rebuilding direction. Hopefully for Bulls fans sake, Chicago can turn it around.
Utah Jazz
When the Utah Jazz traded away franchise cornerstones Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert this offseason, many assumed that Utah would be in the race for the number one pick in the NBA draft, due to no longer having any bona fide stars on their team. However, this Utah Jazz team has surprised everybody, by gelling well, and assembling a group of consistent role players, while someone like Lauri Markkanen has emerged to become an All-Star.
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves were finally one of the biggest winners of the offseason. The Timberwolves traded a ton to get star center Rudy Gilbert on to their squad, hoping to finally make that push to an elite level squad. However, that has not formulated correctly as the Wolves are right back to where they always have been, in mediocrity. The Wolves are on the brink of not even qualifying for the play-in tournament, which will be a massive letdown for a team that gave up so much to contend.
New Orleans Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans have also been one of the brightest and most exciting teams in the NBA. with the return of Zion Williamson, there was hope that the Pelicans could finally achieve some success that many fans were waiting on. However, many fans did not expect them to be fourth in the Western Conference, and see how great Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and CJ McCollum have all been this season. The Pelicans are a sneaky contender for the NBA Finals at the moment.
