We are now two weeks into the NBA season. Here are some observations that I have about the season so far.

Giddy for Giddey

The Chicago Bulls have been the surprise team of the NBA season so far. They are 5-1 with the fifth rated offense in the league. The driving force behind that great offense is Josh Giddey. Giddey may be the front runner for most improved player so far.

Last season, Giddey, averaged 14.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game while shooting 46% from the floor and 37% from three. So far this season, Giddey, is improved in each category, averaging 22.2 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game while shooting 49% from the floor and 40% from three points.

Let’s see if the Bulls and Giddey are both for real or just beginning of the season, fool’s gold.

Let The Bad Times Roll

In New Orleans a common phrase you may hear is, “Laissez les bons temps roule”, which means, “Let the good times roll” in French. There are no good times rolling in New Orleans for sports fans right now. The professional football team is (1-8), the big college football team of the state is in disarray. The last hope for this year was the New Orleans Pelicans.

The Pelicans are folding under the pressure, they are (0-6) and are horrific on both ends of the court. They are 30th in offense and 28th in defense.

Their superstar Zion Williamson is performing below his standards. Williamson is averaging 22.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists. He is shooting 48% from the floor and 66% from the free throw line. Williamson has the capability to average 27, 7, and 7 but the system and team around him, seems to be putting a cap on his production.

Trey Murphy III had a coming out party last season as he averaged 21.2 points as he shot 45% from the floor and 36% from three. So far this season, he is averaging 14.5 points while shooting 39% from the floor and 35% from three. The coaching staff has to answer for his regression

Pelicans head coach, Willie Green, has to feel the heat right now. The team is in a must-win situation as they don’t have their first round pick for next year. There is no benefit to them losing. If they are not able to turn it around by December, heads will be on the chopping block.

Love The One You’re With

The Memphis Grizzlies suspended Ja Morant for one game for conduct detrimental to the team. It was reported that the head coach confronted Morant for his lack of effort and leadership after their loss to the Los Angeles Lakers and Morant replied by being dismissive of the coach. Morant showed his frustration in his media availability as well by answering each question with, “ask the coaching staff”.

This had led to lots of talk about Ja Morant being traded away. The problem is that the Grizzlies would want “All-Star” compensation for Morant. Morant is a two-time all star and his last all star appearance was in the 2022-23 season.

Teams who may have interest in Morant will not want to give up the compensation that is needed to obtain a 26-year old all-star because of his “off the court issues” and regression in production. In 2022-23, Morant averaged 26.2 points and 8.1 assists and shot 46% from the floor.

He has not had same level of production since then. So far, this season he is averaging 20.8 points and 6.7 assists, shooting 40% and 15% from three. This level of production isn’t worth giving up the normal all-star compensation for a trade and paying Morant’s 40 plus million dollar salary over the next two years. The Grizzlies and Morant have to learn to love the one their with cause the options for trades will be very limited.