The NBA season is well underway, showcasing a blend of emerging talent and strategic adjustments from teams across the league. This season, unexpected stars such as Cade Cunningham and Domantas Sabonis are dominating the experience with their incredible performances. Jalen Duren and Norman Powell have been stealing the show. As teams continue to retune their strategies, the contributions of these players are proving to be more and more critical.
The Pistons’ young star Cade Cunningham has experienced large swings in his usage percentage over the last couple of years. The overall usage rate was 24.0% in the 2023-24 season. It has been on the decline, dropping to 22.6% last year and now sitting at 21.1%. This decline in usage is indicative of larger changes taking place within the Pistons’ offensive game plan. Cunningham isn’t allowing the changes to stop him. He averages 2.6 combined steals and blocked shots per game, indicating impressive development for a guy who was just so-so on D last season.
In another franchise first, Cunningham made an absurd 45 field goal attempts in one game. This amazing performance was the first time a player made the most attempts in Pistons history. Sadly, he missed 31 tries on the night. This is now the most missed shots in a season in NBA history. This hope-inspiring statistic is a testament to his ambition. It captures the difficulty he encounters as he tries to find his place and role within that team.
Dominating the Paint
Sacramento Kings all-star center Domantas Sabonis has been a monster all season. He’s had 20-plus point, 10-plus rebound performances in six games so far this season. Only elite players—think Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo—who can achieve such an astounding feat. Speaking of breakout seasons, Sabonis is putting together a spectacular campaign! He’s at 12.9 ppg, 11.4 rpg, while making 69.1% of his shots from the field.
The broader point is that the Kings are increasingly making success on offense without Sabonis as a primary offensive focus. Even so, his continued effectiveness is absolutely crucial to the team’s success. His two-way impact, both offensively and defensively, will be important as the Kings continue to wade through the treacherous waters of the competitive Western Conference.
At the same time, Jalen Duren has become a stabilizing presence for the Detroit Pistons. Averaging 19.4 PPG and 12.0 RPG, he is among league leaders in double-doubles and second-chance points. Pair that physical power up with his assertiveness and finesse finishing around the basket and he becomes an incredibly difficult guy to stop inside. He has logged six double-doubles this season. This accomplishment cements his legacy as a player that shapes this game through effective and cerebral action.
The Rise of Norman Powell
Norman Powell’s move to the Miami Heat has proven to be one of the offseason’s most impactful acquisitions. Right now he’s in the midst of a career year, averaging 24.5 PPG while shooting 46.0% from the floor. Specifically, Powell has been great from deep, converting 45.8% of his threes on 4.4 attempts per game. The Clippers traded him in the hopes that Bradley Beal would be able to replace all that scoring that went out the door with him. Powell’s contributions in Miami have already gone well above and beyond that expectation.
His scoring ability provides important spacing needed for the Heat’s potentially explosive offense. This makes for a fast, fluid counterattacking threat that forces opposing defenses to stay on high alert. Meanwhile, Powell’s getting acclimated to his new teammates and sharpening his skills on and off the court. His role will be key to Miami’s hopes this season.
Emerging Talents and Bench Contributions
Outside of these big name headliners, a new crop of emerging talents are making their presence felt this season. Queen has emerged as one of the premier players for the New Orleans Pelicans. That’s not going anywhere, and in only 23.5 minutes per game, he’s maintained a stellar 30.7 fantasy point average over the last four contests. His stat totals cover points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks—all while still being a six man.
It’s been an incredible start to the season for the Oklahoma City Thunder’s newest big man, Isaiah Hartenstein. He’s become an important kitchen-sink difference-maker in their frontcourt. His efficient scoring and rebounding paired with strong interior playmaking have bolstered the Thunder’s efforts as they seek to establish themselves in a challenging Western Conference.
Meanwhile, teams are simply adjusting to what they have on their ever-evolving rosters and new strategies. Players such as Cunningham, Sabonis, Duren, and Powell are keeping the light on. The interplay between established stars and emerging talents is defining this NBA season and setting the stage for exciting matchups ahead.
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