Biggest surprise so far?

[bisme37]

I keep getting surprised when I look at the standings and see Milwaukee only a game or two behind the Celtics despite the fact that they haven't even been playing good basketball for the most part lol.

[dakomish23]

I picked ORL. I knew MIN was gonna be good, just didn't think this good. I had OKC winning 50 games and Shai as my MVP. But ORL has been a great story. I'd love to see them go out and bolster the back court but IDK who's going to be available that's worth it.

[tooler]

Magic. I expected them to get better but not this much better this fast.

They have a 7-0 record against Hornets, Wizards, Bulls, Blazers, Jazz - All teams most people thought they were better than.
They have a a 3-3 record against Houston, Raptors, Nets, Hawks, Pacers - All teams that many people had them in the same tier as.
They have a 4-3 records against the teams that everyone thought was better than them with wins over Nuggets (without Murray) Bucks (without Dame), Celtics (without Holiday), plus Lakers with losses to the Lakers, Clippers, Mavericks.

They have been really hurt, and they have a bunch of signs pointing towards them being legit... I love the story. BUT lets temper some expectations a little bit still. They have done most of their damage against the bottom 6 teams in the league. Doing their job and winning the games they are supposed to win is a big step, and they have a few other impressive wins in there, but I don't think anyone should be writing them in in pen for anything.

This is the surprise thread, not whether teams are for real thread.

They aren’t going to end the season at .700, don’t worry. The entire Magic board is predicting a .500 record the rest of the way. The goal is the 6th seed and I’m sure it will be a tough battle.

[basketballRob]

The Magic should be a top 4 seed at the end of the year.

I like to troll Tooler

Sent from my SM-G781U using RealGM mobile app

[Scalabrine]

Magic. I expected them to get better but not this much better this fast.

They have a 7-0 record against Hornets, Wizards, Bulls, Blazers, Jazz - All teams most people thought they were better than.
They have a a 3-3 record against Houston, Raptors, Nets, Hawks, Pacers - All teams that many people had them in the same tier as.
They have a 4-3 records against the teams that everyone thought was better than them with wins over Nuggets (without Murray) Bucks (without Dame), Celtics (without Holiday), plus Lakers with losses to the Lakers, Clippers, Mavericks.

They have been really hurt, and they have a bunch of signs pointing towards them being legit... I love the story. BUT lets temper some expectations a little bit still. They have done most of their damage against the bottom 6 teams in the league. Doing their job and winning the games they are supposed to win is a big step, and they have a few other impressive wins in there, but I don't think anyone should be writing them in in pen for anything.

This is the surprise thread, not whether teams are for real thread.

They aren’t going to end the season at .700, don’t worry. The entire Magic board is predicting a .500 record the rest of the way. The goal is the 6th seed and I’m sure it will be a tough battle.

I'm definitely not worried at all. I love the run they are making and hope it continues. A good young, defensive team, with a really high ceiling to get even better? Especially from a team like Orlando who has just been in NBA purgatory for so long (like my Knicks). I'm all about it.

It's just, we're on a basketball forum, and it's fair to point out that people shouldn't be that surprised that they have done well during their cupcake schedule. Winning all of the games against the bottom of the league does show to me that they are for real though.

[basketballRob]

Delete

[Scalabrine]

I picked ORL. I knew MIN was gonna be good, just didn't think this good. I had OKC winning 50 games and Shai as my MVP. But ORL has been a great story. I'd love to see them go out and bolster the back court but IDK who's going to be available that's worth it.

They've had a cupcake schedule.

I think the guy they should go after is the same guy they should have gone after two off-seasons ago, over in Cleveland.

They are broken, he's gonna walk when he gets the chance and they have to know it.

They have 9 first rounders in the next 7 drafts. The have Howard, Black, Anthony, Suggs as young players with value. Isaac, Fultz, Ingles, Harris are solid players with tradable salaries.

Carter/Wagner/Bitadze
Banchero/Isaac
Wagner/Ingles
Mitchell/Suggs
Fultz/Suggs

(Anthony, Harris, Black, Howard and 3 firsts for Mitchell and Rubio is the trade here)

[zaymon]

I picked ORL. I knew MIN was gonna be good, just didn't think this good. I had OKC winning 50 games and Shai as my MVP. But ORL has been a great story. I'd love to see them go out and bolster the back court but IDK who's going to be available that's worth it.

They've had a cupcake schedule.

I think the guy they should go after is the same guy they should have gone after two off-seasons ago, over in Cleveland.

They are broken, he's gonna walk when he gets the chance and they have to know it.

They have 9 first rounders in the next 7 drafts. The have Howard, Black, Anthony, Suggs as young players with value. Isaac, Fultz, Ingles, Harris are solid players with tradable salaries.

Carter/Wagner/Bitadze
Banchero/Isaac
Wagner/Ingles
Mitchell/Suggs
Fultz/Suggs

(Anthony, Harris, Black, Howard and 3 firsts for Mitchell and Rubio is the trade here)

Wolves won against Hornets without Ball, Heat without Butler, 76ers without Embiid. Pelicans without Zion and McCollum, Grizzlies without Morant.
I dont think your opinion is baseless but you can use it against most teams using it against one is a bit hipocritical.
Magic dont have to be legit title contenders to be a surprise.
Mitchell is controversial. Magic win becouse they have no weak links defensively in their starting lineup. DM is a risk and a move against main team concept. Doesnt have to be a bad move but what is the price to pay ?

[tooler]

You could make a whole thread on trade targets for the final starting guard for Orlando. The team board takes a crack at it every day.

Most people think Fultz’s days are numbered though.

[YourBuddy]

I picked ORL. I knew MIN was gonna be good, just didn't think this good. I had OKC winning 50 games and Shai as my MVP. But ORL has been a great story. I'd love to see them go out and bolster the back court but IDK who's going to be available that's worth it.

They've had a cupcake schedule.

I think the guy they should go after is the same guy they should have gone after two off-seasons ago, over in Cleveland.

They are broken, he's gonna walk when he gets the chance and they have to know it.

They have 9 first rounders in the next 7 drafts. The have Howard, Black, Anthony, Suggs as young players with value. Isaac, Fultz, Ingles, Harris are solid players with tradable salaries.

Carter/Wagner/Bitadze
Banchero/Isaac
Wagner/Ingles
Mitchell/Suggs
Fultz/Suggs

(Anthony, Harris, Black, Howard and 3 firsts for Mitchell and Rubio is the trade here)

Wolves won against Hornets without Ball, Heat without Butler, 76ers without Embiid. Pelicans without Zion and McCollum, Grizzlies without Morant.
I dont think your opinion is baseless but you can use it against most teams using it against one is a bit hipocritical.
Magic dont have to be legit title contenders to be a surprise.
Mitchell is controversial. Magic win becouse they have no weak links defensively in their starting lineup. DM is a risk and a move against main team concept. Doesnt have to be a bad move but what is the price to pay ?

They have also won without Jaden McDaniels and without Anthony Edwards. I’d still say the Heat, Pelicans and 76ers minus those player are better than teams like Portland, Chicago and Washington.

[Scalabrine]

I picked ORL. I knew MIN was gonna be good, just didn't think this good. I had OKC winning 50 games and Shai as my MVP. But ORL has been a great story. I'd love to see them go out and bolster the back court but IDK who's going to be available that's worth it.

They've had a cupcake schedule.

I think the guy they should go after is the same guy they should have gone after two off-seasons ago, over in Cleveland.

They are broken, he's gonna walk when he gets the chance and they have to know it.

They have 9 first rounders in the next 7 drafts. The have Howard, Black, Anthony, Suggs as young players with value. Isaac, Fultz, Ingles, Harris are solid players with tradable salaries.

Carter/Wagner/Bitadze
Banchero/Isaac
Wagner/Ingles
Mitchell/Suggs
Fultz/Suggs

(Anthony, Harris, Black, Howard and 3 firsts for Mitchell and Rubio is the trade here)

Wolves won against Hornets without Ball, Heat without Butler, 76ers without Embiid. Pelicans without Zion and McCollum, Grizzlies without Morant.
I dont think your opinion is baseless but you can use it against most teams using it against one is a bit hipocritical.
Magic dont have to be legit title contenders to be a surprise.
Mitchell is controversial. Magic win becouse they have no weak links defensively in their starting lineup. DM is a risk and a move against main team concept. Doesnt have to be a bad move but what is the price to pay ?

I think the difference to me between the two (and I've mentioned this earlier in the thread) I think the Wolves have looked like a true contender if they hold this level. I don't feel like the Magic look like that. The Magic look like a Top 8 team to me, but they are a tier below Bucks, Celtics, Sixers, and probably a tier below Knicks, Heat, Cavs too. Thats a little more debatable though.

[shangrila]

I know this thread was a little early but I'm surprised I haven't seen anyone say the Pacers (unless I just missed it?)

I thought they'd be a late lottery/play-in type of team this season. Aren't they currently on pace to have the greatest offensive season of all time?

Don't get me wrong, the Thunder and Wolves have been surprising. They weren't meant to be this good this early. Orlando is more surprising but is similar in that they took a leap when I expected they'd take a step. But the Pacers have blown all offseason expectations out of the water right now.

[basketballRob]

They've had a cupcake schedule.

I think the guy they should go after is the same guy they should have gone after two off-seasons ago, over in Cleveland.

They are broken, he's gonna walk when he gets the chance and they have to know it.

They have 9 first rounders in the next 7 drafts. The have Howard, Black, Anthony, Suggs as young players with value. Isaac, Fultz, Ingles, Harris are solid players with tradable salaries.

Carter/Wagner/Bitadze
Banchero/Isaac
Wagner/Ingles
Mitchell/Suggs
Fultz/Suggs

(Anthony, Harris, Black, Howard and 3 firsts for Mitchell and Rubio is the trade here)

Wolves won against Hornets without Ball, Heat without Butler, 76ers without Embiid. Pelicans without Zion and McCollum, Grizzlies without Morant.
I dont think your opinion is baseless but you can use it against most teams using it against one is a bit hipocritical.
Magic dont have to be legit title contenders to be a surprise.
Mitchell is controversial. Magic win becouse they have no weak links defensively in their starting lineup. DM is a risk and a move against main team concept. Doesnt have to be a bad move but what is the price to pay ?

I think the difference to me between the two (and I've mentioned this earlier in the thread) I think the Wolves have looked like a true contender if they hold this level. I don't feel like the Magic look like that. The Magic look like a Top 8 team to me, but they are a tier below Bucks, Celtics, Sixers, and probably a tier below Knicks, Heat, Cavs too. Thats a little more debatable though.

The Magic play the Knicks, Heat, and Cavs this month. I think the Magic are better than those teams, but we'll see.

Sent from my SM-G781U using RealGM mobile app

[Scalabrine]

Wolves won against Hornets without Ball, Heat without Butler, 76ers without Embiid. Pelicans without Zion and McCollum, Grizzlies without Morant.
I dont think your opinion is baseless but you can use it against most teams using it against one is a bit hipocritical.
Magic dont have to be legit title contenders to be a surprise.
Mitchell is controversial. Magic win becouse they have no weak links defensively in their starting lineup. DM is a risk and a move against main team concept. Doesnt have to be a bad move but what is the price to pay ?

I think the difference to me between the two (and I've mentioned this earlier in the thread) I think the Wolves have looked like a true contender if they hold this level. I don't feel like the Magic look like that. The Magic look like a Top 8 team to me, but they are a tier below Bucks, Celtics, Sixers, and probably a tier below Knicks, Heat, Cavs too. Thats a little more debatable though.

The Magic play the Knicks, Heat, and Cavs this month. I think the Magic are better than those teams, but we'll see.

Sent from my SM-G781U using RealGM mobile app

1 game isn't gonna convince me of anything but sure, lets see what happens.

[basketballRob]

I think the difference to me between the two (and I've mentioned this earlier in the thread) I think the Wolves have looked like a true contender if they hold this level. I don't feel like the Magic look like that. The Magic look like a Top 8 team to me, but they are a tier below Bucks, Celtics, Sixers, and probably a tier below Knicks, Heat, Cavs too. Thats a little more debatable though.

The Magic play the Knicks, Heat, and Cavs this month. I think the Magic are better than those teams, but we'll see.

Sent from my SM-G781U using RealGM mobile app

1 game isn't gonna convince me of anything but sure, lets see what happens.

The Knicks have had 3 wins over Charlotte, 1 over the Wizards, and 1 over Detroit. A few cupcakes.

Sent from my SM-G781U using RealGM mobile app

[Scalabrine]

The Magic play the Knicks, Heat, and Cavs this month. I think the Magic are better than those teams, but we'll see.

Sent from my SM-G781U using RealGM mobile app

1 game isn't gonna convince me of anything but sure, lets see what happens.

The Knicks have had 3 wins over Charlotte, 1 over the Wizards, and 1 over Detroit. A few cupcakes.

Sent from my SM-G781U using RealGM mobile app

Magic have had the 3rd easiest schedule so far this season. Knicks have been 18th.

[basketballRob]

1 game isn't gonna convince me of anything but sure, lets see what happens.

The Knicks have had 3 wins over Charlotte, 1 over the Wizards, and 1 over Detroit. A few cupcakes.

Sent from my SM-G781U using RealGM mobile app

Magic have had the 3rd easiest schedule so far this season. Knicks have been 18th.

The game in Mexico was considered a home game by the Magic, so we should be a little higher. After the next 2 weeks, the Magic should be in the middle of the pack in the strength of the schedule.

We're currently 3-0 against the top 6 in the east, and all 3 games were double-digit wins.

Sent from my SM-G781U using RealGM mobile app

[Scalabrine]

The Knicks have had 3 wins over Charlotte, 1 over the Wizards, and 1 over Detroit. A few cupcakes.

Sent from my SM-G781U using RealGM mobile app

Magic have had the 3rd easiest schedule so far this season. Knicks have been 18th.

The game in Mexico was considered a home game by the Magic, so we should be a little higher. After the next 2 weeks, the Magic should be in the middle of the pack in the strength of the schedule.

Sent from my SM-G781U using RealGM mobile app

Thats the only real point im trying to make. I like the Magic team and love the story, I'm just looking at the SOS and the quality of their wins, and I don't think it is quite as big a surprise as many are making it out to be. I think ultimately this team will end up closer to 41 then the 57 game win pace they are on right now.

[DaGawd]

Wolves won against Hornets without Ball, Heat without Butler, 76ers without Embiid. Pelicans without Zion and McCollum, Grizzlies without Morant.
I dont think your opinion is baseless but you can use it against most teams using it against one is a bit hipocritical.
Magic dont have to be legit title contenders to be a surprise.
Mitchell is controversial. Magic win becouse they have no weak links defensively in their starting lineup. DM is a risk and a move against main team concept. Doesnt have to be a bad move but what is the price to pay ?

I think the difference to me between the two (and I've mentioned this earlier in the thread) I think the Wolves have looked like a true contender if they hold this level. I don't feel like the Magic look like that. The Magic look like a Top 8 team to me, but they are a tier below Bucks, Celtics, Sixers, and probably a tier below Knicks, Heat, Cavs too. Thats a little more debatable though.

The Magic play the Knicks, Heat, and Cavs this month. I think the Magic are better than those teams, but we'll see.

Sent from my SM-G781U using RealGM mobile app

y’all not there yet young grasshopper. i really like what orlando is building and your time is coming soon, but the knicks, heat and i’ll say even the cavs are better than y’all. orlando will come back down to earth pretty soon. i still think y’all will be in the play in picture tho

[Crunch 99]

Biggest player surprise: Lebron James playing better instead of worse.