It's been just over a month since the start of the NBA season and the early chaos is starting to subside. Trends are taking shape, rotations are stabilizing, and we're finally learning which early performances were real and which were noise. This column covers the league as a whole, from the big picture to player trends and points of view you need to know right now.
Nikola Jokic continues to produce at its own level. He already has 10 triple-doubles in 17 games, the second-most in league history, and he just recorded his third 15-assist game of the season. At this point, Jokic isn't exceeding expectations, he's defining them.
Cade Cunningham already a fantasy superstar, he is now becoming more famous on the national stage. He has a seven-game double-double streak, 10 games with a 20-point double-double, and Detroit's offense has taken a huge step forward. Jalen Duren isn't far behind, boasting consistent double-doubles and elite scoring, making this pick-and-roll one of the most valuable fantasy pairings in the league.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has already played 15 games, scoring at least 30 points in just 18 games. He also has a 90-game streak of 20 points, which is so elite that only Wilt Chamberlain ever done better. In the points format, he has an undeniable 1.01 record.
Tyrese Maxey is averaging 33.0 points per game this season, second only to Luka Doncic. WITH Joel Embiid In and out of the lineup, Maxey is a top-tier defender until the end of the game.
Franz Wagner thrives quietly without Paolo Banchero and powering Orlando's offensive attack. With Banchero sidelined for the final five games, Wagner's usage rate rose to 27.2% and he averaged 25.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 2.0 three-pointers during that span.
Here are five more things I've noticed about the league that you should know moving forward.
Kel'el Ware Transforms into a recovery machine
Ware has dominated the boards over the last eight games, leading the league in rebounds per game. He averaged 15.1 rebounds per game in just 29.2 minutes and still appears in just 68.5% of ESPN leagues. This is the most productive stretch of the Heat center's young career as he also averages 15.9 points per game, 1.5 blocks and 1.0 assists per game.
Miami coaches and players say his confidence, effort and conditioning have improved significantly in his sophomore year, and he's just scratching the surface of what he can become. When Ware uses his 7-foot-4 wingspan to his advantage down low, he is nearly unstoppable.
De'Aaron Fox growing up in San Antonio
Fox anchored Spurs offense Victor Vembanyama sidelined with a calf injury. After a less than ideal first season in San Antonio, Fox finally showed why the team traded him. Over the last five games, he's averaging 26.0 points per game on 50.6 percent shooting and 44.1 percent from three, and looks every bit the second star the Spurs need. His speed, shooting accuracy and defensive presence have all returned, and coaches continue to praise him for how well he fits into San Antonio's young core.
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De'Aaron Fox somehow makes I-1 fall
De'Aaron Fox gets a basket plus a foul.
Ayo Dosunmureaches new heights as a goalscorer
On Monday, Dosunmu finished with a season-high 28 points against the team New Orleans Pelicansand for the season he is averaging a career-high in points per gallon (16.4) despite averaging just 26.5 mpg. Dosunmu has averaged an impressive 30.1 fantasy points per game over his last eight games. He accomplished this by averaging just 2.6 rebounds per game and 3.0 assists per game during that time period. Dosunmu's fantasy ceiling could be even higher if he had some height in those categories.
He's long been one of the Bulls' most reliable defenders, capable of switching to both guards and wings when needed, but Dosunmu's offensive growth this season has been an eye-opener, especially his ability to get past defenders and get shots at the rim. Dosunmu appears in just 17.8% of ESPN leagues, and that number should be higher.
Mikal Bridges redefines durability
Bridges played 570 consecutive games in the NBA, extending one of the longest streaks in league history and redefining reliability in the modern era of load management. But he's more than available, Bridges has expanded his game by serving as a playmaker during Jalen Brunsonrecent absence and continuation of the role even after Brunson's return. He's also posting career-best defense, improved shooting (2.4 3s) and a career-high 4.7 assists per game, making him a more complete offensive threat.
Bridges is currently ranked No. 24 in PPG fantasy and has contributed in nearly every category. He fits perfectly into Mike Brown's system and is in the midst of a full season of redemption.
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Mikal Bridges passes and scores a 3
Mikal Bridges turns defense into offense by stealing a 3-pointer for the Knicks.
Andre Drummond you need to sign up everywhere
Drummond should play in many more leagues. He just grabbed an NBA season-high 24 rebounds against Miami Heat on Sunday and averaged 12.0 points per game and 14.0 rebounds per game in seven starts with Joel Embiid out. Drummond has recorded six double-doubles in that span and is once again producing as a top-notch rebounder.
Even when Embiid returns, his workload and efficiency will remain questionable as he has career-average numbers in PPG and RPG. With Embiid missing seven straight games and likely moving forward cautiously, Drummond is a clear safety net in his own right and a valuable fantasy starter.
