Early thoughts on the 09-10 NBA Season.

There have been plenty of surprises, as expected, 3 weeks into the 09-10 NBA season. Last season's contenders have struggled to find their groove early (Cavs, Spurs, Jazz), some teams have shown flashes of brilliance in their first 10 games (Thunder, Raptors, Bucks), and some teams have been just been very disappointing (Clippers, Warriors, Nets). Here are 5 of the things that have stood out, in my opinion, early in the season.

1. Cleveland Cavaliers?
First, they lose to the Celtics in their home opener. Alright, it's acceptable given that the Celtics have vastly improved during the offseason. But, 2 nights after the game, they lose to a new look Toronto Raptors team that was led by, OMG, Andrea Bargnani. They start 0-2, and as of Nov. 12, they are 4-3. Not the start for the team that was picked by many to win the conference this season. Perhaps they're just adjusting with Shaq in the lineup, but maybe the loss of Kuester during the offseason also affected the Cavs this season. They also lost 2 games at the Gund Arena after 7 games when last season, they were 40-2 at home.

2. Brandon Jennings for Rookie of the Year?
If the season ended today, book it. This guy has been phenomenal in 6 games. 18ppg, 4rpg, 4apg is amazing. He almost had a triple double in his first game when he scored 24 points, grabbed 9 boards, and dished out 9 assists. Everyone's been talking about Blake Griffin, Demar DeRozan, and Stephen Curry for the ROY award before the season, but Jennings is making a very clear statement.

3. 7 seconds or less, the rebirth of the Phoenix Suns
Nobody expected this, but the Suns are 8-1 and at the top of the Western Conference standings. The guys are having fun, everybody's playing hard, and Steve Nash is having fun. Alvin Gentry did an amazing job with the team that won 46 games and didn't make the playoffs last season. Christian Frye has been phenomenal for the Suns shooting lights out from the three point line, Goran Dragic is getting confident and is being a solid backup to Nash, and the suns are moving freely along up and down the court. We'll see if they can keep this up all season long, but the first 9 games have been amazing for Phoenix.

4. Ryan Anderson who?
This guy was just a throw in to the Alston and Co. to VC trade during the offseason. But during the preseason and the first 5 games of the Magic, this guy has stepped up, BIG. He is averaging 15ppg, 5rpg, and almost 50% from the three point line early this season and is making up for the loss of Rashard Lewis due to the suspension. Suddenly, everybody's forgotten about Hedo.

5. Oklahoma City Thunder
This team started 2-17 last season. Starting from 1-3, then falling to 1-17 before getting their 2nd win. This season however, they are at 4-4, which is a decent record in the Western Conference. Durant has been big for the Thunder, but he is getting plenty of help. Russell Westbrook has been great for the thunder at the PG position, although his assist-turnover ratio is still bad for a PG, he is doing what was expected of him during the offseason - to score and distribute. Jeff Green is also playing well, but the biggest surprise has been Thabo Sefalosha. He held Kobe to 9-22 on their first meeting, plus he's been making his three point shots during their first 8 games. If the Thunder manages to get 35 to 40 wins this season, they'll surely contend for the playoffs next season.