Biggest surprise so far

[trickybilly]

Pretty solid season overall.

Let's see what you reckon!!

[rondofan1255]

Jaylen Brown's improvement

[gouki88]

For me it's been either Jaylen's improvement or Kemba's defence.

I always thought Jaylen would, at best, be a 16-18PPG guy with great defence, and solid rebounding. Instead he's a 20/7 guy with great defence and a TS% of about 60%. His handle has impressed.

I was under the impression Kemba was a poor defender. Sort of IT-like, in that he was simply limited. However, he's shown to be an excellent charge-card, can generate steals and pretty well holds his own.

[nickagneta]

Not surprised by Jaylen's improvement so can't say that.

The overall chemistry in this team from the very start of the season would be my answer  Kemba slipping in seemlessly. Everyone falling into roles. The offense and defense both being top 5 caliber in the league. I expected the team would take time to figure these things out but from game 2 on, just great overall chemistry.

[jambr380]

Had to vote 'other' as none of those things are very surprising. I can't take my eyes off the 'Wanamaker' option, though - don't know that he deserves a spot on the list.

Even though what Brown has done isn't technically surprising, he should be on the list just based on his improvement. I also agree with that the team jelling immediately is an underrated aspect this season.

[Who]

Kemba Walker = how well he has shared the ball and allowed his fellow stars (Tatum, Jaylen, Hayward) to shine.

[RPGenerate]

I'm going with Theis' comeback this year. Many had written him off, but he's proven to be a great role player.

[gouki88]

I'm going with Theis' comeback this year. Many had written him off, but he's proven to be a great role player.

Good call right there. I was dubious about his ability to come good

[slamtheking]

I'd say Brown's improvement -- better than expected -- narrowly beating out Hayward's health -- expected him to be healthier than last year but looking pretty much back to normal outside of the freak injuries this season.

[Rosco917]

For me so far it's Jaylen.

Better ball handle, very efficient scoring, shares the ball well, and IMO needs more attempts.

[SHAQATTACK]

T A C K O

F A L L

[Fafnir]

I voted for Jaylen's improvement, had a tough time choosing between that and how well Kemba has meshed with the rest of our top end guys.

Both players have done so well this year. The better handle, free throw shooting, and patience from Brown has been amazing. Kemba has really embraced a role that allows everyone else to shine, taking so many 3s while still driving to the rim. Taking a great approach to opening up the offense for everyone, even while letting others be the primary ball handlers many nights.

[Androslav]

My biggest surprise is that you can exchange a 30% usage player for a 30% usage player and that with one of them all other players feel engaged and important while with the other one no one feels empowered. So the conclusion is that it is not how much a lead dog shoots, it is how others feel about themselves and that has a lot to do with the lead dog.

Honorable mentions;
- Browns improvement
- Kanter's productivity and fit
- Haywards return to great form

[Jvalin]

Tatum's impact on team defense.

Fwiw, he's 9th in the league in defensive RPM, right behind Gobert and ahead of guys like Beverley, Embiid, Adebayo and Giannis (to name a few).

[footey]

Jaylen's improvement, and it's not even close for me.

2nd: Tatum's flashes of showing he can be a 25 PPG scorer.

3rd: Kemba's seamless leadership and prowess.

4th: Brad Wannamaker's contributions.

5th: Hayward's recent decline in getting to the foul line.  I am a little worried, especially since he started out so promising this season.