When you understand the inherent element of risk and chance in the NBA, it's pretty hard to get too worked up about early regular season happenings - unless something really crazy happens. If you acknowledge how hard it is to precisely predict both a team's and a player's performance, then you won't worry too much about strange early season results. The most important thing, as always, is trying to get a handle on the big picture.
So far the 2012-13 season has had few major surprises. Of course, some teams have played much better than expected, and some far worse. The same thing can be said about many players. But I have seen pretty much nothing that has stunned me - well, outside of maybe Andre Drummond, and maybe Eric Bledsoe's blistering start.
The biggest team development, in my eyes, is the Memphis Grizzlies making a credible argument for being a title contender. Before the season I considered the Grizzlies a long shot to make the Finals. I still think it is unlikely they make it that far, but their chances seem better today than they did a few months ago.
The Grizzlies' ascent, in case you didn't notice, is not a big surprise. We all knew Memphis was good, just maybe not this good. As for teams like the Knicks and Nets, both who have started out well - I doubt they can compete with Miami. The saving grace for both New York teams is they play in the East, but a healthy Heat team seems vastly superior to either of those two squads.
It is also worth noting that while the Lakers have played poorly, it is far too early to make any serious judgments on them. Until Steve Nash returns, Los Angeles is just trying to stay afloat. This is not a big surprise.
So, yes, the regular season has been pleasantly boring so far. A big injury or trade could change all that, but right now we are just where we expected.
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