NBA: 10 Players Exceeding Expectations Early In 2016-17

Early on in the 2016-17 NBA season, which players have impressed by exceeding expectations in a way that feels sustainable? Here are 10 players rising to the occasion.

We’re not even two weeks into the new NBA season, and there are already a number of superstars, role players and rookies standing out due to their eye-popping play early on.

The stat lines have been mind-boggling, the highlight plays have been jaw-dropping and the early overreactions have been running rampant, even as we try to find ones that feel sustainable.

About a week and a half into the 2016-17 campaign, however, which players have pleasantly surprised us by exceeding expectations?

I’m not talking about the superstars putting up gaudy stat lines like Russell Westbrook, James Harden, Anthony Davis or Kawhi Leonard; we expect big numbers from our NBA superstars, no matter how unreal they’ve been to start the new season.

I’m not talking about rising stars like Hassan Whiteside, Andrew Wiggins, Giannis Antetokounmpo or Jonas Valanciunas either; most of us knew these talented youngsters were due for breakout seasons as they took on more prominent roles for their respective teams.

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But in the category of unheralded or lesser known players, which ranges from young talent starting to blossom in expanded roles to older veterans we thought were washed up, there’s plenty of love to go around. Call them the Pleasant Surprise All-Stars of Opening Week.

Without further ado, here’s a look at 10 opening week studs who have exceeded modest expectations, put up impressive numbers early on and may be able to sustain their pleasantly surprising play for the rest of the season.

Honorable Mentions:  Tim Hardaway Jr, Otto Porter Jr., Harrison Barnes, Sean Kilpatrick, Marreese Speights, Jonathon Simmons, Dwight Howard, Kevin Love, Frank Kaminsky III