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NBA: A Look At The 5 Biggest Surprises So Far In 2016-17

By James D. Tillman III

June 19, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) moves the ball against Golden State Warriors forward Andre Iguodala (9) in the second half in game seven of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
June 19, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) moves the ball against Golden State Warriors forward Andre Iguodala (9) in the second half in game seven of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks players including forward Kent Bazemore (arms raised) react on the bench after defeating the Sacramento Kings at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Kings 106-95. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks players including forward Kent Bazemore (arms raised) react on the bench after defeating the Sacramento Kings at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Kings 106-95. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Atlanta Hawks

The past two postseasons have not been kind to the Atlanta Hawks. In 2014-15, they finished with the best record in the conference, but were swept by LeBron James and Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Last season, the Hawks finished with the fourth-best record in the East. After knocking off the Boston Celtics in six games in the first round of the playoffs, the Hawks once again fell to the Cavaliers in four games.

In light of those shortcomings, the Hawks decided to go in a different direction during the offseason. They parted ways with Jeff Teague and gave the lead-guard duties to Dennis Schroder. Along with that they brought in Dwight Howard to replace Al Horford, who signed with the Celtics.

After losing one of their best players in Horford, it would have been reasonable to presume that the Hawks would regress somewhat.

Surprisingly, though, that has not been the case thus far.

From a defensive standpoint, the Hawks boast the NBA’s second-best defense (as they were a year ago), allowing 98.2 points per 100 possessions and their 99.2 points allowed per outing is actually one point less than what they gave up last season.

Additionally, the Hawks are averaging five more points per game than they did in 2015-16; they are playing at a faster pace and their offensive efficiency has improved from 22nd last season to 12th this season.

As if those improvements don’t stand on their own merit, the Hawks are also tied with the Cavaliers for the best record in the conference at 9-2. Prior to the start of the season, the Cavaliers and Raptors were penciled in as the top two teams in the Eastern Conference.

But early on, the Hawks are showing they may have something to say about that when it’s all said and done.