Welcome back to NBA Star Power Index: A weekly gauge of the players getting the most buzz around the league. Inclusion on this list isn’t necessarily a good thing — it simply means you’re capturing the NBA world’s attention. This is also not a ranking. The players listed are in no particular order. This column will run every week throughout the regular season.
Wembanyama hasn’t been the best rookie; that early designation, for my money belongs to Chet Holmgren, whom we’ll get to later. That doesn’t mean Wembanyama hasn’t been sensational to start his NBA career, and he’s certainly generated more buzz than Holmgren or probably anyone else in the league thus far.
Through seven games, Wemby is averaging 19.4 points. 8.4 rebounds, 2.6 blocks and 1.3 steals per game on 46/32/75 shooting splits (57% true shooting). He already looks like a DPOY candidate; his 18 total blocked shots are second only to Anthony Davis’ 23, and he’s probably discouraged at least that many other shots.
Wemby’s early signature performance was the 38 points he put on the Phoenix Suns as the Spurs got the win. He was off the charts, particularly in crunch time, in upstaging Kevin Durant in just his fifth NBA game.
Curry is having an exceptional start to the season, becoming the first player in NBA history to make at least four 3-pointers in his first eight games of the season. He also leads the league in total points and total 3-pointers with impressive shooting splits of 53/47/91, delivering a remarkable 73.0 true-shooting percentage. His scoring dominance is evident as he leads the Warriors with a significant margin, with no other player scoring more than 20 points in a game.
Curry’s performances have been nothing short of historic, as he becomes the first player aged 35 or older in NBA history to lead his team in scoring in each of the first eight games of a season, with notable accomplishments including multiple games with 30 points or more and two games with over 40 points.
One notable observation comes from Colin Ward-Henninger, who highlights the subtle and unselfish cut made by Curry to set up a game-winning shot for Klay Thompson.
James Harden was traded to the Clippers, marking an uncertain start for the star player. In his debut with the team, he scored 17 points on 6-of-9 shooting, but it remains to be seen how he will fit into the team dynamics, especially when sharing the court with other star players.
While Harden has shown flashes of his playmaking abilities and shooting prowess, there are still questions about his role and production alongside other star players. His hesitancy to shoot catch-and-shoot 3-pointers highlights the need for adjustment to fit into the team’s dynamics.
Furthermore, his performance during moments when other star players are on the bench raises further queries about his coordination with the team.
Reflecting on his performance, it becomes evident that Harden’s adaptability and willingness to play different roles in the offense will be crucial for his integration into the team.
While Damian Lillard had a standout performance in the season opener, his start with the Milwaukee Bucks has been challenging, with concerns about his defensive performance and shooting efficiency. However, with the team’s defensive adjustments resulting in consecutive wins, Lillard is expected to regain his offensive form.
Lillard’s scoring prowess was evident in a game against the Knicks, where he scored 30 points, indicating his potential to contribute significantly to the team’s success.
Anthony Edwards has been performing at an MVP level in the early games of the season, showcasing impressive scoring abilities and shooting efficiency. His standout performance against the Boston Celtics, where he scored 38 points, reflects his impact on the court.
Edwards’ ability to contribute as a playmaker and defender adds to his overall impact, marking him as a standout player in the league.
Luka Doncic’s exceptional shooting performance, making over 40% of his 3-pointers, showcases his growing impact on the court. With notable contributions in scoring, Doncic’s ability to lead the team and support high-paced gameplay reflects his potential to become a dominant force in the league.
Nikola Jokic’s impressive performance has been a key factor in the success of the Denver Nuggets, with standout scoring and shooting efficiency. His impact on the team’s overall gameplay and ability to maintain high performance even in non-Jokic minutes reflects his influence as a dominant player in the league.
Jayson Tatum’s remarkable scoring abilities and historic milestones highlight his impact on the court, with notable achievements in his basketball career.
Tyrese Maxey’s standout performance in the early games of the season reflects his potential impact and growing influence as a lead guard for the Philadelphia 76ers. With impressive scoring and playmaking abilities, Maxey’s role in the team has been recognized as a significant factor in their success.
Chet Holmgren’s performance has been noteworthy, showcasing his impact and contributions as a standout rookie in the league. With impressive scoring and defensive abilities, Holmgren’s potential to make a significant impact on the Thunder team has been recognized, making him a strong contender for the Rookie of the Year title.
