After last season's abrupt suspension and eventual end in October, the NBA is back and the 2020-21 season is underway. Now that the first week (or five days) of the season is in the books, it's time to look back at the top performers at each position this week. Now, like last year, I'm taking a player's team's record into consideration, but the most important thing is still their stats. Also, I will be adding a 6th man (or any bench player) and rookie of the week to this series. So, let's get into this.
Point Guard: Trae Young
The Atlanta Hawks came into this season with a lot of potential. Despite finishing low in the standings for the past three seasons, the additions the Hawks made this offseason have given them a good shot at making the playoffs in my opinion. And so far, they've lived up to that potential, starting off the season strong with two double-digit wins. The majority of the core has played well, and Trae Young has been the undisputed top guy for Atlanta early in the year. For the week, Young averaged a league-best 36.5 points per game while shooting 56% from the field and 46% from three, adding 4.5 rebounds & 8 assists per game as well. Young opened the season with a fantastic against the Bulls, dropping 37 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists, and followed that up with a 36 point, 9 assist outing against the Grizzlies three days later.
Honorable Mentions:
Ja Morant: 36 PPG, 8 APG, 58% FG, 33% 3P
Kyrie Irving: 31.5 PPG, 5 RPG, 6 APG, 62% FG, 65% 3P
Shooting Guard: CJ McCollum
I made it clear in my offseason rundown that I was very unsure about the Portland Trail Blazers this season. It's early and while they haven't had a bad start, their 1-1 record to start the season hasn't instilled much confidence on my end. Still, they had one player who stood out amongst all the other shooting guards in the league, and that's CJ McCollum. While Damian Lillard had a rough start to the season, McCollum stepped up big when the team needed him. For the week, McCollum averaged 33.5 points on 49% field goal shooting and 50% three-point shooting and added 3.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game. After an underwhelming season opener against the Jazz, McCollum came back big time and had a great performance against the Rockets, scoring 44 points, dishing out 8 assists, and hitting the game-winner to give the Blazers a 128-126 win.
Honorable Mentions:
Jaylen Brown: 30 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 49% FG
Paul George: 28 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 6 APG, 66% FG, 59% 3P, 100% FT
Small Forward: Khris Middleton
Now that the Milwaukee Bucks' future is a lot less uncertain following Giannis Antetokounmpo's record-breaking contract extension, the team can now focus on this year and building a championship-caliber team. The team didn't have the best start in the first week, going 1-1 through their first two games, but if Khris Middleton continues to play the way he did in the opening week, the team should be fine. In a rare instance where someone on the bucks outperformed the reigning two-time MVP in Antetokounmpo, Middleton was able to shine, averaging 29 points, 9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game while shooting 57% from the field, 56% from three-point range, and a perfect 9/9 from the free-throw line. Despite the close loss, Middleton opened the season strong with a 27 point, 14 rebound double-double, adding in 8 assists for a near triple-double. Middleton would follow that up with a standout performance, leading the Bucks with 31 points in a Christmas Day blowout over the Warriors.
Honorable Mentions:
DeMar DeRozan: 27.5 PPG, 7 RPG, 8.5 APG, 1.5 SPG, 55% FG, 75% 3P, 90% FT
Brandon Ingram: 26 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 7 APG, 1.5 SPG, 47% FG, 50% 3P
Power Forward: Domantas Sabonis
The Indiana Pacers have been an interesting team to watch for the last few years. While not an elite team and lacking a true superstar, they're still a strong team capable of beating top teams when needed. Their 2-0 start through the first week of the season isn't too surprising given their opponents, but I think people sleep on the Pacers far too often. And, as a result, people have a tendency to sleep on Domantas Sabonis. The son of Hall of Famer Arvydas Sabonis, Domantas found his footing in Indiana quickly after being traded in 2017 and truly broke out last season, earning his first all-star selection. This season, Sabonis has started hot, averaging 27 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 8 assists per game while shooting 66% from the field and 40% from three-point range. Sabonis opened the year with a career-high 32 points against the Knicks, adding 13 rebounds in the process. He followed that up with a 22 point, 10 rebound, 11 assist triple-double three days later in the Pacers' big win over the Bulls.
Honorable Mentions:
Giannis Antetokounmpo: 25 PPG, 13 RPG, 43% FG
Zion Williamson: 23.5 PPG, 12 RPG, 62% FG
Center: Joel Embiid
Following their disappointing end to last season, the Philadelphia 76ers needed to start the season strong to establish themselves as a top team in the East. And that's what they did, going 2-0 through the first week of the year. Without a doubt, the best performer of the week for the Sixers this week was Joel Embiid. For the week, Embiid averaged 28 points and 12 rebounds per game while shooting 54% from the field and 60% from three-point range. Embiid would have strong showings in both of the Sixers' first two games, recording a double-double in each of Philadelphia's outings.
Honorable Mentions:
Nikola Jokic: 26.5 PPG, 12 RPG, 12 APG, 58% FG, 33% 3P
Karl-Anthony Towns: 19 PPG, 11.5 RPG, 5 APG, 3 BPG, 41% FG, 33% 3P
6th Man: Goran Dragić
Coming off a season where they shocked the world and not only made the NBA Finals but were the only team that postseason to beat the eventual champion Lakers more than once, the Miami Heat were looking to shock the world again. While their 1-1 start isn't the best they could've done, last season proved that counting out this team is foolish. While Jimmy Butler's injury hurts, the depth the Heat have is impressive, specifically with Goran Dragić. The former all-star turned 6th man has adapted to his new role well, and this new season has been no different. Dragić averaged 19 points, 8 assists, and 2.5 steals per game through the first week while shooting 58% from the field and 90% from the free-throw line. After Butler went down with his injury in the second game of the season, Dragić provided a key spark the team needed to pull out the win, providing 18 points, 9 assists, and 4 steals.
Honorable Mentions
Alec Burks: 22 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 1.5 SPG, 48% FG, 60% 3P, 93% FT
Montrezl Harrell: 19.5 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 80% FG
Rookie: James Wiseman
After their disaster of a season last year, the Golden State Warriors were looking to start off the season strong behind their established core and their new additions. However, just like last season, it's been rough early on, losing both of their first two games in convincing fashion. If there is one bright spot the team has had in the first week, it's James Wiseman. The 2nd overall pick in the draft was a day one starter for the team and has not disappointed whatsoever, averaging 18.5 points, 7 rebounds per game, and 1.5 blocks per game while shooting 50% from the field and an impressive 80% from three-point range, showcasing a deep range shot he didn't show in his short college career.
Honorable Mentions:
Anthony Edwards: 16.5 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 2.5 APG, 54% FG, 38% 3P, 100% FT
Patrick Williams: 12.5 PPG, 3 RPG, 41% FG, 50% 3P, 90% FT
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