3 surprising players this NBA season

The NBA season is officially underway.  The NBA season is full of ups and downs.  Players who start out hot can trail off towards the end and vice versa.  Although we are only three weeks into the regular season there have been a couple players who have really stood out thus far.  

Player number 1: Julius Randle

I do not think anyone could have predicted the New York Knicks to start out the season 5-3.  A franchise that has been scrutinized over the past 10 years fans have really not had much to cheer for.  Julius Randle however has led the Knicks to a 5-3 record averaging 23 PPG on 48.5% shooting from the field as well as 34.4% beyond the arc which is a career-best for the big man out of Kentucky.  He is not just playing bully ball anymore, Randle has shown that he has the ability to consistently knock down a mid-range jump shot.  Not to mention he is also dishing the ball out at a career-best 7 assists per game.  It looks like Tom Thibodeau was a good hire for the Knicks, getting every ounce from his players.  

Player number 2: Christian Wood

Christian Wood has fought for his NBA career every single year.  He has worked his way up from the G-league after going undrafted in 2015.  All odds stacked against him, Wood kept grinding and chipping away at his craft.  He has made himself into a rising star in this league.  He is averaging a career-best in almost every category.  He is averaging 23 PPG on 55% shooting from the field.  A career-high 10 rebounds per game as well as 2 blocks.  The 6’10” forward is as versatile as they come whether it be putting it on the deck and taking it to the cup or stepping out and hitting a jumper.  Wood has made himself into a reliable NBA player and has a bright future in this league.  

Player number 3: Jerami Grant

Jerami Grant is one of those players every team wants.  Long, athletic, great defender who can step out and hit a 3.  Coming out of Syracuse in 2014 Jerami was known for his defensive ability and athleticism.  His offensive skillset was still very raw.  It was not until 2017 when he developed the ability to step out and hit a 3 consistently shooting 39% from 3 on the year.  This year, his overall scoring is up, he is averaging 24 PPG on 44% shooting from the field.  He is currently leading the Detroit Pistons in PPG and led a comeback down 23 against the Phoenix Suns on January 8^th, scoring 31 points and adding 10 rebounds.