It's already Day 10 of the NBA season! What have been the biggest surprises so far? Most concerning starts? Under-the-radar developments? Our writers weigh in on the first week-plus of play and power rank their five best teams in the early going.

What's been the most pleasant surprise of the season?

Who has had the most concerning start to the season?

Asked how a team in Sacramento’s position might turn it around, Zach LaVine rattled off some of the key factors: strong organizational leadership from up top, an on-court floor general, an experienced veteran head coach. And then he straight up said, “We don’t really have any of that right now, and it’s not going to come anytime soon.” Which, y’know: Yikes!

Which under-the-radar development deserves more attention?

Power rank the five best teams in the NBA so far.

Houston’s undefeated with top-five units on both ends, bolstered by Fred VanVleet’s return. Philly’s defense has been surprisingly sensational to start, and while its 27th-ranked offense is still ironing out the kinks, Tyrese Maxey looks like a legit MVP candidate. Oklahoma City’s obviously feeling the pain of the brutal injuries to Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace, but Shai Gilgeous-Alexander plus that defense plus a scintillating start for Ajay Mitchell has them up near the top for me. Ditto for the Lakers, who’ve gotten red-hot starts from a top-two offense led by Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, to go with a league-average defense — exactly the formula they need to contend.

Yes, the Knicks opened the season 0-3, and yes, their starters (outside of Karl-Anthony Towns) are still thawing out their jumpers. But after taking care of the Pistons and scoring 77 second-half points to beat the Bulls on the road on the second night of a back-to-back, it seems like the offense is getting unstuck, which makes me feel OK about giving the champs the benefit of the doubt for the final spot here.

Houston is healthy and flowing. Cade Cunningham continues to be the straw that stirs the drink and Ausar Thompson has relaunched his bid for DPOY early (as has his twin brother in Houston). Philly is an absolute blur in transition (when generating stops) and might need to lean into that as opposed to the benefits of bringing four offensive stars together. Ja Morant and Dame Lillard are the awkward pairing this league never knew it needed, and who doesn’t love what the kids in Memphis are doing? Fun, energetic, and inspiring. 

San Antonio’s heartbreaker in Houston woke the team up. OKC’s roster replenishes itself like a tide. Another season, another fast start for Ime Udoka’s Rockets. LeBron James, backup center, was not in the cards so soon. Luka-AR averaging 60 points and 10 turnovers. It’s a show.

Houston has picked up the pace on offense and is still defending, while VanVleet’s return has slotted everyone into more natural roles. Detroit may have gotten better, the defense remains disruptive and Cade Cunningham has been assertive. The 76ers have plenty of work to do, but it’s clear they are working to build this the right way. The defense holding up combined with an ability to problem-solve on the fly is a great early sign. In OKC, adversity has unfortunately knocked on the door with the injuries, but the defense has been suffocating to start the season. The Knicks’ rough start will likely benefit them as the season goes on. When they get back to playing defense at a high level, they are still a top-tier team.