NSL Insider - Premium: Leaders

by jmac, updated on Monday, November 08 2021, 10:47 am EST

It’s been a whirlwind first week in the NSL. Some wild games, wilder results. Elation, disappointment, and confusion. But despite these results and emotions, players are still out there playing the game – scoring, rebounding, assisting, stealing and blocking.

Even though it’s very early on in the season, and would be premature to make declarative statements, trends start off the same way. Is this a sign of things to come, or will these early leaders be fondly looked back at and enjoyed as fun, ‘flash in the pan’ overachievers?

Let’s take a look:

Scoring

1.	Kevin Durant	45 ppg	No surprises, here. Durant is probably the most graceful, efficient scorer the league has ever seen. Unfortunately, his team lost every game of week one, which is odd considering they beat the Spurs 2/3 games. Hard for Durant to do much more, though.
2.	D’Angelo Russell	38.7 ppg	He’s looking like fire again, D’Lo, and he wants the world to put some respect on his name and Brooklyns. In a week where many expected scorers struggled with effiency, D’Lo was flaming.
3.	Damian Lillard	36.8 ppg	Damian Lillard, the 2021 Finals MVP, made his official 76ers debut this week. The team went 2-2, and it was same old Dame on the stat sheet – 55% fg. O
4.	Luka Doncic	33 ppg	Luka is a good chance at the MVP this season, and he’s started as expected, scoring plenty. The Hornets haven’t looked as sharp as expected, but have still won all games.
5.	Stephen Curry	32.5 ppg	The way the Nuggets GM is rattling on about the game being ruined for shooters, you’d think Steph would be terrible. It is unders for his standards, and his efficiency has been poor for his standards, too (on;y 41% from three… tear).

Rebounding

1.	Karl-Anthony Towns	20.3 rpg	He was a timid KAT last season and this year he’s playing like Mufasa. Despite the sample size being way too small, Karl looks very hungry this season. A good season to be tall and able!
2.	Deandre Ayton	17.8 rpg	Deandre Ayton is widely tipped to be the next up and coming great big man. Pulling down almost 18 rebounds a game has helped the Warriors look great, and get off to a flying start.
3.	Jonas Valanciunas	16.5 rpg	The big JV is one of my favourite players, I’ve always liked him. He’s been given a massive role this season and looks not to disappoint – I can see this numbers continuing.
4.	Jarrett Allen	16 rpg	Jarrett Allen, aka Dylan’s Love, might be starting to fulfill some of those lofty expectations and potential. 16 rebounds a game for the stifling Cav’s team is crucial. He also blocks a lot, too.
5.	Willy Hernangomez	16 rpg	‘Thank goodness for big Willy’ is what Digga thinks every day. Without Myles Turner, he’s the only thing standing between a close content on the glass and Denver being -25 rebound differential.

Assists

1.	Lou Williams	9.3	With John Wall on the shelf, Lou is playing a faux-point guard role for the Bulls. He is naturally a scorer, so he’s obviously helped a big guy finish easy in ide just over nine times per game. Still, he’s been the best!
2.	Devonte Graham	8	Devonte Graham, the leading guard for the exciting young Hawks team. Sure to be plenty of growing pains, but great to see him helping his teammates immediately.
3.	Russell Westbrook	7.5	Is there anything this guy can’t do? Despite whatever mental shortcomings he may possess in the NBA, in the NSL, he is as reliable and impactful as they come. Sharing the playmaking with Harden, he still manages to be elite at setting up his teammates.
4.	Lamelo Ball	7.3	Boy does Lamelo have some hype?! What an ascension and first season in the pros. He has his team looking to make the playoffs already, and he’s already arguably their best player. His dimes are so exciting!
5.	Trae Young	7.3	The Magic might be in a dark place right now with Covid-19 ripping through the squad, but they can always count on Trae. If he’s not shooting threes that just graze the rim, he’s likely setting up his teammates for easy buckets

Steals

1.	Jayson Tatum	3.50	Celtics are off to a slow start, and Tatum has been shooting average, but he’s making an impact off the ball.
2.	Jrue Holiday	2.67	No surprises, here. One of the premiere defenders.
3.	Evan Mobley	2.50	Mobley, the rookie big man!? He is long and clever and he’s looking like a future star.
4.	Rudy Gobert	2.33	We usually think of blocks with Rudy, but no matter what the interception is registered as, he’s one of the best defenders we have.
5.	Dejounte Murray	2.33	Dejounte has always been good at the swipes. He’s rounding his game out nicely, too.

Blocks

1.	Kristaps Porzingis	5.25	The Mavericks have had a terrible week in the win’s column, but put their stars put up some outlandish stats. 5+ is god like.
2.	Javale McGee	4.67	The man has been criticised for things he doesn’t do well, but one can’t deny his aerial swat prowess.
3.	Jarrett Allen	4	Cavaliers have played the game really well, so far. Great chemistry and complementary players. Allen holds down the middle like a boss.
4.	Mo Bamba	4	Mo time? Mo Money is looking like money so far, and if you bought low, congratulations. He could always block!
5.	Jaren Jackson Jr	4	JJJ continues to tantalise with his potential, while his body lets him down. Him and his team are off to a great start.

	DEN	59
	WAS	52

	MIN	94
	GS	85

	WAS	114
	SAC	99

	MIL	97
	WAS	117

	DET	115
	ATL	99

NSL Insider - Premium: Leaders

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