-
Follow Us
On Facebook
On Flipboard
On Twitter
We are almost through the first two months of the NBA season, and there are plenty of takeaways to discuss.
There are a few teams off to great starts like the Boston Celtics, New Orleans Pelicans, and Memphis Grizzlies.
But, it has been the individual performances that are most impressive around the league.
Here are the two NBA players who have been big surprises this season.
Anfernee Simons, Portland Trail Blazers
One player who consistently flies under the radar based on where he plays is Anfernee Simons of the Portland Trail Blazers.
He has been the second-best player on the Blazers this year and stepped into the starring role when Damian Lillard was out.
On the season, Simons is averaging 23.4 points, 4.3 assists, and is third in the league in made threes per game with 4.0.
Speedy Anfernee
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) December 18, 2022
He also leads the team in minutes played with 36.0 per game.
Simons is 23 years old and has finally come into his own in his fifth NBA season.
The backcourt of Lillard and Simons has been causing problems for opposing teams all season.
Portland is currently the sixth seed in the West.
They will need Simons to keep up his play all year if they want to be a threat come playoff time.
Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers
It is rare for 22-year-old first-round picks to get traded.
But, that is what the Sacramento Kings did when they sent Tyrese Haliburton to the Indiana Pacers.
It seems clear that Sacramento gave up on the young point guard too soon.
This season Haliburton is having an awesome year.
He is averaging 19.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 10.7 assists per game.
His assist totals lead the NBA.
Tyrese Haliburton has become the NBA's assist leader by dribbling less and holding the ball less than other prolific point guards …
"He's a really smart player. He pushes the ball, but he makes, generally, a lot of simple plays"https://t.co/UakJtKLx1b
*stats as of Wed. pic.twitter.com/yH4CZeCYAS
— Colin Ward-Henninger (@ColinCBSSports) December 17, 2022
Not to mention, Haliburton has even been one of the best defenders on the Pacers.
His 1.8 steals per game lead their team and are fourth in the NBA.
While the Pacers are still in re-build mode, they have their point guard of the future in place.
More must-reads:
- Watch: Jalen Brunson ties Game 3, Andrew Nembhard wins it
- Watch: Nuggets star Jamal Murray gets hot in the first half
- The 'Most three-pointers made in one postseason' quiz
Breaking News
Customize Your Newsletter
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!
