Biggest surprises and disappointments of the NBA season

The Greek Freak was one of the top young players in the game coming into this season, but he's been a revelation this year. He's gone from averaging 16.9 points last season to nearly 24 points per game this year and was named to his first All-Star Game.

Curry is still having a great year, but he is far from MVP candidacy. After leading the NBA with 30.1 points per game last year, Curry is back to averaging less than 25 points with the addition of Kevin Durant to the roster. Most notably, he's gone from shooting 45 percent from three to just 41 percent, making it unlikely he'll take home his third straight league MVP.

Beal has taken his game to the next level in his fifth NBA season. He averaged a career-high 17.4 points last season, but that total has increased to more than 22 points per game.

Ellis was already in decline last season and has turned into a bench player recently. He's down to just eight points per game after averaging 19 points in Dallas just two seasons ago.

Nearing age 30, Conley apparently still hasn't peaked. He's averaging a career-high 19 points this season after averaging only 15.3 points last year and battling through injury.

Jackson had a career-high 18.8 points per game last season, but he hasn't matched those numbers after battling injuries early in the year. He's averaged 15 points and has been the subject of trade rumors.

After two lost seasons, Embiid is the clear front-runner for Rookie of the Year. The future in Philly has become a star, averaging 20 points and eight rebounds per game.

Middleton is just getting back on the court after missing the start of the year with a hamstring injury. He's trying to make up for lost time after averaging 18.2 points per game last season.

A solid player, Gasol has taken his game to the next level this year. The Memphis center has averaged nearly 21 points per game, a career high.

With addition size after drafting Jabari Parker, the Bucks haven't been giving Monroe as much playing time this year. He's yet to start and has averaged less than 12 points and seven rebounds per game. He averaged at least 15 points per game in five straight seasons before 2016-17.

Utah's center was a dominant defensive player before this season, but he's taken his game to the next level. Gobert leads the league with 2.5 blocks per gam, and also has nearly 13 points and 13 rebounds per contest.

The end is drawing closer for Nowkitzki, whose 14 points per game is the lowest since his rookie season. He also missed time early in the year to injuries.

A second-round pick in 2014 by the Nuggets, Jokic has become one of the team's key players in his sophomore season. He's averaged 16 points per game and played much of the year off the bench.

The Clippers are hoping to be at full strength by the time the playoffs roll around, but they've struggled with injuries during much of this season. Paul continues to recover from thumb surgery and averaged 17.5 points per game before the injury, his lowest total since 2012-13.

Porter's ascent in the NBA has been slow, but he's finally coming into his own in his fourth season. The former third overall draft choice has averaged more than 14 points per game this season.

Rondo is no stranger to disappointing seasons, and this year could take the cake. He's averaged less than seven points per game and has fallen out of favor in Chicago.

A very good player prior to the 2016-17 season, Thomas has become a star for a Celtics. He ranks among the league leaders with nearly 30 points per game and would be getting much more attention if not for the incredible years from Russell Westbrook and James Harden.

Like many of his teammates, Rubio hasn't progressed this season. He's averaging less than nine points per game, the lowest total of his career.

Many expected Westbrook to step up this season with Kevin Durant gone, but he's putting together a historic season. Westbrook is averaging a triple-double and leading the league with more than 31 points per game.

After two great seasons. Vucevic has regressed this season. He's coming off the bench more often and averaging 14 points per game, compared to 18.2 points last season and 19.3 points in 2014-15.

Despite coming off the bench for the Lakers, Williams is having a career year. He's averaging better than 18 points per game for L.A.

Young's production has declined with the move to Indiana this season. After averaging 15.1 points and nine rebounds last season in Brooklyn, he's averaging less than 12 points and only six rebounds per game with the Pacers.