We're just over a week into the NBA season and it’s time to take the pulse of the competition. While we aren’t even 2% through the league’s 82-game regular-season marathon, we’ve seen enough volatility across the league to warrant a check-up.

THE WARRIORS ARE IN A LOT OF TROUBLE

Yes, the Golden State Warriors broke through for their maiden win on Tuesday against the winless New Orleans Pelicans, however, the win only seemed to keep the wolves at the door. 

The reason for those wolves in the first place? 

An absolutely horrendous defense, which is conceding 118.1 points per 100 possessions - the worst mark in the league, and light-years from the 101.4 mark the team posted when they won the first of their three Championships this decade. 

As if things couldn't get worse, their mercurial point guard, Steph Curry, who has been at the heart of everything the Warriors have stood for this decade, has broken his hand with the former MVP set to miss an extended period of time. 

The Warriors pre-season win total was set at 47.5, which, in hindsight seems incredibly high for a team who’s defense was already concerning in the pre-season. Those concerns have very much transferred into the regular season as the Dubs continue to get torched on the wings, where opponents are shooting 42.2% from deep, which is the second-worst mark in the league. They are also getting smashed at the rim, with opponents hitting 75.9% of their shots, which is the second-worst mark in the league behind the Houston Rockets (78.5%).

The loss of two-time NBA Finals MVP, Kevin Durant, was always going to hurt Golden State, as well as their chances of advancing out of the Western Conference for a sixth straight season. However, Klay Thompson’s season-long injury along with Andre Iguadola’s trade to Memphis has also severely hampered the team’s defensive unit, as well as taking away so many attacking options.

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The recent loss of defensive anchor, Kevon Looney, has resulted in the Warriors having to shuffle the decks at the centre position, and a massive reason as to why it seems as though there’s an express route to the Warriors’ hoop during their games.

Post-dynasty life was always going to be tough in the Bay Area. The reality, however, of so much roster turmoil has snuck up quickly upon the Warriors to the point that just returning to playoffs now seems like an almighty challenge.

INJURIES ARE ALREADY PLAYING HAVOC

There are only two winless teams in the league after a week of basketball while both would sight injuries as the chief reason for their collective underachievement.

The Sacramento Kings are reeling from the loss of their do-it-all former #2 overall pick Marvin Bagley who is the epitome of everything this long-suffering franchise wants to be under new head coach, Luke Walton. Bagley’s size and speed - in theory - would allow them to play at a break-neck pace while dominating teams on the boards, and theoretically putting an end to the King’s 13-season playoff drought. They’re instead 0-5 and at 97.3 points per 100 possessions qualify as the league’s second-most barren offense behind the Memphis Grizlies (96.5).

The New Orleans Pelicans are still adjusting to the loss of Zion Williamson and while the rookie sensation hasn’t yet played an NBA game, his pre-season exploits had already made him the epicentre of the Pelicans team. The Pels have struggled mightily without him, with only Brandon Ingram and the 27.3 points per night he's supplied, providing any kind of early-season enthusiasm in the Big Easy.

PHILLY REALLY MIGHT BE THE EAST’S BEST TEAM

The Philadelphia 76ers entered season 2019/20 with a lot of hype owing to ‘The Process’ coming to fruition after consecutive years of 50+ win basketball, coupled with one of the most loaded and intriguing rosters in the sport.

And, indeed, the 76ers have jumped out of the gates with their 4-0 start fuelled by what many thought would drive their championship hopes all season; defense and size.

RELATED: Are the Philadelphia 76ers Genuine NBA Championship Contenders?

Through three games only the Utah Jazz (92.7) can claim to be performing better on defense than the measly 93.9 points per 100 possessions Philly are surrendering per night, while having the incredible force of Joel Embiid coupled with assistance from Tobias Harris and Al Horford has ensured that they are ranked in the league’s top five for both rebounding and blocks.

Australia’s MVP dark horse, Ben Simmons, has also been in scintillating form in the early season, and while he’s yet to attempt an elusive three-pointer, his playmaking skills have been otherworldly, with the former #1 overall pick assisting on an incredible 39.7% of the Sixers' made field goals.

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THE ROOKIES ARE LIGHTING IT UP

While the early-season loss of Zion Williamson can’t be sugarcoated, the rest of his 2019 rookie class is already making a huge impact around the league.

Memphis #2 pick, Ja Morant, has announced himself as a serious NBA talent, with his 17.5 points and 5 assists per night leading a surprisingly pesky Grizzlies outfit. The New York Knicks' RJ Barret is already providing a spark to a franchise in desperate need of inspiration with the team comfortable granting the Canadian a massive 37.3 minutes per night, with Barret responding with an impressive 20.5 ppg, while shooting the long-ball at a ridiculous 46.7%.

Meanwhile, Miami’s Tyler Herro is emerging as a Rookie of the Year smokey, putting up the kind of numbers on South Beach not seen by a rookie since a certain Dwyane Wade was in town. Washington’s Rui Hachimura is making teams look stupid for letting him slide to pick nine while the Charlotte Hornets would be delighted with the production PJ Washington is providing, averaging 14ppg and 7 rebounds, and hitting the three-ball at 50.0%.

THE CLIPPERS ARE THE TEAM TO BEAT IN THE WEST

The LA Clippers grabbed all the off-season headlines when they nabbed both Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, however, their early-season expectations were tempered somewhat with PG needing to miss the first part of the season owing to shoulder surgery. 

George’s absence, however, has seemingly had no impact on what's looked liked a terrifying Clippers team that has burst out of the gates with their three wins coming by a combined 44 points.

While the addition of two-time NBA Finals MVP, Kawhi Leonard, is already paying massive dividends, it’s easy to forget that the Clippers bench can call upon the likes of Montrezl Harrell and Lou Williams. Already, their bench is producing a league-high 61 points per night which is a scary notion for opposition teams.

So where will the Clipper's competition in the West come from in season 2019/20? 

The LA Lakers with Anthony Davis and LeBron James have responded from their opening night beatdown to win three in a row while the likes of the Denver Nuggets will continue to pose a threat. Utah hasn’t exactly clicked into full gear with Mike Conley just yet, though they do boast the league’s best defense. The Houston Rockets, with James Harden and Russell Westbrook have immediately gelled, while even the Minnesota Timberwolves and Dallas Mavericks look scary with a combined 6-1 record, and with Karl-Anthony Towns (MIN) and Luka Doncic (DAL) already generating MVP hype.

It’s been a tumultuous start to the NBA season with plenty to make sense of. While we are only a week in, it’s incredibly exciting to think we have another eight months of the world’s greatest competition to still play out.

*Stats and team records updated through Friday morning AEST.

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