As we approach the halfway point of the 2024-25 season, it's a good time to take stock of where things stand across the NBA.
A sample size of half the season allows us to explore which players have surprised and disappointed, relative to expectations. When we asked coaches, scouts and executives from across the league for their selections
Eight surprise players of the first half
Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
It's scary to consider that even with his sky-high potential, and all the attention placed upon him as a result, Wembanyama still finds himself on this list.
And yet, it's hard to argue with his place on it, considering he is once again leading the league in blocks and has the Spurs firmly in the conversation for a play-in spot in the loaded Western Conference.
"What he's doing is just ridiculous," another executive said. "Say whatever you want about him meeting expectations;
if he gets that roster to the playoffs, he should get MVP votes. And he might."