Two of the prospective contenders in the East are flailing, while two in the West are scorching hot. Meanwhile, an important awards race has already turned upside-down.

The 2025-26 NBA season is a mere two weeks old, but that's a perfect time to start diving into the most important numbers and narratives surrounding these early surprises.

ESPN national analysts Zach Kram and Kevin Pelton debate the biggest early-season questions about Victor Wembanyama , Paolo Banchero , Trae Young , Austin Reaves , Cooper Flagg and more.

Does Victor Wembanyama make the San Antonio Spurs a true contender?

Pelton: The Spurs appear to be the young team that is taking the leap. Starting with an opening-night drubbing of the Dallas Mavericks , San Antonio started 5-0 for the first time in

See Full Page