Alex de Minaur

The NBA season is young and as per usual this early into the season, there have been plenty of surprises, be it players or teams. Here are five surprises we have seen so far this season.

1: Houston Rockets poor start

The Rockets had the best record in the league last season by a long way but have started their season with just one win out of their first five games. They were beaten easily by the Pelicans, Jazz and Clippers, suggesting their Carmelo Anthony manoeuvre may have  negative impact on the team.

2: Milwaukee Bucks hard out of the gates

The Bucks and Raptors hold the two best records in the league at 6-0, with the Bucks surprising most here. Milwaukee have beaten other playoff contenders such as the Pacers, 76ers and Timberwolves. Superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo has lead the way unsurprisingly, averaging 25 points, 14 rebounds and six assists per game.

3: Zach LaVine

The newly re-signed Bull has exploded to start the year for his team scoring 29 points per game. LaVine has never been known as an efficient scorer but is shooting 52 per cent from the field and 40 per cent from the three point line.

4: What's up with Kyrie Irving?

The Celtics star hasn't looked like his old self as the season has started, struggling to shoot and get to the free throw line. Irving is currently averaging 14 points per game and shooting just 24 per cent from behind the arc.

5: Rookie class

The rookies of this year have started the season with an absolute bang, carrying the heavy loads placed on their young shoulders with ease. Trae Young, who many feared would get lost in the NBA shuffle has been outstanding averaging 20 points and seven assists per game while number one overall pick Deandre Ayton currently averages a double-double for his Phoenix Suns.