It's been an incredibly busy new season. Let's hit on the surprises that really jump out.

1) The Hawks don't stink. It's just been SO long since they haven't been awful. With the core of Joe Johnson, Josh Smith, Al Horford, Marvin Williams and Mike Bibby, they've grown beyond anyone's expectations. Not only are they better, but they are now one of the most entertaining teams in the league. While they are rarely on TV (because we get to watch the Spurs instead) you should really take every chance to tune in to a Hawks game.

2) Philly DOES stink. A few years ago, the Bulls signed Ben Wallace to a ridiculous deal, which led to several pundits to predict a championship for Chicago. It was a stupid deal, but an even more stupid prediction. I rank this one right below it. The Sixer's signed Elton Brand, and suddenly every one is predicting them to upset the Celtics as the Eastern conference's supreme power.

Guess what? Elton Brand is a loser. He is a money-first, team second big man with bad knees who has been to the playoffs once in his 9 NBA seasons.

3) The Cavs are real contenders for the first time. When LeBron went to the finals two years ago, his team was not a contender to win. Now they are. No one thought he would be so good or that Mo Williams could possibly help that much. But their offensive effeciency has gone from the basement to the top of the league, while their defense is terrific, as only the Celtics are better defenders.

4) Shawn Marion isn't the man. He wanted out of Phoenix so he could be "the man" and prove that Nash and Stoudemire benefited from his play. Well, he's dumb. I still say that Phoenix should have sent Marion to Atlanta for Josh Smith and Marvin Williams (this would have kept D'Antoni in town) and kept the Suns high flying.

5) The Knicks aren't all super dysfunctional. Isiah Thomas is fired, D'Antoni is in, and the Knicks are as relevant as they've been in years. Not surprisingly, the Knicks join the Hawks in the "really fun to watch" category.


Look for more to come!