The 2019-20 NBA season is underway, and some players are off to surprising starts. While team unity and sharing the ball are key to a team’s success, there’s nothing better than having dependable scoring options.
To date, 43 players are averaging 18.2+ points per game, while 22 of those 43 are putting up over 20+ per game. From that, 13 players are averaging 25.0+ points per game, with only four of them being forwards.
Some on this list are newcomers, while others are shouldering a heavier load due to injuries on their respective teams. It’s only November, but which of these players will be able to continue their offensive prowess throughout this season?
1. Devonte’ Graham, Charlotte Hornets
Once the Charlotte Hornets lost Kemba Walker in free agency, they were tabbed to be among the worst in the league. Many wondered who would step into the primary scoring role. Devonte’ Graham has only started four of 13 games this season, but has put up 18.8 points, 7.1 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game. His percentage from the field sits at 40.1%, but his relentlessness to push the offensive pace has him taking 14.5 shots per game.
Graham has a usage rate of 27.1%, which means the offense has been running through him while he’s on the floor. Graham split time between the G League and the Hornets last season, but has relished in his role so far this season.
2. Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans
Ingram has taken his game to a new level, averaging 25.9 points per game; 11th in the league. He is most known for his mid-range game, shooting 56.6% from the field. In addition, he has totaled 7.3 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game en route to becoming a well-balanced player.
The Pelicans have struggled this year with Jrue Holiday, and without Zion Williamson on the court, Ingram has felt the pressure to step up. Even as the season progresses, Ingram’s numbers should remain consistent.
3. Malcolm Brogdon, Indiana Pacers
Brogdan was pegged as a “solid” signing this offseason, but may have been overlooked. During last season’s playoffs, Brogdon gave us glimpses of his on and off-the-ball potential. Through 13 games this season, Brogdan is putting up 19.2 points, 8.2 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game. His shooting percentages have dipped, but his usage and assist percentage of 38.9% is a team-high. The return of Victor Oladipo will take away possessions from Brogdon, allowing him to settle in as a secondary scorer.
4. Andrew Wiggins, Minnesota Timberwolves
After shooting 46% from the field in his second season, the productivity of Andrew Wiggins has declined every season after. However, under sophomore Head Coach Ryan Saunders, Wiggins is putting up career-highs in points (25.9), rebounds (5.1), assists (3.6), FGM/FGA (10.0/20.9), and FG% (47.8%).
This isn’t the same Andrew Wiggins in which there would routinely be stretches where Wiggins would disappear while on the floor. Saunders has unlocked an evolved version of Wiggins’ game, and we can only hope this trend continues throughout this season.
Photo Credit: Jeremy Brevard – USA TODAY Sports
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