5 NBA players that have exceeded expectations so far in the 2019-20 season 

#2 Jimmy Butler – Miami Heat

Jimmy Butler has made Miami contenders in the East

While there wasn’t much criticism aimed at the Miami Heat’s decision to sign Jimmy Butler to a max deal last summer, few experts believed that his addition would transform the Heat into contenders. However, Butler has been excellent throughout the first half of the season, and his impact on young players such as Tyler Herro has been well documented as the Heat has made a much better than expected 32-15 start to the season.

Butler is averaging 20.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game, and even without the presence of a second star, the 30-year-old has successfully transformed the Heat into contenders in the East. Butler was unlucky to miss out on a starting berth in the All-Star Game, and it can be argued that no other offseason acquisition has made a greater impact this season.

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#1 Dwight Howard - Los Angeles Lakers

Dwight Howard has defied his critics in his second spell with the Lakers

Heading into the 2019 offseason, it was widely reported that Dwight Howard’s career could be over. Following an injury struck 2018-19 season with the Washington Wizards, Howard was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies before being subsequently waived. Due to his reputation as a problem in the locker room – Howard generated little interest on the open market, although the Lakers eventually signed him to a non-guaranteed deal as cover to the injured DeMarcus Cousins.

Relegated to the bench for the first time in his career, Howard has fully embraced his role to make an enormous impact during his limited time on the court. The 34-year-old is currently averaging 7.6 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks in 20.1 minutes per contest – and the Los Angeles fan base has fully embraced a player that was long viewed as a villain following his controversial departure back in 2013.