BY SAM LADOW

The NBA is officially back on track with some up and coming stars and veteran players leading the way. Some say that the play has been a little sloppy out of the gate, as a lot of players need to get back into the rhythm. Some players, such as Kobe Byrant, Kevin Durant, Derrick Rose and Lebron James have shaken off the long break and are leading their respective teams to excellent starts. So far, there have been encouraging surprises for some teams and players, as well as bumps in the road for others.

Great Starts:

Cleveland Cavaliers and Kyrie Erving:Led by their rookie Kyrie Erving, the Cavs are looking towards a comeback season with a 6-6 record, which is good for seventh place in the Eastern Conference standings. After last year’s horrendous record it seems the Cavs are ready to forget the days of Lebron and look forward to the days of Erving and Tristan Thompson. Leading all rookies in PPG with 17, while also dishing out five assists for second place among rookies, Erving has turned the Cavs around into a real playoff contender.

Indiana Pacers:Led by a well-balanced starting squad and a reliable bench, the Pacers are finally set for a breakout season. Stars Danny Granger and Roy Hibbert have meshed wonderfully with new teammates David West and George Hill, currently only behind four teams in the East. This may be the year the Pacers make a serious playoff push and reinvigorate their fan base.

Philadelphia 76ers:Playing with teamwork and hustle, the 76ers have maneuvered their way into second place in the Eastern Conference. With veteran stars Elton Brand and Andre Iguodala guiding the team, and energetic players Thaddeus Young and Louis Williams adding a spark off the bench, the 76ers are in position to shake things up in the East.

Oklahoma City Thunder and James Harden:After a disappointing playoff run, the Thunder are back in town, leading the league with the best record thanks to their two stars Kevin Durant and Russel Westbrook and bench savior James Harden. No serious NBA fan could deny that this team has a good chance at winning it all this season. Harden is having a career season, leading the Thunder’s bench and enforcing good play. Despite only being in his third season, Harden is the best candidate for the sixth man of the year up to this point.

Ricky Rubio:Off to a stellar start, Rubio is leading all rookies in assists with eight per game, which is eighth overall in the league. Coming from Spain, the young guard is proving his worth this season, possibly earning himself a place in the All Star game.

Ryan Anderson:Replacing Rashard Lewis in the lineup, Anderson is averaging 18 points and seven rebounds per game, making himself another possible contender for the All Star game.

Kobe Bryant:At the age of 33, Bryant has had four straight 40 + point games, a feat no one else in NBA history has been able to match. He may be on his last fuse, but he is sure going to go out with a bang.

Bad Beginnings:

Boston Celtics:The Celtics’ age and lack of a center have held them back so far, keeping them at the ninth spot in the NBA.

Dallas Mavericks:The Mavericks squad looked loosely put together and ill fitted during the start of the season, however they have bounced back and may put together another playoff run.

Golden State Warriors:Despite their new head coach Mark Jackson, the Warriors are 4-8. An unhealthy Stephen Curry has hurt them greatly along with Kwame Brown’s injury, which will sideline him for the next three months.

Washington Wizards:The unmotivated Wizards roster has the worst record in the league, perhaps a reflection of the players’ young ages.

Zach Randolph:With a slight MCL tear, Randolph will begin 4-6 weeks of rehab to try to heal his injury. He was brilliant in the playoffs last season, and the Memphis Grizzlies will miss him greatly.

Demarcus Cousins: His immaturity and lack of desire for the respect of his coaches finally caught up with Cousins when the Sacramento Kings sentenced him to stay away from the team. He has since made up with the team, although this might label him a coach’s head case for the rest of his career.

Deron Williams:Williams is supposed to be leading the New Jersey Nets to become a playoff contending team; however he is only shooting 37% from the field and seems to be looking for the closest exit from the Nets franchise.