Hoops Rumors Community Shootaround 12/07/15

The first quarter of the NBA season has been dominated by two storylines: 1. The Warriors’ amazing and historic start, with reigning Most Valuable Player Stephen Curry leading them to a 22-0 record; 2. Kobe Bryant‘s retirement announcement, which has turned Lakers’ road games into a farewell tour for one of the league’s all-time greats.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, several teams that reached the postseason last season have gotten off to slow or even woeful starts. In the Eastern Conference, the Wizards were expected to make a lot of noise this season after reaching the conference semifinals a year ago. Instead, they entered Monday’s action as one of just four Eastern teams with a losing record.

The Bucks, who lost to the Bulls in six games during the first round, outbid several suitors to win the services of free agent center Greg Monroe in July. They also have several quality young pieces, yet they’re languishing in last place in the Central Division, five games below .500.

The Nets, who lost an opening-round series to the Hawks in six games, re-signed center Brook Lopez and power forward Thaddeus Young but they’re 10 games under .500. Worse yet, they owe a likely high lottery pick to the Celtics.

In the West, the Rockets’ season has already been tumultuous following their appearance in the Western Conference Finals. They have fired head coach Kevin McHale and they’re already seven games behind the Spurs in the division standings. The star-studded Clippers, who got center DeAndre Jordan to flip his free agent commitment to the Mavericks, are just two games above .500.

The Pelicans have been bit by the injury bug but it’s still eye-opening to see a team with superstar power forward Anthony Davis owning a 5-15 record. The Pelicans were supposed to take the next step after their first-round appearance last season with veteran coach Alvin Gentry bringing in a new offensive scheme. But their defense has been a sieve, allowing a league-worst 109 points per game.

This leads us to our question of the day: Which team has been the biggest disappointment during the first quarter of the season?

Please take to the comments section below to share your thoughts and opinions on the subject. We look forward to what you have to say.

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