NBA Analysts Split on Early Season Panic
ESPN reporters Zach Kram and Ben Golliver debate whether early struggles by the Heat, Thunder, and Warriors are temporary blips or long-term problems.
By Tyler Khalil ·
Early season panic is back in the NBA.
Two ESPN analysts, Zach Kram and Ben Golliver, recently reviewed ten popular narratives surrounding the 2026-27 season. They argued over whether these stories are overreactions or valid concerns. Their debate covers teams in Miami, Oklahoma City, and Golden State, among others.
The Miami Heat sit with a difficult start. Their offense ranks poorly, with the seventh-worst shooting luck on offense and second-worst on defense, according to GeniusIQ tracking. Cleaning the Glass data shows opponents are hitting 53% of midrange shots and 40% from three against Miami. Kram argues the Heat will finish with their worst record since 2008. He notes that ESPN's Basketball Power Index projects a 38-win season, a drop from 46 wins in preseason projections. Golliver disagrees, calling it an overreaction. He points out that Giannis Antetokounmpo is averaging 28.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 5.0 assists in the team's three defeats. Golliver believes coach Erik Spoelstra has time to adjust the roster, which lost Norman Powell in free agency and added Klay Thompson.
Oklahoma City faces injury issues that threaten its title hopes. Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace are out for the foreseeable future with significant injuries. The Thunder also traded Luguentz Dort, Aaron Wiggins, and Isaiah Joe during the offseason. Kram says the loss of these players bends the team's defensive identity out of shape. He expects the Thunder to miss the title unless a major injury returns or a trade occurs. Golliver calls the panic an emotional overreaction. He notes that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is playing well and that the team beat Phoenix on Monday. Golliver argues that the Thunder remain a contender because they are built for the long haul and have assets to trade.
Golden State Warriors fans worry about the team's future. The squad lost key players Jimmy Butler and Kristaps Porzingis to injuries. On Saturday, the Warriors started a lineup of Yaxel Lendeborg, Brandon Williams, Will Richard, Gui Santos, and Graham Ike. That group earns less than $20 million combined, while Butler and Porzingis earn $56 million and $19.5 million respectively. Both Kram and Golliver agree that the current state is not an overreaction. Kram calls it a gap year due to injuries and a lack of upgrades. Golliver notes the math is difficult to overcome without their top scorers.
Other debates include the Sacramento Kings and the New York Knicks. Kram and Golliver both believe Kings coach Doug Christie will not finish the season. They point to the team's poor record and the integration of rookie guard Darius Acuff Jr. alongside veterans Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine. Kram notes that owner Vivek Ranadivé has fired five coaches since 2013, with three departures occurring early in the campaign. Regarding the Knicks, Kram calls the first-round exit narrative an overreaction. He expects a quick turnaround in their shooting, which currently ranks last in midrange percentage.
The analysts also examined the San Antonio Spurs and Memphis Grizzlies. Both agree that the Spurs' three-guard starting lineup of De'Aaron Fox, Dylan Harper, and Stephon Castle is not yet a problem. The group has a plus-15.4 net rating in 43 minutes of play. For Memphis, Golliver calls the talk of Ty Jerome becoming an All-Star an overreaction, citing a soft early schedule. Kram disagrees, noting Jerome ranks third in offensive box plus-minus, behind only Nikola Jokic and Gilgeous-Alexander.
These discussions reflect the uncertainty of a young season. Teams are still finding their rhythm, and injuries are shifting rosters. The analysts agree that more games are needed before making final judgments on these franchises.
