Two rounds into NBL23, it's the Sydney Kings and Perth Wildcats who are setting the pace at the top of the table.
The Kings' impressive start, early breakout candidates and far too many injuries across the league are on the agenda in this week's 3x3.
Kane Pitman, Olgun Uluc and Peter Hooley return as they do every Wednesday during the season to answer some of the intriguing questions heading into the weekend's hoops.
What has been the most impressive element of Sydney's 3-0 start?
Kane Pitman: The defence coming together.
The Kings have locked down the interior. In Round 2, Sydney handled Brisbane and Melbourne while surrendering just 52 total points in the paint. While Xavier Cooks, Tim Soares and Jordan Hunter deserve plenty of credit, the Kings' perimeter players also deserve a nod for shutting down the point of attack, with Dejan Vasiljevic in particular giving Chris Goulding very little airspace in Sunday afternoon's blowout at John Cain Arena.
The Kings ranked second in the league for defence in their championship run and it's exactly where they sit in the very early going this year, only behind Perth, who not surprisingly are also undefeated.
Olgun Uluc: I'd point to Derrick Walton Jr.'s ability to pick his spots based on what the team needs.
If the Kings have needed a more aggressive scoring presence at the one, he's provided that - he had 53 combined points in his first two games - and if the team needs a settling floor general, then he can shift into that mode. It's a sign of his versatility, but mainly his maturity, and that's something Chase Buford must love as an extension of himself on the floor.
Peter Hooley: What hangover?
Any time you start a new season as the reigning champion, there's always the possibility that the team will start slow. Complacency might slip in; players aren't completely focused and there may still be a lot of moving parts on a new squad. This has not been evident at all since Sydney's first game against the Hawks. Chase Buford seems to have the entire team locked in and focused on each game. Every player on the roster is contributing in their role and the Kings once again look legit.
Which player is an early breakout candidate?
Kane Pitman: Luke Travers.
The Wildcats camp believed Travers was in for a big season and the early signs are good. The 21-year-old is scoring in double-digits (10.3) for the first time in his NBL career; he is tied in first with Bryce Cotton for assists per game at the Wildcats (4.3) and he leads the entire league in raw box score +/- (+51 in 71 minutes via Jordanmcnbl.com) - tip of the hat to the Wildcats depth and John Rillie for that number, striking the right mix with early season lineups.
I think a reasonable expectation should be for Travers to be a Sixth Man of the Year finalist by the end of NBL23.
Olgun Uluc: Luke Travers has clearly already taken a leap, but Sam Froling is also someone who's also shown signs of jumping to that next level, and the opportunity should be there for him to do just that.
The younger Froling has looked more aggressive offensively compared to last season, and he's the only frontcourt guy on the Illawarra Hawks who can consistently create his own shot. With Justin Robinson's injury, I wouldn't be surprised to see the ball thrown into Froling a touch more, and for him to make the most of it.
Peter Hooley: Can a player win back-to-back Most Improved awards?
Last season was a breakout season for Keanu Pinder up in Cairns. Adam Forde seemingly unlocked his potential and let him play through his mistakes and flourish in his role. He was rewarded with starting the majority of games to end last season but that's all changed this year.
Starting at centre and a big focal point on their offence, Pinder has had a big start to NBL23. The Taipans may have been dismantled by Perth, but Pinder played a lone hand with his 18 points and 15 rebounds in the loss. Currently eighth in the league in scoring, Pinder is nearly averaging a double-double through three games.
Which injury is having the greatest impact early in the season?
Kane Pitman: Trey Kell III.
I had a difficult time choosing which South East Melbourne injury I wanted to go with but after watching a staggering 26 turnovers live on Saturday afternoon in a loss to Cairns, I'm going with the import guard.
The Phoenix rank last for offensive efficiency which is hardly a surprise with four starting level players yet to suit up this season, but the back court in particular needs some bodies. 1-2 through three games is actually a decent result given the injury list, while help is on the way this week in a relief for the club.
Olgun Uluc: Melbourne United is in desperate need of a point guard on both ends of the floor, and Shea Ili - who's been out with a concussion - is that reliable, settling force they've been missing.
Ili ticks a lot of the boxes United have been missing: the effective pick-and-roll ball-handler, the spot-up shooter, the elite perimeter defender, and someone who fosters ball movement. The ceiling for Dean Vickerman's team may not be as high as recent years, but Ili's return to the line-up raises the floor a whole lot.
Peter Hooley: Shea Ili is United's MVP
Chris Goulding is the heartbeat of Melbourne United, and you could easily argue he is their most valuable player. However, if the last couple of seasons has shown anything, it's that Shea Ili is one of the most important pieces to United's success.
Whether he's starting or sixth man, Ili spears the defensive charge every single night and it's often his energy that becomes contagious throughout the team. He's missed almost a month through concussion, and it's been clear where that hole lies on Melbourne United.
He does all the dirty work needed to help get the win. The coaches have complete faith in Ili to spark the team when it's needed, whether it's taking a charge or diving on loose balls. He is the framework of the culture at Melbourne United and they need him back as soon as possible.