Where is the NBA At Two Weeks In?

Two weeks after the start of the NBA season, it's been nothing short of newsworthy. There have been breakout players, disappointments, and the same old trade rumors.

Eight games in, LeBron James and Chris Bosh are putting up some of the worst numbers of their respective careers, the New Orleans Hornets are undefeated, and Carmelo Anthony still wants a trade.

At 5-3, the Miami Heat have been largely disappointing. For a team heralded to win 73 games, they'd have to finish 68-6 to achieve that mark. Dwayne Wade, James, and Bosh haven't found the middle ground amongst themselves, and James has suffered as a result.

While LeBron's assists are the same as last year at 8.6 a game, he's averaging just 20.6 points and 5.6 rebounds on 44.2 percent from the field, bordering around numbers from his rookie year. The most important part -- winning -- isn't coming easily for the Heat, either.

The Cleveland Cavaliers, LeBron's old team, nearly have the same record at 4-3, and they don't have a player the caliber of any of the Heat's three stars. James practically began every previous season in his career with a better start in terms of wins than this season with the Heat.

Bosh has been even more disappointing, with averages of 14.8 points and 5.9 rebounds, which are also numbers that range around his rookie year. He said earlier in the week that he felt "lost" on the court at times and he hasn't shown the aggression he did in past years.

Utah Jazz forward Paul Millsap torched the Heat for 46 points last night, and he looks like the early favorite for most improved player, as he's putting up 24 points and 11 boards per game. Keep in mind that Brandon Jennings was averaging in the mid-20s early last season after a 55-point game and everyone presumed he was a lock for rookie of the year.

It's early, but at 7-0, the New Orleans Hornets look impressive. Chris Paul has been silenced amongst a trade request over this seven-game stretch. But the overall demeanor of the team just screams pretender, and after a first-round exit in the playoffs, Paul could be back at his trade demands next summer.

On the other hand, Carmelo Anthony still is non-committal on his situation with the Nuggets and all private indications point towards an Anthony trade before the trade deadline at the very least. At 4-3, the Nuggets have been mediocre and Carmelo could give the New York Knicks, who stand at 3-4, a major boost.