5 NBA Teams who have overachieved so far

3. Indiana Pacers

Pacers

When the Pacers fell out with superstar Paul George late last season, their hopes of a good season went with him. Add the resignation of Larry Bird to that, all seemed to have been lost.

They managed to get Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis from the Thunder in the blockbuster Paul George trade. Neither played very well in Oklahoma City and were never positioned to be.

Two months in, the narrative about the winners and losers has changed and analysts are swallowing their words. Victor Oladipo has flourished in the Pacers’ system leading them to their best offensive stretch of the season. He is having a career best campaign, averaging career highs with 22.8 points on 47.0 percent shooting from the field and 43.8 percent from beyond the arc.

Myles Turner continues to be masterful (and masterfully utilized by Nate McMillan) at just 21. GM Chad Buchanan’s underrated front office also has payroll flexibility going forward as the cap goes up.

The trade is paying dividends, as the Pacers are above .500 with a 12-10 win-loss record. P.S. They are above the underachieving Oklahoma City Thunder.