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The past off-season saw the formation of more super teams in the NBA, in what promised to be a very competitive season for the elite. So far, no team seems to be cut from a different cloth from the “average” teams.
Leading contenders have suffered surprising defeats in what seems like a win some lose some NBA season for every team. Everyone was given an adjustment period and the panic button is very much alive for underachieving teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder.
What teams have overachieved so far? As expectations for players rise and fall, we have come up with a list of the best 5 overachieving teams.
Honourable mention:
Boston Celtics:
The acquisition of Gordon Hayward in free agency and the blockbuster Kyrie Irving trade made the Celtics a legit contender on paper. However, no one in their wildest dreams would have predicted Haywards horrific ankle injury that would mark the beginning of a tough season.
Contrary to expectations, Kyrie Irving has helped Boston overcome the Gordon Hayward injury, with his leadership and MVP worthy displays leading them to an NBA best 19-4 win-loss record.
5. Utah Jazz
The jazz endured a nightmare of an offseason when they lost their superstar small forward, Gordon Hayward to the Celtics for nothing. They have performed well beyond expectations so far, and are worth the attention.
No one expected the Stifle Tower (Rudy Gobert) to step up with the promise of saving their season. He has made it easier for them to transition from the Hayward era with stellar performances daily.
His injury forced their rookie, Donovan Mitchell to step up from his up and downs and has since maintained the much-needed consistency and has led them to their best offensive rating thus far.
With their record currently at .500, they are entering a tough stretch in December which will test their mettle.
4. New York Knicks
The Knicks finally got rid of superstar Carmelo Anthony via trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder. After months of strained relationship with the front office, he agreed to waive his no trade clause to join Russell Westbrook in Oklahoma.
They also chose a different direction and elected to end their miscalculated relationship with Phil Jackson after years of empty promises, cryptic tweets, and mangled relationships.
Knicks fans were buzzing with the promise of a bright future centred around the emerging Kristaps Porzingis. They just didn’t realize the bright future might come sooner rather than later.
With a 11-10 win-loss record, a relentless Tim Hardaway Jr and finally learning to win without huge production from Porzingis, the Knicks aren’t stopping anytime. Their favorable current home stand against teams with losing records will allow them to ride their luck for now.
3. Indiana 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.
2. Philadelphia 76ers
Sam Hinkie’s “Trust the Process” might have just come into fruition earlier than expected without him at the realm. The dynamic duo of Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid are performing beyond their years.
The game comes naturally to them and they are taking maximum advantage with their hall of fame-esque performances. They are the ultimate team of the future.
I endorse the logic that they are outperforming our expectations with a win-loss record of 12-9. They barely lose first quarters due to their strong starts. They’ll need better game management in the dying minutes, but so far so good.
1. Detroit Pistons
The Pistons have maintained their hot start so far. The play of Andre Drummond and Tobias Harris has the club above .500 and relevant again in the Eastern Conference (for the time being).
The Pistons are fun to watch. They play basketball the right way, with the needed competitive spirit and camaraderie. They play as a team and compete hard. They have been able to win close games that have helped them end up having a better win-loss (14-6) record.
The Avery Bradley trade coupled with Drummond’s activity is paying dividends. They have wins over the Celtics, Timberwolves and Thunder, and that makes them worth the attention. And that's frankly a shocker considering their horrible displays last season. They have big home games coming that will test their resolve.
