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NBA: 5 teams that could make a big jump in 2018-19

By Chris Murch

CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 14: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers listens to LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers after the game at Quicken Loans Arena on December 14, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Lakers 121-112. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 14: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers listens to LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers after the game at Quicken Loans Arena on December 14, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Lakers 121-112. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – APRIL 15: Victor Oladipo
CLEVELAND, OH – APRIL 15: Victor Oladipo /

Indiana Pacers

2017-18 Record: 48-34

Key offseason acquisitions: Tyreke Evans, Doug McDermott, Kyle O’Quinn

Losses from 2017-18: Lance Stephenson, Joe Young

The surprise team of the 2017-18 season, the Indiana Pacers look to continue this upward trend in 2018-19. After trading away franchise stalwart Paul George for Victor Oladipo, a player who had really yet to show his full potential, and Domantas Sabonis, the Pacers looked as though they were on a rebuilding mission.

This was not to be the case however as Oldaipo shined, becoming the NBA’s most improved player and receiving a berth in his first ever NBA All-Star game. For the season, Oladipo lead the Pacers in points (22.7), rebounds (8.3) and assists (6). He truly became the star that the Orlando Magic envisioned when they drafted Oladipo 2nd in 2013, then subsequently gave up on.

Playing with a huge chip on their shoulders the whole season, the Pacers shocked the eastern conference and won nearly 50 games. Gritty guys like Thad Young, Darren Collison, Myles Turner and Bojan Bogdanovic allowed the Pacers to play with a toughness not often seen in regular season play. Along with one of the best home court advantages in the league, Indiana showed that they are a team to not be slept on moving forward.

The moves that Indiana have made this offseason are also cause for celebration. In acquiring Tyreke Evans in free agency, they are basically swapping a less efficient, and more distracting guard in Lance Stephenson for Evans. Tyreke had an impressive year with the Memphis Grizzlies last season averaging 19.4 points, 5.2 Rebounds and 5.2 assists per game.

Snatching up sharpshooter Doug McDermott from the Dallas Mavericks and noted tough guy Kyle O’Quinn from the Knicks were also some subtle moves that improve Indiana’s squad without breaking the bank.

With Lebron leaving the conference, the east is now wide open. The Pacers made some promising offseason moves that can potentially put them in the driver’s seat to become a top 3-4 team in the conference and push them to potential conference finals candidates. Coming off a 48-win year and improving in the offseason bodes well for the Pacers in 2018-19.

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