The 5 Biggest Surprises of the 2018 NBA Season

Mike Korzemba Video:    • The 5 Biggest SURPRISES of the 2018 NBA Se...   Sorry if you heard any background noise. I was really pushing to get this video out, so I apologize if the quality isn't up to par. [Intro] Every NBA season there are players and teams who you know will play at an elite level such as LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and teams like the Spurs and Warriors. However, there are always players and teams who have breakout seasons and solidify themselves as one of the league’s best. Sometimes players are able to shine after they are traded or sign with another team such as Victor Oladipo and James Harden. In this video I will discuss 5 players or teams who have exceeded expectations. [Credit] Mike Korzemba did this video a few days ago, the link will be in the description. I’m not trying to steal his videos, rather I have a different perspective, and would like to share that. [Tyreke Evans] Tyreke Evans has re-emerged as a star player. It is quite impressive how Evans has polished his game in so many areas. Through January 7th Evans is averaging a revamped 19.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.7 assists. This is remarkable compared to Tyreke’s averages of 10.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.1 assists. Not only is Tyreke 5 major statistics eye-catching his improvement from 36 to 42% three point shot improvement is also noteworthy. Evans has also jumped from 41 to 47 percent on field goal attempts. Tyreke Evans has endured a career hindered by constant injuries preventing development into a star throughout his career. He statistically peaked in his legendary rookie season averaging 20, 5, 5 only a few players to do that such as LeBron James. In the two prior seasons he only played a combined 65 of 164 games, which is 39%. The move to Memphis was an excellent choice for Tyreke as he has been able to have a fresh start. However, this success wasn’t expected as Tyreke signed just to provide some scoring off the bench. Instead, Evans has greatly succeeded that by performing at a star level and being Memphis best player. This has attracted trade rumors, as many playoff teams have taken a genuine interesting in Tyreke. Tyreke Evans has gotten a fresh start in Memphis by shattering all expectations and leaving seasons plagued with injury behind him. [Victor Oladipo] Victor Oladipo was selected with the 2nd overall pick in the 2013 draft after a stellar junior year at the University of Indiana. Since then, he had a solid 3 seasons in Orlando, but never became the clear-cut best player or lead them to the playoffs. Consequently, he was traded in the 2016 offseason to the Thunder for a fresh start. However, Durant later slithered his way to the Warriors, which prompted Westbrook to play like a madman and post the highest usage rate in NBA history. Therefore, Victor Oladipo’s statistical performance took a leap backwards from his days in Orlando, but he couldn’t control it. Again, Oladipo was traded this prior offseason to the Indiana Pacers for Paul George. At first, this seemed like a horrible trade for Indiana, but Domantas Sabonis and Victor Oladipo’s dramatic improvement this year has counteracted that thought, along with OKC’s problems. Oladipo has gone from 16 to 25 points per game, 4 to 5 rebounds, and 2.5 to 4 assists per game. His advanced statistics and efficiency has all increased too. Victor is now one of the best 3 point shooters at 43 percent and 2.7 made per game. What is even more surprising is how Oladipo emerged as the clear cut leader and best player, which has shockingly translated into the Pacers being a playoff team. The Pacers have been a legitimate surprise too, but I personally think that has to do with Oladipo’s superstar play. Many believe Oladipo’s transformation from starter to possible all star starter is worthy of being acknowledged as Most Improved Player. That I have to agree with. Victor Oladipo has proven himself as worthy of being selected 2nd overall and has succeeded all individual expectations, which has majorly impacted the Pacers exceeding their projections also.