4 NBA Teams That Aren't Getting Nearly Enough Respect This Season

We are roughly a quarter of the way through the NBA regular season. While teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers and the Milwaukee Bucks have enjoyed expected success in 2019, other teams that were not projected to be in playoff contention have exceeded expectations but still aren't receiving the attention they deserve. With that in mind, here are four NBA teams that aren't getting nearly enough respect this season.

4. Toronto Raptors

Pascal Siakam with a crossover dribble vs. the Utah Jazz / Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images

The reigning NBA champions were expected to take a significant step back after the departure of Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard. The Raptors did not make any big additions during the offseason, but they have enjoyed a jump in production from Pascal Siakam. He is on his way to making his first-ever All-Star appearance, and Toronto is currently sitting in fourth place in the East.

3. Dallas Mavericks

Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis vs. the New Orleans Pelicans / Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images

Luka Doncic may be getting a ton of attention for his incredible play as of late, but many people are still hesitant to consider the Mavericks a true threat in the West. Kristaps Porzingis got off to a slow start offensively in his first season in Dallas, but he has been a force on the defensive end. In addition, role players like Dwight Powell and
Dorian Finney-Smith appear to have really stepped up their game in 2019. The second-placed Mavs are the fourth-highest scoring team in the association this year, and they don't seem to be slowing down.

2. Indiana Pacers

Malcolm Brogdon dribbling vs. the Atlanta Hawks / Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Indiana never seems to garner the respect they deserve no matter how much they win. All-Star guard Victor Oladipo has not played in a single game this season, but the Pacers are still positioned to make the playoffs if the campaign were to end today. Their entire starting five is averaging double-digit points, led by Malcolm Brogdon with 19 points per game. They are overdue to be praised and only set to improve when Oladipo returns to the fold.

1. Miami Heat

Jimmy Butler attempting a layup vs. the Toronto Raptors / Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images

Even with the acquisition of Jimmy Butler via free agency, nobody expected the Heat to be a contender for a top-four seed in the East. The Heat are undefeated at home this season and only the Bucks and the Celtics boast better records in the East. Seven players are averaging 10 or more points per game and the emergence of rookie sensation Kendrick Nunn has been huge for the Heat. They finally have enough firepower to close out closely contested games, even with Dion Waiters sidelined. It's time to stop counting out Erik Spoelstra's side.