Indiana Pacers: NBA's Best Team So Far

The 2013 NBA season has been dominated by the Indiana Pacers so far, and there seems to be nothing stopping them at the moment. Through five games, they’ve gone 5-0 and are winning each game by a margin of 10 points on average. It’s been a blast to watch as a fan, but this team surely isn’t about fun and games themselves. They’re about being the best, and they’ll let you know that.

Of course, it’s early, and the top spot in the league will probably fluctuate several times. But, for now, the Pacers haven’t lost. Can the Miami Heat say that? Can the Chicago Bulls say that? Can the San Antonio Spurs or Oklahoma City Thunder say that? Heck, can anyone else say that?

Nope.

The Pacers currently feature two guys that could wind up winning some hardware by the end of the year, and that’s not counting a championship trophy. Paul George is playing at an elite level and most certainly deserves to be in the early MVP discussion; at least his teammate Roy Hibbert thinks so.

Best believe @Paul_George24 getting that #MVP trophy this year. No one playing like him.

— Roy Hibbert (@Hoya2aPacer) November 7, 2013

Hibbert, on the other hand, is playing great defensive ball and believes he is the best defensive player in the league and should win the award proving that fact.

No really, just ask him. He has no shame in telling you.

People act like I can’t have individual goals. I didn’t talk about it in the past. Well now I am. I WANT DPoY. That’s gonna help my team win

— Roy Hibbert (@Hoya2aPacer) November 7, 2013

Hibbert does have a point, here. George is playing outstanding basketball. He’s averaged 25.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.8 steals and is shooting the ball at 48.3 percent from the field — 44.4 percent from long distance as well. Hibbert is also playing outstanding basketball, and defensively he’s been incredible as he’s averaged 5.2 blocks per game.

The Pacers are the class of the NBA right now, no question. Defensively, they’re 1st in the league in points given up per game at just 84.4. They’re also 4th in the league in rebounds.

This is the kind of team that wins championships. Top-tier defense and winning the rebounding battle are two key components to beating a team like the Heat in the East and the Spurs out West. This Indiana team is as good as it gets through the first two weeks of action, and there’s not a lot anyone can say to prove otherwise.

Ryan Heckman is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ryanmheckman, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.