For years, the NBA has been waiting for Victor Oladipo to fulfill the promise and achieve his potential that earned him the number two pick in the 2013 NBA draft.
For most of his career, the Indiana Pacers shooting guard has been known for his incredible athletic ability and spectacular dunks. He spent three seasons with the Orlando Magic, a span where he did show plenty of signs that he was turning into a magical player that could ultimately lead a team.
He then moved on to the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he spent one year experiencing a winning culture and learned some valuable lessons playing alongside the reigning MVP Russell Westbrook. He was then sent to his hometown in the trade that sent Paul George to OKC.
However, no one could’ve expected that going back home to Indiana would improve his game this much. Oladipo has not only lifted the Pacers to a shocking 16-11 record, firmly in the playoff hunt, but he’s averaging 24.5 points per game, shooting 44 percent from three-point range on high volume and filling out the rest of the stat sheet like an All-Star.
When the Pacers took on the Denver on Sunday night at home everyone anticipated a fast-paced and high-scoring matchup and that’s precisely what the game turned out to be.
Oladipo led the way against the Nuggets as he scored 47 points in a 126-116 overtime victory.
The simplicity of Oladipo’s moves has turned him into an efficient scorer. He now knows how to make better use of his speed to break down the court, takes advantage of his dribbling ability to create more space, uses his body better to protect the ball, and has the skills to draw contact to get the foul call and the additional free throws.
Oladipo has also improved his defense and more importantly, he never gives up on it. Even after getting beat he knows how to pursue the ball and strip it clean to create transition plays that result in open shots and easy baskets.
Oladipo has arguably become the most improved player in the NBA this season and is proving that despite the departure of George, the Pacers are still a force to contend with thanks to a great young nucleus led by a player that is increasingly looking like a future All-Star.
Tonigh,t the Pacers will need Oladipo to continue his improved play as they host the Thunder.
