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Victor Oladipo Injured: Magic G Out Indefinitely With Facial Fracture

By Michael Dunlap

Oct 30, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo (5) against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The Timberwolves defeated the Magic 120-115 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo (5) against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The Timberwolves defeated the Magic 120-115 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Victor Oladipo of the Orlando Magic is out indefinitely after suffering a facial fracture in practice, per a team news release. This is a big blow, as Oladipo was just working his way back from a MCL sprain in his left knee and now his sophomore campaign will be delayed even more.

The team announced that Oladipo took an elbow that caused the fracture and that Oladipo has surgery scheduled for Saturday. The 6-foot-4, 210-pound guard figured to be a major part of the rebuilding Magic, as a gritty defender who was finally going to be able to play his more natural position this season.

Last year, he averaged 13.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.6 steals and although he didn’t win the Rookie of the Year award (won by Michael Carter-Williams), many in the NBA (including yours truly) believe Oladipo will be the better player in five years.

Without Oladipo, the Magic will lean on newcomers Evan Fournier, Ben Gordon and Willie Green to hold down the shooting guard position. With rookie Elfrid Payton and veteran Luke Ridnour at the point guard, the Magic backcourt has taken quite a hit.

Although expectations weren’t high for this season going in, missing Oladipo for any period of time stalls his progress and the team’s ability to continue growing a familiarity and building on their chemistry.

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