Victor Oladipo: Can Magic G Take The Next Step?
Can the second-year guard turn in another solid season for the Orlando Magic?
The Orlando Magic selected Victor Oladipo with the No. 2 pick in the 2013 draft. During his last season at Indiana University, Oladipo’s averages included 13.6 points, 6.3 rebounds. 2.2 steals and 2.1 assists per game. And because of his ability to change games on the defensive end of the floor, this selection made perfect sense for a team that finished near the bottom of the league in defensive efficiency.
In addition to that, Oladipo shot the ball at an efficient clip, converting 60 percent of his attempts overall, including 44 percent from three-point range. That being said, the Magic had to feel pretty good about a player who has the potential to be a difference-maker on both ends of the floor.
Of course, as with all rookies, there is a chance that the transition from college to the NBA would be a tough one. Would that be the case for Oladipo?
Well, I will let his stats answer that question. During the 2013-14 campaign, Oladipo did not disappoint, as he posted averages of 13.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.6 steals in 80 games, including 44 as a starter.
Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 11/12/2014.
While there was a noticeable drop off with regards to his shooting numbers, Oladipo’s ability to constantly attack the rim while sacrificing his body on defense, helped the Magic win 23 games during his rookie season. And because of his effort on both ends of the floor, the Magic guard finished second in Rookie of the Year voting.
After an impressive showing in 2013-14, Oladipo was eager to prove that his rookie campaign was not a fluke. Unfortunately, he has not been provided the opportunity to do so thanks to a couple of injuries.
First, he suffered a sprained MCL in his right knee on the fourth day of training camp and then he sustained an eye injury after taking an elbow during a drill. And as a result of the second injury, which required surgery, the second-year guard has been forced out of the lineup and there is no timetable for his return as of yet.
The lone positive about the eye injury is that it has allowed Oladipo time to rest his knee and he recently stated that the knee is 100 percent. And although being away from the game is not what any player wants, Oladipo has the right perspective about his latest setback, as reported by John Denton of NBA.com:
"It gave me more time to heal. It feels better. It’s going to be fun getting back. It’s all a process and it will be fun to come back and play with these guys"
And I’m more than sure that his teammates are anxiously awaiting his return as well, as they have not fared too well during his absence. In fact, the team opened the new season with four consecutive losses. And after recording back-to-back wins against the Philadelphia 76ers and the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Magic have dropped their last two contests.
While it will take time before Oladipo will be able to play at the level he did during his rookie season, his willingness to continue to do the things that helped him become an important part of the team will allow him to take on an even larger role upon his return.
James Tillman is a Staff Writer for HoopsHabit.com and a sports contributor for Football Nation and Sports Kings/Pass The Pill. James is also a former Featured Sports Contributor for Yahoo! Contributor Network. Follow him on Twitter @JTILLMAN9693.