NBA: Second-Year Players Showing Signs of Progress
Victor Oladipo, Orlando Magic
Drafted: Round 1, No. 2
Position: Guard
Age: 22
2014-15 Slash Line: .457/.387/.763
2014-15 Season Averages: 15.52 PER, 14.8 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 3.6 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.9 3PM
Prior to the 2013 NBA Draft, I wrote that then Indiana Hoosiers star Victor Oladipo was the best player available. While Michael Carter-Williams may have won Rookie of the Year in 2013-14, I stand by my previous statement.
Oladipo will go down as the best player from the 2013 draft. He’s beginning to show why.
After missing time due to injury, Oladipo has come back in an impressive manner. He’s not only increased his scoring average from a season ago, but he’s shooting better both from the field and from beyond the arc.
After averaging 13.8 points on a slash line of .419/.327/.780 in 2013-14, he’s up to 14.8 points on marks of .457/.387/.763 in 2014-15.
He’s done all of this with an undeniably disruptive protective mask on his face after previously suffering a facial fracture in October.
Oladipo, revered for his elite defensive upside, is beginning to put it all together on the offensive end. His ball-handling has improved and his court vision is a significant weapon for Orlando.
As a hybrid guard who can split time between the two backcourt positions, Oladipo’s versatility is noteworthy. He’s shown the ability take over as a scoring threat, lock his man down on defense and even step in as a facilitator.
The road to becoming elite is a long one, but Oladipo is making the necessary adjustments to take the next step in that process.