Orlando Magic Play Or Pass: Victor Oladipo

Pass

It’s not that it’s hard to find fault with Oladipo’s game, he’s part of a team that hasn’t won 30 games in a season since he joined. There are flaws to how he plays too, especially his offensive abilities on a consistent basis. But it’s more I get the feeling he’s been somewhat misused by the team. That’s not his fault of course, and we try not to hold that against him.

There is no question that he gives his all to this team.

But consider this. Despite being the face of the team, the star player almost, last season he did not lead the team in any major statistical category (Besides minutes). His 17.9 points per game was a huge increase on his 13.8 posted as a rookie, so I’m not here to hold that fact against him.

But shouldn’t your star player excel in a couple of areas? Lead the team in scoring or rebounds or assists? Be the go to guy in (at least) one area?

That’s where I think the problem lies here. Oladipo was billed as the person to bring the Magic back to relevance, but I’m not so sure that’s his game. I do however think he’d be a superb second star to somebody who can go out and get 25 points a night.

Oladipo’s game is too well rounded to be the star attraction, he appears to be much better equipped to be the guy who does everything else.

As mentioned, offensively he could still bring more. He scores enough points, he could just do it in more efficient ways. His three point shooting is improving but still needs to be better. He can look spectacular getting to the rim, but that won’t work 15 times a night, especially if this team in it’s current form ever make it back to the playoffs.

I’d also question if he and Payton can truly both excel to their full potential while paired together. Other than that however, there’s so much to like here.

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