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Orlando Magic Starting 5 Breakdown: Victor Oladipo

By Luke Duffy

Mar 8, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo (5) runs down the court during the second half against the Boston Celtics at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated Boston Celtics 103-98. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 8, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo (5) runs down the court during the second half against the Boston Celtics at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated Boston Celtics 103-98. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 10, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo (5) hangs upside down on the rim to stretch before the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 10, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo (5) hangs upside down on the rim to stretch before the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

The Expectation

The expectation? Become a top five shooting guard in this league. Seriously. It’s not beyond reach for a guy as talented on both ends of the floor as Oladipo clearly is. Oladipo averaged more points (17.9) than Bradley Beal (15.3), more assists (4.1) than DeMar DeRozan (3.5) and Jimmy Butler (3.3), and more rebounds (4.2) than Klay Thompson (3.2).

While all of those mentioned may be better or more complete 2-guards than Oladipo is right now, the fact that he can better them in different categories illustrates a growing game that is more complete than some of his peers. His Player Efficiency Rating of 15.9 also beats out Beal’s 14.0 during the regular season, although his numbers jumped when the Washington Wizards made it to the postseason (17.9).

Also worth mentioning, both Butler and Beal began to really break out in year three, and given how comfortable Oladipo looked with Team USA this summer, there’s no reason why he can’t follow that trend.

Other factors that point to a big year include modest expectations for this organization, getting plenty of touches (as we’ve seen) and a new head coach in Scott Skiles who should have Oladipo playing the best defense of his young career this season.

Next: Or Destined To Play Second Fiddle?

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