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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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Feb 13, 2015; New York, NY, USA; U.S. Team forward Cody Zeller of the Charlotte Hornets (40, left) and guard Victor Oladipo of the Orlando Magic (5) celebrate during the first half against the World Team at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 13, 2015; New York, NY, USA; U.S. Team forward Cody Zeller of the Charlotte Hornets (40, left) and guard Victor Oladipo of the Orlando Magic (5) celebrate during the first half against the World Team at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Verdict

All signs point toward this being the year Oladipo finally begins to break out. His numbers have risen steadily his first two seasons with the team, and with a higher level of talent to play off of him, it’s hard to see him regressing in any major statistical category.

He averaged 4.2 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game last season, and even if those numbers remain similar and he ups the scoring output by five points and the PER and WAR numbers by a quarter of what they were, he’ll have entered the conversation for top five shooting guards in the NBA.

How he improves defensively under Skiles will be the other key factor this season. Oladipo has the body type and ability to annoy opposing guards, and he’s done so since his rookie year. Stick him in an above-average defensive scheme however, and he’s likely to blossom on that end of the court as well.

Oladipo actually posted a defensive plus/minus of -0.5 per 100 possessions last time out, and under Skiles that too will improve. It’s going to be a big year for Victor Oladipo, although he still may not be the go-to guy on this team by year’s end.

Next: NBA: The Big Question Facing Every Team In 2015-16

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