Hoops Habit
Fansided

NBA Christmas: A Gift For Every Team’s Wish List

By Gerald Bourguet

Feb 23, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Detailed view as an official Spalding basketball goes through the hoop and net during the Phoenix Suns game against the Boston Celtics at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 23, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Detailed view as an official Spalding basketball goes through the hoop and net during the Phoenix Suns game against the Boston Celtics at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
23 of 31
Next
NBA
Dec 14, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo (5) advances the ball during the first quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

Orlando Magic

Confidence And Shooting For Victor Oladipo

Look, I get it: the Orlando Magic have been a better team with Victor Oladipo coming off the bench. Since head coach Scott Skiles made the controversial decision to move Oladipo to the second unit, the Magic are 11-4 with a +5.9 point differential — the fourth best margin in the league over that span.

But the move to the bench has made very little difference for Oladipo himself, with his shot still being a major hindrance to his development:

  • As a starter (12 games):  12.8 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 3.6 APG, 1.3 SPG, .370/.264/.750 shooting
  • Off the bench (15 games):  12.8 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.1 SPG, .407/.262/.820 shooting

Oladipo’s scoring has remained the same and his efficiency has gone up with his shot, but he’s still struggling from the perimeter and he hasn’t capitalized on playing against weaker competition as expected. Orlando is a better team with Oladipo off the bench, but isn’t he still the most promising young player on this roster? This is an issue the Magic will need to resolve sooner or later.

Next: Philadelphia 76ers