Hoops Habit
Fansided

NBA: 15 Candidates For Breakout Seasons In 2016-17

By Gerald Bourguet

Apr 1, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives for the basket as Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo (5) defends during the first quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives for the basket as Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo (5) defends during the first quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
16 of 17
Next
NBA
Apr 8, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo (5) dunks during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Miami Heat 112-109. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Victor Oladipo

Victor Oladipo seemed primed for a breakout year in his third NBA season, but thanks to head coach Scott Skiles, Dipo’s lackluster three-point shot and the positional overlap on the Orlando Magic roster, it just didn’t happen last year.

Thanks to the Serge Ibaka trade, Oladipo now joins Russell Westbrook on the Oklahoma City Thunder to form quite possibly the most athletic backcourt duo in the NBA…ever. If there were an ideal time for Oladipo to break loose and separate himself from an underwhelming 2015-16 season in Orlando, it’d probably be now.

There are some reasons for concern, of course. Kevin Durant’s departure means Oladipo doesn’t get to play for a legitimate title contender, even if the Thunder are an upgrade from the Magic. KD’s absence also puts a ton of pressure on Oladipo and the rest of OKC’s wings to shoot the ball efficiently from three-point range to spread the floor.

Oladipo only shot a career-high 34.8 percent from downtown last season, so even though he averaged 16.0 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game, this 24-year-old might not be able to spread the floor for Westbrook’s driving lanes just yet.

However, between his stifling defense, breathtaking athleticism and the fact that he put up an 18-4-4 stat line the year before Skiles took over in Orlando, Oladipo is not a player to give up on. If he and Westbrook can turn defense into fast break opportunities, the Thunder will be a nightmare to play in what will be Oladipo’s best chance for a breakout season.