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Oklahoma City Thunder: 5 Midseason Takeaways

By Jerran Anderson

January 16, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) controls the ball against Los Angeles Clippers guard Austin Rivers (25) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
January 16, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) controls the ball against Los Angeles Clippers guard Austin Rivers (25) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 15, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Victor Oladipo (5) celebrates after a basket and foul against the Sacramento Kings during the second quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 15, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Victor Oladipo (5) celebrates after a basket and foul against the Sacramento Kings during the second quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Victor Oladipo needs to create more

Much like his counterpart Russell Westbrook, Victor Oladipo needs to create more for himself off the dribble. Since his arrival in a trade from Orlando, Oladipo has dwindled as a facilitator on offense. His assists are down to 2.7 per game this season.

The fourth-year shooting guard averaged 4.1 assists in his rookie season with Orlando back in 2013-14.

He scored 20 points and grabbed four steals despite the team’s 121-100 loss to Golden State on Jan. 18. Oladipo shot 8-for-17 from the floor and 4-for-8 from three in the game. In the team’s 122-118 victory over Sacramento, he scored 23 points and went 8-for-8 from the free throw line.

Oladipo’s numbers are down a bit this season all-around but his shooting percentages are up. He is averaging 16.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.1 steals per contest through 35 games.

He has missed nine games this season due to a wrist injury, but has come on strong for the Thunder of late.

They’ll need more offense from him going forward. He’s scored in double figures in 10 of the last 11 games for the Thunder. He’ll need to be a facilitator next to Russell Westbrook to take the next step for Oklahoma City Thunder.

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