Indiana Pacers: 5 goals for Victor Oladipo in 2017-18

INDIANAPOLIS - SEPTEMBER 25: Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers poses for a portrait during the Pacers Media Day at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on September 25, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and condition of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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2. Become an All-Defensive team performer

One of the strengths of Victor Oladipo’s game is his outstanding defense. He’s athletic, he plays with intensity and he takes pride in slowing down some of the better offensive players in basketball.

According to ESPN, Oladipo was among the best defensive shooting guards in the NBA last season. He ranked fifth out of 92 players at his position in Defensive Real Plus-Minus in 2016-17.

Despite these credentials, Oladipo has yet to be officially recognized by the NBA for his stellar defensive play, but changing that should be a goal for the 6’4″, 210-pound product of Indiana University.

Victor Oladipo has all the tools to become an elite defender. In fact, it could be argued that he already is. However, his career steals per game average is at 1.5, and that won’t elicit much attention from All-Defensive team voters.

There is much more to being a great defensive player than piling up steals, but that is one thing that will put you on the All-Defensive team radar.

Victor Oladipo appears to be on the cusp of making an All-Defensive team, and the Pacers need that type of lockdown defense from him. Even a slight progression in this area could garner him an All-Defensive nod in 2017-18.

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