Indiana Pacers: 2017-18 player grades for Victor Oladipo

Victor Oladipo just finished up an outstanding 2017-18 campaign. Here’s a look back at his first season with the Indiana Pacers.

Maybe we all should have seen this coming.

When the deal went down on the eve of last season’s free agency, Victor Oladipo seemed like he had reached a low point. Yes, he was one season into a four-year, $84 million extension, but after three years in Orlando that featured more than a sprinkling of inconsistency mixed in with tantalizing potential, a single season in Oklahoma City had NBA people questioning whether the crown jewel of the Paul George trade was even worth his salary.

If Oladipo could even be one of the best 15 shooting guards in the league, he’d seemingly be defying the odds. Then again, that’s all Oladipo has ever done.

Back when he was a senior at DeMatha High School in Hyattsville, Maryland, Oladipo was ranked 144th in his recruiting class and 41st at his position, according to Rivals.com. Three years later, he was drafted second overall by the Orlando Magic. We should have all learned right then and there: Count out Victor Oladipo at your own risk.

The Indiana Pacers are sure happy they didn’t. Here’s a look back at the year that was for the Hoosier come home, one that will arguably go down as the greatest in the Pacers’ history as an NBA franchise.