Indiana Pacers: Is Victor Oladipo The Best Shooting Guard In The East Now?
Before the season, trying to figure out where Victor Oladipo of the Indiana Pacers ranked in the hierarchy of shooting guards in the NBA was like trying to guard DeMarcus Cousins on the low block. You may think you figured it out but eventually, he would just overpower you. Well, with Oladipo it was the same. From his time with the Orlando Magic to his one year stint with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Oladipo has been an enigma.
During his time with the Magic, Oladipo averaged a modest 15.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and four assists in his first three seasons in the league. While still adapting, and pegged as the face of the rebuilding Magic franchise, he was traded for Serge Ibaka in 2016. While paired with Russell Westbrook, Oladipo got his first taste of the playoffs while averaging 15.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.6 assists. But, despite putting up similar numbers in OKC, he was sent packing to the Indiana Pacers for Paul George.
With George gone and the Indiana Pacers picked to struggle this season, no one said that Oladipo had to as well. With the move, everyone envisioned the same Oladipo from the Magic and Thunder and figured he would play second fiddle to Myles Turner in Indiana. But, that wasn’t the case as he has put up All-Star numbers.
Victor Oladipo is playing like an All-Star out of Russ’ shadow—”I’m in a very comfortable situation now.” https://t.co/hElTjzKKV6 pic.twitter.com/HlX27rjhpU
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 29, 2017
The Indiana Pacers Should Be Thankful For Victor Oladipo
While Beal and DeRozan are household names, Oladipo has put up better numbers. Who has shot better from the field from two-point range? Oladipo sits at 53 percent, Beal at 50 percent, and DeRozan at 49 percent. Take it out a bit further and who hits a higher percentage from deep? Oladipo has shot 37 percent, Beal sits at 37 percent, and DeRozan is struggling with 31 percent. But then again, when mentioning the best, DeRozan and Beal will get the nod because Oladipo has managed to fly under the radar. Until this season.
Victor Oladipo with another great game: 36 PTS (14-22 FG), 7 REBS, 6 ASTS, 3 BLKS, 3 STLS, 3 3PTS
And some of you said “Westbrook had no help” last year. pic.twitter.com/N2DQi0lVty
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) December 2, 2017
Some may call this a breakout year or a fluke, however, for Oladipo, this is nothing more than a player getting his chance to shine after learning the ropes. After what many will call two failed stints with different teams, Oladipo has finally made a name for himself where most thought he wouldn’t.
Is he the best SG in the Eastern Conference, well, I would say so.
[BXReporter] [matchedcontent]
Mark has been covering Sports and Entertainment for the past six years. His work has been featured on Bleacher Report, ESPN, Fox Sports, Teen Vogue, and many other websites.
