Oladipo Excels in Orlando Summer League

Victor Oladipo, The Orlando Magic’s first round draft pick (2nd Overall) in the 2013 NBA draft began his debut this past week in the Summer League and needed to make an impression on a fanbase whom were split between he, Nerlens Noel, and Ben McLemore and did he ever do so.  Oladipo, who was known for his defensive presence at Indiana, displayed that he had more to his game than just  being a lockdown defender.  His final stats were 19 PPG, 37% (7/13) FG, 54% (7/13) 3PT 4.3RPG, 5 APG, 4.8 TO.

The Magic decided to experiment with the shooting guard running the point.  It was as if Rob Hennigan and Jacque Vaughn understood that the perceived notion that Oladipo's handles were a weakness that could be improved upon.  His ball handling are better than what I thought, lightning quick first step to get where he wants to on the court.  He was able to penetrate and get to the free throw line 40 times within the four games he played, converting on 33 shots from the stripe (83% FT).  In the big picture, Oladipo's ability to draw contact helps the Magic, who was ranked last in Free Throw Attempts per game (16.6) last season.  Oladipo also has no quit in him.  While Orlando was getting pounded on day three of the Orlando Summer League by the 2-time defending NBA Champion Miami Heat, Oladipo went to the line 14 times.  Going forward he should only have the ball in Iso situations as his turnovers were hard to watch moreover having full time responsibilities at the point limits his off the ball ability.  He is a great slasher and can really utilize that first step with back door and pick and roll plays with his speed. 

Day Five saw a rugged game against the 76ers, the Magic were down one, Oladipo was isolated with Michael Carter Williams, dribbled to the left side of the court, stepped in left, fell back right, and released a dead eye jumper to put the Magic on top and in route to win the game.  The kid loves challenges and was very vocal in the huddle while being every bit positive in discussions.  He even made the Summer League All-First team that was announced recently.  It’s easy to root for someone of his caliber, personality, and will.  Oladipo wants to improve and he may well could turn into a decent player or more.....the sky is the limit for the kid named Victor.