Perhaps the most exciting offseason acquisition for the Oklahoma City Thunder this past summer came in the trade that sent Serge Ibaka to the Orlando Magic. The most impactful piece for the Thunder was getting Victor Oladipo in return.
Oladipo played three years of college basketball (2010-2013) at Indiana University, where he was named Sporting News Men’s College Basktball Player of the Year and National Co-Defensive Player of the Year. Oladipo was then drafted second overall in the 2013 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic, where he played his first three seasons before arriving in Oklahoma City.
So far in his career, Oladipo has averaged 15.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1.6 steals in 33.2 minutes per game. He had his best shooting year last season, finishing at 43.8% from the field, 34.8% from beyond the arc, and 83% from the free throw line.
Victor Oladipo brings a wide-range of skills to the team, as he is proficient on both sides of the ball. Offensively, Oladipo has a decent jump shot, but he is an especially capable ball-handler who can quickly drive to the basket. Oladipo is also an excellent defender, and he is able to guard multiple positions. He’s quick enough to guard smaller, faster players, but he’s strong enough to guard guys that are bigger than him and may be able to create a mismatch.
One aspect of Victor Oladipo’s game that Thunder fans should be excited about is his ability to create fast-break opportunities and throw down some impressive slam dunks. Between him and Russell Westbrook, there should be a number of exciting, high-flying plays that will likely make a number of SportsCenter Top 10’s.
Article written by Zack Low. Follow @TheThunderGuys on Twitter.