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NBA: Dark horse candidates for 2018-19 awards

By Jacob Doole

NBA Indiana Pacers Victor Oladipo (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
NBA Indiana Pacers Victor Oladipo (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – APRIL 27: Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers celebrates against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on April 27, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Pacers 121-87. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – APRIL 27: Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers celebrates against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on April 27, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Pacers 121-87. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Most Valuable Player

Victor Oladipo, Indiana Pacers

The last two NBA MVPs have, in general terms, been one-way players. Russell Westbrook can give the illusion of being a good defender, but that’s just his athleticism masking his issues. James Harden has improved on that end, but can still safely be called “below average”.

After exploding into superstardom last season, Victor Oladipo has the two-way ability to unseat them both. It’s rare in today’s NBA to see an All-Defensive player who can also take over a game offensively, but that’s exactly what he has become.

As it stands, Oladipo is already one of only 19 players to make the All-Defensive First Team while averaging more than 23 points per game. What makes that more impressive was that it was his first season as the featured player on a team, and that he led the Indiana Pacers to a surprise playoff berth.

His improvement last season was astonishing, and there’s no reason to doubt his ability to improve even more this year. The East is still the weaker conference, meaning both Oladipo and the Pacers have an easier route to success.

Indiana made some under-the-radar signings this offseason, too. Team success plays a huge role in the MVP race, and Oladipo’s team found the secondary playmaking and shooting they needed without losing any major pieces.

And, of course, it doesn’t hurt any award candidate when they can grab the attention of the voters with highlights like these:

If Oladipo can even slightly increase his numbers across the board, and if the Pacers can win 55 games and finish in the East’s top tier, then there’s no reason he wouldn’t challenge for the NBA’s top gong.

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In a vacuum, neither of those things is impossible – so put your lose change on Oladipo for NBA MVP, and thank me later.

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