Victor Oladipo, Indiana Pacers
Victor Oladipo ruptured a quad tendon in his knee in January which caused him to miss the remainder of the 2019 season.
Prior to the injury, the sixth-year shooting guard for the Indiana Pacers was proving to the basketball world that he was one of the best two-way players in the game and at the time was leading a surprising Pacers squad to one of the best marks in the Eastern Conference.
Oladipo really put everything together when he arrived in Indiana and became a true star. Always known for having a crazy drive and work ethic, that is what he’s going to have to rely on to get back to being that same guy. And I have no doubts he’ll do just that.
In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if he comes back as a better overall player. He already does everything on the court. He can score from anywhere, has range on his jumper, can rebound pass and defend at an extremely high level. Plus, he can be a killer in the clutch.
One thing I would like to see Oladipo improve is with regard to his free throw attempts. He’s such a good penetrator and has the athleticism to average at least 5-6 foul shots per game.
So with that considered – and assuming he’s back to full health – I expect Vic’s 2020 numbers to look something like: 23 ppg, 6 rpg, 5.5 apg, 2 spg, 0.5 bpg, 46% fg, 36% 3 pt, 80% ft (on around 6 attempts per game).
I look at him as a potential fringe All-NBA selection and a probable candidate for an all-defensive team.
And with the moves Indiana has made in the offseason (adding guys like Malcolm Brogdon and TJ Warren), I see them as a potential dark horse threat in the east with the conference finals as their ceiling (although second round seems more realistic).