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Tobias Harris, Victor Oladipo new Magic NBPA reps

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Feb 9, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic small forward Tobias Harris (12), shooting guard Victor Oladipo (5) and teammates high five against the Indiana Pacers during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Indiana Pacers 93-92. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 9, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic small forward Tobias Harris (12), shooting guard Victor Oladipo (5) and teammates high five against the Indiana Pacers during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Indiana Pacers 93-92. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Victor Oladipo and Tobias Harris took on a tangible leadership role, becoming the Magic’s NBPA player reps.

Tobias Harris will be heading to New York, even if the coaches do not vote him on the All-Star team. Victor Oladipo will have a reason to stay past Friday’s Rising Stars Challenge (I am taking it as granted he will be a sophomore representative).

Both will be representing the Magic when the NBPA meets at All-Star Weekend, Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel reports. Willie Green will remain an executive vice president for the union.

Oladipo explained the opportunity to Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel:

"“It’s an opportunity for me and Tobias to go out there and represent our team first and foremost. I think that’s big for both of us, but it definitely gives us a chance to realize what’s going on, to figure out what’s going on and see how we can help and just to be involved.”"

This is a very tangible step of leadership for two of the Magic’s young players. They have a responsibility now to inform teammates of what is going on with the players association and be involved with this important group.

For much of this season, the storyline has been about the young players like Harris and Oladipo (especially Harris and Oladipo) taking over leadership reigns. Jacque Vaughn previously treated the captain’s meeting as nothing more than ceremony with Andrew Nicholson often going to mid court. Oladipo and Harris have been doing this more and more of late.

The Magic are truly turning things over. Again, this is a tangible step. And if one of them is going to develop into a start, they have to understand the cap if they want to maximize their value and make the most money throughout their career. Of course, this is not all about them as individuals.

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    • The union is in a very intriguing position right now. New executive director Michelle Roberts is in her first year and will be meeting with the players at All Star Weekend for the first time. This is a big meeting for the union.

    The union has the option to opt out of the current collective bargaining agreement after the 2017 season. It is widely believed the owners won the last round of collective bargaining and with so much money coming in from the new TV deal. There are some very big issues that will begin getting discussed as the union meets and does its business.

    Roberts and Adam Silver have already exchanged some words in the media preparing for these battles.

    Neither Oladipo nor Harris may be in leadership positions with the union when those arguments come to the fore. But they appear ready to take on some of this responsibility for their teammates.

    It is a leadership position and that is good for the growth of these players in their young careers.