The Orlando Magic trade value column
1) Victor Oladipo, $25.3 million/4 yrs., Team Option 2016-17, RFA 2017
Oladipo announced himself as a marketable player and a star in the making with the way he performed and took the stage at the Sprite Slam Dunk. His Q Score went up significantly, although he ended up losing to Zach LaVine.
Oladipo was surprisingly all over the All-Star Weekend.
And, even though he struggled some in his Rising Stars performance trying to carry the U.S. team to a win, Oladipo proved himself to be the most visible and charismatic player on the Magic’s roster. This was his weekend as far as Magic fans were concerned and he shined on the biggest stage.
A dunk contest does not a good player make — see Jeremy Evans — but the Magic looked like they had a face of the franchise.
That is why Oladipo comes in at No. 1.
He has improved his jumper significantly this year and is continuing to learn how to break down a defense off the dibble and be a top option. He has to be for this team, even if that might not ultimately be where he ends up.
Oladipo’s defense has slipped, but he should be able to reach back and bring it back as his offensive load decreases.
He got some rave reviews from Simmons in coming at No. 50 in the trade value column with fellow draft classmate Alex Len:
"Two of my favorite Class of ’13 guys. We knew Oladipo would be a tenacious defender, but he’s a better scorer/shooter than anyone expected (40 percent 3FG right now). And the extra-long, extra-lanky, sneaky-chippy and shockingly agile Len looms as an unexpected X factor if Phoenix hangs on to its playoff spot. We forgive him for being the first person to make the words “former Ukrainian gymnast” NOT seem sexy in any way."
More importantly, he is in his second year with still plenty of growth potential and on his rookie contract. Oladipo established himself as the best player from his draft class this weekend.
The Magic really do have a keeper in Oladipo. Maybe not a superstar, but certainly a solid player. One that is certainly a key part of the team’s future.
Next: We open up the mailbag and answer some trade deadline questions