Victor Oladipo started to make his star turn in his second year as a pro, previewing the potential for 2016.
Victor Oladipo had some unfinished business in his second year in the NBA.
Even though many viewed Oladipo as Rookie of the Year in 2014, he was left without the award. But plenty of promise.
The Magic put a lot of faith in the second overall pick in his second season. They cleared the runway for him, trading away veterans Arron Afflalo and Victor Oladipo. In so many words, the team turned things over to him and the rest of the young players. Part of turning the corner was about seeing what the young guys could do.
That part may not have worked out as well as the Magic had imagined. But Oladipo continued to grow into the role as the season went on. His development as the season progressed was extremely encouraging. It might have been the biggest storyline from the season.
As the season came to its close, Oladipo really found his stride.
He was scoring more consistently, dropping in 30-point games in back-to-back appearances and beginning to look like a star in the making. Confidence was flowing through this young star and the hope is that he can make the leap into true stardom.
That is the hope at least.
Oladipo still has to find consistency as any young player does. But the signs were there. He continues to be a hard-working defender and player determined to be great. He showed more signs of truly becoming that player in 2015.
And that bodes well as the Magic begin focusing truly on winning.
Next: The Good and The Bad