Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Victor Oladipo

Best Game of 2015

March 6: Magic vs. Kings
32 pts., 14/24 FGs, 10 assts., 5 stls.

Victor Oladipo had his highest scoring game of the season in the previous outing against Phoenix. His 38 points were not enough however for the Magic to get a win. It hit him hard even after the game. He was not about to revel in individual accomplishments.

The Magic’s next game gave him that opportunity however. And he flourished.

Like he had in January with his back-to-back 30-point games against the Bulls and Rockets, Oladipo was just starting to prove himself and his place in the league. This game seemed to be his opus. It seemed to be his statement that games like this could become more commonplace. The star turn was within reach.

Against Sacramento, Oladipo took only two free throws. It was the only negative you could find from him in that game. He was efficient from the floor — making 10 of 15 shots around the rim — and was active getting others involved. He also made 9 of his 17 contested field goals in the game. That number will have to continue to be high for Oladipo to take the next step in his career.

Steals can be a double-edged sword, but when a player gets a lot of them it does tend to show a player is being active on defense. Oladipo had the kind of all-around game the Magic dreamed he would have on a more consistent basis.

Games like this are not going to be normal. Oladipo is not like Tracy McGrady, likely to go off for 30 or 40 points on any given night.

The fact the Magic saw he could do this and follow up a big game with another one (for a second time) continued to persuade fans and the team he could be a star in the making.

That is all anyone wanted to see.

Next: 2016 Outlook