2015-16 Victor Oladipo Statistical Projections
Overall
So the overall line for Victor worked out to 19.9 points per game, 4.9 rebounds and five assists.
There were only five players last season to average 20, 5 and 5, so Oladipo is approaching elite territory as a two-way talent. The projections based on expected improvement just have him falling slightly short.
He definitely has a very real chance of being a 20/5/5 guy, and that type of talent warrants No. 1 option type status. It also is max-contract stuff, obviously.
The five guys who did it last season were LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, James Harden, Blake Griffin and Russell Westbrook, and all (perhaps save Westbrook) are the premier scorers on their respective clubs.
Oladipo of course would linger behind all of those options in terms of pure scoring figures, but we are really looking at an all-around player whose impact goes far beyond what he brings on the offensive end.
Oladipo’s defense combined with Payton’s assures the Magic there will be plenty of spurts and runs created on the defensive end, and his steals will continue to be a source of transition buckets for the Magic.
Oladipo averaged 1.7 steals per game last year, and he did it without picking up a lot of fouls (2.6 per game). He still really cannot afford to gamble a ton given the Magic’s lack of rim protection behind him, but he is such a natural at playing passing lanes he is going to get his steals.
The Magic will be pleased with Oladipo’s improvement this season most likely, as he continues to rise to becoming an elite guard.
The Magic really go as far as Oladipo, Harris and Vucevic can carry them, but Oladipo is the one who may have the highest upside, if only based on how quick his learning curve has been thus far.
What is also important to remember is high-energy guys like Oladipo impact the game far beyond their basic numbers. His hustle creates extra possessions, be it through taking a charge or diving down a “50-50” ball. Much like Darrell Armstrong, Oladipo’s hustle is the glistening accents on a still impressive line.