Orlando Magic Daily
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Checking in on last year’s former Orlando Magic players

By Joe Buckley

Oct 21, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards forward Andrew Nicholson (44) dribbles the ball as Toronto Raptors center Lucas Nogueira (92) defends during the first half at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 21, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards forward Andrew Nicholson (44) dribbles the ball as Toronto Raptors center Lucas Nogueira (92) defends during the first half at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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Victor Oladipo, Oklahoma City Thunder, D'Angelo Russell, Los Angeles Lakers
Oct 30, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Victor Oladipo (5) drives to the basket in front of Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell (1) during the third quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

Victor Oladipo

Victor Oladipo represented the highest Magic draft pick since Dwight Howard in 2004. Not only did he bring considerable fan-friendly skills, but he brought a personality too. A dunk contest appearance mixed with constant singing renditions won him many hearts.

On the court last year, he was an energetic defender, often providing the example for other Magic players to follow. His offense struggled after Scott Skiles‘ mysterious decision to bench him but all agree he was the biggest name to have to leave the Magic this summer when he was dealt to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Oladipo finds himself in a much clearer role than he ever had in Florida.

With the Thunder, with Kevin Durant headed to greener pastures, Oladipo is the de facto number two man. He has a front row seat to watch Russell Westbrook attempt to average a triple-double and essentially pick up the slack.

There is no doubt Oladipo can thrive in this role. His slashing ability mixes with Westbrook’s ability to draw the D, and it would be no surprise to see him take on the opposition’s best perimeter player as the season progresses.

Per Game Table
Season Tm G MP FG FGA FG% 3P% eFG% FT% TRB AST STL TOV PTS
2016-17 OKC 7 33.6 5.7 13.6 .421 .355 .479 .704 3.4 1.6 0.6 1.7 15.7
Career 231 33.2 5.8 13.4 .431 .339 .474 .805 4.3 4.0 1.6 2.7 15.8

Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 11/8/2016.

As far as numbers go, Oladipo has experienced a drop across the board, despite his minutes being similar. This is understandable, given how Westbrook dominates the ball. In fairness, Oladipo’s shooting percentages are similar, aside from a strange drop in free throw percentage.

The Thunder, written off by many, have had a surprisingly strong start and it is clear Oladipo is a part of that. He has put up 21, 20 and 21 in two wins and a loss already.  Oladipo was never quite given space to show his talents in Orlando.

Considering Serge Ibaka’s rough start, Victor may well be missed by season’s end.