Orlando Magic: Whose team is it anyway?

4 of 6

Apr 8, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo (5) dunks during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Miami Heat 112-109. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

2016: Victor Oladipo

Of all the players the Orlando Magic have drafted since trading Dwight Howard, Victor Oladipo is probably the most intriguing.

Taken second overall in 2013, many felt he had the potential to become a franchise cornerstone. For anyone who had seen him play in college, his shortcomings were all too evident – difficulties shooting from range, creating off the dribble, getting to the line, to name a few.

But Oladipo was a lockdown defender, who the Magic felt, for a while at least, could potentially become the team’s starting guard and future All Star.

Presumably, Rob Hennigan envisaged the former Hoosier doing for the Magic what James Harden is currently doing in Houston. But Oladipo possessed neither the offensive weapons nor passing ability to run the show.

He logged three decent seasons with the Magic, averaging 17.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game in that time, before getting traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder. While Hennigan probably overpaid for Serge Ibaka, that trade made more sense at the time.

Oladipo was never likely to be a franchise player. He was a nice supporting piece – one that Orlando has undoubtedly missed this season. Or, at least, could have gotten more in return.