In the wake of ex-Thunder superstar forward Kevin Durant‘s departure to the rival Western Conference finalistsm the Golden State Warriors, young guard Victor Oladipo can only move on and prepare for a bigger role, and consequently more pressure, in his new Oklahoma home during this offseason.
Yet, under the presumed leadership of athletic point guard Russell Westbrook, the Durant-less Thunder still field a young core to build around along with debatably the most athletic backcourt pairing in the NBA.
While Durant's relocation will definitely hurt the franchise, Oklahoma City's newly acquired guard, Oladipo, provides optimism after coming off his most efficient season in the NBA. The number two overall pick in the 2013 NBA draft averaged 19.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 2.2 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game after the All-Star break for Orlando, and the Westbrook-Oladipo will surely be a joy to watch, as long as Russ isn't traded before the season.
Oladipo has untapped potential still left in his NBA maturation, and the ex-Magic star told Basketball Insiders that he's, “looking forward to this [pressure]. I think the fit is going to be really good. I’m just going to go out there and play my game, making an impact on both ends of the floor. It’s going to be fun.”
Oladipo has been reportedly practicing to “expand his game,” specifically his mid-range to perimeter jump shot, in order to become a superstar in his new Oklahoma franchise home. He has also allegedly contacted his new teammates, including Westbrook, in preparation for the upcoming campaign.
Oladipo was involved in a draft-day trade to the Thunder, and the OKC roster entering next season with him might be drastically different. Not only did Durant leave, but rumors of a trade being in the works for All-Star point guard Russell Westbrook have floated around as well. Westbrook has been linked to a number of different franchises, ranging from the star-hungry Celtics to the ‘we-need-everything' Lakers. With Russ entering free agency next year, general manager Sam Presti will definitely think about moving Westbrook in order to ensure that the Thunder receive assets in return.
Regardless of who surrounds Oladipo, he ensured Basketball Insider that he both loves the pressure and is ready and willing to expand into a breakout star this upcoming season. With the Thunder maybe moving Westbrook, Oladipo has to just stay centered on his work during this offseason and prepare for whatever next year can bring to him. On this, the shooting guard commented, “I’m just looking forward to getting in the lab with the guys and put in the work.”
[button width=”full” button size=”bigger” color=”custom” align=”center” textcolor=”#ffffff” texthcolor=”#ffffff” bgcolor=”#8b0000″ link=”https://clutchpoints.com/report-durant-westbrook-relationship-extremely-tenuous-early-days-thunder-franchise/”]NEXT: Kevin Durant had harsh words for Russell Westbrook in early days of Thunder franchise[/button]
Follow Us
Subscribe
