Indiana Pacers star guard Victor Oladipo worked his way to become the league's Most Improved Player, putting up career-highs in just about every statistical category. His teammate, Darren Collison, says that Oladipo has fully embraced the role of becoming the team's main guy judging by his swagger and confident approach to the game.
Scott Agness of The Athletic wrote an article on how Oladipo has further elevated his game this summer. The said article included this statement from the Pacers starting point guard.
“Last year he wasn’t sure he could be the guy of a franchise,” Collison said. “Now I think after having that year under his belt, he’s like, ‘I am the guy and I’m going to lead this team in any way possible.’ You could see it in his swagger.”
The former 2nd overall pick has filled a role of the second fiddle and a defensive ace in his stints with the Orlando Magic and the Oklahoma City Thunder. He has shown glimpses of an all-around game during those years but he was surprisingly traded to the Pacers last year as an integral piece in the Paul George trade.
Oladipo has since become the team's go-to-guy, increasing his production to averages of 23.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 2.4 steals. Agness further emphasizes how Oladipo's strong mindset made him the superstar that he is now.
“What’s not a joke is Oladipo’s work ethic, motivation, and desire to bring out the best in himself and others. He tries to hit the reset button each day. No matter what happened the previous day, never mind how much he accomplished, he begins each day with a fresh mindset. And always a positive one.”
Oladipo will team up with fellow budding superstar, Myles Turner, as the Pacers look to build up their case as one of the darkhorse contenders in the east.
Follow Us
Subscribe