Victor Oladipo took a major step forward in his development last season. Instead of being a starter on a playoff caliber Indiana Pacers team, he became the go-to guy on a team that surprised many, as well as an All-Star. Oladipo isn't satisfied with his place as an All-Star. He aspires for even greater heights.
Oladipo told Scott Agness of The Athletic:
“I want to be great. I’ve been saying that since I walked into this facility and started being a Pacer. I want to be one of the greatest to ever play this game. Whatever I got to do to do that, I’m going to try my best to achieve that in the process of winning. That’s the goal.”
It will be difficult for Oladipo to duplicate his jump in production this season. He brought home the NBA's Most Improved Player award last season and he set career highs in points (23.1), rebounds (5.2), assists (4.3), steals (2.4), field goal percentage (47.7 percent), and three-point percentage (37.7 percent).
Oladipo became a dogged defender in addition to leading the Pacers offensively. He led the league in steals per game and became a tough guy to beat off the dribble on the perimeter.
If he wants to be one of the greatest to ever play this game, stats won't get him there. He'll need to deliver in the playoffs. Oladipo and Indiana fell to LeBron James in the first round of the playoffs last season, but they did take the Cavs to a Game 7. Playoff success will be the ultimate mile-marker for Oladipo and his status as one of the greatest ever.
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