Thunderous Intentions
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Five players set to break out this postseason

By Derek Peterson

Apr 8, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) calls for the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) calls for the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 11, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Victor Oladipo (5) drives to the basket against Minnesota Timberwolves guard Brandon Rush (4) in the first quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 11, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Victor Oladipo (5) drives to the basket against Minnesota Timberwolves guard Brandon Rush (4) in the first quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

Victor Oladipo – SG, Oklahoma City Thunder

Another newcomer. Sensing a theme?

When the Orlando Magic traded Victor Oladipo to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the offseason, it looked like the fourth-year guard was a lock to make his first trip to the NBA Playoffs. Then the sky fell on OKC and the Thunder were left for dead. Now, nine months later, the Thunder have punched yet another postseason ticket and Oladipo will finally get the chance to ball on the big stage.

The fourth-year scoring guard transitioned to a more complimentary role alongside Mr. MVP – whoops, sorry, Russell Westbrook – this season but his numbers remained largely the same. The 6-foot-4 guard spent more time off the ball than ever before and as the season wore on, became a more consistent threat in catch-and-shoot situations.

Related Story: Victor Oladipo is more valuable than we knew

Oladipo’s points-per output was the lowest it’s been since his rookie season, but his effective field goal percentage hit a career high. I guess that’s what playing alongside Russell Westbrook does for your game. Oladipo also took more triples than ever before, but turned in his highest three-point percentage of his career.

After missing time with injury in late February into early March, Oladipo ripped off 15 or more in 11 of 13 contests. Against the Timberwolves on April 11, with Westbrook resting on the bench, Oladipo scored 20 and hit the game-clincher. The flashes have been there.

Still, this spot is earned more out of necessity than anything else. If the Thunder want to advance in the postseason, it can’t be a one-man show. Oladipo needs to score. Inconsistency has been there all season long – after all, he is the same age as rookie Kings guard Buddy Hield – but Oladipo has shown that he can respond when the lights get brighter.

When the Thunder closed out the Nuggets in its final game of the season, Oladipo was asked what he’s looking forward to the most in the playoffs. He responded with “being there.”

Expect him to play with that same excitement.

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