Views from OKC: Victor Oladipo is ready to step up next season

Views from OKC is a diary from an OKC Thunder fan. Today we update you on Victor Oladipo and the work he’s put in this offseason.

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the beginning stages of Victor Oladipo 2.0.

I mean look at that fresh buzz! And I guess the increased muscle definition is impressive too…

This is exactly what we needed to see from Oladipo. Because of his explosiveness, the 24-year old’s smaller frame didn’t deter him as much as teammate Alex Abrines. But when Oladipo attacked the rim he’d shy away from contact instead of trying to embrace it, hence his career low 2.3 free throw attempts a game last season.

That’s why seeing Victor Oladipo make physical improvements like this in only three weeks is wonderful.

The Thunder need Oladipo to be angry with his first season in Oklahoma City. It’s not that he played awful – he hit career highs in field goal and three-point percentage – but they need him to be better than he was in Orlando.

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Oladipo was THE GUY with the Magic. In his second season he averaged close to 18 points a game, even with a team devoid of offensive talent. Naturally OKC fans expected him to play second fiddle to Westbrook. Instead he played like a born again role player. After seeing his quick transformation that’s not the Oladipo I expect to see next season.

After witnessing Russell Westbrook wear down by the playoffs Billy Donovan is sure to make changes to the Thunder offense. Westbrook simply can’t sustain the 40+ usage rate and stay fresh for an entire season. With Oladipo’s pedigree from his Orlando days, it only makes sense that he gets the ball more.

From there it’s up to Oladipo to make things happen. He has the quickness to get by defenders, but his handles aren’t the cleanest. That’s the skill-side of the game Oladipo should be focused on this offseason. If he can simply add two “signature moves” – something he can consistently count on to set up a defender – then his game will open up. The Indiana has proven he’s a solid three-point shooter and a willing passer; now it’s just up to him to learn how to create those opportunities.