Thunderous Intentions
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OKC Thunder TIP3 queries 8 points, 9 seconds on Pacers

By Tamberlyn Richardson

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - OCTOBER 25: Paul George #13 of the OKC Thunder playing defense during a game against the Indiana Pacers at the Chesapeake Energy Arena on October 25, 2017 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - OCTOBER 25: Paul George #13 of the OKC Thunder playing defense during a game against the Indiana Pacers at the Chesapeake Energy Arena on October 25, 2017 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 10: Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers signals a three point basket during the game against the Denver Nuggets at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 10, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 10: Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers signals a three point basket during the game against the Denver Nuggets at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 10, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

TI Q2- All hail Victor Oladipo:

Some pundits are now backtracking saying Oladipo’s second selection in the 2013 draft created impossible standards to live up to.  Never mind Orlando tried to turn the shooting guard into a point guard. Or in the case of the OKC Thunder the unexpected departure of Kevin Durant necessitated the team move Oladipo to the starting lineup instead of utilizing him as their sixth man (as was the original plan).

When the trade initially occurred there were cries of how much Indiana got fleeced in the trade and how there were other more lucrative trades on the table from Cleveland and Boston.  Hard to imagine that being the case since Danny Ainge wasn’t willing to part with this year’s first round pick.

Rather, he was willing to part with it, but only under the condition it came with an exchange which still netted Boston Jayson Tatum plus another first round pick. Nor was Ainge willing to part with Jaylen Brown. Thad Young represents the equivalent to Jae Crowder, so there wasn’t much Boston could sway Indy with . Ditto for Cleveland, particularly since the Kyrie Irving trade request seemingly occurred after George was traded.

Oladipo rising:

Flashing forward Indiana are more than happy with the deal given the progress of Domantas https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0d96Tm4nMKcSabonis and ascension of Oladipo this season.  The shooting guard spent the offseason getting into top notch shape and his growth is unprecedented.  He’s scoring 24.5 points per game (6.6 higher than his best previous tally). Moreover, his 44.4 percent from deep eclipses his best percentage by 8.3%.  Yet, arguably, the most impressive stat isn’t even Oladipo’s offense. When he sits although the team still scores (105.1) they are at their worst defensively.

Oladipo was well liked in OKC, but was never able to help the reserve unit keep leads. In addition his performance in the post season was not ideal as he failed to equal, let alone improve upon his season totals.

Let’s assume for the sake of argument Paul George re-signs with the OKC Thunder. In that scenario do you feel there was one team which won the trade over the other, or is it possible both squads won?  Furthermore, do you think it’s realistic for Oladipo to maintain his current prowess through to the end of the season (and into the post season)?

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