74. Victor Oladipo, SG, Thunder
It’s pretty easy to bet on a breakthrough year for Victor Oladipo, who was dealt by the Magic to the Thunder in the Serge Ibaka trade. For starters, the Magic’s recent track record of getting the most of their prospects is not great. More importantly, though, the 24-year-old Oladipo will take the court next to a legit superstar (Russell Westbrook) for the first time in his career, and will leave behind a host of floor-cramping players in Orlando who no doubt contributed to his suboptimal offensive efficiency. In the three years since he was selected at No. 2 in the 2013 draft, Oladipo has shown himself to be a good (but not great) scorer, an intriguing pick-and-roll playmaker, a shaky outside shooter and a plus defender whose athletic tools suggest he could take a step forward. Oladipo’s arrival in Oklahoma City sets him up nicely for what could be a massive payday as a restricted free agent next summer. While Oladipo’s ongoing development won’t heal the wounds left by Kevin Durant’s departure, it will be a key determining factor in whether the Thunder can make it work with their new core or whether a true rebuilding effort is required. (Last year: Not ranked)
+ His age-23 production from last season (16/5/4, 4.9 Win Shares) is in the same ballpark as Gordon Hayward and Kemba Walker's
+ Ranked in the top 90 in Player Efficiency Rating, Win Shares and Real Plus Minus
– He shot just 33.8% overall and 26.9% from deep while registering more turnovers than assists in clutch situations last season.
– He has never played for a top–20 offense
