Victor Oladipo caps off an outstanding season by winning Most Improved Player at the 2017-18 NBA Awards ceremony
This time last year, Victor Oladipo was criticized as being “not enough help” for MVP Russell Westbrook. Now, he’s taking home some hardware of his own.
The trade that sent Paul George to Oklahoma City was thought to be a steal for the Thunder. Oladipo re-wrote the narrative throughout the season. The Pacers shooting guard had a career year in 2017-18, culminating with a Most Improved Player award on Monday night.
A fashionable Oladipo thanked his family and teammates, saying, “It’s only the beginning for (the Pacers).”
Oladipo changed his workout in the offseason, debuting a slimmer look at the start of the season. The result was evident on the court. His first step was quicker, he was more confident shooting and attacking, and his decision making improved. He averaged 23.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.3 assists in 75 games. In his previous season with Oklahoma City, he averaged 15.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.6 assists.
The responsibility of being the top option didn’t slow him down a bit. He captured Player of the Week honors three times (Oct. 30, Dec. 11 and Apr. 2), made his first All-Star game, and was named third team All-NBA at the end of the season.
Furthermore, Oladipo was named first team All-Defense and led the league in steals.
Oladipo’s standout season pushed the Pacers to 48 wins, six wins better than the previous season and their highest total since 2013-14. Indiana finished as the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference, losing to LeBron James and Cleveland Cavaliers in seven games.
Along with a new physique, being back in Indiana seemed to revitalize the 25-year-old. He played his college ball with the Hoosiers, flashing the skills this season that made him the second overall pick in 2013.