npiper17 wrote:MagicMatic wrote:J the Drafter wrote:Victor got better because his decision-making and skills improved. In Orlando he’d get the ball and dribble with it instead of making a quick decision (drive/shoot/pass). Having better shooters around wouldn’t have stopped him from stopping the ball.
Victor got better because he learned what it took to become a professional after being around legitimate star level players (his words). Then he was put into the ideal situation in Indiana where he was given the green light to be the go-to scorer to a team without one.
Who said it was specifically about better shooters in Orlando? Oladipo said himself they were basically competing against each other on the court. That’s not going to promote ball movement. Orlando had a bottom 5-10 offense in every year Oladipo was here.
Personally, I think Victor got a lot better because Westbrook showed him how he needed to be in A LOT better shape to be anywhere near the player he wanted to be.
The difference in Victor’s body and stamina between his last year in Orlando and first year in Indy is dramatic.
i tend to belive Westbrook was the turning point of Oladipo's career and Vic himself said just that couple of times.
Westbrook is workhorse, no matter do you like or dislike his game, it's not hard to see his body, his energy and his no bs - attitude that he brings every game, every practice.
In some QA about closest thing to Jordan - i said Westbrook's dominor is closest to MJ among active players and i trully belive that.
When Norris Cole joined OKC as its third point guard after the All-Star break, Westbrook offered to watch film with him and even gave him detailed scouting reports on each of the team's players. "You hear all the rumors about his practice and preparation and dedication," Cole says. "He's exactly as advertised. Everyone can see that, but you don't know it till you're up close."
There is also stories how he goes balistic over pickup games and treats everything like game 7 of nba finals.
Once you see that type of competitor and where he is at, you start to question your "hard work" and figure your hard work is actually you working 60% of your max level.
I think Dipo saw him and it was eye opener and what type of dedication is needed for next level.
For same reason Ray Allen's teammats always were better shooters with him ( compared to seasons without him) as they would simply follow his routine and figured how benefitial it is to their shooting.
once you meet person who is crazy competitive workhorse it changes your perspective of hard work
Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans. -John Lennon
