Victor Oladipo Crush-a-lot

[MVP_Eric_10]

Oladipo just moved up into the #5 spot in Chad Ford's Big Board this morning. Oladipo's stock is cleary going through the roof. I think #5 is the highest he can go... so unless the Cavs REALLY like Victor, chances are they won't use their 1st pick on him.

He reminds me a lot of a jumpshooting Iman Shumpert, both had some college years under their belt before going into the NBA.

We will see if Speights gets dealt, if he does we could probably package our picks into the Top 10, where most GM's aren't overly thrilled in this "weak" draft class.

My gut feeling still says they may take Nerlens Noel even with his ACL tear, or 1 of my 2 favorites : Alex Len or Otto Porter.

[Be Nimble]

I still think he can move up. If MKG can go #2 in a strong draft, there is no reason Oladipo can't go #2 in a weak draft. He is more explosive and better offensively than MKG. Size is really the only thing MKG has on him...there's no hitch in Dipo's jumpshot either.

[bbaes]

Dwyane Wade.


That is all.

[bbaes]

While Oladipo has great defensive potencial, his offense is a mess. He doesn't do one thing at elite level(offensively) in college, and that means that his offensive game won't translate to the NBA.

Not one thing? Ever heard the term "explosion at the rim?"



Not one guy in the NBA not named LeBron would have even come close on this dunk attempt. Freakish athletic ability, upper body strength, etc.

[NtG]

Too bad he is rising so much on draft boards, I never got a chance to use my slogan: "Laker Victories for Victor"

[The Human Q-Tip]

I think Oladipo is this year's MKG. He's not going to get drafted #2 overall but he's the hustler, defender, glue guy with all the intangibles teams dream of. At the end of the day though, he's a role player in my mind. He's going to be a damn good role player, but a role player. A team like the Cavs could really use that. A team like the Bobcats could not.

The shooting is really key. If GM's think he will be a reliable outside shooter, then he goes from being just a glue guy to something potentially pretty special. I really like his hands -- they seem to be glue-coated -- and he's got that effortless speed where it looks like he's not even trying. He doesn't have MJ's length, or ability to create his own shot, and I don't like comparisons like that anyway because they're overblown. But it seems to me that some folks don't like the player they saw last year, and so can't see how the kid is playing this year.

[Be Nimble]

From Ford's chat today

http://espn.go.com/sportsnation/chat/_/id/47144

Victor Oladipo had another great game last night. Do you think its possible he is a top 5 pick? Not a ton of comps out there with his combination of athleticism and defense.
Chad Ford
(1:48 PM)


Yes. He's moved into the Top 5 on our Big Board and for the first time, I've had a couple of GMs tell me that they like him more than Ben McLemore. They are in the minority right now ... but still. What a rise. In all my years of covering the draft, I've never seen a player improve as much as I've seen him improve in such a small period of time. He has weaknesses, but major, major upside. If he continues to improve, I don't think it's out of the question he could be the No. 1 pick in June. He's not there yet, but he's special

[Wine and Gold]

I still think he can move up. If MKG can go #2 in a strong draft, there is no reason Oladipo can't go #2 in a weak draft. He is more explosive and better offensively than MKG. Size is really the only thing MKG has on him...there's no hitch in Dipo's jumpshot either.

He's got the "it" factor. Looking at him I see some David Thompson as he grew at NC State back in the 70's. He's special ..Would love to have him however we can get him.

[AvonCavsFan]

Pete (Minneapolis)


Victor Oladipo had another great game last night. Do you think its possible he is a top 5 pick? Not a ton of comps out there with his combination of athleticism and defense.
Chad Ford
(1:48 PM)


Yes. He's moved into the Top 5 on our Big Board and for the first time, I've had a couple of GMs tell me that they like him more than Ben McLemore. They are in the minority right now ... but still. What a rise. In all my years of covering the draft, I've never seen a player improve as much as I've seen him improve in such a small period of time. He has weaknesses, but major, major upside. If he continues to improve, I don't think it's out of the question he could be the No. 1 pick in June. He's not there yet, but he's special.

3,2,1...Countdown to those who say he has no skills..

Edited: To be clear I am rolling my eyes at those who say he has no skills, not Ford's quote. I am really really high on Oladipo.

[Wine and Gold]

3,2,1...Countdown to those who say he has no skills..

You don't see a kid ascend in this fashion very often in a lifetime. It's a special occurence, and I think Magic expressed exactly what he witnessed last night during the game. Kid will go in the top 3 ...future superstar, and will be way far removed from anything in the defensive specialist grouping in short order.

[BimboColesHair]

Only good thing about him and Marcus Smart flying up draft boards, Otto Porter begins to slip.

[gratefuldead]

can he play sf?? they say he can.....i wonder

[AvonCavsFan]

You don't see a kid ascend in this fashion very often in a lifetime. It's a special occurence, and I think Magic expressed exactly what he witnessed last night during the game. Kid will go in the top 3 ...future superstar, and will be way far removed from anything in the defensive specialist grouping in short order.

I totally agree with you. I LOVE the kid. There are quite a few that are saying he has no skills, not sure what they are watching.

[MGMT]

can he play sf?? they say he can.....i wonder

In spurts, with his length, strength and athleticism during a small ball lineup I don't see the harm.

To think this dude has held the door open for me on multiple occasions. Zzomgz.

[Smooth]

Maybe I haven't seen Oladipo enough but I am shocked to hear he's in consideration for a top-5 pick.. I don't think he's worthy of such... I'll have to go back and watch more but I'm just really surprised..

Oh and why do I feel like Oladipo is at the top of the Chris Grant "shock-the-world" draft pick board?