Victor Oladipo to All-Star or we riot

Looking at the numbers, it is clear Victor Oladipo should represent the Indiana Pacers in the All-Star game. But his heroics are worth a spot on their own.

Who is leading the way in scoring among guards in the Eastern Conference? The Indiana Pacers’ Victor Oladipo at 24.9 points. (I don’t care what NBA.com says, LeBron isn’t a guard.) Who is the second most accurate shooter? Oladipo. (Again, LeBron isn’t a guard.) 12th in 3-point percentage? Oladipo. Fourth in rebounds? Oladipo. (I’m telling you, LeBron isn’t a guard.) Fourth in steals? Oladipo. Second in blocks? Oladipo. (FOR THE LAST TIME, HE CAN DO EVERYTHING, BUT THAT DOESN’T MAKE LEBRON A GAURD.)

So, is there really an argument against Victor Oladipo being in the All-Star game?

No, not really.

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When it comes down to it, Oladipo is fighting Kyrie Irving, John Wall, DeMar DeRozan, Kemba Walker and Bradly Beal for a spot as the NBA ballot is set up with just guards and bigs, not all five positions. If it were just about being the best shooting guard in the East, there’s little question about that Oladipo is the best right now.

But even against those four, only Kyrie Irving can claim both actual victories (over the Pacers) and better offense than Oladipo. Even then, none of them hold the same dominance in all those categories listed above. Assists are arguably the only hole on Oladipo’s resume, even then, he ranks 25th.

Once you factor in defense (we’ll use NBAMath’s TPA numbers) only Lowry and Irving come out ahead in the East. Lowry’s slightly better offensive and defense impact give him an edge, but Kryie’s edge is purely from his offense. Oladipo ranks 7th in overall impact among all guards in the NBA.

One way or another, the numbers alone say Victor Oladipo is headed to Los Angeles for the All-Star game.

But just important as the numbers that clearly make a strong case for Victor Oladipo’s All-Star candidacy, are the moments.

Victor Oladipo is so damn fun to watch

No one should ever fell in love with a statistic in the NBA. While Victor Oladipo is arguably the best guard in the Eastern Conference right now, what locks him a spot on the All-Star team is the fact he saves the Pacers again and again in games. Even if Indiana loses, he ends up at least giving them a chance.

The 4th quarter is Oladipo’s domain, both in moments and statistically, as he is 7th in scoring in the final period not just in the East, but in the NBA. But again, it’s the moments we’re loving him for. Game-winners are now expected from him. It may take a team-effort to rally back, but Oladipo leads the charge every time and often seals the deal.

Again, and again, and again, Oladipo claims the city of Indianapolis as his own. Even Mayor Joe Hogsett is worried the actual mayorship is in jeopardy.

A player without moments like that is just empty stats. But Oladipo can claim both on his resume. He scores, but he scores when it matters, too. He isn’t scoring by volume, either, as his efficiency numbers are career-bests while he also is heavily relied on by the Pacers.

Next: Are the Pacers still a top 10 team?

If the NBA wasn’t changing the format to where captains picked the All-Star teams after the fans vote, then Victor Oladipo would deserve to start at shooting guard for the Eastern Conference. But even with the new format, he should be starting for the East.

If you want to vote early (Twitter votes don’t count until Christmas Day), click here and vote for Victor Oladipo.