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No need to riot: Victor Oladipo makes his first All-Star Game

By Ben Gibson

PHOENIX, AZ - JANUARY 14: Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers points to a teammate during the second half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on January 14, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - JANUARY 14: Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers points to a teammate during the second half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on January 14, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Victor Oladipo was named as an All-Star reserve today, giving the Indiana Pacers guard his first appearance in the NBA All-Star Game.

The coaches’ picks are in: Victor Oladipo is an All-Star. Put the pitchforks and torches down, no need to riot.

The Indiana Pacers guard earned a spot in his first All-Star Game thanks to posting career-highs in points (24.2) and rebounds (5.2), shooting percentage (48.4%), and 3-point percentage (40.2%).

More importantly than just having the best season of his career, Oladipo is 4th in points among the East’s guards, beating out all but the East’s other All-Star starters. He is 5th in field goal percentage as well, proving that the increase in points isn’t just a matter of minutes. It doesn’t hurt he is 3rd in steals, too.

Oladipo’s breakout season is the biggest surprise of the NBA season. When he and Domantas Sabonis were traded for Paul George, Critics savaged Kevin Pritchard and the Pacers. Sam Presti and the Oklahoma City Thunder were praised for dumping Oladipo’s contract.

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Now he is an All-Star, and there was very little question he would be, either. Oladipo is a big part of the Pacers finding success this season as they sit on a 25-22 record in the 6th seed of the Eastern Conference.

His and the Pacers success turned what some thought was a hopeless season and made them more popular than they were a season ago.

Oladipo is making the Pacers fun again. The team’s quicker, more offensive style is a big part of that. His two game-winning shots and meme-ability are part of his charm as well.

Maybe we should have expected something more from him this season when he won the MVP of the NBA’s Africa Game. That was the first glimpse that Oladipo had changed for the better after being reduced to a role player a season before.

The question at the beginning of the season was whether the Pacers should tank. Now it’s how far can Oladipo take them.

Next: The Myles Turner Quandary

We now know the answer to the question of Oladipo’s All-Star candidacy. Now the question is where he is picked in the All-Star Draft.

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