Victor Oladipo makes third team all-NBA
By Tony East
The NBA announced the selections for the all-NBA teams today. Indiana Pacers guard Victor Oladipo was chosen for the third team.
Just one day after it was announced that Victor Oladipo made first team all-defense, he already needs a bigger trophy case. The NBA today announced the all-NBA teams, and Victor Oladipo was selected to the third team.
For Pacers aficionados, this selection comes as no surprise. Oladipo led the Pacers team to 48 wins and a playoff birth while averaging 23.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.3 assists.
Oladipo was voted into the third team by media members. The other members of the third team are Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, Karl-Anthony Towns, and most notably the man Vic was traded for in Paul George.
Here is how the voting shook out:
Oladipo received the 6th most points for any guards. The five guards voted ahead of Vic were Damian Lillard, James Harden, Russell Westbrook, DeMar DeRozan, and the aforementioned Curry. It should be noted that none of those guards made an all-defense team like Oladipo did.
This is the first all-NBA selection for Oladipo and it comes in his fifth NBA season. Oladipo set career highs in just above everything, including points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, and field goal percentage. His play made him well deserving of the award, as he was one of the most impactful guards in the NBA.
Despite many other Pacers players having career years and the team playing well, no other Indy player received any votes for any all-NBA teams. Oladipo is the Pacers first all-NBA selection since Paul George made the third team in 2016.
Next: 2017-18 Pacers Player Reviews: Trevor Booker
Pacers fans knew this was coming for Victor Olaidpo, and it fantastic to see him finally get some recognition that he deserves. Congratulations to Vic for receiving his first, hopefully of many, all-NBA selection.