8 points, 9 seconds
Fansided

Love/Hate Series: Victor Oladipo

By Ben Gibson

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - APRIL 27: Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers stretches before the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game Six of the NBA Playoffs on April 27, 2018 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - APRIL 27: Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers stretches before the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game Six of the NBA Playoffs on April 27, 2018 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – APRIL 27: Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers stretches before the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game Six of the NBA Playoffs on April 27, 2018 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – APRIL 27: Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers stretches before the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game Six of the NBA Playoffs on April 27, 2018 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Victor Oladipo was the hero the Indiana Pacers needed last season, but the expectations are even higher the upcoming season.

Last year at this time, it was the uncertainty of what Victor Oladipo was that worried us. We knew he could shoot, but not many expected him to turn into an All-Star and All-NBA player with the Indiana Pacers.

Now, he is expected to that All-Star and All-NBA player. He is expected to continue knocking down clutch shots. Being one of the NBA’s best defenders is expected now.

All the good feelings about last season’s unexpected success are fading. That success — both Oladipo’s and the Pacers — create higher standards for this season. It changes how we view them.

Last season was like when you go to the casino to have fun. You brought some money but didn’t expect to turn a profit, or at least were ready to lose all of the gambling money you brought. Then it turns out, the bets at the roulette table and hitting on 17 at the blackjack table worked in your favor. That’s having fun.

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The Pacers played with house money last season, but this season doesn’t have that luxury. This season, they’re working off their own bankroll. They aren’t here to have fun, they’re here to make money. That’s more of a grind, it’s about capitalizing on the moment.

It’s the difference between a trip to Vegas and trying to live in Vegas as a gambler. It’s when you actually get around to reading and learning Doyle Brunson’s Super System instead of having it sitting in your bathroom as a roundabout way of impressing your poker buddies.

If Oladipo and the Pacers only break even, that’s not winning in this case. It was an acceptable outcome last season and one they superseded. But this year, breaking even means you’re back to square one.

That’s not an acceptable outcome for Oladipo or the Pacers.

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