Indiana Pacers: 2 Players that need to step up after All-Star break

Victor Oladipo

Now, it’s easy to pick on Victor Oladipo, as he has only played in seven games so far this season while working back from injury, but the guard simply needs to play more efficiently.

Oladipo has shot 32% from the field and 24% from beyond the arc in the seven contests. His career average is 44% and 35% respectively. There is a reason to be patient with Oladipo when shooting but its not the only aspect of his game that needs to improve after the All-Star break.

Not only can Oladipo play with better efficiency but the star must get teammates involved as well.

It was expected for Oladipo and the team to have growing pains as he is being integrated into the rotation but having confidence in himself and teammates is important.

Oladipo has yet to truly find his shot and the only way to do so is to keep shooting, however, there is a time and place for everything.

There were several instances throughout the Pacers’ six-game losing streak where Oladipo forced the issue. Taking ill-advised shots early in the shot clock or taking the first shot instead of the best one is an example of how Oladipo can improve after the All-Star break.

It is important to be patient with Oladipo but that shouldn’t excuse him from playing the game the right way. In the last few contests, Oladipo has showcased that his explosion is gradually returning to old form, but he needs to find a balance between improving his game and doing what’s best for the welfare of the team.

It easy to see that Oladipo feels a sense of urgency now that he is back on the floor, but hopefully, the All-Star break allows him to see what exactly he needs to be done to give himself and the team the best opportunity to be successful.

Oladipo will continue to improve even with it being a difficult adjustment period but it is imperative for the guard to step things up after the All-Star break.