Hoops Rumors Community Shootaround 12/1/15

Since the Magic made Victor Oladipo the No. 2 overall pick back in the 2013 NBA draft the team has been waiting for him to develop into a franchise player. The results have been mixed during his first two seasons in the league, though Oladipo did demonstrate improvement in virtually every statistical category in 2014/15 over his rookie numbers. New head coach Scott Skiles is still experimenting with his rotation, and one of his riskier moves was shifting Oladipo to a sixth man role. Oladipo has responded well and has averaged 20.0 points per game over his three appearances as a reserve, and the team has gone 3-0 in those contests.

This brings me to the topic for today: Should the Magic keep Victor Oladipo in the sixth man role for the remainder of the season?

The easy response is the affirmative, going by the logic that if it’s working, then it’s best for the squad. But there are other concerns that accompany any dramatic role change, especially for a player expected to develop into a star. The 23-year-old will be eligible for a rookie scale extension next summer, and any displeasure with his playing time or role on the team could impact Oladipo’s willingness to commit to Orlando for the long term. The Magic are 9-8 thus far in 2015/16 and appear to be a much-improved team from last season, especially on the defensive end, which comes as little surprise given the presence of Skiles. But if the team hopes to take the next step toward being a contender in the East, Oladipo’s talent and buy-in will be needed, which makes any changes in his role a risky proposition.

But what say you? Is keeping Oladipo in a reserve role the best tactic for the team, or should he return to the starting lineup full-time? Take to the comments section below to share your thoughts and opinions. We look forward to what you have to say.