2018 NBA All-Star Game: 7 Possible Debuts

#6 Victor Oladipo

Victor Oladipo

Stat-line: 24.9 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 3.9 apg, 1.8 spg, 1.0 bpg

Over the course of the regular season, it has become the norm for the best Most Improved Player candidate to be a lock for the All-Star game. Going by that norm, Oladipo is a prohibitive favorite to feature in the festivities to be held on the second weekend of February at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

His point-per-game average has climbed an astounding 9.0 points since his trade to the Indiana Pacers. A higher usage rate, more looks from the 3-point territory and general all-round excellence have propelled Oladipo on the hottest streak of his career, as he finally shows the league the reason why he was drafted #2 in the comparatively weak draft class of 2013.

His numbers have improved across the board, but the biggest differences to his game are his improved finishing through traffic in the paint and his 3-point stroke. These can be attributed to a spell he spent training in Miami under Dwyane Wade's mentorship this offseason.

His defense has markedly taken a turn for the better as well, as his total of 2.8 steals plus blocks per game is one of the highest in the league for guards.

Indiana is currently ranked 7th in the Eastern Conference, rallying behind the scintillating efforts of this 5th-year stud.