The Orlando Magic came into this season with expectations to compete for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference but things didn't start off all well in that regard as they started out 6-8. After 14 games Scott Skiles decided to make some lineup changes including bringing Victor Oladipo off the bench and it has worked wonders as they have won five of their last six and have been much more competitive. Although Oladipo has produced well off the bench Skiles doesn't see that being his permanent role, according to Brian Schmitz of the Orlando Sentinel.
Oladipo had started the first 12 games he had played in this season and in that time he was playing just ok and the team was playing uninspired. Lately though, it has been Channing Frye in the starting lineup with Oladipo coming off the bench and it seems like he found something. In six games off the bench Oladipo has averaged 18.5 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.7 assists on 45 percent shooting from the field and has picked his play up a lot.
Skiles has liked the way Oladipo has played off the bench but he also said that the move is not permanent. "We got to stick with what works, Oladipo has been so good in that role. We'll keep him out there until it doesn't work," said Skiles.
Not only has the lineup change improved Oladipo's play but it has helped Tobias Harris out as well. Harris was playing power forward full-time at the beginning of the season and he was struggling with the adjustment as he was missing a lot of shots close to the basket but with Frye now with the starters Harris is back at his natural small forward spot and thriving.
Oladipo is a huge part of this Magic team and they see him as a cornerstone player for their future so it is no surprise that they don't want to keep him on the bench for long but Skiles is right to keep this lineup for now. Having Oladipo come off the bench moves everybody to their natural positions and has helped the team play much better because of it so as long as Oladipo continues to perform off the bench and not complain about the new role this is the way the Magic need to continue to go.
