NBA Mock Draft 2013: Predicting the First 10 Picks

5. Phoenix Suns: Victor Oladipo, Indiana (SG) 

Age: 21 (Junior)

Height/Weight: 6’3″/213 lbs.

Mar 28, 2013; Washington, D.C., USA; Indiana Hoosiers guard Victor Oladipo (4) dunks against Syracuse Orange forward James Southerland (43) during the first half of the semifinals of the East regional of the 2013 NCAA Tournament at the Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Oladipo made improvement synonymous with his name this year. He improved on a solid sophomore campaign to becoming a national standout. Last year, he emerged as a defensive specialist and provided energy for the Hoosiers with his exceptionally high effort and work levels. This year, he made a huge impact on the offensive end of the floor, improving on an already good draft sheet. He’s also a fantastic perimeter defender, a major asset in an NBA where perimeter play is the bread and butter of so many squads. He stops his man off the dribble, and ranks second in the Top 100 Prospects for steals per 40 minutes.

Oladipo also made major improvements to his three-point shooting efficiency this year after making so few last year. Most of his offense comes in open floor situations, going back to that crazy athleticism. He’s a “blur” on the fast break, leading to highlight reel dunks fairly often.

Oladipo’s shortcoming, however, is handling. Due to the fact that he’s always moving at top speed, he tends to play fast and loose with his dribble, turning the ball over far too often. He plays best offense on cuts and catch plays rather than one-on-one half court situations. With improvement on that, he could prove to be a massive weapon for a Phoenix Suns team that is missing those elements.