There was also that mention of Oladipo, himself, being the one to take the shot. That’s important too and especially in conjunction with the other players on the team.
Off The Bounce Creation
While Jimmy Butler is capable of being the creator off of the dribble, that isn’t traditionally his game. While that is Oladipo’s game, classically, that’s likely what makes him a little better at it than Jimmy.
Here’s the thing though. With Jimmy, Bam, and the rest of the guys out there, with another threat to create at the guard, already, that makes the spacing that much more broad for everyone. Dipo’s ability to generate something for the Miami Heat off the bounce is the third reason why his playmaking is a godsend.
The Miami Heat struggled here until he arrived. Again, while Jimmy could do it as well, it often resulted in him seeing multiple bodies and on multiple occasions.
On the initial drive, he would have to navigate multiple defenders, either head-up or on shifts and rotations on his way to the area where he wanted to create a look for himself. Once he got to said area, there were often multiple guys waiting on him there too.
That’s because opposing teams knew that he was the guy in those moments. Not any longer though.
Oladipo not only adds another more than capable option for that role, likely the best on the team now, but his presence, again, makes everyone else just that much more lethal. It’s really that simple.
Take for example his first game with the Miami Heat. Late in the game and as the Warriors were attempting to make it a contest again, Oladipo calmly came down and orchestrated a play to get Tyler Herro a wide open easy layup attempt.
He broke the defenses down by himself. He drew the help defender.
That left the hoop wide open. That was an easy layup and a game sealed.
Again, it’s really as simple as that. The Miami Heat needed firepower, explosion of the bounce, and another guy in general.
They got all of that with Victor Oladipo and more. As far as his playmaking ability alone though, these were the three reasons why that ability of his is a godsend for the Miami Heat.