Indiana Pacers haven’t lost hope that they could have All-Star guard Victor Oladipo on their roster when NBA resumes.
Oladipo previously opted out of playing in the remainder of 2019/20, citing health concerns after he missed a year with a quad tendon tear. Still, the 28-year-old guard decided to join the team in Orlando and reportedly looked really good in the team practices.
According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, this prompted Pacers to believe Oladipo might change his decision.
Earlier this week, Pacers coach Nate McMillan echoed a similar optimism.
“We are not approaching it as if he’s not playing,” said McMillan about Oladipo. “We are putting him out there. There are no restrictions for Vic. He’s been going hard.”
With Victor Oladipo on the court, Indiana Pacers would become a much bigger threat for NBA title contenders in the Eastern Conference. Despite missing Oladipo for the most part of the 2019/20, Pacers managed to get to 39-26 record and No.5 seed. The current standings would have them playing Miami Heat in the first round of the playoffs.
Oladipo returned to court back in late January and managed to play a total of 13 games before the NBA suspended its activities due to coronavirus pandemic. He averaged 13.8 points, 3.2 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game.
