After a moderately successful season, the Indiana Pacers are ready to start the 2019-20 season. However, there is a good chance they will start their season without their star, Victor Oladipo.
On Friday, Pacers head coach Nate McMillan discussed Oladipo’s injury and whether or not the Pacers had a timetable for his return. McMillian said he does not expect Oladipo to be available anytime soon.
“I don’t anticipate Victor being available for a while, and I don’t know what a while is,” he said. “There’s no timetable.”
Oladipo briefly discussed the situation but did not give a timetable for his return.
“Let’s be real, I am human,” he said. “It hasn’t been easy. There have been tough days. There have been days that have been tougher than others. But for the most part, I’ve survived every single one of them. When I say I’m coming back better than ever, I’m not just saying that because it sounds good. I truly believe that.”
Last season, Oladipo suffered a ruptured quad tendon in his right knee. This injury caused Oladipo to miss the rest of the season, as the Pacers finished the season with a record of 48-34. The Pacers reached the playoffs but lost to the Celtics in the first round. Regardless, they were solid for a team lacking their star player.
Over the summer, the Pacers added several free agents. They added Malcolm Brogdon (formerly of the Milwaukee Bucks), Jeremy Lamb (formerly of the Charlotte Hornets) and others such as T.J McConnell and T.J Warren. While they lost Bojan Bogdanovic, Thaddeus Young and Darren Collison (who retired), the Pacers made up for it through free agency. So, they are likely in for a good season.
Oladipo is an exceptional guard that played well last season before his injury. The former Most Improved Player could help the Pacers reach the next level. While the timetable for his return remains uncertain, the Pacers will be happy to have him back.
Featured Image courtesy of Brian Spurlock
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