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We found love in a hopeless place: The Indiana Pacers rebuilding season

By Ben Gibson

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - OCTOBER 10: Domantas Sabonis #11 of the Indiana Pacers handles the ball during the preseason game against the Maccabi Haifa on October 10, 2017 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - OCTOBER 10: Domantas Sabonis #11 of the Indiana Pacers handles the ball during the preseason game against the Maccabi Haifa on October 10, 2017 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Victor Oladipo of the Indiana Pacers
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – OCTOBER 10: Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers handles the ball during the preseason game against the Maccabi Haifa on October 10, 2017 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Victor Oladipo’s Indiana homecoming is more than just a feel-good story. It’s made the Pacers much more entertaining.

The former Hoosier’s ability to turn nearly any play into a fast break opportunity is something Indiana lacked in recent years. We knew he was fast, but he is incredibly fast even by NBA standards. His 8.7 fast break points a game are evidence of that.

One way he creates these chances is by attacking passing lanes and coming up with steals. It appears coach Nate McMillan gave Oladipo the green light and he is averaging 2.7 steals a game so far, tying him for 4th in the NBA.

An underrated part of his game is drawing fouls, forcing defenses to foul him five times a game so far. That’s lead to 7.7 free throw attempts a game. Free throws aren’t exciting by any means, but getting other team’s into foul trouble can pay dividends in close games.

Oladipo may never ‘live up’ to the size of his contract or who he was traded for, but that doesn’t mean he is a bad player. If he can fill the basket with points and keep Indiana in games, then he is doing his job. This isn’t about Oladipo being Paul George, it is about earning the respect he deserves.

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