8 points, 9 seconds
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Dirk Nowitzki channels his inner Victor Oladipo — hilarity ensues

By Ben Gibson

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 16: Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks looks on against the Indiana Pacers during the game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 16, 2015 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Pacers defeated the Mavericks 107-81. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 16: Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks looks on against the Indiana Pacers during the game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 16, 2015 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Pacers defeated the Mavericks 107-81. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Victor Oladipo is ready to work hard this offseason, but NBA legend Dirk Nowitzki went on Twitter to have some fun with the Indiana Pacers star’s text.

One of the reasons this season’s team is already so beloved is the fact Victor Oladipo — a former Indiana Hoosier — led the Indiana Pacers to an unexpectedly good season. Oladipo’s hard work over the summer to improve his body and his game paid off in an All-Star selection.

And Oladipo’s legend is only growing. Less than an hour after the Pacers lost in Game 7 to the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Pacers star was texting his trainer to start working towards next season.

How can you not love that?

https://www.instagram.com/p/BiKuM7ZBTr1/

Can Oladipo really take it to another level, and what would that even mean for him? Time will tell, but we saw the changes to his body over last summer, and we can only assume he plans to repeat that effort.

But of course after Oladipo’s now famous text went viral, there eventually would be parodies of it. Thankfully, NBA legend and current Dallas Maverick star Dirk Nowitzki has us covered.

He is fighting against time as a 39-year-old in the NBA, something he is all too aware of. But in typical Dirk fashion, he made himself the butt of the joke.

Perfect.

While Nowitzki was having some fun with Oladipo’s text, after the special season Oladipo and the Pacers had, it’s almost hard to believe how positive and hard working Victor is.

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In some of his first days with the Pacers, some in the organization thought those good vibes had to wear off at some point. After all, he was traded and being treated with a homecoming in Indiana. Eventually, reality would kick in, right?

Nope, that’s just who Oladipo is.

And that attitude was infectious with the entire Pacers team. Despite arguably having less talent on the roster than they did the season before, Thaddeus Young said he was much more confident going into this year’s series against the Cavaliers. The power of positivity stands in stark contrast to the Pacers team from a season ago.

For the first time in a long time, the Pacers were reclaiming their place in the hearts of fans. For a team that was expected to win around 30 games, Indiana’s professional basketball team just had ‘it’, that special connection with fans.

Was it all the comebacks? Was it their status as underdogs? Was it having a former Hoosier leading the way? No matter what it was, it truly made this season a special one for the Pacers.

Next: Cory Joseph opts in

For a team eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, there is plenty of optimism as the team heads into the summer. With Victor Oladipo leading the way, that shouldn’t be a surprise at all.

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