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Victor Oladipo nominated for 2018 Backbone award by teammates

By Tony East

CHARLOTTE, NC - FEBRUARY 2: Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers runs out before the game against the Charlotte Hornets on February 2, 2018 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - FEBRUARY 2: Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers runs out before the game against the Charlotte Hornets on February 2, 2018 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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One of the NBA Players Association “Players Voice” awards is a trophy for the best teammate, with one being chosen per team. The Pacers chose Victor Oladipo.

Just when you thought that Victor Oladipo was done winning awards, another one popped up. Oladipo has been awarded the Backbone Award, previously known as the Teammate of the Year award, from the NBA Players Association.

The Backbone award is unique – it isn’t given to just one player. Instead, one player from each team gets it since it is impossible to compare who is the best teammates across unique situations. The players on every team vote for who they believe deserves the award on their roster, and the Pacers players voted for Victor Oladipo.

It is well deserved. The Pacers announced the award in a press release earlier today. Tell me there isn’t a prize more appropriate for Victor Oladipo’s season than this:

"“The Backbone Award is intended to honor a player on each NBA team that represents the heart and soul of their respective team. Oladipo, who reached his first All-Star Game and led the Pacers in scoring with 23.1 points per game, was a constant force of positive energy for Indiana, helping lift the team to its impressive 48-win season.”"

I mean, come on. It should be called the Victor Oladipo award for crying out loud. With that description, we need to petition to have the name changed.

Al Jefferson won the award last season for the Pacers. In fairness, he would have been a great recipient for the teammate of the year in Indiana this season too. But Oladipo embodies the heart and soul of this Pacers squad perfectly, and he deserves the trophy.

Next: Why the Pacers should not sign Julius Randle

I don’t know how big Victor Oladipo’s trophy case was before the season, but he is going to need a new one. The awards just keep on coming, and he deserves them all. Congrats to Vic!

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