Who will take over as the veteran leader for the Indiana Pacers?

It’s Victor Oladipo’s time to shine

If Victor Oladipo’s story sounds familiar to you, that’s because it is. As much as Pacers fans may want to blot out the memory that is Paul George’s time with the team, it’s undeniable that they have a similar career arc.

They both burst onto the scene unexpectedly with the Pacers, winning awards like Most Improved Player, All-Star honors and All-Defensive Team nominations. They both get within inches of defeating LeBron James. And they both have their careers derailed by horrific injury.

We know that George was able to overcome his devastating leg injury, and come back even better than he was before. The nature of Oladipo’s injury is different, but by all accounts, his rehab and recovery has been positive.

George was able to once again take over as the leader of the team on the court. For the Pacers’ sake, Oladipo will hopefully be able to do as much too. But where they differ is in off-the-court leadership.

While George spent years never knowing the right thing to say, Oladipo seems to always have the right words for his teammates and the community. While George deferred veteran leadership to the likes of David West and Thaddeus Young, Oladipo has the opportunity to take over as the voice both on the court and in the locker room.

The story is right there. Overcome the brutal injury, lead the team both on and off the court, and be an Indiana Pacers legend. It was in Paul George’s hands, and he didn’t want it. Victor Oladipo wants it, and there’s no one else on this roster that can take it away from him.