3 players who have kept the Indiana Pacers afloat in Oladipo’s absence
By Justin Byers
Domantas Sabonis
It’s no secret that Sabonis is the Pacers’ most important piece to the puzzle without Oladipo. After signing an extension at the start of the season, Sabonis has proved to be worthy of the pay raise.
Sabonis has been a double-double machine, which has alleviated the pressure of his teammates in making up for the loss of Oladipo.
Not only have Sabonis’ numbers been impressive, but his effort has been as well. That effort has translated to success for the 23-year-old.
So far this season, Sabonis has averaged 18.6 points per game in 14 games. To go along with his scoring has been his ability to rebound.
Sabonis has proved to be one of the best rebounders in the NBA this season and the numbers back it up.
Sabonis has 11 double-doubles so far this season and he’s missed two games due to injury. He is a man on a mission.
Sabonis has averaged 13.4 rebounds per contest. The rebounding by Sabonis has provided the Pacers with much needed extra possessions and kept defenders at bay.
As a result, that has allowed other teammates to flourish with more opportunities to contribute.
Sabonis is a player that makes his teammates better, an aspect of Oladipo’s game that has been missed. But luckily Sabonis has been picking up the slack.
Sabonis has shown no signs of slowing down. Even once Oladipo returns, Sabonis will continue to flourish.
The power forward has been a key cog in keeping the Pacers afloat without their star.