The Indiana Pacers return to Bankers Life Fieldhouse to take on the Chicago Bulls with superstar Victor Oladipo making his first appearance of the season.
Today has been quite the wait for fans of the Indiana Pacers. After completing a successful five-game road trip, the Pacers are back in the friendly confines of Bankers Life Fieldhouse to take on the Chicago Bulls.
But what is special about this matchup is that Victor Oladipo makes his return injury.
As the Pacers gear up for the second half of the season with their superstar, there are several things to look for in evaluating a Pacers roster that has found new life.
Here are three things to watch for in Victor Oladipo‘s return:
Who becomes the primary ball-handler with Oladipo on the floor.
This season, when healthy, Malcolm Brogdon has done a fantastic job orchestrating the team’s offense as point guard.
Heading into tonight, Brogdon has been battling a concussion and is listed as questionable but is expected to play.
The current offense has been able to thrive in an environment where everyone is involved. With the addition of Oladipo into the rotation, things could change.
Before the injury, Oladipo held the responsibility of being the team’s leader and primary ball-handler. However, this season presents change for Oladipo due to the construction of the roster.
The Pacers’ front office brought Brogdon to Indiana for a reason and did so anticipating Oladipo’s return from injury. Despite being back in the lineup, Oladipo will be on a minute’s restriction which will inhibit his ability to control the flow of the offense for four quarters.
The Pacers organization won’t want Oladipo to do too much but knowing his competitive spirit, the guard will want to be heavily involved when on the floor.
That could present a scenario where Oladipo takes more of a point guard role when both he and Brogdon are on the floor.
However, the Pacers coaching staff may want to see how things operate with Brogdon remaining the team’s primary ball-handler as they work Oladipo back into the swing of things.
We can expect instances of Oladipo creating with the ball in his hands, but the coaching staff may keep things as is with Brogdon at point guard.
Head coach Nate McMillan will have some tough decisions in handling Brogdon and Oladipo.
Which backup point guard has minutes restricted.
For the past few weeks, the backup point guard position has been under evaluation. Anticipating Oladipo’s return and knowing someone’s minutes would be impacted created a battle amongst the team’s second unit.
With Brogdon and Oladipo now as the team’s primary ball handlers, the rotation now has consistent minutes for only one of the backup point guard spots.
That battle has been between Aaron Holiday and T.J. McConnell. So far, it is expected that Aaron Holiday will get the short end of the stick due to McConnell’s recent surge of success.
McConnell’s veteran presence has allowed the Pacers’ second unit to thrive and perform with no drop-off. With more changes ensuing, McConnell’s experience and consistency have given him the edge.
However, the coaching staff still has the responsibility to give minutes to Holiday in order to develop the young guard.
Despite the need for Holiday to improve, expect the coaching staff to lean on McConnell with Oladipo back in the lineup. Unfortunately, Holiday’s minutes could be reduced.
Does Oladipo have the same bounce
It’s no secret that Oladipo’s injury was significant. There is a sense of curiosity surrounding the injury in basketball because it’s so rare in the sport.
Former San Antonio Spur Tony Parker suffered the same injury but was at a different age and point in his career.
This leaves questions regarding whether Oladipo will be able to return to old form. Based on his length of rehab and the progression we have seen; it is expected for Oladipo to have the same bounce and athleticism he had pre-injury but that remains to be seen.
Oladipo’s game derives from his ability to create and that correlates to his athleticism, hopefully, he can pick up where he left off.
Oladipo will be anxious to show Pacers fans and the NBA what he can do and what to expect. Despite the numerous practices and scrimmages, Oladipo has yet to see game speed and tonight will be the first test in determining whether the former Indiana Hoosier is back like he never left.