It’s no secret that things between the Indiana Pacers and Victor Oladipo did no go as planned during his final few months with the organization. Trade speculation and apparent animosity were the talk of the Pacers heading into the season and he was eventually shipped off for Caris LeVert.
The Rockets took their chance on Oladipo for a brief stint this season before deciding to part with him in the final moments in the NBA trade deadline. After finally getting his wish to play for the Miami Heat, Oladipo was slated to return to Banker’s Life Fieldhouse for the first time since he was traded.
Victor Oladipo will not be available against the Indiana Pacers
Oladipo has yet to make his debut with the Heat as he deals with a head cold, according to multiple reports from around the league. That head cold has forced Oladipo to stay in Miami as the team traveled to Indiana for the matchup on Wednesday night.
I’m told Victor Oladipo will not be in Indy Wednesday for Heat at Pacers. He remains back in Miami with a head cold.
— Scott Agness (@ScottAgness) March 30, 2021
Pacers fans were excited to let some of their feelings out as Vic returned to “his city” but that will have to be put on pause. The recent experience surrounding Paul George and his own ending in Indiana is still fresh in many minds and Victor Oladipo should be bracing for some hostility whenever he does return to Indiana.
I’m not going to sit here and blame Vic for missing this game because he has already missed time with Miami with the same illness. I don’t see this as him skipping town and avoiding any confrontation but the timing is just unfortunate. I also don’t think he should be painted as some villain simply for wanting to do what he felt was best for his career.
Still, it was a moment we all were looking forward to, especially with how poorly Vic and the Pacers have each done since he was traded earlier this season. Whenever Victor does return to Indianapolis, it will not be a quiet night in Banker’s Life Fieldhouse, that’s for sure.