In the offseason, big man Myles Turner seemingly swerved the Indiana Pacers and shockingly joined their divisional rivals, the Milwaukee Bucks, as a free agent. His exit hasn't been met with a lot of class or love from either side. And, unfortunately for Pacers fans, it seems that the Texas native is not the only familiar face joining the Bucks' organization.
On Sunday, news broke that former Pacers All-Star Victor Oladipo is signing with the Wisconsin Herd, Milwaukee's G League affiliate (h/t Jamal Collier of ESPN).
Oladipo spent parts of four seasons with the Pacers between 2017 and 2021. During his time with the team, the Maryland native was a two-time All-Star, a one-time All-NBA Third Team selection, and an All-Defensive First Team selecion. Oladipo also took home the Most Improved Player award in 2017-18 and led them to a 48-34 record that same season, their best since the 2013-14 campaign.
The Indiana alum played for the Houston Rockets and Miami Heat after the Pacers traded him in 2021. He has not suited up since April 2023 due to a torn patellar tendon.
Though he had his best years as a Pacer, many fans have turned on Oladipo for a variety of reasons. This stems from the belief that he was selfish and disloyal to the team, as well as comments he made following his departure.
Regardless, the franchise's former star is one step closer to making his NBA return, and Pacers fans could see him back on the court soon.
Can Victor Oladipo still contribute at an NBA level?
Oladipo has a lot going against him if he wants to be a legitimate NBA contributor again. He is 33 years old and hasn't played in over two years due to a brutal knee injury. However, it's telling that there was a team still willing to take a flier on him regardless. Plus, he did look solid the last time he was on the court, which may bode well for him.
During his final two regular season games with the Heat in 2023, Oladipo averaged 24.5 points, 6 assists, 2 steals, and 1.5 rebounds while shooting 50% from the field and 50% from deep. He also looked good in the playoffs that season, averaging 11.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1 steal, and an assist while shooting 52.6% from the floor and 40% from beyond the arc in two games.
Back in July, reports surfaced that Oladipo was pursuing an NBA comeback. But perhaps more importantly, he was part of a private workout and left teams impressed (h/t Jeremy Woo of ESPN).
It's tough to know for sure how much of an impact he can make at this point in his career, but there are reasons to believe that Oladipo may have something left in the tank. Whether Pacers fans want to hear it or not, their former All-Star is inching even closer to an NBA return, and he could become even more than just a depth piece for their rivals.