Victor Oladipo is attempting an NBA comeback, and it seems that a reunion with the Indiana Pacers is a realistic option.
According to Bovada Sportsbook, the Pacers (+300) are the betting favorites to sign the 33-year-old as he attempts to make it back to the league. The Washington Wizards (+500), Charlotte Hornets (+500), Milwaukee Bucks (+500), and New Orleans Pelicans (+650) round out the rest of the top-five in the Oladipo sweepstakes.
There are no specific reports or rumors linking Oladipo back to Indiana, but this is still something to keep an eye on. Oladipo had his best years with the Pacers, but his last All-Star appearance was over six years ago. While reunions can often be a fun story across the league, this is one that the Pacers must avoid no matter what.
Signing Victor Oladipo makes no sense for the Pacers
The last time Oladipo stepped on a court was over two years ago in a playoff game for the Miami Heat. Granted, the former All-Star still looked solid at the time, but he has yet to return from the left knee injury he suffered. While teams were reportedly impressed with his recent workout (h/t Jeremy Woo of ESPN), it still remains to be seen how he can contribute at the NBA level a couple of years later.
At this point, the Pacers are likely in for a gap year. Tyrese Haliburton is out for the whole season due to an Achilles injury, and Myles Turner signed with the Bucks as a free agent. Though they can still make some noise, they are not likely to compete next year.
Indiana still has a bright future and should re-establish themselves as a title threat once Haliburton returns. It makes a lot more sense to focus on who they already have on the roster and see what their ceilings are, rather than re-signing Oladipo.
Even beyond the basketball reasons, it is fair for Pacers fans to be skeptical about wanting Oladipo to return. He left the team on a sour note and called them out numerous times since his departure. That was a long time ago, but it still made a lot of fans unhappy. Bringing him back, especially when he is almost certainly going to be a shell of his former self, would be a questionable decision for Indiana.
The Pacers still have some questions to answer. It still remains to be seen who their next center will be, and it is going to be important to see how they attack next season. No matter what, though, it would be best for them to steer clear of Oladipo. He might still have a little left in the tank, but he would not provide much value to the Pacers at this point, especially when they are realistically another year or so away from becoming title contenders once again.