Indiana Basketball: Victor Oladipo set to make season debut

Indiana basketball fans received some good news, as Victor Oladipo told NBA insider Shams Charania that he would soon make his return to the hardwood.

After having to wait longer than many wanted, the Indiana basketball fan base received good news on Wednesday as a former Hoosier set a timeline for his return to the hardwood.

Sidelined since Jan 23rd of 2019 due to a quadriceps tear which he suffered against the Toronto Raptors, Victor Oladipo announced he plans to make his season debut on Jan 29 against the Chicago Bulls.

A quadriceps tear is a very severe injury, yet some thought Oladipo would make his return before the new year. However, it was clear that the former IU standout was taking his time rehabbing to avoid future aggravation of the injury.

At the time of his injury last season, Oladipo was averaging 18.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 1.7 steals per game.

Oladipo had been assigned to the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, the Pacers’ G League affiliate since November, where he had been practicing on and off to get acclimated to playing once more, however he never played a game for the team.

The Pacers have managed to do more than just stay afloat without their star. They stand at a solid 23-14 record, sixth in the Eastern Conference, just four games out of second place in the standings.

The offseason acquisition of former Bucks guard Malcom Brogden has been outstanding for the Pacers, and newcomers Jeremy Lamb and T.J. Warren have contributed nicely as well.

With Oladipo coming back, an already good Pacers team gets back its only All-Star. It will be interesting to see how he performs and if he can generate even more wins for a Pacers team which is becoming increasingly dangerous as the postseason inches closer.