Smith: Oladipo decides to sit… and I’m okay with it
By TYLER SMITH (@TylerSmith_ISL)
ISL Editor
INDIANAPOLIS — Victor Oladipo has decided to sit out the Orlando-bubbled NBA restart. It’s upsetting and a little confusing for Pacer fans, especially since Oladipo is currently healthy and has had even more time to recover from his injury. I wish he decided to play, but I understand why he’s not.
I’m already seeing fans calling Oladipo soft, or selfish, or even worse…. comparing him to Paul George.
You can be disappointed, but let’s not get carried away here. I know Indy fans still have fresh wounds from the PG saga, but I’m extremely confident things are not going to play out the same way with Victor.
Oladipo is healthy, and he’s been working his butt off. Pacers President Kevin Pritchard said he’s the first one at workouts, and believes he’s in the best shape he’s seen him in a very long time. So why sit out?
This re-start of a season is unlike anything we’ve seen before. It’s a very ramped-up schedule. Things will be rushed. The Pacers will be given one day off (at most) in between every game they play. Especially after not playing for over four months, that’s going to be challenging for even the healthiest of players.
And to be quite honest, I don’t see the Pacers making it past the second round this season… and even the first round will be a challenge. I know we’re all salivating to watch the blue and gold make some noise in Orlando, and we’d love for the whole squad to be there. But think long term for a second. We all would prefer Oladipo to play AND for him to be 100% for next season… But if you had to choose one of the two options, you would surely pick option 2 in a heartbeat. Next year’s team is the greater chance for Indy to make a deep run in the playoffs… and having a 100% healthy Victor Oladipo is the absolute key for that to happen.
Call me too optimistic if you want, but here’s my prediction: When Oladipo returns to All-Star level next season and ultimately ends up staying in Indy long term… many of you will forget all about this shortened season in which he chose not to play.
