Smith: What’s next for Oladipo and the Pacers?
By TYLER SMITH (@TylerSmith_ISL)
ISL Editor
This entire year has been filled with tough news, confusing events, and a whole list of things that have been difficult to make sense of. Though it’s on a much smaller scale compared to world events, you can add Victor Oladipo to the list of confusion.
Just a few short years ago, Oladipo changed everything for the Indiana Pacers. The franchise dealt with the soap opera departure of Paul George, and they came out of it on the other side with a guy who could be described by these words: Hoosier. Leader. Hard-worker. Great teammate. All-Star.
I can tell you first-hand how incredibly different the locker room was under Oladipo’s leadership compared to the previous seasons before him. And to me, it appeared that Oladipo was here to stay. It didn’t feel like I was being blinded by my IU fandom. It felt like a genuine belief in an athlete and person. I couldn’t imagine Oladipo leaving this state, this fan base, and this opportunity he had in front of him. He had Indiana in the palm of his hands- with an opportunity to elevate himself to Mount Rushmore status in franchise history if things continued.
As you know, things have changed. The injury happened. The rumors happened. And instead of squashing the rumors with a simple tweet or interview, Oladipo has remained silent.
Could Oladipo still be a Pacer long-term? Could he just be doing his part to make sure he gets paid by Indiana? It’s possible. Every athlete wants the most money they can get. We can’t call him greedy in that sense. Don’t forget that Domantas Sabonis was publicly unhappy with the Pacers, only to sign an extension days later. It’s a business, and athletes typically do whatever it takes to get the highest offer. And I still completely understand both Oladipo AND the Pacers wanting to wait on extension talks until they each see Vic’s health and production this coming season. But it might be too late.
If the latest rumors from the Indy Star are true, I don’t see how the Pacers can justify keeping Oladipo around. The same guy who was previously the best locker room leader I had ever seen, is now the guy making headlines for everything but leadership. According to league sources and the Star, Oladipo asked at least three opposing teams if he could play for them, right in front of Pacer teammates. Add that to the Fat Joe video, Shams video, decisions from the bubble, and then the radio silence of the rumors- things are not looking good for the IU boy to remain a Hoosier beloved.
Here’s the tricky part: The season is quickly approaching, and the Pacers want to compete. With a new coaching staff and better team health, this is a team that could make some noise in an albeit improved Eastern Conference. Oladipo has more value than many think, but the return might not improve this year’s team more than keeping Vic around would. Imagine trading Vic and then watching him regain his 2018 form somewhere else.
Can Kevin Pritchard work his magic again and get an under-the-radar return for Oladipo? Or do the Pacers run it back and hope things can be mended in that locker room? If Oladipo changed once, could he change again? In the best-case scenario: Oladipo regains his 2018 form, becomes a leader again, and earns a big extension from Indy. And all would be right with the world. But if he can no longer co-exist with this team, it’s Pritchard time.
One thing is for sure: We will get a lot of Pacer news soon. In true 2020 form- don’t be surprised by anything.
