Victor Oladipo Assigned to G-League as Pacers' Star Nears NBA Return
By Sean Facey
The Indiana Pacers are inching closer to having their best player back in action.
Two-time All-Star Victor Oladipo has been assigned to the Pacers' G-League affiliate in Fort Wayne as he continues to progress back from the quadriceps tendon tear he suffered in his right knee last season.
OFFICIAL: We have assigned Victor Oladipo to @TheMadAnts, our affiliate in the NBA G League.
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) November 17, 2019
Oladipo will practice with the Mad Ants this afternoon in Fort Wayne and will be recalled after practice. https://t.co/4cAIQtOW5f
While there's still no precise timetable for his return, Oladipo's assignment to the G-League bodes well for a Pacers team that has gotten off to a modest 7-6 start in his absence. With him back in uniform, they could launch themselves towards the top of the Eastern Conference standings.
Oladipo is a game-changer on both ends of the ball. Since he joined the Pacers at the start of the 2017-18 season, he's been terrific, averaging 21.7 points and 5.3 rebounds per game.
He also earned himself 2017-18 NBA All-Defensive team honors after he captured the steals title with a league-leading 177. He's the best combination of offensive and defensive efficiency.
The Pacers have assigned All-Star guard Victor Oladipo to G League affiliate Fort Wayne as Oladipo continues to make good progress from knee injury, per league sources. Allows Oladipo to get practice run today. No return timetable.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 12, 2019
Having Oladipo playing regularly again, even if he's not at full strength, would help this Pacers team find their groove on offense specifically. Their 106.8 offensive rating is at its lowest point since the 2015-16 season.
Reinforcements are on the way, and it could be the spark that sets Indiana on a run towards the top of the standings.