Though he showed up last this 2019-20 NBA season, Victor Oladipo has been a big help to the Indiana Pacers. Looking ahead, there is the growing belief that the 27-year-old guard may sign a long-term extension after the current season.
Oladipo is coming off a ruptured quad tendon but officially returned last January. He has played just seven games so far, averaging 11.1 points, 2.9 assists, and 2.0 rebounds this season per Basketball-Reference.com. And while these are far from his usual numbers, the two-time All-Star is expected to eventually regain his old form and become a bigger help to the Pacers. Indiana currently totes a 32-23 card in the Eastern Conference to occupy the 6th spot.
As far as his contract, there is a chance that things don't go smoothly. If Oladipo and the Pacers fail to agree on a new lease, there is a possibility that the two-time All-Star could end up on the trading block, ESPN reported. Seeing how he is coming off an injury, the type of contract that Oladipo may get would be commensurate to his performance the rest of the way.
All that appears to be farthest from Oladipo's mind. For now, his goal is to help the Pacers in their NBA title quest. While Indiana is expected to do well in the postseason wars, targeting the ultimate prize may not come easy.
In the Eastern Conference alone, the Pacers need to get over the Milwaukee Bucks, Toronto Raptors and the Boston Celtics to improve their NBA title chances. Assuming the playoffs started today, the Pacers would face the Celtics, a team that has been performing well. Though daunting, Oladipo vows to do his all and help Indiana go deep in the 2019-20 NBA playoffs.
"That's my goal. I know that's this team's goal. Why even play if you're not trying to do that? You want to play for fun? You can play for fun in the rec league. Obviously, it's a fun game to play, but it's about winning. That's how you're defined, that's how you leave your legacy. I'm trying to leave mine for generations to come," Oladipo said via NBA.com.
The Pacers are expected to take Oladipo off restricted minutes soon, meaning his numbers are expected to improve. However, the 2nd overall pick of the 2013 NBA Draft cannot do it alone. Head coach Nate McMillan needs other players like Myles Turner, Domantas Sabonis, and Malcolm Brogdon to step up as well if they want to fulfill their NBA title dream.
