Victor Oladipo is more concerned about nursing his knee back to full health and worry about his future by then. But the only thing sure right now is that the 28-year-old has rebuffed claims that he is leaving Indianapolis.
Oladipo has been the topic in NBA rumor talks with most claiming that he is not re-signing with the Pacers and will explore the market. The matter may have gotten more complicated with the Pacers now without a head coach. Nate McMillan was fired after the Pacers' poor performance in the NBA playoffs.
“I’m a Pacer. I’m a Pacer… Those rumors on the internet, I don’t know where they’re coming from, I’m just focused on getting my knee right for next year,” Oldaipo said when he appeared alongside rapper Fat Joe on Instagram Live.
However, he also gave a curious take on NBA Central. Oladipo reveals how he is all about winning. He wants the chance to win an NBA title, believing that is how a player is defined in the game.
“Everybody who knows me knows that I’m all about winning.” Oladpio said. “I feel that that’s what you’re defined as in this game.”
Oladipo played in only 19 games last NBA season but came out with numbers close to his usual averages. He averaged 14.5 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.9 assists in 27.8 minutes of action. For someone not yet at 100-percent, these were good numbers.
But looking ahead, it will be interesting to find out what exactly is going on in the mind of the two-time All-Star. The Pacers are in a state of turmoil and there is a growing belief that personnel changes are forthcoming. Aside from Oladipo, the names of Myles Turner and Domantas Sabonis has also been mentioned in the trade rumor mill.
The chances of Sabonis moving is not looking that good with the 24-year-old player dealing with an injury. He is seeking treatment but rest is seen as the best way for his plantar fasciitis injury to heal.
Turner, on the other hand, could be a name that multiple teams would go after. There are reportedly 10 clubs already checking him out but the team standing out is the Houston Rockets. Considering the team need a legitimate center, Turner makes a lot of sense.
Turner is owed roughly $52.5 million in the next three years. The Rockets could consider him but will need to let go of some assets. Some names that most feel Houston could unload include Eric Gordon or even Clint Capella.
