Indiana Pacers fans received some excellent news on Friday morning when the team announced that star guard Victor Oladipo took another step forward in his rehabilitation process.

Per the Pacers Twitter account, Oladipo will be able to take part in half-court sets and full personnel scrimmages:

Oladipo will be a welcome sight to a Pacers team looking to be dark horse contenders in an Eastern Conference that is expected by most to be led by the Milwaukee Bucks or Philadelphia 76ers.

Last season, Oladipo missed 48 games when he ruptured his quad tendon against the Toronto Raptors on Jan 23rd.

The Pacers, who were in the midst of a surprisingly good season, struggled in Oladipo's absence. While they still locked down the fifth seed in the conference, they were promptly swept by the Boston Celtics. in the first round. The promising season was ended prematurely.

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However, the Pacers have retooled and are looking to replicate last year's early run. With Malcolm Brogdon arriving from the Milwaukee Bucks and promising rookie Goga Bitadze showing potential, the team has newcomers who could help keep the team afloat in Oladipo's absence.

Additionally, veterans like Myles Turner and Domantas Sabonis have valuable experience from last year's disappointing campaign, and will likely come out with some fire to make up for the team's disappointing playoff exit.

Even with all the team depth, there is no doubt the Pacers are counting down the days until Oladipo can take the court again.