ESPN released its annual player rankings on Tuesday morning heading into the next season, which has drawn much reaction around the league.

Indiana Pacers guard Victor Oladipo, who was ranked 78th overall, stated during an interview with SiriusXM NBA Radio that he will use it as a motivation this upcoming season.

“I love it. I love it. There is nothing better than proving people wrong. You guys are just adding fuel to the fire. I am looking forward to the opportunity.”

Article Continues Below
More Indiana Pacers News
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) drives to the basket past Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5) during the second quarter during game one of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center.
Stephen A. Smith still hesitant to give Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton ‘superstar’ praiseAlex House ·
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) looks on in the third quarter during game six of the eastern conference finals against the New York Knicks for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
LeBron James reveals the overlooked Tyrese Haliburton-aspect of Pacers’ successBenedetto Vitale ·
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) shoots the ball against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter during game one of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center.
Gilbert Arenas pulls off savage Pacers jersey swap live during Tyrese Haliburton game-winnerOwen Crisafulli ·
Apr 10, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard (39) during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Dwight Howard takes victory lap after Pacers’ epic Game 1 comebackZachary Draves ·
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) during NBA Finals Media Day at Paycom Center.
Tyrese Haliburton throws shade at the media after Pacers’ Game 1 upset vs. ThunderJulian Ojeda ·
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) and forward Aaron Nesmith (23) celebrate after Haliburton makes the game winning shot as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace (22) looks on during the fourth quarter during game one of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center.
Listen to Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton’s Game 1 game-winner around the worldJaren Kawada ·

This is a significant drop for the 25-year-old as he ranked 48th heading into the 2016-17 season. Despite that, Victor Oladipo has developed into a dependable player that can impact the game on both ends of the floor through his first four years in the league.

He is coming off a productive lone year with the Oklahoma City Thunder, averaging 15.9 points per game on a career-high 44.2 percent shooting from the field, along with 2.6 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game. This includes scoring in double figures 55 times while topping 20 or more points on 18 occasions.

Oladipo has a prime opportunity to have a breakout year with the potential to become the top scoring option for the Pacers after Paul George was dealt away to the Thunder this offseason.