Indiana Pacers guard Victor Oladipo shared an inspirational message on Thursday, reflecting on the seemingly insurmountable challenges of 2020, as well as the promise that 2021 holds.
Speaking with reporters following the Pacers' 119-99 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers, Oladipo encouraged people to bounce back and find the silver linings in bleak situations.
“2020 has been a year of tragedy. Its been a year of trials, its been a year of tribulations of the highest degree. But I was taught that even in tragedy there is triumph. And one thing that I want everyone in the world to do, is that even though 2020 has been tragic, is to find your triumph. Even if it's the smallest thing, find your triumph, hone it, hold onto it, and take it with you into 2021.”
wise words from @VicOladipo 🙏
"It's time to turn our tragedy into triumph" pic.twitter.com/tD50ZEy1eR
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) January 1, 2021
If there's one guy who knows all about overcoming adversities, it's Oladipo. He began 2020 by rupturing a quad tendon in his right knee. A full two months before the NBA shuttered the season due to the widespread COVID-19, Oladipo's injury threatened to derail his career beyond even the effects of the pandemic.
Though he had a lackluster stint in the NBA Bubble in Orlando, Florida, the prolific guard has performed up to par this season, displaying much of the athletic ability that made him an All-Star and winner of the Most Improved Player of the Year award in 2018.
With Oladipo returning to form, averaging 22.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists, the Pacers have now improved to 4-1. The team is ready to move forward after a sorry exit last season and go on a deeper run in the NBA Playoffs.
As Victor Oladipo put it so poetically: Turn adversity into triumph.