The Indiana Pacers have surprisingly turned an offseason trade that left many fans perplexed with their return into a win-win proposition after turning Victor Oladipo into an All-Star.
The Pacers traded their estranged forward Paul George for two promising prospects in Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis — both of which have turned into more than players to build around.
Oladipo was hailed as one of the best prospects coming out of Indiana University, later drafted with the second overall pick by the Orlando Magic, where he spent three seasons before being traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Pacers sought this opportunity to give the three-year Hoosier a chance to reunite with his basketball roots and connect with the state and its people once again, which he has done to the fullest since the first time he put on the uniform.
Owner Herb Simon has seen the vast change in the team's spirit with Oladipo's energy on the court.
“After what we went through with somebody who didn't want to be here, to have someone who really wants to be here is so rewarding and refreshing,” said Simon, according to ESPN's Mike Wells. “His whole spirit brought life into the whole team.”
The experience has been rewarding for both parties, as Oladipo earned his first call-up to the All-Star team and deservingly so, with averages of 24.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 2.1 steals — career-highs across the board.
“Making my first All-Star team is something I'll never forget,” Oladipo said. “It's also one of those days where you reflect and then you realize you want more.”
The Pacers now find themselves in sixth place in the Eastern Conference within a half-game of fourth place and in a much better position than they were in last season. The Pacers are currently a half-game better than the Thunder, where George was traded to.
Funny how time changes things, even when initial perceptions worn differently.
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