The Indiana Pacers are set to enter the 2019-20 NBA season as fringe contenders in the Eastern Conference. They can become serious contenders if star shooting guard Victor Oladipo can come back strong early in the year.
After rupturing his quad last season, Oladipo is currently expected to make his return at some point in December or January. Myles Turner has been adamant that Oladipo will return sooner than expected, but the Pacers cannot afford to rush him back. Getting Oladipo back in mid-to-late December would be huge for the team, as it would give him time to work his way back into form before the stretch run.
During Pacers' media day, Oladipo decided to make a very bold claim. He stated that Indiana was the “best team in the Eastern Conference” in a quote shared by Legion Hoops on Twitter.
Victor Oladipo on the Pacers: “We are the best team in the East… I don’t care what anyone on the street tells me. I will always believe that.” 👀
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) September 27, 2019
There is no question that the Pacers have big potential with a healthy Oladipo. Kevin Pritchard went out and acquired some key pieces this offseason in T.J. Warren, Malcolm Brogdon, and Jeremy Lamb. He also added Goga Bitadze in the NBA Draft, who is expected to be the team's primary backup big man.
Myles Turner and Domantas Sabonis are set to start alongside each other for the first time. Their offense is going to be tough for opposing teams, but there are still some questions about how they will fit with each other defensively.
All of that being said, the Pacers are going to be a fun team to watch this season. When Oladipo returns, they may just be one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference after all.
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