Victor Oladipo's return is near.
In a conversation with Shams Charania of The Athletic, the two-time All-Star revealed that he's planning to make his season debut on Jan. 30, when the Indiana Pacers host the Chicago Bulls.
"That could change, that might not change, who knows, but it's definitely good to have something to look forward to, especially after 12 months of wondering and hoping and not being sure, 12 months of the unknown," Oladipo said. "To actually have something, a goal to look forward to is pretty astronomic for me in this process."
Just In: Pacers star Victor Oladipo tells NBA Insider @ShamsCharania that he plans to make season debut on Jan. 29 at home against the Bulls, returning from yearlong absence after torn quad tendon in his knee. pic.twitter.com/c7oC8eeLZG
— Stadium (@Stadium) January 8, 2020
Oladipo has been sidelined since Jan. 23, 2019 with a ruptured quad tendon. He said that his return is going to be a "very, very emotional night."
Oladipo has career averages of 17.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.7 steals per game. He was named a member of the All-NBA Third Team and the All-Defensive First Team for the first time in his career in 2017-18, as well as the league's Most Improved Player.
The Pacers have been competitive without Oladipo this season. Led by Malcolm Brogdon and Domantas Sabonis, they currently have a 23-14 record, good for the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference.
Oladipo's return has the potential to take the team to another level on both ends of the court.
