Victor Oladipo is downplaying just how much of an impact Dan Gilbert’s comments about the infamous Thunder-Pacers trade had on him, but he does acknowledge it added fuel to his fire.
Oladipo was traded by the Thunder along with Domantas Sabonis over the summer for Paul George. Many thought the Pacers were ripped off in the deal and could have gotten much more for their star player. Among that group was Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert, who said the Pacers could have done better.
Now with the Pacers and Cavs meeting in the first round of the playoffs, Oladipo is being faced with those questions. He acknowledged after Indiana’s Game 1 win over the Cavs that the comment did fire him up.
Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert said Pacers "could have done better" in Paul George trade.
Victor Oladipo, after 32P/ 6R/4A in Game 1 win, on Gilbert's words: "You could say he added fuel to the fire." pic.twitter.com/6v5J36hLuE
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) April 15, 2018
“I already had fuel. You could say it added fuel to the fire. That was so long ago. I’m aware of what he said. You can’t control his opinion. All I’m focused on is myself,” Oladipo said.
Oladipo is off to a great start in the playoffs. He shot 11 of 19, including 6 of 9 on threes, to score a game-high 32 points in the Pacers’ 98-80 win in Cleveland. He’s already shut up critics through his play this year. He’s doing even more now.
