Indiana Pacers guard Victor Oladipo is plotting a return to action by the end of the month.
Oladipo, who has been out for a year after rupturing a tendon in his knee, told Shams Charania of The Athletic that he is targeting Jan. 29 against the Chicago Bulls as his date to return to action, while adding that it could yet change.
Pacers star Victor Oladipo tells @Stadium he plans to make season debut on Jan. 29 against Chicago and discusses emotions returning from yearlong absence after torn quad tendon in knee. Stay tuned for my full sitdown. pic.twitter.com/lmzwsKmwav
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 8, 2020
The fact that there’s a targeted return date at all will be music to the ears of Pacers fans. Oladipo had blossomed into an All-NBA player before the devastating injury cost him a year just as he was entering his physical prime. In 2017-18, his last full season before the injury, he averaged 23.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 2.4 steals per game.
The Pacers have held out okay without Oladipo this season, going 23-14. While it might take him some time to get back to his best, having him at all is a boost to their playoff chances. Given he’s right on schedule with previous reporting, it sounds like his rehab went well, too.
