After announcing ten days ago that he was not going to play when the NBA resumes later this month, has Victor Oladipo had a change of heart?
The former IU star is inside the NBA bubble in Orlando, and according to a report by Shams Charania of the Athletic and Stadium, Oladipo has been working out in five-on-five scrimmages and perhaps trending towards playing.
“There is growing belief Pacers star Victor Oladipo will attempt to play in the NBA’s restarted season after multiple strong team practices in Orlando, sources inside the bubble tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium, Charania wrote in a tweet on Monday evening
“Oladipo has been fully participating in five-on-five scrimmages in Orlando, and there’s now optimism around his playing status, sources say.”
Oladipo had previously indicated that he would not play when NBA action resumes as he continues to recover from a quad tear.
He told Charania on July 3 that waiting to return for the 2020-21 season was the more prudent course of action.
“With all the variables, from how I have to build my 5-on-5 workload back up, to the increased risk of a soft tissue injury which could delay my rehab, and the unknown exact set up of the bubble, I just can’t get my mind to being fully comfortable in playing,” Oladipo said. “I have to be smart and this decision hasn’t been easy, but I truly believe continuing on the course I’m on and getting fully healthy for the 2020-21 season is the right decision for me.”
Oladipo’s decision to not play in the NBA reboot was met with criticism in some circles.
Some asked why Oladipo could play when he returned from injury in late January, but not now. Others were unhappy that Oladipo told Charania about his decision to not play prior to telling the Pacers.
Oladipo has been frequently mentioned in unsubstantiated trade rumors, with Miami one of the more common potential destinations.
Now we are left wondering about the two-time NBA All-Star’s next move.
Oladipo struggled to return to that All-Star form upon his return in January. He averaged 13.8 points and three assists while shooting 39.1 percent from the floor in 13 games back before the NBA’s COVID-19 shutdown.
Oladipo is set to be a free agent after the 2020-21 season.
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