Victor Oladipo Photo by Ashley Landis – Pool/Getty Images
Victor Oladipo has reportedly been trying to force his way out of Indiana.
The Indiana Pacers have been a fixture in the Eastern Conference playoff picture over the last few seasons, but new head coach Nate Bjorkgren might have an uphill battle if he wants to get them back into the postseason. Not only does he have some big shoes to fill after the firing of Nate McMillan, but he now has to deal with a star player in Victor Oladipo allegedly trying everything he can to get out of town.
According to the Indianapolis Star, Oladipo has repeatedly asked other teams “Can I come play with y’all?” in front of his Pacers teammates. He has reportedly asked this question to members of the New York Knicks, Miami Heat, and Toronto Raptors.
When healthy, Victor Oladipo is one of the best two-way players in the league
A former No. 2 overall pick who never truly reached his potential in Orlando or Oklahoma City, the former Indiana Hoosier hit his stride under Nate McMillan with the Pacers. In three seasons, Oladipo has averaged 20.7 points per game, making the All-Star game twice.
The rumors of Oladipo wanted out of Indiana have been constant for the last few months, and they’ve been given even more validity now that there has been so much upheaval around this organization. A team like Toronto or Miami could get that once ace perimeter star that sets them apart, while the Knicks could use Oladipo to give a young roster some credibility.
Oladipo has been everything the Pacers could’ve expected him to be, and then some. However, based on his apparent desire to get out of the heartland, Pacers fans might need to start accepting that Oladipo is all but gone.