The Pacers said Victor Oladipo was “still a ways away” from returning from a knee injury.
What does that mean?
Victor Oladipo is hopeful to return to the lineup by early February -- and perhaps as soon as late January -- from a ruptured right quad tendon, league sources told ESPN.
Whether or not this is good news depends on your perspective. Oladipo got hurt last January. As of last summer, the Pacers reportedly hoped he’d return in December or January. The latest update didn’t sound encouraging.
Indiana is 21-10. Malcolm Brogdon is starring as lead guard. Domantas Sabonis is stepping up inside. Plenty of other players are providing quality depth.
But Oladipo raises the Pacers’ ceiling. Before getting hurt, he played the best defense among high-scoring guards. If he regains his form and he and his teammates acclimate to each other, Indiana could be dangerous in the playoffs.