Oladipo was sidelined for 375 days after suffering a ruptured quad tendon in his right knee last January. He practiced extensively with the Pacers’ G League affiliate over the past few weeks to help get him ready to return to action.
Three weeks ago, Oladipo announced that January 29 was his target date, raising the hopes of Pacers fans, who have watched their team remain competitive without their All-Star guard. With tonight’s win, Indiana is 31-17, tied for fifth in the Eastern Conference playoff race.
Oladipo arrived at the game wearing a Kobe Bryant All-Star jersey. Afterward, he credited Bryant for providing inspiration.
“Mamba mentality, Mamba mentality, Mamba mentality,” he said. “That was for Kobe, Gigi, all those people on the helicopter, that was for them.”
The Pacers plan to have Oladipo play in seven of their remaining eight games before the All-Star break, but he won’t be used in back-to-backs. Coach Nate McMillan said his condition will be examined during the break to determine his role for the rest of the season.
“We’re not putting pressure on him to go out there and do anything but get a feel, start to trust your body,” McMillan said. “Work on things. Catch up to what we’re doing out on the floor. There are no real expectations.”
Them is some oblivious comments by Victor.
“Too bad all those people died horribly. But I made some jump shots so god is rad!!!”
Bucks players had very similar comments about Kobe????? I guess everyone shares the same obliviousness.