NBA Rumors: Oladipo Finally Returns For Pacers, Dedicates Game-Tying Shot To Kobe

KEY POINTS

Oladipo successfully returns but deeply affected by Kobe Bryant death
Pacers get NBA playoff boost with Oladipo back
Oladipo wil be on managed minutes until after the All-Star break

The much-awaited return of Victor Oladipo has finally happened and the 27-year-old did not disappoint. Although he played only 20 minutes, it was pretty clear that the 2018 NBA Most Improved Player will give the Indiana Pacers in the drive for a playoff seat.

Oladipo played his first game of the season against the Chicago Bulls scoring 9 points and four assists. The Pacers won 115-106 with the second overall pick of the 2013 NBA Draft providing some heroics before the end of regulation. Oladipo hit a contested three-pointer with seconds left to force the game into overtime. The Pacers would pick up from there and win the match, Yahoo Sports reported.

Oladipo's return drew a massive ovation leaving him at a loss for words. He admits that he struggled the past year but thanks God for helping him make a successful return. The two-time NBA All-Star suffered a ruptured quad tendon in his right knee, ending his 2018-19 NBA campaign.

“It was amazing. Words can’t describe it,” Oladipo said of his return, via Fox Sports Indiana. “It’s been a hard, hard year. A really tough year, but God is good, man. God is good.”

In the post-game interview, things got a bit emotional for the 6-foot-4 guard. When asked about his game-tying shot, Oladipo said that it was dedicated to Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna who both died in a helicopter crash along with seven other people, Fox Sports Indiana reported.

Victor Oladipo gets emotional while discussing his game-tying shot: "I just shot it, man. Mamba Mentality. That's for Kobe, GiGi, all the people that was on that helicopter. It's been a tough year, man, but tough times don't last. Tough people do."@Pacers pic.twitter.com/LlkjXhpfjo
— FOX Sports Indiana (@FSIndiana) January 30, 2020

“I just shot it, man. Mamba Mentality. That’s for Kobe, Gigi, all the people that was on that helicopter,” Oladipo said while fighting back tears, via Fox Sports Indiana. “It’s been a tough year, man, but tough times don’t last. Tough people do. I worked so hard.”

Looking ahead, Oladipo is scheduled to be on managed minutes. According to head coach Nate McMillan, Oladipo was not going to play more than 24 minutes at least until after the NBA All-Star break.

The win provides the Pacers better chances heading into the NBA playoffs. Currently 31-17, Indiana is at the 5th spot of the NBA Eastern Conference. As mentioned in a previous post, the likes of Malcolm Brogdon, Domantas Sabonis, Jeremy Lamb, TJ Warren, and Myles Turner have stepped up in his absence. His return broadens the Pacers rotation, just in time for the postseason wars.