HE’S ALMOST BACK! BREAKING: The Indiana Pacers are the favorites to sign Victor Oladipo, per BovadaOfficial.

Victor Oladipo, a name synonymous with resilience and tenacity, may soon be donning the blue and gold once again. According to the latest odds from BovadaOfficial, the Indiana Pacers are currently listed as the favorites to sign the two-time All-Star. For many fans, this isn’t just a potential roster move—it’s a homecoming, a story of unfinished business, and perhaps a last chapter that promises redemption for both player and franchise.

Oladipo’s journey has been one of triumphs marred by untimely setbacks. Originally drafted second overall by the Orlando Magic in 2013, Oladipo had a solid start to his career but didn’t truly blossom until he was traded to the Indiana Pacers in the summer of 2017 as part of the Paul George deal. At the time, many pundits viewed the trade as lopsided in favor of the Oklahoma City Thunder. That narrative didn’t take long to change. Oladipo exploded in Indiana, quickly becoming the face of the franchise. In the 2017–2018 season, he averaged 23.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game while leading the league in steals. His electric play, two-way dominance, and leadership transformed a Pacers team that had been searching for identity since the departure of George.

But his ascension was tragically interrupted by a devastating quad tendon injury in January 2019. It was the kind of injury that few return from at full strength, and for Oladipo, it marked the beginning of a long and frustrating road back. After more than a year of rehab, he returned to action in 2020, but it was clear he wasn’t the same player. While he showed flashes of his former self, he struggled with consistency and was subsequently traded to the Houston Rockets, and later to the Miami Heat. The trade sequences and new environments didn’t quite provide the stability or medical support system that Indiana had built around him.

Despite these hurdles, Oladipo’s commitment to the game never wavered. His work ethic remained elite, and he continually found ways to contribute even in limited minutes. But the injuries continued to haunt him. He underwent multiple surgeries and, in recent seasons, has largely remained a fringe contributor due to lingering concerns over his explosiveness and long-term durability. Yet the passion, the fire, and the hunger were never in question.

Now, the whispers are growing louder. The Pacers, fresh off a promising 2024–2025 campaign led by the rising superstar Tyrese Haliburton and an impressive supporting cast, seem poised to bring back a familiar face. According to Bovada, the betting lines favor Indiana as the most likely destination for Oladipo, and it makes sense from every angle.

From a basketball standpoint, Oladipo could provide Indiana with a veteran presence off the bench, someone who understands the organization’s culture and expectations. Even if he’s no longer the dynamic scorer or defender he once was, his experience and ability to mentor younger players could be invaluable. He knows the city, the locker room, and the unique dynamics of being a leader in that environment. Few players have earned the kind of emotional capital Oladipo has in Indiana. Fans remember the All-Star years not just for the numbers, but for the way he carried himself—humble, determined, and loyal.

Emotionally, the reunion would be nothing short of poetic. For the Pacers, bringing Oladipo back would symbolize loyalty and a full-circle moment, a nod to the core values that define smaller-market franchises like theirs. For Oladipo, it’s a chance to rewrite the narrative. Not necessarily as a franchise savior, but as a veteran returning to the team where he reached his peak and left a piece of his heart. Indiana was where he became a star, and returning now could help him redefine the closing stages of his career.

This move also reflects Indiana’s growing emphasis on chemistry and team continuity. The current roster is brimming with talent, including Haliburton, Bennedict Mathurin, Myles Turner, Jarace Walker, and Andrew Nembhard. Adding Oladipo wouldn’t be about burdening him with starting minutes or All-Star expectations. Instead, it would be about leveraging his presence in a way that enriches team culture. In an era where young teams often struggle to find their identity, having someone like Oladipo in the locker room—who’s been through both the highs and the lows—could prove to be an intangible asset.

Financially, it’s also a manageable gamble. Oladipo is unlikely to command more than a veteran’s minimum or a slightly elevated short-term deal, making the risk relatively low for Indiana. In return, the potential reward is significant—not necessarily in terms of on-court performance, though that would be a bonus, but in what it means for the team’s ethos and long-term branding. Few NBA teams are as conscious of their connection with the community as the Pacers, and bringing Oladipo back would resonate deeply with fans who’ve followed his journey from All-Star to injured reserve and hopefully now to a respected veteran contributor.

It’s important to note that Oladipo has always spoken highly of his time in Indiana. In past interviews, even while donning different uniforms, he often reflected on his Indiana years as the most meaningful in his career. His bond with the fans was real, something rare in today’s NBA where player movement is more frequent than ever. The city embraced him, and he gave them everything he had—often playing through pain and adversity. That kind of mutual respect doesn’t fade with time.

Of course, there are skeptics who question the value of such a move. Can Oladipo really make a difference on the floor? Will his presence clog up minutes that should go to younger, developing guards? These are fair questions, but the answer lies in context. Indiana isn’t bringing him in to be the number one option. They’re not asking for 20 points per game or 35 minutes a night. What they’d be asking for is leadership, defense, locker room stability, and if healthy, a spark off the bench.

Another layer to this potential move is the coaching staff’s familiarity with Oladipo. Head coach Rick Carlisle is known for maximizing veterans and understanding how to place them in roles where they can thrive. With Oladipo, Carlisle wouldn’t be reinventing the wheel. He’d be plugging in a high-IQ player who already understands the team’s system and can quickly integrate without disrupting the team’s rhythm.

And then there’s the fanbase. Few players in recent Pacers history have elicited the kind of connection Oladipo did. His story—a soft-spoken, hardworking player who emerged as a superstar only to face crushing injury setbacks—mirrors the grit and perseverance that Indiana sports fans pride themselves on. A return would ignite nostalgia, yes, but also hope. Hope that this time, things end differently.

In a league where storylines often feel manufactured, this one is real. A player who gave everything to a team, got injured, moved on, and now finds his way back? It’s the kind of sports arc that transcends analytics and cap space. It’s about redemption, belonging, and the rare second chance to finish something the right way.

Whether or not the deal goes through, one thing is clear: Oladipo’s name still carries weight in Indiana. If he signs, he won’t just be joining a team—he’ll be reuniting with a city that once saw him at his best and never stopped rooting for his return.

For the Pacers, a team already on the rise, this move wouldn’t be about saving a season—it would be about enriching one. For Oladipo, it’s a chance to walk back into the building not just as a player, but as a part of Indiana basketball history. Even if he never again reaches All-Star heights, there’s something undeniably powerful about coming full circle.

HE’S ALMOST BACK. And if the odds prove right, Indiana will welcome him with open arms.