VICTOR Oladipo is sitting out the NBA restart, wary of reinjuring his quadriceps tendon, according to reports.
The Indiana Pacers guard is opting out, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, but will still receive his salary as he travels to Orlando as the NBA resumes competition at Disney Resort,
Pacers president of basketball operations Kevin Pritchard, who last week described Oladipo as in good shape although undecided about playing in the NBA restart, said in a statement on Friday (Saturday, Manila time) that the team’s priority is players’ welfare.
"We totally respect and understand Victor's decision to not play in the restart of the NBA's season. The first priority for our players is, and always will be, their health, whether that be physical or mental health,” said Pritchard.
“Victor has looked great in workouts, but the timing of the restart and lack of 5-on-5 activity makes it difficult to for him to commit to playing at the high level he expects with regards to further injury. His future health is the No. 1 priority and we look forward to having him back at full strength for the 2020-21 season,” he added.
The Pacers are running fifth in the Eastern Conference and although Oladipo’s pullout is a big blow to the team already without Jeremy Lamb, ruled out earlier this year due to a knee injury, Pritchard is confident of Indiana’s chances.
The Pacers’ first game in the NBA restart is on Aug. 1 against the Philadelphia 76ers.
“This is not a unique situation for our team, playing without key players like Victor and Jeremy Lamb. This team has shown great resolve in responding to adversity and we fully expect this will be no different. We remain excited about what they can accomplish in Orlando."
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