Like many people, I found the sight of Victor Oladipo withering in pain to be beyond troubling, and I certainly wish him the best in terms of his rehabilitation and eventual return to the court. He has the distinct advantage of world-class medicine being readily available to him, and there’s no reason to believe he will not heal properly as a result.
It’s without question a significant blow to the Pacers’ organization, but I, for one, do not look at it as totally debilitating for the team and would argue the season is not lost.
Sure, the easy way out here for his teammates is to curl up in a corner and whine, but I don’t think that’s going to happen with this group, and it certainly shouldn’t. While Oladipo’s rise to prominence has been well documented, it’s now time to recognize that part of his success was due to having some capable players around him and a darn good coach in one Nathaniel McMillan. Where am I going with this, you ask, Pacers fans? Well, it’s simple. There’s enough talent on the roster without Oladipo to maintain the course for not only a playoff berth, but a first-round home court advantage to boot.
Before you dismiss my proclamation, consider the following: Toronto, Milwaukee, Philadelphia and Boston are all ahead of Indiana as we speak in the standings.
While they are all legit contenders, when is the last time one of them won the Eastern Conference and advanced to the NBA Finals? The Raptors have never done it, the Bucks haven’t since Kareem left town, and the 76ers had some guy named Dr. J. Granted, with Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce, and Doc Rivers, the Celtics won an NBA championship, but that was back in 2008. All the aforementioned teams have enough talent to win the Eastern Conference because it’s up for grabs, and the Pacers still have enough resources to compete with all of them for a favorable playoff seed.
It hasn’t been that long ago that Thaddeus Young was on a tear with points and rebounds as well. Come on back, Thad, and have at it again. Darren Collison had a career year for the Pacers last season, and while he has ramped it up a bit in the last month, it’s time for him to take charge on the point and declare this team his.
Myles Turner, I think your broken nose is just about healed, so toss that protective mask aside, and crash those boards like you’re capable of. Come off that 3-point line and post the opposition up. Double figures off the glass should be your goal, and there’s nothing stopping you. Oh yeah, keep leading the NBA in blocked shots while you’re at it. Domantas Sabonis, you’re the toughest dude on the team, and you have to be the enforcer the rest of the season. When someone comes down the lane looking for a layup, you have to make them pay the cost for trying to be the boss. Pound the offensive glass and don’t forget you are one of the best passing big men in the NBA.
The bench must step up too. Cory Joseph, you are a great defender, and can take it to the hoop when you want to. Please feel free to do both often. Tyreke Evans, there’s a reason the Pacers nabbed you in the offseason as a free agent. You cannot only score, but when you apply yourself, you’re an above-average defender. It’s time to mount up and ride, big guy. T.J. Leaf, you really haven’t had an opportunity to play a lot of minutes, but your number will be called a little more now too. Whatever you can do to help is key, so don’t back down. Show us what you’ve got, young man. Finally, it’s time for youth to be served with Edmond Sumner and Aaron Holiday. In case you two have not noticed, you’re the quickest players on the team. The opposition can’t guard what they can’t catch, so utilize your speed on both ends of the floor. Don’t worry about the mistakes made along the way as young players, and leave it all out there every night.
There’s a party and no one has to crash it, as everyone on this team is invited. No excuses, just bring your hardhat, tool belt and lunchbox, and be prepared to work a ton of overtime. It’s much more than a physical challenge, as it is now a true test of character. Don’t take any bunk from anyone you play against, and nobody remains quiet if one of your teammates needs a boot in the rear for not doing his part. Don’t let this opportunity to shine escape you. The cards have been dealt, and the odds have been laid. You’re supposed to fold without Victor, but something tells me that’s eating at you, and proving some people wrong is the solution. Cleared for takeoff is what I say.
Overtime: I recently received a phone call from a long-time Indianapolis Recorder reader named Wilma Marbley. She took me to task a bit for not saying enough nice things about her Pacers. Thank you, Wilma, for setting me straight, and please call anytime you think l’m out of line, and I do appreciate you reading the Recorder.
Danny Bridges, who thinks the Pacers will be fun to watch down the stretch and into the playoffs, can be reached at 317-370-8447 or at bridgeshd@aol.com.
Danny Bridges is an award-winning journalist and a longtime sports columnist for the Indianapolis Recorder. He covers college, professional sports and especially all things IndyCar racing. He can be reached at 317-370-8447 or at bridgeshd@aol.com.
