During a conversation on “The OGs Show,” Victor Oladipo reminisced with Udonis Haslem and Mike Miller about his time in the league with the Indiana Pacers, gave his sentiments on “Heat Culture,” what happened when he got traded from Indiana, and how injuries impacted his career.
Oladipo sets the record straight on his time with Indiana.
It is often said that actions taken in secrecy will eventually come to light. In light of the Pacers’ management of Oladipo’s tenure with the organization, it appears that the hidden aspects of their dealings are now surfacing.
During the conversation with Haslem and Miller, Oladipo promptly dismissed the speculation regarding his refusal of a $160 million contract from Indiana, clarifying that the offer he received was significantly lower. He further revealed that Indiana decided to trade him following an unsuccessful knee surgery.
Despite assurances from medical professionals that he was recovering properly from a severe knee injury, Oladipo indicated that this information was misleading, and the Pacers were aware of the truth.
Oladipo sought a maximum contract, which you could argue he earned at that time. During his tenure with the Pacers, he recorded averages of 21 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two steals per game.
However, due to his unawareness of the improper healing of his knee—knowledge that the Pacers possessed—they opted to trade him to the Houston Rockets.
In the season of his trade, he maintained an average of 20 points, but in the subsequent years with the Miami Heat, he faced a diminished role and persistent injuries. Had Oladipo been aware of the reality regarding his condition, maybe he could have salvaged his career. Regrettably, Oladipo’s career did not unfold as it should have.
““I never, ever, got offered $160 million,” Oladipo told Haslem and Miller. “They offered three years, $80 million. It’s less than what I had but pretty much about the same. My doctors and everybody were telling me I was getting healthier, even though, unfortunately, my surgery wasn’t done correctly.””
At that time, Oladipo had achieved the status of a two-time All-Star and was regarded as one of the league’s most promising young talents. Consequently, he would have felt entitled to seek a higher salary than what the Pacers were proposing, which represented only a slight increase in his annual earnings.
“I made that decision thinking I was getting better,” Oladipo said. “And then, in my first three or four games in Indy that year, I averaged 20. That’s why they traded me. Inside scoop, they knew my sh*t was f**ked up too. … That’s pretty much what happened, never got $160 million, I would’ve taken it.”
What’s next for Oladipo?
Oladipo has embarked on a new chapter as an NBA analyst for ESPN. He recently made his debut on the broadcast network during NBA preseason. While basketball enthusiasts were pleased to see Oladipo on national television, there was a palpable sense of disappointment regarding the sudden conclusion of his playing career. We wish Dipo all the best in his career!
