Victor Oladipo could be eyeing a return to Indiana.
The former Pacers All-Star is reportedly attempting an NBA comeback, and the latest betting odds suggest a reunion with the Pacers is a serious possibility. According to Bovada Sportsbook, Indiana leads the race to sign the 33-year-old guard at +300 odds, ahead of teams like the Wizards, Hornets, Bucks, and Pelicans.
So far, no official report or concrete rumor has directly tied Oladipo to the Pacers — but the chatter alone has fans watching closely. Although his best seasons were in Indiana, it’s been more than six years since Oladipo last made an All-Star appearance. Reunions can be heartwarming, sure, but in this case, bringing Oladipo back “is one that the Pacers must avoid no matter what.”
Why a Reunion Just Doesn’t Add Up
Oladipo last suited up over two years ago during a playoff run with the Miami Heat. Despite showing some flashes of his old self back then, he hasn’t played since suffering a serious left knee injury. While teams were reportedly impressed with his recent workout — “h/t Jeremy Woo of ESPN” — there’s no telling how much he can truly offer at the NBA level today.
Indiana, meanwhile, is likely entering a rebuilding year. With Tyrese Haliburton out for the season due to an Achilles injury and Myles Turner gone to Milwaukee in free agency, the Pacers are unlikely to contend in the immediate future. The smarter move might be to focus on internal development — evaluating younger pieces and preparing for Haliburton’s return — instead of re-signing a veteran with uncertain upside.
There’s also the emotional baggage to consider. Oladipo didn’t exactly leave on the best of terms, and he’s publicly criticized the franchise more than once since. Time may have passed, but many fans still remember. Bringing him back now, especially if he can’t perform at a high level, would be a tough sell to the fanbase and likely a step in the wrong direction.
The Pacers still have plenty to figure out — especially who fills the gap at center — and how they plan to approach a transition season. But if there’s one move they should avoid? It’s bringing Oladipo back into the fold. While he may still have something to offer the league, he likely “would not provide much value to the Pacers at this point,” especially with their focus on the future and not the past.
