Well, that came out of nowhere.
In a shocking turn of events, Paul George will be headed to Oklahoma City to join forces with the league’s MVP, Russell Westbrook. It had been rumored that George would wind up in Boston, Cleveland, or Los Angeles, but in the end, Oklahoma City was offering the best package in return.
Headlining that package is former Indiana Hoosier star Victor Oladipo, who was the second-leading scorer on last year’s Thunder team.
Now, Oladipo will take his talents back to the Hoosier state, the very place where he first became a household name. The 6-foot-4 guard was a fan-favorite at Indiana from 2010-2013; earning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and All-American honors in his senior season.
He was taken 2nd overall in the 2013 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic.
Per Ramona Shelburne of ESPN, Oladipo was packaged with another lottery pick in return for George, as Domantas Sabonis will also be heading to the Pacers. Sabonis, a Gonzaga Bulldogs product, is the son of former Trail Blazers’ star Arvydas Sabonis.
Paul George coming to Oklahoma City via trade, I can confirm. Oladipo and Sabonis headed to Indy. @ramonashelburne first reported.
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) July 1, 2017
While some Pacers’ fans may believe the team could have gotten more in return, the prospect of having an Indiana legend will certainly help put people in the seats.
Oladipo will join Glenn Robinson III (Michigan) as the only two Big Ten products on the Pacers’ roster.