From forgotten role player in Oklahoma City to the star of Indiana, the past several months has been a whirlwind for Pacers All-Star guard Victor Oladipo.
A former No. 2 pick of the Orlando Magic, the 26-year-old Oladipo was acquired by Indiana from the Thunder in the blockbuster Paul George trade this past summer.
He proceeded to put up a career-best performance for his new team, averaging 23.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, 5.2 assists and an NBA-best 2.4 steals en route to leading the Pacers back to relevance once again.
He’s now being rewarded with one of the biggest honors Indiana sports has to offer. Oladipo will drive the Pace Car at the Indianapolis 500 a week from this coming Sunday.
According to the Pacers’ official website, Oladipo will be behind the wheel of a 2019 Corvette ZR1 when leading 33 drivers to start the 102nd annual race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
“This is a tremendous honor for me,” Oladipo said about the honor. “I’m so thankful Indiana continues to embrace me, from Indiana University to the Pacers and now the Indianapolis 500, the greatest race in the world. I would like to thank Chevrolet, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Pacers for allowing me this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Excited is a huge understatement to how I feel about this. I can’t wait.”
That’s some pretty awesome stuff right there.
Prior to joining the NBA as a lottery pick back in 2013, Oladipo starred for the Indiana Hoosiers from 2010-13. It’s readily apparent that he’s taking this whole Midwest thing to heart. Good for him.