We’ve seen it with some lesser-known players. Individuals making the decision to opt out of resuming the 2019-20 NBA season in Orlando later this month. That list now includes a two-time All-Star for a legit title contender.
Victor Oladipo has opted out of the 2019-20 NBA season, Shams Charania of the Athletic reports
“I really want to play, and as a competitor and teammate this is tearing me apart,” Oladipo told The Athletic. “I feel like I’m at a great place in my rehab and getting closer and closer to 100 percent. With all the variables, from how I have to build my 5-on-5 workload back up, to the increased risk of a soft tissue injury which could delay my rehab, and the unknown exact set up of the bubble I just can’t get my mind to being fully comfortable in playing. I have to be smart and this decision hasn’t been easy, but I truly believe continuing on the course I’m on and getting fully healthy for the 2020-21 season is the right decision for me.”
This is rather stunning news all the way around. Indiana heads to Orlando with a 39-26 record and as the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference. It has a chance to move all the way up to the No. 3 seed. Without the team’s best player, Indians is going to be in for a difficult road.
Though, Oladipo made the decision he thought was best for himself.
Victor Oladipo’s injury played a role in this decision
It was back in January of 2019 that the two-time All-Star wing suffered a ruptured quad in his right knee. He did not return until Jan. 29 of this year, playing in 13 games, and looking a bit off in the process.
This is the primary reason Oladipo has opted not to resume the season at Walt Disney World. He wants to be 100% for the 2020-21 campaign, which is expected to start in December.
Other NBA players have opted out
Los Angeles Lakers star Avery Bradley has a young child with a preexisting condition. He does not want to risk the health of said child. Portland Trail Blazers forward Trevor Ariza is in the midst of a custody dispute and wants to focus on that. Washington Wizards forward Davis Bertans doesn’t want to risk injury as he prepares for free agency. Bertans’ teammate with the Wizards, Bradley Beal, has yet to make a decision on resuming the season.
The list goes on and on.
Needless to say, this is going to continue being a big story with the NBA season set to resume on July 30.