April 2020 Indiana Pacers Wiretap

Unidentified Player On Pacers Undecided On Participating In Bubble

Jun 30, 2020 3:01 PM

One member of the Indiana Pacers hasn't committed to joining the team in Orlando for the NBA's return-to-play plan.

Kevin Pritchard declined to disclose the identity of the player.

Victor Oladipo also recently told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski that he wouldn't commit to the restart until after ramping up his activity to evaluate his repaired torn quad tendon.

"We're giving him all the information, we're updating him and then it's gotta be his decision because once you make the decision, you have to jump in both feet," Pritchard said. "You can't be straddling. You either have to be in or you have to be out. Again, no judgments on either way."

Malcolm Brogdon currently remains under quarantine after testing positive for COVID-19.

Eric Woodyard/ESPN

Tags: Indiana Pacers, NBA

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Malcolm Brogdon Tests Positive For COVID-19

Jun 24, 2020 1:09 PM

Malcolm Brogdon has tested positive for COVID-19.

The Indiana Pacers began testing players Tuesday.

Brogdon has been a key public figure in recent marches and demonstrations since the death of George Floyd. 

He has long been a proponent of rejoining the Pacers to use the exposure as a platform to speak up about racial and social justice. 

J. Michael/Indianapolis Star

Tags: Malcolm Brogdon, Indiana Pacers, NBA

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Paul George Explains Reason He Requested Trade From Pacers

Jun 23, 2020 12:39 PM

Paul George explained why he left the Indiana Pacers in a Knuckleheads podcast with Quentin Richardson and Darius Miles.

George suggests the best power forward in the NBA in 2017 wanted to join the Pacers to play with George.

“I ain’t gon’ say the names, because I’m going to keep their business private, I’ma just say it like this," said George. "I had at the time, the best power forward saying he wanted to come to Indy and team up with me.

“They’re like, ‘we’re a mid-major, we’re a small market, like, we can’t do it, we’re a small market, we can’t afford that.’ I’m like the best power forward wants to come play here, like, y’all can’t make that work? They didn’t want to do it.”

George was disappointed that the Pacers didn't want to make the move that he thought would improve their team.

“So I’m like, now I’m pissed, because it’s like, what am I doing here? You know what I mean? They don’t want to win. I’ve got the best power forward that wants to come play here. Not everybody chooses Indy to come play here.”

George is possibly referring to Blake Griffin or Paul Millsap.

George said he contacted his agent about requesting a trade after that conversation he had with the Indiana front office.

Josh Wilson/8Points9Seconds

Tags: Paul George, Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Clippers, Oklahoma City Thunder, NBA, NBA Trade Rumor, NBA Misc Rumor

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Heat Want To Pair Victor Oladipo With Giannis Antetokounmpo In 2021

Jun 22, 2020 11:27 AM

The Miami Heat are expected to pursue both Giannis Antetokounmpo and Victor Oladipo in 2021 free agency. The Heat would likely need to acquire at least one of the two players via sign-and-trade due to its lack of cap space for two max slots.

Miami's interest in Oladipo was first reported by Shams Charania of The Athletic. 

The Indiana Pacers acquired Oladipo in 2017 from the Oklahoma City Thunder. 

David Aldridge, John Hollinger/The Athletic

Tags: Victor Oladipo, Indiana Pacers, Miami Heat, NBA, NBA Signing Rumor, NBA Misc Rumor

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Victor Oladipo To Increase Activity, Re-Evaluate Quad Injury Before Committing To Rest Of Season

Jun 20, 2020 5:05 PM

Victor Oladipo said he will increase his physical activity and re-evaluate his repaired torn quad tendon injury before making a decision on whether to return this season for the Indiana Pacers.

Oladipo said he wants to return to the court while limiting his risk of significant injury. Oladipo returned to the Pacers in January after a year-long recovery from injury.

"I feel a whole lot better. I know there's risk going into it with the unique situation that I'm in -- being off so long and trying to ramp it up that fast. I've just got to be smart, that's all," said to ESPN.

The Pacers have been cautious and working with Oladipo through his rehab.

Players must inform their teams by Wednesday if they plan to go to Orlando. Teams must then provide a roster by July 1st. 

The Pacers could also keep Oladipo active through training camp before making a final decision.

Adrian Wojnarowski/ESPN

Tags: Victor Oladipo, Indiana Pacers, NBA, NBA Injury, NBA Playoffs

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Justin Holiday Unsure If He'll Play In NBA's Return

Jun 18, 2020 10:41 AM

Justin Holiday is 50/50 on whether he will play in the NBA's return-to-play plan in Orlando. Holiday is the only member of the Indiana Pacers who is uncertain about the decision.

Holiday participated in a recent conference call led by Kyrie Irving questioning the wisdom of the league returning to action amid social unrest.

Players have until June 24th to decide whether they will opt out of playing in Orlando. 

 

J. Michael/Indianapolis Star

Tags: Justin Holiday, Indiana Pacers, NBA

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