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Pacers' Oladipo targeting Jan. 29 for season debut

Andy Lyons / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Indiana Pacers guard Victor Oladipo, who's been sidelined for a year due to a knee injury, is hoping to make his season debut at home on Jan. 29 versus the Chicago Bulls, he told Stadium's Shams Charania.

"That could change. That might not change. Who knows," Oladipo admitted. "But it's definitely good to have something to look forward to, especially after 12 months of wondering, and hoping, and not being sure. Twelve months of the unknown. To actually have something and a goal to look forward to is pretty astronomic for me through this process."

Oladipo emerged as a franchise player during the 2017-18 campaign, his first with Indiana. In 75 appearances that season, the former No. 2 overall pick averaged 23.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and a league-high 2.4 steals per game en route to All-NBA third-team and All-Defensive first-team selections while also being named the league's Most Improved Player.

However, the two-time All-Star has been out of action since suffering a torn quadriceps tendon in his right knee on Jan. 23, 2019.

"I'm way stronger than I was before, especially mentally," Oladipo continued. "I just feel like nothing can phase me. I've been through the worse, so my best days lie ahead."

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