Indiana Pacers All-Star guard Victor Oladipo is hopeful to return to the lineup by early February -- and perhaps as soon as late January -- from a ruptured right quad tendon, league sources tell ESPN.
Oladipo's looming return to the Pacers -- which will partner him with All-Star candidate Malcolm Brogdon in the backcourt -- could ultimately become the most impactful addition to an Eastern Conference contender around the NBA's trade deadline, which is Feb. 6.
Oladipo has undergone an arduous rehabilitation program after rupturing the quad tendon 11 months ago.