Ex-Pacer Roundup: Oladipo Enters IU Athletics Hall of Fame, Jeremy Lamb retires and more
There's plenty of former Pacers to keep tabs on. One being honored, another entering the next phase of their life, and another to be showcased.
Indiana is a second home to Victor Oladipo.
A product of Maryland and DeMatha Catholic, it was Tom Crean who recruited Oladipo to the Hoosier state. He worked his way into the rotation his sophomore season and became a star during his junior year.
Then the Orlando Magic made him the No. 2 pick in the 2013 NBA Draft.
He’s dealt with multiple tough injuries, including a right ruptured quad tendon that needed a second surgery, but the previous decade was filled with highs and lows.
He was at his peak during his time in Indiana — first in Boomington and then for a few seasons with the Pacers. His first with the Pacers, the 2017-18 season, was a magical one. Everything clicked. He was a back-to-back All-Star.
He even united fan bases — IU, Purdue, Butler, whatever. They appreciated his dog mentality, how he fought for everything and played hard on every possession.
He’s been traded several times since he last played in an NBA game, for the Miami Heat during the 2022-23 season. He continues to rehab and train with the intentions of playing again. He’s also now a father.
His college career at Indiana University will be celebrated this weekend in Bloomington after he was one of six former athletes named to the Class of 2024 IU Athletics Hall of Fame Class — which annually recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the prestige of IU both on and off the field of competition.
The other five: Kayla Bashore (field hockey), Kevin Berry (swimming), Danny O’Rourke (soccer), Max Skirvin (radio broadcaster) and Jody Yin (tennis).
“Extremely thankful,” Oladipo wrote on Instagram. “Extremely honored. Couldn’t have accomplished anything without my brothers in the locker room I can't wait to celebrate with them and all of hoosier nation.”
The induction ceremony will be held on Friday, Sept. 20, then they will be celebrated at halftime the next day during IU’s home football game against Charlotte.
Jeremy Lamb Retires
Former Pacers guard Jeremy Lamb, who spent three seasons in Indy, announced his retirement from the NBA recently.
He was traded to the Sacramento Kings on Feb. 8, 2022 — part of the deal that sent Domantas Sabonis out west for Tyrese Haliburton.
He's 32, and played 10 seasons after being the 12th overall pick in the 2012 draft taken by the Houston Rockets. But he never played for the Rockets. He was dealt to the Oklahoma City Thunder — so his career started and ended with trades.
Lamb is a proud UConn Husky and he was part of the 2011 NCAA championship team.
Basketball has been good to me throughout my entire life, so this decision didn't come easy, but I have decided to retire from the game that has given me everything.
I know I wouldn't be where I'm at without the love and support from my family and friends, so I want to take a moment to express my appreciation. I'm thankful for the many ways you've been there throughout my career.
I also want to acknowledge my teammates, who have made this experience unforgettable. To my coaches, thank you for your guidance and belief in me. Your impact on my life goes beyond the court.
Now, it's time to catch another dream!
Lamb, who resides in Charlotte, was not in the NBA last season.
Sabonis Featured in Upcoming Netflix Doc
A new documentary showcasing five NBA players, including Domantas Sabonis, will be available on Netflix Oct. 9.
“Starting 5” highlights Sabonis, LeBron James, Jayson Tatum, Jimmy Butler, and Anthony Edwards over a 10-part documentary. All episodes, about 45 minutes in length, will be dropped at the same time.
The goal is for it to provide a behind-the-scenes account of how these elite athletes train, play at a high level, manage the outside expectations, and balance a personal life.
Some recent documentaries have been disappointing so I hope this one lives up to the billing.
Danny Granger will be inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, part of 2025 class.
Congrats to ex-Pacer Jalen Smith on getting married. (He signed with the Chicago Bulls.)
Did you catch Chase Budinger competing in beach volleyball at the Olympics? Shortly after being acquired by the Pacers from the Timberwolves, he retired from basketball and followed his passion. And has been quite successful. (He was paired with Miles Evans.)
Former Pacer Jordan Nwora headed over to Turkey to play for Anadolu Efes SK.
Glenn Robinson III, who played in the G League for the Wisconsin Herd last season, joined Magnolia Hotshots in the Philippines.
Former Mad Ant Pedro Bradshaw is playing with the Cairns Taipans of the National Basketball League in Australia.
Former Mad Ants Darius McGhee is in Germany playing with Telekom Baskets Bonn.
TJ Leaf, the Pacers' 2017 first-round pick (No. 18) will continue playing in the Chinese Basketball Association with the Nanjing Monkey Kings. (He also got married this summer.)
Scott King, who was on the Mad Ants staff in 2017, will be the head coach of the Austin Spurs in the G League. He’s a good guy that is on the rise in the league. After Fort Wayne, he worked for the Pistons and Knicks.
Good luck to Dan Vance, who has moved on from his role as Mad Ants PR director. He lives in Fort Wayne and elected to remain there with his family and take on a new challenge. He was responsive, reliable, and a great representative of the franchise.
Hey Scott love reading your random updates as much as the pacers stuff! If you are around tomorrow (9/21) Rick Carlisle is playing piano on Bicentennial Unity Plaza at 3:30: https://pianoawards.org/event/piano-on-the-plaza/
Who was the Pacer that had the heart transplant a few years ago? How is he doing these days?