Matthew Glenesk

IndyStar

The Paul George trade is finally done. The Indiana Pacers star was dealt to Oklahoma City late Friday night for Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis.

Oladipo is the marquee piece coming back to the Pacers, and the former Indiana University fan favorite may ease some of the Pacers fans' sting of losing George.

Here are five things to know about Oladipo:

1. He was a recruiting gem for Tom Crean.



An under-the-radar recruit out of famed DeMatha High School in Maryland, Oladipo was a major piece to IU's resurgence and instantly became a fan favorite. Whether it was for his high-flying act on the court or hitting the high notes off it, Oladipo was an undoubted Big Man on Campus.

2. Oladipo has started 234 of 291 NBA games.

Oladipo, 25, just finished his fourth NBA season and his numbers have been fairly consistent, averaging 13.8 points as a rookie, 17.9 in his second year, 16.0 in his third and 15.9 last season. He's averaged at least 4.1 rebounds a game in each of his four seasons and 3.7 assists a game for his career. His was NBA All-Rookie first team in 2013-14 after being selected No. 2 overall in the 2013 NBA Draft.

3. Oladipo actually makes more money than Paul George.

No, seriously. In October, Oladipo signed a four-year, $84 million contract after arriving via trade from Orlando. Oladipo will make $21 million each of the next four seasons, signed through 2020-21. George made $18.3 million last season and is scheduled to earn $19.5 million in 2017-18. Of course, PG is in line for a major raise, most likely from the Lakers.

4. He should help Pacers' defense.

Known as a premier defender in college, Oladipo will provide a defensive presence in a backcourt that was sorely missed last season with Jeff Teague's and Monta Ellis' defensive shortcomings. A two-time Big Ten All-Defensive team and the 2013 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, Oladipo averages 1.5 steals a game.

5. His first NBA game was here.

Oladipo's first pro game was at Bankers Life Fieldhouse against the Pacers. He scored 12 points as Indiana beat the Magic 97-87.

“I like that it’s back in Indiana,” Oladipo said of his NBA debut before the game. “A lot of people are going to be here that I know. My family is going to be here and they can share this special moment with me.

“It’s crazy. It’s a great feeling to come out here and see all these people in red. It’s just a blessing to be here. I’ve been praying about it, asking God for it and now it’s finally come true. I’m going to enjoy it.”

After the game, in which Oladipo received numerous ovations, the former Hoosiers star was appreciative of the support.

“It was amazing,” Oladipo said. “I got a lot of love out there. It was pretty impressive for them to come out tonight and support and watch me. I’m grateful and thankful.”

Bonus: In 2015, Oladipo donated $15,000 to breast cancer research at the IU Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center. The money was a portion of his winnings from the slam dunk contest and a social media fundraiser at the NBA's All-Star weekend. He finished second in the slam dunk contest.