After granting the former All-Star access to team facilities for workouts, the Miami Heat weigh a potential reunion with the veteran guard as he battles back from career-altering injuries.
MIAMI, Fla. – A day since Victor Oladipo’s published letter to NBA general managers through The Players’ Tribune, the Miami Heat are reportedly monitoring the 34-year-old’s attempt at a comeback and “granted him clearance” to work out at the Kaseya Center, according to Sun Sentinel's Ira Winderman.
It’s unclear at this moment whether any contract negotiations have started.
Oladipo’s career has taken significant hits from injuries. After showing several flashes, the 2017-18 season was when a breakthrough arrived. Oladipo averaged a career-best 23.1 points on 47.7 percent shooting, 5.2 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and led the league with 2.4 steals in 75 games (all starts). He earned his first All-Star honors and was on a superstar trajectory.
Unfortunately, the following year took a drastic turn.
Oladipo suffered a season-ending right knee ruptured quad tendon injury on Jan. 23, 2019, and the two-time All-Star wasn’t the same afterwards. Oladipo has appeared in 105 total games since then and production has slowly decreased across the board.
However, the Heat are familiar with what Oladipo can deliver, even at this stage of his professional basketball career. He spent his last two NBA seasons with the organization, playing a reserve role. Oladipo served as a combo guard who can facilitate and score, plus defend at a high level. Although he’s not nearly as explosive, the steady production was serviceable.
In the 2021-22 playoffs, Oladipo was a factor in the Heat’s run to the Eastern Conference Finals. He averaged 10.6 points on 36.8 percent shooting, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 15 games. In the first round, Game 5, against the Atlanta Hawks, the old version of Oladipo made an appearance. Jimmy Butler and Kyle Lowry were sidelined, leaving him to carry more responsibilities.
Oladipo started and finished the game with a team-leading 23 points on 50 percent shooting, three assists, and three steals in 36 minutes. The Heat won 97-94 and advanced to the second round. Oladipo went to the fans, standing proud and shouting, “I’m him.”
Rather than retire, the former lottery pick still has plenty of basketball left in the tank.
The Heat have one standard roster spot open and are reportedly looking to fill it with a veteran guard. Oladipo fits the description and he can still fulfill a combo guard role. The Heat will likely be patient before contract negotiations get serious, but close workouts can be the start of a reunion.
Anthony Aguirre covers the Miami Hurricanes, Miami Heat, and Miami Marlins for Roundtable Sports. Contact info for tips/info: [email protected] & 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
