Following an impressive G League stint and a standout Las Vegas workout, a healthy Victor Oladipo seeks a return to the league.
MIAMI, Fla. – In a recent publication by The Players Tribune, a sports media company that lets athletes share their personal stories directly with fans without a filter, former Miami Heat guard Victor Oladipo released a letter to all NBA general managers asking for a second chance.
“To say to any GM who’s willing to listen: I believe my body is finally right. I believe I still have GREAT (and more importantly, WINNING) basketball in front of me. I believe I can be a valuable contributor to an NBA locker room. And what I’m asking for right now is an opportunity to prove it.”
Oladipo last appeared in an NBA game on April 22, 2023. It was the first round of the playoffs, Game 3 against the Milwaukee Bucks. Oladipo drove to the basket, but landed awkwardly on his left leg. He was grabbing the knee area and it was later revealed to be a torn patellar tendon injury.
The world hadn’t heard about Oladipo since, until the 2025-26 preseason started. As a member of the Guangzhou Loong-Lions, the two-time All-Star first stepped on an NBA court again. Oladipo scored at least 20 points in two of three games. He showed flashes of his old self, but it wasn’t enough to secure a contract.
In early November of 2025, Oladipo entered the NBA G League pool. The Wisconsin Herd, the Milwaukee Bucks’ affiliate, selected him. Oladipo averaged 13.5 points on 40.8 percent shooting, 4.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.5 steals in 11 games (all starts).
Last summer, the 34-year-old held a private workout in Las Vegas with NBA executives and scouts present. The Heat were reportedly in attendance and impressed. However, it’s unclear if a reunion is currently a legitimate possibility.
Oladipo played his three seasons in the league with the Heat, including two playoff trips. In spurts, he had a consistent role off the bench. The Heat attempted to manage Oladipo’s workload and injuries as much as possible.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough.
The Heat currently have one standard roster spot open. After signing center Nick Richards in free agency, adding a combo guard could boost the team’s depth. Oladipo can facilitate and provide an extra scoring punch. If the Heat sign him, the best path for playing time would be as a third-stringer, then work towards a potential rotational role.
Oladipo has expressed strong interest in another NBA comeback attempt, but it’s unclear whether a team will actually give him a chance. Regardless, he accomplished so much in a 10-year league career:
- Two All-Star teams
- 2017-18 Regular Season Steals Title
- 2017-18 All-NBA Third Team
- 2017-18 First Team All-Defense
- 2017-18 Most Improved Player
Oladipo’s career might not have panned out, but it wasn’t a complete bust.
