Ancient Miami Heat Point guard Victor Oladipo appears to be considering a return to basketball, but Heat fans shouldn’t expect that to happen in Miami.
According to the Sun SentinelIra Winderman The “ship has probably sailed” on Oladipo and is returning to South Beach.
“While Victor Oladipo has indicated on social media that another comeback is in the works, the Heat have likely already sailed,” Winderman wrote. “Still, you can’t help but cheer for him.”
Oladipo recently posted a video on his Instagram showing him working out and returning to the court.
The two-time All-Star tore his patellar tendon during the 2022-23 season while with Miami, which kept him sidelined for the entire 2023-24 NBA season.
Even if the Heat wanted to bring Oladipo back, they would have to make a major roster change to do so.
According to Winderman, who was previously asked about the possibility of the Heat adding former forward PJ Tucker to the roster if he was acquired by the The Los Angeles ClippersMiami is essentially tied to its roster unless it makes a trade.
“While they could, the Heat’s stance against the second part of the luxury tax essentially prevents them from bringing in a player, even at a minimum,” Winderman wrote“At this point, it doesn’t matter who’s available on the buyout market or otherwise. The Heat, if a trade falls through, are pretty much locked into all 14 players on the roster under guaranteed contracts.”
Early in his career, Oladipo was an extremely effective two-way player, but injuries derailed his rise as one of the NBA’s best young guards.
Since the start of the 2018-19 season, Oladipo has not played more than 42 games in a single regular season. He has played in 42 games and started twice for Miami in the 2022-23 campaign, averaging 26.3 minutes per game.
A solid scoring player – primarily as a backup – for the Heat, Oladipo averaged 11.0 points, 3.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game in three seasons with Miami.
Given the concerns about Oladipo’s health, it may not be wise for the Heat to make a trade to open up room and roster space to add him to the roster.
Hopefully the former second overall pick will be able to complete his return to basketball in the near future.
