Victor Oladipo has appeared in only four games with the Heat since being acquired from Houston last season at the trade deadline and then re-signing with Miami last summer.
Oladipo appears to be inching closer to his season debut. He’s been practicing this week in five-on-five situations with the team’s G League affiliate, the Sioux City Skyforce, according to The Miami Herald’s Anthony Chiang.
“It feels good to be able to play the game I love,” Oladipo told Nick Robinson of the G League team’s website following Wednesday’s practice. “You go through stuff in life, and you have to battle. I’ve gone through this twice, so I know how to prep mentally. But each time is new, and those challenges arise, and you have to adapt.”
Oladipo underwent another surgery last May to repair the quadriceps tendon in his right knee. Once considered one of the prime free agents on last year’s market, Oladipo re-signed with the Heat on a one-year, veteran’s minimum deal. Miami retained Bird Rights on the former All-Star guard.
He admits it’s been a trying situation to get back on the court.
“It is a whirlwind of emotions,” he said. “As a competitor, you want to play a certain way but it’s about winning the small battles and I won that (Wednesday). I am just thankful to keep building.”
There’s still no clarity about when Oladipo might suit up again. Coach Erik Spoelstra said on Thursday that “there is no imminent date or announcement” regarding Oladipo, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel tweets.
It’s also uncertain where Oladipo would slot in to the rotation once he’s ready to play. Presumably, reserves such as Gabe Vincent, Max Strus or Caleb Martin could see their playing time reduced.
He hasn’t played in a long time now. Is there something else going on here? Feels suspicious…
yeah he tore his quad lol
Yeah but how long does that take? Is there a locker room situation? That organization is very secretive. Anyone know?
He’s had setbacks lol. Why would they sign him if there were locker room issues? Knees are tricky
Well it might have come up after they signed him. Now he still isn’t playing. Spoelstra or Reilly’s choice? Pat can be very particular. Does Oladipo fit Heat culture or will he get bought out? Something feels suspicious…
Injury was way worse than originally thought, set backs. Hes just a moron that turned down what 45M over two years?
They could take their time bringing him back is all. With his history they are giving him plenty of time to fully recover and his addition will just add to their depth.
With Butler and Lowry he’s a great third option offensively and he’s an outstanding defender Pat’s ace up his sleeve which they’ll need against the other top teams in the East.
He is if he ever comes back. Still have no idea why they continue to hold him back. Something has to be happening behind the scenes…
No they don’t need to rush him because they are so deep and due to his injury history they are taking every precaution to ensure he doesn’t get reinjured.