SAN ANTONIO, TX - FEBRUARY 3: Victor Oladipo #4 of the Miami Heat warms up before the start of their game against the San Antonio Spurs at AT&T Center on February 3, 2022 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)
How Victor Oladipo returning impacts the Miami Heat
MIAMI, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 27: Victor Oladipo #4 of the Miami Heat poses for a photo during Media Day at FTX Arena on September 27, 2021 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Miami Heat have been one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference this season and they have done so without one of their preeminent players, Victor Oladipo. That could soon change, though.
Adrian Wojnarowski reported Friday that Oladipo could make his first appearance of the season within the next two weeks. The guard has been recuperating after offseason quad tendon surgery, which was performed back in May.
How Victor Oladipo returning impacts the Miami Heat
When healthy, Oladipo is an All-Star caliber player. Across three teams, he has averaged 17.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game. He wouldn’t be the Heat’s best player, but he’d be one of the top five.
Oladipo also has a million reasons to ball out over the last few months of the season. When he agreed to return to the Heat after playing just four games following his trade from the Houston Rockets, he did so on a one-year minimum contract. He’s playing for his next contract, which could potentially be his last significant contract.
So the two sides have all the motivation to make the integration of Oladipo work. How will it actually unfold, though?
It’s hard to envision Oladipo entering the starting lineup this season. The Heat simply have too many weapons and have had too much success this season trotting out a consistent lineup. Coming off the bench will allow Oladipo to stay fresh.
Instead, Oladipo profiles best as a backup, perhaps to spell Kyle Lowry at times. Gabe Vincent has been decent backing up Lowry, but Oladipo is a clear upgrade at the position, filling a role somewhat reminiscent of Goran Dragic once upon a time.
