The Miami Heat’s current season is going splendidly, currently sitting on top of the NBA’s Eastern Conference.
With the return of Bam Adebayo last week and a few key victories, with a tragic Atlanta loss tucked in between, the Miami Heat still look as though they are about to hit their stride.
With that though, comes even more good news for this Miami Heat squad looking to potentially compete for the NBA’s highest prize.
According to reports and one specific quote by the aforementioned Bam Adebayo, it seems as though the often electric swingman, Victor Oladipo, is nearing his long-awaited return to the court. Based on reports from Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald and those comments from Adebayo, Oladipo could see his way back to the court more sooner than later.
That would give the Miami Heat team more depth, another guy they could ask to run their team, another near-elite perimeter defender, and another guy that can go and get his own shot.
Miami Heat: Bam Adebayo Elated Over Victor Oladipo’s Imminent Return
Let’s not get too far ahead on things though. You have to actually see it happen first.
However, that seems closer to being a reality again than it has been over the last few months. Here are a few words from the reporting of Jackson.
"Victor Oladipo, working his way back from a major offseason knee surgery, moved around very well on the Heat’s practice court following Tuesday’s session, lofting jumpers in a vigorous workout, running without any visible limp and working with Heat assistant coaches. His jump shot was generally on target and he was the last player to leave the court. It wouldn’t be a surprise if he returns at some point in February, which was the original expectation of the Heat."
As mentioned and in addition to the reporting of Jackosn though, Oladipo’s teammate and fellow player of Nigerian heritage, Bam Adebayo, spoke towards the notion as well. Here are Bam’s words on the topic, per Brendan Tobin of Sports Talk 790 AM The Ticket.
Bam Adebayo on Victor Oladipo: He's itching to get back.He's starting to be in practice a lot more. We're starting to hear his voice. He's starting to get acclimated with the plays and running in transition. When he's able to suit up it'll be a big day for all of us #HEATCulture pic.twitter.com/JCC6dYuHuC
— Brendan Tobin (@Brendan_Tobin) January 25, 2022
This is great news. That’s especially considering the fact that you are getting news, indications, or hints of progress from multiple sources.
The reporting is the reporting, always a great source of intrigue, insight, and details, however, a player’s viewpoint has merit too. They are giving complete firsthand accounts.
Miami Heat: Victor Oladipo May Return Soon, Further Putting Them Over The Top
The Miami Heat are already one of the hardest working and deepest teams in the league, if not the very best or peak example of both throughout the NBA.
In getting back a guy that has also been known to be a hard worker, a premier defender at his peak, a proven scorer, and a guy capable of making game-changing plays for them at multiple spots on the court, this could really serve to put them way over the top.
While the hope is, apparently based on these notions, that his return is imminent, as long as he can get back in time to get himself acclimated and in condition by late March to early April, you feel great about what he can add to this group.
That would give him time to firmly re-establish himself as a player, as far as his feel for the court, the game, and his team, while it also gives the team and his head coach, Erik Spoelstra, the necessary time needed to figure out how to deploy him in the rotation.
That shouldn’t be a problem for a guy like Spo though. However, who could ask for better problems?
It’s a great problem to have. The Miami Heat are a really good team, among the best in the league, and with news like this, they seemingly keep finding a way to up the stakes.