Miami Heat: If Victor Oladipo Is Back To Himself, His Return Solidifies Contention
As stated and against the team that dealt him last March, it would surely be a well-constructed Revenge Game, but also an extremely favorable matchup for Victor, himself. That’s a lot of what makes it “perfect” for his return.
The Rockets have consistently ranked as the worst defensive team all season and have also committed the most turnovers of any franchise. Combining those facts with Oladipo’s abilities, it doesn’t get any more favorable for the returning guard.
To add to that, once the matchup versus Houston approaches on that Monday, the Heat will have wrapped up a tough four-game slate against the most critical matchups in the East. That consisted of the obliteration of Chicago (the Miami Heat’s third win over them this year) and games against the other top contenders in the East—Milwaukee, Brooklyn, and Philadelphia.
OLADIPO’S RETURN WILL BE A REMARKABLE MOMENT FOR THE HEAT AND THEIR FANBASE BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY, THE FRANCHISE’S ENRICHED HISTORY.
It’s felt like ages ago when Miami acquired Oladipo last spring after he was already dealt from Indiana to Houston just a couple of months prior. While the Rockets received a first-rounder, Kelly Olynyk, and Avery Bradley, it was clear they were dead in the midst of a rebuilding state after they traded James Harden to Brooklyn in the same transaction.
It was ultimately decided that Oladipo’s untimely health was a concern. Fast forward to 2022, the Oladipo carrot has dangled over the Miami Heat Faithful for the last several months and one should expect the Heat coaching staff to finally get set to integrate him as the days continue to count themselves.
It’s now only a matter of when rather than if the 29-year-old guard will make his debut before the remaining 22 games finalize. The Miami Heat are now adding that potential key that could unlock the door to another NBA Finals appearance and the fourth championship in franchise history.
If that comes, simultaneously, as Oladipo returns anywhere near the star level he had been in the seasons prior to all of this, the journey he has taken to become a key player on a championship team should be etched as an unforgettable story for the organization.
A star from a few seasons back, Oladipo should and will be well embraced by an organization that has the structure to help fully refurbish him back to his previous form.
Once it’s all a reality, that sound you’ll hear won’t be Gabriel’s Horn or angels harmonizing but Miami Heat public address announcer, Michael Baiamonte, shouting Dipo’s name all throughout the FTX Arena once again.