Victor Oladipo really re-emerging as ‘high-impact’ player for Miami Heat

When the Miami Heat first landed Victor Oladipo a couple of seasons back, they had an idea in mind. Though the often banged-up guard had continuously dealt with injuries over the previous few seasons before they attained him, if they could get him healthy, he could still be a steal of a grab.

And he showed flashes of that, popping athletically in his first season before coming on late to make a vast impact in the playoffs on last season. And after signing a two-year deal for just over $18 million dollars with a player option in the second year this past offseason with the Miami Heat, you just knew that they still believed.

But then, headed into this year, he experienced a setback throughout the season ramp-up process that led to him missing the first 24 games of this year for the Miami Heat. But with all that, seemingly, behind him now, you have seen what kind of impact he can have for this team when he’s at least, somewhat, right.

The Miami Heat aren’t where they need to be but have the time and a ton of room to get there. And a re-emerging Victor Oladipo should be a huge part of it.

Averaging around 11 points, three rebounds, and three assists per game across just over 27 minutes played in his 14 appearances this year, he has and should continue to help unlock some things for a Miami Heat team still figuring out how to be their best selves on a night to night basis.

And that’s where they work hand in hand. Not only is Oladipo making an impact, but he actually appears to be inching, ever so closely, back to being near the guy he was before all the injuries.

While the athleticism still needs time to continue to ramp up, the pop is back and the ability to be a tough shot-maker is present as well. Going for 19 points, 4.5 rebounds, and four dimes across his last four appearances for the Miami Heat, all of his game is starting to show again.

And yes, that includes the defense and the nearly two steals per game he’s averaging over that span as well. The Miami Heat still have a lot to clean up and a tough conference to deal with along the way, but it’s not an insurmountable task to be right there in the mix at the end as they aren’t that far out of it in the first place right now.

And with a re-emerging Victor Oladipo, one looking capable of being a second or third option again but only needed to be four and five on some nights—all of their goals and hopes are still right there before them.