Victor Oladipo vows that he's rebuilt his body and mind after injuries derailed his once-promising NBA career. In an open letter to NBA general managers, Oladipo is asking for another opportunity to prove himself.
The question is, should the Miami Heat, the team he played with last, give him that opportunity to break back into the Association? With one roster spot still available, the Heat could theoretically take a gamble on Oladipo as they look to round out their first-year roster with Giannis Antetokounmpo.
“I believe my body is finally right. I believe I still have GREAT (and more importantly, WINNING) basketball in front of me. I believe I can be a valuable contributor to an NBA locker room. And what I’m asking for right now is an opportunity to prove it.”
Victor Oladipo is looking for a new opportunity
These are pretty strong words from a player who ended up being one of the most liked players in Miami. In just his year-plus with the team, Oladipo made a pretty strong impression on the fans.
And if it were up to them, I can't imagine they would have a huge problem with giving him the chance to prove his worth in training camp. But that's an easier decision for the fan base to make than for the front office.
The front office may want to keep a roster spot open in the event an intriguing opportunity emerges in the in-season buyout market. And, sure, there may be a way to make that happen by making Oladipo's contract non-guaranteed, but it remains to be seen whether both sides would jump at that possibility.
Could Victor Oladipo be a fit for the Heat?
Interestingly enough, there is a path where Oladipo would be considered a sensible fit for the Heat. In theory, Oladipo does have some of that playmaking ability that Miami lacks off the bench. Even if Davion Mitchell emerges as a capable starter next to Giannis and Bam Adebayo, the Heat will still be looking for that secondary playmaker off the bench.
That's where Oladipo could make some sense for the Heat.
Of course, that's under the assumption that Oladipo does still have something left in the tank. That's the biggest question (or concern) that the Heat, or any team, must answer. And even though Oladipo has been working out in Miami, that question may not be answered until he gets in a training camp environment.
If the Heat do end up signing a 15th player before the start of training camp, Oladipo could be a possibility. And if the front office is even slightly open to it, there's no question the fans would be completely on board with this idea.
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