A Sad Ending for Another Star: Once the Second Best Shooting Guard in the East, Now Out of Work for 150 Days

We have seen too many stars whose careers ended in sadness. Take Tracy McGrady, for example. A seven-time All-Star and two-time scoring champion, McGrady's Hall of Fame career began to decline just after he turned 30. He bounced around from the Knicks to the Pistons and then to the Hawks and even the CBA in China. By the age of 34, he found himself at the very end of the bench, quietly ending his 16-year career without any ceremony.

Allen Iverson's story is similar. A number one overall pick, an MVP, and a four-time scoring champion as well as a three-time steals leader, Iverson was undoubtedly a superstar. However, his career also ended on a low note. After leaving the Nuggets, people often compared his team performance unfavorably to Chauncey Billups'. By the summer of 2010, despite his desire to continue playing, no NBA team offered him a contract, forcing him to continue his career in Europe.

Now, another player appears to be joining this list: Victor Oladipo. Compared to McGrady and Iverson, Oladipo's situation is even more heartbreaking. As the second overall pick in the 2013 draft, Oladipo had an impressive athletic gift and dedicated himself entirely to his training. Throughout his career, Oladipo has stayed out of scandals and negative news. His focus has always been on the basketball court and the gym, where he trains rigorously. He is also highly disciplined, investing significant amounts of money each year in managing his physique, similar to LeBron James.

When you have both talent and hard work, success seems inevitable. The 2017-2018 season was Oladipo's year. He transitioned from a secondary star to a superstar, earning spots on the All-NBA Third Team and the NBA All-Defensive First Team. He also won the Most Improved Player award and led the league in steals. That season, Oladipo was one of the top guards in the Eastern Conference, on par with DeMar DeRozan. Nicknamed the "Kawhi Leonard of guards," he was one of only four players in the league that year to make both All-NBA and All-Defensive teams, joining Anthony Davis, Jimmy Butler, and Joel Embiid.

Oladipo's individual impact was immense, and his leadership was equally recognized. He took the Indiana Pacers, a team expected to rebuild, to the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference and pushed the dominant Cleveland Cavaliers to seven games in the playoffs. Despite his two-way excellence and strong character, Oladipo now finds himself without a team. Why has it come to this?

Unfortunately, Oladipo has been incredibly unlucky. His peak lasted only one year. Starting in 2019, he suffered three major injuries in quick succession. Although he showed remarkable resilience, returning each time and overcoming the fear that injuries bring, the constant minor injuries and frequent absences wore down the patience of the teams. As a result, he was traded five times. After being waived before this year's trade deadline, he has not received a new contract. As of today, he has been out of the game for 150 days.

If Oladipo remains unsigned this summer, the player born in 1992 may indeed have to say goodbye to the NBA.

Victor Oladipo's career is a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in professional sports. Just six years ago, he was one of the top shooting guards in the Eastern Conference, poised to have a long and successful career. Today, he finds himself without a team, his once-promising career in limbo.

Oladipo's journey began with high expectations. Selected as the second overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic, he quickly showed flashes of brilliance. His athleticism, defensive prowess, and work ethic set him apart. However, it was not until he was traded to the Indiana Pacers in 2017 that he truly blossomed. The 2017-2018 season was a revelation. Oladipo averaged career highs in points, steals, and assists, earning his first All-Star selection and leading the Pacers to the playoffs.

His breakout season earned him numerous accolades and solidified his reputation as one of the league's rising stars. However, his success was short-lived. In January 2019, Oladipo suffered a ruptured quad tendon, a devastating injury that sidelined him for over a year. Despite his determination and rigorous rehab efforts, he struggled to regain his pre-injury form.

Oladipo's return to the court was marked by moments of brilliance, but consistency eluded him. Teams began to question his durability and long-term potential. His journey from the Pacers to the Rockets, Heat, and eventually the Thunder was marked by brief stints and frequent injuries. Each time he seemed to be finding his rhythm, another setback would occur.

The frequent moves and instability took a toll on Oladipo's confidence and performance. The player who once dominated both ends of the court found himself struggling to stay healthy and make a consistent impact. By the 2022-2023 season, he had become a shadow of his former self, battling injuries and limited playing time.

Oladipo's story is a poignant reminder of the fragility of an athlete's career. Despite his talent and dedication, his body could not withstand the rigors of professional basketball. His decline is a stark contrast to the meteoric rise he experienced just a few years earlier.

As Oladipo faces an uncertain future, his story serves as a cautionary tale for young athletes. It underscores the importance of health and resilience in sustaining a successful career. While his journey has been fraught with challenges, Oladipo's determination and perseverance remain commendable.

Oladipo's situation also raises questions about the support systems in place for athletes dealing with injuries. The pressure to return to the court and perform at a high level can be overwhelming, and the physical and mental toll of repeated injuries can be debilitating. As the NBA and other professional leagues continue to evolve, there must be a focus on providing comprehensive support for injured players, ensuring they have the resources and time needed to recover fully.

In reflecting on Oladipo's career, it's essential to acknowledge his contributions to the game. At his peak, he was one of the most exciting and dynamic players in the league. His defensive intensity, scoring ability, and leadership made him a fan favorite and a respected competitor among his peers.

Oladipo's impact extends beyond the court as well. He has been involved in numerous charitable initiatives and has used his platform to inspire and uplift others. His commitment to giving back to the community is a testament to his character and values.

As the basketball world watches and waits to see what the future holds for Oladipo, one thing is certain: his journey, marked by incredible highs and devastating lows, will be remembered. Whether he finds a way back to the NBA or moves on to new endeavors, his story is one of resilience, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

Victor Oladipo's career may not have unfolded as many expected, but his legacy is far from over. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports and the enduring spirit of those who strive to overcome adversity.