Only 32! In the End, Oladipo is Defeated by Injuries!

It's been quite a while since we've heard any news about Victor Oladipo. As free agency opened two weeks ago, many excellent players have already found new teams. Yet, Oladipo remains without a contract, and even rumors involving him are scarce, as if he has already retired. It’s important to note that Oladipo hasn't just been struggling to find work over the past couple of weeks; he’s been out of a job since being waived in February. This means he has been unemployed for almost half a year, which is never a good sign for any player.

Oladipo’s past few years have been incredibly tough. Let's go back to the 2017-18 season. That year, Oladipo was traded from the Thunder to the Pacers and had a breakout season. He not only made the All-Star team and the All-NBA and All-Defensive teams, but he also won the Most Improved Player award and led the league in steals. Additionally, he helped the Pacers reach the playoffs as the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference. Although they were knocked out in the first round in a seven-game series against the Cavaliers, it was widely believed that the Pacers had become Oladipo’s team, and the former second overall pick had finally proven himself.

The Start of the Downfall

However, Oladipo’s peak lasted only one year. In the 2018-19 season, his second year with the Pacers, he suffered a career-altering right knee tendon rupture. This injury derailed his momentum just as he had reached the summit. He spent a year rehabilitating, and when he returned, his performance was subpar, and the Pacers had already become Domantas Sabonis' team. Consequently, in the 2020-21 season, the Pacers traded Oladipo to the Rockets. Shortly after, failed negotiations with the Rockets led to another trade, this time sending Oladipo to the Heat.

Struggles with the Heat

Nicknamed "Kumamba" for his hardworking nature, Oladipo seemed like a great fit for the Heat, a team known for its intense training culture, led by stars like Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. At the time of the trade, many fans were optimistic about the Heat’s prospects. Unfortunately, after playing just four games for the Heat, Oladipo suffered another knee injury and had to undergo surgery on his right quadriceps tendon, ending his season.

Despite the setback, Oladipo’s performance for the Rockets in the 20 games he played was impressive, averaging 21.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. The Rockets even offered him a four-year, $80 million extension, but Oladipo declined, believing he deserved more. Injuries, however, continued to plague him, and he ended up signing a minimum contract to stay with the Heat.

A Brief Resurgence

In the 2021-22 season, Oladipo spent almost the entire year recovering, but his return at the end of the season was promising. He played eight regular-season games, averaging 12.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 0.6 steals in 21.6 minutes per game. In the playoffs, he played 15 games, averaging 10.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.3 steals in 24.5 minutes per game. The Heat reached the Eastern Conference Finals but lost to the Celtics. Given Oladipo’s solid comeback, the Heat offered him a two-year, $18 million mid-level exception, which became his last contract to date.

2022-23 Season and Beyond

In the 2022-23 season, Oladipo was a reliable bench player for the Heat, averaging 10.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.4 steals in 26 minutes per game. Just as things seemed to be improving, another injury struck. During the playoffs against the Bucks, Oladipo played only two games before tearing the patellar tendon in his left knee, ending his season. Ironically, the Heat went on to pull off a historic upset and made it to the NBA Finals without him.

Aiming for a championship, the Heat couldn’t afford to wait another year for Oladipo to recover. Thus, during the 2023 offseason, he was traded to the Rockets, then to the Thunder, and finally to the Grizzlies, who ultimately waived him. Throughout these transactions, Oladipo remained sidelined due to injury.

From being an All-Star, All-NBA, All-Defensive team member, and Most Improved Player in 2018 to being unsigned and without a team in the 2024 offseason, Oladipo’s journey has been marked by three major injuries and five trades in less than six years. His age has progressed from 26 to 32. Although 32 is still considered the prime for many athletes today, it seems Oladipo’s prime is behind him. Judging by the current state of the free agency market, it’s likely he’ll be fortunate just to secure another contract.

The Rise and Fall

Victor Oladipo’s story is a poignant reminder of the fragility of professional sports careers. His rise was meteoric, as he transformed from a promising young talent into one of the NBA’s top players. In 2017-18, he averaged 23.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 2.4 steals per game, leading the Pacers to the playoffs and earning accolades across the board. His athleticism, defensive prowess, and clutch performances made him a fan favorite and a respected opponent.

The following season, however, brought the devastating injury that would change everything. The right knee tendon rupture was a severe blow, and despite a year of rehabilitation, Oladipo never fully regained his previous form. His return to the court was marked by inconsistency, and the Pacers’ shift in focus to Sabonis further marginalized him.

The subsequent trades to the Rockets and Heat offered glimmers of hope. Oladipo’s brief stint with the Rockets was promising, but the move to Miami, while initially optimistic, quickly turned into another nightmare with his knee injury and subsequent surgery. His decision to decline the Rockets' substantial contract offer in hopes of securing a better deal only added to his misfortunes, as he ended up with a minimum contract due to his injuries.

Miami’s Rollercoaster Ride

Oladipo’s tenure with the Heat was a rollercoaster. Despite his injuries, he showed resilience, particularly during his comeback at the end of the 2021-22 season. His performance in the playoffs was commendable, and the Heat’s faith in him was reflected in the mid-level exception contract they offered. Unfortunately, the 2022-23 season saw another setback with the patellar tendon tear, which not only ended his season but also marked his departure from Miami.

The Heat’s subsequent success without him highlighted the cruel irony of his situation. While Oladipo was sidelined, Miami completed one of the most remarkable playoff runs in history, making it to the NBA Finals. This success underscored the team’s decision to move on from the injury-prone guard.

The Current State

As Oladipo navigates the free agency market, his prospects remain uncertain. The lack of interest from teams and the absence of rumors surrounding his next destination are indicative of his diminished value in the eyes of NBA franchises. His career, once filled with promise and accolades, now hangs in the balance as he battles to prove he can still contribute at a high level.

Oladipo’s journey from an All-Star and one of the league’s brightest talents to a player struggling to find a team is a testament to the brutal realities of professional sports. Injuries have not only derailed his career but also stripped him of the confidence and opportunities that once seemed guaranteed.

Conclusion

Victor Oladipo’s story is both inspiring and heartbreaking. His rise to prominence was a result of hard work, talent, and determination, but his fall has been marked by relentless injuries and misfortune. At 32, an age where many players are still in their prime, Oladipo finds himself at a crossroads. Whether he can overcome his injuries and find a new team remains to be seen, but his resilience and dedication to the game are undeniable. In the end, while injuries have defeated him, they have not diminished the legacy of a player who, at his peak, was among the best in the NBA.