Q: Feels like this story with Victor Oladipo hasn’t quite ended yet. As a fan, I would be really really OK with the addition. It would be good to see Dipo back in a Heat uniform. And if truly healthy. could help. I’m here for it. – Doug.
Q: He’s a ball handling bucket getter. That’s exactly what we need. On a vet min, too. No brainer. – Dre.
Q: He always played with great energy in a Heat uniform. It was so hard to watch him go down. Looking forward to watch him get back up. – Luis.
Q: Give the man a contract. Let him show us if he still can contribute. – Flako.
Q: I’d take him as the backup point guard over Dru Smith any day. – Tubby.
Q: Would take him over Gabe Vincent any day, give him a training camp deal at least. – Mox.
Q: Honestly I think the Heat should just go for it. The roster is already set and he’d be a fine point guard to come in if Dru and Davion Mitchell get hurt. Plus he might even play above expectations. – Banks.
A: These came in response to the piece Victor Oladipo posted Monday on the Players’ Tribune, when he wrote about his attempted NBA comeback at 34.
And, yes, the Heat have monitored Vic’s comeback bid. And, yes, Oladipo has been granted clearance to work at Kaseya Center.
In his piece, Oladipo wrote, “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.”
All of that said, including the Heat being known to offer reunion opportunities, there also is the matter of where the roster stands.
On a roster already loaded with 30-something, there is scant space for a 30-something with question marks about his recovery trail.
Plus, there are salary realities, including Dru Smith being under contract and just room, at the moment, for one more standard contract.
And even if Vic is merely seeking a preseason showcase, there also is the matter of the Heat getting things in order with the rotation during the preseason, as well as addressing their next wave of youth, with minutes going to Ryan Conwell and Myron Gardner during the preseason.
Vic has fought the good fight since going down with his knee injury during the Heat’s postseason run to the 2023 NBA Finals.
But with so many to integrate into their way of doing things, with so many newcomers already, adding in another puzzle piece could be one piece too many.
That doesn’t mean the Heat also can’t have him on speed dial, just in case.