Heat reporter confirms Oladipo is training in Miami’s facilities, talks about a roster spot

Victor Oladipo published an emotional open letter seeking an NBA comeback and has been practicing at the Miami Heat’s facilities. While Miami is monitoring his progress, roster age and salary cap limitations make signing him difficult. However, the team reportedly keeps him on speed dial.

Victor Oladipo got into the hearts of the NBA community in an emotional open letter published via The Players’ Tribune.

Former second pick has been absent from the league for three years as he was recovering from injury setbacks and physical problems.

Oladipo asked all the General Managers in the NBA to think about him once again and give him a chance to prove that he belongs on the NBA court.

Oladipo is training in Heat’s facilities

Ira Winderman of South Florida Sun Sentinel tried to give some insight into Oladipo’s connection with the Miami Heat.

Winderman confirmed that the Heat are aware of Oladipo’s wish, and that they allowed him to practice in their facilities, but also noted some difficulties into Heat giving him a roster spot:

“Yes, the Heat have monitored Vic’s comeback bid. And, yes, Oladipo has been granted clearance to work at Kaseya Center,” Winderman started.

“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.”

Is it realistic to give him a roster spot?

Winderman also noted some salary cap restrictions and roles of younger players:

“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.”

“He’s on Heat’ speed dial”

In the end, Winderman praised Oladipo for all the hard work he did to recover, and confirmed that in case that it’s sensible for the team, Heat could opt to return Oladipo:

“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,” he concluded.

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