Victor Oladipo isn’t done chasing his NBA dream. Speaking with reporters, the former All-Star made it clear he’s ready for a return to the league, saying he still feels young and confident in his ability to compete at the highest level.
“I don’t believe in age, bro,” Oladipo said, via Tomer Azarly. “I know the world might tell me I’m 33, but I don’t feel 33. If we was in a practice gym or in the back of a dump truck, it don’t matter. As long as there’s a rectangle and people there competing, I’m going to play at the highest level I can. The NBA is where I’m supposed to be at. And if the opportunity presents itself, I’m going to be ready. I’ve been ready, if I’m being honest.”
LeBron James has set the new standard for NBA longevity, and it’s not one that everybody can meet. For former NBA swingman Victor Oladipo, his career took a turn in 2019 that set him on an unstoppable decline. It’s a story of injuries and setbacks that cost the former star his career, but it may not be over yet.
It all started for Victor when he was picked second overall by the Magic in 2013. Over three seasons there, he developed a feel for the game that translated into increased productivity on the court. It wasn’t until he joined the Pacers in 2017 that he experienced his true basketball peak. From 2018 to 2019, he averaged 21.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game to make back-to-back All-Star appearances. Meanwhile, the Pacers were a persistent playoff threat and a steady presence in the Eastern Conference.
Sadly, things started to go downhill for Oladipo in the 2019-20 campaign, when he played just 19 games due to a ruptured quad tendon in his right knee. That injury, and the subsequent surgery, led to a cascade of troubles for Oladipo, causing his game to suffer until he slowly faded into obscurity. While he has tried various stints over the years (including with the Pacers, Rockets, and Heat), nothing has stuck and he’s now resolved to playing in China, for the Guangzhou Loong-Lions.
At this point, it’s been years since Oladipo last played in the NBA and there are still serious concerns about his overall health and durability. At 33, he may feel young but his body isn’t what it used to be and every game takes a bigger toll. Plus, in today’s high-paced NBA environment, it may be harder for him to keep up and stay healthy over the long season.
Still, despite the challenges, Oladipo is confident he can return and there’s always a chance he can make it back. If we can just see more of the guy who made the All-Star team in 2018, it will go a long way fulfilling his comeback dreams.
For Victor Oladipo, it’s not about proving the doubters wrong anymore. It’s about proving to himself that he can still compete at the level he once did. Whether he finds his way back to the NBA or not, Oladipo’s determination and love for the game remain stronger than ever, and that’s something no injury can take away.
