Victor Oladipo last played an NBA game over two years ago for the Miami Heat, and he is now attempting a comeback. According to ESPN, Oladipo made a positive impression in a private workout in Las Vegas on Monday and is hoping to get another opportunity in the NBA.
“The two-time All-Star, 33, was part of a well-attended private workout in Las Vegas on Monday morning, with a large contingent of NBA and European teams attending. Oladipo played full-court five-on-five in a group workout of international pros. Multiple team sources in attendance came away impressed, with Oladipo described as being in excellent shape as he pursues another comeback.”
Oladipo tore his left patellar tendon in Game 3 of the first-round series between the Heat and the Milwaukee Bucks in 2023. It was just the latest setback for the guard who had previously undergone quad surgeries in 2019 and 2021. You feared that the Heat-Bucks series could be the last time we saw him on the court.
Oladipo never gave up hope, however, and there is now some consideration around the NBA that he might get a roster spot. With how much time the two-time All-Star has missed, there is no way to say for sure how well he can still play on the court.
The last time we saw Oladipo in action, he averaged 10.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.4 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game for the Heat in 2022-23. He was a really key piece off the bench for them.
With Oladipo likely being available on the veteran’s minimum, there isn’t much risk involved for any team that signs him. With that in mind, here we take a look at five teams that should consider bringing him in.
Golden State Warriors
Golden State Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy had stated that they’d like to bring in a point-of-attack defender this offseason. Gary Payton II had played that role for the Warriors but wasn’t very effective in 2024-25.
Oladipo was an exceptional point-of-attack defender at his peak and played that role well for the Heat before going down with the injury. Provided he hasn’t lost that electrifying quickness laterally, he would be a fine addition for the Warriors.
Miami Heat
The Heat should consider a reunion with Oladipo, and his familiarity with the system is an added bonus. They just acquired Norman Powell and will be pairing him with Tyler Herro in the backcourt. While a Powell-Herro backcourt packs a punch offensively, neither is a good defender, to say the least.
So, the Heat could do with bolstering their defense in the backcourt. They already have Davion Mitchell coming off the bench, and Oladipo would be another fine option alongside him.
Los Angeles Lakers
Speaking of teams that need help defensively in the backcourt, we get to the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers have a terrific backcourt of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, but their limitations on defense were horribly exposed in the first round of the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
That made getting a defensive wing one of the top priorities for the Lakers this offseason. They have signed Jake LaRavia, and while he isn’t a bad defender, he isn’t a great one either. Oladipo could prove to be the man for the job.
Indiana Pacers
It was with the Indiana Pacers that Oladipo enjoyed the best years of his NBA career. He won Most Improved Player and made both the All-NBA and All-Defensive teams with the Pacers in 2017-18.
Oladipo parted with the Pacers on a sour note, but time heals all wounds. He also played college basketball at Indiana, and it would be great to see him go back. With Tyrese Haliburton out for the 2025-26 season as well, the Pacers could do with having a veteran in that backcourt.
Phoenix Suns
Lastly, we get to the Phoenix Suns, who are set to part ways with Bradley Beal. Oladipo could fill the role off the bench that Beal played at times last season. He is not as good of a scorer as Beal, but should be much better defensively and can do a bit of playmaking as well.
The Suns do have a logjam at shooting guard, but Oladipo can play point guard too. They are hoping to compete next season despite losing Kevin Durant, and he would be a quality, low-risk signing.
You can make a case for some other teams to look into signing Oladipo as well, and it will be interesting to see where he ends up.
