Victor Oladipo begs for another chance after injury nightmare
The NBA is home to some incredibly inspiring stories. From champions to losers, there is always a story one can relate to. Despite this, one thing remains consistent: everyone loves an underdog. In that sense, Victor Oladipo's story is nothing short of inspirational.
Over the last few months, former NBA player and two-time All-Star Victor Oladipo has made a remarkable attempt to mount an NBA comeback.
Although this has gained momentum over the past few weeks, there's no conclusive news on a new contract. On that note, however, the 34-year-old appears to have made one last appeal to NBA GMs by sending out an emotional letter on The Players’ Tribune.
While speaking about his family and his early days in the NBA, Victor Oladipo poured his heart out in the letter. However, when speaking about how injuries changed him, he shared an intriguing comment, as he wrote:
“It’s taken a lot of work. In my rehab, in the gym, and yeah, I’ll keep it a million with you: in therapy as well. I think as NBA players, we’re taught to put so much love into this game. And of course that’s a beautiful thing. But it can also make it hard to cope, or to find peace, if the game ever stops loving you back. And the game definitely broke my heart there for a while. Honestly, sometimes I think about these past almost eight years, and my heart still aches. But I know there’s no reward at the end of regret. And I know I’m one of God’s angels. And I know I’m still my mother’s son. So I figure it’s time to play basketball again.”
Injuries derailed Victor Oladipo’s career. After rupturing his quad tendon in 2021, Oladipo tore his patellar tendon in 2023. With two injuries in quick succession, the guard was never the same. He found himself out of the league shortly after.
Despite the setbacks, the 34-year-old was motivated to return, and after extensive recovery, he found himself in a position to do so. However, there is another greater source of motivation guiding him along this path, as he added:
“This dream… It’s mine, and I had it about my daughter. Actually, I have it about my daughter – pretty much every day. Her name is Naomi, but I call her Nomi. She’s four and a half. And this dream isn’t about what she’s supposed to do, or what she’s destined to accomplish.”
Although Victor Oladipo had an NBA career behind him, it wasn’t a version of himself his daughter had witnessed. Hence, with the intention of starting fresh and setting a new example, he continued:
“It’s this version, right now, that I want Nomi to see. Me, in this moment of my life, at 34 years old. The version of her dad that got kicked all the way down the mountain, then spent years trying to climb back up, only to get kicked back down, again and again… But never once quit trying to climb.”
“The version of her dad that, let’s be real, is probably getting counted out by a lot of people, and is probably getting laughed at by a few of them … but has managed to keep his faith, and keep his purpose. The version of her dad that’s finally found the perspective and the humility to write a letter like this one. To say to any GM who’s willing to listen: 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.”
In a final plea to NBA GMs, Victor Oladipo concluded:
“So that’s where I’m at with everything. I don’t know how my journey here is going to end… Maybe a team out there will give me a chance. Maybe no team will. That’s really up to you all. But if you’re in an NBA front office and you took the time to read this, thank you from the bottom of my heart. And I can promise you one thing, always, about my basketball story… From the first page to the last. It’s a love story.”
Oladipo’s conclusion provides no insight into which teams (if any) are interested in him. However, it certainly presents a strong case for them to do so.
When healthy, the 34-year-old was an elite two-way guard with phenomenal scoring ability, averaging 16.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game for his career. While his athleticism has likely waned over the past few years, Victor Oladipo’s experience and skill set ensure that he will remain a contributor on any team.
At this stage, teams such as the Sacramento Kings and the Miami Heat have been identified as viable landing spots for Victor Oladipo. While it's unclear whether he will earn a veteran minimum deal with either team, his potential impact could make him a valuable addition.
