According to The Players’ Tribune, veteran guard Victor Oladipo published an open letter addressing general managers across the NBA in a renewed push to secure a roster spot ahead of the upcoming basketball season. The two-time All-Star has been out of the league since suffering a torn patellar tendon during the 2023 playoffs.
The Motivation Behind Victor Oladipo’s NBA Comeback Bid
Oladipo’s professional trajectory shifted dramatically following a ruptured quad in 2019, an injury that initiated years of physical setbacks and lengthy rehabilitation processes. Despite stints playing overseas and in the NBA G League following his 2023 playoff injury, major league front offices have yet to sign him to a standard roster. Writing in The Players’ Tribune, Oladipo revealed that his primary driver for enduring the grueling recovery cycle is his four-year-old daughter, Naomi, whom he calls Nomi.
“It’s this version, right now, that I want Nomi to see,” Oladipo wrote in the published letter. He detailed wanting her to witness a father who got knocked down repeatedly “but never once quit trying to climb,” and one who has maintained his faith despite being counted out by observers.
Did you know? Victor Oladipo is a two-time NBA All-Star.
Assessing Oladipo’s Health and Potential Landing Spots
In his letter, Oladipo asserted directly to decision-makers that his body is finally healthy and that he can offer productive, winning minutes to a team’s locker room. “What I’m asking for right now is an opportunity to prove it,” he stated.
The guard has actively tested the market to demonstrate his current physical capabilities. In July, Oladipo held an open workout for NBA teams in Las Vegas. Furthermore, he noted last month that he received “some interest” from the Sacramento Kings following the retirement of veteran guard Russell Westbrook, adding that “the feeling is mutual,” according to his public comments.
Pro Tip for Basketball Fans: Keep an eye on training camp rosters as the league approaches the start of the preseason, which is when unsigned veterans typically secure non-guaranteed deals or Exhibit 10 contracts to battle for final bench spots.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Victor Oladipo last play in an NBA game?
Oladipo last played in the NBA during the 2023 postseason, where he suffered a torn patellar tendon.
What triggered Oladipo’s latest push for a return?
According to his open letter in The Players’ Tribune, Oladipo wants to prove his resilience to his four-year-old daughter, Naomi, while seeking a chance to demonstrate to NBA general managers that his body is healthy.
Which teams have shown recent interest in Oladipo?
Oladipo stated last month that he received interest from the Sacramento Kings following Russell Westbrook’s retirement.
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